Driven By Fate by Tessa Bailey…ARC Review

Driven By Fate releases today!

DBF cover

Synopsis:

The first rule is obey… and she already broke it.

Francesca “Frankie” De Luca always pays her debts. Even when it means stepping inside Serve, the sensuous Manhattan club that caters to particular adult desires. For Frankie, it’s a taste of something she’s always wanted—and never received. Until a sharply dressed Brit orders her into his room, and instructs her to undress before delivering the carnal punishment she so desperately needs…

She wasn’t the woman Porter Evans was expecting. Not this wild thing with the pale, silvery eyes. And such cheek. But she violates Porter’s strict rules of control. Temptation is a dangerous thing indeed. Yet everything about Frankie cries out for schooling about the tantalizing interplay of pleasure and pain. So Porter offers Frankie a deal she can’t refuse—and the only thing she owes him is submission…

 

My review:

Driven By Fate is the fifth book in the Serve Series, the third in the series written by author Tessa Bailey, and focuses on Frankie and Porter. We’ve briefly met these two in the earlier books and I have been dying to dig into their story. Well, I can say that it was worth the wait and lived up to all of the delicious expectations I had.

If there’s one word people would use to describe Frankie DeLuca it would probably be formidable. Not meant in a negative sense, but in a sense that she always worked for what she had. She was strong and determined and didn’t take crap from anyone. She had her dreams ahead of her and will do whatever it takes to see those dreams come to fruition. Those dreams included owning a business that would cater to women and get them from place to place without the fear of becoming a victim after a girls night out…a cab company with all cabs driven by women.

Being in the taxi business she understood the misgivings women had sometimes and she wanted to do something about it. She was tough as nails and can handle most men, but there were plenty of women who were the complete opposite. She saw opportunity there. Now she just needed the funds to get the business off the ground. That should be her sole focus right now, not the sexy Brit she had a chance encounter with. Now he seems to be the only thing she can focus on. Him and his dominating ways. She had never taken orders from anyone, but with him she felt she wanted to and that scared the hell out of her. She wanted him with a need that defied anything she’d ever known. And he wanted her as well. So much so that he offers her a chance to realize her dreams…investing in her cab company.

Most of you know I’m a huge fan of Tessa’s work and always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. She never ceases to amaze me. This book was no exception. Frankie and Porter’s story had a different feel than most of her other books and it was sublime. Frankie is tough and sharp and is just figuring out who she is. That includes being dominated in the bedroom.  That, obviously, is at odds with the face she puts on for the rest of the world. She’s used to being the only woman in a man’s field and is ok with it…but the hardness she’s had to gain over the years gets tiring at times. Sometimes she just wants to let go. That’s where Porter comes in. Oh, my, Porter. Steely, dominating, sexy, Porter. He is just as indomitable as Frankie but in a way that compliments her beautifully. Two hard-headed people, used to working hard and getting their way, fighting for the upper hand in their encounters can only add up to some combustible and heated moments. And oh, yes, it does. It adds up to heat that only Tessa Bailey can write.

Of course, both Porter and Frankie find a softer side that only shines for one another and it was so amazing. It was beautiful to see the change in both of them and to see their relationship blossom into so much more than just sex. The ending of this story had me crying sappy tears and made me love Porter even more *dreamy sigh*

Once again, Tessa Bailey delivers sensuous heat, delicious dirty talk, and raw emotion with Driven By Fate. Thank you, Tessa, for yet another amazing read!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  B&N

About the author:

highres-MJB_5140.jpgTessa 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 Brooklyn, New York with her husband of seven years and three-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  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Hero By Night by Sara Jane Stone…Blog Tour Stop and Review

Hero By Night Banner (1)-2

 

Hero By Night

Synopsis:

He was nobody’s hero until he landed in the wrong bed…

Armed with a golden retriever and a concealed weapons permit, Lena Clark is fighting for normal. She served her country, but the experience left her emotionally numb and estranged from her career-military family. Staying in Independence Falls seems like the first step to reclaiming her life until the town playboy stumbles into her bed…

Chad Summers is living his dream—helicopter logging by day and slipping between the sheets with Mrs. Right Now by night. Until his wild nights threaten his day job, leaving Chad with a choice: prove he can settle down or kiss his dream goodbye. But when he ends up in the wrong bed, the one woman in Independence Falls he can’t touch offers a tempting proposition. Chad is ready and willing to give in to the primal desire to make Lena his at night—on one condition. By day, they pretend their relationship is real.

But their connection extends beyond the bedroom, threatening to turn their sham into reality if Chad can prove he’s the hero Lena needs night and day… forever.

 

My review:

Hero By Night is the third book in author Sara Jane Stone’s Independence Falls Series, a series I have loved since book one. Well, this book is absolutely, undeniably, my favorite in the series thus far. I loved it so freaking much!

Former Army officer Lena Clark is used to fighting. She’s survived tours overseas in a war zone and saved lives while doing it. What she wasn’t used to fighting was for a sense of normal. Whatever that was. Normal is something she hasn’t felt in a really long time and she is starting to think she may never feel it again. Sure, she’s made strides in overcoming her PTSD, thanks in part to her golden retriever, Hero, but she still had a long ways to go. And she had no idea how to get there. She has left behind her family, her now ex-husband, her Army career, all of it, just to get her sense of normalcy back. That search led here to Independence Falls. She was grateful to be here and have some new friends and a chance at a fresh start. She didn’t feel pressured here, mainly because she didn’t really know anyone. That seemed to help. Then things change again and she’s not sure if it’s for the better or the worse. She met Chad Summers. Chad the woman pleasing, playboy helicopter pilot. Chad who awakened all sorts of long forgotten feelings in her. Maybe she should grab those feelings with both hands and hold on for the ride? Maybe this was a shot at trying to be normal? At this point she was willing to give anything a try….she just hoped Chad was on board.

Chad Summers was royally screwed..and not in the way he was used to. His lady-loving ways are proving to be responsible for a reputation that is keeping him grounded…and that was something he couldn’t handle. Heli-logging was all he had ever wanted to do and now that his dream was being jeopardized, all because people thought he was too cheeky and irresponsible. He had never given any reason to not trust him while he was flying but apparently his nighttime extracurricular activities were rubbing off on his professional life. Lucky for him fate seems to be on his side when he falls into bed with the wrong girl…literally. What started out as a misunderstanding turns into a chance at making things right with the powers that be, getting him back up in the sky, and getting to spend time with a beautiful woman in bed. What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, the fact that a fake relationship threatens to turn very real and may scare Lena away leaves Chad shaking in his boots. Can he help her with her PTSD all while convincing her they have found something real in a charade? God he sure as hell hoped so…

Between PTSD, career and family pressures, and an agreement for a temporary situation, Lena and Chad sure do seem to have the odds stacked against them. Will they be able to let their feelings turn from one of lust to love? Will they find true happiness amidst a false facade?

