Five Loves

Seduction in Session by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake….Release Event & Review

Privileged, wealthy, and wild: they are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy. But the threat of a scandal has one of them employing his most deceptive—and seductive—talents…

Recruited into the CIA at a young age, Connor Sparks knows how dirty the world can be. Only when he’s with his friends can he find some peace. So when an anonymous journalist threatens one of the Perfect Gentlemen, Connor vows to take down the person behind the computer, by whatever means necessary—even if it means posing as his target’s bodyguard.

Publishing a tabloid revealing Washington’s most subversive scandals has earned Lara Armstrong the ire of the political scene—and a slew of death threats. To keep herself from ending up a headline, Lara hires a bodyguard, a man as handsome as he is lethal.

When the bullets start to fly, Lara is surprised to find herself in Connor’s arms. But as they begin to unravel a mystery that just might bring down the White House, Lara is devastated when she discovers Connor’s true identity—and finds herself at the mercy of forces who will stop at nothing to advance their deadly agenda.

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My Review:

Seduction in Session is the second book in the Perfect Gentleman series by the amazing duo of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake. I am a huge fan of both of these authors and devoured the first book in this new series so I was eager to get my hands on this latest installment. Well, talk about one hell of a ride! This book was phenomenal.

Connor Sparks only knew one family: his brothers in the Perfect Gentlemen. They weren’t his brothers by blood but that had never mattered. He loved them as though they were and the bond he shared with them helped form the man, and CIA operative he was today. Those ties also led him to the problem, and woman, he was dealing with now. The undercover political blogger was threatening one of his brothers and there was no way he would stand for that. What better way to get close to her and stop her than to pose as her bodyguard? Now he just needed to keep his heart as safe as he was keeping her…

Never did Lara Anderson think her blog would put her very life in danger. But after some bullets with her name on them almost reached their target, she had been convinced otherwise. Luckily a close friend had sent a body-guard her way and now she would be kept safe. Or would she? Danger was becoming more and more prevalent and so was her attraction to her brooding and gruff protector.

Two total opposites attract as danger and scandal reach a fevered pitch. Will they have what it takes to make it out alive and turn the attraction they’ve found into something real, even though it started out with lies?

There is seriously so much to love about this book, I don’t even know where to begin! From the very start I was emotionally invested in Connor and his story. The boy he had been broke my heart. The man he now was had me in awe. I just loved him. He is loyal and fights for the right in the world while hiding in the shadows and never letting anyone in to know the real him. I loved his strength and ferocity in which he stands by his friends. He also has a pretty dry sense of humor that had me barking out a few laughs during his internal dialog. He certainly wasn’t a man looking for love. Especially not in the woman he was trying to stop. Too bad the guy didn’t stand the chance against Lara. She was opposite him in almost every way but was also very much the same in others. She also wanted to take a stand for what she believes in and what she thinks is right. She’s quirky and down right lovable.

The push and pull between them was delicious and I knew when they eventually got together it would be ridiculously hot. And, oh boy, was it ever! These two are scorching hot and burned up the pages. Beyond that, when they both finally let their defenses down, and let the truths sink in, it was amazing and the emotion was incredible.

Of course, add the whole mystery still surrounding the Russian mob and a deranged stalker, and this was one hell of an amazing package! I seriously ignored all responsibilities and read it in one sitting. It was THAT good.

Thank you Ms. Black and Ms. Blake, for one hell of a read! I cannot wait to continue with this series and see what’s in store for the next Perfect Gentleman!

Excerpt:

“What belongs to me? Be specific. I want the words.”

“My pussy belongs to you. I belong to you. No matter what I do, I know I belong to you. I love you. I love you so much, Connor.” She poured her heart into those words, willing him to believe her.

“And I belong to you. No matter what I fucking do. You remember that. You take those words and memorize them because no matter what happens, they’re true and they’re going to stay true. I won’t let you take them back. Ever.”

She wouldn’t want to. “I love you.”

“That means everything to me, princess.” He withdrew his fingers and gripped her hips. She felt his erection probe between her thighs. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you. Remember that, too.”

She couldn’t reply because the head of his cock breached her in one hard thrust. He didn’t ease into her or give her time to adjust. He gave her every inch he had, holding her hips and forcing himself inside her. She was invaded and dominated. He controlled and conquered. A shock of tingles rolled through her body. She whimpered.

“Push back against me,” he commanded.

She thrust back and tossed her head at the feel of him sliding in to the hilt. It was almost too much. He held himself steady, and his left hand slid up to her breasts. He shoved the bra above her mounds and cupped her as he pulled out and stroked back in. He thumbed her nipple then gave it a twist.

“Never again, Lara. I swear to god if you lie to me again, I won’t be responsible for what I do to you. I’ll tie you to the bed and I won’t ever let you leave again. Your whole life will be about taking my cock. You won’t see the fucking outside world. You’ll spend every day on your back and your knees and any other way that pleases me.”

She found him endlessly amusing when he was angry. Somehow she couldn’t see him actually turning her into a sex slave, but she was sure in the moment it seemed like a viable option to him.

He twisted her nipple again, and a pleasurable pain shimmered through her. She responded before he could do it again. “Yes, Connor. I won’t see the light of day. I understand.”

“I’ll chain you to me, Lara.” He anchored his hands back on her hips as he thrust in and out of her body in rough, rhythmic strokes. “I won’t let you leave my sight. Fuck, you feel so good.”

