Category: Four Loves

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About the author:

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the New Adult series Rule Breakers. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio. Visit her website and find her on Twitter.

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Secrets Unveiled by Jill Patten…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

In the second and final installment, Jaxon and Courtney are forced into a world of more secrets. Some have been harbored from within, some are unknown, and some are just forming.

When the truth finally does come out, will their fragile love for one another be strong enough to hold, or will the weight of deceit break the string that tethers their hearts together?

My review:

Secrets Unveiled is the second book and in essence the second half of Courtney and Jaxon’s story continued on from the first book in the series, Toxic Secrets. I will say that if you haven’t read Toxic Secrets first, please do so before reading this book because you will be totally lost and not fully understand the story. That being said, reading the two stories back to back was enjoyable and I didn’t feel any wrath of a cliffhanger.

I am going to try to do my best and not give anything away in this review for those of you who haven’t read the first book….gah! It’s going to be hard!

Jaxon is in a pretty rough emotional state when this book picks up and to say his story is a rough one would be a gross understatement. He’s a broken man and is in need of some serious fixing. He winds up going down a very dark road and needs some light at the end of the tunnel. And that light is Courtney…

Courtney has a whole lot of growing up to do in this book and I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle all that life was throwing at her. I don’t really want to say what exactly she has going on in her life while this story is taking place, because it’s a pretty big spoiler, but know that she ends up growing into an amazing woman. There were some serious emotional moments happening in Secrets Unveiled and more than a few made my cry, but you all know I love that!

Overall this was an emotional roller coaster that dealt with a lot of serious and dark issues but it was the perfect story for Jaxon and Courtney and needed to be told to get them to their happy ending. I will say that the epilogue was absolutely perfect and made me give a big, happy, contended sigh. Of course, my lips are sealed!

Thank you, Jill, for giving us one hell of an emotionally charged read! It was one hell of a ride!

Four Loves

Buy links:

Amazon | B&N

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Excerpt:

Tears pierced the back of my eyes like tiny needles and I quickly turned away. The gravity that had been holding me prisoner finally released its grasp, and I quickly made my way to the exit. The door latched behind me with a loud clicking sound, but I didn’t care. I had to get out of there.

With full-force, I ran down the beach, and didn’t stop until my legs could no longer move. There was no more energy left in me, and it caused me to fall onto the cool, gritty sand. There was no point in stopping the tears; I let them flow freely, I needed to get it all out. I needed to get him out, remove him from my system like he had apparently done me. To know how quickly he had moved on was gut-wrenching.

Curled up into a ball, I laid there in the sand and sobbed until my cries turned into hiccups. He had told me I helped him to remember what it felt like to fall in love again, but how did you feel that way then screw some other girl so soon after?

A little over a month. That was all it took for him to go back to his man-whore days. Was it really fair of me to judge him? Who was I to be mad? I was after all the one who pushed him away.

“I don’t know what you’re doing here, but you need to turn your ass back around and go back to where you came from. Nobody wants you around here. You’ve caused enough trouble.”

About the author:

Jill Patten was born a Yankee, but raised a southerner. She lives in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina which was made famous by a popular TV show back in the sixties. (Maybe there will one day be a statue of her at the end of Main Street. Ha! A girl can dream, right?)

Jill has always loved to read, even during reading labs in middle school for reading comprehension. Judy Blume was her first author she hero-worshipped, maturing to revere the works of Stephen King. With all the fantastic authors today, she simply cannot choose a favorite. Her taste is very eclectic and she loves almost all genres. When she’s not captivated by her fictional characters, she spends time with her sweet husband and two beautiful children.

Music is her muse. Jill also loves elephants, sarcasm, and anything made with sugar, especially sweet tea. She enjoys all things rude and crude and laughs at stuff she probably shouldn’t. She has been accused of being bossy a time or two, but doesn’t really see it herself.