When I say that this is my favorite book in author Stone’s series, I can’t help that that’s an understatement. Instead, I should say that this is one of my fave books of any series, really. There was just so much to love. From start to finish I fell in love with both characters, and their situation, more and more with each page I read. No, it wasn’t all flowers and butterflies. In fact, there were many raw and gritty moments, but I think that’s what made me love it more. Chad is one of the most caring and honest book guys I’ve read. He just gets it. He gets people on a level that makes him stand out. I loved him or wanting to help Lena and for understanding her, for giving her the space she needed, for giving her support and love. Lena is equally amazing and damn, she broke my heart. I can’t imagine what she’s going through. Image having your whole life turned upside-down and not knowing, or having control, over emotions and reactions to things. It’s totally foreign to me but not to anyone suffering with PTSD. That is what made this book so real. We read her struggle and in the way it’s written it makes it the most understandable out of any heroine with PTSD I’ve read. Lena, by all accounts, is just a woman. A woman like any woman I know, including myself. Sure, she’s had a distinguished career in the Army and has saved many lives but the fact that she is written in such a relatable way made my appreciate this story on a whole different level. Truly amazing.

Of course the chemistry and passion shared between Lena and Chad is freaking off the charts and had me cheering for a long-term relationship from the start. These two sure as hell burn up the sheets! Total yum factor!

On top of all of that, we get to see more of our other fave couples from Independence Falls and Josh, the injured brother that I am totally in love with. I cannot wait to get to his story one day!

I always feel like I bore you guys with my sometimes long-winded reviews, but I just can’t help it when I love a book this much! Thank you, Ms. Stone, for giving us Lena and Chad and a book I will be swooning over for quite some time.

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Links to Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google | Kobo

Other books by Sara Jane Stone:

SJRBooks

Full Exposure

No touching allowed …

After serving her country, Georgia Trulane craves adventure—and sex. She’s set her sights on her brother’s best friend—now her boss, since she took a temporary job as his nephew’s live-in nanny. Only problem? Eric refuses to touch her. That doesn’t stop Georgia from seducing him. But an earth-shattering encounter leaves her fully exposed, body and soul.

Eric has a long list of reasons to steer clear of the woman he has wanted for as long as he can remember. For one, he refuses to be her next thrill ride. When he claims her, it will be for good. But the attraction is undeniable, and the more they fight it, the stronger it pulls. But will it be enough to conquer their obstacles?

 

Caught in the Act 

Falling for his rivals’ little sister could cost him everything …

For Liam Trulane, failure is not an option. He is determined to win a place in Katie Summers’ life before she leaves Independence Falls for good. But first, he needs to make amends for the last time they got down and dirty.

Only problem?

His professional success hinges on striking a deal to buy Katie’s family business. And after Liam’s relationship with their Katie went south years ago, the Summers brothers are more enemy than friend. If both parties agree to set the past aside, they can reach an understanding. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam risks everything to make her his.

After Liam betrayed her trust, Katie Summers will do anything to keep him from walking away with the family business. She decides to seduce him, knowing that when her brothers find out, they will back off from the deal. And she’ll finally have her revenge. But when her plan spirals out of control, Katie learns that payback may come at too high a price …

 

Author Bio

After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream—writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Visit her online at www.sarajanestone.com or find her on Facebook at Sara Jane Stone.

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Giveaway

Two Signed Sets of Caught in the Act and Full Exposure along with a $10 Amazon Gift Card

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The Surrender Gate by Christopher Rice…ARC Review


The Surrender Gate releases tomorrow!


The Desire Exchange_300dpi_NOVEL 2-3

 

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice’s first foray into erotic romance, The Flame, earned accolades from some of the genre’s most beloved authors. “Sensual, passionate and intelligent,” wrote Lexi Blake, “it’s everything an erotic romance should be.” J. Kenner called it “absolutely delicious,” Cherise Sinclair hailed it as “beautifully lyrical” and Loreli James announced, “I look forward to reading more!” Now, Christopher returns you to the world first introduced in The Flame with an all new novel of The Desire Exchange…

Emily Blaine’s life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has just told her he’s leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There’s just one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before it’s too late. But finding Ryan won’t be easy. He’s been missing for years. He was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange. But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual fantasies?

It’s a task Emily can’t undertake alone. But there’s only one man qualified to help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne. She’s suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she’s willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in New Orleans, Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily’s attempt to uncover Jonathan’s secret life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the clutches of one of Jonathan’s most powerful and dangerous clients, they’re forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.

When Emily’s mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible, reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-NAVY Seal Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich turn their fantasies into reality, she will be forced to decide which one of her own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality. But as Emily, Jonathan, and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their destination isn’t just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.

My review:

The Surrender Gate is the first novel in The Desire Exchange series by author Christopher Rice, the second release for 1,001 Dark Nights this year, and follows the world introduced to us in The Flame. Where The Flame was a delicious amuse-bouche, The Surrender Gate is a wonderfully prepared first course. I devoured it on one sitting and was completely drawn in by the relationships between the characters and the promise of a peek into a secretive supernatural world. It was amazing.

In a short amount of time, Emily Blane’s life has gone from relatively normal to anything but. The best friend she thought she knew had a whole secret side to his life, they’ve shared a night she never thought would happen, and she’s been thrown into a world she never thought imaginable while undercover and looking for her father figure’s long lost son. A secret world where nothing is as it seems. Where people are asked to open up and speak their deepest desires. A world that very few people knew of and a world that Emily couldn’t believe was actually trying to become a part of. Luckily her best friend was with her along the way, also undercover, and trying to breach the secret walls of this society of sorts. She also had another person on her side…Marcus. The guard tasked with keeping her safe by the man she considered a father.

As if all of that wasn’t enough to fill a girl’s plate, she finds herself growing seriously attracted to Marcus and soon she realized the feelings are mutual. But this wasn’t the time nor place to start any kind of relationship…not when she isn’t even sure she will get out of this mess alive.

