Five Loves

Wait by A.L. Jackson….Blog Tour & Review

From NYT & USA Today bestselling author comes a new Bleeding Stars stand-alone novel…

She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.

Edie Evans is gorgeous.

Sexy.

Kind.

She’s also the definition of off-limits.

But that didn’t stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.

But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.

The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.

Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.

Austin Stone is dangerous.

Alluring.

Tempting.

He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.

It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.

Our desire is overpowering.
Our need unrelenting.

She is my hope.
He is my weakness.

We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play

How in the hell do I start this review? Where do I begin? A.L. has left me utterly speechless, again.

“He would be my ruin. My utter demise. My chaotic, blissful end.”

A.L. has delivered a story that is emotional, intense, raw and absolutely beautiful. This story holds so much power, you will find yourself savoring every word of this book. Wait is packed full of intense and deep emotions, you will find yourself wrapped up in this book and never wanting it to end.

“The first time I touched you was the first time I breathed.”

Wait is the story of Austin, Baz’s younger brother and Edie, Ash’s younger sister. Austin is a broken soul and one who is bound to destroy everything he loves. Edie is facing her own demons. These two form a bond as young teenagers behind the backs of everyone else. She was his light and he was her safehaven. But an unintentional betrayal tears Edie and Austin apart, leaving them both lost again. Til fate returns.

“Trust. I did. I trusted this broken boy. So I whispered my secret. Offered it to him. To hold it. Protect it. Until the day he crushed it in his hands.”

This story pulled at my heart strings. We get to see the story from both Edie and Austin’s POVs along with flashbacks that bring us to the present. My heart was pulled in every direction reading this story. I didn’t expect to cry so much while reading this book. They were tears of both of joy and sadness.

“When you’re here it doesn’t hurt so bad.”

As I said before, this is an intensely emotional read. One I highly recommend!!

“Shit,” I hissed, bracing myself against the spray of the icy shards pelting from the shower head.

I sucked in a breath, released it between clenched teeth, and forced myself fully under it.

Head dropped and chest heaving as rivers of ice-cold water slicked down my shoulders and back.

But it did nothing to lessen the need. Gave me no sanity or pacification.

Because all I could think about was the girl on the other side of the door.

My girl.

In my bed.

Wearing just her panties and my shirt.

An angel I wanted to dirty.

I always had.

Love was messy like that.

All of my restraint scattered. I gripped my cock. Squeezed the base. My mouth dropped open at the pressure of my hand against my rigid length.

A fool thinking it might be enough.

Shit.

God, I was a bastard, but there was nothing I could do before I was giving in, leaning forward and bracketing my forearm above my head to hold my weight.

Water pounded down on my head and back while I pounded my fist against my dick.

Trying to keep silent when all I wanted was to moan, teeth digging into my bottom lip as I pictured the girl spread out for me.

My breaths were coming short.

Panted and hard.

I gave into imagining the sounds she would make when I finally got to bury myself in her body.

A soft, soft gasp.

I slowed, trying to convince myself that throaty sound was all in my mind.

Just another part of this fantasy.

Until I heard the small thump against the wall.

Shit.

I mashed my eyes closed, like it might hide me.

Conceal the depravity of my actions after I’d just been comforting her hours before.

Heart thrashing, I turned and moved far enough to peek out the small section where the fabric shower curtain hadn’t been drawn fully closed.

It was just a little sliver that left me exposed.

But it was enough. When I peered out, I was looking right at my girl pressed up against the wall.

She stared right back at me.

And I wanted to be horrified, my mind scrambling to conjure every weak apology I could summon. Ready to fucking grovel to keep her from turning and running once again.

Because that’s exactly what I expected her to do.

But her expression…her expression clutched me in the center of the chest and sent what little brain function I had left stampeding south.

Red, lush lips were parted, her hand pressed to her hollow of her throat, pupils dilated so big that her hooded, cerulean eyes appeared black. Needy breaths were coming at me from that sweet mouth like a goddamned freight train.

Desire swelled in the confines of the too-tight room.

Alive.

She pressed deeper into the wall as if it might support her weakened knees. Head rocked back. Thighs squeezing together.

Motherfuck.

My hand shot to the shower wall to steady myself. “Warning you, Edie, you need to get out of here. Right now.”

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installments, WAIT and STAY, coming in 2016.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://bit.ly/NewsFromALJackson or text “jackson” to 96000 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L. Jackson online:www.aljacksonauthor.com

Snapchat: aljacksonauthor

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For Logan by Soraya Naomi….Release Day Blitz & Review

Title: For Logan

Series: Chicago Syndicate #5

Author: Soraya Naomi

Genre: New Adult Mafia Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2016

Blurb

After a lifetime of loss, Logan Wade has no faith in things such as justice. He screws and discards women with ease, and deep down, he doesn’t even know who he is anymore. He’s an agent who’s defecting to the Chicagoan mafia, the Syndicate.However, Logan’s tightly scheduled plans derail when he meets Rosalia Calderone, the mafia counselor’s daughter, who’s ten years younger, reckless, and doesn’t know when to keep quiet. Shrouded under the secrets of her parents, Rosalia has been kept out of mafia business her entire life until unforeseen circumstances thrust her into Logan’s path. As she grows closer to him, Rosalia sees that there’s much more to Logan than what he shows the world. Even though she realizes it’s dangerous to fall for a closed-off man like him, she’s a girl who always follows her heart.What starts as a forced acquaintance turns into an illicit affair where risks are taken and bonds are broken, and Logan and Rosalia learn that love can be disastrous.

Every action has a consequence, and matters of the heart are no exception.

A New Adult Mafia Romance.

A complete standalone.

From Soraya Naomi, Amazon Bestselling Author of For Fallon and For Luca.

Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards 2014 winner of Best Breakout Novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1)

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK

Just when I think Soraya can’t get any better, her next book knocks the last book out of the park! For Logan is edgy, riveting, intense and flat-out enticing!! I couldn’t stop reading once I started.

For Logan is Logan and Rosalia’s story. And it’s one hell of whirlwind story. Just when you think sh*t can’t get any more deeper or condescending with the mafia, Soraya proves you wrong!

“Ultimately, we all lie, cheat, and steal to hold on to moments of happiness. Even people whom we least expect.”

Logan is a CIA agent working with the Chicag Sydicate (mafia). He’s not sworn into the mafia so everything he does is to prove his worth. Rosalia is James’ daughter (former mafia boss) – Yea, that alone makes this a very intense situation.

