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Blog Tour & Review: Slide by T. Gephart

Title: Slide
Series: Black Addiction #1
Author: T. Gephart
Genre: Rock Star Romance
 Release Date: November 16, 2015
Blurb
Touring as an opening act for a huge rock band and landing a record contract means you’ve hit the big time, right?Sadly, neither of those things gave Rusty Crawford, lead guitarist of the band Black Addiction, worldwide fame and fortune. Which was a shame because he had the lifestyle down to a fine art—without the clichéd stint in rehab.

Even being back in the Bronx, paying his dues didn’t rattle the charismatic axe man, ladies loved him and men wanted to be him. Fate would just have to catch up. Seemed like fate had more than just a platinum album planned for his future.

Alison Williams had the perfect life. Or at least she did until her world came crashing down around her, in the most epic way.

With her future no longer a certainty she finds herself out of her comfort zone and into unchartered territory—a place where Rusty Crawford likes to spend most of his time.

Will the charming and ridiculously hot rock god help her find her feet, or send her further down the rabbit hole? One thing was for sure; both of them were in for the ride of their lives.

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

iBOOKS / B&N / KOBO

Review

I am totally Rusty’s biggest fan. I’m at the fan level of weird girl who throws her underwear on the stage and tries to bribe her way backstage while holding a homemade sign with the words ‘I Love Rusty 4EVA’ scrawled in sharpie. AND I GIVE NO FUCKS. because Rusty is perfection in this book. He’s a smart, caring, and completely reformed manwhore who knows how to perform both on stage and in the bedroom. My crazy fangirl status aside, he gets my praise due to his humor and sincerity. He is most definitely Allison’s anchor while she drifts in a sea of crazy chaos.

Allison is less endearing of a character for me. It’s likely because she’s not very assertive, and her kicking-ass-and-taking-names skills are nonexistent. I generally like my gals a little sassier. Of course, when she finally lets herself say what she thinks, I loved her. Her journey to self awesomeness is a huge part of this book – one could say it’s the main plot – so perhaps my criticism here is unwarranted, but I really wanted her to get there a little faster.

Nevertheless, Allison and Rusty are funny, quirky and incredibly scorching together. Their relationship is completely untraditional and I adored the fuck out of it. Stepping out and taking risks looks good on Allison.

This rockstar book introduces Black Addiction with flair. I was immediately thrilled to see some of my favorites from Power Station and I began to fall for these new band members as well. One could easily get addicted to them. #seewhatididthere

Gephart hasn’t strayed from her rock roots and I’m screaming myself hoarse with excitement. The writing flowed easily and the scenes ranged from laughing out loud to panting silently. I enjoyed myself. 😉

Get ready to follow Black Addiction to the top of the charts and let them into your hearts. 4 stars!

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

Excerpt
“Hello, ladies.” His voice purred, sending vibrations through my body.It was him. My beautiful mystery man. The one who I’d seen plenty but never spoken to. He was standing in front of me, smiling.

In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. There weren’t many bars in our little neighborhood where you didn’t need a Hep C shot before you entered. This particular establishment promised an impressive beer menu without the risk of a communicable disease, so it would stand to reason he would know about it too.

“Hi.” Was all I was able to manage, convinced he was probably talking to someone else. Perhaps he meant the Amazonian redhead who was sitting to my left, openly staring—that would make a hell of a lot of more sense. They could probably shoot joint commercials for teeth whitener and make adorable, if not freakishly tall, children together.

“I couldn’t help but notice your friend stole your drink. Ordinarily I’d overlook such thievery, but I’d hate for there to be a brawl in my favorite bar. So in the interest of keeping the peace, I’d like to replace it for you.” His voice smooth, as was his delivery. I had to remember to breathe.

“She wasn’t going to drink it, but you can totally buy her another drink,” Renee answered before I’d gotten the chance. Her smile widened as she turned to face me and mouthed the words “he’s hot.” She needn’t have bothered; his hotness was not something that needed to be confirmed.

“That’s okay, I’m good.” Thankfully words came out of my mouth even if they sounded in no way intelligent.

“Well, glad to hear you’re good. Nice to meet you, my name is Rusty.” He smiled as he moved in closer, his hand signaling the bartender. “What were you drinking?”

