Four Loves

Love Never Dies by Christina Dodd….ARC Review

Love Never Dies is out today!

Synopsis:

A murder committed. A love lost. A ghost haunted by the past.
Only one woman can right the wrongs…
If she can survive the night…

From this “master of the genre,” Christina Dodd, comes a suspenseful short story of this “remarkable, mesmerizing series” (Library Journal starred review) set in the
quaint — and deadly — coastal town of Virtue Falls…

My Review:

This was *gasp* the first book of author Christina Dodd that I’ve read and all I can say is I’m hooked!

This was a great short read filled with mystery and suspense. A young intern new to town stumbles across a ghost while walking through the local park one evening. He knows there’s danger lurking in these trees and a murderer is loose…on the hunt for new victims. Although most people don’t see the ghost, she does, and he knows he must warn her to stay away and to stay safe. But before he can give that warning, they become friends in a way, and they both sense a connection. A connection that can solve a mystery which has lingered in her family for decades. Could he be the key to keeping her alive and bringing her family closure?

Honestly, from start to finish, this story kept me glued to each page. There was so much emotion and suspense poured into these pages. It was a great place for a new fan to start and I will certainly be scooping up all of Ms. Dodd’s other works.

I always love finding new authors and thank you, Ms. Dodd, for giving this blogger a few new series to dive into!

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

To learn more about the author, visit http://www.christinadodd.com/

Saved by the Seal by Diana Gardin….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Title: Saved By The SEAL (STANDALONE Battle Scars novel)

Author : Diana Gardin

Genre: Romance

He saved her life. She showed him how to live it . . .

When he sees a woman drowning, Grisham Abbot immediately leaps into action. The Navy SEAL forgets his training, his past, and the explosion that forever scarred his body and his mind. He can only remember what he was born to do. But saving Greta Owen is a complication Grisham is definitely not ready for. She’s stunning and gorgeous—like sunlight after months of darkness. Yep, Grisham is so, so screwed.

Greta knows that the smart thing to do would be to run from Grisham. He’s a wounded warrior, and his head is a big-time mess. The problem is that Greta wants to make him her mess. One kiss and she’s completely in over her head. And if this SEAL risked himself to save her, then she must find a way to bring him back to life . . .

My Review:

Saved by the Seal is the second book in author Diana Gardin’s Battle Scar series and can be read as a standalone although, I loved the first book in the series so I vote to read both. I was so excited to read this newest installment and I have to say, Diana delivered again. I loved this book.

Greta Owen and Grisham Abbot have known each other for years. She’s also had a crush on him for just as long. With a mutual group of friends, they always crossed paths. But that was before Grisham left for the SEALs and a lot has happened since then. Now fate has a plan to have their paths cross once more when Grisham, now home, comes to Greta’s rescue and saves her life after a bit of a surfing mishap. They both soon realize they’ve been brought back into each others lives for a reason and that they really shouldn’t let it go…no matter how much baggage Grisham carries, how many emotions run high, or what danger lies ahead.

Diana Gardin is an author I always enjoy reading. She delivers wonderful characters, steamy romance, and an interesting plot. Grisham and Greta’s story delivers all that and more. I loved seeing Grisham again and that he got his story. Things were a bit precarious with him after the last book and I was worried he wouldn’t find his own happy ending. He’s got a jerk of a father, a life altering injury to deal with, and an uncertain future. He’s an honorable, loyal, and sexy warrior I just loved and my heart hurt for him. Enter Greta. She’s exactly what the doctor ordered from him. She’s bright and funny, sweet and sassy. She gives Grisham a bright spot to look toward in his darkness and they are wonderful as a couple. I won’t spoil anything but I will say Diana wrote a movie worthy ending for these two!

The other layer to this story I really enjoyed is the drama surrounding a possible stalker Greta is dealing with. That added element of suspense was awesome and Diana did a great job at keeping us guessing until the end. Pieces started falling into place and I had no idea it would end the way it did!

Of course, getting to see more of the gang we were introduced to in the first book was also a treat. I loved Dare and Berkeley and I can’t wait to see what’s up with Mea. Hopefully her book is next!