For anyone who has read the previous books, will really appreciate this book. We get a behind the scenesf what really went down with Dimitri and his Ukrainian Mafia becoming obsolete in the previous book. For those of you who have not (shame on you lol), fear not – you won’t be lost at all, trust me. But after reading this book, you will want to go back and read the rest!!

“I ultimately make the wrong choice, setting in motion a chain of destruction that ruins many lives.”

Soraya really knows how to weave a story of romance and suspense together. She is able to build up the story with the prefect tempo and added tension to keep you gripping the pages. I found myself wanting to know what would happen between Rosa and Logan but also trying to figure out how everything is going to work out.

What made me love this book even more was that with all the suspense, action and holy hot scenes, Soraya threw in scenes that tore at my heart and my tears welled up. She gives you everything in this book!!!

If you want a true mafia book, Soraya is your go-to woman!! She brings it all! If you have never read anything by her before, I urge you try to her. She will knock your socks off!!!

“An America agent, an Italian mob princess and a Ukrainian mafia little prince. We’re a mismatched trio that fit together in ways others can’t understand.”

Prologue

Rosalia

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned,” I confess in the small booth and shut my eyes, causing two tears to roll down my cheeks in regret.

Sometimes we take risks and they don’t play out as we expected, but it’s better to regret something you did do than to regret something you didn’t do. Living with what could’ve been is far worse.

“You haven’t sinned,” a familiar, deep voice comments.

My gaze shoots up to the lattice screen in time to see him exiting the compartment. Then he yanks open my door. I’m met with stormy, sapphire eyes – the color of a cloudless sky – that have haunted my dreams for many nights.

Logan steps forward, but I push him out of the confessional with both of my palms on his hard chest. “Where have you been?” I demand, wiping my tears away angrily.

As my vision clears, I’m astounded by how much he reminds me of the man I fell in love with. His navy dress shirt is tucked into his slacks, showing off his toned torso. Nonetheless, this is the man that is my Heaven and my Hell. My current Hell; but the time we lived in Heaven together isn’t easily forgotten.

He studies me for a long moment, as if I’m a figment of his imagination. Then he runs his fingers through his dirty blonde hair and messes up the strands, making him much too appealing in his anguish.

“Rosa,” he says in a tormented tone. Reaching for me, he cups the back of my head and threads his fingers through my long, black hair.

His sandalwood cologne invades my nostrils and brings back memories that are best left in some dusty corner of my mind. He lowers his forehead to mine, and I clutch his shirt as the passion he incites in me still pumps furiously through my veins. His thumb strokes the dimple on my cheek while we stare at each other.

“I should hate you,” I mumble, confused.

“No. I’ve come to explain.”

“Explain what? You broke my heart and left. Everything’s ruined!”

“I had to leave to set things straight and so that I didn’t get killed in the process, Rosa,” he snarls. Yet, in a softer tone, he adds, “But I had to see if you’re okay.”

We’re standing face-to-face, and as he tilts my head up, I recognize the flame of love in his dark irises. As usual, we lose control the second his mouth slants over mine. He commands my emotions with the heat of his touch. Logan’s lips urge mine apart, guiding me hungrily into his masterful kiss. One large hand covers my ass while he palms my head. On their own accord, my arms wind around his neck. Our teeth clash and our tongues dance in a teasing foray – desperately recapturing a love that others tried to extinguish.

He growls and lifts me up into his arms effortlessly. My jade, knee-length dress rides up my hips when I hook my legs around him before he carries me to the elevated altar of the church, surrounded by devotional statues and lit candles. I’m shoved onto the two-step carpeted stairs in front of the altar while we grind into each other. Logan nips a path up my throat as I gaze up at the painted angels on the dome ceiling. He pulls my lips between his teeth and bites the corner of my mouth.

“I need to fuck you,” he groans huskily, pressing his rock-hard erection against me.

We’re both breathing heavily, forgetting where we are – in the Parish of the Blessed, in the middle of the day, with people inside the sacristy.

This is what he’s done to me. Even after everything, I’m unable to deny him. I’ve chosen to be bad right along with him, and I’m choosing it again.

We’ve always been reckless. We’ve broken a family apart. And now, we’re about to fuck in the church where the wedding will take place in less than twenty-four hours.

Author Bio

I read many genres but favor intense, seductive, and provocative novels where the male character loves fiercely, without remorse or boundaries. I also adore forbidden love tales and have an odd fascination with kidnapping romances. No, I don’t secretly want to be kidnapped, though!

I have a passionate obsession with the written word and indulge in chocolate pastries much too often.

My debut novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1) was released on July 26, 2014. I’m honored that For Fallon won “Best Breakout Novel 2014” in the Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards.

Author Links

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

Giveaway

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Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward…Blog Tour Stop & Review

A sexy STANDALONE friends-to-lovers story that does NOT have to be read in conjunction with any other book.

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aV9V6F

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aUDxny

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M

Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ

Blurb

A STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

My Review:

Neighbor Dearest is the latest work from author Penelope Ward and had me completely hooked from start to finish. With two amazing characters, tons of emotion, and a bit of mystery surrounding out broody hero, this book was the whole package for me.

Penelope Ward is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and Neighbor Dearest was just another example of why I love her writing so much. I adore a good enemies to lovers story and while the enemy part was brief, it was still a great beginning to a relationship that weathers some intense emotions and big obstacles.

Damien and Chelsea were so great together once they overcame their bumpy beginning. Both not ready to have any sort of romantic relationship, Chelsea because of a heartbreaking recent breakup and Damien for reasons he won’t reveal for quite some time, neither one can ignore the growing attraction amidst their budding friendship. What starts out with a fun banter and innocent intentions will turn heated and intense quite quickly and to watch it evolve was so special and beyond delicious. It’s hard to deliver the perfect amount of angst while not overdoing it. Ms. Ward nailed it. I wanted Damien and Chelsea to get together in the worst way but I also was beyond worried as to what secret Damien was keeping, and when we find out? Yowza. Now, I won’t ruin anything for you but I will say when I read it, I was afraid that it really was a relationship deal breaker and Damien wouldn’t be able to move past it and give their romance a chance. Luckily one of the other things Ms. Ward does so well is write some amazing endings and I can assure you, you will LOVE this one!

With so many reasons to love this book, it’s hard to name them all! What I can do is tell you that I devoured this book in one sitting and immediately went onto Ms. Ward’s website to order a signed copy for my space-at-a-premium packed bookshelf so let that me an indication as to how much I loved Damien and Chelsea!