All in all, Jill is just a small town girl in this great big world trying to enable your book addiction.

webpage link:

http://www.jillpatten.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jill_patten

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7225528.Jill_Patten

Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jill-Patten/352289424899981?ref_type=bookmark

Above the Noise by Michelle Kemper Brownlow…Blog Tour Stop & Review

SYNOPSIS:

Becki Mowry’s journalism expertise keeps her busy as she spends her waking hours filling a calendar with gigs and public appearances for her boyfriend’s up and coming band, Alternate Tragedy. Radio interviews and TV spots result in sold out concerts and rowdy groupies hot for her guy; lead singer, Calon Ridge. But, as fame would have it, their time in the limelight also brings sabotage, rumors and false accusations. Becki and Calon try to stay steadfast on a personal journey that takes them to the depths of fear and uncertainty. And finally, the rug is pulled out from under the band when they must make a transition they never dreamed they’d be faced with.

In this third book of the In Too Deep series, Becki and Calon struggle to find balance as they navigate their new relationship while living amid the rock world’s nocturnal chaos. But when life’s unexpected obstacles come out of nowhere, they focus on finding their own private solace Above the Noise.

___________________________

My Review:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been blowing my mind since I read her first book, In Too Deep, and has continued pulling every emotional string I have since then…and Above the Noise was no exception. Sometimes I find by the third book in a series things kind of die down. How much emotion can an author possibly get from a reader? Well, if you’re Michelle, you can still get me to go through a box of tissues by the third book in a series. Damn, this book was amazing.

Calon and Becki are setting off on the adventure of a musical lifetime. Calon’s band is just starting to take off and in turn so is Becki’s career as their manager. Adding to that adventure is the beginning of Calon and Becki’s relationship…which starts out at an innocent pace but soon turns hot and heavy. From the very beginning though Calon and Becki seem to have what it takes to withstand crazy schedules, hot groupies and the stresses of being on the road. The bigger problem lies in the painful past Calon has had and having to watch his first love become sick and ultimately succumb to her illness. Those memories are hard to recover from but both Becki and Calon hope that what they’ve found will bring love back into his life. Unfortunately you know the saying “just when you think it can’t get any worse”, right? Life isn’t done throwing curveballs at Calon….only know he has Becki at his side to handle what life can throw at them.

We’ve known Becki from the very beginning of the series and have loved her since then. She’s tenacious and the best friend a person could ask for. She’s fun and loyal and is a gal I would love to hang out with. Calon is a freaking dream guy. It doesn’t matter that he’s an up and coming über talented rock star, he’s a gentleman first. Now, I’m not saying that their relationship is all flowers and sparkles, because it isn’t, but it’s a relationship that is strong and contains so much love.

As for the ups and downs Calon and Becki have to endure…oh my. I don’t want to spoil anything for you but I will say that these are very real and very relatable issues that anyone could have to shoulder in life and I think that is just one of the many reasons I enjoy Michelle’s writing so very much. Her books don’t have the billionaire with professional hit men coming after a character and car chases in cars that cost a year of college tuition. Her characters are real. Their problems are real. It’s all very relatable and it becomes a breath of fresh air. That being said, the breath of fresh air may be coming from your stuffed up nose because you’ve been crying your eyes out for the past few chapters but hey, you know I love that!

Now, if you know Michelle and follow her social media, you know music plays a huge part in her life…as well as in this book. Never before have I seen an author’s love for music transfer so beautifully into a story as it did in Above the Noise. It’s a gift Michelle has and it’s one that I truly appreciate.

Michelle, thank you for once again writing one hell of a book. I will continue to look forward to your work time and time again!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

PURCHASE
LINKS:

AMAZON ** B&N ** KOBO

EXCERPT:

“Becki!
Go! I don’t want you near this!” I turned back toward Max. I’d allowed my eyes
off him for way too long.

“This?
What is this about, Calon?” Max was a
dumbass for challenging me with semantics.

“You’re
hands all over Becki. That’s what this is
about, Max!” I motioned between us with my hand.

Just
then the beat of “Tsunami” by Dvvbs and Borgeous bounced the floor. The music
was so loud it’s all I could hear. Max’s mouth flapped, but I had no idea what
he said. I didn’t need to hear anything to read his cocky swagger as he walked
toward me or the two middle fingers he shot up when he got within reach. That’s
when it all went down.

Max
threw the first punch, seemingly in response to what he knew was coming his
way. He caught me in the jaw, and I heard Becki shriek my name, but my head
sprung back instantly, and my eyes locked on his. My fist connected with the
side of his head right at his temple, and I felt something in my hand crack,
but I felt no pain.

“Calon
James! Knock it the fuck off!” Becki’s voice was garbled, like it was coming at
me through liquid.