Navigating the next few weeks will certainly be a test for Emily. She will experience emotions and pleasure like never before and will question her resolve more than once during this experience. Does she have to strength to endure it? Something tells her that having Marcus there with her for every step of the way she can…

Truly amazing. I am a huge fan of Christopher Rice’s work and have read his thriller work but, by far, my favorite of his writing is in this erotic suspense genre. Mr. Rice has such a beautiful and tantalizing way with words that truly bring the reader into every moment and allow you to feel the emotions alongside of the characters. This story has so many wonderful elements. There is the taste of paranormal with The Desire Exchange itself, the sexiness of the bedroom scenes, and the mystery of what has happened in the disappearance of a young man. But, hands down, my favorite part of this story is the ever-changing and evolving of the relationships between Emily, her best friend, and Marcus. What starts out one way, ends in a different direction, and the beauty of Mr. Rice’s writing is that I never once was unhappy or unsatisfied with how things were going. Relationships are complicated and messy at times in real life, and we delve into that head-on a few times within the story. I loved how real it felt. It was amazing to read and to accompany these characters on their journey.

I love that this book can cross so many genre lines and appeal to many different readers.  I highly recommend it to fans of suspense, romance, paranormal, and of course, erotic romance. Thank you, Mr. Rice, for a beautiful and sensual story. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  1.001 Dark Nights

Young woman sleeping at night in bed

About the author:

By the age of 30, Christopher Rice had published four New York Times bestselling thrillers, received a Lambda Literary Award and been declared one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive. His latest novel is THE HEAVENS RISE, a supernatural thriller about a young woman who is exposed to a mysterious parasite in the Louisiana swamp that gives her the power to control minds and unleash living nightmares. THE HEAVENS RISE is currently a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel. Together with his best friend, bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn, Christopher recently launched his own Internet radio show. An outrageous and irreverent comedy variety program, THE DINNER PARTY SHOW WITH CHRISTOPHER RICE & ERIC SHAW QUINN streams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at TheDinnerPartyShow.com, with new live episodes premiering Sunday evenings at 8 PM Eastern, 5 PM Pacific.

Christopher’s first novel, A DENSITY OF SOULS, was published when he was just 22. The controversial bestseller was greeted with a landslide of media attention, much of it due the fact that Rice’s mother is a legendary vampire chronicler who shares his last name. He served as a contributing columnist to The Advocate for many years and his additional criticisms and witticisms have been featured in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Salon.com and his own Facebook page, which currently hails over 100,000 subscribers. The members of the InsightOut Book Club selected his novel BLIND FALL as one of the best novels of 2008, and his noir thriller LIGHT BEFORE DAY was hailed as a “book of the year” by mega-best selling thriller novelist (and Jack Reacher creator), Lee Child. His short fiction has been featured in the anthologies Thriller and Los Angeles Noir. He recently served on the board of directors of the West Hollywood Library Fund, which was instrumental in securing private funds to build a brand new state-of-the-art library in the heart of the city he now calls home.

website | Twitter | Facebook | The Dinner Party Show

Fire Me Up by Kimberly Kincaid…ARC Review & Excerpt

Fire Me Up releases TODAY!

Be sure to stop by Kimberly’s Facebook page for info on a FABULOUS $100 Gift Card giveaway she’s hosting with 3Tracy Brogan, Catherine Bybee and Jennifer Probst!

Fire Me Up small

Synopsis:

If You Can’t Stand The Heat…

Teagan O’Malley can handle a crisis. She’s a paramedic, it’s her job. But she never expected to land in the kitchen of her father’s pub, with no notice, no cash, and no room for error. The kitchen is not her favorite place. Lucky for her, she just scraped a bad-boy chef off the pavement after a motorcycle accident—and something about him says he can turn up the heat in more ways than one.

Adrian Holt has had a rough few years, and he’s not eager to get tangled up in anything more complicated than a good risotto. But with a broken arm and a head full of bad memories, he needs a challenge to keep him sane. Teagan’s dare-me attitude and smoldering mess of a bar are just what the doctor ordered. And the two of them together might cook up some even better medicine…

 

Excerpt:

“You are stuck with me in here, Red.”

For a second, Teagan couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. But then she dropped her eyes to Adrian’s finger, still hot on her lips. She reached up to wrap her hand around his, moving it from her mouth as she stepped in close enough to erase any daylight between them.

“Did you just shush me so you could say your piece?”

Adrian paused, his body going rigid against hers even though his gaze didn’t waver. “I guess I did.”

“Mmm.” Teagan pressed up on her toes, relishing the taste of his shock as she brushed her mouth over his. “I’ll let you slide exactly once, but if you make a habit of it, you will be sorry.”

He drew back, but only enough to pin her with a wide-eyed stare. “You’re going to let me help you?”

Something that had no name loosened in her chest, and she felt her body slowly unwind against the strength of his frame as she tucked herself into his left side. Suddenly, it didn’t matter that the words bubbling up from inside her were ones that would normally scare her to death. Right now, for the first time since she’d walked into the Double Shot to find her father half-passed out behind the bar, Teagan wasn’t scared at all.

“Yeah, Superman,” she said, wrapping her arms around the broad expanse of Adrian’s shoulders and holding on tight. “I’m going to let you help me.”

My review:

Fire Me Up is the fourth book in author Kimberly Kincaid’s Pine Mountain Series, a series that I have loved reading from the very beginning. To say that I was dying to read Adrian’s book would be a gross understatement and let me just say…this book was so worth the wait! Adrian is everything I had hoped for and more and this story was deliciously amazing. My favorite of the series so far!

Teagan O’Malley and Adrian Holt meet in, let’s just say, less than ideal circumstances. After getting into a bit of an accident, Teagan is the paramedic who is able to talk Adrian into getting the treatment he needs and even with his surly demeanor, Teagan can’t help but be drawn to him. As it happens, the feeling is mutual and Adrian is immediately taken with Teagan as well.

Thinking their chance meetings just that, a one-time chance meeting, they both go their separate ways….until fate has a different idea.

Adrian ends up being sidelined from his beloved kitchen with his injury and, as luck would have it, Teagan’s father’s pub is in a bit of a pickle that he may just be able to help with. With an offer Teagan can’t afford to refuse, and with the chance at giving Adrian something to take his mind off of the mess his life had become recently, they decide that working together may just be with the doctor ordered….for both of them. Of course, they both agree to keep things on a professional level, even though the attraction between them and pull toward one another is undeniable. It’s a funny thing about the best laid plans and what happens to them and before long the attraction becomes too strong to deny.

But with so much baggage in both their pasts as well as their future, will they be willing to take a chance on exploring the feelings they share for one another? Will the recipe of Adrian and Teagan cook up to just an appetizer or will it prove to yield something that will feed both of their hearts’ appetite for love?