Thank you, Ms. Ward, for another emotionally charged, sexy as hell read!

Excerpt

Penelope Ward

Looking tense, he placed his hands slowly into his pockets as he looked at me. “What exactly happened last night?”

“What are you talking about?”

Nice try dodging the question.

He moved in closer to me. “What am I talking about? You leaving me with a giant fucking basket of muffins and running off before I could even say anything? Ring a bell?”

“I thought you’d be alone. It caught me off guard.”

His eyes softened. “You were upset…”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“You’re a terrible liar, Chelsea. Fucking horrible at it. You don’t hide your feelings very well.”

“You think you know just about everything there is to know about me, don’t you?”

“Not everything. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read you. It’s one of the things I like about you, though. You’re one of the least fake people I’ve ever met.”

“Then, tell me. Why do you think I was upset?”

“Honestly? I think you’re confused about me.”

“Confused…”

“Yes. I think you’re wondering why I opted not to have dinner with you and instead ended up with a woman I’d literally just met, someone who isn’t as sweet as you and sure as fuck isn’t as pretty as you. So, you’re wondering what the hell I was thinking. Am I right?”

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

He continued, “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I do feel a connection with you, okay? If you’ve sensed something, you’re not imagining it.”

“Well, if I wasn’t confused before…now I definitely am.”

“I feel like I need to say this now, because I can’t stand the thought of you thinking that I somehow find you undesirable when it’s exactly the opposite.”

I crossed my arms. “Again. Not following you.”

He closed his eyes as if to try to find the right words. “It’s just that I know for sure that I can’t ever be what someone like you needs in a boyfriend, in a partner. It’s not that we wouldn’t have fun or be great together at first. I’m just not good for you in the long-term—not marriage material. And the reasons are too complex to get into, except to say that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I can’t, in good conscience, start something with a girl like you.”

“A girl like me…”

“Yes. You’re not the kind of girl a guy takes home for a quick fuck. You’re the girl he keeps.”

Right. Just like Elec did.

About the Author:

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Connect with Penelope Ward:

Additional Books by Penelope Ward

RoomHate:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/294lIeT
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PgsvE7

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

kobo: http://bit.ly/1POvSnW

Stuck-Up Suit: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1S3LnpZ

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http://bit.ly/29vrQhV

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/stuck-up-suit

Cocky Bastard: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MvHLg2

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PffE2J

Nook: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

Sins of Sevin:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F9tbc3

iBooks: http://apple.co/1K8mzGg

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

kobo: http://bit.ly/1OaGY3D

Stepbrother Dearest:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mFNMeg

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

iBooks: http://bit.ly/YER0mT

kobo: http://bit.ly/1fJaaBs

Jake Undone (Jake #1):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dJrHBC

Nook: http://bit.ly/1obAwJ6

iBooks: http://apple.co/1fJayQ8

kobo: http://bit.ly/1SPKl0M

My Skylar

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1obOG2F

Nook: http://bit.ly/SLO1qi

iBooks: http://bit.ly/SLNOTR

kobo: http://bit.ly/1kNrtAB

Jake Understood (Jake #2):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GFdves

Nook: http://bit.ly/1FwJC0z

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

kobo: http://bit.ly/1LQ7Fvk

Gemini:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vgk1SE

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

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

kobo: http://bit.ly/1BGJ2wu

GIVEAWAY

$50 Amazon Gift Card

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Twisted Reality by Heidi McLaughlin…Review

Synopsis:

When we left off in Blind Reality, Josh was on bended knee proposing to Joey. The cameras were rolling, and the audience was waiting…

Joshua Wilson never thought he’d get married until the day that he met and married Joey Mitchell on the hit television show Married Blind.

Joey never thought she’d find love… period, especially after her heart was broken. But now that she’s married to her celebrity crush, she’s trying to turn her fairytale into her happily ever after before the wicked witch takes a bit out of her apple.

Now TV’s favorite couple is moving their love affair off camera and trying to build a life around Josh’s Hollywood career while dodging his crazy fans, producers wanting to chronicle their first year of marriage for the public and Jules Maxwell—Josh’s all too famous ex.

But we all know where there’s good, there’s bad. Every relationship has its ups and downs. With the cameras no longer watching their every move, will the love they shared in the house be the same when their lives become a Twisted Reality?

Shannon’s Review:

Let me just start off with saying, WOW! Twisted Reality is the second book in the Blond Reality series and dare I say last?? Please no Heidi! Omg just when you thought the best book in the series was the first, she hits you with the second! I rarely can say that the second book is my favorite in a series because I always fall in love with the first book the most. Twisted Reality was by far just as great as Blind Reality.

Twisted Reality leaves off right where Blind Reality ended, with Josh Wilson on a bended knee asking Joey Mitchell to marry him, again, but the right way. Seriously reading the marriage proposal and the response Joey gives, still at this very moment as I am writing this, gives me tingles.

I am in LOVE and I mean in LOVE with this couple. I found myself rooting for them and even better, riding the roller coaster of their ups and downs right along with them. Joey Mitchell is a strong female character who loves her man and stands by him without compromising who she is. I adore how Heidi McLaughlin gives Joey a smart mouth, strong backbone, but keeps her sweet and humble. Oh and that Joshua Wilson with his devotion to Joey? Gah! Has me swooning still! The sex scenes: amazing, the story: amazing, and the best part was that I could not predict what was going to happen!! Just when I thought I had it figured out, Heidi McLaughlin surprised me! I can not go into detail without spoiling anything but it is by far one of my favorite books hands down! Seriously, you have to stop reading this and download this book!

I mean come on…put my three favorite things: reality tv, a hot actor, and a strong love story, and you got me right there. I read this book allowing my daughters to be on their iPads all day and watch as much tv as they wanted just so I could keep reading this book.

Joey often refers to Josh as “Joshua Freaking Wilson” and I have to say from now on Heidi McLaughlin is “Heidi Freaking McLaughlin” to me. She nailed this book and series!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the author:

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she’s isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Ruthless by Lexi Blake…..Blog Tour & Review

**The first in a sexy contemporary romance series featuring the Lawless siblings—from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.**

The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence…

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without…

Pre-order Now

Amazon | Amazon UK | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Google | Kobo | Print

EARLY REVIEWS FOR RUTHLESS

“Smart, savvy, clever, and always entertaining. That’s true of Riley Lawless, the hero in Ruthless, and likewise for his creator, Lexi Blake. Both are way ahead of the pack.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry

“I love Lexi Blake. Read Ruthless and see why.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Lee Child

With Ruthless, Lexi Blake has set up shop on the intersection of Suspenseful and Sexy, and I never want to leave. ~ Laurelin Paige, New York Times bestselling author

Ruthless is full of suspense, hot sex, and swoon worthy characters — a must read!” ~ New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst

YES! YES! YES! Lexi Blake has done it again!!