Overall, this was a great read filled with heat, emotion, and a dab of suspense. Thank you, Diana, for a wonderful book!

Four Loves

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Diana Gardin was born and raised combing the coasts of Southeastern Virginia. She is now a happy resident of South Carolina as she married into an enormous Carolina-rooted family. She loves the beach, and even more than that she loves to read while sitting on the beach.

While writing was always a passion of Diana’s, she enrolled in college to become an elementary-school teacher. After eight years of teaching in both Virginia and South Carolina, she decided to stay at home with her first child. This decision is what opened her eyes to the fact that she still very much loved to write, and her first novel was born. Diana is the author of several works of New Adult Romance, including The Ashes Series, The Nelson Island Series, and the Battle Scars Series.

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Tweet me: @DianalynnGardin

Felony Ever After…Release Day Event and Review

Summary:

Verity Michaels is new to New York City, but even she knows riding in a stolen a cab is not a normal way to meet someone. Damn it if that tattoo-covered would-be felon isn’t everywhere now, and lighting everything on fire under her skirt.

His name is Hudson Fenn, and he’s frustratingly impossible to pin down. He works as a bike messenger, but has the manners of a prince—along with a strange tendency toward breaking and entering. As much as Verity knows he’s not her type, and likely to land her in jail, she can’t help but find her truest self when they’re together.

Can she be brave enough to give Hudson a real chance? Will he be bold enough to reveal the man beneath the ink, or will his secrecy doom their connection? Also, WTF is the deal with Verity’s boss? No less than thirteen of your favorite romance writers have teamed up to tell this sexy, wacky, snort-inducing tale. With them you’ll visit the world’s most irritating office, a VIP room of questionable cleanliness, and the fanciest apartment a bike messenger has ever inhabited, but you’ll still never see this ending coming.

My Review:

Ok, so I’ll admit when I read that 13 individual authors were writing one story, I was a tad nervous. I mean how could they make that work? Each author has their own voice and puts their individual flavor into their characters, so how could 13 people write two main characters and two secondary characters? Well, I’m not sure of the how but I can tell you they freaking nailed it! This book was so damn good and the characters were amazing. I loved it all from start to finish and I’m so sad I’ve already finished it.

This group of authors, many I’ve read and am a huge fan of, created a hero and heroine I just adore. Hudson is such a dichotomy and the layers that make up his being are complex and amazing. Sure he’s hot, sexy, tattooed, and charming but he’s also got a huge heart and a hidden side I swooned over. The authors did an amazing job at revealing what makes Hudson Hudson. We were introduced to so much but kept in the dark about a few key parts of his life and I loved the pace in which we get to find out what makes him tick. SO good! Verity is equally fabulous. She’s funny as hell and is also wonderfully multifaceted. I loved her relationship with her friend and co-worker and her insane work situation. She had me laughing too many times to count and I loved it. Together these two are off the charts smoking hot. But where they really shine is in the quiet and tender moments. When they’re getting to know each other. Those times are both sweet and at times funny but make up a twenty-first century fairy tale like nothing I’ve ever read.

The extra added touch was the twitter convo between Verity and Hudson that end each chapter. I loved it so much and it totally gave this book and extra oomph that made it even more special. But the best part about that? Getting to the end of the book and seeing that I can actually follow them on Twitter and enjoy more interactions even after finishing the book! So amazing and so much fun!

From beginning to end this was a unique and enjoyable reading experience. The collaboration went off without a hitch and I highly recommend this book to any romance fan! Thank you, ladies, for one hell of a read!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29514879-felony-ever-after

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LmYseF
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1V7qJb6
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/250Cg07
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1UtVTsH
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1MiYj6R
Amazon DE: amzn.to/1QYEX8S
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Rose by Marata Eros….Release Day Event & Review

Drake Corbin, aka Diablo, has plans for Rose Christo that reach far beyond getting his property back.

He wants another woman to abuse.

Rose is determined to save Charlie, but when the final verdict is read, her spirit is crushed by the outcome.

After two encounters with Drake, she knows she will not survive a third.