In what I can only explain as temporary insanity—probably from the shock of having the beautiful man talking to me—I blurted out, “I have a boyfriend.”

I officially wanted to die.

While I did have a boyfriend, and hopefully in a few hours I would be moving into his upscale apartment, there was no reason to announce it so dramatically. Almost as if to prove that I hadn’t secretly fantasized about him while in the shower every day this week—which I had. Sweat prickled at my brow.

“Is that some code for you’re not thirsty?” Rusty’s lips curved in amusement. While the words weren’t sexy, the humor in his voice was a definite turn on, a hot button straight to my libido as he stood there grinning at me.

“No, I-I just mean I can’t accept . . .” What was the word again? “A drink from you.” Yes, that’s what I wanted to say. “Or . . . or anyone else. N-not just you.” My mouth tried to regain some composure. It really wasn’t doing a great job.

“Well, would you look at the time? I have a thing, wouldn’t want to be late.” Renee tapped her naked wrist—her watch missing in action, as was her tact. “Call me, Ali.” She gave me a hug and whispered, “If you don’t screw this guy, you’re dead to me.” And just like that, she evaporated from the room.

Awesome.

“Your friend always bail on you like that, Ali?” Rusty’s voice curled seductively around my name as he smiled, moving to the barstool Renee had vacated.

“It’s Alison.” Ali was just too personal, like him kissing me on the mouth. I totally would not have been okay with that. Mostly.
Author Bio
T Gephart is an indie author from Melbourne, Australia.T’s approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world.

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have traveled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley, the wonder dog.

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident and who didn’t lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. T set herself the challenge to write something that was interesting, compelling and yet easy enough to read that was still enjoyable. Pulling from her own past “colorful” experiences and the amazing personalities she has surrounded herself with, she had no shortage of inspiration. With a strong slant on erotic fiction, her core characters are empowered women who don’t have to sacrifice their femininity. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn’t let it go.

T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colorful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey – she is well and truly enjoying the ride!

Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

Author Links
GOODREADS
WEBSITE

Giveaway

Review: Sinful Longing by Lauren Blakely

Author: Lauren Blakely

Book: Sinful Longing (Sinful Nights #3)

Other books in series:

Sweet Sinful Nights (Sinful Nights #1) – CURRENTLY FREE – my review here
Sinful Desire (Sinful Nights #2) – my review here
Sinful Love (Sinful Nights #4) – coming soon on March 28, 2016

tl;dr recommendation: This is a four star read with twists, turns, sex and suspense!

Book Summary:

He’s the inked brother. The one you’re wondering about. The bad boy of the family.
Colin Sloan has a past. He’s done things he’s not proud of, but he’s living differently now. Making changes in his life. Working hard, working out harder, and trying to win over one woman. He’s utterly crazy about Elle Mariano, and though the sex is epic, their friends-with-benefits arrangement just isn’t cutting it anymore. He wants all of her, and is determined to prove he’s what she needs in her life.

Elle is fiery, loyal, and in major lust with Colin Sloan. He’s everything she craves in a man — smart, sexy, kind — and a rock star between the sheets. But his past hits too close to home for her, and the people she has to protect. There isn’t room in her life for a relationship with Colin. Especially when she’s forced to keep a secret that could tear his family apart…

SINFUL LONGING is the third book in the steamy, sexy, suspenseful New York Times Bestselling Sinful Nights series from Lauren Blakely, author of the wildly popular Seductive Nights series…This high-heat, high-stakes romance series follows the Sloan family as each sibling falls madly in love against the backdrop of sin, money, greed, passion, mystery and suspense…

Longer Review:

This is a four star read with twists, turns, sex and suspense! Although, it’s definitely suspense light. Elle is a caring character who I liked immediately. Her son is her priority, especially since his father was a major douchebag. She’s determined not to make the same mistakes of her past, and while I respected that, I also wanted to shake her a little bit because people can change. She should know that, afterall she works as a community center where she’s trying to change the lives of the kids in the rougher part of town.

Colin isn’t to be dissuaded though. He’s determined to push through the walls that Elle resurrects, one orgasm at a time. I mean, I was a little bit tempted to start putting walls up just to see if my husband would try to demolish them with orgasms. Challenge accepted.