I
wanted to just leave with her and keep her safe, but the cocky motherfucker in
front of me needed to feel the line I
was drawing in the sand. He came at me again, this time he ducked and ran
straight into my chest with his head. I curled my arms under his and brought
them up violently and made contact with his chest with a deep thunk. I could
feel the hit reverberate through my forearms.
He staggered back, but his feet caught up with his body and he kept his
footing.

“You
think you’re such a fuckin’ hot shot, don’t you?” He was calling me the hot shot?

I
shook out the hand that hit him, and then ran it through my hair. I shoved the
other hand in the pocket of my jeans. “Are we done, Max?” I had to yell over
the music, and he was less than three feet from me. I drew my line. He needed
to understand his boundaries if we were going on tour together, but I didn’t
need to kill him. We could be done as soon as he got the point.

“Dude,
we’re done when I walk out the front door with Becki.” His lip curled when he
said her name, which sent a shock through my body I’d never felt before. I
could only imagine what went through his mind as her name rolled off his
tongue. We weren’t done.

I lost it and caught him in the head again
with my fist. No doubt, I felt that one. I took another shot and made abrupt
contact with his jaw then another. Becki was yelling, but I couldn’t make sense
of anything she said, the music was too loud. Someone grabbed me from behind
and pulled me back. “Dude, he’s not worth it, let’s bounce. C’mon, Cal, don’t
do this.” Spider, always the voice of reason.

I
nodded and wrestled my arms back from him. I took a deep breath and calmly
walked back over to where Max was crouched, trying to get up.

“Max,
you were out of line.” I crouched down in front of him and watched him wipe the
blood coming from his nose with the back of his hand. I didn’t want to
apologize. I wanted to continue smashing his head with my fist, but that wasn’t
how I wanted people to see me. “Stay away from her. She’s not yours to take.”

“And
I’m not yours to take either!”
Becki’s voice was loud and clear as the song ended. I stood and turned to her.
She didn’t say another word, but her eyes said it all. I’d disappointed her.
That revelation stung way worse than if she’d just punched me in the gut.

AUTHOR BIO:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been a storyteller her entire life. Her debut was on the high school cheerleading bus granting requests to re-tell her most embarrassing moments for a gaggle of hysterical squadmates.Earning her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Art Education and then marrying her very own “Jake,” she moved to Binghamton, NY where she taught high school. After having two children she quit work and finished her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Binghamton University.The Brownlow family of four moved to Michelle’s hometown of Morgantown, PA while the children were still quite young. A few years after moving, her family grew by one when they welcomed a baby into their home through the gift of adoption. The family still resides in PA, just miles from where that high school cheer bus was parked.

Michelle has been an artist for as long as she can remember, always choosing pencils and crayons over toys and puzzles. As a freelance illustrator, her simple characters play the starring roles in numerous emergent reader books published by Reading Reading Books.

Stay connected with Michelle:

Visit my Author blog: MICHELLE KEMPER BROWNLOW

Follow me on Twitter: @MK_Brownlow

“Like” me on facebook: Michelle Kemper Brownlow/ Author

BLOG TOUR HOSTED BY:

ONE CLICK THIS SERIES !!!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

The Wedding Dare Series…Blog Tour Stop & Reviews

1 Wedding…4 Hot Stories

Falling for the Groomsman by Jen McLaughlin writing as Diane Alberts

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, her plans change. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but Christine wants revenge. Soon, she’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before the wedding is over, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…

My review:

Tyler is a mistake Christine wouldn’t like to repeat…at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. Too bad her heart has a different idea. Being her bff’s older brother, Tyler had really always been off-limits but thanks to one night in Mexico years ago, he now holds the title as the man who took her V-card. And she’s been trying to ignore him since that night….just like he had ignored her the “morning after”. But old flames die hard and being in such close proximity proves to fan the flame that burns between them and suddenly the reasons why he left he all those years ago don’t matter and with Tyler trying desperately to win back her affections the hold she has on her resolve is slowly giving way.

I really enjoyed the angry chemistry between Christine and Tyler and was pulling for them to make amends from the very beginning. That being said, Christine made that man grovel and he totally deserved every minute of it! But you know what they say about the post arguing sex, right? Hottest sex ever! Diane gave the perfect amount of push and pull into this couple’s relationship and it was a great follow up to Laura Kaye’s story as well as a great intro to the rest of the continuity! Thank you, Diane, for another hot and sexy story!

