REVIEW: Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Racked and Stacked by Lorelei James

Expected publication: August 7, 2018 by Berkley

Publisher's Summary:
Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more.

__________________________

As a true fan of the series, I have been waiting for Riss and Ike's book for far too long!  James once again does what she does best: present realistically, complicated and likeable characters that have electric chemistry that develops into a profound bound and romance that keep readers coming back for me.

I love Riss, sassy yet vulnerable and Ike who is lost in his own way. Sparks fly when these two share close quarters but the depth of their understand of each other is just as interesting as the tension that builds while reader's wait to find out just when they will give in to each other.

Racked and Stacked has the feel like it could be the end of this series but I'd be delighted if we get to see more from this group of characters.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: No Contest by Tara Wyatt

*Thanks to Netgalley and Pocket Star for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: January 29, 2018

The third book in the Blood and Glory series reveals that sometimes, the power of temptation is stronger than the pull of a championship belt. This is a sexy read full of intensity, unexpected romance and its fair share of intrigue.  Perfect for fans of Katy Evans!

Publisher's Summary:
Leandro Oliveira—hunky MMA fighter, playboy billionaire, and newly crowned champ of the World Fighting Championship’s light heavyweight division—is used to getting his way. But when his party lifestyle threatens to cost the WFC sponsors, he has to clean up his act or he’ll be stripped of his contract. Forced to give up late nights of booze and women, Leandro resents having to change his behavior—until he lays eyes on the sexy publicist hired to manage his image. He plans to seduce her to regain control of the situation, but falling for her wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal.

Freelance publicist Ashylynn Fields has never taken on a client she wasn’t certain she could handle. But her latest project might just be the guy who kills her perfect record. Between his sex tape, his exploits at strip clubs, and his nights spent street racing expensive sports cars—not to mention his smoldering good looks and near constant flirting—Leandro might prove to be impossible. But with a full-time position with the WFC on the line, Ashlynn is more determined than ever to ignore his good looks and charm, and get this bad boy on the straight and narrow. 

No Contest was a quick, steamy read and my first exposure to the series. However, I have definite plans to seek out the other titles.  Author Tara Wyatt follows a successful formula to build suspense.  Not only is there electric sexual tension between protagonists, but there is just enough extra plot outside of their growing attraction to add to the overall narrative. On downside, for me, was that many of the added characterizations of secondary players was all to stereotypical/predictable.  I guessed what would happen very early on but I didn't really have too many complaints since this is what I look for in this type of romance.

Overall, very enjoyable.  

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Salvaged by Jay Crownover

Hudson Wheeler is a nice guy. Everyone knows it, including his fiancée who left him with a canceled wedding and a baby on the way. He’s tired of finishing last and is ready to start living in the moment with nights soaked in whiskey, fast cars, and even faster girls. He’s set to start living on the edge, but when he meets Poppy Cruz, her sad eyes in the most gorgeous face he’s ever seen hook him in right away. Wheeler can see Poppy’s pain and all he wants to do is take care of her and make her smile, whatever it takes.

Poppy can’t remember a time when she didn’t see strangers as the enemy. After a lifetime of being hurt from the men who swore to protect her, Poppy’s determined to keep herself safe by keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Wheeler’s sexy grin and rough hands from hours restoring classic cars shouldn’t captivate her, but every time she’s with him, she can’t help being pulled closer to him. Though she’s terrified to trust again, Poppy soon realizes it might hurt even more to shut Wheeler out—and the intense feelings pulsing through her are making it near impossible to resist him.

The only thing Poppy is sure of is that her heart is in need of some serious repair, and the more time she spends with Wheeler, the more she’s convinced he’s the only man with the tools to fix it.

I ADORED THIS BOOK!

SQUEE!

There is a bittersweet quality to knowing that the Saints of Denver series is finished. However, I know that Crownover always has an ace up her sleeve. So, in the meantime, I'll re-read all the books and wait to see what happens next.