While he’s magical with his fingers (and mouth. uh huh. YES. that), he’s also incredibly intelligent, creative and downright determined to get what he wants – whether that’s a new start up company, an answer to a puzzle, or Elle. His strategy was heartfelt and genuine – I loved that he put himself on the line even when he wasn’t sure if Elle was going to place a toe over it.

As to be expected, you’re served up lots of phenomenal sex on a silver platter. I’m also fairly positive that Lauren and I watch the same gif porn on tumblr because there was one scene involving thigh high socks that brought image to my mind that I didn’t care to shake. Lauren’t doing a public service, really.

We get more of the story behind Colin’s jailbird mother and we officially meet the newest Sloan to the clan. But you don’t get final answers, because SINFUL LOVE. While I absolutely enjoyed the story and these characters, I didn’t connect with them in the same way as some of the other books. *shrugs* it happens. There’s still tons of hot, sensual scenes that had me on the edge of my seat and I found myself smiling most of the way through. One thing is for sure, this story has me longing for the fourth book! 4 stars!

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

Review: Mad Love by Colet Abedi

Author: Colet Abedi

Book: Mad Love (A Mad Love Story #1)

Other books in series:

Madly In Love (A Mad Love Story #1.5)
Mad Love 2 (A Mad Love Story #2)

tl;dr recommendation: fluffy; yet enjoyable. 3.75 stars!

Book Summary:

23-year-old aspiring artist Sophie Walker can think of no better place than the exotic paradise of the Maldives Islands to escape the wrath of her controlling parents, the monotony of her boring legal work and her passionless boyfriend. With her two best friends along for the ride and to help her find herself again, Sophie is not prepared for the enigmatic Clayton Sinclair. Clayton comes from another world of privilege that seems like a fantasy to Sophie.  Can this man introduce her to the passion & seduction she never realized she was desperately searching for? Sophie quickly becomes ensnared in Clayton’s seductive web until a shocking treachery makes her question her judgment and actions…

Longer Review:

This is fluffy and enjoyable and all ready for you to completely forget your current life and shake your head at Sophie’s overreactions and Clayton’s overpossessiveness while licking your lips at their scorching connection. Mad Love is Instalove on Vacation. Which, on the whole, I’m pretty ok with.

Sophie’s been on a bit of an impulsive streak. She quit law school [my admiration for what balls that took is astronomical] and decided that she wants to be an artist. She also broke up with her longterm boyfriend who everyone decided was perfect for her but who towards she felt no passion. Her parents are pissed. Understandably so. They likely think she’s lost her mind. Of course, jumping on a plane to the Maldives on an extremely expensive vacation when you aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for your future life doesn’t exactly scream responsibility. BUT WHATEVER. Sophie’s impulsive.

Minutes after arriving she eye-fucks Clayton. Their connection is instantaneous. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was instalove on vacation. If the whole virgin storyline bothers you, then you’re going to want to sit this one out. Clayton is clearly channeling Christian Grey for a good portion of his possessive, inappropriate and eye roll inducing comments. It was a little bit much for me at times. I mean, I love a good alpha possessive man just as much as the next gal, but Clayton took things to a new level for a guy who knew Sophie for two seconds.

While Sophie tries to stand up to Clayton, she doesn’t really succeed. Instead, she sputters a lot and acts pretty petulant. The two of them are sort of made for each other. I thought they were each pretty melodramatic, but on the whole I had a good time reading the drama. This is light and silly and easy to read, which made it my perfect Sunday night companion. 3.75 stars!

Blog Tour & Review: His Kind of Trouble by Terri L. Austin

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Title: His Kind of Trouble
Author: Terri L. Austin
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary

Monica Campbell may have a history as a wild child, but she’s changed her ways. She’s respectable, responsible-and, most importantly, she’s sworn off bad boys. That is, until Callum Hughes roars back into her life with his sexy British accent and killer smile.

Cal remembers every steamy moment he shared with Monica, but he barely recognizes the straight-laced woman she’s become. Determined to lure Monica into letting go of her inhibitions, Cal will use every trick he knows to fire her blood and tempt her body…reminding her
just how good it can feel to be bad-and his.