She let her head fall back, giving over to the euphoria of having Connor inside her. He was so big. When he filled her, she always had a moment when she wasn’t sure she could handle it, but she ached to try. And once she succeeded in accommodating every inch of him . . . She groaned. There was nothing like it. There was certainly no one like him.

He caressed every bit of her skin that he could reach, her breasts and her belly, the curves of her waist and hips, before he found her clitoris again and strummed it—fucking her with force all the while.

Lara pressed back against him. If she hadn’t, the strength of his thrusts would have sent her headfirst into the wall. Still, he didn’t hold back. He simply picked up the pace and she moved with him. The push and pull of his strokes formed a rhythm she sank into. Over and over his cock sank deep before he dragged back out, sensitizing her flesh and drawing her to the edge.

She groaned as he toyed with her clitoris in earnest now.

“I can’t hold out. You feel so good. You’re so hot and tight around me. Come for me, princess.”

ABOUT SHAYLA BLACK:

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Visit Shayla’s website Visit Shayla on Facebook Visit her Amazon Author Page

ABOUT LEXI BLAKE:

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the 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.

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are six more books available in the series: Their Virgin’s Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, Their Virgin Secretary, and Their Virgin Mistress.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. The first nine novels, The Dom Who Loved Me, The Men with the Golden Cuffs, A Dom is Forever, On Her Master’s Secret Service, Love and Let Die, Dungeon Royale, A View to a Thrill, You Only Love Twice, and Master No are available now, along with the novellas Sanctum, Unconditional, Dungeon Games, Cherished, Luscious, Adored, and Just One Taste. The tenth novel, From Sanctum with Love, is coming February 23, 2016, along with a new novella, Devoted, on April 12, 2016.

In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The full series, Steal the Light, Steal the Day, Steal the Moon, Steal the Sun, and Steal the Night, are available now on Amazon. The first two books in a spin-off of the series, Ripper and Addict, were released in 2015. Look for Sleeper, the next book in the spin-off series, to be released in Fall of 2016.

Lexi again collaborated with Shayla Black in a new series The Perfect Gentlemen. The first book, Scandal Never Sleeps, is now available. Book two, Seduction in Session, will release on January 5, 2016, followed by book three, Big Easy Temptation, on May 3, 2016.

For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net) .

The Promise of Surrender by Liliana Hart….ARC Review

The Promise of Surrender releases TOMORROW!

Synopsis:

Mia Russo spent ten years working undercover, entrenched in the dregs of society before handing in her shield. Opening her own pawn shop is a piece of cake in comparison. All she needs is the bad attitude she developed on the streets and the shotgun under her counter to keep law and order. Until the day Zeke McBride walks into her shop.

Zeke knows Mia has every right not to trust him. He was the one who chose the next op instead of her. And all he can hope is that somewhere under the snarl and cynicism is a woman who can forgive. Because whether she trusts him or not, they’re going to have to work together to bring down the gang that’s decided Mia is their next target.

My Review:

The Promise of Surrender is part of author Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie Family series as well as the final book in the 2015 1,001 Dark Nights line-up…and what a year-end finale it was! This book was not only packed with heat and emotion but also action. I loved every second of this novella!

The last person pawn shop owner Mia Russo expected to waltz in her shop door was Zeke McBride. He may still haunt her mind and have a reoccurring role in her dreams but after he broke her heart years earlier, she was done wishing he would do exactly what he was doing right now…coming back into her life. She only hoped she would be able to keep her walls up and her heart hardened. She wouldn’t be hurt by him twice.

Zeke knew he made a mistake when he left Mia. He knew it every day he woke up without her. But he was going to fix that, and along with figuring out what his latest targets were up to now, he would prove to her he was a different man than the one who left her once. He wouldn’t make that mistake twice. Now they just had to survive the danger around them and he would convince her to give him another chance. He just had to…

Would the years they spent together and the connection they once had get a second chance?

Oh, how I love a good lovers to enemies to lovers story. I also love a kick ass heroine and an alpha hero. A story that has all of those elements? Total. Win. Mia and Zeke’s story was the perfect balance of heat and action. I loved Mia’s tough as nails personality that makes a starring appearance in the very beginning but softens when it comes to Zeke. Speaking of him, when Ms. Hart has him walking into Mia’s shop? That goes down as one of my fave book scenes ever. It oozed a tension that I could practically feel and I was desperate to know more about their past and why both of their emotions were so high. It ends up being a past that is a real doozy with tons of hurt that Zeke has spent their years apart trying to figure out a way to fix. Luckily Mia has that soft spot I mentioned earlier for him and things get hot and heavy right off the bat. Talk about delicious! These two are smoking hot together…..I’ve got two words for you: Pool. Table.

I also loved the element of danger woven into the story. Not only did it kick things up a notch, but it really gave both Mia and Zeke a chance to shine and show off their background and training. Loved seeing these two in action!

If you haven’t read a Liliana Hart story, this is guaranteed to be your gateway book and if you’re already a Liliana Hart fan I know you’ll love this newest addition. I cannot wait to see what’s in store next in this series!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | 1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

Liliana Hart is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author in both the mystery and romance genres. After starting her first novel her freshman year of college, she immediately became addicted to writing and knew she’d found what she was meant to do with her life. She has no idea why she majored in music.

Liliana is an avid reader and a believer in all things romance. Her books are filled with witty dialogue, steamy sex, and the all-important happily-ever-afters her romantic soul craves. Since self-publishing in June of 2011, she’s sold more than 1.2 million ebooks all over the world.

Visit Liliana Hart’s website

Teased by Rebecca Zanetti….ARC Review

Teased releases TOMORROW!

