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Book Promotion & Review

Chained by Night by Larissa Ione…ARC Review

Chained by Night releases September 30, 2014

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Synopsis:

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

My Review:

Chained by Night is the second book in author Larissa Ione’s MoonBound Clan Vampire Series and being a huge fan, I was beyond excited to read this book. Well, Larissa has done it again. This book was incredible and I was unable to put it down. Hunter has officially been added to my list of vamps I adore…

MoonBound Clan Chief, Hunter, always has his clan’s best interest at heart and will always do what is necessary to make sure they thrive. Even with the war raging on between vampires and humans, he has faith in his people and leads them the best way he knows how. It’s that leadership role that has led him to his upcoming mating with a rival clan’s daughter. It certainly wasn’t an ideal situation but it was the only one that would keep the precarious peace that held between his clan and this particular rival clan. So a chief does what a chief must. Only soon after meeting his future mate, Rasha, he realizes that he isn’t sure he can spend eternity with this vampire. She was a total unkind bitch and wanted to rule in a way he promised himself he never would. Making matters worse was that he had met her identical twin sister. A twin sister who embodied all of the traits he looked for in a mate. She was the complete opposite of her sister in every way, with their shared looks being the only similarity between them. But fate was fickle that way and with no other foreseeable option, Hunter resides to the fact that the wretched witch twin will have be his mate. Only sometimes, fate manages to pull through. Hunter is faced with a few options that may make his situation less bleak. The choices are difficult and many and there are more than a few times he isn’t sure which road he should travel but he has faith that in the end he will be able to have it all. A clan that was safe and happy, a mate that he truly loved, and a chance at peace….the only question is, at what cost will it all come? And how much blood will be shed?

As you already know, I adore Larissa and her writing. She writes the damaged hero like no one else and brings so much emotion to a story that it seeps from the pages into the reader’s heart. And she did it again in this story, but unlike most of her books, the damaged hero wasn’t a hero at all…but instead, a heroine. Aylin. Hunter’s arranged mate, Rasha’s, twin sister. There is a whole lot going on in the background of this story with the war between vampires and humans but this book was mainly centered on Hunter’s journey with these two women and his warring emotions. He has a great responsibility to his clan and mating with Rasha is best for all of them but he just can’t shake the feeling that it’s just not right. After spending only a short amount of time with both women he knows Aylin is the woman for him and the journey he takes to make her his mate was phenomenal. I won’t go into too much detail about the story itself, because there are more than a few things revealed along the way that make a huge difference to the series and I don’t want to ruin it for you, but I will say that Hunter and Aylin now have a place in my heart.

Aylin’s life up until this point has been positively wretched and it broke my heart. But her resolve and spirit through even the worst of times was truly beautiful and admirable beyond measure. She tops my list of favorite heroines. Hunter was just as fantastic. He is a great leader with a remarkable ability to remain true to himself as well as doing what’s best for the clan. It’s what has earned the respect of all of his warriors. Their journey was spectacular and filled with pulse pounding moments and adversity at almost every turn…both physically and emotionally. The challenges they face were freaking intense but also solidified their strength as a couple. Truly incredible to read!

On top of all of that, we meet a new character in this book that I am DYING to see more of. He is a true Larissa character in the sense that he’s supposed to be a bad guy (a REALLY bad guy) but shows bits of a softer side and sense of humor that Larissa writes so well into characters. Seriously, I loved this guy!

All in all, this book had everything I love in a story. Well developed relationships, tons of emotion, action, rich characters, intensity, great world building, and a good amount of heat. I highly recommend Chained by Night and cannot wait for the next installment. Thank you, Larissa, for yet another stellar read!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book Links:

 Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Kobo

PREORDER CHAINED BY NIGHT
AND SAVOR YOUR TASTY TREAT ON 9/30!
Book II of The MoonBound Clan Vampires series

 

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“Ione’s second MoonBound Vampires paranormal deftly uses a mixture of complex rivalries, primal violence, and sex to portray a society in which frequent vampire enslavement provokes a civil-rights dispute…Ione’s characters are relatable and sympathetic both because of and despite their id-drenched setting, and Ione’s flavor of vampirism produces a fascinating mixture of authoritarianism, atavism, and compassionate humanity that works on multiple levels.”;
—;Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW August 25th

“Ione has created a fascinating vampire world steeped in Native American traditions and lore and developed a path to happiness for Hunter and Aylin that is fraught with potent and poignant internal and external conflicts. The action-packed plot and creative worldbuilding keep us enthralled; the romance and sexual tension keep us emotionally invested.”;
—;Kirkus Reviews August 28th online, Sept. 15th print

“Major talent Ione is back with the second installment in her gritty new MoonBound Clan Vampire series, where vampires live under the threat of enslavement and torture by humans. Ione’s vampire world is made up of sometimes warring clans who fight against each other as well as humans. Uniting the clans may be the vampires’ best hope for survival in the upcoming war with humans. With so much at stake, these excellent character relationships are fraught with intense and conflicting emotions. Hang on tight, as this is one exciting and dangerous world!”;
—Romantic Times ****1/2 HOT

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BOUND TO BE UP ALL NIGHT WITH
THROW BACK THURSDAY’S BOUND BY NIGHT!

Book I of The MoonBound Clan Vampire series


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“Bound by Night was a fantastic start to this very promising new series…;
a very tasty treat from a must be read author. Happy reading everybody…you’re bound to love it.”;
—Night Owl Reviews for Bound by Night

“The exceptionally entertaining Ione kicks off a sexy new vampire series…;
Ione does what she does best: deliver paranormal romance with a sexy and dangerous bite!”;
—RT Book Reviews ****HOT Review for Bound by Night

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.