Man, I just loved this book. Kimberly gets better and better with each installment in this series and Fire Me Up is proof of that. Adrian and Teagan are both complex and interesting characters with rich and somewhat difficult pasts that make them a pair that I adored reading. Adrian is all rough and gruff on the exterior, with delicious tattoos and a bad boy persona that was at such odds with the magic he creates in the kitchen. That combination is what had me falling in love with him and wanting nothing more than for him to have his happy ending. Teagan is equally amazing, with an admirable loyalty to her father and the business he’s built. She is determined and strong and is exactly the person Adrian needs in his life. When they come together, it is freaking delicious. I’m talking chocolate marshmallow fudge cupcake delicious. The heat and fire between them is palpable and the kitchen/home-made gnocchi scene will go down as one of the most memorable sexy scenes I’ve ever read. Seriously. Damn, the things Adrian is capable of had me swooning.

Adding to this story is a bit of suspense and some trouble Teagan’s father has gotten into and it added a whole other amazing layer. I really enjoyed that aspect and thought it added that extra something. I also loved seeing my fave characters for the other books in the series and was reminded of just why this is a series I will continue to recommend.

Thank you Kimberly, for yet another amazing visit to Pine Mountain. I cannot WAIT to see what you have cooking up for us next!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Kobo

Fire Me Up quote page green

 

About the author:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Her digital Line series is all about the hot cops and sexy chefs of Brentsville, New York. She is also the author of the Pine Mountain series, which follows small town singles as they find big-time love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters. Visit her any time at www.kimberlykincaid.com or come check her out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kimberly.kincaid1) and Twitter (@kimberlykincaid).

Falling For Jillian by Kristen Proby…ARC Review


Falling For Jillian releases tomorrow, 1/27


Falling For Jillian

 

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the third romance in the Love Under the Big Sky series, featuring a veteran struggling with PTSD and the one woman who can help him recover—and learn to love again.

Jillian thought she was a city girl through and through; the fast cars, high fashion, and glamour—she loves it all. But when her ex tells her he’s having a baby with his new wife (after Jillian struggled for years to get pregnant), she hightails it back to Montana to cry on the shoulder of her best friend, Cara.

But in truth, Jillian would rather be comforted by someone else…specifically Zach, Cara’s brother-in-law. Zach is a veteran of the Iraq War who came back to the family ranch to raise his preteen son after the boy’s mother took off. He’s struggling to re-establish a relationship with his son, and warding off the demons of PTSD, which still haunt him. The last thing he needs is bold, brassy Jillian…but why can’t he keep his hands off her?

My Review:

Falling For Jillian is the third book in author Kristen Proby’s Love Under The Big Sky Series. I have loved this series from the very beginning and have been so looking forward to this book after meeting Zach briefly in the first story in the series. Well, it was everything I had hoped for and more. Zach and Jillian’s story is amazing!

With her wounded heart in tow, Jillian heads back to her hometown to start her life fresh. She needed to be where the people she loved most were. Her brother was here, her best friend as well. Her ex-husband had really done a number on her emotions after ditching her and finding happiness, and now a baby, in another woman’s arms. It was a mystery as to why she couldn’t give him the baby he clearly wanted, and that still hurt. But she’s determined to build her happiness back up again, and being in her hometown would help. Catching glimpses of the sexy veteran she spent one hot night with last summer is a bit of a help, too. He wasn’t interested, or so he says, but she can’t help but think there’s still something between them. Something that goes beyond just the one night they shared. It definitely ranked high on the list of things to work on while she was home…

Zach was finally getting settled back here, home on his family’s ranch, raising his son, and being back on U.S. soil. Sure, he still had a heap of emotional issues when it came to his wicked ex-wife and his PTSD issues, but all things considered, life was pretty decent. It would be even better if he could figure out what was going on with Jillian. He was all tied up in knots around her, especially after the night they spent together on the 4th of July. But he wasn’t what she needed. His baggage had baggage and she has a whole heap of her own issues to deal with. She wouldn’t want him. Or would she? He just can’t shake her or the feelings she ignites in him. Maybe it was time he put his past in his past where it belongs and give things a chance with Jillian…

Both being hurt terribly in the past by their significant others is sure to shape what happens between them, but in that pain these two wounded hearts have a chance at love again. However, when fate throws a wrench in their newly blossoming relationship, will they prove once and for all that they are ready to embrace the amazing relationship they’ve formed?

This. Book. Was. Amazing. My heart had been hurting for Zach and all he had gone through in his past, which we had only gotten a small glimpse of in the previous books. Well, my heart broke when we got to read the whole history. I felt so many emotions for him and wanted nothing more than for him to find the missing piece of himself and have a happy ending, He is loyal and kind with a protective streak a mile wide and has a ton of alpha traits that had my swooning, He’s an amazing son and earning the same title as a dad. Jillian is an equally amazing character. She has a huge heart and relates with so many people on so many different levels. She is a gal I would love to be friends with. Together, even with their overload of past pain, Jillian and Zach are freaking delicious. The heat and passion between them melts the pages and I loved every second of their moments together. There were also some pretty heavy parts in this book that had me sobbing my eyes out. So, be sure you have some tissues handy. Like, a whole box. I was texting a friend who had just finished it and she had to keep assuring my that all would end well. Now, I won’t spoil anything, but you know I won’t rec a book that doesn’t end well so don’t worry too much!

Overall this may be my favorite book of Ms. Proby’s yet. It was packed with raw emotion, tender moments, relatable characters, and a whole lot of heat. Thank you, Kristen, for giving us Zach and Jillian!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon  |  B&N

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website  |  Twitter: @handbagjunkie  |  Facebook  |  Author Goodreads   |  FALLING FOR JILLIAN Goodreads

Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin….Arc Review

Beyond Limits releases Tuesday 1/27
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Synopsis:

An FBI agent and a Navy SEAL race against time in New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin’s newest Tracers novel. “Griffin delivers the goods!” (Publishers Weekly)

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, Derek and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating attack…

Following in the bestselling tradition of the Tracers series, including Exposed, Scorched, and Twisted, Beyond Limits pulls out all the stops with Griffin’s most gripping thriller yet

My review:

Beyond Limits is the 8th book in author Laura Griffin’s Tracers Series and sadly the first of her work that I’ve read. I say sadly because this book was positively amazing and I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to discover Ms. Griffin and her work. I loved everything about this book and it was a thrill ride from start to finish!

