adult contemporary

At What Cost For FAMILY JEWELS–A Review for Joyfully Jay

Hi there! Playing a bit of catch-up shouting out my review for MJ O’Shea’s FAMILY JEWELS. I am a total swooner for Brit men, and especially the underdog. This book has a bit of both. It features an Interpol art crimes inspector and the thief who steals his heart!

Family JewelsAbout the book:

Corbin Ford, aka the Nightwatchman, named for the antique pocket watches he leaves behind at jobs, has been in the cat-burgling business for years. His father was. His grandfather was. His mother is still one of the most renowned thieves. Corbin likes his high-profile heists, priceless paintings from private collections, artifacts from museums, but his favorite? Jewels. Sparkly, beautiful jewels. If they’re famous, better yet.

Interpol agent Luke Eldridge has one goal and one goal only: to catch the Nightwatchman. Luke’s been after him for months, but getting the slip time and again is getting embarrassing. Luke has never even laid eyes on the bastard, but he’d happily strangle him. And then arrest him.

When Luke meets Corbin, the man of his dreams, he falls hard and fast… only to catch Corbin red-handed with his hand in a jewelry case at the scene of the highest-profile murder that’s rocked the international world in years.

I really enjoyed the tension that built between Luke and Corbin. They had some real chemistry. Plus, they made themselves so vulnerable. They are together for several months before the inevitable happens–long enough to know their relationship is real, and worth fighting for. Even when Luke knows all about Corbin, he’s torn between duty and his heart’s desire.

You can check out my entire review over on Joyfully Jay.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

DINNER AT FIORELLO’S Is Delicious–my review on Joyfully Jay

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my love for Rick R. Reed’s contemporary M/M romance DINNER AT FIORELLO’S over on Joyfully Jay’s Book Reviews. This was an especially tender romance between a new-graduated high school boy, Henry, and an executive chef, Vito, who doesn’t want to fall in love.

I had previously enjoyed Reed’s LEGALLY WED, and was anxious to read more of his work. I was just as charmed as before with his characters and the lush setting descriptions. As a native Chicagoan I could see my hometown in the pages, with startling clarity. I, too, sweated along with Henry on sultry walks and sweating ‘L’ rides. I’ve had his same sun-baked feet too exhausted to go forward. I haven’t had his sudden lack of home and family, but Henry never squawks. He’s determined to make his life his own, even when the convenience he’s had growing up is suddenly yanked away.

imageAbout the book:
Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.

Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking. When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more—something real, something true—to separate the good from the bad and find the love—and the hope—that just might be their salvation.

You can find my full review on joyfully Jay.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

LOVE, EXES AND OHS–Review & Excerpt

LEObannerHi there! Today I’m sharing my review of Violet Duke’s contemporary romance LOVE, EXES AND OH’S which is a sweet reconnection/friends-to-lovers romance between Xoey and Isaac. While this is part of the Cactus Creek novel series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Love, Exes, and Ohs (Cactus Creek, #4)About the Book:
He may very well be the perfect ex…
Isaac McKnight has had enough loss in his life to know never to take anything for granted. So when the perfectly-imperfect-woman-for-him puts an end to their relationship out of the blue, it’s Isaac that makes sure they remain friends. Now a year later, whether it’s at his gym or her brewpub, or the dog park they visit every weekend–though neither of them own a dog–he and Xoey are steadily getting sucked deeper into buddy-zone galaxy, with its dangerous proximity to watch-me-settle-down-with-someone-else abyss. It’s a reality he’s resigned himself to. That is…until one drunken confession changes everything.

But she’s looking for the perfect oh…
For Xoey Montenegro, history has taught her that sometimes, it’s Prince Charming who vanishes without a trace. And fairytale love? Highly overrated. Heck, give her a real and perfect ‘oh’ over that fantasy any day. So as far as rock-solid tequila-fueled plans for her love life go, coming up with a match-finding formula based on the qualities of the men responsible for her three most epic ohs seems brilliant. Except for the fact that one-third of her genius little man-quation is all about her friend Isaac. Actually, more than a third if Xoey were being honest with herself–which she’s not. Because full honesty would require thinking not just about how perfect Isaac really is, but also about how perfect the fourth epic oh she’s kept buried deep in her past once was.

An easy enough thing to keep ignoring…until her past isn’t past tense anymore.

How about a little taste?

“The man ate his Caesar salad with a knife and fork, Isaac.”

Isaac McKnight tried—really tried—not to grin over that one but he was wholly unsuccessful. “I’m sure that’s not nearly as pretentious as it probably looked,” he reasoned graciously, before adding without any remorse whatsoever, “Or maybe the good doctor has been hiding a really small mouth under that bushy beard, and he needs to take dainty little bites.”
Yep, just call him Saint Isaac, Patron of Grace.