I've been waiting for Poppy's story and happily ever after for a long time and certainly wasn't disappointed. Wheeler is amazing and perfect in every way. Salvaged was romantic and sexy and super satisfying.

Go forth and read!!!

Final rating: ALL THE STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read All The Things, Reading Recap, Vol 6

This third book in the Saints of Denver series follows Church and Dixie.

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael's life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that's become her home away from home.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. Church finds himself having to get out of Denver fast and back home. He asks Dixie to come with him and she accepts. When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, they both realize that falling in love is easy but making it stick is hard work.
I loved every word that Crownover writes and Riveted was no exception. We've been waiting for Church and Dixie's story for far too long now. Super sexy and engaging with just enough hints of danger and intrigue.  I can't recommend the audiobook enough.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


The Operator is the sequel to first in series, The Drafter.
Betrayed by the man she thought she loved and the agency that turned her into the very thing she fought against, Peri abandoned the wealth and privilege of Opti for an anonymous life riddled with memory gaps and self-doubt. But when a highly addictive drug promises to end her dependency on those who’d use her as a tool for their own success, she must choose to either remain broken and vulnerable or return to the above-the-law power and prestige she once left: strong but without will—for whoever holds her next fix, will hold her loyalty.

The narrative of this book is compelling and keeps reader's on their toes.  It is difficult to conceive time travel in most writing; however, Harrison's perspective as well as the abilities pitfalls make for an intriguing read. I like Peri and her band of misfits. It is a challenge to keep track of who to trust and what is real.

Final rating: 4 out 5 stars



Bastien Cabarro survived the brutal slaughter of his entire family only to have his wife pin their murders on him. Made Ravin by The League, he is now a target for their assassins-in-training to hunt and kill. The average life expectancy for such beings is six weeks. But defying the odds is what this Gyron Force officer does best, and Bastien won’t rest until he lays his betrayers in their graves.

Ten years later, he has one chance to balance the scales of justice, provided he relies on his former wingman— the very sister of the woman who testified against him.

Much of this Kenyon book is predictable:

1) Romance (a bit watered down of late)

2) Tortured hero

3) Severe family issues

4) Ongoing war between The League and the rebellion

5) Cameos from other series characters which fit into the growing mythology of the world building

Born of Vengeance wasn't stellar but it is what fans have come to expect of the series and Kenyon's current writing. I feel in a rut when I read this last few publications and wonder if the author doesn't as well. Again, if you are looking to continue the stories already established and want the comfort of Kenyon's style, then pick up this latest title. Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

I'm a little sad that the Night Prince series has concluded but it was a great ride.  This book has everything Frost fans love - humor, adventure, action, super-sexytime AND Ian! (who still needs his own book btw!!!!)

The overall plot is strong. Good pacing and character progression plus appearances by series favs. Love the audio by Tavia Gilbert.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Twist by Kylie Scott

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: April 11, 2017

When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot, bearded, bartender extraordinaire, Joe Collins, only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her.

Alex Parks is funny, friendly, and pretty much everything he's been looking for in a woman. And in no time at all they're emailing up a storm, telling each other their deepest darkest secrets... apart from the one that really matters.

And when it comes to love, serving it straight up works better than with a twist...

I adored this book from the first page. It's smart, sexy and fun to read from start to finish.  The premise works for a great, contemporary romance. There is just enough tension, fun flirtation, down to it sexy-time and narrative tension to entrance any reader and keep them coming back for more. 

Like with most of Scott's books, I gobbled Twist up in nearly one setting. Joe is the kind of book boyfriend we all dream of and I just loved Alex, issues and all. 

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Souljacker by Yasmine Galenorn

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

The first in a new series, Lilly Bound, is a succubus owing her own sex salon in the Blood Night District of Seattle. When one of her clients ends of up dead via vampire her livelihood is at stake; however, with the discovery that the 'Souljacker'--an old, tattoo artist friend--has escaped an institution and is hellbent on 'reclaiming' all his artwork, Lilly realized that she and her closest friends are in danger. She hires Archer Desmond, a chaos demon and PI, to track the vampire down before he tracks her. But she didn't expect to fall for Archer nor to receive a new and dangerous job assignment from the Fae's Winter Court.