FBI Agent Elizabeth LeBlanc hadn’t expected to see him again. After all, she had spent almost a year trying to get him out of her head. She should have known there was no way to dismiss the memory of the sexy and imposing SEAL Derek Vaughn that easily. And of course, fate being the fickle thing she was, the case she was now working on would have to be one that he and his team had just been a part of overseas. If she thought she had been able to erase the effect he had on her, she was sadly mistaken. Everything about him set her senses aflame and now she would have to start the Derek Protection Program steps all over again. If only it were that easy. Derek was not one to be dismissed and he certainly wasn’t one to not act on a hunch when he saw one. Even if it did put his life and career on the line. Now they were working together, albeit way off the books, to stop a terrorist attack on home soil. An attack that involved the people he had just dealt with overseas and the people she was dealing with back on home turf. She knew she only had a thin veil of resolve left when he started bringing up the reasons they should be together. She barely made away with her heart intact last time. Would she have the strength to keep him at arm’s length again? Does she want to? With more than her heart on the line, there is too much on her plate. Derek is making his feelings clear while they search for the threat that could hurt far too many people. It wasn’t just her hurt she had to worry about.

Would they be able to take down the threat before it was too late? Would they take their attraction to the next level if given the chance? With far too much at stake and so many reasons a relationship between them wouldn’t work, would they decide to give their feelings and attraction a chance?

Holy hell! This book was one of the best romantic suspense stories I have ever read. Hands down. The story line and plot were amazing. Just enough technical lingo to make it feel entirely real but not overwhelming that I was bogged down with the details. The characters were just as amazing as the storyline. Elizabeth is a strong woman with good reason to want to keep her heart protected. She knew how SEALS worked, knew the risks they took and knew she couldn’t handle the thought of loving and losing Derek. I don’t blame her in the least, either. But eventually his charm wears her down (I mean how could it NOT?) and she is totally thrown off her axis. Derek is one of the most amazing characters I’ve read. He is smart, resourceful, funny, kind, and has a soft side to him that had me swooning. Together they make one hell of a team and the push and pull, both professionally and personally, was pretty damn terrific to read.

This book, in my opinion, could be made into a movie tomorrow and become a huge hit. The terrorist plot was amazing with twists and turns I never suspected and the romance was beautiful and touching. Hands down, a book I will immediately be recommending to any romantic suspense fan.

Thank you, Ms. Griffin, for giving me a new series to follow and love. I can’t wait for the next installment!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon  |  B&N 

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of writing romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award (Whisper of Warning) and a Daphne du Maurier Award (Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin where she is working on her next book.

Risking It All by Tessa Bailey…ARC Review & Special Event Announcement

 

Risking It All releases Tuesday 1/27

Risking it all cover

 

Synopsis:

NYPD detective Seraphina Newsom will avenge her brother’s death at any cost. Even if it means insinuating herself into a rough, Brooklyn street gang and going so far undercover, she’s not sure she’ll be able to get out. Every minute she spends in their midst means the clock ticking down on her life, especially when she overhears something that could get her killed.

Bowen Driscol is the heir to a crime enterprise. He never asked for the job, but with his father behind bars, he has no choice but to step in and keep the operation running. But when the NYPD blackmails him with a piece of damning information in exchange for aiding an undercover cop, he finds himself on the other side of the law for the first time in his life.

Bowen knows the danger Sera is in, and keeping her safe trumps saving his own ass. The problem? She can’t know he’s on her side. And there’s the matter of the seriously inconvenient heat sparking between them that’s incinerating his resistance. But Sera only sees Bowen’s past, and men like him are the reason her brother is dead. If they’re to get out alive, he’ll have to risk exposing the man beneath, and hope to hell he doesn’t blow the whole operation in the process.

 

My review:

Risking It All is the first book in author Tessa Bailey’s Crossing the Line Series, a series that I have already fallen in love with when the prequel novella released a few months ago. I thought I had an idea of just how much I would love Bowen and his story…I was wrong. This book crushed all of my expectations and I loved it more than I ever could have imagined. It was freaking amazing.

Being an NYPD detective, Seraphina Newsom was used to being in some tough situations. But this current situation is proving to be the most dangerous and toughest yet. She’s deep undercover and quite possibly in over her head. That won’t stop her though. She’s as determined as ever to make the people responsible for her brother’s murder pay, and she will do it, no matter what the cost. She had planned on the danger. She had planned on the risk. What she hadn’t planned on was Bowen. And she sure as hell didn’t plan on all of the feelings his presence was bringing about in her. He was everything she shouldn’t want. He was on Team Bad while she personified Team Good. Of course none of that matters when she’s with him. She sees the man he is, underneath all of his gruff exterior layers, underneath his position in the crime world. She sees so much more…she sees that real man he is and, lord help her, she is falling hard and fast. Would a relationship between them with so many obstacles ever stand a chance?

The last thing Bowen Driscol ever thought he would be doing is helping the police. A guy like him only dealt with the police for one reason, and it surely wasn’t to play nice in the sandbox. But here he was, helping the NYPD on the down low. As if it wasn’t bad enough, he was stuck with a woman who rocked him to his core and threw him totally off-balance. A woman he shouldn’t even think about, let alone have the desire to be with her. She was everything pure and good, and we was everything opposite. Dirty and bad. He just prays that when this is all over, and his debt to the NYPD has been paid, he has the strength to walk away from Seraphina….because as it stands now, there was no way he wanted to ever let her go.

The odds are many and great against Seraphina and Bowen. They are opposites in every which way possible…but none of that matters. Not when the attraction and emotion shared between them has the ability to knock those odds right out of the picture. But in the trenches of the criminal underworld, none of that attraction and emotion will matter if one of them ends up dead…

I’m pretty sure I say this with every review I write about Tessa’s books, but holy hell, this gal just keeps getting better and better. I was so excited to get my hands on this book and start this new reading adventure and I was completely drawn into Bowen and Seraphim’s world from the very first chapter. There are so many things to love about this book.

I read a lot, so it’s easy for story lines and characters to get lost in the shuffle. That is NOT the case here. I truly felt like I was in this story. In my mind’s eye I could picture the places Bowen and Sera were in. I could picture what the characters looked like and the clothing they wore. I could feel the fluttering of emotions ranging from fear and tension to heat and passion. Truly, that is a gift. A gift that Tessa has given us with this story. Bowen reminds me of a Brooklyn version of James Dean. Smoking cigarettes, wearing that leather jacket with his rough-hewn good looks. But there’s a softer side to him that in a million years I never would have expected. It’s a side I don’t want to spoil by writing it here, because it’s a side you need to read for yourself. When Tessa reveals this beautiful hidden facet to his personality, I literally gasped and teared up. I never suspected it and it was just so damn good. Sera is a heroine I loved reading and an amazing compliment to Bowen. She is strong and determined. She’s smart and patient and kind. I loved her for loving Bowen the way she did. Together they are pure magic. The differences between them make for a combustible amount of fire and passion and it was delicious to read.