Ruthless is the first book in her Lawless series and she definitely delivers a powerful story-line!!

The Lawless family has nothing to lose as they set out on their plan for revenge. Drew, Riley, Bran and Mia have been waiting to bring their parents’ murders to justice. They each have their own place in this plan. But you can never be 100% prepared when you add emotions into the mix.

“If something looks too good to be true, it always is. Always.”

There is so much I want to say about this book but I am so afraid I will give away too much. Lexi has written a very thorough plot with some incredibly strong characters. You have the Lawless family, Hatch, Ellie, Lily, Kyle, Steven and a few others. All of these unique individuals together make for an incredibly interesting cast and add to the hype of the plot.

Drew is the leader of the plan since he is the oldest and has taken care of the younger 3 since he was legally able to. He’s also the most narrow-minded when it comes to the revenge plan. But he’s also very intelligent and ruthless. Riley is the ladies man. He’s a lawyer and knows how to sweet talk himself into (and out) of anything. Bran is the more thoughtful and caring brother. Yet he’s also got a temper on him – one he has problems controlling. And Mia – she’s married to Case. We all know Case & Mia from Lexi Blake’s most recently release book in her Masters and Mercenaries series (definitely another must read series!).

“There was no real loyalty in the world that couldn’t be bought.”

The intensity and tension is thick. The lies, deceit, secrets and manipulation is insane. Lexi has woven together a very intricate and puzzling plot. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there’s another twist, another player in the game. I LOVE IT!!

This book is very much a romantic suspense. The romance is just as hot and steamy as all the drama, thrills and suspense thrown at you. Trust me, you’ll love it. Lexi has put together another amazing series and I look forward to seeing more from these Lawless men.

“Why did you do that?”

It was the first time she’d spoken without being prompted. “Do what?”

Her face flushed the sweetest pink. The color went all the way down that sexy V-neck. Her breasts flushed as well as her face, and it made his damn dick tighten. “Kiss me. Why did you kiss me like that?”

Oh, so many reasons, but he gave her the most compelling one. “I wanted to.”

The minute she’d opened the door and he’d seen her standing there looking anxious, he’d known how to calm her down. All he’d had to do was put his hands on her and some odd connection flared between the two of them. She hadn’t fought him. He could have gone on kissing her. He’d been the one to pull away.

It was like the minute he walked in, he was the only thing that existed for her. It made him feel ten feet tall, but it also made him want to please her.

It was an unsettling sensation.

Her hands came up, fingers on the sides of the table. “You know what I’m asking. You knew I wasn’t alone. Why did you pretend to be my boyfriend?”

It was easy to see she’d wanted him to wait for her at the restaurant so as to avoid him meeting her sister and ex. When she’d opened the door, he’d immediately known something was wrong. He’d gotten a glimpse of her sister and known Ellie had likely needed a hand. It had to be tough on a woman’s ego to lose even a pathetic excuse of a husband to a younger sister.

“You were alone with your sister who slept with your husband. Excuse me. Ex-husband.”

She shook her head. “At the time, we were definitely married. How did you know he was my ex-husband?”

“He took half your net wealth. I’m your lawyer. At this level, a good lawyer is less legal counsel and more war consultant. I can’t properly perform my duties if I don’t know everything about you, including the fact that you tend to have terrible taste in men.”

She frowned. “I haven’t had a ton of boyfriends. I’m not sure what my taste is.”

He really wanted to understand why she’d married that obvious prick. “What attracted you to him? Because from where I was standing, he looked like a dickwad desperate to be twenty-one again.”

She bit into her bottom lip, her eyes glancing away from him. “He wasn’t always like that. I actually met him when he was twenty-one. He was far more mature then.”

He liked her candor. “You were in college?”

“Last year of undergrad. We dated for two years and then it seemed like it was time to get married. We’d moved back here to Manhattan so I could take my place at StratCast. I thought he was going to go to grad school, but he decided on a different path.”

“What path was that?”

A single brow rose over her right eye. “You don’t know?”

Of course he knew. He knew everything. “Are you referring to your ex-husband’s penchant for swinging for the fences? When it comes to investments, that is.”

It was what he liked to call “idiots who funded ridiculous ideas.” They never wanted a simple profit out of their money. They wanted millions and really fucking fast. They swung for the grand slam when all they needed to do was get on base.

It took a true genius to take a single idea and make millions off it. Drew had.

Her shoulders straightened. “He wanted the easy solution. A get-rich-quick scheme. He wasn’t that way at first. At one point he was very intellectual. It’s what attracted me to him. He was curious about the world and liked to discuss everything from politics to social jus- tice to movies we saw. He changed. I didn’t. In some ways, I blame getting involved with me for what happened to him. He got around my father and real wealth and wanted some of his own. When I met him, he wanted to be a professor. He wanted to teach.”

At least he’d gotten her this far. She was talking. Now he needed to get those shoulders down from around her earlobes. For one moment, for that moment when he’d drawn her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers, she’d relaxed against him, given over to him. Her body had softened and she’d leaned into him, and if he’d pressed her, he didn’t know what would have happened. She might have continued kissing him, forgetting all about the other people in the room. He could have cupped her breast, her ass. Put his hands anywhere he liked.

She hadn’t given a damn that they hadn’t been alone. All she’d cared about was him.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #1) by Amanda Bouchet…Review

Synopsis:

Catalia “Cat” Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

My Review:

Well, to say I enjoyed this book would be a wild understatement. I loved it. LOVED it.

A Promise of Fire is the debut book from Amanda Bouchet and the first in a trilogy. It’s a high fantasy romance that will keep you turning pages well into the night. It’s a little bit Game of Thrones, a little bit Percy Jackson, and a whole lot of sexual tension. And I mean, right from the time Cat and Griffin meet. At the circus, no less. But don’t worry—no creepy clowns!

Startled, I tilt my head back and find him looking down at me, his thundercloud eyes shaded by thick, dark lashes. His eyes flare a heated silver, something shockingly possessive roaring to life in his hooded gaze.