Website  |  Twitter  | Facebook

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Ignited by J. Kenner…Blog Tour Stop & Review

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Synopsis:

 

He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.

My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.

Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.

I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

 

My review:

Ignited is the third book in author J. Kenner’s Most Wanted Series and focuses on the oh-so-sexy Cole and the strong, spitfire Katrina. From the very beginning the sexual tension was palpable and it just kept getting better as I read. Adding some intensity to the story is some trouble with Katrina’s father, adding more to love with this story.

Cole’s rough and incredibly heartbreaking childhood has played the biggest role in who he is today…and sometimes it’s a person he wishes he wasn’t. It’s because of that person that he vows to keep Katrina at a distance and only allow himself to admire her from afar. These days, though, it’t getting harder and harder and he fears it’s only a matter of time before he searches her out. When she tells him, in no uncertain terms, that she wants to take things further with him, he realizes he has a choice to make. Push her away or allow her a peek at the real him that only a few people have ever really seen…and risk losing her.

Katrina is comfortable when she’s faking it. When she’s running a con or playing a role. Finding a mark, pulling a con, and moving on to the next job. The problem now is that she’s finding likes her life right now. She likes having real friends and a place to call home. A real home. She also liked Cole…a whole lot more than she probably should. All of those factors lead to her decision to put down roots, buy a home, and stay. It also lead her to take a chance on Cole and see if there would ever be a chance at something more for them. She never expected he would put up such a fight and try to convince her he was all wrong for her when anyone could see it was quite the opposite. They could be great together and he should know she wouldn’t give him up without a fight.

Just when Katrina thinks she’s her path is set, her father shows up with a huge problem. A problem she wasn’t sure how to handle. A problem she knew only one person to go to help for. Cole. Now Katrina is not only in a fight for a chance at a relationship but in a fight to save her father’s life.

As I mentioned earlier, this story was fantastic. From scorching heat to raw emotion and then to a twisted situation with some pretty unsavory characters, this book really had it all. I loved Cole and Katrina, both separately as well as a couple. Cole’s sad past turned him into the guarded man he is today and hearing his story broke my heart. He is this sexy, dominating man with a soft heart and a way about him that pulled me in. He is very much a paradox and it shows when he goes from painting a beautiful painting to threatening to tear a man limb from limb and meaning every word. I think it’s those personality extremes that made him so enjoyable to read. Katrina was also amazing. She wanted Cole and wouldn’t let him turn away from her. She knew she would be opening up a pandora’s box with him, so to speak, but she was made of tougher things and was in it for the long haul. She saw through to the man Cole really was and she knew it was something special. A rare and damaged beauty and one she wanted nothing more than to hold and cherish. Their chemistry was undeniable and intense. It was passionate and beautiful to watch unfold. Julie did a fabulous job building the fire between them. But beyond that, Cole is so fiercely protective and when he promises to help Katrina with the issue with her father it added yet another amazing facet to his character. I was actually a nervous wreck reading the last few chapters and was so worried for Cole and Katrina….but don’t you worry, Julie gave them a perfect ending!

If you love heat, intensity and a wealth of emotions, Ignited is a book for you! Thank you, Julie, for a phenomenal story and a great addito to the Most Wanted Series.

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Add it to your Goodreads list here!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 

 

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      About J. KENNER jkenner-authorJulie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures. Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries. J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges…ARC Review

Releases tomorrow, 9/9

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Synopsis:

A debut collection of witty, biting essays laced with a surprising warmth, from Jen Mann, the writer behind the popular blog People I Want to Punch in the Throat

People I want to punch in the throat:
• anyone who feels the need to bling her washer and dryer
• humblebraggers
• people who treat their pets like children

Jen Mann doesn’t have a filter, which sometimes gets her in trouble with her neighbors, her fellow PTA moms, and that one woman who tried to sell her sex toys at a home shopping party. Known for her hilariously acerbic observations on her blog, People I Want to Punch in the Throat, Mann now brings her sharp wit to bear on suburban life, marriage, and motherhood in this laugh-out-loud collection of essays. From the politics of joining a play group, to the thrill of mothers’ night out at the gun range, to the rewards of your most meaningful relationship (the one you have with your cleaning lady), nothing is sacred or off-limits. So the next time you find yourself wearing fuzzy bunny pajamas in the school carpool line or accidentally stuck at a co-worker’s swingers party, just think, What would Jen Mann do? Or better yet, buy her book.

 

My review:

Ok, so I love Jen Mann. If you don’t know of her, or her laugh-so-hard-you-snort blog, People I Want To Punch In The Throat, then I am here to introduce you to some of the funniest and most real parent and life posts you will ever read. No really. And if you do know of her, high-five!

Her newest book, People I Want To Punch In The Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges, touches on all of the joyous *heavy on the sarcasm* wonders of being a suburban mom in the prim and proper Pinterest age….and it is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.

Question: Have you ever left your house in pj’s to drop a kid off thinking no one will ever see those pj’s, only to find out you HAVE to get out of the car and parade your pj clad self into the school?

-OR- Had to suffer through a playdate chatting it up with a mom who, under any other circumstances, you would never want to associate with for even one tenth of a nanosecond, but because your kids are friends and you HAVE to stay through the playdate you’e stuck with said parent?