Four Loves

Find Jen Online

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Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey

He’ll own her from the very first touch.

Julie Piper and Reed Lawson are polar opposites. She’s a people-pleasing former sorority girl. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. Until he sees Julie. When they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding and she’s dared to seduce another man, Reed takes matters into his own hands. One night should be all he needs to get the blond temptress out of his system, but he’s about to find out one taste is never enough…

My review:

Julie Piper cannot believe the audacity of the handsome stranger and the way he approached her while she was trying to get some fresh air in the midst of wedding planning/executing/problem solving hell. Never before has she been propositioned in such a way…with dirty talk and the promise of no frills sex. And to find out he’s part of that very wedding party with her and her friends is the icing on the buttercream iced, three tiered cake. The bigger problem is that if she’s being honest with herself, she kind of liked his dirty talk and his gruff and alpha male manner. It was so unlike her and her southern ways and yet it was such a welcomed breath of sexy and fresh air. The more time they end up spending together, thanks to the wedding, the more she realizes she may be falling for this tatted up, über masculine SWAT commander. Could opposites like this really ever attract?

Oh, man. You may know I’m a huge Tessa fan and in true Tessa fashion, she knocked my socks off with this story. No one does alpha male like she does and Reed is just one example of how well she writes these manly-man type heroes. Julie had no idea what hit her when she catches Reed’s eye and as it turns out he is just what she needs. He’s opposite her in every way. She loves pink and girly and cuddling after sex, he likes dark and manly and the word “cuddle” isn’t even in his vocab. I happen to adore characters like that and ate Reed up with a spoon. That man is alpha sex on a stick. But the softer side (well, as soft as Reed can be) he shows to Julie is simply amazing. He does the best he can to show her he wants her in his life. He shows her that he’s listened to her when she’s talked and the way he does that had me crying my eyes out. What a man! No spoilers from me, so you’ll just have to go grab a copy and enjoy Reed and Julie for yourself….and enjoy you will! Thank you, Tessa, for giving us Julie and Reed!

Five Loves

Find Tessa Online

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Seducing the Bridesmaid by Katee Robert

She has a plan. He’s about to change it.

Regan Wakefield is unafraid to go after what she wants, so she’s thrilled when her friend’s wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways.Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is simply a distraction, but Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him.

My review:

Spicy spitfire Regan Wakefield is ready to get serious about life and the next step. She’s already got the great career and fabulous friends now she needs the one missing piece. A successful and confident man. Real husband material. And if that guy has a name, it’s Logan McCade. If only Brock McNeil would just get the memo. He’s been pestering her since arriving at this destination wedding and trying to convince her that he’s the one for her, not Logan. Fine, she’d give him one night. On her terms. That’s how she did things and with a bit of luck maybe the sweet southern Brock would get her out of his system so she can get back to business in landing husband material. If only her plan didn’t backfire right in her face. After a taste they share that one night Brock makes it even more clear that there’s no way he’s gonna give her up to Logan. Game on…

From back in Jen McLaughlin’s story, when we first met Regan, I had loved her. She’s feisty while feminine and sticks it to you before you even realize she’s done it. She is a girl that knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to get it…all the while wearing kick ass stilettos! She says exactly what’s on her mind and too bad if you can’t keep up. Poor Brock had no idea what he had set his sights on. Luckily he matches her tenacity and won’t give up without a fight. Even when she may push him a bit too far, deep down he knows he’s the right one for her. He just needs a little time to convince her. The push and pull between these two was also a delicious build up to a phenomenal ending. Thank you, Katee, for one hall of a read!

Four Loves

Find Katee Online

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Best Man with Benefits by Samanthe Beck

How far can one favor go…

Logan McCade’s best man duties have just been expanded. Coaxing the groom’s little sister out of her shell should be easy for a high-octane extrovert like himself—or so he thinks until he’s blindsided by the delectably awkward Sophie Brooks. She’s sweet, sexy, and brings much-needed calm to his hectic, workaholic life. Soon, he’s tempting her to explore all her forbidden fantasies…and wondering exactly how far a favor to his best friend can go.