On top of all of that, we are introduced to the basis of this series…creative, somewhat rehabilitated, criminals working on the side of good. Freaking GENIUS. I have a feeling the other players in this game will be just as amazing to read as Bowen and Sera were. I know I sound like a broken record, but Tessa just keeps getting better!

If you are able to take away one thing from this long-winded review, it’s that you really need to grab a copy of this book. You will NOT be disappointed! Thank you, Tessa, for bringing us Bowen and Sera and for this amazing intro to a series I know I will adore!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Special Event:

Be sure to stop by the blog on Thursday, 1/29/15, for a very special event….

The Risking It All Location Photo Shoot!

Tessa traveled around to some of the locations mentioned in the book and took some amazing photos and wrote a bit about each one. How awesome is that?! 

So be sure to stop by! 

Book links:

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

 

About the author:

highres-MJB_5140.jpgTessa 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 Brooklyn, New York with her husband of seven years and three-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 

Wicked Wolf by Carrie Ann Ryan…ARC Review

Wicked Wolf releases today! 

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Synopsis:

The war between the Redwood Pack and the Centrals is one of wolf legend. Gina Eaton lost both of her parents when a member of their Pack betrayed them. Adopted by the Alpha of the Pack as a child, Gina grew up within the royal family to become an enforcer and protector of her den. She’s always known fate can be a tricky and deceitful entity, but when she finds the one man that could be her mate, she might throw caution to the wind and follow the path set out for her, rather than forging one of her own.

Quinn Weston’s mate walked out on him five years ago, severing their bond in the most brutal fashion. She not only left him a shattered shadow of himself, but their newborn son as well. Now, as the lieutenant of the Talon Pack’s Alpha, he puts his whole being into two things: the safety of his Pack and his son.

When the two Alphas put Gina and Quinn together to find a way to ensure their treaties remain strong, fate has a plan of its own. Neither knows what will come of the Pack’s alliance, let alone one between the two of them. The past paved their paths in blood and heartache, but it will take the strength of a promise and iron will to find their future.

 

My review:

Wicked Wolf is book number eight in author Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwood Pack series as well as the first in the 2015 1,001 Dark Nights Novella line-up. I have read only one other of author Ryan’s work and after enjoying it tremendously, and being a huge fan of the 1,001 Dark Nights series, I was excited to read this novella. Well, I wasn’t disappointed and now have another series I will be following. This story was fantastic.

Members of different packs, both Gina and Quinn have suffered their own heartache and loss separately. Gina having lost both of her parents and Quinn having lost his mate, they weren’t strangers to feeling great pain. It’s that former pain that leads them both a bit leery of forming future relationships. But fate, that fickle gal, always has a plan and soon Gina and Quinn find themselves in quite a situation. After being asked to work together to make sure the treaty between the packs remains strong and only continues to grow, they soon find they may actually be fated mates. Ordinarily that would be great news, but Quinn isn’t able to let go of the painful loss from years earlier. Enter fate agin. Soon Quinn is faced with yet another possible loss and it’s a loss only Gina can help prevent. The loss of his son. Lucky for Quinn, Gina won’t let that happen and before he realizes it, the bond he once feared is the bond he now craves. The problem is, Quinn hadn’t exactly welcomed Gina with open arms in the beginning and now that he wanted her, she may not want him.

With so much at stake for both packs, and now for both Quinn and Gina personally, will the bond they are meant to form grow into a truly loving relationship?

From the very first few pages, the pull between Quinn and Gina was palpable. Nether wanted to acknowledge it at first, but there was no denying what was happening between them and it was amazing to read. I loved the push and pull of emotions and I loved being inside of each characters head and to read their inner monologue. It gave us a real feel for their emotions. Oh, and the chemistry between them once things heat up? Beyond smoking hot!

On top of the amazing characters, I love how Carrie Ann keeps the pack dynamics true to how wolves interact in nature. I once visited a wolf sanctuary close to my home and I was so fascinated with the mannerisms of the Alphas and their packs. It is truly an amazing dynamic and that they all communicate without words is almost magical. Carrie Ann wrote her characters in such a way that it was easy to lose yourself in the paranormal wolf world and, even if for just a moment, believe that somewhere out there a world like this could truly exist. That, to me, is a gift.

I will be looking forward to reading more of this series as well as going into Ms. Ryan’s backlist to enjoy more of the Redwood Pack. Thank you, Ms. Ryan, for a magical and fantastic read!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  1.001 Dark Nights

Woman holding handsome fitness semi naked man with passion in studio with fume

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

Sugar’s Twice As Sweet by Marina Adair…Review & Giveaway

STAS cover

 

Synopsis:

He’s trouble she doesn’t need . . .

Thanks to a cheating fiancé, Josephina Harrington’s perfect life just crashed and burned. Moving in with her overbearing parents is definitely not an option. No, she needs to prove she can make it on her own. And she will-by turning her great-aunt’s old plantation house into a destination getaway. She’s just not expecting her contractor to be so hands-on-and so totally irresistible.

. . . but everything she wants

Bad-boy golf champion Brett McGraw figured his hometown of Sugar, Georgia was the perfect place to lay low and get his life back up to par. The leggy blonde with a pint-sized pup is the kind of sweet ‘n sassy trouble he never saw coming. She doesn’t know a nut from a bolt and before long, he’s renovating her house . . . as she steals his heart. Can he convince Josephina that his womanizing ways are in the past and he’s ready for forever?

 

My review:

Sugar’s Twice As Sweet is the first book in author Marina Adair’s Sugar, Georgia Series and as a big fan of Marina and her writing, I was so excited to read this latest work. In true Marina fashion, this book was simply wonderful…choc full of emotion, amazing characters, sass, and wit, I loved every second of this story.

The last thing Josephina Harrington ever imagined she would be doing at this point in her life was staring at her late great-aunt’s old plantation home and actually thinking of tackling a project this big. But she had no choice. It was her last option at this point. Ever since being dumped by her arrogant ex-fiancé she knew it was now or never. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. No way would she move in with her parents and she really wanted to prove, more to herself than anyone, that she could do something amazing…all on her own. Turning this old plantation into an upscale-with-a-down-home-charm inn was a dream she wanted to see become a reality and when she embraced her great-aunt’s outlook on life, she knew she could do it. What she didn’t need right now was any sort of distraction, and her neighbor Brett McGraw was a distraction waiting to happen. Sure he was all sexy and southern charm, but she needed to stay away from men and focus on her new life. Good thing she had one hell of a workload in front of her to keep her mind off of the sexy golf pro showing up at her doorstep at every turn. Only problem was she really needed some help and eventually his neighborly offers start to wear down her resistance. Would she be able to pull of a project of this magnitude? With’s Brett’s help? More importantly, would she ever want to risk heartache again?