-OR- How about dealing with those obsessive parents, living vicariously through their kids to make up for all that lacked in their own childhood?  They are gems….

I see you nodding after reading those questions and that’s exactly why you need this book. Not only does Jen write her completely relatable experiences, but she writes with such snarky comedy genius that you can’t NOT laugh. I mean I annoyed the hell out of my poor husband while reading this because I would be reading, start laughing, shove the book under his nose and say: “read this! It’s just like *censored to save face with my friends and neighbors*!”. And guess what? He thought it was hilarious, too!

But aside from the hilarity of this book, is that fact that Jen puts it all in perspective. Life, kids, parenting, suburban society, the pressures of raising kids in an age where Pinterest makes you feel like a slacker every time you log on…. all of it. She makes us realize we aren’t alone in this craziness and that it’s ok to take life with a grain of salt. It’s ok to not want to suffer through a play date or not want to spend 6 months crafting dat and night for a kid’s birthday party. It’s ok to head out without makeup on and in your bunny pj’s. It’s ok to want to punch people in the throat!

So while this book is a break from my normal genres, I will always pick up a book written by Jen because she reminds us that life isn’t perfect and you may as well have a good laugh along the way! Thanks Jen, you freaking rock and I love ya lots!

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Buy the book:

Amazon

About the author:


Jen is the blogger throwing hilarious punches peppered with a liberal dose of f-bombs on her blog People I Want to Punch in the Throat. Jen is also the publisher and editor of the best-selling anthology I Just Want to Pee Alone. She is the author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Daycare Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges (Sept 2014) and Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat (Dec 2015). She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Babble, and Headline News.

She is wife to The Hubs and mother to Gomer and Adolpha (not their real names – their real names are actually so much worse).

People I Want to Punch in the Throat blog can be found here

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Roped In by Lorelei James…ARC Review

 

Roped In releases September 9

Roped In COVER

Book links:

Kindle  |  Amazon Paperback  |  1,001 Dark nights

 

Synopsis:

Ambition has always been his biggest downfall…until he meets her.

World champion bulldogger Sutton Grant works hard on the road, but his quiet charm has earned the nickname “The Saint” because he’s never been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type with the ladies. When he’s sidelined by an injury, he needs help keeping his horse in competition shape, but he fears trying to sweet-talk premier horse trainer London Gradsky is a losing proposition–because the woman sorta despises him.

London is humiliated when her boyfriend dumps her for a rodeo queen. What makes the situation worse? She’s forced to see the lovebirds on the rodeo circuit every weekend. In an attempt to save face, London agrees to assist the notoriously mild, but ruggedly handsome Sutton Grant with his horse training problem on one condition: Sutton has to pretend to be her new boyfriend.

But make believe doesn’t last long between the sassy cowgirl and the laid-back bulldogger. When the attraction between them ignites, London learns that sexy Sutton is no Saint when that bedroom door closes; he’s the red-hot lover she’s always dreamed of.

The more time they spend together, the more Sutton realizes he wouldn’t mind being roped and tied to the rough and tumble cowgirl for real…

 

 

My review:

Roped In is story number 6.5 in author Lorelei James’ Blacktop Cowboy Series as well as novella #9 in the 1,001 Dark Nights Series. I was so excited to get my hands on the newest cowboy from Lorelei and oh man, this was one hell of a ride. I loved every minute!

As a world champion bulldogger, Sutton Grant isn’t a stranger to injury. But his last injury was almost the permanent lights out type and since then he’s been on the injured reserve, so to speak. He’s on the mend and feeling pretty good but unfortunately, since he couldn’t exactly do much riding, his horse’s training has been neglected and it was really showing. He needed help and knew exactly the person to call. London Gradsky. Too bad she probably wouldn’t be thrilled to hear from him considering she kinda hates him.

Still bearing the sting of being dumped by her boyfriend, London really needed a distraction. She never would have thought it would have come in a 6 foot 3, hot and sexy, bulldogger package. When Sutton Grant had gotten in touch with her to help him with his horse, her first reaction was to tell him to find someone else but instead her evil genius went to work and she figured he would be the perfect revenge on her ex. All he had to do was pretend to be her new beau and flaunt their new relationship in her ex’s face. Genius! Except that almost right off the bat her feelings were anything but pretend. Would she be able to stick with the ruse until his horse’s training was over and her ex got his healthy spoonful of “see what you’re missing”?

Lemme just take a moment to bask in the memory of Sutton and London *dreamy sigh* Ok, I’m back. This novella absolutely knocked my socks off. From the very first chapter it is packed with emotion, humor, and tons of heat. Sutton is an amazing character. Not only is he built, handsome and sexy as all get out, but also he is sweet and kind. Caring and shy. Sure he knows he’s a good-looking guy but he’s been single for a little while now and is isn’t very confident when it comes to London and is vulnerable. Those are the qualities that had me swooning. London is one of the most fun characters I’ve read in a while. She is such a spitfire and had me laughing out loud more than a few times while reading. I would totally hang out with her. But beyond that she’s strong and not afraid to go after what she wants. Together they are beyond smoking hot! Their personalities compliment one another deliciously and they have a chemistry that is mouthwatering to read. This book played out like a movie in my mind’s eye while I read it and I couldn’t put it down. I’m actually a bit mad at myself for reading it so fast but it was the type of story you lose yourself in. And the ending? The. Freaking. Best.