Has Rose misplaced her trust in Noose? Is he nothing more than the callous user of women he appears to be—or is he the very thing she needs to survive her life and maybe, find love….

Hope

Sean King, aka Noose, doesn’t need a woman—he never has.

Then Rose Christo earns something no other woman has ever managed—his trust. Noose’s careful facade begins to slip, and he must admit what she means to him:

More than property.

More than novelty tail.

More than anyone has ever meant to him before.

The woman he loves.

Is Noose ready to sacrifice everything to tie a knot so permanent, no one will recover? Road Kill, him—Rose?

Can she stand what he will have to do to keep her safe?

My Review:

Rose is the third novella in author Marata Eros’ Road Kill MC series. After finding Ms. Eros’ work a little while back, I am always interesting in reading more from her and this is certainly a series I am enjoying.

While this may not be a series for everyone (there is violence, sexual assault, and plenty of MC club normal activities) I really enjoy the gritty and raw writing in these novellas.

Rose is fighting to keep her nephew in her life. She’s fighting to keep him safe. And at times, she’s fighting for her life. Luckily she has Noose. The big, bad, biker and former Navy Seal would do anything to keep her, and her nephew, safe from ever meeting harm again. There’s plenty of turmoil in their lives right now and emotions are running high but sometimes the best things can come from the worst situations…in this case: love. Few things are better than a big bad biker falling in love and showing the soft heart he have for his woman and we get to see that side of Noose in this novella…and oh man, it’s awesome. These two are the epitome of opposites attracting and I love them together. Oh, and the ending? Perfect.

If you love a good MC read, this is a series you should definitely pick up. Thank you, Ms. Eros, for a kick ass story!

Four Loves

AMAZON * AMAZON UK * AMAZON CA * AMAZON AU

AMAZON * AMAZON UK

AMAZON CA * AMAZON AU

Marata Eros is the author of over seventy titles, including her NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novel, A TERRIBLE LOVE, and the #1 international bestselling erotic Interracial and African-American TOKEN serial. Marata writes a variety of dark fiction in the genres of erotica, fantasy, romance, suspense and sci-fi. She and her husband live in the midwest with their four sons and three disrespectful dogs. Marata’s #1 hobby is reading; she loves interacting with her readers.

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The Sutherlands Collection…Spotlight & Review

Synopsis:

Meet the Sutherlands, a Texas oil family that doesn’t break the rules…they make their own. This box set of sizzling hot, never before published full-length novels and novellas about the Sutherland family alpha heroes and kickass heroines that is sure to melt your e-reader and help you find your next book boyfriend. But act fast–this set will only be available until April 15, so pre-order yours today! Inside The Sutherlands you’ll find:

Shadow Ranch by USA Today best selling author Robin Covington – Passion and secrets thrive in the dark…
Screwed by USA Today best selling author Kelly Jamieson – The only time losing is more fun than winning is when you’re fighting temptation…
Wrecked by Wall Street Journal best selling author Terri Osburn – Revenge is always personal…
Foolish Expectations by Alison Bliss – Forever is the last thing they expected…
Under the Evening Star by Shyla Colt – They must choose between the past that hunts and a love that can heal…
Brazen by Avery Flynn – This bad boy boxer just met his match…
Stripped by Abby Niles – She’s going to strip him bare…
Not the Marrying Kind by Julie Particka – Faking it never felt so good…
One Forbidden Virgin by Joya Ryan – Sometimes the wrong man is the perfect kind of right…
Sweet Surrender by Naima Simone – The price of surrender is passion…

Twenty percent of the royalties earned from each copy of The Sutherlands sold will go to help Reach Out and Read, which gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.

My Review:

What a great concept this is! All ten stories related on some way but can all be read separately…talk about awesome!

While I admit that I didn’t read all ten stories yet, I did read the stories by Avery Flynn and Robin Covington and oh my…they were both off the charts sexy and both having an element of danger, kept me on the edge of my seat! Robin’s M/M story was delicious, with a Texas Ranger and sculptor making one hell of a delicious couple. Avery’s story gives an action packed look at a fave couple of mine from a project she did with Liliana Hart and I loved reading more of them. I adore these two authors and always look forward to reading anything they put out and these two short stories were no exception.