After the media debacle he was in now, golf star Brett McGraw needed to lay low. He needed to stay out of the public eye and out of the arms of star-struck women and that’s what led him back home to Sugar, Georgia. He would stay here, help out with a few organizations, and keep out of the public eye for a few months until things blew over and the next big tour started. That was the plan, anyway.  All of that “stay out of the arms of women” talk goes out the window when Josephina comes back into town. Suddenly Brett can’t remember why swearing off women was a good thing. Of course it would figure that the only girl he had eyes for now couldn’t be bothered with him. Figures. Now he had to up his game and actually try…something he wasn’t accustomed to. But something happens along the way…Brett actually starts to grow some serious feelings for the girl he remembered from his childhood. The girl he could see had been hurt and wanted to make a fresh start. Would he be a part of that fresh start? Goodness, he really hoped so.

With a wounded heart and so much turmoil in both of their lives, Josephina and Brett seem to find solace in each other’s company. When things start to heat up and an undeniable attraction starts to blossom, will what they’ve found be able to whether the storm of Brett’s former playboy ways, Josephina’s broken heart, and a few hidden truths?

I have been reading Marina Adair’s work for a few years now and I have enjoyed all of her books…but this, hands down, is my favorite so far. There was so much to love about this story. We are introduced to Josephina at her lowest moment, right after the break up of her engagement, and it was so amazing to read her journey from broken-hearted to determined businesswoman. She stumbles along the way, and second-guesses herself as the enormity of this undertaking starts to show, but she doesn’t give up. I loved that about her. Her tenacity and pride are amazing. Even when things get pretty horrible for her, she picks herself up and keeps going. Brett is also an amazing character with a loyalty to his family and his roots that had me melting. Sure, he’s a ladies man, but he’s got a huge heart and is just waiting for the right woman to give it to. Oh, and his southern charm? Swoon-worthy!

Another one of my absolute favorite aspects of this story are Hattie and her band of misfit grannies. Brett‘s grandmother and her friends are absolute hilarious and added an amazing facet to this already wonderful story. I would love to have a Hattie in my life!

Again, there is so much to love about this book. The town’s description and making me feel like I was there, the secondary characters I can’t wait to read more about, the push and pull between Brett and Josephina, the laughs that ensue along the way, the heartwarming connection between Brett and Josephina…from start to finish I loved it all.

Ms. Adair is an author all romance lovers should have on their to-read list. She tells one hell of a romantic and emotional story each and every time and always delivers many a contented sighs throughout. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Sugar, Georgia gang!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble 

Giveaway:

In addition to this tour-wide giveaway, I have an autographed paperback copy of Sugar’s Twice As Sweet to give away to one lucky winner!  To exert that giveaway, comment on this blog post!

M. Adair Twice as Sweet Giveaway banner

a Rafflecopter giveaway
   

 

About the author:

Every author can identify the exact moment of inception, when the skies parted, the heavens sang, and a divine being came forth, anointing them one of the chosen, blessed to spend the rest of eternity weaving stories of ‘ever after’ for mass consumption.

For me, it wasn’t so much a moment, but an intervention. Sophomore year, my fellow Blockheads sat me down and explained that I had an addiction. I was a NKOTB–A-holic. Afraid of becoming enablers, they refused to listen to another one of my never-ending stories about our passionate intrigues with Jordan, Joe, Jon, Danny, and Donnie. What they didn’t understand was that New Kids on the Block wasn’t my obsession—they were my current romance-medium of choice. Twenty years later, my romance addiction is a hard, bodice-ripping, half-dozen books per week. When I’m not reading it or watching it, I am writing it—or workshopping it—or editing it—or strategizing how my hands to get more of it. In 2010, I realized I was closer to menopause than prom and got serious about my career, writing my way toward a post-graduate degree in creative writing (in the off chance that the first one didn’t stick) and becoming a published romance author.

January of 2012, I sold my first novel, TUCKER’S CROSSING, to Kensington Books and The St. Helena Vineyard series to Montlake Romance.  KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, the first in the series is a National Bestseller and #1 Romance Series bestseller. SUMMER IN NAPA releases May 14, 2013 and AUTUMN AT THE VINEYARD releases October 2013. In 2014 the first in the Sugar Series, BUT SUGAR’S TWICE AS SWEET, will release from Grand Central’s Forever line. I live with my husband, daughter and three neurotic cats in Northern California. 

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website

Review…Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros

ETS cover

 

Synopsis:

Since her sister’s death, twenty-year-old Paisley Donovan, who shares her sister’s heart condition, is treated like delicate glass by her parents. But nothing will stop her from completing her Bucket List—even if it kills her. And it almost does, until Jagger Bateman pulls her from the ocean and breathes more than air into her lungs—he sets her soul on fire.

Jagger is enrolled in the country’s toughest flight school. He’s wickedly hot, reckless, and perfect for a girl looking to live life to the fullest. Except that Paisley is the commanding general’s daughter, and her boyfriend is Jagger’s biggest rival. Now Paisley must decide just how much to risk for a guy who makes her heart pound a little too hard.

They’re flying through dangerous territory—and one wrong move could make them crash and burn…

 

My review:

Eyes Turned Skyward is the second book from author Rebecca Yarros, and follows Full Measures…a book I completely adored. I was beyond lucky to get an early copy of this book and let me just say, it is unbelievably amazing. I loved, loved, loved, it. Ignored every daily responsibility and devoured it in one sitting.

Paisley wasn’t her sister. She wasn’t as fragile as everyone treated her. She wasn’t going to die young, like her sister had. If she could just convince her parents that she knew, deep down inside, she would be ok. Despite sharing the same heart condition that had killed her sister years earlier, Paisley had a plan and would live to see her later years. She wasn’t breakable. It was that philosophy that brought her to the beach one day and almost ended her life. Not because she was being reckless, but because some idiot was…and threw her into the ocean despite her pleas that she couldn’t swim. Luckily Jagger was there and he saved her life. Jagger, the handsome and sexy stranger she had been admiring just a little while earlier. Jagger, who would end up saving her a few more times as their story is written. Jagger, who could give her a life she never could have imagained…if she only gives him the chance.