Souljacker is a fun, engaging and sexy read from Galenorn. Fans of her other books will enjoy the new characters and world-building.  I think Lilly is interesting and we'll see how her character develops with her new professional roles.  I like Archer but this relationship needs work since I felt like the attraction and connection were a bit too rushed.

Overall, this is a great read for Galenorn fans and for those who enjoy urban fantasy with spicy romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

Blood Vow is second entry to the BDB spin-off series Black Dagger Legacy. The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a worthy fighter—and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.

For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe’s dangerous appeal is exhilarating and a distraction from her grief. As they delve deeper into her cousin’s death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.

Axe and Elise are the main romantic entanglement of the book. Fans of Ward's books know what is in store--lots of sexy time, angst, self doubt and then a mostly happily ever after conclusion for the couple.

The side narrative is a continuation of Rhage and Mary's story from The Beast when an unexpected visitor threatens their newfound family putting everyone on edge.  

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was an engaging, quick read with all the highs I typically associate with the author and the series.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: HardBall by CD Reiss

Hardball is a standalone, sports themed erotic romance. Professional baseball player for the Dodgers, Dash Wallace is one of the sport's hottest commodities on and off the field. Like many athletes, he's a slave to his rituals and superstitions, necessary evils in his mind to keep him playing well.  One vice is a woman for each city; however, his life changes after a chance meeting with school librarian, Vivian.

Vivian comes across as a the bookish and naive female protagonist, formerly burned by love who is too complacent in her everyday life spent working and caring for her stepfather, who is in ill heath.  That fateful meeting with Dash, followed by their continued interactions sparks desire and other feelings she isn't quite ready to process.

A lot of HardBall is expected from the genre. It is pretty steamy and Dash is definitely an alpha male in and out of the bedroom. Props to Vivian, who does learn when to say, "Enough already." However, I thought she took him back too readily after his bad behavior. This is one of those relationships that readers can let pass with a fictional happily ever after even though in reality it isn't exactly a normal, healthy relationship.  Despite a marriage proposal, in real life, I doubt it would last much past the altar.  Like with most romance books, readers need a good suspension of disbelief for this one.  That said, it delivers what was promised and was a good escapism read for the end of my 2016.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @CDReisswriter




#HardBall #romance #baseball #erotic #relationships #superstitions

REVIEW: Outsider by Olivia Cunning

Reagan Elliot knows she should be living her dream...touring with renowned rock group Exodus End as their fill-in rhythm guitarist; however, she still feels like an outsider.  She knows she should be happy with the fame, success and love from not one, but two gorgeous and devoted guys, but the world sees things differently, often wanting to destroy anything it doesn't understand.

The crux of this second novel in Cunning's Exodus End series (and sequel to the Sinners book 5 Double Time) is this theme of being on the outside looking in. Reagan loves both Ethan and Trey. Their relationship works for them but there is fear on her part, as well as Ethan's, should the truth become public knowledge. She's not sure she is ready for the backlash from fans, friends or family.

Can their relationship weather this storm of media frenzy or will it crash and burn?

I enjoyed the book. Warning, it is smokin' hot, so readers shy on the sexytime and a polyamorous relationships should jump ship now. There is depth to the characters and plot. I adore Trey.  My one criticism is I thought the book was a little too long.  Some editing could have helped to tighten the narrative, reaching the conclusion more succinctly.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @oliviacunning



#Outsider #DoubleTime #ExodusEnd #SinnersOnTour #OliviaCunning #hotrock #romance #erotic

REVIEW: Beautiful by Christina Lauren

Beautiful marks the end to this series from Christina Lauren, introducing us to a new potential couple and reuniting us with the characters we've met in each book.

Jensen Bergstrom is a handsome, successful if workaholic lawyer in Boston, who just happens to be Hanna's brother and Will's best friend (Beautiful Player). Still burned by the sudden end of his marriage six years earlier, he decides that an extended vacation with friends might be long overdue.