Xoey’s immediate burst of laughter over the phone line, which neither confirmed nor denied his guess, instantly had Isaac wondering which of her killer smiles she was wearing right now. He’d bet good money it was the one that lit up those deep mahogany-rich bedroom eyes of hers with pure mischief—the one that hinted her own thoughts were at least twice as sinful as anyone else’s in the room. And three times as unapologetic.

God, he loved that smile. For a few quality seconds with that smile, he’d gladly pony up with all the zingers he’d been storing regarding her most recent Mr. Wrong. But he managed to restrain himself. The last thing Isaac needed was to give karma more reasons to run his ass over.

He was, after all, one of Xoey’s Mr. Wrongs as well.

The reminder was an effective buzzkill that silenced the ticker tape parade that had been playing in his head all morning over Xoey’s latest love life development…an extraordinary showing of self-control for him that lasted a whole ten seconds. Maybe eleven.

A personal best.

With that new shoulder-patting record under his belt, he was already reaching up to switch the phone call over to his truck’s Bluetooth so he could listen to Xoey’s deal-breaking grievances from her date last night the way it was truly meant to be heard.

In stereo.

What could he say? The woman brought out all his ruthless, miserable-sonofabitch possessive tendencies. As far as he was concerned, hearing Xoey’s throaty voice take over his truck’s speakers with a list of reasons why the ‘third date’ she’d gone out on last night would in fact not be resulting in a fourth date—aka sex—with the pharmacist she’d met a few weeks back? Grammy-worthy music to his ears.

He simply didn’t see himself evolving any time soon.

My Review:
This is the 4th book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Xoey’s had some hard times, but she’s worked hard and now serves as the part-owner of Ocotillo’s, a brewpub she manages with the other owner, and her good friend, Dani. Xoey wants to find Mr. Right, and has searched for him for the past decade–ever since her first Mr. Wrong, a one-night stand who left Xoey considerably worse for the wear.

Isaac is Xoey’s ex. She’s collected a lot of them on her search for Mr. Right, yet Isaac’s the only one who’s stuck around to be a friend, too. In fact, he’s a very close friend to Xoey, and he’d like to be more.

They share a lot of close times, but no physicality ever since Xoey broke it off. She’s got some pretty romantic ideas about Mr. Right, and Isaac just missed the mark. Still, over the course of the year he’s been a great friend and confidante, and she’s attracted to him. Now, however, she doesn’t want to risk their friendship. So all her girlfriends make a plan to set her up with potential Mr. Right blind dates–and they sorta sabotage them….so Xoey can see that the best man in her life is the man who’s been the caretaker of her heart: Isaac.

Trouble erupts unexpectedly, however, and Xoey becomes the temporary guardian of a child she never intended to care for–with Isaac right by her side. They make a great team, until Isaac gets a wake-up call, and Xoey breaks it all off, again.

This is a fun contemporary friends-to-lovers story with a twist I didn’t see coming–probably because it bent the line of coincidence way out of proportion. Excepting that, however, I liked it. Somewhat breezy, and a quick read. A bit of a steamer, too.

Interested? You can find LOVE EXES AND OHS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Google, and Kobo.

Violet DukeAbout the Author:
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. Her NYT and USA Today bestselling books have been Top 10 bestsellers across the major eretailers both in the US and internationally. When she’s not writing or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days getting into creatively fun trouble in Hawai’i alongside her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband.

You can catch up with Violet on her website and twitter. Find the latest on her books and fan giveaways on her Facebook page.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Getting Over it With a TOY BOY–A Review

Hi there! Today, I’m featuring a review of a contemporary romance from Lily Harlem. TOY BOY is a touching story about an inadvertent cougar and the younger man with whom she falls in love.

Toy BoyAbout the book:
Getting something unexpected can be a shock, but it can also be a wonderful treat, if you allow yourself to indulge, that is.

Kay is bubbling with excitement. She’s booked a sailing holiday of a lifetime in Greece with a man she’s fallen for hook, line and sinker. They met on the Internet. She’s from Oxford, he’s from Washington State. She’s a business lecturer, he runs his own successful business.

They’re perfect for each other, and she can’t wait to meet him and spend time in and out of his bed, allowing him to seduce her for real and not just with softly spoken words over the telephone.

But when she arrives in the idyllic port of Fiscardo, she’s in for a shock. There’s a reason Sullivan’s photographs were grainy, and it’s not because he’s sporting a potbelly or balding as she’d suspected. It’s because he’s over a decade younger than her and could rival any Greek god in the looks department. What’s more, his sex appeal and lust for her is off the scale.

