Reviews

Books I’ve read and reviewed

Magic and Misfortune–TAMING THE BEAST–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a short and sexy paranormal romance from Erzabet Bishop. TAMING THE BEAST is the fourth book in her Westmore Wolves series, but easily enjoyed on its own.

tamingthebeast-1About the book:
Allyse Montlake needs a job and quick. But what can a curvy girl with a penchant for plant magic do in the current job market? It’s just not the kind of thing that most people put on applications these days. To help her mother with medical expenses, she has to get something that pays more than her bookstore job—and quick. When she goes with her friend Cara to a job fair, she has no idea she’s just applied for a position on Extreme Bachelor-in front of the camera and not behind the scenes as she intended. When she meets the man behind the mystique, can he love her for who she is and see the beauty behind the curves?

Soren Rochester is a werewolf and the owner of Barks, one of America’s most successful pet store chains. He also happens to be fighting a curse. One pissed off witch of an ex-girlfriend and he’s running short on time to find a mate or else. When his assistant suggests a reality television show he reluctantly agrees. Can this beast find true love amidst the glittering dresses of the contestants or will he find her only to lose her in a field of thorns?

How about a little taste?
“No way.” Allyse clutched the invitation in her hand and stood at the closed gates of the Rochester estate. She waved the email at the stylish woman with the clipboard standing in front of her.
“This was supposed to be for a behind the scenes job on the show, not for a close up on camera looking for a husband.”
“I understand, dear, but if you’ll get back in line with the others, we’ll get all of this sorted out in a few minutes, okay?”
“Others?” Allyse’s stomach sank. This was so not going how she’d planned.
“Other contestants. Everything will be explained shortly. Now, if you’ll just get in line?” The woman’s voice drifted off in a distracted hollow tone, her attention taken up by a large catering truck approaching the gate.
“You need to go around back. This is for guests only.” She jabbed her finger at the driver’s window and Allyse stopped listening.
Allyse gritted her teeth and made her way over to the group of six women who, like her, waited for direction. She didn’t miss the behind the hand comments and slant-eyed stares. Her curvy form seemed to invite them. Today, she’d worn a new black and white floral top and soft flowing black slacks with new strappy black heels. Her long, dark hair was twisted into a loose updo with tendrils of curls fluttering down the sides of her face. She’d even splurged on a new tube of lipstick she couldn’t really afford, but it was important to make the right impression with the people who mattered.
Out of the corner of her eye, Allyse spotted a camera crew filming them from afar and her stomach did a funny little flip. She turned her head and recognized the hostess for the show standing next to the coordinator and swallowed the lump that had grown in her throat. She’d helped behind the scenes on a few shows, but never had she even considered herself a candidate for the hand of a man she didn’t even know. It was, in her opinion, ludicrous to think you could meet someone and know, in a date or two, if there was chemistry enough to warrant a lifetime commitment. How awkward would it be to tell someone oh hey, I sort of forgot to tell you I’m a witch that can sniff out car keys like a prized spaniel and oh, by the way, if you ever want your roses to grow, just pass me the word and I’ll make sure they get the memo.
Besides, she never aspired to being married. No one had ever really made her think of it. For her, marriage meant forever, and she didn’t abide by the modern sensibility that you could dump someone like you changed your socks. The only man in her life was Mr. Stinky, an irritable little Chihuahua who’d claimed her heart long ago. She was happy. He didn’t hassle her about her curves or needle her about hogging the bed. Nope. He was a perfect little pouty faced angel and she was mad for him.
He was pissed as hell at her right now, too. Leaving him with her mother wasn’t normally an issue, but the little guy had taken one look at her luggage and given her such an evil glare she still had the scorch marks. He’d gone right up to the top of the stairs, staring down at her like an angry gargoyle.
All she had to do was get through the next few days, collect her check and hope it was enough to help put a dent in her mom’s doctor bills. It made her sick to think of how little insurance actually covered. She had to do something to help make ends meet and work she would. It was late afternoon and, from what the email said, they should be entering the property to get settled.
The hostess walked away from the film crew and joined the other women.
“Attention, ladies. If you could all join me here at the gates, we’ll get started.”

My Review:
Soren Rochester is a man with a big problem. Besides being a werewolf, his last girlfriend Shelby was a psycho witch who cursed him to remain in his wolf form–along with his dearest friends–forever unless he found true love in two weeks time. Unwilling to let it all go, he allows his assistant to sign him up for Extreme Bachelor, a competition to find his mate–despite his introvert wishes.

Allyse is a curvy witch, hoping to find a full-time job so she can better care for her ailing mother. Having worked on TV productions in the past, she applies for a job on Extreme Bachelor–and winds up a contestant. Her dog-loving nature is the perfect compliment to Soren’s life-long love of canines. They are his business after all.

Impatient to begin wooing the luscious beauty he meets by mistake in his kitchen, Soren disqualifies all the sequined club girls on the first night, but he still can seem to win Allyse’s heart. Is he doomed to be a beast the rest of his life, yanked on a chain held by heartless Shelby?

I liked the resolution of this story much more than the beginning, which held a few inconsistencies. Allyse is a sweet gal with lots of insecurities, about her body image and her witchcraft skills. Soren is a solid guy who wants a real love, one who shares his whole life, even as a werewolf. His predicament is a little melodramatic, but he bears it well. This is a breeze of a read to wile away a cool afternoon.

Interested? You can find TAMING THE BEAST on Goodreads, Amazon, AllRomance, iBooks and Kobo.

About the Author:
Erzabet Bishop is an award-winning and bestselling author who loves to write naughty stories. She is the author of Lipstick, Crave, Snow (Three Times More Lucky Box Set), Malediction (A Wicked Halloween Box Set), Map of Bones (A Wicked Affair Box Set), Sanguine Shadows (Vampire Bites Box Set), The Science of Lust, Wicked for You, Heart’s Protector, Burning for You, Taming the Beast, Bayou Shadows (Nola Naughty Nine) Hedging Her Bets (Alpha Fever Box Set), Cat’s Got Her Tongue (Alpha Heat Box Set), Arcane Imaginarium: Spirit Board, Holidays in Hell, Mallory’s Mark (upcoming),The Devil’s Due (upcoming), Charity Benshaw’s Enchanted Paddle Emporium (upcoming), Club Beam, Pomegranate, A Red Dress for Christmas, The Black Magic Café, Sweet Seductions, The Erotic Pagans Series: Beltane Fires, Samhain Shadows and Yuletide Temptation along with being a contributor to many anthologies. She lives in Texas with her husband, furry children and can often be found lurking in local bookstores. She loves to bake, make naughty crochet projects and watch monster movies.