Londoner Pippa Bay Cox decides that an extended holiday is necessary to cheer her up from a job she hates and the discovery of her boyfriend cheating on her in her own bed!  She crosses the Atlantic for an epic road trip with her best friend Ruby and her beau, Niles (Beautiful Secret).

“It’s too bad I’m too eccentric for you. It’s too bad you’re too busy for me. It’s too bad I’m only learning my heart and you have yours rolled up in bubble wrap.” 

Of course, it’s only once Jensen's committed to the trip that he realizes the strange girl he met briefly on the plane is coming along, too. She might be too much for him…or he might realize his life has become too small and needs her to make it bigger, crazier.

Beautiful is sexy and snarky, the perfect blend that author duo Christina Lauren have come to master over the past few years. I enjoyed Jensen's and Pippa's romantic journey as well as the bit with past characters, especially Chloe's uncharacteristic personality changes during her pregnancy. They aren't my favorite couple or book--that still belongs to Hanna and Will in Beautiful Player. 

It is a little bittersweet to have this series wrap up; however, the extras at the end of the book fill in some holes and bring a sense of completion.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @ChristinaLauren

#Beautiful #romance #books #sexytime #humor #ChristinaLauren 

REVIEW: Hang Tough by Lorelei James

Cowboy Tobin Hale makes sure to look out for trouble causing Mud Lily, Garnet Evans. While he knows that it may be seen as strange with her moves in to protect her from her son hell bent to run her out of her home, but nothing prepared him for the arrival of Garnet's beautiful and feisty granddaughter, Jade, who assumes Tobin must be up to no good.

Sparks fly between these two immediately, so much so, that Garnet bans them being in the same room together.  Too bad that plan goes south as attraction leads to feelings neither one can deny. Just when Tobin was prepared to leave Muddy Gap for good, he might just have found the best reason to stay.

Another excellent Blacktop Cowboys from James that is super sexy and snarky.  I'm a big sucker for the old frenemies and roommates trope so this didn't disappoint.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @loreleijames




#HangTough #BlacktopCowboys #romance #cowboys #loreleijames

REVIEW: Honor (The Breaking Point #1) by Jay Crownover

Nassir is another of Crownover's Point badboys that is oh so bad, but oh so good.  He doesn't make excuses for his past, present or future. With an upbringing forged in Hell on Earth, the Point is the perfect place for him to build an empire with a beautiful, worthy woman by his side.

“I probably have never done it right, but I have always loved you, Keelyn Foster.” 

He's has wanted "Honor", Keeyln Foster since the moment he laid eyes on her; however, he waited perhaps too long since she skipped town.  He's determined to find her, bring her back and convince her to be a part of his business and his life.

Keeyln is on the run from her past life until her beautiful devil finds her, sparking a desire not just to return home to the Point but to embrace her past, present and future as the one and only woman in Nassir's life.  It is a tough rough and equally challenging for her to admit her feelings but once they do it is so hot that Hell just might have a new zip code.

“He would always be something sharp and deadly on the inside, something that could be used to destroy, but every blade needs a sheath and every gun needs a holster to protect it. I had no problem offering myself up as the thing that kept this particular weapon secure.” 

I've been waiting ages for this book and Crownover certainly didn't disappoint.  It's dark, seedy, sexy and violent but at the center of it all are two people forged in fire and pretty much perfect for each other.  I love that neither character has to apologize for what they want and who they are.

The audiobook read by Youssif Kamall and Sloane Carson is just phenomenal.  I slayed this book (a whole 10+ hours of audio) in barely a day, staying up until the wee hours to listen to 'just one more chapter.'  I adored the little Marked Men series nod by the subtle addition of Royal and a few other fan favs.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JayCrownover



#Honor #LOVENASSIR #NASSIR #TheBreakingPoint #romance #suspense #erotic #audiobook

NEW RELEASE: Honor by Jay Crownover

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jay Crownover returns with her most complicated hero yet, in the first book in the romantic suspense series The Breaking Point. 