Should Kay take what she can with her ‘toy boy’ and have some fun in the sun or hop on the first plane back to England? It’s a tricky decision for a woman who believed she couldn’t be surprised by life anymore.

My Review:
Oh! The INTERNET!!!

Kay is a 42 y/o widow who has been having an online relationship with Sullivan, a man she thinks is her perfect match. They are both successful people–she’s a business management prof at Oxford, and he owns his own company in Washington State. They have spent countless hours online and on the phone revealing their hearts and souls to each other, and Sullivan has finally convinced Kay to meet him in person, in Greece, for a week-long holiday on a sailboat. Just the two of them.

She is beyond excited to share air with this man who has her fragile heart in his palm. But, the Internet strikes!

See, Kay has only seen Sullivan’s picture once in all the months they have chatted, and it was not the best pic. It was grainy and Sullivan was all covered in his winter garb. She’s a bit nervous that he might not be representing himself honestly, but she’s in love with the MAN, not his face, right? He could be balding under that winter beanie, or hiding a paunch under his navy parka, but that’s okay because he is her soulmate.

She’s so shattered when he steps off the boat to greet her. No! NONONONONO! How? Who?

Sullivan isn’t balding, our paunchy. He doesn’t have any horrible scarring or facial piercings. He’s actually stunning. And he’s 28 years old.

Devastated by his shell game, Kay wants to return to Oxford, with haste, but she’s in Greece and has no immediate resources–again the Internet FAILS her, with no service in this remote port and the travel agencies having closed for the evening. With nowhere to stay Sullivan, who’s pretty broken over Kay’s complete refusal to entertain any discourse regarding his age and her uninvited cougar status, convinces Kay to sleep in the boat’s cabin for the night. And then, he sets sail at daybreak effectively shanghai-ing her back into her planned vacation.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS.

I had a lot of trepidation over Sullivan’s shadiness, but his desperation to win Kay over was as forthright as it comes. He never expected she’d be so put off by his age, and he craves her wisdom and steadfastness–she’s a well-settled woman who doesn’t need his money and isn’t looking for a meal ticket. She’s smart and they have fascinating conversations. Sullivan is convinced they will be happy together, if only Kay will give him he opportunity to prove it.

I was so glad she did. The emotional back-and-forth Kay puts herself through is pretty enlightening, and speaks volumes about society’s mores regarding partnerships where a large (in this case 14 years) age difference exists, and the double-standard of that regarding older women. Truth is, I was enchanted by Sullivan, and it took Kay less than 24 hours to recognize that, truly, she fell in love with the man–not his age. The HEA is spectacular, and the sexytimes are as delish as the descriptions of beautiful Greece and its delectable cuisine. Yum.

Interested? You can find TOY BOY on Goodreads, Totally Bound, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including Ellora’s Cave, HarperCollins, Totally Bound, Xcite and Sweetmeats Press. Her HOT ICE series regularly receives high praise and industry nominations.

Before turning her hand to writing Lily Harlem worked as a trauma nurse and her latest HarperCollins release, Confessions of a Naughty Night Nurse, draws on her many experiences while nursing in London. Lily also self-publishes and The Glass Knot, The Silk Tie, Breathe You In (USA Today Reviewer’s Recommended Read of 2013) and Scored have been blessed with many 5* reviews since their release.

Lily also co-authors with Natalie Dae and publishes under the name Harlem Dae – check out the Sexy as Hell Box Set Trilogy available exclusively on Amazon – The Novice, The Player and The Vixen – and That Filthy Book which has been hailed as a novel ‘every woman should read’.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy. Enjoy!

You can catch Lily on her website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Author Page, Pinterest. She’s also got a newsletter, Goodreads and Google +.

Check out her blogs on Raw Talent, BritBabes, and Hockey Romance!

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!
 

Creating Love With The WEDDING FAVORS–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for Anne Tenino’s WEDDING FAVORS, a contemporary M/M romance. I’ve fallen for the Bluewater Bay series,which has been pretty interesting.

Wedding Favors (Bluewater Bay, #7)About the book:

Lucas Wilder’s best friend is a traitor. First, Audrey moved back to their hick-infested hometown, Bluewater Bay, and now she’s marrying a local. His own brother, in fact. And as her Man of Honor, Lucas gets coerced into returning for an extended stay. Although, between his unfaithful ex-boyfriend and his artist’s block, going home isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Even if the Best Man is Gabriel Savage, Lucas’s first crush, first hookup, and first heartbreak.