You can catch up with Erzabet on her website, blog, Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Bookbub, Google +, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Their Futures Are Tied–BOUND TO SUBMIT–Review and Giveaway

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Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a brand new BDSM erotic romance from Laura Kaye. BOUND TO SUBMIT is the first novel in her new Blasphemy series. Expect sweet sweet loving, and dirty rope tricks…

Check out the excerpt below and enter the giveaway for a set of two autographed books for three winners.

LauraKaye_BoundToSubmit_800pxAbout the book:
From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy.

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…
Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!”
~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”
~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

A yummy taste!

After he bound her hands and feet, Griffin leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth, the gesture a little reward that poked at things inside her chest. “I could be very happy with having you just like this. But do you want more, Kenna?”

“Yes. More, Sir, please.” She wanted rope marks imprinted deep into her skin. Everywhere.

His chuckle was full of a sexy smugness. “That almost sounded like begging. And I always did like when you begged.” He moved behind her, pulling the rope attached to her wrists around the back of her neck, knotting it to her opposite wrist, and then creating a crisscross that ran between her breasts and wrapped around her torso.

Kenna whimpered, because it felt fucking amazing to be bound this way. But she was going to cut the PVC bodysuit she’d worn to shreds the minute she got home for keeping her from feeling the rough, direct press of the twine.

“Regretting that suit now, aren’t you?” He came around her and winked as he surveyed his handiwork.

She twisted her lips and kept silent, because he already knew the answer. Damn him.

Silently, he walked around her, observing her as she observed him in return. The beautiful, confusing tattoo on his back. Those broad shoulders, the perfect fit of those black jeans on his thighs and ass, the prominent bulge of his cock under the denim, the longish black hair that she knew he loved for her to grip when they kissed. The thought made her struggle against the bindings.

He paused in front of her, his gaze dragging over his handiwork. “Fuck, Kenna. I have bound you in my dreams a thousand times.” He shook his head. “But not one of those compared to the privilege of actually getting my hands on you again.”

He’d dreamt of her? His words, being bound again after all this time, her arousal, all of it nearly made her dizzy.

And then he reached between her legs and unsnapped the closure of her bodysuit.

My Review:
Six years ago Kenna Sloane and Master Griffin were really building a bond in their BDSM play, or so Kenna thought. When she wanted to take it to the next level, a permanent bond by collaring, he balked. She felt rejected and unhappy, and it led to a series of decisions that took her to Afghanistan as a Marine.

She’s been stateside for two years and is well-adjusted to her arm-wrist-hand prosthetic, but she still suffers nightmares of loss and phantom pain from her missing limb. She remembers that BDSM often took her head into directions that removed her pain and worries, and decides to return to Club Blasphemy, knowing that Master Griffin is likely there.

Griffin has kicked himself for six years wishing he could have found his “little one,” Kenna, and explained how sorry he is that he let her walk away. He’d looked and looked for her, back then, and has given up all hope of finding such a perfect match for himself ever again. Seeing her in the crowd during one of his Shibari demos, he can’t believe she’s there, and he seeks her out the second he gets a spare moment. Their reunion is measured, and tense. Kenna wants to protect her heart, and Griffin is afraid she’ll bolt. He offers his services immediately, and is taken aback when he finds her prosthetic, but treats her exactly as he always had: with patience and desire. It’s unsettling to Kenna that a man might find her broken and scarred body attractive, but the release he’s able to provide gives her peace of mind enough for the best night’s sleep she’s had in years.

Over the next few days, Kenna’s mood begins to sort itself out. Griffin’s attentions are melting that impenetrable core she’d built within herself, and Kenna’s able to reach out to others and rebuild relationships she’s discarded in her grief. She’s still suffering from survivor’s guilt, and it’s not easy for her to let that go, but Griffin’s a rock at her side and his constant love and approval are a bolster to her shattered self-esteem.

This is a rather low-conflict second-chance romance with a significant dose of bondage to keep it kinky. Kenna is a sweet gal with a tragic backstory. I really liked that we got a heroine who is a veteran and an amputee. I think there’s a lot to be said for the psychological impact of amputation on women, and mostly our fictional focus has been on men, and how they cope. This was an unique view, for me, and I think her fears, and emotional issues, resonated well. Griffin’s a man who’s been grieving the love of his life for years–and her homecoming is a second coming, for him. No amount of physical scars or emotional damage would keep him away if Kenna will open her heart to him once more. That’s always a great read in romance fiction–a determined hero–and he plays the part well. He’s a BDSM Master, but he’s a considerate man, and a gentleman. He owns his mistakes, and he vows to be a dedicated partner. The sexytimes are copious and yummy, with plenty of private moments, and a dash of voyeurism. The descriptions of Shibari was simple enough to enjoy without being overly detailed or confusing. Also enjoyable–the moments we get to see other characters from previous books in the new ones, which is a LK constant. It’s another knock-out book for fans of Laura Kaye to enjoy.

Interested? You can find BOUND TO SUBMIT on Goodreads, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available. Catch my review for more on that absolutely erotic BDSM romance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win one of THREE sets of autographed copies of HARD TO SERVE and BOUND TO SUBMIT.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Laura Kaye - author picAbout the Author:
Laura Kaye 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.

Catch up with Laura on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or her newsletter.

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Coming Soon! Their Love Became HONOR–Review and Giveaway!

honor-tour-bannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary gangster romance from Jay Crownover releasing October 18th. HONOR is the first book in her Breaking Point series but features two characters from previous books: cold and calculating mob boss Nassir and the sexy stripper he fell for long ago, Keelyn.

Catch the excerpt and review below and enter the giveaway for a chance to win signed copies of all the books in the The Point series.

honorpbAbout the book:
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 front and center.

