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Release Day Review: Jockblocked by Jen Frederick

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Author: Jen Frederick

Book: Jockblocked

tl;dr recommendation: Lucy and Matty are a football couple headed straight to the hall of fame. 5 stars.

Book Summary:

She’s always played it safe…

College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

Longer Review:

Lucy and Matty are a football couple headed straight to the hall of fame. Frederick writes amazingly well, as per usual, and delivers believable characters who I adored from the very beginning. Lucy is smart, witty and adverse to risk. I mean, she has her reasons and they’re good ones. If you have even a second of time, she’ll pro con pro you faster than the Executive Board on Pref Night (any sorority girls out there? COME ON.)

Lucy isn’t in a sorority though – she’s on mock trial, which I can tell you is way more fun than actually being a lawyer. (omg. I’m so jaded). But really, she’s damn good at it and actually fucking loves everything having to do with crafting arguments and avoiding risk, and I sort of loved her.

Matty is the jock of your dreams. YES, he’s a manwhore (ok, he WAS a manwhore) but he’s getting a little old for that now. He’s a fourth year junior and he’s growing a little tiresome of the football tail that throws itself at him faster than Ace’s latest hail mary pass. The second he sets his eyes on Lucy he’s a goner.

The heat and back and forth between Matty and Lucy is absolutely on point and completely fantastic. There’s banter and tenderness; sex and feelings. It’s everything you want in a college football novel. EVERYTHING.

Jockblocked doesn’t hide the love between the characters or the feelings that clearly develop. This book showcases every touch, joke and text that makes you easily fall in love. You’ll want to do your own touchdown dance after it’s over and grab your own Matty. 5 stars!

Review: Red Card by Carrie Aarons

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Author: Carrie Aarons

Book: Red Card

tl;dr recommendation: Aarons scores with RED CARD.

Book Summary:

She spent five years planning a future that will never exist. He spent five years trying to erase a past he can’t forget.

London is Leah Watson’s fresh start. When she secures the perfect internship during her study abroad semester, with an infamous celebrity public relations firm, she is determined to forge her own path – one that is nothing like her life back in Oklahoma. That plan is tested when British football’s bad boy, Killian Ramsey, decides that she’s the one he wants and he’s playing for keeps.

Will she put her future on hold – again – for the type of man she swore she’d stay away from?

Killian is one bloody good football player. After a tragedy shattered his entire world, the cocky and arrogant face he puts on for the media is a complete lie. When he meets Leah, his heart starts to beat for the first time in years. But when the feelings get too real, his perfectly constructed facade starts to slip.

Will he risk it all to be with her – taking whatever penalties are thrown his way – or will he play it safe?

Longer Review:

4.5 stars!

Aarons scores with RED CARD. I loved the feel of this book. It screamed sex and yet dealt with some serious topics that I wasn’t quite expecting. Killian may be a british football star (read: soccer player) but he’s also been through the shittiest of shitty experiences that has molded him into an awful asshole.

Kate’s not exactly had a world of puppies and sunshine either and she’s desperately trying to come into her own. I wanted her to get her backbone just a littttttle bit sooner, but otherwise she was smartly written and easily likeable.

There was a bit more drama than I expected, but in a good way. Aarons kept the plotline moving and increased your desire to know the characters in a deeper way with each bit of information she doled out. There’s some seriously steamy scenes that had me a little flushed. There was one scene in particular that made me want to throw my kindle across the room and watch it combust into little pieces – but that’s what makes me know that I really love the book. When the characters actions get me SO ANGRY that I need to expel that anger in real life.

Aarons brought it out in me. She brought out my anger and my frustration and then tamped it down with an explanation and forgiveness. This sports romance is going to make you cheer, notwithstanding that incredible fucking cover that makes me quiver. Killian will do you in with his cheeky quips and cocky…demeanor. Get ready to ignore your family and find a new book boyfriend!

Release Blitz: Legend by Katy Evans

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Meet Maverick “The Avenger” Cage in Legend, the newest stand alone in the REAL series releasing February 9th!

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AVAILABLE NOW

LEGEND IT'S LIVE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TFo2L4

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1JYmeal

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1TFpRrb

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Uxz4Sz

Nook: http://bit.ly/1PdMnGl

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1HDokuT

BAM: http://bit.ly/1e4QlmA

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1DkKdgP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Jn0sMa

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1HyXaYg

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Blurb

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town–and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

* LEGEND is the 6th and final installment of the REAL series, but it can also be read as standalone or after the three Remington and Brooke books (Real/Mine/Remy.)

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REVIEW

Legendary. I know, it’s cliche. I know, it’s obvious. But for fans of Katy Evans, that’s what this book is going to become – and fuck it, for fans of contemporary romance this book is legendary.

Evans has this unique writing style that makes me both love and hate. It makes me feel the emotion of the characters when I’m not expecting it, and he pulls me from my comfortable place into the world of Maverick and Reese. I was sucked in immediately and I hung on until the very last word. Not kidding, I was up until 1am finishing this book because I wasn’t ready for it to be over and I couldn’t go to sleep without knowing that they got their happily ever after.

Reese is a naive girl who I wanted to shake a bit, but then she surprised me. She’s been through more in her twenty years that I originally thought and I actually really enjoyed her journey as she learned who she was and who she wanted to be.