Synopsis:

The Hunter

For almost a century, the Realm’s most deadly assassin, Chalton Reese, has left war and death in the past, turning instead to strategy, reason, and technology. His fingers, still stained with blood, now protect with a keyboard instead of a weapon. Until the vampire king sends him on one more mission; to hunt down a human female with the knowledge to destroy the Realm. A woman with eyes like emeralds, a brain to match his own, and a passion that might destroy them both—if the enemy on their heels doesn’t do so first.

The Hunted

Olivia Roberts has foregone relationships with wimpy metro-sexuals in favor of pursuing a good story, bound and determined to uncover the truth, any truth. When her instincts start humming about missing proprietary information, she has no idea her search for a story will lead her to a ripped, sexy, and dangerous male beyond any human man. Setting aside the unbelievable fact that he’s a vampire and she’s his prey, she discovers that trusting him is the only chance they have to survive the danger stalking them both.

My Review:

Teased is the newest installment in author Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors series as well as novella number 19 in the 1,001 Dark Nights 2015 line-up. I am a huge fan of both Ms. Zantetti and 1,001 Dark Nights so to get my hands on this novella was über exciting and I loved every pulse pounding and intense second of it!

Never in her wildest dreams did Olivia Roberts think getting a good story would put her life in danger. Yet here she was, being shot at and running away from a kidnapping attempt. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s caught in the clutches of a very dangerous and very sexy man who, even though he says he’s trying to keep her safe, she can’t help but shake the feeling there is something more going on with him. She truly had no idea that reporting this story would not only lead her onto a path littered with supernatural beings but on a path to her fated mate…

Chalton Reese was used to all sorts of assignments but he certainly has never been on one so crucial to the Realm. Yet here he was, chasing after a woman who keeps running away from him and one who has no intention of revealing where she was getting her information. This was certainly proving to be one of his most trying assignments yet. Now he’s trying to keep this beautiful woman safe, get her to trust him with information, and trying to ignore the nagging feeling that she may he his fated mate. If he only believed a man like him were worthy of one…

Fate has put these two together for a reason. Now they both just need to put all their fears and disbeliefs aside and listen to what their hearts are telling them….well, if they survive.

From the very first page, Teased is non-stop action and I freaking loved it. It’s been some time since I opened the first page of a book and was riveted to each page, beyond anxious to see what was going to happen next. Teased did that and then some!

I was a worried mess for Olivia but knew Chalton would keep her safe. I mean that man is like sexy mega protector extraordinaire and I just adore him and his alpha ways. I’d certainly never turn him away from rescuing me! Olivia surely gave him a run for his money though. She is a total spitfire and I loved her spunk and attitude when she challenged Chalton at every turn. Her reactions were so relatable and it was refreshing to read. No overly feminine pushover here! Together these two were delicious. Their push and pull was off the charts hot and when they decide to throw some caution to the wind and spend a night together it was beyond smoking hot!

Adding to that there is a whole lot of drama with trying to find out who is after Olivia and also Chalton trying to find out who her source was. Talk about non-stop! That drama brings in Chalton’s brothers and while they have been estranged for quite some time, they fall into a great banter that had me laughing out loud more than a few times. I tend to find humor in most situations, especially when stress is high, so I loved that aspect!

Teased really is the whole package. Heat, action, suspense, and even some humor….it all adds up to one amazing story! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for some of my favorite supernaturals. Thank you, Ms. Zanetti, for an amazing read!

Five loves

Book links:

Amazon | 1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit Rebecca Zanetti’s website

Crashed Out by Tessa Bailey…ARC Review

Crashed Out releases TOMORROW!

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation…

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She’s the fuel for every song he’s ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she’s always needed…

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or rather storms-into Jasmine’s life. Sarge’s return shouldn’t affect her this way. He’s her best friend’s much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it…

My Review:

Crashed Out is the first book in the all-new Made In Jersey series by Tessa Bailey. Ok, so I’m sure most of you know I’m a huge Tessa fan and I’m sure it won’t come as any surprise that I loved this book. Yep. Loved, devoured, and swooned over this book.

It’s been four years since Jasmine and Sarge have been in the same town together. Since then, a whole lot has changed. Sarge’s music career has taken off like a bat out of hell and he’s grown into every female fan’s wet dream. Certainly a far cry from the quiet and awkward teen young brother to her best friend Jasmine remembered him as. But as much that has changed, there’s a few things that have stayed the same. One being Jasmine still being stuck in this town with no hope of ever getting out. The other being Sarge’s unrelenting and enduring love from afar that he’s felt for Jasmine since as long as he can remember.

Now fate has put these two in very close quarters for a few days when Sarge heads back home and he sure as hell isn’t going to give up the gift that he knows this is. It’s time for Jasmine to get to know the man Sarge is…up close and personal.

Good. Lord. Upon finishing this book I have one question plaguing my mind: How in the hell does Tessa get anything done all day with these men running around in her mind? I would be just sitting on the couch, staring off into space, occasionally sighing and constantly grinning like a fool. I mean sign me up for Team Sarge, cause that man is sex on two legs and has a huge heart and ferocity when it comes to his feelings for his Jasmine that had me swooning like never before.