The only reason Gabe hasn’t been waiting for Lucas to return to Bluewater Bay is because he never thought it’d happen. Not that it matters now that Lucas is back—Gabe’s still a logger who’s never been anywhere (Canada doesn’t count), and Lucas is now a famous sculptor who’s been everywhere twice. Plus, there’s that shared past.

When Audrey asks Lucas to make her wedding favors, the only place to set up a kiln is at Gabe’s tree farm. Soon, they pick up where they left off twelve years before, then blow past it, discovering why neither of them forgot the other. Now they have to choose how much of their history they’ll repeat, and what future they’ll make together.

My Review:

4.5 stars for this reconnection M/M romance. This is part of the larger Bluewater Bay series, but can be read as a standalone.

Lucas has just finished moving his belongings out from the home/studio he shared with his long-time boyfriend in LA when his BFF, Audrey, calls from Bluewater Bay to tell him not only is she getting married in 6 weeks, but also that she’s marrying his brother, Zach. Lucas is not ecstatic–he loves Audrey, but he hates their hometown, and doesn’t want to return for the nuptials. And he’s especially frustrated to learn that Audrey wants him to be her Man of Honor…so his brother’s Best Man is none other that Gabe Savage, the boy who broke him 12 years ago.

Gabe Savage has carried a torch for Lucas Wilder ever since high school. He loved him, secretly, but never owned it because he knew even then that Lucas was meant for the big wide world–he was a promising artist in school and had been accepted to college states away. Meanwhile, Gabe knew the only place he’d ever live was on his 5th generation family tree farm. Gabe took one forbidden taste of Lucas back then, and learning that Lucas is coming home for the wedding kindles a hope for…more.

Lucas, unfortunately doesn’t harbor any warm, fuzzy feelings for Gabe. He sees, instead, the person who touched him once–he thinks for sport. Gabe wasn’t particularly adept at expressing himself (this hasn’t changed) and made it clear all those years ago that Gabe and Lucas was just a “one off” leaving Lucas feeling foolish and used, and more than eager to flee Bluewater Bay. Gabe was afraid Lucas would stay for him, back then, and it would ruin Lucas’ chances, but he never intended to hurt Lucas for real. Now that they see each other at all the wedding-related events Gabe has a chance to explain; Lucas isn’t thrilled, but he does admit that he may have let that sour memory sit too long.

Working on sculptures for Audrey’s wedding favors requires Lucas to spend time out at Gabe’s farm–where the is plenty of wood, space and, yes, horse manure to power Lucas’ kiln. He’s also inspired by Gabe, who is ever-present and ever-helpful. I really loved how they worked hard to talk this time around. Sturdy Gabe is a taskmaster, which is very much appreciated by Lucas–who has a bit of a humiliation kink. Their romance is really excellent. They have a true affection growing, and are bashful of the repercussions: Lucas is only supposed to stay until the wedding, but he’d consider staying longer if Gabe asked. Gabe wants, with his whole heart, for Lucas to stay, but he’d never ask–he won’t clip Lucas’ wings. On the flipside, the podunk town Lucas hated is better seen with his older, more experienced eyes. Bluewater Bay has developed some in all the years and it’s not long before Lucas imagines himself staying…or at least settling not far away and visiting Gabe….often.

The whole second half is a delicious ramp up to an HEA ending that has all the right feels. There’s a little bit of domination, but it’s never the focus of the lovemaking. Lucas is kinda endearingly odd, as a person, falling into artistic fugues and getting consumed by his vision for hours on end, but his genuine appreciation of Gabe as a man–from the heady rush of body hair, to loving his body scents and firm musculature, was something I could really appreciate. 😉

Gabe was so loving and tender, having the deepest affection and yet being willing to sacrifice it for Lucas’ best interest. I could have smooched him longtime.

There’s a little bit of angst, but it’s downplayed. This book is a smooth ride and a feel-good for any type of day.

Interested? You can find WEDDING FAVORS on Goodreads, Riptide Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance. I received a review copy courtesy of NetGalley.

About the Author:

Raised on a steady media diet of Monty Python, classical music and the visual arts, Anne Tenino rocked the mental health world when she was the first patient diagnosed with Compulsive Romantic Disorder. Since that day, with her trusty psychiatrist by her side, Anne has taken on conquering the M/M world through therapeutic writing. Finding out who those guys having sex in her head are and what to do with them has been extremely liberating.

Anne’s husband finds it liberating as well, although in a somewhat different way. He has accepted her need for “research”, and looks forward to the benefits said research affords him. He thinks it’s kind of cool she manages to write, as well. Her two daughters are mildly confused by Anne’s need to twist Ken dolls into odd positions. They were raised to be open-minded children, however, and other than occasionally stealing Ken1’s strap-on, they let Mom do her thing without interference.