A delicious beginning…

KEELYN

“What are you doing here, Nassir?”

Nassir Gates, half man and half monster. He was lethal and toxic, keeping all that sinister beauty covered up in a ridiculously expensive suit that made him look elegant and falsely civilized. To the untrained eye, Nassir was an outrageously handsome man that looked like he was on his way to a business meeting, but if you had spent any time on the streets, were familiar with life in the gutter, there was no missing who he really was, what he was. The top of the food chain. If you knew about what it took to make it where I came from, you could look at Nassir and see that he not only thrived in chaos, but was comfortable there. He even managed to make it look good.

I left all of that behind. I liked Denver. I liked the laid-back vibe. I liked the monotony. I liked the predictability. I liked that I could walk to my car after my shift at the diner and not have to worry about taking a knife in the ribs or getting a revolver shoved in my back. I liked that I didn’t have to shake my ass or get naked to pay my bills. I liked that here, soccer dads were just that, and weren’t secretly banging hookers in the back room or gambling the family’s grocery money away at an illegal poker game. Most importantly I liked that I didn’t have to look my biggest addiction, my worst temptation, in the eye every single day and pretend like I didn’t want him. Here I didn’t have to deny that I had been infatuated with him for years. I was foolishly obsessed with this particular devil in a designer suit and I knew he was absolutely detrimental not only to my safety but to the thing I valued above all else…my independence.

After a childhood spent evading the hands of my mother’s overzealous and unhinged boyfriends and barely escaping the clutches of a sick and twisted stepfather, and too many years working my ass off—literally—to make a life for myself, I could never risk letting myself care for Nassir the way I wanted to because I knew that if I did, I would become nothing more than his, and I refused to be any man’s possession or accessory.

When the opportunity arose to take off without an explanation or without looking like I was running from him and the promise and future I saw so clearly in his eyes, I grabbed it. Ran away with both my heart and my tail tucked between my legs. But now he was here in this fragile and predictable paradise and I wanted to stab him with the broken pen and jump in his lap and put my mouth on his smirking lips all at the same time.

“You’re here, Key. Where else would I be?”

My Review:

This is the first book in a new spin-off series that carries two characters from The Point books into a whole new group of stories. Nassir Gates is the cold and enigmatic boss, ruthless and feared. He fell for Keelyn Foster the moment he laid eyes on her–on her first day working the pole at Spanky’s strip club. He didn’t care a bit about her assets; he was thrilled by the awe in her eyes.

Keelyn’s known that Nassir wanted her, but she was never ready to accept him, or his attention. She knew his reputation was well-deserved, even if she only understood the barest tip of what gave him that razor-honed edge. In a previous story Keelyn had been shot and Nassir saved her. It’s several months later that he meets her in her new hideaway life in Denver, and urges her to move back to The Point–back to him.

This has been a simmering attraction neither had ever moved on, until now. Nassir wants Keelyn to buy-in to his newest venture, a sex club, as a managing partner–and it’s an offer she can’t refuse. She also can’t refuse pressing all Nassir’s buttons and moving herself into his secluded mountain home. Things don’t go easy however. There’s lots of violent shenanigans, and each harrowing near-death escape further cements their lives together–if they probably won’t have a long life together, there’s not a moment to waste posturing and protecting one’s heart, after all.

The initial part of the book is an extensive history of Nassir, and his abusive, tumultuous childhood in the West Bank region of Israel. It certainly went a long way to humanizing Nassir–which I think best benefited The Point readers who likely had their hate on for Nassir. As I’d not read those books I found it a little overwhelming, and not essential. But that was me and I was a blank slate. I could have enjoyed Nassir without it, but it certainly made him a more well-rounded character. The Pinocchio references were very cute, and gave me smiles. There’s some sexytimes, but there’s a lot more hardship than happiness, though this one ends in a way that’s mostly positive.

It’s not easy loving a couple that’s bottom-of-the-barrel. Nassir is a death-dealer turned mafioso. He runs The Point, the fictional world where they live. It’s a city time forgot ruled by drugs, greed and crime. While there are admirable men and women who live here, Keelyn and Nassir aren’t counted among that number. Keelyn grew up quickly, and got out of her house before her step-father could rape her. Stripping was her saving grace, and her brief escape to Denver gives her new perspective: if she didn’t have Nassir guarding her every move in The Point, maybe she’d have needed another way out. Now that she’s a woman of means, she wants to provide that “way out” for women who were in her situation, or worse, and don’t want to sell their bodies to survive. Nassir grew up being a tool of revenge and his life is very different now. He makes his own path, controls his own destiny. When he can, he now offers his adversaries a choice to leave their criminal lives behind–thus removing his competition in a more humane fashion than he’d ever been offered. So, while these two start out as borderline despicable–mostly Nassir–they both make admirable choices. I think readers will really enjoy their story, which has lots of tough twists and some super bloody turns.

Interested? You can find HONOR on Goodreads, and pre-order it in advance of it’s October 18th release on Amazon (US, UK, Can, and Aus) Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

If you preorder HONOR you will receive a super sweet bonus scene that features both Rule and Bax…as well as their leading ladies. The scene will NOT be shared anywhere else. It will be exclusive to those who preorder HONOR and fill out this form.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a signed copy of the The Point series books.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

DSC02158-EditAbout the Author:
Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Catch up with Jay on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

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Dark and Gritty: BROKEN SOLDIER–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a dark contemporary M/M spy story from Jamie Lynn Miller. BROKEN SOLDIER features a covert couple taking down an arms dealer–if they don’t get destroyed first…

broken-soldierAbout the book:
Sergeant Connor Finley and Sergeant Shawn Weller are dedicated soldiers working covert ops for Shadow Unit — a joint UK/US anti-terrorism task force.

Partners in the field and out, they had been through hell together for the last four years and made it through standing side by side. But when their latest undercover op to bring down an arms dealer plunges them into a world of drugs, sex and violence, Shawn must literally get in bed with the enemy in order to complete the mission. And Connor is forced to watch, helpless, as his partner is broken into pieces.

Will love be enough to put them both back together or will this be their final mission?

WARNING: Contains scenes of drug use, graphic sex and realistic situations.