Heat sizzles through me, coiling deep in my belly. My lips part on a silent gasp, and his eyes drop to my mouth. Stark hunger hardens his striking features, and an unexpected thrill skims down my spine. The low sound that rumbles out of him is raw, primal, and utterly male. He looks ready to slam his mouth down on mine.

The sexual tension is ramped up until you’re begging the pages to give you what you want. You’ll love Cat. And Griffin. And all the members of his team. Together they’re like a wisecracking, always-have-each-other’s-backs, Dungeons & Dragons version of The Avengers.

I can’t recommend this book enough. I have a digital version and I’ll be buying two physical copies—one for the keeper shelf and one to loan out to everyone I come in contact with.

Five Loves

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon

About the author:

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

Find out more on her website

Worked Up by Tessa Bailey…Review

Synopsis:

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

My Review:

Worked Up is the third book in author Tessa Bailey’s Made in Jersey series and if this is the first you’re hearing of this series, let me tell ya, you are missing out! If you’ve been as obsessed with the series as much as I have been then I’m here to tell you that Duke will rock your world just as much as you knew he would and more!

One of the things I love most about Tessa’s heroes is that lurking under a most often gruff exterior and alpha male traits they always, always, have a soft side and a hugely endearing quality to them. Duke was seriously the biggest shining example out of all of her book men. This big old bear of a man is surly and gruff but melted my heart when he took care of the people he loves. He does it quietly and without any fanfare and if that didn’t make him even more special. Now, he just needed a gal in his life who would appreciate him and the larger than life package he is. Enter Sam…

I’m not sure how Tessa continues to come up with heroines I can’t help but love, but she’s done it again. I usually can find at least one fault in a heroine when I’m reading. Nope, not with Tessa’s book gals. Sam was a shining example of fun, quirky, interesting, kind, and just plain awesome. I loved her humor and I loved her dreams. She’s just a girl trying to make her way in the world and whether it be personally or professionally she’s determined to make it happen.

Together these two were off the charts amazing in so many ways. Of course, in signature Tessa fashion, the chemistry and heat are off the charts but the deeper level these two reached was just so fantastic to read. Both have reason to hold off on a relationship but they also have reason to give this relationship a chance. Of course there are a few stumbles along the way but the ending TOTALLY stole my heart and you can bet I was crying and laughing and an all out emotional mess while reading it…and I loved every second!

Of course, I’ve gotta give special mention to the good/bad jokes and the puns! It made my punny heart sing!

Duke has sure ruled this lady…and it was royally epic! Thank you, Tessa, for another kick ass read!

Five Loves

About the author:

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Visit her website for more info

A Fine Mess by Kelly Siskind….Release Blitz & Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Fine Mess

Author: Kelly Siskind

Series: Over The Top, #2

On Sale: August 2, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Format: eBook

Price: $3.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

Some guys should come with a warning label…

Sawyer West is Mr. One-Night Stand. He doesn’t do relationships or promises or feelings. He’s never cared enough to get involved. Until Lily Roberts. She’s sweet and shy and sexy as sin, and resisting her is testing his self-control. She believes Sawyer can be a better man, and for the first time in his life, he wants to be. But change isn’t easy, and Sawyer would do anything to protect Lily from his past self. Even break his own heart…

EXCERPT

She holds up her new treasure. “Found a good one.” The blue stone in the center of the ring catches the light of a nearby lamp, the thick band decorated with filigree.

“Okay,” I say. “You first.”

She swallows and peeks at me from below her lashes. “There was this man.” Another swallow. “He was a soldier about to be shipped off to war.” She scrapes her teeth over her bottom lip. “He bought this ring but didn’t propose to his girl before he left. He was afraid. He didn’t think he’d do right by her. But he held on to it during every battle, and every horrible night. When he got home and realized he was being foolish”—she looks at me with glassy eyes—“the girl had fallen for someone else.”

Single Lily fights dirty.

My pulse kicks up a notch as I approach her. I stop a foot away and hold out my hand. “The ring, please.”

Trembling slightly, she places it in my palm, her fingers grazing my skin.

“A man,” I say, turning the band over, “proposed to the girl of his dreams with this ring.” I step closer. “He worshipped her. I mean, she was hot as fuck”—eye roll numero cinco—“but they were meant to be, like real soul mates. Then the unthinkable happened.” I shift my feet until there’s barely an inch between us.

Self-control at DEFCON 2.

“What happened?” she whispers.

I grin. “A car fell on her. Freak accident. Dropped from the second story of a parking garage. Nasty mess.” I grab her hand and place the ring on her finger as she mumbles something about my maturity. I knock her toe with mine. “Quiet. I’m not done.” Numero seis. I clear my throat. “Although the man loved his wife more than anything, he pawned the ring. He knew it was special. He hoped the next person to buy it could be as lucky in love as he was.”

That stops the eye rolls.

She looks at the ring, then at me, then back and forth again.

Her lips part. Her chest rises.

Sirens ring: DEFCON 1.

I’m a thrill seeker. Cliff jumping, fast cars, steep slopes—you name it, I love it. The adrenaline rush gives me Spidey-sense, and my pulse shoots from one hundred to 220 in ten seconds flat.

Leaning in to kiss Lily is like skydiving without a chute.

I don’t give her time to turn me down, not a moment for either of us to overthink. Heart in my throat, I taste her lips. Yep, strawberry. She’s soft and tentative, then eager, a whimper escaping when our tongues swipe. I grip her harder and walk until I have her pressed against a table. She tugs my hair. I grab her ass. The next whimper is louder, the sound shredding what’s left of my self-control. I need to hear what other sounds she makes, need to hear her fall apart. Will she chant my name or pray to her maker? Will she scream or groan? Our mouths move faster, hands greedier, my jeans barely containing me. If I don’t stop soon, we’ll be giving these antiques enough stories for another century.

By the time I pull away, she’s swallowed my heart.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Kelly has become another author that I will drop whatever I am doing and read her book as soon as it’s released. And A Fine Mess is perfect proof of why.

A Fine Mess is the second book in her Over The Top series and is the story of Sawyer and Lily. You don’t need to read any of these books in order but it really helps to stay with the overall nature of the story if you do.

Back to the book. Sawyer is Mr. Playboy extraordinaire. But he’s also the laid and funny one of the group. Lily is the shy one with the brilliant designer mind. These two hit it off immediately in the first book and became fast friends, all because Lily has a boyfriend. There is no denying their attraction to one another. These two couldn’t be more different than the other one, except they both have been keeping secrets from family and friends. Secrets that could dampen anything more between them.