Sarge is intense and sexy as all get out but has a vulnerability when it comes to his long hidden feelings for her that just killed me. He has bided his time all those years he knew he was too young for her and now that he’s a man, he unleashes all his magic on that girl and my God, I wanted to grab him through the page and keep him for myself! One would think that I loved him so much that I wouldn’t like Jasmine. You know, territorial feelings and all that, but I really loved her too. She was trying so hard to keep thinking of Sarge as her best friend’s younger brother and that she should stay far, far away. She was so conflicted and I totally got her. She is a strong woman with immense pride and not wanting this town to see her as the cougar trying to ride Sarge’s famous coattails had her trying desperately to back off and keep him at arm’s length. She gave up the perfect amount of fight and gave in at exactly the right time. The push and pull between them was just the right amount and I loved it.

Of course, their road to a happy ending wasn’t without more than a few bumps along the way and the last few chapters had my heart hurting and my stomach sick with worry for these two. They both had very valid reasons for their feelings and it led to uncertainty that I was praying they were able to overcome. Now, I won’t give anything away but I will tell you that in true Tessa fashion, she delivered a hella emotional ending that I loved so much. SO MUCH!

Crashed Out sets up what I can pretty much guarantee is going to be another one of my favorite series. I cannot wait to see what’s next for this band and hope we get to see more of the sinfully sexy Sarge and Jas! Thank you, Tessa, for another delicious read!!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

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.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Lucky Shot by B.J. Daniels….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

He’s determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old disappearance—even if it kills him…

When hotshot reporter Max Malone gets a rare shot of Buckmaster Hamilton with a blonde woman near Beartooth, Montana, he chases down one of the senator’s daughters to verify that the woman is his supposedly long-dead first wife. But Kat Hamilton won’t give him the time of day, let alone any information about her mother.

With his tousled blond hair, sexy stubble and an old straw cowboy hat topping off his long, lean frame, Kat can just tell Max isn’t used to female sources denying him anything. But when her own life is put in jeopardy, it’s Max who comes to her rescue. Seems someone is prepared to kill to keep the past in the past. Kat can’t deny she needs Max to find out what happened to her mother, but will getting closer and closer to each other lead them to the truth… or to danger?

My Review:

Lucky Shot is the third book in author B.J. Daniels’ Montana Hamilton’s series, a series I have loved reading since the very beginning. I was dying for more and once again, Ms. Daniels delivered. This book was fantastic!

To say there has been a whole lot of drama surrounding the Hamilton family as of late would be the understatement of the year. And it seems as though there’s no end in sight. The mystery surrounding Buckmaster Hamilton’s once disappeared/now returned wife isn’t one a whole lot of people can resist…especially a reporter like Max Malone. He’s out to prove his weight in real reporting and true journalism. Kat Hamilton is also on the path to find the truth about what exactly has happened to her mother all those years ago. But she has more to wade through than just reporting the facts. She’s got relationships with her family and step-mother that are proving to be rough waters to navigate.

This story proves to be a juicy one and will lead them both not only on a path for the truth but on a path to danger and possibly love…

B.J. Hamilton is proving to be one of my all time favorite new authors I’ve discovered. She always delivers interesting characters, a suspenseful and mysterious plot, and even a bit of romance peppered in. I have grown to love the Hamilton family and have been dying to know where Buckmaster’s wife has been all these years and the mystery surrounding her “landing” back into town, which we still have plenty to uncover even after reading this installment. Of course, I just adore that and I’m left looking forward to more from Ms. Daniels! I’ve fallen in love with the people in this town and look forward to seeing glimpses of each one as they pop in an out of the books. What I loved most about this story was that even though we got a taste of solving a bit more of the mystery surrounding Bushmaster’s wife, we still don’t have it solved…which means one thing: MORE BOOKS! YAY!

While you can read this as a standalone, I have loved each book in the series leading up to Lucky Shot so I highly recommend starting from the beginning to get the true feel of the suspense surrounding the Hamilton family. Thank you, Ms. Daniels, for once again giving us a fantastic story! I cannot wait for more!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Kindle | Amazon | B&N

About the author:

B.J. DANIELS, a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, wrote her first book after a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist and author of 37 published short stories. That first book, Odd Man Out, received a four and a half star review from Romantic Times magazine and went on to be nominated for Best Intrigue for that year. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense and numerous nominations and awards for best book. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Thriller Writers, Kiss of Death and Romance Writers of America.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author B.J. Daniels

“This fast paced and suspenseful novel had me hooked from cover to cover. Daniels has created an in-depth and complex novel that left me guessing throughout.” – Pure Jonel

“Filled with twists and turns as well as incredible danger, B.J. Daniels’ storytelling will have you captivated and intrigued.” – Cataromance

“…Daniels’ new Montana Hamiltons series will draw readers in with its genuine characters, multiple storylines and intense conflict set against the beautiful Montana landscape.” –RT Book Reviews

“B.J. Daniels has done it again! Just when I think her books couldn’t get any better, she obliterates all my expectations. A true storyteller in every sense of the word.”
–Cocktails and Books

“B.J. Daniels will absolutely move to the top of your list of must-read authors.”
–Fresh Fiction

Poughkeepsie Begins by Debra Anastasia….Blog Tour Stop & Review (plus a fun freebie!)

Summary:

It ends with the beginning. This legendary, indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale with the story of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood before the tattoo. Before the train station, before the church, before a criminal empire there was a foster home and three teen boys who chose each other as family, because the ones they were born into didn’t existStill in high school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander life ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make that choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his chance at something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox, for their chance to find happiness.

Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s devotion to each other is forged by fists and the driving need to belong somewhere, to do more than just survive this life. Readers of the series know they each get there in the end, but before we count smiles, we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a knife; they’ll lift your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing but a desperate prayer for hope.

And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the series all over again.