Thank you, Lorelei, for a smoking hot cowboy, his perfect gal, and tons of passion!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

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About the author:
A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.
Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

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Hard To Hold On To by Laura Kaye…Review

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Synopsis:

Edward “Easy” Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves–which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight. He may have just met her, but Jenna’s the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can’t describe how he makes her feel–and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.

As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

My review:

Hard To Hold On To is story number 2.5 in author Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink Series, a series I have enjoyed since the first book. With each book I grow to love the guys of Hard Ink more and more and this novella was an incredible, and emotional, addition to the series.

Edward “Easy” Cantrell has been struggling silently since the day he and his team were ambushed back on that deserted road in the desert. The day he lost his best friend along with almost half of his team. It’s only recently that he is able to temporarily forget the deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. Unworthiness to live. Unworthiness to feel happiness. And it’s only because his remaining team members needed his help with a sticky situation. It’s in that sticky situation he meets Jenna. Jenna, the victim of a kidnapping and a woman he helped save from a doomed fate. She hasn’t wanted him to leave her side since her rescue and if he’s being honest, he hasn’t wanted to leave either. Her faith in him and her need for him to be close was helping plug the gaping hole in his heart. Something he never thought possible. With her help maybe, just maybe, he can face the crushing emotions and guilt he has had since that fateful day in the desert.

Jenna can’t explain why she feels so close to Easy, or why she can’t stand being away from him, only that he seems to be the only thing soothing her frayed nerves and calming her in her darkest moments since the kidnapping. There was something about him. Almost like he understood the inability to reign in your emotions after a horrible situation has turned your life upside-down. He knew what she needed even when she didn’t. Add that to his quiet and gentle giant like ways, and Jenna can’t help but be drawn to him and his strength. She just hopes that one day she could repay the compassion he’s shown her. Little does she know that day may be sooner than she realizes…

 
This novella was an amazing addition to books one and two. Not only was it a fantastic continuation of the situation the Hard Ink guys are in and the mystery they have come together to solve that started with the betrayal of their former leader, but Laura brought a very poignant look at a very real issue…veteran suicide. I ran through a multitude of emotions while reading this story. I was relieved Jenna was safe. I was nervous that she wouldn’t be able to handle the traumatic situation. I was humbled by Easy’s quiet understanding. I was heavyhearted reading Easy’s struggle with his guilt. I was gutted when he finally took the brave step in asking for help. I could feel every ounce of emotion that Laura beautifully wrote into the pages. What started out as Jenna’s rescue story soon turned into Easy’s rescue story…only his rescue wasn’t a physical escape from a building. His rescue is going to be a long road and with the help of his teammates and their now extended family of sorts, I have faith he can do it. I also loved the way Jenna and Easy found strength in the unlikely connection they found. They truly found something beautiful in an abysmal situation and they both became stronger because of it.

Before I end this review I want to take a second to thank Laura.

Veteran suicide is something I am very aware of, but many are not. 22 veterans a day commit suicide. That is 22 too many. In bringing awareness to this horrible epidemic, we can show our vets that we care. That there is help. That they are not alone. In writing Easy’s story, Laura has helped bring that awareness. For that, I am thankful beyond measure and truly appreciate everything she has done with this story.

So, thank you, Laura. You are an inspiration and a special gal.

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book Links:

Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

About the author:

Laura Kaye croppedLaura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Hard Ink Puppy FB | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp | Goodreads

 

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Winning Love by Abby Niles….Review

Winning Love cover

 

Synopsis:

Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season.

There he meets free-spirited Gayle Andrews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly, persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare, then he can’t get away fast enough.

Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun, but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.

Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?

 

My Review:

Winning Love is the third book in author Abby Niles’ Love to the Extreme series and the first in the series I have read. I’m a little sad I hadn’t picked up this series earlier because this book was amazing. Like read in a day, can’t put it down, ignore all responsibilities kind of amazing.

Mac “The Snake” Hannon has been running from his past for four long years. He’s tried to push the nightmare aside and ignore it every time it rears its ugly head. The problem is, you can never truly outrun your past. It always comes back to haunt you. Never before has that been more true than right now when he returns to the very place that holds those nightmarish memories. Kansas. Where his hopes and dreams were crushed when a tornado came through and took it all away from him. The only reason he was back was because his old friend needed him and he would never leave his friend hanging. Hopefully he could be distracted enough while he was here to ignore the ever-present pain of his broken past. Enter Gayle. The feisty, fun, entertaining and beautiful neighbor. She could certainly be a great distraction for Mac while he was here. But he didn’t do relationships of any kind. Not anymore. He just needed to look to his past to be reminded of why.

Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews sure was intrigued by the handsome man staying with her neighbor…not only because he was built and gorgeous but because he had a permanent scowl that was just begging to be erased. Of course she would happily volunteer to do just that. She has learned the hard way to live life to the fullest, every day, because you never knew when it could be your last. She had a feeling he would be a tough nut to crack but she had plenty of time to work on it. Tornado season hadn’t started yet and even though she watched her neighbor’s, and Mac’s friend’s, daughter from time to time, she still had plenty of calendar to fill. Mac didn’t know it yet, but he’d be that filler, and he’d be doing it without a scowl…come hell or high water.

Together both Mac and Gayle have heartbreaking pasts and have both dealt with crushing loss in their own ways. Mac has tried to hide it, and shove it down inside while Gayle has tried to learn from it and come away stronger. With two very different ways of coping, can they be united in their grief and learn to live and love again?