My Review:
This is a dark contemporary spy novel that features a M/M love story, hard drug use, deep cover, dubious consent, death, and destruction with a happy ending.

Connor Finley and Shawn Weller are operatives in Shadow Unit, a inter-national cadre of soldiers and infiltration specialists (think ex-CIA/MI5) that go in and “get the job done” against mega-badguys. They are also covert lovers, having built a friendship over the course of years, and now being a committed couple for the past five months. The current mark is Jae Chan, an arms dealer operating out of Kuala Lumpur. Jae likes his men drugged out and biddable, as Shawn discovers as soon as he’s able to catch Jae’s roving eye in a gay entertainment club run by Jae. Connor’s hired on as club security, but Shawn’s the one who’s in the most danger.

If you take a gander at the cover, you’ll see cut lines of drugs. Expect Shawn to be pushed into taking both cocaine and heroin in order to maintain his cover, and get close enough to Jae to get the necessary evidence. Also, Jae’s going to use Shawn rather horribly, and Shawn’s guilt over both betraying his lover, and getting dependent upon the drugs, is a tough journey to experience. You may also notice the title is: BROKEN SOLDIER, because Shawn gets REALLY messed up in the process of maintaining this covert-op. I’ve never read a book with so much hard drug use, and it wasn’t pleasant, from a voyeuristic standpoint. I’m a gal who got raised in the “Just Say No” era, so I’m not fascinated by drug-culture. I did feel as if the experiences were described with an eye to reality, and nothing about this situation with Shawn is positive. He’s trying to romance a scumbag drug-dealing arm-dealing bully, and he knows his life is constantly on the line.

Connor has to watch from afar, and provide as much back-up as he can to Shawn without tipping off Jae’s many bodyguards. Meanwhile, seeing Shawn be used and abused make him furious–and he’s really worried about the seemingly constant drug use he witnesses. Will Shawn make it through this mission intact? Will Connor blow their cover to save Shawn?

I’ll tell you, it was a bit harrowing. There’s a good build-up of suspense, with death on the menu. The climax wasn’t nearly the end of the book–because we still needed to see Shawn get off the junk. If anything, this book obliterated any hint of desire I may have ever harbored for heroin. Ugh. Yuck! That said, the walk-back from the edge that Shawn experiences in Connor’s loving embrace was very tender.

This is a work of fiction, and I know that reality is likely not as convenient as the set-up in this book, but the situations felt authentic, and interesting. The emotional dilemmas and hard choices within reflect a seedy subculture that I’m sure exists, to some degree, somewhere. I liked the strong love between Connor and Shawn, and I’m looking forward to following their dangerous adventures.

Interested? You can find BROKEN SOLDIER on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author:
Jamie Lynn Miller has been writing male/male fanfiction stories for nearly fifteen years and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008. She’s a romantic at heart, and her stories reflect the desire we all have to find “the one”, persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.

Jamie has a degree in Fine Arts and has spent the last thirteen years working as a Graphic Designer. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today, with her husband and their furry, four-footed “children”.

Besides writing, Jamie enjoys traveling, softball, reading, science fiction, hanging out with friends, and just being creative. She is eternally thankful for all of the love and support her husband has given her over the years with her writing and other endeavors.

Catch up with Jamie online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Sinister Scenario for ALL HALLOWS’ EVE–Review and Giveaway!

all-hallowsHi there! Today I’m wishing a happy book birthday to a new contemporary M/M romance from Annabelle Jacobs. ALL HALLOWS’ EVE features a battle between a 200 year old ghost, and his descendant who has fallen for the object of the ghost’s affection.

Catch the excerpt below and be sure to enter to win a $10 giftcard in the giveaway!

allhallowseve-aj-fAbout the book:
Will a centuries-old broken heart ruin the promise of new love?
Dominic Ashworth is descended from a long line of witches, although the family practice of witchcraft died out generations ago. Forever connected to a dark history, the house he grew up in remained in the Ashworth family for generations until his estranged father sold it.

On a mission to check out the new owners, Dominic runs into Caleb Jones and gives the gorgeous man his phone number—but getting a date should be the last thing on Dominic’s agenda.

Caleb and his best friend, Zach Briceworth, are oblivious to the heartache and magic tied to the foundations of their new home. When strange things start to happen, the truth emerges and surprises them both, especially as everything revolves around Caleb’s new love interest.

After a shaky start, Caleb and Dominic settle into an easy relationship, falling faster than either of them expected. But with Halloween approaching, the possibility of danger increases. The past is not always as it seems, and the ripples of a tragic event threaten to put an end to everything between them.

How about a little taste?

“Hi.”

Dominic jumped, startled, and turned to face the stranger jogging towards him. Tall, broad-shouldered, wearing black running shorts and a bright blue T-shirt, his short black hair—longish on top—stuck to his forehead in a sweaty mess. He came to a stop in front of the gate and leaned on it, breathing heavily. “Sorry … just need to … catch my breath.”

“A little hot for running, isn’t it?” Dominic’s gaze ran the length of the stranger’s body and he flushed as he caught himself.

“I don’t mind. Can I help you with something?” The guy then proceeded to lift the bottom of his T-shirt and wipe his face with it.

“Um.” Dominic swallowed. The flat, toned stomach on display reminded him of how long it had been since his last boyfriend. Although he used that term loosely. “Do you live here?”

The guy nodded. “Yeah, just moved in.”

Oh. So either Zach was living with his parents, or Briceworth senior had left his wife and moved in with a hot younger guy.

The guy narrowed his eyes as he looked at Dominic closely. “Why do you ask?”

The Sold sign lying just inside the gate on the ground caught Dominic’s eye. He smiled and attempted to look sheepish. It was always best to stick to the truth where possible, so he said, “Sorry, I was just curious. My sister and I used to live here, and when we heard it’d been sold, we wondered who’d bought it.”

The guy frowned at him and cocked his head to one side, clearly suspicious.

Dominic needed to nip that in the bud. He wouldn’t get any info if the guy thought he was a crazy stalker. “God, I’m not explaining myself well at all. My dad was the one who sold it to you. The place was in my family for generations. I haven’t spoken to my father in seven years. When we found out he’d sold the house, it was a bit of a shock, and I guess I just wanted to see who’d bought it. I don’t mean to come off as weird or anything.” He smiled and stuck out his hand. “Dominic Ashworth.”