My Review:

Note: Have a box of tissues nearby when you read this book (trust me) and also, while it totally can be read as a standalone, I loved this entire series and highly recommend reading all of it!

Poughkeepsie Begins is the final chapter in the Poughkeepsie series by Debra Anastasia. I have some serious love for this series, and these characters….so much so that I got that tattoo, and while I am beyond sad to see this series end, I loved every second of this story and was so happy to see how it all began for this unlikely band of brothers.

To say this was an emotional book would be a gross understatement. I knew when I first read the series as a whole that the events leading up to how close these three foster brothers would eventually become had to be gut wrenching. And it was. But it was also beautiful and a reminder that no matter what, love can win. To read the younger versions of the men from this series was so wonderful. To read a young and headstrong Beckett, a hurt and emotional Blake, and a quiet and damaged Cole was beyond anything I had imagined. It was touching and heartbreaking all at the same time. To read their bond becoming something solid and the only good thing in these young men’s lives they can rely on was truly something special. Being able to learn how so many of the little habits that show up on the rest of the series was just so awesome, too. The special handshake being one and the infamous and iconic tattoo being the other both of which I was so elated to read. In a way, this book was like the very end credits of the last Twilight movie…a look back at where it all started and how far it’s come. Poughkeepsie will forever hold a special place in my heart…always.

I also loved reading the moments with their two young foster sisters. These moments showed just how big the hearts of Beckett, Blake, and Cole were…even back then when they were practically kids themselves.

Thank you, Debra, for giving us Blake, Beckett, and Cole. I will forever be thankful.

Five Loves

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MlhCMp
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Y2d98U
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1MxLcSh
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1MUj7GV
Nook: http://bit.ly/1RKRA90
iTunes: http://apple.co/1Qrqg17
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Y3kuVF

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1NeYnaX

Find the whole Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series here: http://amzn.to/1OfpAtk

Free App as a present from the boys:

Okay, here’s the log in info:

web: http://omnificpublishing.com/PT0111513/chapter-one.html

Mobile app http://poughkeepsieapp.com/Poukeeidebrannnxiv_/

Navigation is on the upper right side.

Any questions? Find me here: http://on.fb.me/1MVcrSB

Excerpt:

When she ducked under the bleachers, he was a dick, right off the bat. His buzz was wearing off, but he was still high and broken at the closeness of her. “You’re missing your boyfriend during his lawn ballet.” He assumed a stance—douche mixed with confrontational—that he knew stopped people. It set up his walls real nice. With everyone.
Everyone but her. She walked right up to him. She pushed him hard once, twice, until his back hit one of the supports. And then she slapped him.
He took the slap and rolled his eyes. “That all you got for me, pink princess?”
And then she was kissing him. Oh, God. Kissing him and palming him with the same ferociousness he felt. He grabbed the metal behind him to keep from attacking her and nailing her right on the concrete floor littered with cigarettes and chip bags.
She pulled away and slapped him again, growling, “Fuck you, Beckett Taylor. Don’t you ever do that to me again. I’m worth more than that, and you know it.” She stepped back, leaving cold space and his heated erection between them.
He swallowed, his pounding heart trying to beat some common sense into his brain again. It wasn’t working. He let go of the bleachers and advanced. “You have some fucking nerve. You’re the one up there prom-queening it with goddamn Ryler.”
She stood her ground as he came at her. And he knew he was intimidating. Shit, full-grown men stepped aside when he was coming. But Candy raised her chin. He was amazed at the fight in her, right there. He pulled her into a dip, just like fucking Pyler had, except he did it like a man who wanted a woman and knew what to do with her body. Candy needed to push him away; she needed to turn her head.
Instead she groaned and bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. He put his hand between her legs and dragged it up to her breast, squeezing hard so she would feel it through her coat. She sunk her nails into the skin at his neck. She was a buried treasure. He was sure as fuck no one knew about this side of her. Only he could get her panting like she was. He spanked her bottom once.
“Ow.” She was shocked.
He stopped kissing and looked her in the face as he spanked her again, more forcefully this time.
Her “Ow” was quieter, and the hunger in her eyes far deeper than her years.
Again he spanked her. And this time she purred. Fucking purred. He began slow, circular caresses over the denim that covered her ass. He was desperate to see the red imprints from his hand.
“Fuck it.” Beckett picked her up and set her back against the metal support he’d tried to cling to before.
They weren’t alone. Red tips of cigarettes glowed, gentle murmurs of illicit behavior could be heard if you knew how to listen for trouble. Still, he held her against the pole and mimicked the motions he was desperate to do with her. He dropped his mouth to the zipper on her coat, which kept her safe from all his intentions. He used his teeth to pull it down to her cleavage. He buried his face, licking and nuzzling her sweet-smelling neck. He used his chin to move material so he could access more of her chest. She smelled like goddamn candy. His dick could pack gunpowder in a cannon it was so fucking hard.
After a moment, the murmurs added up. Too many. He glanced around and noticed the cigarettes being stubbed out. He let his prize slide down the metal gently. He leaned down to kiss her lips, then her forehead, right under the edge of her fuzzy hat before whispering, “Go. Cops are here. Go.”
And then Candy, sweet-smelling, homework-doing Candy, stuck her hand in his jacket’s hidden pocket and took the gun out. He pulled her hands and his gun close to make sure the safety was on before letting her tuck it into her bra.
“Anything else?” she asked.
And then he slipped the rest of the merchandise in his left pocket into her right one. She turned and left.
“And don’t you ever talk to me again, Taylor. I have a boyfriend!” She stormed away as the resource officer stepped up next to him.
“You have a way with the ladies, son.”
“I’m not your son.”
“That’s the truth right there. ’Cause if you were, you’d be on that field kicking footballs instead of selling at my school.”
When Beckett was let off with a warning due to lack of evidence, his one thought was of her. Candy was so perfect for him it hurt.