And, with a percentage of the sales donated to a great cause, this really is a collection worth picking up (especially at the intro price of only 99 pennies!)!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | Goodreads

Not a Mistake by Amber Belldene…ARC Review

Not a Mistake releases today!

Synopsis:

Sometimes a scandal isn’t a sin…

On the night she graduates from seminary, Jordan Sykes finds herself in bed with Dominic Lawrence, the ethics professor she’s crushed on for years. Two months later, she discovers she’s pregnant and is determined to hide it to protect his career. Maybe, if she loves her new church like hell, they won’t fire her for being a single mother.

Dominic knows the difference between right and wrong, and he’s filled with remorse after sleeping with his favorite student. He’s offered the job of his dreams, but he’d be a hypocrite to accept without making things right with Jordan first.

Dominic proposes marriage to save their careers, never expecting they will prove a perfect—and passionate—match. But can Jordan give her heart to a man who still believes the first night they spent together was a mistake?

My Review:

Not a Mistake is the first book in author Amber Belldene’s newest series, the Hot Under The Collar series. I have been a big fan of Ms. Belldene’s since first reading her years earlier and I always look forward to more from her. This book was fabulous and kicks off what I know is going to be a great series.

Not only is this s story about a one night stand turned serious when the gal finds out she’s pregnant but there are more than just a few lines crossed when it happened…one being a former student/professor relationship and the other being both he and she are priests. Talk about a doozy!

From the very start I felt for both Jordan and Dominic. Both had their personal take on why their one night was wrong and why it shouldn’t have happened. Both were all caught up in knots about this pregnancy and what it would mean for their futures. personally and professionally. Both couldn’t deny the attraction and admiration they felt for each other. Both know they are going to try to do what’s right…and hopefully they’ll find a happy ever after along the way. The turmoil they feel is palpable and I was so invested in this couple. I always enjoy the emotion Ms. Belldene brings into her characters and this was no exception. Jordan is smart and strong and admirable in her journey. Dominic broke my heart with the guilt he felt in being wrong to have feelings for Jordan. Man, their story is definitely rocky and has plenty of ups and downs but it is such a beautiful one and I just loved it. Oh, and the ending? Totally perfect!

One of the other things I really enjoyed was Ms. Belldene bringing her other expertise into this book. Being a Christian minister in her daily life, it turned this story from not just a regular romance, but instead a look into what life as a minister is like. I personally learned a lot and I really appreciated it! I’m so glad Ms. Belldene decided to write a story combining both of her worlds: write and minister.

Thank you. Ms. Belldene, for another wonderful read! I can’t wit to see what you have in store next!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the author:

I grew up on the Florida panhandle, swimming with alligators, climbing oak trees and diving for scallops…when I could pull myself away from a book. As a child, I hid my Nancy Drew novels inside the church bulletin and read mysteries during sermons—an irony that is not lost on me when I preach these days.

I’m an Episcopal Priest and student of the worlds’ religions. I believe stories are the best way to explore human truths, and I’m passionate about the deep ties between spirituality and sexuality. Some people think it’s strange for a minister to write romance, but it is perfectly natural to me, because the human desire for love is at the heart of every romance novel and God made people with that desire.

I write paranormal, historical and contemporary romance and live with my husband and two children in San Francisco.

My literary agent is the fabulous Becca Stumpf of the Prospect Agency.

Website

Risking it All by Christi Barth…Release Day Event & Review

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Title: Risking It All
Series: Naked Men #1

Author: Christi Barth

Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release
Date: March 8, 2016

Synopsis:

Who doesn’t love Naked Men? In Christi Barth’s irresistible series, a group of close-knit friends talk out their problems with naked honesty on a popular blog. Bonded by a high-school tragedy, they’re moving on from the past—and fighting for the future with strong and sassy women.

Griffin Montgomery helps people. As a teenager, he kept his best friends alive after their soccer team’s bus crashed in the Alps. Now, as a Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, he saves lives with reckless abandon—until he goes too far and earns a lengthy suspension. Working on the Naked Men projects keeps his mind busy, but Griff’s itching to get back in the action. That’s when he finds his latest rescue mission: a pretty wallflower who’s stuck in her comfort zone.