My review:

Sophie Brooks is working on a bit of self-improvement. She’s got a list and she is hell bent on completing all of it. Lose some weight, get out of her shell and learn to enjoy life without being so damn shy. Compounding the second doubts she’s having that she could actually do all if that is Logan. Her older brother’s best friend and teenage crush looks better than ever and is just as amazing as she remembers. Career driven, kind, respectful, and sexy as hell. Yeah, maybe she could skip coming out of her shell until after the wedding and when she didn’t have to see him every damn day. Easier said than done when he seems to be glued to her side. Seeing as though he runs a hugely successful company, Sophie hopes that he will be so wrapped up in work stuff that he won’t want to spend so much time with her. No such luck and Sophie soon finds herself in the world of “what if”. Could there ever be anything between her and Logan?

So, I’m also a huge fan of Samanthe’s writing and was thrilled she was a part of this series and once again, she delivers a story I couldn’t put down! Sophie Brooks is shy and sweet and has many issues most of us gals have had. That whole body image issue most of us have struggled with once or twice in life. She was easy to relate to and I appreciated that in a character. Of course, having an amazing hero like Logan to help make her realize just how special she is doesn’t hurt matters. He’s a true gentleman and wants nothing more for Sophie to see herself as he sees her….a beautiful and sexy woman. Oh, and the ways he goes about doing it? Freaking delicious! The heat he brings to the table is intense and delectable. I may never look at a hotel vanity the same way again *fans self*. The yumminess factor was off the charts with these two! Thank you, Samanthe, for giving us yet another fabulous story!

Five Loves

Find Samanthe Online

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Overall I truly enjoyed the continuity as a whole and loved the idea that we could see what was going on with each couple behind closed doors and getting to experience each couple from a different author’s voice was so incredible!

Don’t miss where it all began…

Dare to Resist by Laura Kaye

Trapped and tempted, this battle of wills rages all night long…

Colton Brooks is in hell. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with Kady Dresco, the object of his darkest fantasies, will require every ounce of his restraint. She’s his best friend’s brilliant little sister, not to mention his competition for a lucrative military security services contract. Craving her submission is not allowed. But as her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve, Colton’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

Read my review of DARE TO RESIST HERE

Find Laura Online

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

Find more Brazen titles here:

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Twitter: @BrazenBooks

Steals and Deals

Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Purchase links:

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

Kindle:http://amzn.to/1iqRAs9

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/1osv5ua

Kobo:http://bit.ly/SOxMZQ

iTunes:http://bit.ly/1pi69Wz

Synopsis:

Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!

Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter…

Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits…

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds… and thirds… and fourths…

My review:

Gimme Some Sugar is the second book in author Kimberly Kincaid’s Pine Mountain Series and follows Turn up the Heat, a book I adored. Well, Kimberly does it again with this sweet and sassy story. I loved it!

Carly di Matisse is used to life in a chaotic restaurant kitchen. She thrives on it. It’s been he life’s passion and she has made one hell of a name for herself in the culinary world. Unfortunately she’s made that name along side her soon to be ex-husband and the divorce has lead her to the small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Carly now finds herself having to balance starting at a new restaurant, turning it into one of her signature successes, and battling in a bitter divorce. With the way Carly’s luck was going, she wasn’t really surprised when, during a storm, a huge tree comes crashing down on her deck and decimates it. Things start looking up when the contractor in charge of fixing it turns out to be a delicious piece of eye candy. But Carly wasn’t ready to dive into the dating scene just yet so for now, she would look and not touch. The problem with living in a small town is that keeping distance from people isn’t an easy task and soon Carly finds herself running into Jackson more and more…she also finds herself looking forward to it. Will Jackson be what Carly needs to make a new start…both in life and love?

Jackson Carter is in a pickle. He’s happy with his single guy lifestyle, dating on and off, and keeping things unattached. But his mother isn’t and with a family party coming up, he knows it’ll be miserable if he doesn’t bring a date. With the help of his friends, he’s come up with a plan for that party but the problem was the long run. He really didn’t want to settle down just yet but he knows he really should start thinking about it. And the one person who’s gotten him to start that thinking is the chef whose deck he’s rebuilding. There’s something about Carly that calls to him and it’s getting harder and harder for him to ignore. Could she be the one to make him ditch his bachelor ways?