Maverick is similarly a complex character. He has secrets that are uncovered that may make you want to discard him, but then he somehow turns it around – have you knowing that he’s one of the good guys. Don’t even get me started on Remy. He’s been perfect since Real and he stays that way. *swoon*

This story has fight and feeling. It kicks ass and takes names. IT IS LEGENDARY. Maverick closes out this series with heart, love and a hell of a lot of heat. Fucking loved. 5 stars.

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

LEGEND 2

EXCERPT 

It’s midweek already, and I’m halfway through my workout when I get a text from Brooke:

Hey! Huge line at the Underground registration, might pick up lunch on our way back home. Don’t wait for us – lunch home w/Diane

Me: Got it ☺ Will take Racer to park and meet you home ltr

I set my phone aside and scan the gym again. Some otherworldly impulse has me walking past the weights section. I cross the treadmills, bicycles, toward the mats at the end and the boxing bags. I scan the area where Maverick always works out. There are several guys at the bags now. None of them are as big, or mysterious. Or hot.

He’s gone.

Disappointment washes over me. I wait a bit, checking the time. Five minutes to leave for Racer.

Reese, you’re acting stupid.

“You’re looking for your friend? The one you come in with?”

“I . . . ah . . . yeah.”

“He hasn’t come in.”

“Right. Thanks.”

I head to pick up Racer from day care, meet Pete there with the stroller and our snacks, then sit Racer inside and push him to the park. There’s this spot I like under the shadow of a tree. I head there. “How was day care, Racer?”

“Okay.”

He’s scanning the park for dogs, I know.

“This is nice, isn’t it?”

I pull out his fruit bears and open them. He dives in.

“Racer, I ran extra hard today and I’m suddenly hungry. If I tell you an extra story tonight, would you give me one of your fruit bears?”

“Two stowies,” he negotiates.

“Okay, two stories, for two bears?” I shoot back.

He hesitates, then nods and lets me pull out two bears, examining my hand thoroughly. I let him open my palm.

“See? Two?”

He grins a dimpled grin that I could eat up, and then continues eating.

I shove them in my mouth and start to set up my blanket and stop in my tracks when I spot the figure doing pull-ups on the tree.

His T-shirt is riding upward due to the lifted position of his arms, and I can see the concrete-like squares of his abs perfectly.

His extraordinary eyes blaze and glow when he spots me a few feet away, not far from the tree. He drops himself to the ground, lithe as a cat and surprisingly quiet, and as he stretches to his feet from the crouched position he landed in, his eyes are direct and interested and warm. No, not warm. More.

There’s a flip in my stomach when his lips curl a little. He ambles over and I have the oddest sensation that he was waiting for me. But . . . was he?

“Maverick.”

“Mavewick!” Racer repeats, and puts out his fist.

He bumps fists with Racer. “Dude. Cool cap.”

He taps Racer’s Yankees baseball cap. Then his eyes lift to meet mine.

My stomach feels unsettled, but it’s not from hunger, more like from nerves or something like . . . anticipation.

“Didn’t see you at the gym today,” I say.

He shakes his head. “I talked to Oz.”

“You did?”

He gives me this quiet, perfect smile and simply nods.

“That’s great.”

“Yeah.”

We smile for the most delicious few seconds.

“So you’re fighting during the inaugural?” I ask excitedly.

He pulls out a page from his back jeans pocket. “That’s me.”

I take and scan the page. It indicates his accepting the Underground terms and rules of engagement, states his coach’s name, and then his name. A dangerous little chill runs down my spine when I read:

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage

And Maverick “the Avenger” Cage is watching me read this paper, studying my reaction.

My palms are sweaty all of a sudden. “Well . . . wow.”

My stomach is quaking upon seeing his name, I don’t know why. Maverick Cage. His name is a conundrum. Maverick means “rebel,” and cage . . . But it looks like this maverick is coming out of his cage.

He tucks the page back into his jeans. “I had to tell someone.”

“And you came to tell me?” If I sound bewildered, it’s because I am.

He stares into me, a liquid look coming to his eyes. “It wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for you.”

“That’s totally not true.”

He glances down at the stroller. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t tell my buddy here.” He fist-bumps Racer again and Racer giggles at the attention.

“Mom and Dad are busy, so I get to keep him for an extra while,” I tell Maverick.

He stares at me. He has a very stubborn, arrogant face, but when he smiles, pleasure softens his granitelike features. And he’s smiling right now. Dear me. “So he’s not yours,” he says.

“God, no. I wish!”

I can’t think straight when he looks at me. I feel naked. As if he knows that I’ve missed him. As if he knows that just looking at him makes me feel odd. Odd and oddly sensual inside. Responding to him.

I open my blanket and bend over to smooth it on the ground. Then I realize my butt is sticking out, the Himalayas of butts out there for him to see. In tight exercise gear. Fuck.

He kneels on his haunches at the edges of the blanket and opens his hand. “Share the blanket with me?”

His knuckles are still scarred. I can’t decide why I keep looking at them. I get a gut squeeze of empathy every time I see the bruises. His hands are huge. He plants them on the blanket, then shifts to lean back on his arms, stretching out his legs before him. Other couples are nearby on blankets. It feels intimate when I set my stuff down, and I feel myself go hot when I sense him watching me settle down next to it.

He spreads out just a little more and squints up at the tree, then looks at me in silence.