I love the characters that Kelly creates. They are so real and authentic, it’s impossible to not be able to relate to them in some way. And one huge thing – they act like the adults they are! They don’t act like teenagers and assume sh*t, they talk it out. I love the banter between Sawyer and Lily – they totally feed off another. It’s amazing.

Kelly really knows how to write her stories. It’s like you’re watching a movie or TV show play out before you. ( I could so easily see this series being a TV show, I really can). I can’t say enough about this book or this series.

I can’t wait to read the next book, which is Raven and Nico’s. These two are going to be like watching a huge fireworks display!

THE OVER THE TOP SERIES

My Perfect Mistake, #1

A Fine Mess, #2

Series page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to open a cheese shop with her husband in Northern Ontario. When she’s not neck deep in cheese or out hiking, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head.

She laughs at her own jokes and has been known to eat her feelings-Gummy Bears heal all. She’s also an incurable romantic, devouring romance novels into the wee hours of the morning.

FOLLOW FOREVER ONLINE

The Summer Games: Out of Bounds by R.S. Grey…..Release Day Blitz & Review

Title: The Summer Games: Out of Bounds

Author: R.S. Grey

Release Date: Aug 1, 2016

I despise Erik Winter.

He’s arrogant and cruel—a man I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy—and by some twisted turn of fate, he’s my new Olympic gymnastics coach.

I’ve had to contend with gruff coaches in the past, but Erik is far worse. His stern demeanor complements a body built for intimidation, and his reprimands come from a mouth so cunning, I know it could strip me of my defenses—if I let it.

Though each of us would love to be rid of the other forever, we are bound to each other by need and necessity. I’m his rising star, his best shot at proving himself to his critics. And without a coach, I have zero chance of winning gold in Rio.

The easiest way forward would be to wave a white flag and make peace with the man I’ll be sharing close quarters with for the foreseeable future, but he is intent on war.

Fine. By. Me.

If he pushes me, I’ll push back harder. If he wants to test me, to play with my head, I’ll show him just how many boundaries I’m willing to cross. Because I know it’s not a choice between winning or warring—not if you can have them both. At the end of it all, I plan on leaving Rio with gold around my neck and his icy heart in the palm of my hand.

Amazon | Goodreads

Let me just say that this is the absolute hottest and sexiest book by Rachel Grey, to date!! HOT DAMN!!!!

Out of Bounds is about the pressures of being an elite gymnast. The time away from your friends and family, the dedication these athletes put into their craft an early age and the sacrifices they make to become the best. Rachel did a phenomenal job of giving us the details and background needed to understand what these gymnasts go through to get this level.

Rachel wrote an intense and amazing story. The plot line is intense by itself but add in the multiple personalities along with the pressure of the Olympic games and you’ve got one hell of a fantastic story! And Rachel delivers it flawlessly!! There isn’t one part of this story that I didn’t love.

Brie is the newest member of the Olympics women’s gymnastics team. She’s been training for the Olympics when shortly before they are to leave for Rio, their coaching team is changed up.

Erik is replacing his father as the head coach of the women’s gymnastics team. He at one point was a gymnast and trained under his father. But he now has his own facility and trains other elite gymnasts.

Brie and Erik immediately start off in fiery moment with some heated words. These two are at each other throats from the get-go and neither relents as training continues. Even going into the Olympics, things haven’t settled down between them. But the intensity between them is beyond hot. They have a love/hate relationship, both in and outside the gym that neither can walk away from, no matter how much they both fight it. And that’s all I am saying about this plot. The secondary characters are just as exciting to read about as Brie and Erik. Molly, Rose, Lexi and even June add their own dimension to this story.

This is by far, my favorite book by Rachel. I can see her growth as an author and love to see her pushing boundaries. She definitely surprised me with this book in many ways and I look forward to see what she bring us next!!

GO BUY THIS BOOK!

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Facebook | Twitter | Instgram | Website | Goodreads

The Angel’s Share by J.R. Ward….Book Excerpt and ARC reviews by Jilly & Courtney

The Angels’s Share releases TODAY!

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward delivers the second novel in her Bourbon Kings series—a sweeping saga of a Southern dynasty struggling to maintain a façade of privilege and prosperity, while secrets and indiscretions threaten its very foundation…

In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior…or the worst of all the sinners?

Jilly’s review:

The Angel’s Share is the second book in author J.R. Ward’s Bourbon Kings series and after becoming addicted to all the dysfunction and duplicity there is within this wealthy family’s walls with the first book, I was dying to get my hands on this next installment. Boy oh boy, it was just as juicy as I dreamed it would be.

Things have reached a bit of a fevered pitch for the Bradford family and big decisions are going to have to be made in this book. Life or death, love or loss, live in the past or move forward with the future kind of decisions. My heart was breaking for more than a few members of the bourbon royalty and I was hoping at least two of them got some sort of resolution and a bit of happiness in their otherwise bleak existence. Of course, when it comes to millions of dollars being at stake, family secrets perilously close to being thrown into the public spotlight, and the possibility of even more loss than some have already suffered, you can bet that there will be no lengths people are willing to go to to keep all of it quiet.

Of course, all of this juicy drama is written by an author I have loved for years. Ms. Ward’s writing is enchanting with rich description, multifaceted characters, and a complex and riveting plot that just gets better and better with each chapter. I love each and every character and love that I have no idea what is coming next while reading. The twists and turns within these pages are simply divine!

I also have to say, that the difference in writing between this series and Ms. Ward’s paranormal work is just so awesome. Both have a very different feel and style to them and both are just as addictive. Really, really well done.

Thank you, Ms. Ward, for another wonderful trip to Kentucky…I cannot wait to see what’s in store for this group next!

Five Loves

Courtney’s Review:

JR Ward does not let us down in the next installment of The Bourbon Kings. And wow, I don’t even know where to begin or how to process all that I just read. I am loving this series and just soaking it all up!!

Everyone expected this to be Edward’s book. However, every character is given their own time in this book. Bombs are dropped. Unexpected people show up and well, lots of shit hits the fan. Their are some growth in the characters and lots of maturing in this book.

And the unexpected plot twists everywhere just shake things up even more. My jaw dropped open a few times and had me going, “Ok, didn’t see that coming.” Ward’s writing draws you in and keeps you vested in the drama going on everywhere.

I love how Ward paints everything with her words. Not just in the details of her descriptions of her characters and the atmosphere – but how quickly she can take you from thinking one thing, to thinking something completely opposite or on a new level altogether.