Don’t be fooled.

Don’t make excuses for me.

I am not a good man.

I’ve seen things no one should, done things no one should talk about. Honor and conscience have no place in my life. But I’ve fought and I’ve survived. I’ve had to.

The first time I saw her dancing on that seedy stage in that second rate club, I felt my heart pulse for the first time. Keelyn Foster was too young, too vibrant for this place, and I knew in an instant that I would make her mine. But first I had to climb my way to the top. I had to have something more to offer her.

I’m here now, money is no object and I have no equal. Except for her. She's disappeared. But don’t worry, I will find her and claim her. She will be mine.

Like I said, don’t be fooled. I am not the devil in disguise... I’m the one standing front and center.

Excerpt

NASSIR

I was in the Point for less than a day when I got word that the man that ran the streets wanted to see me. I like to lay low. I liked to blend in, but here it didn’t see like that was an option. Instead of desert sand, the battleground here was asphalt and concrete, and as soon as my presence was known, it was as if this place recognized the fight lying dormant inside of me. This city called to it. I don’t know why I instantly felt like I fit, but I did. So I went to see the man in charge, fully expecting to offer him the last of my cash in order to gain a foothold in the desolate kingdom. I was a survivor. I could do without money for a little bit. No man was more resourceful than I was.

I walked into a disgustingly gaudy strip club, offended by its crass ugliness. I was expecting to meet the ruler of the land, state my intentions, and let him know I would bow to no man here or anywhere else ever again. I was expecting a shakedown and maybe some strong-arming since I was obviously foreign and undocumented. I was technically legal since my mother had been an American citizen before she fell in love with an extremist, but I hadn’t really existed on paper since she handed me over to killers and radicals when I was just a kid. Mossad didn’t want me to be anything other than their trained attack dog, so they hadn’t offered up any proof of identity for me during my time at the end of their string. What I wasn’t expecting was that my cause, my reason, my purpose for living, and my something to believe in would be dancing nearly naked on a horrifically ugly stage, looking like she was going to cry at any second. She was so much more than freedom.

She was Honor.

She was beautiful, young, innocent, and so obviously resigned to her fate. It pulled at a heart I was stunned to find I still had buried somewhere deep underneath the brutal history that filled up the inside of me. It was the first time I felt it beat, and the pulse of its yearning scared and electrified me in equal measure.

I started to move toward her like all those invisible gods I spent my life killing for were leading me directly to her when suddenly a man twice her age and triple her size leaped from his seat next to the stage and hurled himself up onto the platform directly at the girl. In the blink of an eye he was on top of her, rough hands all over her naked flesh. I heard her scream. I saw her long limbs flail and thrash under him. A red haze filled my vision and I forgot all about staying quiet and laying low. I forgot all about being a ghost, and realized that I could channel the fight that had been forged into my very soul, the fight that was slumbering restlessly inside me at that moment, into protecting something so innocent. She woke the fight up and she kept it alive.

Order HONOR in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/18/16

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/299l3OR

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

iBooks: http://apple.co/1S1smlV 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Yq4Oeq

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/zjma85y

Amazon Canada: http://tinyurl.com/z2pawsw

Amazon Australia: http://tinyurl.com/hgq76ml

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REVIEW: Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton

Crimson Death is the 25th book in Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Blake continues her job as a Federal Marshal and vampire executioner.  She's called by friend and fellow executioner, Edward to consult on a series of grisly vampire related crimes in Dublin--a unique land of its own regarding its history with magic, vampires and She Who Shall Not Be named AKA Damian's former vampire mistress.

This is very much a Damian centric book.  He hasn't been too involved in much of Anita's life even though he's part of her Triumvirate with Nathaniel.  All this changes based on Damian's apparent connection to the situation in Ireland and the role the trio needs to play in each other's lives.

Overall, I enjoyed the book far more than last year's Dead Ice; however, the narrative dragged quite a bit.  It is the same format as the past number of series entries-- introduce crime, then deal with WAY too much relationship and power struggle antics, then finally get on with the crime solving only to have the end action happen too quickly and wrap things up in far too few pages.