I search the picnic bag. “Want some . . . kid food? Or I’ve got . . .” I pull out my emergency Snickers bar, which I’m proud not to have touched yet, and I hand it over. “Plus one water and a drinking cup with a lid.”

I pass the drinking cup to Racer and hand Maverick the water. He takes it. “I’m good.” He opens the water bottle and hands it to me.

I shake my head. I’m not hungry, really. Or thirsty. My stomach feels full of butterflies again and it makes no sense, since I don’t even know him.

He shifts up higher on his arms, the flex of his torsal muscles visible through the cotton of his shirt.

“I almost thought you’d arrived to the gym and got yourself kicked out,” I try.

“Not yet. There’s still tomorrow.” He smirks.

And there’s a tinge of merriment in his eyes.

“Wee, and the ducks?”

I jerk my attention back to Racer and my pending business with him. “Right. I promised we’d feed the ducks today.” I quickly pack our stuff and then push the stroller toward the lake. He walks beside me.

I feel him watching me as I stop at the dispenser to fill up a cup of duck food.

“Mavewick, get me out,” Racer commands.

Maverick sweeps him up and sets him on his feet.

“Don’t go in the water, Racer, just stay on the edge, and don’t let them bite your finger. Do it like this. . . .” I show him how to cup his hand. “Or throw it in the water and watch them pick at it.”

He nods and starts throwing all over, sending the ducks after the nibbles.

I sit on the ground, the scent of damp grass surrounding us as Maverick sits beside me.

“Hey, I want to do something for you.”

“What?”

I can’t remember how to breathe.

I give him a moment to explain, but he’s not helping me out, only smiling. His face is open, friendly, his smile captivating. But his eyes are guarded, careful. I try to keep my voice indifferent.

“You mean for the gym?” I ask, a puzzled frown on my face.

He nods. “For that. And Oz.”

“Oh.” I shake my head, laughing softly. “It’s nothing, really.”

When he looks at me, he looks curious, and unsatisfied somehow. But a genuinely appreciative smile touches his eyes. “Trust me. It’s not nothing. It’s something, and I appreciate it.”

His open gratitude makes me so warm. He makes me feel impulsive.

“I’m in a healthy-living boot camp this summer. You’re meeting the new Reese,” I hear myself blurt out.

Wow. Did I just spew it out like that?

I’m so desperate for him to share bits of himself that I’m just totally baring myself to him without his even asking. Thank god he takes it in stride with an attractive little dance in his eyes.

“What was the old one like?” he asks easily.

I shrug and shake my head, not really wanting to get into that.

When he does nothing to fill the silence that settles between us, it leaves me with nothing to do but look up at him. I lift my lashes, and he’s staring at me with a look of total intrigue in his eyes. Wisps of hair tease my face, and I push them away, feeling really restless under that stare.

“Help me kick my own ass, and we’ll call it even,” I suddenly suggest.

He shakes his head with playful stubbornness. “We’re not even. I still owe you.” His eyes grow thoughtful, and he reaches into his pocket and extracts something. “Open your palm.”

He looks so intense that I open my palm and watch him drop something in it. “What’s this?”

“My IOU.”

I stare at the penny in my palm, then look up at him in confusion.

His voice sounds a little more harsh and textured all of a sudden. “I don’t have a lot right now, but I got this.”

“For a rainy day?” I ask.

“For any day.”

legend teaser 2

 

Real (Book One) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1CHl6sS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35g8N

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zT7J31

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1tHrTct

Mine  (Book Two) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1I2nbzy

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1tHrdns

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zmq1cT

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yhymBF

Remy  (Book Three) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOn8T2

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35lcN

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ynVnBv

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1vlqhom

Rogue  (Book Four) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOnjh8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1FOFfJy

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1wvpqI6

iTunes: http://bit.ly/12xnylU

Ripped  (Book Five) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Bfzsi

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1yia714

Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/11X9CAG

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/1ynQ9FV

 

About the Author:

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Website: www.katyevans.net

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com

Review: Some Sort of Love by Melanie Harlow

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Author: Melanie Harlow

Book: Some Sort of Love

BUY:

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tl;dr recommendation: For those that love single dads, sex, beards, sex, and lots of sweetness (and sex), get all of your hands on Some Kind of Love! 5 stars.

Book Summary:

From the outside looking in, I had it all—a career I loved, a supportive family, the Nixon metabolism but not the Nixon ears, and a salary that supported my lavish taste in designer shoes, fine wine, and lacy lingerie … but I had no one to share it with.

Until the day I ran into him—my one night stand from college with the crooked smile, let’s-get-out-of-here eyes, and dirty, dirty mouth.

Cute and cocky then, today Levi Brooks is six feet four inches of hot bearded fantasy. A sexy single dad with broad shoulders, strong hands, and a fantastically big … heart. (I mean, it’s massive. And generous. And it pumps so hard … um. Sorry. Lost my place.)

Being a good father means everything to him, but he’s keeping me at a distance because he thinks I deserve someone better — a man who can give me more time, more attention, more of himself. He doesn’t believe he could ever be enough.

But he’s wrong.

He’s everything.

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Longer Review:

Ahhhh, I melted over this book. There’s something about the deepness of Levi’s plight that had me head over heels after he had barely spoken a word. Their love story is unexpected and untraditional. Levi’s a single dad to a special needs child. That kid is his everything. He’s struggling. He can’t handle more than the structure that he has created. He uses that structure as a crutch to push away anything and everything that could potential rupture it.