The guy smiled back, took his hand in a firm grip, and shook it. “Caleb Jones. And it’s a little weird, but lucky for you I’m okay with that.”

My Review:
Dominic Ashworth is a Contemporary descendant of the witch brothers Isaac and Alexander Ashworth. Nearly 190 years before Alexander had fallen for his best friend Liam, and tragedy struck–turning Alexander into a vengeful witch besmirched by blood magic. Isaac banished him to the afterlife, he thought, but Alexander lingers in a half-life, his only chance at escape to attack an Ashworth and steal the blood to reanimate his spirit.

Dominic and his sister Alice had previously lived in Ashworth Farm, the site of Alexander’s banishment. Their estranged father sold the property without their knowledge and the new owner, Zach Briceworth, is a distant relative, as stipulated in their deceased mother’s will. Dominic decides to check out the new owner, to ensure he has a protective tattoo to prevent attack by Alexander’s spirit. He meets Zach’s attractive housemate, Caleb, and the interest is mutual. Dominic doesn’t want to confess all his worst assets, at first–like how he’s descended from witches and the house may carry a malevolent spirit. He knows this makes him sound crazypants, even if it’s all true.

As odd instances begin to erupt around them, however, Dominic is forced to come clean to Caleb, and Zach. It’s a problem in their developing relationship–as Caleb’s sure Dominic was using him to get inside info on the ghost business. Just when they reconnect, however, Alexander begins his shenanigans again, and this time, it’s a life-or-death scenario.

I really enjoyed this sweet contemporary paranormal romance. Dominic and Caleb are building a strong bond–one that’s a little frightening in its intensity for both of them. Could it be Alexander pulling their strings? The question is valid, especially when Dominic discovers paintings and journals from the era of Issac, Alexander and Liam. We have a few historical moments, mostly flashbacks in time that Dominic experiences in dreams. Those are never positive, but the paranormal activity isn’t all linked to Alexander–and that’s pivotal in the conflict resolution. When we get to the climax it was resolved almost too quickly, but I really liked how it all settled, nonetheless.

Dominic and Caleb are a sweet couple that have an intense attraction and many a yummy sexytime. The secondary characters, notably Alice and Zach are all interesting and good confidants. I really liked how well Zach and his father embraced the paranormal in their lives–mostly because they had a supposedly dotty aunt who initiated them, unknowingly, into the idea of witches. Expect to cute times, some tough times, some sexytimes and some ghosty times. Perfect October read!

Interested? You can find ALL HALLOWS’ EVE on Goodreads, and Amazon.

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Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 GC to Amazon or AllRomance.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Catch up with Annabelle online on her website, Facebook, twitter or email at ajacobsfiction (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Tough Choices in OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED–Review and Kindle Giveaway!

oohc-availableHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary romance from Julia Kent and Elisa Reed. OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED is a sweet, mature romance between an empty nester, and a woman with a newborn.

Be sure to check out the excerpt and enter the Kindle Fire giveaway, below!

optionschanged-kent-reed-ebook-1About the book:
Having it all is a fantasy, right?

Chloe Browne knows all about fantasy. Fantasy is her job. And she’s very, very good at what she does.

As director of design for the O Spa chain, a sophisticated women’s club that is trending its way into being the Next Big Thing, Chloe’s ready to take on the world.
One baby at a time.

Her home study’s done, and she’s about to adopt, a thirty-something single mother by choice. Who needs to put her life on hold for the right guy when the right baby is waiting for her?
Besides, talk about fantasy.
The right guy?
Pfft. Right.

And then in walks Nick Grafton, with those commanding sapphire eyes and wavy blonde hair and a sophisticated mouth that only smiles for her.
He’s perfect.

But the last thing Nick wants is to start fresh with a new baby as his college-age kids fly the coop. A single father for more than fifteen years after his wife walked out on her family, Nick finally tastes freedom.
But he likes the taste of Chloe more.

My Review:

Chloe is a 36 year old woman who has finally kicked her jerk boyfriend to the curb. Joe promised and promised that he was getting a divorce, but three YEARS have passed and that tired old line is nothing but subterfuge. What’s real? The young pregnant teen girl who wants Chloe to adopt her baby. Her mother adopted her, after all, and Chloe has always wanted to be a mom.

She’s sure she can handle it. (Mothers picking this one up will surely get many a laugh at disheveled, overtired Chloe’s mommy disasters!!)

At the same time as Chloe is getting her motherhood on, she meets Nick, a branding specialist in charge of making Chloe’s O Spa (the women’s ultimate relaxation space) into a powerhouse player in boutique spas. There’s an instant connection with Nick, and their lovemaking is positively fierce, but Nick’s at a different place in life. His wife left him with three children under the age of six–fifteen years ago, and he’s finally getting the last one into college. He’s forty-two and ready to have some fun with sexy put-together business-woman Chloe. Mommy Chloe? That girl is a little bit scary.

Nick has some real soul-searching to do: is he prepared to help raise another child? His own kids have zero boundaries–and create havoc with what little personal time he takes. Add to that, his ex-wife is making odd choices and he’s more than perplexed.

Nick’s a decent man, and he steps up to the plate in ways constantly-jilted Chloe could never anticipate. It’s really sweet, and I absolutely loved how his kids rallied to help Chloe in a situation that is truly a mother’s worst nightmare. The whole book has a really hopeful vibe, with delicious sexytimes, and plentiful funny moments. Chloe’s world is very narrow–which puts her in direct contact with people she’d rather never know personally. Poor gal! But she’s got a ton of spirit, and Nick appreciates this moxie. He never had a partner to help his raise his kids and, it seems to me, he’s got his sights set on doing it right with Chloe and her daughter. Very heartwarming and fun.

When will we see and O Spa in Chicago? Because I want to have me some of that tantric massage. Just sayin’.

Interested? You can find OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED on Goodreads,
Amazon (US and UK) Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a Kindle Fire!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Authors:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

Connect with Julia on her website, twitter, Facebook, or sign-up for her newsletter.