Anne’s thing is writing gay romance and erotica.

Wondering what Anne does in her spare time? Mostly she lies on the couch, eats bonbons and shirks housework.

Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her website, Facebook or twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

All About BLOWING OFF STEAM–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for BLOWING OFF STEAM, a contemporary M/M romance that features an awkward trainspotter and a reformed playboy. Joy Lynn Fielding has written a truly delicious romance that celebrates all the best in geekery and do-overs.

Blowing Off SteamAbout the Book:
Two guys, a train, and lots of steam.

Sam Chancellor has been in love with the steam engine Old Bess since he was six years old. Well, maybe not literally, but even when he’s lost everything else in his life, he’s always had her. But now her place in his heart has been unexpectedly challenged. Her new driver, Ryan Saunders, is the embodiment of all Sam’s fantasies.

Ryan has written off Sam as just another geeky trainspotter—until the moment Ryan sees him without his usual shapeless hoodie, and realizes that for a nerd, Sam’s pretty built.

When Ryan overlooks Sam’s awkwardness long enough to suggest a hook-up, Sam seizes the opportunity—and Ryan—with both very eager hands. Finding common ground in their shared love of Bess, their time together is better than Sam ever dared dream.

But there’s a reason Ryan never talks about his past. And when Ryan’s job is threatened, Sam’s well-meaning intervention puts both Ryan and Bess in deadly danger.

Product Warnings: Contains train geekery, bed-hogging, a hero with no experience and another with plenty to spare, and a spider called Mabel.

My Review:
Sam is a small-town man, living alone in his late great-uncle’s home in Cardyle. He has always been awkward and not had many friends–growing up a scrawny gay orphan who loves trains did not engender many personal friendships, though he is very well-known in the local and online trainspotting community. Not long ago, Sam spotted something else of interest: Ryan Saunders, the new driver of Old Bess, the prized steam locomotive of Cardyle.

Ryan Saunders has been a flamboyant playboy most of his life. He’s run his wealthy father ragged, and is now under strict orders to not seek any contact or else his monthly allowance will be cut off. This isn’t ideal when he new boss insists Ryan speak to his father for a large endowment to Old Bess’s Trust–or else Ryan can just move on to another job.

Ryan is frustrated over his situation, and takes solace in picking up the geeky but earnest Sam one night after work. Sam is an exuberant, if completely inexperienced lover, and this has a peculiar effect on jaded Ryan. They begin to discuss Ryan’s trouble at work, and Sam is outraged. His attempt to fix the situation pulls up some really disastrous information, the kind that puts more than Ryan’s job security on the line. I really enjoyed the tension here–I didn’t know how or what form the attacks would come, but I was sure that Ryan, and perhaps Sam, was in life-threatening danger which really added a whole different dimension to the story. What I expected would be a wrongful termination suit, or perhaps a botched blackmail scheme, turned out some much more harrowing! I loved it.

I also loved the tenderness that developed between Ryan and Sam. It was entirely sweet, and funny, too. Poor Sam and his pet garden spider! Ryan certainly had no love for Mabel/Shelob. He did, however, have love for Sam, so I guess all was as it should be. As a Yankee, I swoon for British men, and the manner in which they treat themselves. From disparaging each others’ tea strength to the side-eyes they gave over train configuration, I adored every moment of Sam and Ryan together.

This book has a crazy-good amount of sexytimes, though not all of it is described in gritty detail. The scenes were often emotionally present, and that was charming, and sexy, too. As a mother of boys, I get the train fascination and I really enjoyed the trainy details. It was heartwarming to see such a stodgy experience, trainspotting and steam locomotives, brought into contemporary life. And, really, I can’t help loving when a geeky guy lands a sexy keeper. Both Ryan and Sam are essentially alone in the world, and they find such companionship with each other I was rooting for them all the way.

Interested? You can find BLOWING OFF STEAM on Goodreads, Samhain Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the author:

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse-riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).

Joy has a tendency to wax lyrical about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

You can find Joy online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Love Rekindled ONE NIGHT IN CHICAGO–Review and Giveaway

tourbutton_onenightinchicagoHi there! Today I get to share my review for Megan Morgan’s steamy novella ONE NIGHT IN CHICAGO. As you may recall, it’s my hometown, and I just adored how Morgan brought it to life! Plus, this super-sexy story had a couple on the outs who end up with an HEA…my fave! Make sure to scroll down and enter the giveaway for an Amazon gift card.