Buy Links

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1NnjTf9

Barnes and Noble:  http://bit.ly/1jO819s

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1VDQfqp

Review:

Give me a British millionaire who knows how to get his hands dirty ANY DAY IF THE WEEK. Callum is sex on wheels and I’d love to take him for a ride. Don’t worry, Monica does plenty of that on my behalf in this book.

Monica used to be wild. She used to fall all over bad boys, make bad choices, wake up with hangovers and regrets, rinse and repeat. When she first met Callum she was right in the middle of her Wild Days. They practically have sex in the middle of a garden outside of her father’s wedding. I mean, the giving of fucks is at zero.

But then things change. People grow up. Events happen that mold us into who we are, or in Monica’s case, tamp down who we are. Since that seriously hot day in the garden, Monica’s toned everything in her life down. Even the colors in her house are neutral toned and it’s sparsely decorated. When Callum sees her again, the same heat and connection is there and he’s determined to bring Monica back to life – or at least throw some color into it.

Callum’s a jet setter who rarely stays in one place, and I completely fell for his semi bad boy ways. He keeps pushing Monica, begging her shell to crack. He finds that orgasms help. A lot. The sex between them is wild, freeing, and fiery. Austin builds the characters well, letting me into the bits of their lives little by little, until I understood what was motivating each of them.

If you like a little exhibitionism with your contemporary romance, then you will love this. Monica and Callum couldn’t be outwardly more different, yet they are internally really the same. They connect on every level. Especially down south. They connect there quite a bit. But they also have an emotional journey together that is smile inducing. This is a feel good romance – and it will make you feel good everywhere.

This book is somehow a sweet romance and yet is also out of control hot. Prim and proper never looked so good. 4.5 stars!

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

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A Little extra from Monica, the heroine in His Kind of Trouble!

Releasing Your Inner Wild Child

My name is Monica Campbell and I’m a reformed wild child. Growing up in Vegas, trouble was easy to find and hard to resist. But these days, I’m a responsible job-holding, tax-paying, tooth-flossing citizen. I don’t dance on tables or sneak off to dive bars. I even had that unfortunate tattoo permanently removed. I’ve changed my ways for good. Most importantly, I’ve sworn off bad boys. I’ve had my fair share of them, believe me, and men who look like trouble usually are. Now I only date serious men with life goals and steady paychecks.

But then Calum Hughes roared into town with his hot British accent and even hotter body. We shared a moment five years ago, a moment I’ve never gotten over. So what’s a girl to do? I’ve tried to steer clear of him, but he’s …amazing. Wait, did I say amazing? I meant persistent. The man won’t leave me alone. Why does he have to be so charming? I can’t quite figure him out, and trust me, I don’t want to. I’m on the wagon where bad boys are concerned, and that especially includes Cal.

As long as I stay out of his orbit, I can focus on my work and not his lopsided grin or his rock hard abs. But he doesn’t play fair. The more I try to avoid him, the more he comes around, asking me to go play and tempting me to return to my wild child ways. That’s not going to happen, do you hear me? I’m over men like Cal. Been there. Done that. And I had that fugly tat to prove it. I’m not reverting back to bad habits.

Yet every time he kisses me or speaks with that deep, scratchy voice, I want to lose myself in him. He makes me miss the uninhibited side of myself. I thought I’d closed that chapter of my life for real this time, but Cal…, maybe I could let a little bit of my wild side poke through. That wouldn’t be so bad, right? After all, it’s not like Cal’s sticking around for good. He never stays in one place for long. He’s a professional drifter.

The question is, can I give in just a tiny bit, and still keep my heart intact? They say there’s a first time for everything.

Monica’s Tips for Releasing Your Inner Wild Child (Without Getting Arrested)

  1. Wear sexy lingerie. You never know when that bad boy might decide to peek under your blouse, and you do not want to be caught in white cotton.
  1. Know when to give into temptation. Sometimes, when a man looks that delicious, you can sin all night and make a fresh start in the morning. Kind of like a diet. A sex diet.
  1. Drive your man’s car as fast as possible—he won’t like it. Don’t let this dissuade you. After all, it’s not your Mustang on the line, now is it?
  1. Get over that fear of public sex. You don’t have to be a complete exhibitionist, but the thrill of almost getting caught adds to the fun.
  1. Go ahead and dance on the table. Wild Child motto: no regrets!
  1. Be careful with your heart. When you start having feelings, it gets real. So don’t, I repeat, don’t fall in love, no matter how tempting he is. Trust me on this one.