Student pilot Jagger wasn’t one to do long term. He was fast and furious and lived life to the fullest. He had plenty of admiration from women and didn’t mind the attention. But it was Paisley’s attention he craved. After saving her that day on the beach, he knew it would take a lot to get her out of his system. Not even the fact that she turns out to be his commander general’s daughter or his biggest flight school competition’s girlfriend could make him back off. He couldn’t know that he may lose her before they even get a start. He couldn’t know that his life was about to be turned upside-down by this amazing woman. With so much at stake, his flight career, his standing with his commanding general, his future, would Paisley be worth the risk of all of it? He sure as hell felt with a bone deep certainty she was. Now he just had to convince her.

The odds are stacked against Paisley and Jagger from the word “go” but despite all of the negatives, the positives seem to win out…at least for a little bit. Will they truly get a chance at a happily ever after? For more than just a few months?

I’m pretty sure I mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: I loved this book. There was just so much to love. Jagger, Paisley, their situation, their relationship, even their struggles…it was all amazing. Rebecca Yarros has an amazing way of getting the reader invested in her characters and feeling all of their emotions. The good, the bad, and the heart wrenching. Jagger is one of my favorite book guys. He’s loyal, sexy, kind, caring, and has a larger than life personality. You can’t help but adore him. Paisley is equally amazing. She stumbles along the way and wants to remain the prim and proper girl her parents raised, but also wants to live her life without being treated like a piece of glass. She just wants to live like she has no expiration date.

The push and pull between Jagger and Paisley is fantastic and really fit their situation. Jagger had his dream career at stake and Paisley had her parents and long-term boyfriend to deal with. They couldn’t just jump right into things and all of that made it even more special when they finally could. Of course, I was a nervous wreck for these two and between Paisley’s heart and problems with Jagger and her boyfriend, I was so worried things wouldn’t work out. I won’t give anything away, but I will warn you to have an entire box of tissues at the ready. Yes, an entire box. Don’t worry though, Rebecca has yet to let me down yet and gives an ending that is totally movie worthy!

This is a must read for all romance fans. It’s packed with emotion and passion and is the embodiment of a well-rounded story with well-written characters. Thank you, Rebecca, for yet another amazing read. I can’t wait to see what you have in store in the future for your fans!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book Links:

 Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks 

About the author:

rebeccaRebecca 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. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores.

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 eleven 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.

Blog  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Author Goodreads

Revenant by Larissa Ione…ARC Review

Revenant releases December 16

revenant cover

 

HELL HATH NO FURY . . .

For five thousand years, Revenant believed he was alone in the world, a fallen angel beyond any redemption. Now he finds he has a twin brother who had all the light and love Revenant was denied. Caught in a tug of war between Heaven and Hell, he must weigh his thirst for revenge against his desire for a mysterious female named Blaspheme—a female whose very origins could deliver him into salvation . . . or destruction.

 

LIKE AN ANGEL SCORNED

Blaspheme has a deadly secret: she’s the forbidden offspring of an angel and a fallen angel. Hunted by both heavenly and satanic forces, she has survived only by laying low and trusting no one. When Revenant claims he can save them both, how can she possibly believe him? But the powerful angel is persistence incarnate and for Blaspheme, there’s no place she can hide in Heaven or Hell where he won’t find her . .

 

My review:

Revenant is the sixth book in author Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series as well as the eleventh book in her Demonica series and I’m sad to say the last book in both. I am a huge fan of author Ione’s work and reading this book was indeed bittersweet. It was a fantastic finale and I adore every minute of it.

I will say that if you haven’t at least read the preceding book, Reaver, I don’t recommend reading Revenant as I’m pretty sure you will be a bit lost. That being said, the entire series is phenomenal and I highly recommend.

Fallen angel and underworld bad ass, Revenant, had been raised alone in a world of death and cruelty. After the death of his mother when he was younger he knew he would truly be alone for the rest of his life and had lived with that weighing on his chest his entire life. Until now. After having his memories restored he found out he had a brother…and not just a brother but a twin. As if that wasn’t enough to reconcile he finds out who his twin is and he couldn’t be more opposite from Revenant. Adding to all of this confusion is the turmoil with Satan and Lucifer’s impending rebirth which meant a whole lot of trouble for all worlds, good and bad. Of course, it was fitting that he would meet a woman who would capture his attention like no other woman ever had before. It was all too much to take at once and Revenant must soon decide whom he can trust and what side of the team good vs. evil he must play for. Could a fallen angel ever have hopes for redemption and some kind of happiness? After all he had gone through in his life, didn’t he deserve it?

Underworld General doctor Blaspheme knew her time was running out. As the forbidden love child of an angel and fallen angel, she had been shrouded in a false identity her entire life to keep her true nature hidden…and that shroud was slowly disappearing. When it was gone, she didn’t stand the chance of survival and that thought terrified her. Now, with time running out and growing desperate, she finds she must rely on Revenant to help her. Revenant, the fallen angel she was both attracted to and unsure of. He had the power to end her or save her and never having gotten close to anyone before, both of those options had Blaspheme weary. Could she trust him to save her? Would he want to after finding out what she was?

With so much tension building between good and evil and the impending rebirth of Lucifer, due any day now, it’s insane to think now would be the chance for Blaspheme and Revenant to find a connection. Even more insane would be to think they would find love. But isn’t that always how things work? When you least expect it?

Once again Larissa brings the reader into a complex and fantastic world with great odds, tons of sarcastic wit, and characters we all have grown to love. Reading Revenant’s childhood was positively crushing. My heart broke for the little boy who grew up in agony and suffering and had grown into a man who, despite all of that, still had the desire to be accepted and loved. Blaspheme is amazing and since meeting her I have been dying to read more. She’s caring, loyal, and has some zingers in this book that had me totally loving her. I was so worried for her and her situation as it truly seemed hopeless. Of course, once you’re part of the UG family, they won’t ever let you down and it was so amazing to see Eidolon, Wraith, and the whole gang do their best to help solve this major problem. Speaking of which, the problems they are facing are huge and I was worried sick that there wouldn’t be a way to get out of it. Now I won’t give anything away but let me say that when the Horsemen and Demonica crew all come together don’t doubt that there’s a way.

Thank you, Larissa, for giving us all of these characters and their stories. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart and they are books I will continue to recommend and re-read at every opportunity. As sad as I am to see it all come to a close, I have no doubt we will see them again one day and I am excited to see what you have in store for us next!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks 

About the author:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione 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.

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