Just One Taste by Lexi Blake…Excerpt & Review Blog Tour Stop

Just One Taste

Masters and Mercenaries~Topped Book 2

By Lexi Blake

Coming November 17, 2015

One Hot Chef….

Eric Vail has always loved a challenge. After leaving the Navy, he mastered his passion for cooking. As the sous chef at Top, one of Dallas’s hottest restaurants, his skills are pushed to the limit every night. Unfortunately, his ultimate prize still eludes him. Server Deena Holmes is the sweetest thing he’s seen in forever, but she’s as distant as she is beautiful. When they’re put together in the same training class at the infamous club Sanctum, he knows this is his shot. And this former SEAL never misses.

A Woman Who Lost Her Taste for Love…

Deena thinks Eric is the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen, but her heart has been burned too many times before. She’s sworn off relationships for good and she can’t trust herself with a man that easy to fall in love with. She takes a spot as a trainee at Sanctum in the hopes of finding a safe place to explore and experiment. When she discovers her partner is the same chef she dreams about every night, Deena knows she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

A Perfect Recipe for Passion

While exploring the world of Sanctum, Eric and Deena find themselves learning about each other and finding an intimacy neither expected. But when the ghosts of her past resurface, old wounds are reopened. Can their newfound love survive when it’s put to the test?

My Review:

Just One Taste is the second book in author Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries: Topped Series and without fail, each time I read a new book by Ms. Blake, I am reminded that I really, really, need to go back and read the books I have missed in the series. Yes, I know, I actually haven’t read them all and I must because Ms. Blake has definitely moved into my top ten favorite author list.

Former Navy SEAL turned chef Eric and Top employee Deena have managed to hide their attraction for one another…well, at least they think they have. The entire staff knows it’s only a matter of time before they act on that attraction. Soon enough they get the chance when they are both accepted into Sanctum’s training program and wind up being paired in a D/s relationship. They both know this relationship doesn’t have to be one involving sex, and being burned by her ex as badly as Deena was certainly not ready for that type of connection. Eric was wiling to go any route she wanted. He just wanted to be given the chance to prove that all men aren’t terrible and if anyone was able to make her believe in love again, it was him…

Eric and Deena may have been able to keep their emotional distance while keeping their relationship strictly business, but once that barrier is broken, will it be the push they need to take things to the next level? To possibly love again?

Oh, how I loved this book and Eric and Deena. I know I’ve said this before about Ms. Blake’s books, but it bears repeating that she puts so much emotion into her characters and brings so much more into the D/s relationship and I love it.

I’ve read a lot of books involving BDSM and most of the time, that lifestyle takes over and takes away from the hero and heroine’s relationship. Never the case with Ms. Blake. The couples always dominate the story and the D/s relationship never defines who they are. Yes, it’s a part of them and it builds a deeper level connection, but it’s just a piece of who they are as a couple. And let me say, this couple is just wonderful.

Eric, while looking damaged on the outside, is solid on the inside. He is loyal, kind, patient, understanding, and loves with his whole heart. But make no mistake…he is all Dom and when he flips that switch? Holy yum! Deena is rightfully wary of men after her ex really did a number on her. She doesn’t want to have feelings for Eric and wants to keep him at arm’s length. Of course with a guy like Eric, that is surely easier said than done. They nicknamed him Captain America, and he lives up to that persona and then some. He has been through so much, from war to family loss, and he never once let it have any other effect on him than to learn to appreciate the good he still has and always to look forward to the future.

Their relationship moves at a slow and steady pace and was an absolute joy to read. I was pulling for the from the very first page and loved to read their relationship unfold. Of course, we also get to see a lot of the characters we have grown to love over the series and I always enjoy what they bring to the table in each book. Such a wonderful gang of characters! If you’ve never read a Lexi Blake book, you truly must.

Thank you. Ms. Blake, for another emotional and sexy read and for giving us Eric and Deena!

Five Loves

Excerpt:

“Why? Why would you want me?” All her arrogance was gone.

“Because we’re friends and I like you and you’re gorgeous. I’ve wanted to sleep with you from the moment I saw you. That might not be what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. I think we could be good for each other. Neither one of us has had a lover in a long time. Am I right?”

“You’re right,” she replied. “I haven’t even dated anyone since my divorce.”

“Then why not try? If it doesn’t work, we’ll go back to being friends.”

Her head shook. “That never happens.”

“I don’t know what kind of douchebags you’ve been dating, but I’m still friends with almost every woman I’ve ever dated. It doesn’t have to end in either happily ever after or hate. Especially if we’re both honest. The contract is for six weeks. I can promise you right now that I’m still going to like you after six weeks. You be honest with me. Were you planning on experimenting with your training Dom if you’d had chemistry with him? Before you knew I was the Dom. Would you have given that Dom a chance?”

She nodded silently.

“Well, then I suppose we’ll have a very abstinent training period and then we’ll go our separate ways when it comes to the club. I guess Big Tag and the shrink aren’t as smart as they think they are.” He wasn’t about to give up. This was only the beginning of a very long battle, but it was time to retreat. “We’ll talk about the contract later tonight and set up all the rules. I’ll still have to touch you during the scenes, but I’ll make it as impersonal as possible.”

“We don’t know that we have chemistry,” she said quietly, making no move to grab the bags.