*** 

Author Biography

As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. Now she writes steamy contemporary romance and mysteries. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Independence, Missouri.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.terrilaustin.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerriLAustin

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782231.Terri_L_Austin

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Review: Temptation by Robin Covington

Author: Robin Covington

Book: Temptation (Nashville Nights #1)

tl;dr recommendation: I LOVE A REFORMED MANWHORE STORY. I need them like I need air to breathe and this story let me suck in big, refreshing gulps. Are you tempted yet? 4.5 stars!

Book Summary:

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

Longer Review:

This is an all consuming and heated story that swept me away. The searing heat between Max and Kit was like a live wire, ready to spark at a moments notice. What starts as casual quickly spreads like wildfire, catching them both off guard and running for cover.

Max is a fuck ’em and leave ’em kind of guy. He makes sure that the girls know the score and every time he jumps into bed he knows that there’s an expiration date attached. Notwithstanding his flippant and unapologetic promiscuity, he’s actually an adorably sweet guy with a HUGE….hero complex. Ok, spoiler alert: he’s big everywhere else too. *winks*

When he rescues Kit, the country star who is try to rebuild her image, from a fire he doesn’t expect that anything will happen at all. Of course, that doesn’t stop his fantasies from running wild. The attraction is most definitely not one-sided, but Kit can’t let anything get in between her future, even if she really wants Max between the sheets.

Let the push and pull dynamic of this relationship wash over you, and warm you from the inside out. Kit and Max are sexy, determined and tough – each pulling the other from disaster. Max’s hero complex might be a little out of control, but he’s hot enough to get away with it. Robin writes a story that lets you have fun – it’s dramatic without being too angsty, leaving you to enjoy the story without screaming at your kindle (or book as the case may be). Sometimes you need a book that will just make you smile, and this is one easy read that had me grinning like crazy.

I LOVE A REFORMED MANWHORE STORY. I need them like I need air to breathe and this story let me suck in big, refreshing gulps. Are you tempted yet? 4.5 stars!

Blog Tour & Review: Friction by Sawyer Bennett

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Friction (A Legal Affairs Novel)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: October 27, 2015

Synopsis:
At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25530340-friction

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Purchase Friction:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KkgNqN

** Friction is being released by Montlake, which is an Amazon publishing company. As such, it will be sold exclusively at Amazon. Please note that you can purchase through Amazon and read on a free Kindle reading app on any smartphone or tablet. Click HERE to download the free Kindle app. **

Review:

THIS REVIEW of Friction by Sawyer Bennett is created this 5th day of November 2015 by and between Obsessed With Myshelf and the reader of this review, and in contemplation thereof, states as follows:

WHEREAS, Sawyer Bennett has created a perfectly crafted legal landscape full of sexy opposing counsel, serious banter and steaming heat; and

WHEREAS, Reeve is one hell of a fantastic character. His alpha dominance is an incredible turn on and even though he works for an insurance defense firm (OH THE HORROR) he still has a gloriously golden heart; and

WHEREAS, Leary gets the gold star for how-many-ethical-lines-can-we-skirt-in-one day, but is extremely brilliant and extraordinarily ruthless. She’s willing to win, no matter what the cost; however, she wasn’t expecting to find more than just a fuck-buddy in her opposing counsel; and

WHEREAS, the case – that is close to Leary’s heart – continues to get in the way of of Reeve and Leary giving their relationship a real shot…one without secrets.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the parties agree as follows:

  1. Bennett knows how to turn the heat WAY UP. I was incredibly jealous of Leary’s office’s lax policies on pretty much everything, but the use of her office as her fuck pad in the middle of the day takes the top of that list.
  2. I was totally nervous about her relationship with Ford, her really good friend and fellow attorney; but I shouldn’t have been. He turned out to be a fantastic character who I really hope gets his own book…
  3. If you’re seeking fantastic sex combined with a ridiculously accurate legal plotline (thanks Sawyer for almost making me feel like I was at work), then you need to read this book. I was actually getting fired up about the Motion to Dismiss, wondering if the state had it’s own Twombly standard, before I caught myself and wanted to kick myself in the face. Don’t worry, you won’t have that problem. The legal stuff is just enough to be there – but I don’t think it’s too much that you won’t understand it if you know nothing about the law.
  4. I adored the banter, increasing feelings and sexual heat between these two. They take risks both in the courtroom and out, which creates tension to hover you on the edge.
  5. Smart & sexy, Reeve will have you wishing you can search through his briefs. Well done, Sawyer! 4.5 stars!