Take two people both dead set against a relationship, add some intense chemistry and even the most unwilling will find themselves believing in love.

This book was delicious. What I loved was that neither Carly nor Jackson was looking for any type of relationship. Both were pretty resistant at the idea and then all of a sudden, neither one could deny the magnetic pull between them. Carly’s got her hands full with her jerk of an ex and starting a new kitchen and Jackson is the quintessential bachelor and loves his life. But you know what they say about finding love when you least expect it! Adding another fabulous layer to this story are the strong family ties both Carly and Jackson have with their mothers. It was so touching that Jackson cared so much for his ma and what she wanted for him and his life. The same goes for Carly. Even though Carly’s mom isn’t happy she’s getting divorced, and it has been a hot button issue between them, Carly still wants to make her mom happy. That type of mother/child closeness was a treat to read.

But my favorite thing about Kimberly’s writing, besides dynamic characters and smoking hot chemistry, is how she includes the art of food into her stories. Kimberly’s passion for the culinary arts comes out in her descriptive narrative on flavors, tastes and smells. It’s truly an experience to read. And of course, always makes me hungry!

Thank you, Kimberly, for another mouth-watering read. I can’t wait to see what’s next for our favorite Pine Mountain gang!

Four Loves

About the author:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love– usually the hard way– and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly’s writing journey has led down some bumpy roads (that first manuscript is under the bed, where it is very likely to stay), but there has been some fresh pavement too (her second manuscript earned her very first contest final, and landed the fantastic Maureen Walters at the Curtis Brown Literary Agency). One thing is certain — the wild ride of being a writer is a lot richer in both its ups and downs because of friends and readers along the path.

When Kimberly’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to eclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Places to find Kimberly Kincaid:

Site: http://www.kimberlykincaid.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberlyKincaid

Twitter:https://twitter.com/kimberlykincaid

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938229.Kimberly_Kincaid

This Year’s Black by Avery Flynn….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

A fighter since birth, Allegra “Ryder” Falcon would rather trade in her all-black wardrobe for head-to-toe hot pink than let anyone ever see the cracks in her tough exterior. But one night with a stranger changes everything.

Devin Harris may have given up his MMA fighting dreams for high fashion, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t always in control. So when someone embezzles millions under his watch, he isn’t going to let the private investigator working the case go it alone—even if she is the woman who blew him away in bed and then blew him off.

Just when it seems like it couldn’t get any hotter between Ryder and Devin, the case takes them to a tropical paradise where the danger increases. From the catwalk to the pineapple fields, they have to work together to track down the missing millions before the thief finds—and kills—them.

My review:

This Year’s Black is the second book in author Avery Flynn’s Killer Style series and follows High Heeled Wonder. Like the perfect sweater you love to pair with your favorite worn skinny jeans and pumps, This Year’s Black is a total must in your book wardrobe!

Growing up with all boys, Allegra “Ryder” Falcon is used to having to fight for what she wants. She’s never shied away from a challenge and her biggest one yet is placed in her lap when her brother, and owner of the security firm she’s an investigator with, finally gives her her own case. One she can run exactly how she wants. Of course when she sees who she’ll be working with, run is exactly what she wants to do. Out the door to be exact. One night with a delicious ex-MMA fighter has left her off-kilter and after swearing off relationships for a year, and ignoring his phone calls for too many weeks to count, it would figure that he’s the one she’s set to help with this investigation. What are the odds? Fate must have been wearing her fat day jeans when she threw this mess together. Ryder has no choice but to try her best to ignore the attraction she’s been ignoring since that one hot and steamy night and get all her focus on this case. Too much was at stake. Of course that was all easier said than done when they have to leave the country to go after their suspect. Too much time spent together in too small a space and one thing is bound to lead to another.

Former MMA fighter turned fashion mogul Devin Harris knows there’s a thief in his company and he knows he’s gotta put an end to it. Especially before the impending merger is set to happen because if he didn’t, there would be no merger. He has too many regrets from his past and won’t allow this company to fall because some greedy employee can’t keep her fingers out of the till. Never in a million years did he think the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about since she left his bed would be the one to help save him. Now he not only has a chance to save the company, but also a chance to win Ryder. She wouldn’t end up being a regret he would have to live with. With a little bit of luck, she would be in his life long after this investigation ends. If they both survive it….