I am typing this while in a serious book hangover. Man, I loved this book. This wasn’t the typical fighter book in the sense that Mac’s MMA fighting really took a back seat to the rest of the story. Mainly this was a story about healing and overcoming tragedy and it was done so damn well. (I don’t want to give away the reasons behind Mac and Gayle’s loss so bear with me) Mac has been trying, pretty unsuccessfully, to ignore his pain. He left his former career, got into fighting and hasn’t looked back. Which really only lead him in succeeding in letting the old wound fester and never truly heal.

Gayle has been through her own personal hell but has really risen above and turned it into the driving force behind her current work with tornadoes. Two very different ways of coping. Fitting because Gayle and Mac are two very different personalities. You know what they say, though…opposites attract. The attraction is almost immediate and even though Gayle has her work cut out for her, she didn’t give up on Mac. Little by little she worked her magic and it was beautiful to read Mac opening up. However there was that one subject that Mac had to warm up to sharing….his past. It almost proved to be the end of their yet-to-develop relationship. I was a nervous wreck that Mac would never be able to move on. But he had never had Gayle by his side, willing to help him, supporting him along the way. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. My heart broke for Mac. I wanted him to have his happy ever after and I wanted it to be with Gayle. Luckily Abby wrote one hell of a fantastic ending and it made all my angsting over the two of them worth it!

Also, another great aspect of this story was Abby’s writing on the storm chasing scenes. Whoa, they were intense and played out like a movie in my mind’s eye while I was reading. Well done, Abby.

Ok…hopefully I haven’t bored you with this really long review and you get an idea of just how amazing this story was. Full of emotion and intensity with just enough heat added in, Winning Love made it to my list of faves for this year. Thank you, Abby, for a phenomenal read.

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Kobo 

About the author:

Ever since Abby Niles picked up her first Sweet Valley High book in sixth grade and fell in love with Elizabeth and Todd, she’s been hooked on romance. By the time she reached high school, she was devouring meatier romances with pirates, cowboys and knights. She never imagined that those years of reading would one day lead to her becoming a published author.

In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.

And eventually sold.

Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?

Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love is scheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidan and the The Awakening: Liam and The Awakening: Britton. Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.

She is represented by Maureen Walters at Curtis Brown, LTD.

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Mean Streak by Sandra Brown….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Mean streak Cover

 

Synopsis:

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of “instant divorce,” Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won’t even tell her his name. She’s determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can’t turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law.

As her husband’s deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer.

 

My review:

Mean Streak is the newest novel from author Sandra Brown and a novel I was beyond lucky to have read early. I was intrigued from the synopsis and by the end of the book I was completely in love with every single aspect of this story. Amazing doesn’t even begin to do it justice.

Pediatrician Emory Charbonneau’s love for long distance running has been a bone of contention in her marriage for quite some time now but that won’t deter her from heading off a hundred miles into the mountains on a training run. In fact, it’s just the weekend break she needs to take a breather from the latest argument she had with her husband. Things were looking more and more bleak in her marriage and she would deal with it…when she got back. Unfortunately that wouldn’t be on Sunday as she had planned. Emory sets off on her run and wakes in a small cabin with a gash on her head, a headache from hell, and a stranger taking care of her. Her immediate reaction is one of fear and confusion but almost as quickly as those feelings settle in she senses this stranger wouldn’t hurt her and with bad weather rolling in and no way to contact her husband or friends, she would be stuck with him for a day or two. Hopefully her second set of emotions ring true and this stranger won’t be putting her in danger while she recovers a bit and tries to figure out how she ended up in this situation in the first place.   Was she attacked? By this man? Did she fall? By the time her stay in the mountain cabin is over she will be warring with too many emotions to name and will have to reconcile with the fact that maybe the people she has trusted aren’t the ones she should and maybe this stranger was….

You all know I read. A lot. And every once in a while a book comes along that touches me on a different level and when it happens it’s magic. This was one of those books. While there are a few things I can’t give away, I can tell you that this is without a doubt a book you need to have in your library. Emory’s story starts off with quite a bang and doesn’t let up until the very end. There were so many twists and turns and questions along the way and it all had me glued to this book. Emory’s husband was suspect from the start and I didn’t know if he was the one behind her accident or even if it was an accident. Ms. Brown did an amazing job with giving the reader warring emotions when it came to him. There was also the stranger to consider. Emory’s savior…or was he? I will tell you that from the time we meet him you just know the story behind him is going to be emotional…good or bad, it was going to be rough. He is one of the most memorable and incredible characters I’ve ever read. No, he doesn’t speak a whole lot. No, we don’t know his name until the last few chapters. No, we don’t find out his story until the very end but that didn’t make one bit of difference. His actions and mannerisms said more than words. He is rigid and tough, living simply but has a soft side he shows only a few times in this story. But still we are left to wonder if he’s dangerous or if he’s one of the good guys. We are lead to believe from the hints he gives of himself that he isn’t exactly one of the good guys but it didn’t matter to me…I loved him anyway.

Of course, while Emory is in the woods, her husband and friends are looking for her and that leads to more than a few revelations that had me gasping audibly more than a few times. I can’t give anything away but be ready for a heaping spoonful of “I never saw THAT coming”!

Just trust me when I say this is a book you need to read. Suspense, mystery, and high emotion are just a few of the facets that make Mean Streak one of the best books I have ever read. Thank you, Ms. Brown, for a phenomenal story that will stay with me for a very long time.