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Obsessed With Myshelf submits this review on the date as listed herein and acknowledges that she received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Enter to WIN!

Enter for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Click here to enter (entries accepted until 11:59 pm EST on November 6, 2015): http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f70eab634/

About the Author

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Wicked Horse Series. She also writes the Cold Fury Series for Random House.

Connect with Sawyer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+SawyerBennett/

Sign up for Sawyer’s newsletter:
http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/

Review: Melting Into You by Laura Trentham

Author: Laura Trentham

Book: Melting Into You (Falcon Football #3)

Other Books in series – all standalones:

Slow and Steady Rush (Falcon Football #1) – my review is here
Caught Up In the Touch (Falcon Football #2) – my review is here

tl;dr recommendation: Trentham delivers sass and warmth in yet another football story where the players aren’t the only ones who score. 4 stars!

Book Summary:

Alec Grayson returns home to Falcon, Alabama, to rebuild his life after a knee injury ended his NFL career. As the Falcon high school quarterback coach, Alec’s love for the game is reignited. Meanwhile, he puts his hard-partying past and the betrayal of the people he trusted most behind him, and adopts a hard demeanor. That is, until a spitfire artist with soulful eyes and a body that haunts his dreams gets under his skin and threatens to crack his armor.

Lilliana Hancock is forced to leave her struggling-artist lifestyle in New York and return to Falcon after her father’s unexpected death leaves her a decrepit family mansion. Determined to use her skills to turn the home into a successful bed and breakfast, Lilliana is stopped at every turn by the town contractor, who happens to be Alec, the gorgeous and arrogant jock to whom she lost her virginity in college. Except Alec doesn’t remember, which infuriates her. Too bad she can’t forget the way his body felt against hers or how his heated gaze follows her…

Will they be able to put their pasts behind them for a future together?

Longer Review:

Awww. This is a perfectly sweet small-town, wholesome yet sexy, heartwarming romance. Trentham delivers sass and warmth in yet another football story where the players aren’t the only ones who score.

Lilliana may have inherited the old mansion in Falcon, but she’s determined to make it into a warm and welcoming place again. However, her plans to create a B&B are stalled by that awful pepto bismol pink bathroom and its faulty electrical system. When Alec, the town inspector, comes to review her progress the only thing that sparks is their connection. Suddenly clothes are ripped off, tattoos are being licked, and they lose any semblance of common sense.

Alec has a hard time trusting anyone after his parents betrayed him and while he’s been eye-fucking Lilliana for months, he’s pretty sure she hates him. At least he thought so until that night surrounded in pink tile.

The two of them together are a basket full of confused emotions and motivations. While Lilliana keeps the secret of their past, Alec doesn’t exactly do that all much to assuage her concerns that he isn’t going to cut and run at the first sign of trouble. This is small town, everyone-knows-everyone, realistic romance. There is no major angst or long bouts of separation, but there IS seriously sinfully hot sex. So, basically – you should read it.

Trentham never fails to put a smile on my face and this book wasn’t any different. 4 stars!

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

Review: Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher

Author: Rebecca Rogers Maher

Book: Rolling in the Deep

tl;dr recommendation: On the whole, this is a sweet and quick HEA that gives you what you want with very little fuss. 3.5 stars!

Book Summary:

Holly Ward is stretched to the breaking point, raising her young son alone and working long hours for minimum wage at a local superstore. Sure, she’s noticed the new guy with the easy grin and warm brown eyes, but she’s learned the hard way that relationships aren’t worth the pain. Still, when he invites her to split a lottery ticket, she figures a little innocent fun couldn’t hurt. The last thing she expects is to score big, which is exactly what happens . . . in more ways than one.