I can’t wait to see where she takes the next book. I have no idea where this story is going and I’m itching to see what happens to who next and what else Ward throws at us to throw us off our chartered path.

FIVE LOVES

Excerpt:

Toyota trucks were not supposed to go seventy-five miles an hour. Especially when they were ten years old.

At least the driver was wide awake, even though it was four a.m.

Lizzie King had a death grip on the steering wheel, and her foot on the accelerator was actually catching floor as she headed for a rise in the highway.

She had woken up in her bed at her farmhouse alone. Ordinarily, that would have been the status quo, but not anymore, not now that Lane was back in her life. The wealthy playboy and the estate’s gardener had finally gotten their act together, love bonding two unlikelies closer and stronger than the molecules of a diamond.

And she was going to stand by him, no matter what the future held.

After all, it was so much easier to give up extraordinary wealth when you had never known it, never aspired to it—and especially when you had seen behind its glittering curtain to the sad, desolate desert on the far side of the glamour and prestige.

God, the stress Lane was under.

And so out of bed she had gotten. Down the creaking stairs she had gone. And all around her little house’s first floor she had wandered.

When Lizzie had looked outside, she’d discovered his car was missing, the Porsche he drove and parked beside the maple by her front porch nowhere to be seen. And as she had wondered why he had left without telling her, she had begun to worry.

Just a matter of nights since his father had killed himself, only a matter of days since William Baldwine’s body had been found on the far side of the Falls of the Ohio. And ever since then Lane’s face had had a faraway look, his mind churning always with the missing money, the divorce papers he had served on the rapacious Chantal, the status of the household bills, the precarious situation at the Bradford Bourbon Company, his brother Edward’s terrible physical condition, Miss Aurora’s illness.

But he hadn’t said a thing about any of it. His insomnia had been the only sign of the pressure, and that was what scared her. Lane always made an effort to be composed around her, asking her about her work in Easterly’s gardens, rubbing her bad shoulder, making her dinner, usually badly, but who cared. Ever since they had gotten the air cleared between them and had fully recommitted to their relationship, he had all but moved into her farmhouse—and as much as she loved having him with her, she had been waiting for the implosion to occur.

It would almost have been easier if he had been ranting and raving.

And now she feared that time had come—and some sixth sense made her terrified about where he had gone. Easterly, the Bradford Family Estate, was the first place she thought of. Or maybe the Old Site, where his family’s bourbon was still made and stored. Or perhaps Miss Aurora’s Baptist church?

Yes, Lizzie had tried him on his phone. And when the thing had rung on the table on his side of the bed, she hadn’t waited any longer after that. Clothes on. Keys in hand. Out to the truck.

No one else was on I-64 as she headed for the bridge to get across the river, and she kept the gas on even as she crested the hill and hit the decline to the river’s edge on the Indiana side. In response, her old truck picked up even more speed along with a death rattle that shook the wheel and the seat, but the damn Toyota was going to hold it together because she needed it to.

“Lane . . . where are you?”

God, all the times she had asked him how he was and he’d said, “Fine.” All those opportunities to talk that he hadn’t taken her up on. All the glances she’d shot him when he hadn’t been looking her way, all the time her monitoring for signs of cracking or strain. And yet there had been little to no emotion after that one moment they’d had together in the garden, that private, sacred moment when she had sought him out under the blooms of the fruit trees and told him that she’d gotten it wrong about him, that she had misjudged him, that she was prepared to make a pledge to him with the only thing she had: the deed to her farmhouse—which was exactly the kind of asset that could be sold to help pay for the lawyers’ fees as he fought to save his family.

Lane had held her, and told her he loved her—and refused her gift, explaining he was going to fix everything himself, that he was going to somehow find the stolen money, pay back the enormous debt, right the company, resurrect his family’s fortunes.

And she had believed him.

She still did.

But ever since then? He had been both as warm and closed off as a space heater, physically present and completely disengaged at the same time.

Lizzie did not blame him in the slightest.

It was strangely terrifying, however.

Off in the distance, across the river, Charlemont’s business district glowed and twinkled, a false, earthbound galaxy that was a lovely lie, and the bridge that connected the two shores was still lit up in spring green and bright pink for Derby, a preppy rainbow to that promised land. The good news was that there was no traffic, so as soon as Lizzie was on the other side, she could take the River Road exit off the highway, shoot north to Easterly’s hill, and see if his car was parked in front of the mansion.

Then she didn’t know what she was going to do.

The newly constructed bridge had three lanes going in both directions, the concrete median separating east from west tall and broad for safety purposes. There were rows of white lights down the middle, and everything was shiny, not just from the illumination, but a lack of exposure to the elements. Construction had only finished in March, and the first lines of traffic had made the crossing in early April, cutting rush-hour delays down—

Up ahead, parked in what was actually the “slow” lane, was a vehicle that her brain recognized before her eyes properly focused on it.

Lane’s Porsche. It was Lane’s—

Lizzie nailed the brake pedal harder than she’d been pounding the accelerator, and the truck made the transition from full-force forward to full-on stop with the grace of a sofa falling out a second-story window: Everything shuddered and shook, on the verge of structural disintegration, and worse, there was barely any change in velocity, as if her Toyota had worked too hard to gain the speed and wasn’t going to let the momentum go without a fight—

There was a figure on the edge of the bridge. On the very farthest edge of the bridge. On the lip of the bridge over the deadly drop.

“Lane,” she screamed. “Lane!”

Her truck went into a spin, pirouetting such that she had to wrench her head around to keep him in her sights. And she jumped out before the Toyota came to a full stop, leaving the gearshift in neutral, the engine running, the door open in her wake.

“Lane! No! Lane!”

Lizzie pounded across the pavement and surmounted barriers that seemed flimsy, too flimsy, given the distance down to the river.

Lane jerked his head around—

And lost one hold of the rail behind him.

As his grip slipped, shock registered on his face, a flash of surprise . . . that was immediately replaced by horror.

When he fell off into nothing but air.

Lizzie’s mouth could not open wide enough to release her scream.

About the author:

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 15 million novels in print published in 25 different countries around the world. The books in her popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series have held the #1 spot on the New York Times hardcover, mass market, eBook, and combined print/eBook fiction bestseller lists and have debuted in the top 5 on the USA Today bestseller list. Prior to her writing career, Ward worked as a lawyer in Boston and spent many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard’s world-renowned academic medical centers. Ward currently lives with her family in Kentucky where she has learned to enjoy and appreciate all things Southern. Connect with her online at www.jrward.com, Facebook.com/JRWardBooks, and Twitter.com/JRWard1.