5LovesRLB

Five Loves

 

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About the author:

Sandra Brown is the author of sixty-three New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE (2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL(2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006),CHILL FACTOR (2005), and WHITE HOT (2004).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-four languages.

A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English.

She is much in demand as a speaker and guest television hostess. Her episode on truTV’s Murder by the Book premiered the series in 2008. She appeared in 2010 on Investigation Discovery’s new series, Hardcover Mysteries.

In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Brown holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University where she and her husband Michael Brown, have instituted the ELF, a scholarship annually awarded to a student pursuing a fiction writing career. In 2008, she was named Thriller Master, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2011 she and four colleagues went on a week-long USO tour to Afghanistan, meeting with service members on numerous bases.

Sandra is the past president of the Mystery Writers of America in 2012. She lives in Arlington, Texas, with her husband, Michael Brown.

 

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter 

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Revenge Bound by Heidi Joy Tretheway…Blog Tour Stop & Review

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RevengeBound ebook MED

Buy Links:

Kindle | BN | iBooks | Kobo

 

Synopsis:

On the Internet, secrets never die…
Violet can’t imagine anything worse than having her very private, very naked photos strewn across the Internet.
Until they multiply like a virus.
With her name, address, and phone number attached.
And her boss finds out. And a stalker finds her.
Violet’s refuge is a rock star known for going through groupies faster than guitar picks. Letting Jayce get close enough to protect her exposes her secrets—and her heart—to a man whose celebrity could ruin her.
That’s because being a nobody is the one thing that keeps Violet’s photos from making headlines. And it’s the reason she can never fall for a rock star.
Secrets spread like wildfire when a celebrity fans the flames.

REVENGE BOUND is a full-length, standalone novel, and a companion to the Tattoo Thief books. It contains steamy scenes and strong language intended for mature readers.

My review:

Revenge Bound is the third book in author Heidi Joy Tretheway’s Tattoo Thief series and can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I have loved every book in the series thus far and highly recommend. This book was no exception, I loved it from start to finish!

Photographer Violet had always been on one side of the camera until one night when her boyfriend took some very personal, and very naked, pictures of her. She wasn’t thrilled about it but he had done it in a moment of weakness and had dismissed it as something couples did….until they broke up. Now, suddenly she starts receiving extremely dirty texts from strangers and is horrified to find out her ex has posted those pictures on the internet along with her address and phone number. Violet thinks if she just tries to ignore it, the situation will go away but things turn dangerous when one of the numbers texting her gets eerily personal. Texting her about what she was wearing that day or where she had been. Someone was watching her. Making matters worse was she was barely holding it together while shooting the band, Tattoo Thief, and Jayce had noticed. Now he’s offering to help her fix the situation and she isn’t sure what to think. Could the playboy Jayce really be a good guy? Or would he turn out to be just like her ex.

Tattoo Thief member, Jayce, had noticed Violet from the minute he laid eyes on her. There was something about her and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now, he’s noticing something is wrong and she’s in some sort of trouble. He shouldn’t care. He’s not the type to get involved…it’s not his style. But he can’t seem to help himself when it comes to Violet and he vows to find out what the hell is going on and what’s causing her so much pain. She brings out all sorts of protective instincts in him that he never knew he had and despite her objections he refuses to take no for an answer. Could she be the one to tame his playboy ways? He sure as hell felt like she could be…now if she would just let him in.

Violet is in a mess of epic proportions and emotions are running high but Jayce is turning out to be her solace in the midst of the storm. Have they found something between them that reaches far beyond fixing a bad situation?

Man, so many reasons to love this book. Poor Violet is a pretty private person and becoming a victim of revenge porn has rocked her world. Her father is in politics and this has the potential to ruin their family’s image not to mention her safety when it turns into a case of stalking. She’s scared and doesn’t know where to turn but the one thing I admired about her was that she was determined to fight. She is such a real character in that she has her meltdowns but then is able to pick herself up and come back guns blazing. Jayce is totally swoon worthy in this story. He is protective and caring. Even if he isn’t used to the feelings he wants to make the situation better for her and does everything in his power to do so. He goes from playboy to knight in shining armor and I loved every minute of it. Together they navigate through their feelings and learn more about themselves together than they ever would have apart. Oh, and the chemistry they share is smoking hot. But beyond that, this story deals with the very real issue of revenge porn and calls attention to the seriousness of the act. I applaud Heidi Joy for bringing it to light and for letting readers know how very serious revenge porn is. Luckily, in this story, Jayce and Violet have a happy ending but unfortunately for many, it doesn’t turn out that way.

Thank you, Heidi Joy, for a story that combines tons of emotion and heat along with a very real issue. I will continue to look forward to more in the Tattoo Thief series!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

About the author:

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

 

Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Revenge Bound Goodreads

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ARC Review….Show Me, Baby by Cherise Sinclair

Show Me Baby COVER

 

Synopsis:

A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella

After his last lover chose her career over him, Jake knows he wants a woman who will put him at the top of her priorities—as he would with her. One of the trainees, Rainie, has caught his attention. Lush body, a gift for living life to the fullest, always laughing or smiling. Yeah. She trips all his switches. But she’s never given him a second look and that’s damned annoying.

Rainie has been burned enough times that she’s not going to get serious about any man. Sure, the BDSM club trainees are supposed to be looking for a permanent Dom, but no harm, no foul—they don’t need to know she lied. Trainees get to be involved in everything—and with everyone. But there’s one she avoids. Master Jake is always frowning at her. No matter how gorgeous he is, she doesn’t need any disapproving Dom up in her business.