He shrugged. “I guess we won’t know.”

He turned to begin helping her. He would take the bags out to her car and then let Grace know she was on her way. Someone would meet her in the parking garage to help her bring everything up. He would spend the afternoon planning menus with Chef and heading to the farmer’s market to find fresh vegetables for dinner.

A hand on his arm gently pulled and he turned.

Deena was standing right there, her face turned up to him, her eyes wide. “Shouldn’t we know?”

She went on her toes and pressed her mouth to his. He went still, unwilling to frighten her away. Soft lips moved over his as her hands found his waist. She was tentative, but he could sense the fire in her. Those hands told the real tale. They moved restlessly, as though she had them on a leash. He wanted that leash taken off.

When she ended the kiss and stared up at him, he decided to go for broke. She wanted to see if they had chemistry? He could show her how volatile they could be.

“My turn,” he whispered before he took control. His hands slid up her neck, fingers sinking into the soft, silky strands of her hair.

He kissed her, moving his lips over hers, commanding her. The minute he took control those hands of hers started to move, sliding up the muscles of his back, her body pressing in. He felt her relax as though happy to not be the one in charge. Deena could take control of a room of diners and work that floor with an iron will, but she was shy about this. She needed him to take charge of the physical part.

He could do that. It wouldn’t be sexy if she weren’t so together in the rest of her life. He kissed her again and again, his tongue finally moving over her full bottom lip. She groaned and her mouth opened, welcoming him inside.

The kiss turned wild, their tongues playing against each other as their bodies came together. He could feel her rubbing against him. He would bet her body was soft, her pussy already getting slick and ready for him.

He was so ready for her.

And if he took her right here on the prep table, she would likely run away forever. She wasn’t ready. Not even close.

He broke off the kiss, brushing his lips lightly against hers one last time. He’d promised her control. It was damn iron will that got him to take his hands off her. She was so sweet looking with her hair mussed and her lips puffy from kissing. This was how he wanted to see her all the time. Sweet and willing and ultimately satisfied.

Satisfaction would have to wait.

“We have plenty of chemistry, sweetheart.”

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26054327-just-one-taste

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1MSR0XX

iTunes: http://apple.co/1VhLOl4

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1MSRHAx

Google: http://bit.ly/1VkB7sy

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1KK0K3p

All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/1OlzVqq

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Q8MBQU

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1NOPiVk

About the author:

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin’s Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is coming to Amazon this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. The first seven novels, The Dom Who Loved Me, The Men with the Golden Cuffs, A Dom is Forever, On Her Master’s Secret Service, Love and Let Die, Dungeon Royale, and A View to a Thrill are available now, along with the novellas Sanctum, Unconditional, Dungeon Games, and Cherished. The eighth novel, You Only Love Twice, is coming in February of 2015, along with two new novellas, Luscious and Adored, coming in May of 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The full series, Steal the Light, Steal the Day, Steal the Moon, Steal the Sun, and Steal the Night, are available now on Amazon. The first book in a spin-off of the series, Ripper, released in January of 2015. Look for Addict, the next book in the spin-off series, to be released in Fall of 2015.
Lexi will again collaborate with Shayla Black in a new series The Perfect Gentlemen. The first book, Scandal Never Sleeps, will release on July 7, 2015.

Sign up for Lexi’s FREE newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#newsletter.
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ or her website http://www.lexiblake.net .

Point of Origin by Rebecca Yarros….ARC Review

Possess – An Alpha Anthology, which includes Point of Origin, is out TODAY!

Synopsis:

Point of Origin – After six years, Sebastian Vargas is home, fighting to restart the elite team of firefighters known as the Legacy Hotshot Crew, but it’s the girl he left behind that could leave him burned.

My review:

Point of Origin is the newest work from author Rebecca Yarros, an author I am completely obsessed with and devour any and everything she writes. To say that I loved this novella would be an understatement. Huge understatement.

The small Colorado town of Legacy was devastated years earlier when a wildfire took the lives of their local hotshot crew. The local hotshot crew that consisted of fathers…husbands…friends. Now the children of those lost firefighters have grown, but never forgot the devastating loss they all share. The loss that was felt every day and shadowed everything these young people did. Some stayed, some went their separate ways, but Legacy was always in their hearts.

Bash was one of those children who grew up and left. And when he left he took Emerson’s heart with him. They had grown up as best friends, had both lost fathers in that terrible tragedy, and when they both realized they had grown from friends to much more, they decided to take their relationship to the next level. They had loved each other for as long as they can both remember. Their attraction had grown as they had and as adults the heat and fire between them was undeniable…and beyond intense.

Emerson never thought he would leave her. But he did. And six years later she still wasn’t over it, no matter how she tried to pretend otherwise. And now he was back. In Legacy. With an idea that would threaten to crush her. He wanted to bring a new hotshot crew to Legacy. Could a heart be crushed enough that it would eventually stop beating? Because Emerson was pretty sure her heart had just about reached that limit…

This story. This town’s history. These characters. They were everything. This novella reminded me what it is to read stories that touch you on a whole other level. It reminded me what it is I love about reading and how I fell in love with the romance genre in the first place. Every once in a while you just connect with the characters and their story and it’s a gift. Point of Origin is one of those gifts and Ms. Yarros is one of those amazing authors capable of delivering it. She gives her characters such depth that you can’t help but feel as if they’re real. Little things like Emerson’s tic-tac habit and the town’s local café wall being scarred with the carved letters of lover’s names. Call me silly, but I love these little nuances and I think it brings a palpable authenticity that is, sadly, lacking in many of today’s reads.