Chloe Widmore doesn’t take risks. As a professional letter writer, she gets enough excitement out of expressing other people’s emotions. So when the hottest man she’s ever seen invades her coffee shop, Chloe surprises herself with how much she wants to be with him. Routines make her feel safe. Griff makes her deliciously unsafe, in so many ways. But falling for him is one risk she might just have to take . . . whether she’s ready or not.

My Review:

Risking it All is the first in a new series from an author I adore reading, Christi Barth. This series kicks off with a wonderful start and I loved every minute of this sweet and sassy romance!

One of things I love most about Ms. Barth’s writing is her ability to deliver multi-faceted characters with a beautiful amount of depth, making them feel as if they were actual people you would hang out with. This particular book really showcased that ability. Griffin and Chloe’s is entertaining from the very first page and had me hooked until the very end. Griffin is a wonderful hero with a lot of wonderful layers to his personality that had me swooning too many times to count. Chloe is beyond interesting with a fun career and unique way of looking at things and saying what she means. I loved the circumstances on how they meet and how their relationship grows at a slow and steady build with a very real life feel. Nothing went too fast and nothing took too long. It was the perfect balance.

I also loved meeting the rest of Griffin’s friends which I assume will be the other men in this series. They are all so interesting and hold a string bond that makes the group as a whole really special.

Overall, this is a well-rounded, well written book I have no doubt any romance fan will love as mush as I did! Thank you. Ms. Barth, for once again delivering a fabulous read!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

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BOOKS A MILLION

Author Bio

Christi Barth earned a master’s degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. Barth lives in Maryland with her husband.

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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (The Taliban Shuffle) by Kim Baker…Review

“Part war memoir, part tale of self-discovery that, thanks to Barker’s biting honesty and wry wit, manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking.”

—Chicago Tribune

“Remarkable. . . . [Barker] has written an account of her experiences covering Afghanistan and Pakistan that manages to be hilarious and harrowing, witty and illuminating, all at the same time.”

—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“Brilliant, tender, and unexpectedly hilarious.”

—Marie Claire

Synopsis:

Soon to be a major film by Paramount Pictures, WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT, starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina, is based on Kim Barker’s memoir. Previously published as The Taliban Shuffle, Barker uses her wry, incisive voice to expose the absurdities and tragedies of the “forgotten war,” finding humor and humanity amid the rubble and heartbreak.

Kim first arrived in Kabul as a journalist in 2002. At the time she barely owned a passport, spoke only English and had little idea how to do the “Taliban Shuffle” between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Her stories about Islamic militants and shaky reconstruction were soon overshadowed by the bigger news in Iraq. The more she delved deeper into Pakistan and Afghanistan, the more her love for the hapless countries grew, along with her fear for their future stability. Read this darkly comic and unsparing memoir before you watch the movie.

My Review:

I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. I have been seeing the trailer for the movie based off of this story and when I can, I always love to read the book before seeing the film. I had a wide range of emotions while reading and I truly enjoyed Ms. Baker’s story.

While it was not a funny as I had thought it would be, it was witty, gritty, and really gave an in-depth and unique view into a world and culture we have been hearing about for years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a fascinating view into what living in the war-torn areas of the Middle East is like and it was both heartbreaking and at times uplifting when you saw glimpses of the promise the future can hold for the people of these countries. Kim, herself, is one hell of a woman and one I really admired. She dove right into this very foreign world with a bravery I don’t think she realized she had at the time. Her experiences and adventures were, at times, difficult and tedious but she always went in with an outlook I think very few people would have been able to have while working and living in such dark times. I also really enjoyed her stories of our U.S. troops serving over there. It was a real and candid look at what the mindset was at that time and when Kim would give little hints that something had happened to one of them, I was a nervous wreck. Emotions ran from running very high to dipping very low and it was humbling to read how morale with our troops fluctuated. But while emotional as it was to read, I’m glad Kim gave us that view.