Unfortunately, her best friends are having a double wedding. Little hearts are floating in the air. Every breath is filled with romance. Rainie is doomed.

 

My review:

Show Me, Baby is the 9th story in author Cherise Sinclair’s Master of the Shadowlands Series as well as novella number 7 in the 1,001 Dark Nights Series. Admittedly, this is the first of Cherise’s works that I have read and oh boy…I am hooked and have just purchased the entire series!

To say Rainie has had a sad life would be the understatement of the century. Having a mother who didn’t want her, a father who left her at seven, living in foster care homes with one in particular that left deep emotional scars, and never really feeling she was good enough to fit in anywhere, you could say her issues cup overfloweth. But she was determined. Determined to rise above all of the adversity in her life and become someone. She finally finished school with an MBA and has found a place where she felt she somewhat belonged…Club Shadowlands. Sure, she still had her issues and she was still new to the BDSM scene, but she knew deep down this was a home of sorts for her. Only problem? Jake. The delish Dom was a blast from the past she was trying to forget. He was her secret crush all of high school. He had no idea who she was back then and just seeing him now brought back too much pain. But even that pain couldn’t stop her attraction to him. Even after all these years, he was still everything she wanted. But surely he wouldn’t be interested in someone with a past like hers…..or would he?

Jake has it all. A successful career as a veterinarian, a nice home, a position as a Master at Club Shadowlands, good looks and a killer body. There’s only one thing missing…a woman to share his life with. His last lover had left him and even though it still stung, he was ready to move on. And the one he’d like to move on is the sassy and beautiful new trainee at the club…Rainie. There was something about her. She had a lust for life, was loyal and kind to her friends she’s made at Club Shadowlands and had a huge heart. Now, if only she would give him the time of day. Seems when it came to him she was always taking off in the opposite direction. Luckily for him, she was in need of a reevaluation and he was just assigned the Dom in charge of it. This was exactly the opportunity he needed to convince Rainie to take a chance on him.

Rainie and Jake take off on a journey of self discovery and stumble across love along the way. The question is, will Rainie be able to shake her feelings of unworthiness and give a relationship with Jake a chance?

Oh my, I adored this story. Rainie broke my heart. Her childhood was positively wretched and I felt so bad for her. I also totally understood her feelings of being less than everyone. No one really ever told her she wasn’t so how could she think anything different? But her resolve and strength was admirable beyond words. She picked herself up, brushed herself off and kept on going. She is amazing that way. She is also fiercely loyal to her friends and I adore that in a character. Jake is just, um, totally drool worthy. He is handsome, successful, charming and commanding. The total package. He knows Rainie better than she ever thought and he gives her all of what she needs. And damn, it is beyond smoking hot! Together they make an incredible couple. Giving each other what each other needs and forming a beautiful emotional connection. Of course, there are a few stumbles along the way but that just makes this story that much better.

So here I am, proof that even if you haven’t read this series before, you will love this book and this was a great intro to The Masters of Shadowlands. I can’t wait to read more of this series! Thank you, Cherise, for Jake and Rainie and their amazing story.

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

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Book links:

Amazon  |  Paperback  |  1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Cherise Sinclair is renowned for writing heart-wrenching stories with laugh-out-loud dialogue, devastating Dominants, and absolutely sizzling sex. And did I mention the BDSM? Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a Goodreads BDSM group’s Best Author of the Year.

Cherise currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband and writes full-time under the supervision of a merciless feline.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads

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ARC Review…Promises Hurt by Elle Brooks

Promises Hurt releases August 2

Promises Hurt COVER

Synopsis:

I wasn’t planning on falling for Ethan Jamison, hell I wasn’t planning on our paths ever crossing. He’s the most popular guy at school and a complete player. Me; I’m the perpetual good girl, trying to carry out one last request. But when you make a promise, how far do you go to see it through?

~ Blair

 

It’s a running joke that I’m a terrible liar, if only people knew the truth. My whole life has been spent making excuses and deflecting questions. I was pretty good at it until Blair Thomas entered my world. She saw through the mask that everyone is so willing to accept. She makes me want to tell her all my secrets, but can she promise to keep them?

~ Ethan

 

My Review:

Promises Hurt is the debut work from author Elle Brooks and, oh my, what a debut it was. From the synopsis alone I was intrigued and from the very first chapter I was hooked. More like addicted. I devoured this book and stayed up way too late reading but it was so worth every minute of missed slumber. I loved it.

Blair Thomas was content with her high school career. She was smart and had her best friend by her side. She wasn’t really popular but she wasn’t an outcast either. A middle of the road girl, if you will. Everything was great until tragically her best friend wasn’t by her side any more. Now, after making a promise to her lost friend, Blair finds herself attempting to cross items off of a bucket list…to honor her best friend. One of those items is to date the hottest guy in school, Ethan Jamison. Blair had no intention of doing that but fate has a way of stepping in when people least expect it and Blair finds herself tutoring Ethan. What starts out as an easy friendship over a math book turns into so much more and soon the two become inseparable. But Ethan has more than a few secrets hiding and one of those secrets is killing Blair to keep. But she will do it for Ethan. Because bucket list be damned, she was falling head over heels for him.