One Night in ChicagoAbout the book:
Breaking up is hard to do, especially after four years together.

Taylor Middleton, a singer striving for her big break, and her boyfriend Malcolm Darling, a mover and shaker in the music business, have decided to call it quits. Taylor wants to take her onstage persona—Gracie M—to LA, where she hopes bright lights and big dreams await.

But before they break up, the two decide to spend one last night in Chicago, the city where they once shared a passionate, romantic weekend, in hopes of preserving some good memories. In Chicago, Taylor realizes she’s not so sure about taking her talents elsewhere, as Malcolm reminds her why she fell in love—and lust—with him. Taylor may soon discover the right man, like music, can set her free and make all her dreams come true.

How about a little taste:

She bought a shot glass, some postcards, a pen, and a keychain with her name on one side and the Chicago skyline, lit with little lights, on the other.

She dangled the keychain in front of Malcolm’s face. “Come on, this is a work of art. Look at the lights.”

“They’ll burn out in two days.” He batted it. “You’re the worst impulse shopper I’ve ever met.”

“Some of us like to have fun.” She strolled to the windows. “Just because you’re a boring old man doesn’t mean we all have to be.”

“I’m far from boring. I would think after four years you wouldn’t use that word to describe me.”

“You can be overbearing, sometimes.” She pulled her phone out of her purse. “A wet blanket.”

“I’m reasonable. You can be a bit of a child, if we’re gonna go there. Sometimes you don’t think about the consequences before you act. You just jump in.”

“Don’t worry, after tomorrow I won’t be your problem to babysit.”

He sighed. “I don’t think of it as babysitting. I just thought…maybe after four years we learned something from each other. You know, you help me loosen up, I keep you grounded.”

She took a picture out the window with her phone. “I guess not.”

“You don’t think we’ve rubbed off on each other at all?”

She turned and snapped a picture from a different angle. “It doesn’t seem like it, does it? I mean, here we are, still arguing about the same crap.”

“Surely we’re taking something good from this.” Malcolm followed her as she moved along the railing. “It wasn’t all bad, was it?”

She turned to him. “No. But when it was bad, it was really bad. That’s why this is happening.”

“You’re supposed to say I made you a better person.” Forced humor tinged his voice. “That you’ll always be grateful for the things you learned from me.”

She dropped her phone back in her purse. “Is that all you’re concerned about, that I ‘learned’ something from you?”

“No. But I was hoping we changed each other for the better.”

“Are you changed for the better?”

“I am, actually.”

She gazed out the windows, across the vast expanse of water.

“I feel like I’m not the uptight jerk I once was. Like you taught me how to have a little fun.”

“Yet, you’re still a workaholic.”

“It’s my job! Tay, it’s okay to have fun, but you gotta put in some hard work to have good things. You know that better than anyone. You’re gonna have to work hard in California. Your dream will still take time.”

Anger tightened her chest. “I know that.”

“But it’s okay to dream. It’s okay to look forward to the day when everything you want comes to you.”

“If it does, right?” She snorted. “This could all be a losing game. Why, I might be back in New York and in your arms again before the end of the year.”

He turned toward the window, placing his hands on the railing. “I want you to have your dreams. I wouldn’t mind if you were still in my arms.”

My Review:
Taylor is a 20-something lounge singer from Brooklyn whose 40ish boyfriend Malcolm is a talent agent representing bands, not singers. They have been in a committed relationship for four years, but Taylor is planning a move to LA with two friends in order to launch her singing career there. She’s struggled to find her audience in NYC and is looking for a completely fresh start, even leaving Malcolm behind. This came as a surprise for Malcolm, who’d been more than happy with their relationship. As a big goodbye, he whisks her off to Chicago for a last-ditch effort to rekindle their love, the day before she’s due to move to LA.

The story is told from Taylor’s point of view, and she’s feeling nostalgic and melancholy throughout the first half. She and Malcolm had spent a sizzling weekend together in Chicago early in their courtship, and the memories are bittersweet knowing that tomorrow they will separate, for good. Only, it isn’t quite like that.

Not to spoil, but they do reconnect, in all the right and sexy ways. Their relationship difficulties are all small potatoes, and even a cross country move isn’t the death knell Taylor had once considered. It seems that Malcolm was more than willing to make the changes necessary to facilitate her career–and I really enjoyed his more steady and upbeat advice. Taylor admits to being a diva and drama queen–which I attribute to her youth, in deference to Malcolm’s experience.

This is good, sexy read that will keep readers interested and cheering for an HEA.