To read the toll this war is taking on everyone involved, from the children, to the shopkeepers, the people covering the war, to the people fighting it…it was a reality check and one that reminded me just how grateful I am to live where I live and to appreciate all of the things I take for granted every day.

From start to finish, this was a book that kept me glued to the pages wondering what was next for Kim and the friends she had made over there. I highly recommend giving this book a read, whether you’re planning on seeing the movie or not. It was fantastic. Thank you, Kim, for sharing your story with us!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Goodreads

About the author:

Kim Barker was the South Asia bureau chief for The Chicago Tribune from 2004 to 2009, based in New Delhi and Islamabad. Her book about those years, “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” a dark comedic take on her time in South Asia, was published by Doubleday in 2011. The movie version, “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” will be released in March 2016, starring Tina Fey, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina, Margot Robbie and Billy Bob Thornton. Barker has covered natural disasters such as the tsunami in Asia and the earthquake in Kashmir, as well as tracked manmade disasters — the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the corruption in Afghanistan, and the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Before going overseas, Barker worked at The Seattle Times and the Spokane Spokesman-Review. After coming back in 2009, she was the Edward R. Murrow press fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, where she freelanced for Foreign Affairs, Reader’s Digest and The Atlantic. In 2010, she joined ProPublica, where she wrote about campaign finance and the fallout of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.

Barker, who grew up in Montana and Wyoming, now lives in Brooklyn and works as a New York Times metro reporter specializing in investigative reporting and narrative writing.

Firstlife by Gena Showalter…Blog Tour Stop & ARC Review

Synopsis:

ONE CHOICE.

TWO REALMS.

NO SECOND CHANCE.

Tenley “Ten” Lockwood is an average seventeen-year-old girl…who has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. The reason? Not her obsession with numbers, but her refusal to let her parents choose where she’ll live—after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enemies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herself on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the two realms who will do anything to win the right to her soul. Who can she trust? And what if the realm she’s drawn to isn’t home to the boy she’s falling for? She just has to stay alive long enough to make a decision…

My Review:

Firstlife is the first book in a new series from Gena Showalter and while I’m a huge fan of Ms. Showalter’s adult paranormal series, I have never read her young adult, as the genre really isn’t my thing these days. I’m really glad I gave this book a chance, though. I really enjoyed it!

This is a unique read with a dark and edgy feel I liked a whole lot. Basically how you live your life now and what side you choose now will determine how you live your afterlife, which is your real life. I loved the interesting take on good vs. evil and enjoyed Ten and the other characters. I will say that it was a bit long and at times I felt my mind wandering while I read but overall it was a well-written story with a dynamic plot and brought my attention right back. Ms. Showalter’s world building and character development, as always, is second to none and really shined in this novel!

I have to give a quick nod to the cover art and how they did a fantastic job at representing what my mind’s eye painted while reading. I love that!

I am eagerly look forward to see what happens in the rest of the series! Thank you. Ms. Showalter, for an interesting and thought provoking read!

Four Loves

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

2/15: Fiction Fare – Review

2/16: Reading Is Better with Cupcakes – Pocket Letter

2/17: The Book Cellar – Review

2/18: Swoony Boys Podcast – Dreamcasting

2/19: Paperback Princess – Review

Week 2:

2/22: Jenuine Cupcakes – Q&A

2/23: Read-Love-Blog – Review

2/24: The Irish Banana Review – Fast 5

2/25: Reading w/ABC – Review

2/26: No BS Book Reviews – Cover Lovin’

Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of Firstlife (US Only)

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The Hunted by H.J. Bellus…Release Day Event & ARC Review

Title: The Hunted

Author: H.J. Bellus

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: Feb 22nd

Revenge. Blood. Lies. Hate.

The good guy is the bad guy and the bad guy is the good guy.

Or is that what they want you to believe?

In a city where crime is at an all time high and new mutilated bodies are showing up every day, who do you trust?

He’s the silent neighbor who vanishes at night and reappears when the morning news is reporting on the latest victim.

How do you know this?

You watch him through the curtains as his silent stalker. Everything about him is twisted, but you can’t get past his stare. It’s hypnotizing and the hardest pull you’ve ever experienced…you know it’s all wrong.