What I liked...

The actual Jean Claude interactions, that Damian was back and had a role, that Nathaniel is maturing and stepping up for what he wants. I always like when Edward shows up but he needed to be around more and this government tie-in that is probably going to become important in future books is interesting.

What I didn't like...

The pacing. There's just too much of the same relationship and political woes.  Poor Asher. Poor Anita. Poor Nathaniel. Etc...Etc...Etc. When we finally get into the 'meat of the crime, all the action happens way too quickly and then there isn't a lot of time for readers to process the outcome of character deaths and new metaphysical powers.

Anita spends far too much time justifying her lifestyle choices. It is time to move on and stop being repetitive.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#CrimsonDeath #AnitaBlake #vampires #horror #erotica #netgalley #review

REVIEW: 'Strung Up' by Lorelei James

About STRUNG UP:

From New York Times bestseller Lorelei James…

Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life….Can his former flame, rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson prove he’s a changed man who can give Cres a second chance at love?

Strung Up is an enjoyable sexy novella in James' Blacktop Cowboys series.  What readers will find is the author's trend toward character building and angst which build into a plot crescendo.  James continues to weave together intricate character backgrounds and family dynamics and this story is no exception.

Those wanting to read more about some of the secondary characters should check out Ropped In and Stripped Down, each novellas in the series but published as part of the 1001 Dark Nights tales.

As always I enjoyed the book but can't wait until the next one.  Keep reading for an excerpt!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

____________Excerpt_____________

A white catering van had been parked near the rear exit. It appeared I wasn’t the only one seeking an escape. A big guy, roughly the same size as Sutton, rested against the side of the van, one boot heel hooked to the running board. He wore dark jeans and a plain white button down shirt with a logo on the left pocket. He’d angled his head down, obscuring his face. But with that build and that posture, I knew I was looking at a rodeo cowboy.

Something seemed familiar about him.

That’s when I noticed the poker chip in his left hand. He passed it through his fingers over and over again. I recognized that nervous tic.

My gut tightened. I took a few more steps forward, alerting him to my presence.

He palmed the poker chip before he slowly raised his head and looked at me.

Then I was staring into that face. That handsome fucking smug face.

A face I used to dream of.

A face I hadn’t seen in four years, since Sutton and London’s wedding.

I waited for the dismissive sneer to distort that perfect mouth.

A mouth I’d dreamed of nearly as often as his perfect face.

But no sneer formed.

His compelling eyes met mine.

I saw his recognition in those arctic blue depths. Followed by wariness. But no hardness. Or the mean glint I’d unconsciously steeled myself against.

He didn’t move.

Neither did I.

I found my voice. “Breck?”

“Hey, Cres.”

“What are you doin’ out here?”

“Same thing you’re doin’, I reckon. Avoiding the crowd.” He paused and dipped his chin to the empty space beside him. “There’s room if you wanna take a load off.”

I waited for the innuendo.

None came.

Everything inside me cautioned me to beat a fast retreat.

Not everything. My long-dormant libido urged me to stay.

______________About the Author______________

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter

A big thank you to @InkslingerPR for adding me to the review and excerpt tour!

REVIEW: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Growing up in a small town in Maine, Lily Bloom's life wasn't always easy.  Her father might have been the mayor, but he also spent years emotionally and physically abusing her mother.  Lily great up with terror and hate in her heart.  One bright spot yet filled with melancholy was Atlas, a homeless boy from school with whom she grows particularly close. And yet, even their relationship ends with heartbreak but Lily just can't quite forget him.

Skip forward nine years, Lily lives in Boston and works in marketing but it isn't her passion.  One night following the funeral of her father, she meet Ryle Kincaid, a dashing neurosurgeon. Each hurting, they share several naked truths but part ways.  However, fate intervenes, bringing the two together again. Lily thinks that life just might be too good to be true...and it is.