But he wants Jillian. He wants her more than he thought was possible. But he also wants to mold his time with her into this side pocket of his life – unobstructed from the real world; untainted by his messy dad life. His excuses get to be tiresome. Jillian agrees with me there. But that’s the point. Levi is terrified of messing with his life because even though he’s unhappy being alone – even though he’s dying to be with Jillian – he can’t handle the thought of living his life any other way.

Because change is scary. Loving someone so completely and letting them infiltrate into your life in a true and real way is terrifying. Harlow give us a glimpse of just how hard that is in Some Sort of Love. She lets us feel Jillian’s heartbreak over being the weekend girl, even though you can literally feel the love that each character has for the other.

I loved this book – probably more than her others. This book is real and true to the problems that come along with falling in love. While it’s all fairly funny and teasingly hot, it also placed an ache right into your heart that you have to work with the characters to ease.

I absolutely fangirled over Levi in a completely unsexy way while reading this one and this book turned me into all kinds of a hot mess. For those that love single dads, sex, beards, sex, and lots of sweetness (and sex), get all of your hands on Some Sort of Love! 5 stars.

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

 

Review: Hawke by Sawyer Bennett

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Author: Sawyer Bennett

Book: Hawke

tl;dr recommendation: a Cold Fury hurricane of emotions, hockey, and buried secrets. 5 stars!

Book Summary:

The Carolina Cold Fury hockey team proves that love is a power play. As Sawyer Bennett’s New York Times bestselling series continues, the league’s most notorious party animal gets blindsided by the one that got away.

Off the ice, elite defenseman Hawke Therrien enjoys his fair share of booze and good times. And why shouldn’t he? He’s worked his way up from the minor leagues and made himself a star. The only thing Hawke misses from that life is the pierced, tattooed free spirit who broke his heart without so much as an explanation. She’s almost unrecognizable when she walks back into his life seven years later—except for the look in her eyes that feels like a punch to the gut.

Vale Campbell isn’t the same girl she was at twenty. As crazy as she was about Hawke, her reckless behavior and out-of-control drinking were starting to scare her. She had to clean up her act, and that would never happen with Hawke around. Cutting him loose was the hardest thing Vale ever had to do—until now. Because she’s still crazy about Hawke. And if he could ever learn to forgive her, they just might have a future together.

Longer Review:

HAWKE is a Cold Fury hurricane of emotions, hockey, and buried secrets. When Vale returns back into Hawke’s life it’s like she set fire to his veins, melting the ice that surrounded Hawke’s heart the moment she left, and igniting the spark of anger he’s felt for all these years. The history they shared is not for the weak of heart. OBVIOUSLY I’m not going to tell you what the secrets are because uhhh that’s the book. Duh.

But know this – Hawke and Vale twist so perfectly together. Seeing each other again was shocking but comforting but neither of them were entirely ready for the memories that assaulted their every sense. Hawke’s been at a loss for years trying to figure out why the one woman he ever loved left him; while Vale has been harboring her own resentment for all that she went through without him. Neither of them were right. Neither of them were wrong. Things just happen. They just ARE. They just can’t be changed.

But they can move forward. Bennett styles this book in her quintessential way, full of sex and sexy banter -but she also injects her words with feelings and her characters with life. Hawke’s bitterness is often on full display and they toss barbs at each other like grenades in an effort to soften their own blowback. There’s angst and angry sex, sweetness and tender sex, a full display of alpha male tendencies, and a stubborn woman who refuses to rely on a man to get by. It’s GREAT.

This is more than just a hockey book – it’s heartbreaking and honest and makes you FEEL. Hawke and Vale have to put in a little overtime to get their HEA but it’s so worth it – 5 stars!

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

Review: Rugged by Lila Monroe

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Author: Lila Monroe

Book: Rugged (buy link available on 2/10/16!)

tl;dr recommendation: Ruggedly sexy? Ruggedly sweet? Ruggedly hot? Ruggedly AMAZING.

Book Summary:

Laurel Young needs a plan, and fast. After her reality TV boss has a major meltdown, not-so-funemployment seems inevitable–unless she can pitch the idea of a lifetime. When she sees Flint McKay’s audition tape – flanneled, handsome as hell, and building a house with his own two hands – she knows she’s found her secret weapon. The women of America are going to love him, especially if she can convince him to try building without the flannel shirt.

Only problem is, Flint didn’t make that tape – and he has zero interest in trading the wilds of Western Massachussetts for the bright lights of Hollywood. But Laurel isn’t the kind of girl to take no for an answer. Soon, she’s knee-deep in rustic charm, and getting plenty of hands-on experience. And it turns out, this city girl and country guy may have a few things in common after all, like crazy hot chemistry, a wild side, and a weakness for good whiskey…

But can their behind-the-scenes connection last once the world falls in love with Flint? And will this be the big break both of them need- or leave them in the dirt?

Find out in Lila Monroe’s fun, sexy new novel!

*This is a stand-alone novel with HEA. No cliff-hangers!*

Longer Review:

Ruggedly sexy? Ruggedly sweet? Ruggedly hot? Ruggedly AMAZING. Lila Monroe whisks us off into a real world drama wrapped in a reality show tucked between the fast paced world of LA and the rustic trees of Massachusetts. I didn’t want to be let up for air….sort of how Laurel felt when she was assaulted with one of Flint’s kisses.