Then he walks through your front door covered in blood.

Who will you trust?

My Review:

The Hunted is the newest work from author H.J. Bellus, an author I have enjoyed reading from the very beginning of her career. This was a little different from the other books of hers that I ‘ve read as it’s definitely darker and filled with suspense…I loved it.

Bay and Van are neighbors in a less than savory part of town. They pass each other as they come and go but don’t actually meet until he comes into the club she works in. Their attraction is almost instantaneous and although it’s intense, Van is hesitant on taking things to a physical level. His past is messy and complicated. Her future is untainted and bright. There are a million reasons to stay away from each other but the pull is too great. Will Van be able to hold onto the only good thing he’s ever had without his past coming back to tarnish it?

I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Van and his bad boy with a heart of gold persona. He was a puzzle I enjoyed figuring out. I also enjoyed Bay and her innocence when it came to relationships and men. She’s lived quite a sheltered life up until her decision to move out on her own and I loved seeing her grow as she lived life. Together the attraction and heat is fantastic and Van and Bay certainly burned up the pages!

But I have to say that hands down my favorite part of this story was the suspense aspect. There are murders of women happening in their town. We knew early on something was up with Van’s brother but we also don’t know Van’s whole story yet either so I was torn as to who I thought could be killing these women. Ms. Bellus did a great job at peppering doubt so each of the brothers looked guilty at one point or another. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read who was responsible. Of course I won’t give anything away but I will say that the ending was one hell of a doozy! I was about ready to freak out after I read the last chapter….luckily the epilogue talked me off the ledge and I was left more than happy for how things turned out for Bay.

If you’re looking for an entertaining, sexy, and suspenseful read, this is a book to get on your shelf. Thank you, H.J., for a kick ass story!

Four Loves

“You’ve been fucking that blond all American kid,” he adds.

“I haven’t fucked him.”

“Has he tasted you?”

I slowly nod, feeling ashamed.

“Like I said, you’ve been fucking around with him.”

I scramble to tell him everything and how he’s held this power over me. “It’s your face I see when I’m with him. It’s your face I see when I go to bed. It’s you who I want.” I clutch the sides of his face. “But you won’t give me all of you.”

“Van!” Stew yells, followed by a shit ton of ruckus out in the club.

He sets me down and is gone within seconds. My hands cover my thumping chest as I realize what just happened. My tongue darts out, licking up the little bit of his taste that he left behind on my swollen lips.

Glass crashes in the far off distance as I hear bones breaking and screams soon fill the air over the commotion. I remain frozen to the wall, paralyzed by what just happened. The violence outside doesn’t even rattle me because there’s nothing left to stir up. He’s taken all of me.

Shaking the nonsense from my head, I peek out the end of the hallway and see utter destruction and chaos filling the club and Van is right in the middle of it.

His shirt is ripped once again and this time all the way off as he tries to take down two large men who clearly pissed him off. He gains the upper hand as Stew joins him and helps usher the men to the door.

A few dancers huddled together join me in the dark hall.

“What happened?” I inquire.

“I don’t know. The men just started beating the shit out of each other.”

A petite blonde who is newer and I only know by her stage name Sweet Cheeks speaks up, “I think they may have been exchanging drugs…”

Honey interrupts her, “You saw nothing and will repeat nothing. It’s the only way to stay safe around here.”

Honey stares me down with disgust. “And this bitch deserves no fucking answers.”

I feel the need to defend myself but the venom streaming from her warns me it’s not worth the fucking fight. Pushing out my chest, I ignore her ass. I guarantee she knows exactly what just went down between Van and me. He doesn’t want a stripper whore, he wants me. That’s prize enough.

The front doors to the club slam shut, shattering some glass. When we peek around the corner, Stew and Van make their way back into the club and Van roars, “Closed for the night! Get the fuck out!”

Bodies scatter in every direction. The dancers ditch me to go get dressed–I guess you don’t have to tell them twice about going home early. The large digital clock on the wall reads ten thirty.