Much happens in a short period of time.  Lily begins a relationship with Ryle, only to have Atlas pop back into her life.  She's ready to move on; however, jealousy and other behaviors begin to paint a dangerous picture of Ryle.  Soon Lily becomes the type of woman she swore never to be--lying about abuse and convincing herself to stay because each time Ryle swears it will never happen again.

This is the type of book that left me with conflicting emotions.  I spent most of the book shouting aloud and furious with the characters.  In its favor, that means that I was highly engaged with with lives of these characters.  On the flip side, Ryle is a douche. I hate him with a fiery passion but he has a few redeeming moments but needs to seriously own up to his issues AND continue intensive therapy.

Lily's characterization is very realistic of someone who has grown up in an abusive household, promising that she won't follow the same path, only to find herself in the same situation. During these moments of indecision I was very frustrated. However, there is redemption and an emotional maturity once she has the "it ends with us" epiphany.  I liked the ending and that Lily and Atlas seemed to finally come full circle in each of their lives so that they can really have a shot at forever.

Overall, It Ends With Us isn't my favorite Hoover novel to date.  That award still goes to Hopeless; however, this is still an engaging new adult 'romance' with an important message.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter:  @colleenhoover


#ItEndsWithUs #allthefeels #fightdomesticabuse

REVIEW: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Nearly 22 year old Ivy Morgan is far from the typical New Orleans college student. She works for the Order, a group of humans who tasks themselves with ridding the world of dangerous Fae, known for feeding off humans. Despite school and her job, Ivy's closed herself off from most people following the devastating losses of her family and boyfriend and the guild she feels over their deaths.

Something wicked is brewing in New Orleans and Ivy finds herself in the thick of it. Shot by a Fae who wasn't even maimed by iron, she meets devastatingly handsome and charming Ren Owens, 6'3'' of swoon-worthy hotness. Ivy quickly learns that his role within the Order is full of surprises and the war she thought she was fighting holds far more secrets. Now they must work together before time runs out but even on an apocalyptic deadline sometimes passion, lust and a new chance at love can't be denied.

This was my second read of Wicked in anticipation of the release of Torn.  I really enjoyed this book for a multitude of reasons.  I love a good Fae driven urban fantasy. The world building is good, blending just enough of the real NOLA with fantasy elements. NOLA is a character in and of itself.

I love the character dynamics too.  Ivy is a relatable female protagonist.  She certainly isn't perfect but she's kick butt, sassy, smart and vulnerable. Ren is one of those book boyfriends that you'll want to add to the seriously dateable list. The secondary characters are equally well developed. Overall, the plot is engaging and leaves readers wanting more of the action, the witty banter and the super sexy build up between Ivy and Ren.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout





#Wicked #Torn #urbanfantasy #romance #Fae #audiobook # mystery

NEW RELEASE: Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout

   

The highly anticipated second book in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Wicked Trilogy is available today! Be sure to grab your copy of TORN!

   

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same.

Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her.

Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him?

But as the Fae Prince begins to close in on Ivy, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself.

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"You need this book. You need this series. It's paranormal at its best. It's New Adult at its best...Can I give this book more than 5 stars? I would if I could." ~Valerie, Stuck in Books

   