New England native Elisa Reed now lives, writes, and plays in New Orleans and along the sugar sands of the Gulf Coast. Connect with Elisa on Facebook.

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Fighting Their Demons: HIS BEST MISTAKE-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary romance from Diane Alberts. HIS BEST MISTAKE is the sixth book in the Shillings Agency series, and pairs a grieving cop with a grieving Marine vet. I really enjoyed TEMPORARILY YOURS, which kicked off the series, and STEALING HIS HEART so I had to check this one out, too.

his-best-mistakeAbout the book:
One night with a stranger…
Security expert Mark Matthews has loved, and lost, and has no intention of ever loving again—especially not a woman who thrives on her life being in danger. Now, hot, meaningless sex with strangers he had no intention of ever seeing again? That’s a whole other story. And it’s all life as a single father allows him to enjoy. But when he meets a woman who refuses to tell him her real name, the game is on, because she’s everything he swore to stay away from.

Daisy O’Rourke has bad idea written all over her, but he’s in too deep to walk away now…

How about a little taste?

They walked down the hallway side by side, their arms brushing. Every time they touched, something inside her tensed up even more, building up pressure until she was sure she was going to explode if he didn’t either stop, or do something more than accidentally brush against her.

When she halted at her door, he stopped directly behind her, towering over her. “God, how tall are you? Six-four?” she blurted out.

“Exactly.” He cocked his head. “How’d you know?”

“I guessed.”

“You’re good at that.” He stepped closer, his nostrils flaring slightly when she swayed closer. He looked way too sexy standing there with his first few shirt buttons undone, and his jacket open. She wasn’t even sure when he’d done that, but it was hot as hell. “At guessing.”

It would be so easy to grab the lapels of that jacket and pull his closer. And she’s get to find out what he tasted like – whisky, more than likely, but still, she needed to know. The old her, the one before she lost everything…she would have gone for it. Would have taken what she wanted and not hesitated. But it had been so long since she touched a man, let alone kissed one, and he wasn’t William. He’d never be William.

But tonight…He could be hers.

Resting an arm over her her head on the wall, he offered her a small smile, and tugged oh her hair playfully. “What are you thinking about that’s got you blushing, Scarlett?”

“Nothing.” she said, her cheeks going even hotter. She spun and pressed her key against the reader until it blinked green. The heat of his body was directly behind her, burning her.

Hands trembling, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. She should go inside. Leave him in the hallway, along with any bad choices she might have made with him. But…

Was it bad? Was it so wrong to want one night where she didn’t miss the love of her life? One night where she didn’t have to be alone?

“Would you like some water? I have a few bottles in my mini fridge.”

He shoved his hands in his pocket and rocked back on his heels, letting out a soft laugh. “If I come in there, we both know it’s not going to be for water.”

“Like I said.” Heart pounding, palms sweating, she lifted her chin. “Want to come in?”

My Review:
This is the sixth book in a series, but easily enjoyed on its own.

Daisy is a gal not looking for love. Her fiance died two years ago, a week before their wedding, and she’s been in a funk ever since. She meets a man at a hotel bar, and the man is big, and charming and comfortable to sit and chat with. He doesn’t pressure her for more, but lets her know he’d be more than happy to keep her company all night long. They don’t exchange real names, but they do exchange orgasms and sexual positions…all night long.

Unfortunately for Daisy, Mystery Man ends up being Mark Matthews, the very same guy her bestie Lauren has been trying to set her up with for months. See, Mark’s a Marine vet, and Daisy won’t date any military men–not after growing up with her alcoholic war vet of a father. Mark had declined to be set up with Daisy–a cop–because he’s a widower with a toddler daughter, and he doesn’t want to fall for another woman who might be killed in the line of duty, like his wife.

So, their fantastic sex fest is supposed to be a one-off, but Mark can’t stay away, and Daisy can’t lock the door against him. They begin a down-low no-strings affair that, naturally, knots them both up tight. It’s still hard for Mark to accept the danger inherent in Daisy’s job, and that leads to problems, just when we thought they might go public.

I liked both of these characters, though I thought they may have swooned a bit early. Also, Mark’s wishy-washy-ness regarding “danger” in his own job was rather frustrating. The sexytimes are off-the chart, off the wall, off the bed and off the counter-tops. They get it on, and on, and on…except when they go off. Because bullets, and heart break.

I liked the book, and I liked the story. It’s not a fun romp, due to all the skeletons, but it is a sexy-sweet tale, and it ends in the happiest place on Earth. So, bonus points.

Interested? You can find HIS BEST MISTAKE on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

Diane 1 smallDiane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin Random House. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and four cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Check out Diane/Jen online on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Hidden Love: THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new M/M romantic suspense from HelenKay Dimon. THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS is the second book in her Tough Love series and is best enjoyed after MR. AND MR. SMITH.

mr-riversAbout the book:
HelenKay Dimon’s suspenseful, provocative series of double agents and dark desire continues with a novel featuring two men bound by a dangerous job—and by the cravings they feel for each other.
As the son of an international crime lord, Will Rivers only inherited one thing after his father died: trouble. The Pentasus organization deals in kidnapping and murder, and Will wants no part of the power grab that’s tearing leadership apart. But the only way he’ll be able to escape is with some help from his former bodyguard, Hunter Cain, whose sculpted body and brooding looks keep Will awake at night. Somehow, Hunter has resisted the tension between them . . . until, suddenly, he gives in.

As a German intelligence officer working deep undercover, Hunter has a very good reason to keep Will in the dark about his identity and his intentions. Although the sex is hot, Hunter’s true feelings are a growing liability. Now the only way to save Will from his old life is to push him deeper into danger. But when two strong men are each determined to protect the other, the heat isn’t just combustible—it’s a firestorm.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, and is probably best enjoyed when read in order. This is M/M romantic suspense series, and each book features a new couple, but most are CIA-type agents.

Will Rivers is the youngest child in his nefarious crime family. In the first book, MR. AND Mr. SMITH, we learned that Will’s family ran Pentasus, a corporation known for human trafficking and murder-for-hire. The situation resulted in a huge fire-fight on the Rivers’ estate and an explosion that killed Will’s ailing father and murderous sister. Will’s not sure if his brother escaped, but the first person who finds him hiding in Paris is his bodyguard, Hunter.