Interested? You can find ONE NIGHT IN CHICAGO on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Make sure to follow the whole tour—the more posts you visit throughout, the more chances you’ll get to enter the giveaway.
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Good luck! 😉

MMorganAbout the Author:

Megan Morgan is an urban fantasy, romance, and erotica author from Cleveland, Ohio. Bartender by day and purveyor of things that go bump in the night, she’s trying to turn writing into her day job so she can be on the other side of the bar for a change. She’s a member of the RWA and author of the Siren Song urban fantasy series from Kensington Books, as well as numerous other shorter, sexy, smutty works.

You can catch up with Megan online on her website, twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or via email: meganmorganauthor (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Happy Book Birthday to HUNTER!

Hi there! Today I get to share my review for the newest release from indie author Rie Warren. You know I’ve loved her Carolina Bad Boys, (check out my reviews for STONE, LOVE and STEELE) and now she’s spun off a new motorcycle club romance. HUNTER is the guy the spooks call in to clean up their messes. And he’s found the right people to change his life for…

Hunter (Bad Boys of Retribution MC, #1)About the book:
Hunter:
My call-sign is GHOST. My roadname, too. I keep my head down, stay off the grid, fly under the radar. I’m the rough, gruff, good guy who does bad things for pay.

JB is my most recent mistake. The MC babe is innocence wrapped up in a rockin’ body. Don’t get me wrong, she has a wicked side, too. She’s kickass in bed, when we make it that far. But she’s the ultimate wholesome good girl, and I don’t want to dirty her up.

Hey, no one said life was all fun and games, right?

JB:
Good girl? I prefer to think of myself as a rebellious hellion. I live my life like I ride my bike: carefree, in your face, and full throttle. My soft side? Well, that’s reserved for my job.

I’m not looking for love, and I certainly don’t need any relationship complications. Too bad complicated is the only way Hunter comes.

He’s a quiet, deadly storm. He prowls. He hunts me. He wants me. He’s sexy, sinful . . . secretive. Hunter will turn my life inside out no thanks to his dangerous past about to come back and bite us both in the ass.

Who’s gonna save us now?

Warning: Graphic sex, graphic action, graphic language. Triple X caution.

My Review:
We’re all friends here; you can admit to licking the cover of this book. 😉

This is the first book in a spin-off series, but I’m happy to report that it’s fully-readable as a standalone. There’s not a lot of jabbering explaining past book events or persons, which is also awesome. I love when I can just hop into a whole new world with only minimal introduction.

Hunter “Ghost” Sexton is a part-time liaison to the Mt. Pleasant Police, now on furlough from his government mercenary job. His last big mission went sideways, resulting in a lot of dead specialists and one escaped drug lord. Hunter is always on guard against the creeps finding out about his little boy, an adorable 6 y/o named Jack, so he keeps he true last name under wraps, and keeps a low profile.

Still, even a ghost needs lovin’ and he’s really, really attracted to a fellow biker, JB, aka Miss Jessica Barnes, who knows Ghost’s little Jack in the teacherly sense. I loved the banter between these two. JB is no shrinking violet. She rocks a Ducati and corset like the baddest of biker babes, but she’s also tender and smart with a wicked humor.

Ghost learns Jack and JB are being targeted and is ready to sacrifice himself and what does JB do? She smacks some sense into Ghost’s brain. Good girl!

As you can imagine, there’s gonna be an Okay Corral-type showdown–only it happens with a horde of Retribution bikers at Hunter’s back. He’s not only found the woman he never dreamed of, he’s found a real home for the first time. And, this is an erotic romance. So..sexytimes galore. (Can I get an amen?)

(Thanks 31.media.tumblr.com That gif hits my spot. Or something… 😉 )

Interested? You can find HUNTER on Goodreads and Amazon. $.99 for a limited time!
Rie WarrenAbout the Author:
Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is the author of Sugar Daddy and the Don’t Tell series—a breakthrough trilogy that crosses traditional publishing boundaries beginning with In His Command.

She lives in gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina with her small family where she basks in the sunshine during the day, and adjourns to her woman cave at night. A nocturnal creature, she stays up way too late talking to herself, her characters, and anyone who will listen. She’s all about writing with heat, heart, and a hint of the dark, and she doesn’t shy away from the impossible.

Rie’s work has been called “edgy”, “daring”, and “some of the sexiest smut around”.

You can find Rie online Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

For Them, Love Was About TAKE–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for TAKE, a M/M erotic romance by Ella Frank. TRY is the first in the three book series, and you can find my review here. I totally liked it bunches. I’d advise any readers to get the books in order. The series is billed as an erotic romance, and there is nothing less than a whole lotta sex in the first two books. What’s more, however, is a slowly developing love story between a man who never wanted a man, and a man who never wanted to need a man.