Flint is the man’s man – tool belt included. while he really only needs one tool to get the job done *winks* he’s pretty handy with all of the others at his disposal. He’s also sweet, kind and swoonworthy. My heart let and burst the same way as Laurel’s everytime his smile lit up a room.

The two of them are a match waiting to be struck. The tension is present from the first meeting and doesn’t let up, even after they give in to their….uhhhhh…baser needs. The secondary characters are equally developed and I felt like I was actually a part of the crazy McKay family.

Despite the fact that this love story could have fallen to the editing room floor with miscommunication conundrums, Monroe doesn’t leave you in the lurch. Full of angst, sexual tension and mountains of sex, Rugged handsomely keeps you entertained and glued to your kindle. Fire this one up, because Flint’s about to enter your heart and steam up your kindle! LOVE!

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

Blog Tour & Review: Play Hardest by JT Fox

HFH Blog Tour Banner

 

Play Hard Cover

Wanting him is the riskiest play of all…

Miami star quarterback Jordan Barr is the hottest man that halfback Eric “The Brick” Higgins has ever laid eyes on, and he’s wanted him in his bed for years.

When a chance encounter puts the two pro football players in the same town, the same TV studio, and the same locked room, the sparks don’t just fly, they burn. The chemistry between them is intense, immediate, and explosive and Eric isn’t about to miss his chance to have Jordan off the field. He’ll have Jordan naked in his bed—rumors of game fixing haunting both of their teams be damned.

Eric is one extraordinarily stunning man, and Jordan would love nothing more than to show Eric what it’s like to be taken by someone who knows exactly what he wants, in the bedroom and out. But Jordan has bills to pay and far too many responsibilities to throw caution to the wind.

He has to resist. But it’s getting hard….

Really, really hard.

Play Hard is the first installment in a three-part MM romance trilogy

PlayHarder

 

WARNING: This book is 100% hard-riding, dirty-talking alpha times two. Read at your own risk.

Having him is the most dangerous play of all…

Now that Miami star quarterback Jordan Barr has had a hot, wild night with halfback Eric “The Brick” Higgins he can’t get him off his mind. Eric is under his skin, but he needs to learn a lesson—that Jordan calls the shots when it comes to these sorts of red-hot entanglements.

And that lesson will be conducted in bed with every inch of Eric’s ripped, muscular body bared for Jordan’s pleasure.

Jordan is the most intense, commanding lover Eric has ever had. Trouble is, the two of them have an enemy. As rumors of game fixing ratchet up, compromising photos land on their phones, as well as a note to pay up or be exposed. Eric’s ready to walk away, but when the threats intensify, the men must work together to figure out who the hell is gunning for them.

And working together can only lead to one thing…

An even hotter, harder, sexier encounter.

But the more they come together, the more determined their enemies are to tear them apart.

Play Harder is the second installment in a three-part MM romance trilogy that ends in a cliffhanger.

 

Play Hardest

 

WARNING: Contains two sexy as sin, filthy-mouthed, dominating, rock hard alpha males. Read at your own risk.

Trusting him is the biggest play he’ll ever make…

Jordan Barr is in deep. He can’t get Eric off his mind, and he’s consumed with wanting the sinfully sexy man. But there’s more at stake now than the pro quarterback ever bargained for. It’s not just his or Eric’s heart or career on the line anymore.

Lives are at stake and their enemies are playing dirty.

Both men need to keep their eyes open for a potentially career-ending blitz. But that’s increasingly tough when all Jordan wants to do is screw Eric senseless.

That kind of screwing sounds damn fine to Eric Higgins. He’s never wanted anyone the way he wants Jordan, but Eric doesn’t know who he can trust anymore.

As their enemies close in and time grows short, he’ll have to decide if he’s ready to make the biggest play of all and let Jordan into his heart.

REVIEW:

The third book gives you everything that you’ve been asking for – and more. You get to solve the mystery, obtain joy while watching Eric and Jordan explore each others’ glory [holes] and feel excitement for these two guys who just want to play football and love each other.

But let’s back up for a minute. When we last left, there was a major accident and we didn’t know who was hurt. I’m not going to tell you which one it was – that will totally ruin the fucking book. BUT the suspense is well used and well done.

Fox creates this sports romance with a shock of suspense that mainstreams male/male. I honestly don’t know why people wouldn’t buy male/male, because DOUBLE DICKS. I mean, how many times do I have to explain it? BUT if you’ve been tentative about it before, this is a great series to burst your cherry.

Eric and Jordan build each other up and help each other down….oh man, the puns write themselves. This sexy and sweet novella is a fun, flirty and suspenseful package – this is a well timed touch down! 4 stars!

[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review]

Buy the series

 

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Excerpt

 

“I can’t wait to see you again,” Eric said, his breath coming fast as he tugged at the buttons at Jordan’s crotch. “I can’t wait to get my fist around you, my lips on you.”

Each button he popped was an orchestrated symphony of torture, driving Jordan’s desire higher. By the time Eric tugged his jeans down his legs to pool around his knees, he was ready to explode. His cock leapt forward, bobbing in the cool air that felt even cooler compared to his burning hot skin. God, he was so hard his cock was a deep red, with veins standing out along the ridge at the center of his length.

“Commando?” Eric cursed beneath his breath, his eyes glued to Jordan’s shaft like it was the Holy Grail and he’d been hunting the thing a damn long time. “Not what I expected from a good guy like you.”