Hunter is a deep-cover agent from Germany’s secret police. He discovered Pentasus, its activities, and the principals–the Rivers family–but Will was the sheltered bookish half-sibling who’d spent the past ten years in the US in college and grad school. He’d only returned to England to attend at his father’s death bed. Hunter was immediately drawn to nerd-chic Will and the two months he spent watching him, gathering intel for the CIA co-op, were fraught with mutual attraction. They never stepped past the boundaries: Will was afraid any liaison would make him weak in front of his feuding siblings, and Hunter wasn’t sure he could stomach any physical contact with Will if he was directly involved in Pentasus.

Now, however, Will claims he wants nothing to do with Pentasus or his tainted legacy. That doesn’t mean he’s free to go. No, there are factions who are pushing Will to take up his family’s mantle–if only as a figurehead. There’s millions at stake, and Will’s not sure which side Hunter is on…until the CIA comes a-callin’.

I liked this one better than the first book in this series. Will and Hunter have had a long time of close interaction for a slow burn to develop. We already knew there was something going on in the first book, so stepping in at their beginning is really easy. Also, we know that Will’s a decent guy from the start. Hunter doesn’t want to fall for him and isn’t convinced Will’s completely innocent, but the more they battle to gain Will’s freedom, the more Hunter learns he can’t step back. It’s a fast-paced, romantic thriller with very high stakes. There are lots of room for double and triple-crosses, but the heart of the story is two solitary men finding solace and support. We get a return of deep-cover CIA agents Fisher and Alex, from the first book, as well as Seth who takes a front-stage role here–so I expect he’ll be the focus of another/the next book in this series, if it continues.

Expect bullets, backstabbing, back-biting, big men posturing, late night heart-to-hearts, love and sexytimes. And an HEA.

Interested? You can find THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

About the Author:
HelenKay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a divorce attorney—not the usual career transition. Now she writes full-time and she’s much happier. The author of more than thirty novels, novellas, and short stories that have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, she’s on the board of directors of the Romance Writers of America and teaches fiction writing at UC San Diego and Mira Costa College.

You can find HelenKay online on her website, Facebook, twitter Tumblr and Pinterest.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Being There For BEDMATES–Review and Giveaway!

bedmatestourHi there! I’m super excited to share a release day review for a contemporary New Adult military-vet romance from Nichole Chase. I’ve enjoyed FLUKES and THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN, so I couldn’t wait to read BEDMATES, an enemies-to-lovers romance that features the President’s daughter and the VP’s son!

Drop down to check out the review, excerpt and enter the giveaway for a $50 GC!

BEDMATES_CoverAbout the book:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.
Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

How about a little taste?

“Have you been crying?” Warm fingers touched my cheek and I jerked in surprise at the sparks that danced through my blood. I couldn’t remember if he had ever touched me except for obligatory dances at celebrations and fund- raisers. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“No, I’m fine.” I stepped out of his reach and rubbed under my eyes. Tearing my gaze from his I leaned over and picked up his cane. “It’s allergies.”

“We’ve known each other too long for you to lie to me.” He let his hand fall back to his side. I handed him the cane and stepped back. “Someone told you that I was on my way, huh? We all know how much you hate me. I’m surprised you didn’t jump out of the window.”

“It was an option.” I rolled my eyes. I guess I wasn’t the only one that remembered our last meeting hadn’t been pleasant. “I also considered hiding in the closet, but was too slow.”

There! Take that, perfect Jake Simmon. I was quick on my feet today.

“So, you know why I’m here.” The way his eyes ran over me as if taking stock was obnoxious.

“I’m your body guard. When the crazy women start running after you, I’m to dive in the way.” And damn if they wouldn’t come running when they saw how he looked all grown up and rough around the edges.

“I’m glad they have a plan.” He scratched his chin. “Getting bombarded with underwear and bras is a health issue.”

“If they got to know you, it wouldn’t be a problem.” I rolled my eyes.

“What does that mean?” His head cocked to the side.

“I thought you lost your leg, not your brain.” My eyes widened, but it was too late to take it back. Why was it that I said the most horrible things around him? Even when we’d been younger I’d had diarrhea of the mouth. Especially around Jake.

He threw his head back and laughed. “I don’t think they’re after my brain, Maddie. Thankfully the part they’re most interested in is still fully functional.”

His lazy smile and sparkling eyes had me swallowing hard.

Heat crept up my neck and I fought to not look away. “Well, good for you.”

My Review:
Madeline is a college senior when she’s apprehended for a foolhardy attempt at releasing scientific lab animals from a pharma company. While being the First Daughter comes with lots of responsibility, perks include getting pulled out of a jam without any real fuss. Well, to make amends she’s “requested” to assist the agency that’s helping returning war veterans get settled state-side. It wouldn’t even be a hardship except she’s working alongside beautiful, broken Jake Simmon, eldest son of Vice President Virginia Simmon. Let’s just say that the VP does not approve of Maddie.

Jake, however, finds Maddie to be even more charming and beautiful than he’d thought before shipping out to Afghanistan. He’s home now, and operating well with his prosthetic leg. He still suffers nightmares from the helicopter crash that claimed all his comrades, save one: Cyrus–who’s adapting to a prosthetic leg and hand, and trying to help raise his growing family. Cyrus and his wife Kyla will move in to the very first home Jake, Maddie, and the team complete building, and Maddie’s all extra-effort. It touches Jake, and he’s finally empowered to do more than watch. Maddie and Jake can’t fight the attraction, but they know they have to keep it somewhat quiet. There are always haters in the weeds, and one of them is Mama VP. She’s used to wielding her political might, and she’s threatened to prevent Maddie from helping out the lab animals, if she doesn’t pass muster.

In the midst of this, we get an unfortunately up-close and personal look into Jake’s PTSD, as well as what plagues Cyrus. Like many in this world, we don’t see the inner darkness shielded by these battle-hardened men. It’s a tragedy, and it breaks something between Jake and Maddie.