Holy shit, Stew is closing down four hours early. Something must be seriously wrong. My legs quake underneath me from the shit storm that just attacked my world. Once they steady up a bit, I walk out into the bar and spot Van down on his knees, examining a little baggy of white powder.

“Bay, head home. The lunch crew can clean up.” Stew’s slumped over on a stool with a whiskey in his hand.

“I can stay and help out.” My voice is feeble as my legs tremble.

“Get your ass home,” Stew grits out.

It’s with dread that I go for my purse and hoodie. Van doesn’t look up as he’s intent on whatever he’s studying. It’s a white powdery substance sprinkled across the floor. My body hungers to go to him, but I know whatever we just shared has been bottled back and locked tightly within him.

“I’ll be back.” I turn to see Van following me out of the club.

Focusing forward, my feet pound the pavement and I hear Van meeting me step for step. My hands fumble with the keys and finally unlock the door, flipping on the porch light quickly. I look back to see Van standing on the sidewalk and then he fades away into the darkness of the night going the opposite way to his place.

AMAZON * AMAZON UK

AMAZON AU * AMAZON CA

I’m just a simple girl who loves the country life… oh yeah! & a good corn dog! Throw in a little Vanilla Ice, and shits bound to get crazy! Be brave…

-Loves country life & music
-Gets the case of the “eff-its” often
-Loves Big
-Hurts Big
-love corn dogs & candy…. & (sex & candaaay)
-My heart is happy writing!!!

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Stark After Dark by J. Kenner…ARC Review

Stark After Dark releases tomorrow, 2/9/16

Synopsis:

What happens after she says “yes”? Together in print for the first time, these four novellas—Take Me, Have Me, Play My Game, and Seduce Me—continue the story of billionaire Damien Stark and his fiancée, Nikki Fairchild, from J. Kenner’s Stark Trilogy: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. STARK AFTER DARK (Bantam Trade Paperback; On Sale 2/9/16) follows the happy couple from their steamy engagement into wedded bliss, this addictive collection is perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You.

I’ve long dreamed of my fairy-tale wedding, but it wasn’t until I met Damien Stark—who captured me with his kisses and undid me with his touch—that I began to believe it was my destiny. Though we both carry secrets and scars, our shared passion heals us, binding us together. We have surrendered to each other completely, and our mutual ecstasy is the brightest light in my life.

But darkness still snakes through the cracks in our armor. Ghosts from our past have moved in, bringing fresh pain that cuts deep and threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.

Damien is my anchor to this world, and I am his. But if we are going to keep each other, we have to fight the shadows of our pasts to move forward into our future.

Review:

I was scared, y’all, legit scared when Jillian asked me if I wanted to review this anthology. In my eyes it already had three strikes against it: I thought I was over the billionaire trope; promo material said it was for people that liked the 50 Shades and Crossfire series and I didn’t make it past the first book in either of those; I hadn’t read the original Stark trilogy and I HATE reading out of order.

But I like to challenge my long-held beliefs about reading.

And boy am I glad I did. Like, really glad.

I found these four stories to be the perfect mix of sweet & swoony romance, hot sex scenes, interesting secondary characters, family drama, and suspense. The pacing was spot on. Kenner gives the reader some engaging story, a hot sex scene, throws in a wrinkle or two, hot sex scene, hero comes to the rescue at just the right time looking like sex on a stick, naturally, which leads to another hot sex scene. I was never bored.

I loved each of these novellas. If you’ve read the original Stark trilogy, you’ll love following Nikki and Damien through their wedding and honeymoon with some romance, adventure, and role-playing fun thrown in. And even if you haven’t read the original trilogy (like me!), you’ll still enjoy this stories. I’m planning to go back and read the first three books because I’m totally invested in this couple at this point. Plus, they keep referencing Damien paying Nikki one million dollars to pose nude and I SO NEED TO READ THAT.

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

J. Kenner is the New York Times bestselling author of Release Me, Claim Me, Complete Me, Wanted, Heated, Ignited, Say My Name, Under My Skin and the novellas “Take Me,” “Have Me,” and “Play My Game.” She spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge in her passion of writing. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughters.

Connect with J. Kenner:

www.jkenner.com

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