“I don’t know where you got the idea I’m so good,” Jordan said, fisting his hand in the hair at the base of Eric’s neck, not missing the flash of lust the firm grip sent flashing across Eric’s face. “Just because I try to resist temptation doesn’t mean I don’t know what to do when I give in.”

Eric’s eyes glittered as his tongue slipped out to wet his lips. “Is that so?”

“It is,” Jordan said, his voice a low rumble. “And before we’re done I’m going to fuck your mouth like I own it. But first I want you naked.”

Eric’s gaze darkened. “Me first. I started something and I mean to finish it,” he said as he moved his lips up Jordan’s torso, to his left nipple. His tongue teased and swirled across Jordan’s tight flesh before Eric’s lips parted and his teeth bit down hard, sending darts of heat straight to Jordan’s already raging hard-on, making him groan.

Eric took his time with one nipple and then the other, biting and sucking while his hands smoothed up and down the inside of Jordan’s thighs. Sparks ignited in Jordan’s blood, turning hotter as Eric teased higher and higher until finally he cupped Jordan’s swollen, aching balls in one big hand.

Ah hell. Jordan cursed. It felt so damn good to be touched. “Play with them,” Jordan commanded, and Eric did as told, caressing and tugging Jordan’s balls with his strong hands.

“Now, give my dick some motherfucking attention,” he said.

Eric flashed a cocky grin, making it clear he liked taking orders. He shifted his attention, bringing his mouth to hover inches away from Jordan’s cock and licking it—just once—from base to leaking tip.

One touch, and a deep desire rippled through Jordan’s body. Yes, this man’s tongue was going to deliver unholy pleasure.

Jordan gritted his teeth. “Take it, Eric. Suck me. Suck me deep.”

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted you to say that. How fucking long I’ve waited to taste you,”

 


 

 Casting You Choose

 

Eric

 

 

Jordan

 


 

 

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About J.T. Fox

 

J.T. Fox loves white-hot, sexy stories about men in love (and in lust), rescue dogs, football, soccer, rugby after work, and long, lazy Sunday afternoons with friends. J.T. lives in the south with one alpha pug, two opinionated cats, and a partner who puts up with more than his fair share of crazy.

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Review: The Shadow by Sylvain Reynard

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Author: Sylvain Reynard

Book: The Shadow (The Florentine #2)

tl;dr recommendation: heartpounding and heartwarming at the same time. 4.5 stars!

Book Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel trilogy comes the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Raven, a sensual novel set in Florence featuring the dangerously intoxicating coupling of Raven and William…

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

Longer Review:

This is a series my friends – a gorgeously written and breathtaking look at the love of William, a vampyre, and Raven, a human – but it is a series. Fair warning.

The Shadow directs your focus to the almost lost love that Raven and William share. While the first book challenged whether William could actually feel things, the second book deals with outside pressures that happen when…well, you are the head of a Vampyre City and you’re hiding the fact that you’re in love with a human.

It’s dangerous for them to keep their relationship, but they continue because they have to be together. They’re compelled to be one. Even though they are infinitely different, they are intrinsically the same. We learn so much more about where William came from; how he became a vampyre; and how he became who he is. Similarly, we learn that Raven isn’t as stubborn as I once thought – that she has a reasoning for her thought process – and that she’s loyal to a fault.

I could write a really long review about how fucking great the writing is, but if you’ve read Sylvain then you already know how great the writing is. It’s not your typical romance novel and I would place it in the Diana Gabaldon category of ‘Good Shit.’ It’s certainly more well suited for a literary reader, but it also crosses across the board for someone who is just looking for a great love story.

This story has that ‘epic’ feeling that makes you want to scream when it’s over. Because sorry – but the story isn’t ACTUALLY over when it’s over. There’s not a huge cliffhanger, so calm yourself. But there’s definitely more to come – which had me dying inside.

The Shadow is oh so worth it. It’s heartpounding and heartwarming at the same time. William and Raven fly to the top of my favorite paranormal couples list! BOOK3 PLEASE! 4.5 stars.

[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review]

Blog Tour: Distraction by Aurora Rose Reynolds:

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Fall in love with Maggie & Sven in Distraction by
Aurora Rose Reynolds

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NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS!

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Blurb

Distraction: The great intensity, novelty, or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention.

Sven is a man who takes pride in his ability to separate himself from his emotions. He’s a man who knows who he is and where he’s going in life, a man who needs no one, because needing someone, anyone, is a weakness.

His past taught him love isn’t enough.  

Maggie wants the happily ever after, but has never picked the right men, or stuck around long enough, to build a forever. It’s always been easier to get out early, before emotions make things messy.

When Maggie wakes up naked in Sven’s bed, with no memory of the night before, these two must be honest about their feelings and face their fears, so they can build a future together.

Will love be enough for them to get their happy ending together, or will a threat from outside strike them down before they ever have a chance?

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REVIEW

Are you prepared to be distracted? Aurora kicks the third book in the Underground Kings series into high gear. Full of instant attraction and surprising danger, she creates a world with Maggie and Sven that will fill the reader with emotion and have you cheering that they defeat everything that threatens their world.