Of course, the heat and chemistry between Bah and Emerson is delicious and the cast of secondary characters is just as amazing as they are. Add to that a back story that was so heart wrenching that I couldn’t stop crying at times, and I have zero doubt this series to come will be a series I fall head over heels for.

Thank you, Ms. Yarros, for giving us the town of Legacy. I cannot wait to see what’s next for this amazing group of hotshots!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She’s a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts.

When she’s not writing, she’s tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of thirteen years, and they’re currently stationed in Upstate NY with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog, but she would always rather be home in Colorado.

Take The Storm, Rising Storm Episode 6, by Rebecca Zanetti…ARC Review

Take The Storm releases this Thursday, 10/29

Synopsis:

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

Marisol Moreno has spent her youth taking care of her younger siblings. Now, with her sister, Ginny, in crisis, and her brother in the throes of his first real relationship, she doesn’t have time for anything else. Especially not the overtures of the incredibly compelling Patrick Murphy.

My Review:

Take the Storm by Rebecca Zanetti is the 6^th episode of Rising Storm and I’m sure I’ve said I before, but whoa…this one may be my fave! I loved it and with so many things headed into a fevered pitch, Ms. Zanetti had me glued to every page!

In this particular episode Patrick Murphy and Marisol Moreno are at a crossroads. Patrick wants more from her. More from their relationship. Marisol would love nothing more than to give that to him but she knows she can’t. She’s got way too much on her plate and he deserved more than that. Of course all of that turmoil led to so many emotions and I was a nervous wreck! I’m really pulling for these two!

Adding to the story is the *ahem* relationship between Senator Rush and Dakota, which I can only assume will be ending in some major disaster, and Brittany Rush’s meddling grandmother who will undoubtedly be making some serious trouble for her and her budding relationship with Marcus. Man, things just keep heating up and getting better!

Thank you, Ms. Zanetti, for adding more fuel to the drama fire and for one heck of a juicy read! I cannot wait to see what’s next!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Rising Storm Website

About the author:

New York Times Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the USA Today, NY Times, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Scorpius Syndrome, The Dark Protectors, The Realm Enforcers, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series.

Website

All Hallows Eve by Heather Graham…ARC Review

All Hallows Eve releases tomorrow, 10/27

Synopsis:

Salem was a place near and dear to Jenna Duffy and Samuel Hall — it was where they’d met on a strange and sinister case.

They never dreamed that they’d be called back. That history could repeat itself in a most macabre and terrifying fashion.

But, then again, it was Salem at Halloween. Seasoned Krewe members, they still find themselves facing the unspeakable horrors in a desperate race to save each other-and perhaps even their very souls.

My Review:

All Hallows Eve is the part of author Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters Series as well as novella number 16 in the 2015 1,001 Dark Nights line-up. I adore the Krewe of Hunters and am a huge Halloween junkie, so this novella was a total win for me! I loved every spooky minute!

Jenna Duffy and Samuel Hall find themselves back in Salem, investigating a murder that happened in a haunted house attraction. What was thought to be a hanging dummy was, in fact, a very real, very dead person. What goes on after that is a true who-dun-it mystery led by the dead man’s ghost and I was kept on the edge of my seat until the very end.

One of the many things I love about Ms. Graham’s writing is the description she puts into her stories. I can very much feel like I am there, walking alongside of the characters, through graveyards and Salem city streets. She writes with just the right amount of creepy and scary mixed with the perfect amount of suspense. I have yet to be let down by one of her books. Adding to this novella is a dash of romance with the relationship between Jenna and Sam, which really rounded out the entire package. Just perfect!

This is the perfect Halloween tale and one I highly recommend. Thank you, Ms. Graham, for another wonderful addition to The Krewe!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | 1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards from Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Calm Before the Storm, Rising Storm Episode 5, by Larissa Ione….ARC Review

Calm Before the Storm releases this Thursday, 10/22

Synopsis:

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

Marcus Alvarez fled Storm when his father’s drinking drove him over the edge. With his mother and sister’s in crisis, Marcus is forced to return to the town he thought he’d left behind. But it is his attraction to a very grown up Brittany Rush that just might be enough to guarantee that he stays.

My Review:

Calm Before the Storm by Larissa Ione is episode 6 in the Rising Storm series and honestly, this series is getting seriously intense and with an author like Larissa Ione writing an episode this far into things, you can just imagine how awesome it was!

Marcus Alvarez’s return to Storm is just as scandalous and amazing as I had hoped it would be. I mean this guy is all mysterious and sexy with a past we get to see bits and pieces of and I loved it so much. He’s missed his family and his best friend, Logan, while he was gone and is now in turmoil in deciding to go back to Montana, where he found a safe haven after fleeing Storm, or stay with the people he loves most. Adding to his turmoil is the beautiful Brittany Rush. She had grown into a gorgeous woman and now, with her obvious attraction to him, wants nothing more than to stay in Storm. Of course that appears to be a pipe dream when Brittany’s family gives him a harsh reminder that he was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks and not even close to being in the same league as they were. Man, reality can really bite.

I was ready to throw my iPad across the room when I read this story…not because I didn’t like it but because my emotions were all over the place! It was so good! Again, coming from Larissa, I knew it was going to be. Now, I’m just sitting over here, biting my nails, and waiting anxiously for the next episode!

If you haven’t started this series, you really need to….it is SO good!

Five Loves

Rising Storm Links:

Rising Storm Site | Calm Before the Storm

About the author:

Larissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.