From the moment he meets Holly, Ray Lopez is drawn to her quiet dignity and openhearted beauty. And when they hit the jackpot together, he’s thrilled that the single mom can give her kid a better life. The only problem is the chaos surrounding them: lawyers and reporters swarming, friends and family angling to get their cut. In all the chaos, Ray discovers an oasis of calm and passion in Holly. But with the stakes higher than ever, winning her trust could cost him everything.

Longer Review:

Ok. So from the blurb we know the deal: Holly and Ray go in on a lottery ticket together..and they win – BIG. This is change your entire life money, and it definitely does, but not necessarily in all the ways that they expected.

Holly’s life is about her son: he’s her everything, and she wishes that she do more for him. Holly’s ex is an asshole, but he’s an asshole who married a wealthy and incredibly kind woman. So they do more for her son that Holly could ever wish to do…until now. Of course, winning the lottery won’t change a lot: including her ex’s motivation to hurt her in any way he can.

Ray is just a genuine and sweet guy. He could have easily ran away with the winning ticket, leaving Holly in the lurch, but he’s not like that. The connection he and Holly feel is immediate and intense. They’ve thankfully known each other for two months prior to actually hooking up, or this would have been instalove on STEROIDS. Not that I mind that. The sex is hot and intense and deeper than I expected (ok jeez. It’s also more emotional).

I was actually pretty into this book until the ending made me wonder how we got from here to there. It was just so quick. The writing is easy and the story was enjoyably instalovey and totally made me smile. There was actual character development throughout the book which was why I was so surprised to feel like I was being rushed out the door of a restaurant a few minutes after closing time when I reached the end.

But I LIKED IT. On the whole, this is a sweet and quick HEA that gives you what you want with very little fuss. 3.5 stars!

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

Review: Ride Me Hard by Shari Slade

Author: Shari Slade

Book: Ride Me Hard (The Devil’s Host MC #1) << CURRENTLY FREE!

tl;dr recommendation: This is growly and aggressive and made me uncomfortably excited. 4.5 stars!

Book Summary:

When a big scary biker shows up at Jimmy’s Diner fifteen minutes before the end of my shift, covered in tattoos and looking at me like I’m on the menu, I should flip the open sign to closed. But I don’t, because I’m too used to doing what I’ve been told. Too used to working and struggling and surviving to do anything different. A closed sign wouldn’t stop him anyway. He’s here to collect a debt. And I’m the only one left to pay.

Author’s Note: Ride Me Hard is part one in the Devil’s Host MC serial.

Longer Review:

4.5 stars!

This is growly and aggressive and made me uncomfortably excited. Like, should I really be enjoying that gritty, hard, sexy as fuck blow job scene that caresses the line of consent? Answer: hell yes.

Star lives the hard life but Noah’s life is harder. When he comes to collect a debt from Star’s cousin who works at the restaurant she waitresses she knows he’s trouble, she knows she should back away and run and yet…she wants to be unburdened and uncontrollable. Does she have a choice in what happens next? That’s debatable, and that’s part of why the heat felt out of this world hot.

If you’re into MC books, you need to get into Shari Slade. Ok, not INTO her, but into her books. *winks* Fantastically written and easily combustable, Ride Me Hard lives up to its title. This first installment of this novella left me wondering where we were going but dying to take the ride to get there.

Blog Tour & Review: Pitching to Win by Carrie Aarons

Pitching to Win Blog Tour

Pitching to Win

What do you do when the town golden boy, who never noticed you in high school, decides to make a play for your heart?

For Minka Braxton, high school has been anything but easy. After a humiliating scandal sophomore year, she’s avoided the social scene and anything having to do with boys, especially of the popular variety. But with senior year approaching, Minka decides it’s time to take life back into her own hands. That is, until Owen Axel, the type of guy she’s always avoided, decides he wants her in his hands.

Owen Axel is the definition of popular. Good looks, all-star worthy pitching arm and a former pro-athlete father make him Mitchum’s town God. Returning from college for the summer, his plan is simple. Beach, booz, and beautiful girls. But one look at Minka Braxton and he knows what he wants. He just doesn’t count on her not wanting him.