I really fucking loved Maggie. She’s absolutely solid in her convictions. She loves her sister – so she helps her. She doesn’t want to flaunt her body – so she dresses modestly. She doesn’t like cursing – so she makes up her own. However, she’s not naive. She’s just strong and determined not to fall under Sven’s spell.

Sven’s the kind of manwhore that I love to love. We meet him as he has his dick in some girl at his club and we learn very quickly that he’s not discerning over his partners – as long as they’re hot and willing. Until he meets Maggie. Her fire and spark ignite his #BOOM and he’s done.

I think Aurora’s books are so incredibly popular because she gives the reader emotion and love and doesn’t leave you hanging with one shoe for hundreds of pages. This book reunites you with the others from the Underground Kings series and I loved their interactions with one another. The story packs a punch and is told in a fun, enjoyable and entertaining way.

I fell in love with Sven & Maggie, their backstories and their families. Love ARR! 5 stars.

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

Interracial couple being intimate in front of window

EXCERPT

“Fuck no,” I snap, loosening my tie. The last assistant I had ended up being a clusterfuck. The woman was pissed that I wouldn’t fuck her. I finally had to fire her ass when she brought another woman up to my office and proceeded to try and get me to join them on my couch when I walked in on them half naked. Work is work. Yes, I might invite women up to fuck, but never anyone I work with.

“It’s not like she’s your type,” he says, and I feel my jaw tick. “Besides, if she’s up here with you, she’ll stop harassing the women down there.” He nods toward where she’s sitting and my eyes follow the movement, seeing her talking to a girl who looks a little startled by whatever it is Maggie is telling her.

“It’s not happening. You guys need to keep her out of the club,” I tell him, turning away from the window.

“Just saying it would be a good way to keep an eye on her,” he gripes, patting my shoulder before leaving my office and closing the door behind him.

Letting out a frustrated breath, I turn away from the window and try to focus on all the shit I need to get done.

“Yeah,” I pick up my desk phone when it beeps and looking at the clock, seeing that an hour has passed since Teo left.

“Look out your window,” Zack says, and I spin my chair around and scan the floor, wondering what he wants me to see. Then I spot Maggie with a man’s head tucked under her arm as she leads him toward the front of the club, with Lane and Zack following closely behind them.

“What the fuck is going on?”

“That guy tried to put something in some chick’s drink, and Maggie saw him and went postal on his ass,” he explains almost proudly.

“Jesus Christ, what the fuck do I pay you for?” I gripe.

“I saw the whole thing. I was getting ready to step in when she stood up on her barstool, jumped on the guy’s back, and then did some fucking ninja shit, wrapping her arm around the guy’s head and forcing him to his knees. She won’t let him go. She said she wants to ask him some questions.”

“I’m on my way down,” I say, slamming down the phone and jerking open the door to my office, taking the stairs two at a time. Reaching the front of the club, I see Zack holding the guy and Lane’s arms wrapped around Maggie’s waist, trying to drag her away. What the fuck is going on?” I roar, and all eyes come to me except Maggie’s, who takes the opportunity to grab the man’s ear and twist, making him drop hard to the ground on his knees.

“You think it’s funny to drug innocent women, you flaming turd bucket?” she yells, hitting the top of the guy’s bald head, and Zack chuckles along with Lane, but I don’t see one damn thing that’s funny about this shit.

“Maggie, let him go and come here,” I growl, and she raises her eyes to meet mine, looking startled.

“He—”

“I said get your ass over here now!” I yell, cutting her off and feeling the vein in my neck bulge as I point to the ground at my feet.

“Fine.” She pouts, letting the guy go, walking sullenly toward me as Zack pulls the man to his feet, taking him with him around the corner, with Lane following behind them with his phone to his ear. I’m sure they are going to have a talk and wait for the cops.

“Let’s go,” I say, wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, leading her through the club and up the stairs to my office. Sitting her in the chair in front of my desk, I walk over to the cabinets where I keep my personal bottle of scotch and pull out the cap. I then lift the bottle to my lips, taking a swig while trying to calm down.

“Alcohol isn’t good for you,” she informs me as I take a seat behind my desk.

“Do I look like I give a fuck about that?” I ask her, taking another swig.

“You might not care about what it can do to your body right now, but you may want to know that it lowers sperm count and stamina in the long run.”

“Jesus.” I shake my head and rub my eyes in aggravation.  

“Just saying it’s not good for you,” she mutters, dropping her eyes to her lap.

“What happened downstairs isn’t okay, Mags.”

“Maggie,” she corrects, still not looking at me.

“Whatever,” I drone, taking another swig. “You could have gotten hurt.”

“I have a black belt—”

“Look at me,” I demand, cutting her off and slamming the bottle down on the top of the desk, waiting for her eyes to meet mine. “You could have gotten hurt or worse. Do you understand that? He could have had a weapon on him.”

“You don’t understand,” she whispers as tears fill her eyes, but I harden myself against them, needing her to understand this isn’t a fucking movie. This is real life, and there are bad—really fucking bad—people in this world.

“You’re not allowed on the club floor anymore,” I state firmly.

“I’m going to find the guys who hurt my sister,” she states, and I see the determination in her eyes that make me proud and pissed at the same time.

“If you come, you come to my office, and if something happens down there”—I point to the club floor over my shoulder—“you’ll be the first to know.”

“Why would I come to your office? I need to be at the bar where I can see what’s going on.”

“You just got the job as my new assistant,” I tell her, watching her frown while wondering what the fuck I’m doing. This chick is a distraction I do not need right now, or ever for that matter.