The Secret Language of Stones by M.J. Rose…Blog Tour Stop & Review

The Secret Language of Stones
by M.J. Rose

Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Atria Books
Hardcover & eBook; 320 Pages

Series: The Daughters of La Lune, Book Two
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Synopsis:

As World War I rages and the Romanov dynasty reaches its sudden, brutal end, a young jewelry maker discovers love, passion, and her own healing powers in this rich and romantic ghost story, the perfect follow-up to M.J. Rose’s “brilliantly crafted” (Providence Journal) novel The Witch of Painted Sorrows.

Nestled within Paris’s historic Palais Royal is a jewelry store unlike any other. La Fantasie Russie is owned by Pavel Orloff, protÈgÈ to the famous Faberge, and is known by the city’s fashion elite as the place to find the rarest of gemstones and the most unique designs. But war has transformed Paris from a city of style and romance to a place of fear and mourning. In the summer of 1918, places where lovers used to walk, widows now wander alone.

So it is from La Fantasie Russie’s workshop that young, ambitious Opaline Duplessi now spends her time making trench watches for soldiers at the front, as well as mourning jewelry for the mothers, wives, and lovers of those who have fallen. People say that Opaline’s creations are magical. But magic is a word Opaline would rather not use. The concept is too closely associated with her mother Sandrine, who practices the dark arts passed down from their ancestor La Lune, one of sixteenth century Paris’s most famous courtesans.

But Opaline does have a rare gift even she can’t deny, a form of lithomancy that allows her to translate the energy emanating from stones. Certain gemstones, combined with a personal item, such as a lock of hair, enable her to receive messages from beyond the grave. In her mind, she is no mystic, but merely a messenger, giving voice to soldiers who died before they were able to properly express themselves to loved ones. Until one day, one of these fallen soldiers communicates a message directly to her.

So begins a dangerous journey that will take Opaline into the darkest corners of wartime Paris and across the English Channel, where the exiled Romanov dowager empress is waiting to discover the fate of her family. Full of romance, seduction, and a love so powerful it reaches beyond the grave, The Secret Language of Stones is yet another “spellbindingly haunting” (Suspense magazine), “entrancing read that will long be savored” (Library Journal, starred review).

My Review:

The Secret Language of Stones is the second book in author M.J. Rose’s phenomenal The Daughter’s of La Lune series and after falling in love with the first book, I was eager to read this next installment. It’s at this point I tell you how difficult it’s going to be for me to adequately put into words just how much I loved this book and how deeply the story affected me. It was beyond anything I could imagine and holds a spot as one of my top five favorite reads ever.

Opaline’s journey was so incredibly touching and emotional from the very start. She’s a young woman born into a witch’s bloodline, gifted with the ability to speak to the fallen through gemstones. She has learned the art of jewelry making and has an admirable desire to help with the ongoing war by making the soldier’s watches suitable for the battlefield. It’s when doing that work that she learns to use her abilities to read stones to bring grieving mothers or wives or sisters some measure of peace and closure by making a talisman for the grieving family member. Where Opaline can speak one last time to the soldier who has passed on and deliver a final message.

It’s in doing that work where she crosses otherworldly paths with a soldier named Jean Luc. It’s at that moment Opaline’s life changes forever. It’s at that moment that this book went from an engaging read to an all-consuming one I simply could not put down.

Jean Luc had been a journalist before leaving for war and Opaline, along with having private spoken moments with his spirit, reads the weekly columns he wrote. We got to read them along side her and I cannot tell you just how achingly beautiful he wrote and how tender his words were. His entries are written to a fictitious love and he asks her to visit certain places and think of him. When Opaline goes to those sentimental locations it drew so many emotions from me. I was desperate for there to be some way for these two people to be together. I cried a lot of tears just basking in the words they shared and the moments they spent together, yet apart. I have to say, that measure of not knowing how there could possibly be a way for their relationship to work, but hoping beyond hope that there was, made this even more of an all-consuming read for me. Their interactions were so beautiful and touching but also laced with a bit of pain and sorrow. Now, I won’t ruin anything for you, but I will give you a bit of a hint and let you know that I don’t review a book that ends badly so while you will need a box of tissues to get through more than a few parts of this book, you will not be disappointed.

Of course, peppered in with the incredible budding relationship between Jean Luc and Opaline there are possible spies, family duplicity, and a search for hope within the Romanov dynasty. All of that added a wonderful and suspenseful layer to this story that I really enjoyed.

It would be remiss of me to end this review without paying respect to the immense talent Ms. Rose is. I read a lot of books in many different genres and in many different styles. I know that when I sit down with a book written by Ms. Rose it will be an experience, not just a book. I know I will feel what the characters feel, experience all of the sounds, tastes, and smells through the lush and rich descriptions in her writing. It is truly a gift and one I am so thankful Ms. Rose shares with us.

Thank you, Ms. Rose, for another stellar read. I will continue to look forward to more from The Sisters of La Lune and all the magic they share with us.

Five Loves

“A spellbinding ghost story that communicates the power of love and redemption through Rose’s extraordinary, magical lens.” (Alyson Richman, internationally bestselling author of The Lost Wife)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

About the Author

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed.

She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.

Connect with M.J. Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 12
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Review at Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, July 13
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Thursday, July 14
Spotlight at Teddy Rose Book Reviews

Friday, July 15
Review at A Dream within a Dream

Monday, July 18
Review at Oh, f or the Hook of a Book!

Tuesday, July 19
Review at First Impressions Reviews

Wednesday, July 20
Review at Laura’s Interests

Thursday, July 21
Review at Read Love Blog

Friday, July 22
Review at Nerd in New York
Spotlight at I Heart Reading

Monday, July 25
Review at Broken Teepee
Spotlight at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, July 26
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Wednesday, July 27
Interview at First Impressions Reviews

Thursday, July 28
Review at Creating Herstory

Friday, July 29
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Monday, August 1
Review at The Book Junkie Reads

Tuesday, August 2
Interview at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, August 3
Review at Diana’s Book Reviews

Thursday, August 4
Interview at Diana’s Book Reviews

Friday,August 5
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Monday, August 8
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Tuesday, August 9
Review at Worth Getting in Bed For

Wednesday, August 10
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, August 11
Review at Girls Just Reading

Friday, August 12
Review at Dianne Ascroft’s Blog

Monday, August 15
Review at Fangirls Ahead!

Tuesday, August 16
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Review at The True Book Addict