Ethan Jamison had his share of girls to choose from. After all, he was handsome, in a popular band, and had that bad boy mystique going for him. He had never met Blair before but he didn’t care who was going to tutor him, as long as she could help him get his grades up. The last thing he wanted to do was give his father a reason to be pissed off at him. Not that the man really ever needed a reason. Pissed off was the only emotion he seemed to be able to show. Regardless, he would get his grades up with Blair’s help and lay low in his home and pray graduation would hurry up and get here so he could leave. Ethan never expected Blair would have such an effect on him. He’s never met anyone like her and she’s just the breath of fresh air he needs. A bright spot in his life that gives him something to look forward to every day. In a short amount of time, she has become to mean the world to him…something he’s never felt before. Could he finally have found love?

What Ethan and Blair have found is beautiful and rare. They both appreciate one another and the connection they have but there are more than a few outside influences that threaten to tear them apart. Will they be able to withstand family troubles and lost best friend’s promises?

Holy hell. I loved this book. Sure, it sounds like the typical shy girl meets hot high school star and they fall in love despite their social differences but this book was so much more than that. There is just something about Blair and Ethan separately as well as together that will stay with me. They are amazing characters with vast differences and yet similarities that drew me in and refused to let go. Ethan puts on a brave face but without giving anything away, has a weight on his shoulders that broke my heart. You know that saying that you never know what goes on behind closed doors? Yeah, that saying rings true for Ethan and his family. He’s the hottest guy in school and knows it but his soft side toward Blair had me swooning. He is kind and thoughtful with her and I loved that. He almost in a way reminds me of a young Travis Maddox, minus the fighting. Blair is quirky and fun and honest. All traits I adore reading. She loves deep and doesn’t waste time with half truths. She always says it like it is and I love that. Together they are intense and it’s beautiful to read. God, I just love these two! Now, I will warn you that this IS a cliffhanger ending and I know some of you won’t read cliffhangers BUT if I can sway you to do so, this would be the book to give a chance to. Again, there is just something about these two that had me glued to my e-reader into the wee hours of the night. It was just so damn good!

I cannot wait for the conclusion to Blair and Ethan’s story and thank you, Elle, for an amazing and intense read. I adored it.

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  Goodreads

About the author:

Hello…

I’m a little neurotic; I function on a tiny amount of sleep and a huge amount of caffeine. I love green skittles and have an irrational fear of stormy weather. When I’m not writing about super hot college guys, you can generally find me googling them…All in the name of research of course. I can be persuaded to do just about anything with the promise of a good book or a bottle of bubbles. Oh, and I also love to write.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Website 

 

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Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…Selene Reviews One Night Rodeo: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel by Lorelei James

Cowboy Summer 2014

 

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One Night Rodeo: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel

Reviewed by Selene

 

Synopsis:

All it takes is one night to change a cowboy’s life… Barrel racer Celia Lawson knows better than to tangle with bull rider Kyle Gilchrist. The sexy cowboy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em ways have earned him a reputation on the rodeo circuit, and he’s always seen her as his best friend’s kid sister. But after one wild, tequila-fueled night, Celia wakes up to find out she’s gotten herself hitched—to a man she never should have married! When Celia insists on an annulment, Kyle has no good reason to say no—except he isn’t ready to let go of his new bride. But then Kyle inherits a sprawling Wyoming ranch, and seizes the opportunity to enlist Celia’s help. She agrees to lend a hand—with two conditions: He has to get up to speed as a rancher within six months; then they’ll get a divorce. And their marriage will be in name only. Kyle gives in to Celia’s demand, yet he’s ready to prove to her he has what it takes to turn their one night rodeo into a lifetime of love….

 

 

My review:

BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES!!!

One Night Rodeo was definitely the book I was looking forward to the most… and the wait did not disappoint. J As I have said before, and probably will say again, Lorelei James is the queen of constructing great character history and anticipation. After seeing Kyle lose out to Hank in capturing Lainie’s heart in the first novel, I knew we wouldn’t see the end of him; he deserved his own HEA, dammit… and Hank’s little sis Celia is the absolute perfect choice!

Celia Lawson is without a doubt my favorite female of the series. She has a thick, strong shell surrounding her big heart and Kyle is exactly the cowboy to break down her walls and keep her safe within his thick, strong arms. But the really great thing about Celia is that she knows she doesn’t need a man to protect her because she’s well capable of doing that herself; her strength lies in wanting to share her life with the man willing to do it right back.

Kyle Gilchrist is sex on two legs. And a caring, loving man to boot! Like Celia, he’s my favorite male protagonist in the series. Hands down. LITERALLY. His tenderness and wildness are the perfect combination in and out of the bedroom. And a man who is willing to admit his mistakes is downright sexy.

This couple truly belongs together. They are each other’s emotional support and the perfect example of friendship growing into love. With Celia’s brothers’ downright rudeness and Kyle’s recent inheritance and knowledge of his estranged father, both could not ask for a better friend and lover to help them through it.

Plus, talk about christening every room in the house…HOT, HOT, HOT!!! And with that I’ll give you one of my fave quotes of the book.

“Oh yes, little wifey mine, we’ll be having sex. Lots and lots of sex. Sweet sex, raunchy sex, shower sex, sex on the floor, sex against the wall, sex in bed, sex in the truck, sex in the barn, sex on the tractor, and sex on this table.” He smacked it hard.

Her silver eyes went wide.
“And in case that wasn’t clear, I’ll say it plain. I like sex. A lot of sex. Morning, noon and night.”

This book is definitely going into the re-read pile.

 

5LovesRLB Five Loves

 

Book links:

 Amazon   |  B&N 

 

About the author:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.
Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Website 

 

 

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