As the summer unfolds, both must decide how much to reveal, how deep they should fall, and what might happen if they strike out.

goodreads link

amazon link

amazon UK

Review:

This is a cute new adult story about high school love, rampant insecurities and sweet redemption. Minka is an upcoming senior in high school but she’s been majorly burned by her peers and those scars still ache. When Owen, king of the popular crowd, comes home from college and approaches her at a high school party Minka is extremely wary of his intentions.

Owen isn’t to be dissuaded – there’s something about Minka that he realizes is different and he wants to know more. AND THEN the push-pull-cat-mouse-relationship-back-and-forth begins. This book is adorable and sweet and very typical new adulty. Which is absolutely okay and enjoyable, but I found myself rolling my eyes at times.

While it was slightly melodramatic for my taste there were other moments that had me giggling like a schoolgirl. Owen is over the top sweet, and of course – over the top hot. There was plenty of steam to leave you overheated and more than enough romance to satisfy your desire to swoon. Aaron’s debut didn’t hit it out of the park for me, but it definitely rounded third. I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next! 3.5 stars!

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


Pitching to Win Teaser

Excerpt:

“You…you want to go skinny dipping?” He nearly chokes.

“I do.”

“Okay, sure.”

He clasps my hand in his large one and leads me to the outside stairs that connect the decks above and below us. When we come to the first floor, he pulls me across the wood expanse and down onto the grass. Of course Owen’s house has a beautiful pool when the beach was just steps away.

By now the sun had fully gone down, the only light guiding us was the half-moon hanging low in the sky. At the edge of the pool, Owen drops my hand.

I was unsure of what move to make next. My brain had only gone so far as to think through the initial ask.

“So first, you have to take off your clothes.” Owen stares at me greedily, but warmth sparks in his eyes. I know he must have a lot of pent-up lust in there. We’d barely done more than cuddle and make out for two weeks.

I hold his eye contact while I ease one strap of my periwinkle tank top down. I watch him track the course of the skinny strap down my arm and it gives me a buzz of power knowing how much I affect him. I slip the other strap down and then move to the tiny silver buttons that run all the way down the front of my shirt. My fingers tingle as I slip each button out of its loophole, with each one falling open, more of my skin is hit with the cool night air.

Owen’s eyes have gone black by the time I shrug the top off of my body, leaving me in my white strapless bra and white jean shorts. Wordlessly, he pulls his navy blue t-shirt over his head, tossing it to the side. The moonlight bounces off the grooves of his muscles, highlighting just how amazing his body is.

He stands, waiting for me to make my next move. So that’s how we were going to play. I throw him a small, flirty smile as I flick the button on my shorts. I hear his intake of breath at the tiny movement. I push the course material down my legs and stand up straight, a little more self-conscience than before in just my white bra and bikini-style underwear.

Owen pushes his khaki shorts down roughly and frantically. I hold in my laugh at his haste. Someone’s in a hurry.

As soon as he stands up, he takes one look at me, and before I can reach back slowly and unhook my bra, he whips his boxers off. I freeze. He was…he was just so beautiful. And I know that was a weird word to use in reference to a guy, but he just was. He looked like a sculpture, his muscles mimicking carved stone. And down below…wow. He stood stiff as a board, he was so turned on it looked painful.

“Fuck this slow shit.” One second he stood in front of me, the next I am in his arms, being pulled off the ground. A split second later we hit the cool surface of the water, breaking through and sinking under.

The shock of being thrown, or carried, in hits me, and I begin to struggle from Owen’s arms, which we are wrapped around my half naked body at the bottom of the deep end. Kicking off, I swim up and break the surface, sputtering.

Owen comes up while I’m coughing the water out of my lungs. “Thank god.” I choke.

“What?” Rivulets of water drip off his wavy strands and his chiseled arm comes up to slick them back out of his face. My core aches in awareness. Tingles snaked down my spine as I remember just how completely naked he is under the water.

“I thought you were never going to touch me. I’m not a china doll, Owen. I said don’t hurt me. That didn’t mean you can’t play with me.”

About the Author

They say those who can’t do, teach. Well, Carrie has no hand-eye coordination, and her idea of romance is a Netflix marathon complete with Thai food. So, she writes sports romance novels instead.

Beginning her writing career as a journalist, Carrie wrote about real-life crime and scandal before turning to the fantasy world of fiction. She lives with her soon-to-be husband in an apartment they are constantly outgrowing.

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