I really liked the considerate way that Maddie and Jake build their budding relationship. Maddie’s a sweet girl, who really means well. She wants to fix problems, and save the world–and I’m not going to discuss the whole “release the lab animals” premise, because it’s not a Real World option. Maddie does take advice to heart that enables her to help more than the few local animals that she may have “helped” (it’s my experience as a scientist that such shenanigans are actually far more harmful, but I digress). And she wants to help Jake, and Cyrus + family, but mental illness/depression is a tricky foe.

Jake realizes that his life without Maddie really isn’t as comfortable as it had been before he’d gone and done something ridiculous like fall in love. Some friends reach out and save him from himself, which is really awesome. Jake’s a good guy, and he’s had it rough for a long time, even before his injury. That said, getting help he wants isn’t the easiest for a man whose mother controls so much power. The resolution was very sweet, and the reunion extra spicy. Lincoln bedroom anyone?

For a New Adult romance these two have tons of baggage, but they are strong enough to heft it well. Expect hard truths, dirty talk, sex-filled moments, broken dining tables, and one unsexy incident with mashed potatoes. Also, an HEA.

Interested? You can find BEDMATES on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and BAM.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $50 Amazon GC.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

NicholeChaseAbout the Author:
Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

You can catch up with Nichole on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

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Antebellum Heat LOVE ME CRAZY–Review and Giveaway!

love-me-crazy-bt-banHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a New Adult contemporary romance from Camden Leigh. LOVE ME CRAZY unites two people who found the strength to rebel against their parents’ plans.

Check out the cool gift card and swag giveaway below!

love-me-crazyAbout the book:
“We’re broken in the most screwed-up perfect way. It was inevitable we’d end up together.”
Cassidy Beck is focused on one thing, and one thing only: planning the Southern wedding of the century in Lucas Hill, South Carolina. Fresh from a tragic breakup, Cassidy’s not in the mood for any distractions. But when antebellum hottie Quinn Covington arrives in all his sexy, tattooed glory, he might prove to be the biggest distraction of them all.

MIA ever since his father’s death, Quinn doesn’t plan to stay any longer than it takes to start his dad’s vintage truck. But the sight of Cassidy trying to fend off his family’s pet turkey sends him for a loop. Red-haired and fierce, she’s just as broken as he is. But even though Cassidy’s past makes her the only one able to understand Quinn’s own scars, they also make her wary. After all, how can she trust him with her heart when everyone else she’s ever given it to has thrown it away?

Sexy, heart-wrenching, and full of Southern charm, this new contemporary romance from Camden Leigh shows just what happens when two people who are perfectly broken end up piecing each other back together.

My Review:
Cassidy is a girl who wants to live her own life. She’s a math whiz, but really wants to focus on her true passion: art, which is why she refuses her college tuition and Boston Blue Blood role, instead going to art school. To help pay for expenses, she takes a paid internship in event management, and her first client is her prim boss’ daughter’s wedding. In Lucas Hill, South Carolina. While staying in Covington Manor, Cassidy is swept off her feet by Quinn Covington–prodigal son who only returned to retrieve his late father’s vintage truck.

Quinn feels as if he’s responsible for his father’s death. If daddy hadn’t been overwrought because Quinn wanted to study photography, he never would’ve died, right? Plus this provincial Lucas Hill life is not what he wants. He likes to be out and about, catching the latest image on his camera, not tied to a home or the family he let down five years ago. Cassie’s the only glitch. She’s a girl with a spine, and the only woman he’s ever seen stand up to his formidable mother. The way Cassie takes care of his younger sisters–makes Ellie’s wishy-washy dreams a reality and calms Kat’s fiery temper. It’s what he should have done, and he’s drawn back into the home he fled, if only to stay near Cassie.

This is a New Adult romance that gets hot before it gets sweet. Cassidy’s got issues, because her life has often been dictated to her. She’s standing on her own feet, now, and trying to make a success of herself on her own terms. That’s admirable. A deep betrayal from a former fiance has left her little interest in love, though she does enjoy sex, and Quinn is a sexy-sexy beast. He’s willing to let her call the shots, to a point. If he can’t tie that girl down, her desire to please his sisters is a strong lasso. Even though it upsets Mrs. Covington greatly.

I liked the story, though I felt the situation was a little “old” for the character’s ages. They are in their early twenties, and Quinn is mighty settled in a career it seems. That felt off; at 23 most people are barely getting started–like Cassie. Also, I couldn’t understand why the Covingtons live in the fab plantation house, but their mother is never, ever, there. The youngest child, Kat, is only 17. So, why is she left to her own devices so much? There were hints to a housestaff, but I never saw them on the page… I’m sure there’s another book coming with Kat and Wes, two college freshmen, and I’m wondering how that will all work–the friends-to-lovers angle. That said, the pacing of this book seemed slow to me, and I wasn’t really grabbed until the second half. That’s when all the manipulations and hinted truths began to be presented and unraveled. Before then it seems a lot of youthful angst and moaning about goals and dreams not coming true.

Interested? You can find LOVE ME CRAZY on Goodreads, Bloomsbury Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Google Play.

****GIVEAWAY****

lmc-giveawayClick on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a great prize pack including a scarf, journal poster and gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

camden-leighAbout the Author:
Camden Leigh is a sucker for first kisses, first hook-ups and anything that adds the unforgettable first sparks of love–humor, seduction, hot-n-sexy bods, angsty determination…what have you!

Her stories expose the real dirt, grime and grit that befalls a seemingly perfect relationship, the heartache as a result, and the growth, perseverance and strength it takes to make flaws work for her characters. She wants her characters to experience love that wraps around their hearts, turns them into sizzling flames and results in a grand finale of fireworks.

When Camden isn’t writing, she’s either crafting, flicking through images of gorgeous paper, saturated palettes or…um, lip-lickin’ washboard abs. When feeling guilty, she attempts to keep up with her energetic kiddos by beach combing, kayaking, golfing (can it really be called golfing if a seven-year-old beats you?) or being that crazy person at a concert. Her addictions: chocolate covered raspberries, real southern sweet tea (not the fake stuff with the sugar crystals hanging out in the bottom of the cup), her pups and pretty paper she’ll never use.

Catch up with Camden on twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads and Pinterest.

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