  EXCERPT: I lifted my right hand, reaching for my iron stake out of instinct, even though I knew it would do no good against the prince. “You shouldn’t do that.” His voice was deep with what reminded me of an English accent. “I know you want to, but it would be very, very unwise of you, Ivy.” My hand twitched. Creepy Prince smiled slightly. “Your friend has been very helpful.” That got my hackles up. I slid my sunglasses onto my forehead and forced my tone to stay calm and level. “I’m sure she has. Speaking of Val, happen to know where I can find her?” His lips curled in a semblance of a smile as he stepped closer. The prince was tall, taller than Ren, who was pushing six foot two. My entire back stiffened as I forced myself to hold my ground, even though every instinct demanded that I run and run super fast, because he had almost killed me once before. Correction. He would have definitely killed me if he hadn’t realized what I was and had, I guessed, healed me. “I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, instead of answering my question, his pale blue eyes fixed on mine. My hand curled into a useless fist. “That is extremely creepy to hear.” That cold smile returned. “Why don’t we talk? There are seats across the way.” “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” The slow smile increased but never reached his eyes. “Oh, I know it is.” Fine hairs rose on my arms. “What exactly can you do right now?” he said in the same coldly polite voice. “Refuse me?” Creepy Prince laughed, and it wasn’t a bad sound. Again, it was something that was just cold, as if he were mimicking what a human would do. “You can’t.” “I can.” My palm itched to grab the thorn stake secured under my pant leg, but I held still. I might be reckless, but I wasn’t stupid. “Really? I will have to beg to differ on that. You see, humans surround us. So many of them, and I have an extraordinary appetite.” His eyes appeared to glimmer as his gaze slithered from the top of my curly head down to my toes. “A rather impressive appetite for many, many things.” “Okay. First off, ew.” My lip curled. “Secondly, I don’t want to hear about any of your appetites.” One dark eyebrow rose. “Oh, but you should know that I could kill twenty of these humans in less than five seconds and feed on the rest, leaving them to believe that it was this little red-headed girl who murdered these innocent people.” His voice dropped even lower as he leaned in and icy air brushed my cheek. “You deny me this, those lives will be on your hands, little bird.” Anger flushed hotly as my eyes met his. There wasn’t a single part of me that doubted anything he said. He had me. God, I hated to admit it, but he had me.  

"Drama! Action! Romance! Twists! Torn had it all...Torn was a perfect continuation of the Wicked Saga." ~Kim, Kimberlyfaye Reads

       

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans…

Don’t miss the first title in the series, WICKED!

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About Jennifer L. Armentrout: #1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

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REVIEW: Outtakes From the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Oh Cat & Bones!  These two will probably forever be one of my favorite paranormal romance couples!

Outtakes from the Grave is a short story compilation by Frost feature deleted and some never before released scenes from her Night Huntress series.  Overall, I enjoyed the book and it is always nice to revisit Cat & Bones with their passionate relationship despite lots of ups and downs plus plenty of action, adventure and angst. The audiobook was once again narrated by Tavia Gilbert and she does a stellar job.

For fans of the series, this is a must read.  It is intriguing to see what storytelling might have been in certain instances; however, as a reader, I'm pleased with the narratives which Frost actually published as part of the series.  I miss Cat & Bones and certainly wish we'd get another book in the future but their cameos in the Vlad books keep me entertained.

One criticism of this anthology is the ending.  It felt too abrupt. I'm not sure what I could have wanted but as is it just wasn't there for me.  I felt like there needed to be more closure as a whole.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Jeaniene_Frost


#outtakesfromthegrave #nighthuntress #Cat&Bones #anthology #paranormalromance

REVIEW: Roomhate by Penelope Ward

Amelia's grandmother has passed away, leaving her part ownership of a beach cottage on Aquidneck Island.  The other problem is that her former childhood best friend owns the other part of the house.  Whoever said time heals all wounds hadn't ever met Justin.  Although time has passed, he's still resentful toward Amelia and the fact that she disappeared from his life.

Stuck as roommates, Amelia can't get over the hurt or the escalating feelings of attraction for Justin who is even better looking now than he ever was as a teen.  As their relationship mends itself and heats up, they must weather a hurricane of emotions and obstacles before hate turns to love and a possible happy ending.

I had mixed feelings about this one.  Justin is pretty much a dick and while he does redeem himself by the end, it is hard to put his attitude and treatment of Amelia behind as the romance blooms. That being said, I'm not a huge fan of Amelia either.  Roomhate is a pretty good representation of the New Adult genre - angst, relationships, identity and some sexy times.

One downside for me was definitely the audiobook.  It was pretty awful actually. I didn't care at all for the narrator who didn't do much for Amelia or authenticity of voice.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @PenelopeAuthor



#roomhate #penelopeward #newadultromance #erotic #angst #friendship