Take (Temptation, #2)About the book:
TAKE – verb: to reach for and hold in one’s hands or get into one’s possession, power or control.

Logan Mitchell is a man who’s always been more than happy to take what he wants. It’s a philosophy that’s proven lucrative in both his business and personal life, and never was it more apparent than the night he laid eyes on Tate Morrison. After pulling out all the stops and convincing the sexy bartender to give him a try—he’s hooked.

Now, Logan finds himself in a predicament that demands more from him than a smart-ass answer and his innate ability to walk away when things get too deep. He has a choice to make, and it’ll force him to do something he’s never done before—take a chance.

Tate Morrison knows all about taking a chance. He took the biggest one of his life the night he showed up at Logan’s apartment to explore his unexpected reaction to the man. Ever since then, he’s thought about little else.

At first he was convinced his attraction was based solely on his body’s curiosity. But the more time he spends with the silver-tongued lawyer, the more Tate realizes that their physical chemistry is only the beginning. He’s starting to catch a glimpse of what life with Logan would be like, and it’s one full of excitement and satisfaction—a far cry from what he had in the past with his soon to be ex-wife.

Each man will face their fears as they begin to understand the true meaning of give and take. Their feelings for one another will be tested, as will their very beliefs. But now that they’ve found love where they least expected it, will they be brave enough to reach out and take it?

My Review:
First of all, that’s probably the sexiest cover I’ve ever seen. And I got the paperback of Lady Chatterley’s Lover on my bookshelf. It had better clue you in that this book is SEXY…

We left the last book with Tate outed to his conservative Catholic family and he and Logan discovering how to move forward with their budding romance. Tate had never had a sexual experience with a man, before meeting Logan. Now, he is beginning to understand how he feels about his sexuality, and how satisfied he is with Logan as a partner. He does not particularly find other men attractive, though this is evolving.

The big crisis of the book is dealing with Tate’s homophobic family. It does not go well. In fact, introducing his family to Logan goes spectacularly bad. On the outs, Tate requests some time apart–which drives Logan insane. (Short trip!!) Still, during their week apart, Tate learns that his appreciation for attractive women is not attraction, and he really wants to make a go of things with Logan. Meanwhile, Logan learns that Tate is a good and honest man, someone to whom Logan can finally cleave, unlike his previous relations with others. The book ends with a minor cliffy, but nothing to get bunched up over.

We do get a fair amount of content between Logan and his half-brother Cole. The family dynamics between Logan’s “family” and Tate’s are quite different, and it was really cool seeing their relationship so accepted by their peers.

There is a lot of heartfelt conversation in this book, more so than in the first one. These men are trying to build a relationship, instead of simply taking sexual pleasure. In that regard, the book names are a little mixed-up, IMHO. It’s absolutely smoking hot, and filled with more sex than a gay bar’s bathroom. Expect to be F-bombed back to the Victorian age. I’ve finished the series, so I’ll share my review for TRUST in the coming weeks.

Interested? You can find TAKE on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author: (In her own words…)
I am first and foremost a proud Australian, but currently reside in Texas with my husband. I love to read and write contemporary and erotic romances, but I also like to step outside of the box at times when it comes to telling a story that really speaks to me.

I absolutely adore dessert. I could skip the main meal and head straight to the dessert line every time…especially anything that is covered in caramel. I am a GLEEK (yes I admit it… So? It makes me happy), on the other hand I love Dexter and he makes me happy too, so analyze that!

I love to sing really bad at the top of my lungs, and I often have conversations with myself. Some of my favorite authors include; JR Ward, Tiffany Reisz, Nalini Singh, Lori Foster, Lauren Dane, SJ Frost and many more.

Last but certainly not least, I am the author of The Exquisite Series, Blind Obsession and most recently The Temptation series.

You can find her online on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Out Now! SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL with Giveaway

SFB_BLITZ

Hi there! Today I’m helping celebrate the release of SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Probst. This is the 3rd book in the Searching For series and it is published by Gallery Books. Check out the teaser and giveaway below for a chance to win a necklace and signed book.
JennP_Searching forBeautiful
About the book:
The highly anticipated third novel in the Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA Today), featuring a runaway bride and the man who wants to be more than just her best friend…

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

SFB_Teaser_RELEASE

Interested? You can find SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL on Goodreads, Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , and iTunes.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter link and enter to win a necklace, and signed backlist book from Jennifer Probst.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Jennifer ProbstAbout the Author:
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at http://www.jenniferprobst.com.

You can find Jennifer online on her website, Facebook , Twitter , Goodreads.

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