“I already have a job,” she says as her frown grows deeper.

“Well, quit. You’re here every night, Mags, and you don’t leave ‘til the club closes at one. I can tell by the bags under your eyes that you’re exhausted.”

“Why would you want me to work here?” Now, isn’t that the million dollar question?

“Either take me up on my offer, or I’m going to have a restraining order placed against you and you won’t be allowed within a few hundred feet of the club.”  I shrug like it’s all the same to me.

“You know this is malarkey, right?” she stands and I take her in fully for the first time tonight. Her loose, sheer, black dress is cinched with a thin belt emphasizing the dip in her waist between her full hips and breasts. Her hair is down in a mass of messy waves, and her makeup is subtle but still draws attention to her eyes, which look even more golden now that she’s standing in front of me looking pissed off.

“I’m not messing around with you anymore either. You take me up on my deal, or I’ll call the police and have them escort you off the premises,” I tell her, ignoring the fact I’m getting hard just looking at her.

“This is total crap,” she mumbles, looking around before meeting my eyes again.

“Take it or leave it.”

“Jeez, can I have a second to think?” she cries, and I feel my lips twitch, so I rub my hand down over my mouth to hide it.

“Ten,” I state, watching her eyes narrow. “Nine…eight…seven…” I continue counting, watching as she looks at me like she’s ready to kill me. “Six,” I raise a brow. “Five…”

“Fine!” she yells when I open my mouth to finish my countdown.

“Thought so,” I say triumphantly.

“You’re such a…you’re such a bigasterd,” she growls.

“A what?” I ask, and I can’t help it, I laugh at that one.

“When do I start?” she asks, ignoring my question while red spreads across her cheeks and down her neck.

“Tomorrow. Be here at five, and I’ll show you around the club and tell you your responsibilities.”

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Additional Books in the Underground Kings Series

BOTH ONLY $.99 RIGHT NOW!

Assumption (Book 1)

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Obligation (Book 2)

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About the Author:

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

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Blog Tour & Review: Hard Ever After by Laura Kaye

Hard Ever After - Review & Excerpt Tour Banner

Laura Kaye’s HARD EVER AFTER, a novella in Laura’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Hard Ink Series is releasing February 2, 2016! Grab your copy of the amazing final book in the Hard Ink Series today!

 

Hard Ever After - cover

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HEA Teaser 3

 

About Hard Ever After:

Justice served. Honor restored. Team reunited.

After a long battle to discover the truth, the men and women of Hard Ink have a lot to celebrate, especially the wedding of two of their own—Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, whose hard-fought love deserves a happy ending.

As Nick and the team shift from crisis mode to building their new security consulting firm, Becca heads back to work at the ER. But amid the everyday chaos of demanding jobs and their upcoming nuptials, an old menace they thought long gone reemerges, threatening the peace they’ve only just found.

Now, for one last time, Nick and Becca must fight for their always and forever, because they know that when true love overcomes all the odds it lasts hard ever after.

 

HEA Teaser 1

 

Review:

There are plenty of hard times to be had in this novella – both the good kind of hard and the stressful kind…but Nick and Becca aren’t about to let the past get in the way of their future, especially after everything they’ve been through.

This book is most definitely not for anyone who hasn’t connected with the characters in the prior novels. You need to have read at least one to understand the crowd you’re walking in on or you’re going to be totally confused – thankfully I have read them and LOVED them.

This novella is the perfect little addition to the series that gives us romance, sweetness and of course the quintessential expected danger that the Hard Ink series is known for. Becca and Nick have to fight for their ever after, but I was pleasantly pleased to join them.

Sexy, sweet and just a little extra to make you smile. 4 stars!

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

Excerpt:

Holy hell, had Nick ever been this nervous in his life? He’d faced down warlords, captured terrorists, survived IED explosions, and been shot on multiple occasions. Yet he’d never felt the kind of queasy, can’t-quite-manage-a-deep-breath nerves he felt just then.

He retrieved the little black box from the drawer where he’d hidden it, fisted it in his palm, and came to stand in front of Becca. He gave her a hand to stand up, then slowly sank to one knee.

“What are you—” Becca gasped. “Nick?”

“Becca.” Looking up at her beautiful face, he grasped her left hand. “When you walked through my door, you changed my whole life. You gave me purpose when I had none. You brought my family back together when I was so alone. You believed in me when no one else did, including myself. You fought for me and loved me and made me a better man.” Glassy, bright blue eyes stared down at him with so much love. “You shined light on places inside me I thought would never emerge from the dark, and you helped me reclaim my integrity, my honor, and my life.” A knot lodged in Nick’s throat. “You saved me from becoming someone I didn’t recognize, and because of you I have a life worth living. But only if you’ll walk it with me.”

“Nick,” she rasped, her voice thick with unshed tears.

He flipped open the box and pulled out the diamond and platinum round-cut ring. A halo of smaller stones surrounded the center stone, creating what to him looked like a sun. More accent stones lined the band, giving it a classic, vintage look. He’d known it was the right ring as soon as he’d seen it.

Slowly, he slid the diamond onto Becca’s ring finger. “I love you with everything that I am, and everything I want to be. Please do me the greatest honor of my life and say you’ll be my wife, my partner, my best friend, my companion. Becca Merritt, will you marry me?”

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, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. 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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