The attraction Ryder is trying to ignore is exactly what Devin will count on to revive the passion they shared that one night. In the midst of death threats, catching a thief, and kicking bad guy ass, will they be able to find something strong and meaningful?

Oh man, I loved this book! Ryder is a strong and confident woman with more than a few hidden soft spots. She’s got a rough and tough personality but knows what her weaknesses are…one being the gorgeous Devin. Knowing she has too much to prove to her family, she tries her best to ignore him and keep him at arm’s length. Ha! With Devin’s persistent ways, she doesn’t stand a chance. That man knows exactly what he’s up against and he may have had many fights in the ring, but he realizes Ryder may be his toughest fight yet. The chemistry and passion between these two is as hot as those red-heeled stilettos we all love. Delicious. The back and forth between them was really well done. Just enough without being too much or not enough.

Of course, all the while the hunt for the embezzler added an intense layer to this story and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was quite a chase for these two and I was worried more than once someone would get seriously hurt. Luckily, Ryder and Devin both have some serious ass-kicking moves.

Over all, this book has it all. Passion, heat, danger, mystery and action all wrapped up in a stylish package. Thank you, Avery, for yet another fantastic read!

Four Loves

Purchase links:

Amazon:http://amzn.to/1sZp1XG

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/1gU3GiJ

Kobo:http://bit.ly/1oWZ51d

iTunes:http://bit.ly/1pgSwEi

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $500 Gift Card for Hyatt Hotels

About the author: Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name. Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Places to find Avery Flynn:

Site: http://averyflynn.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AveryFlynnAuthor

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AveryFlynn

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/AveryFlynn

The Token (Volumes 1-3) by Marata Eros…Blog Tour Stop & Review

The Token Synopsis:

From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Marata Eros~

Three volumes ***Limited time only*** A savings of $6!

The Token Series revolves around heroine Faren Mitchell and self-made billionaire hero Jared “Mick” McKenna. The two literally collide when Mick accidentally runs into Faren while riding his Harley. A mix of chemistry, tragedy, murder and unrequited love transpire in a series of six, dark installments….

The Token 1

Synopsis:

Twenty-two year old Faren Mitchell hears the two words that change her abbreviated life forever. They’re so final Faren decides she has nothing to lose by seizing every remaining moment of what life has to offer.

Until Faren collides with a motorcycle ridden by billionaire Jared McKenna.

Even the dark secret of her past and catharsis as a physical therapist can’t save Faren from the sexual spiral that waits for her in the arms of a man who commits to no one. When circumstances force her to get a second job as an exotic dancer, Faren never imagines how close that choice will bring her to the brink of a new reality she is unequipped to handle.

My review:

Intense. That’s the one word I would use to describe the beginning of Fallon’s story and ultimately the beginning of the series. At 22 years old, Faren was never expecting to be given an expiration date on her life. But that’s exactly what has happened. In a moment of blind panic and fear for what’s to come, she flees her doctor’s office and the horrible outlook she’s been given and is slammed into by a motorcycle. At the time she has no way of knowing it was being driven by young and gorgeous billionaire Jared McKenna but she will soon find out. And when she does? The game changes. Despite knowing she has very limited time left, she can’t help but fall into Jared and all his delicious sexual presence.

She also finds herself in a time crunch in regards to helping pay for ill her mother’s care. How much more could a 22-year-old girl handle? It’s this crunch that leads her into a life she never wanted to be in but one that was necessary.

What would Jared think if he knew she had turned to exotic dancing to help pay her bills? She would hate to find out….

This opening installment has the perfect amount of heat and suspense. Jared, aka Mick, is mysterious and a bit rough around the edges for a man in his station in life which leads you to believe there’s one hell of a story behind him. Faren is so incredibly strong for a 22-year-old and I have admired her from the first page. Incredible start.

We are left wanting more but not left hanging. I truly appreciate that in a serial series!

The Token 2

Synopsis:

Faren Mitchell keeps the secret of her second job from the one man who could see her through some of the darkest moments of her life. She doesn’t want Jared “Mick” McKenna for the billions he’s amassed, but for the one thing she’s never given any man: her innocence.

Mick’s guilt over the injury he inflicted fuels the beginnings of something more; a sexual consumption of each other that neither were anticipating. When Faren’s actions don’t match her words, Mick suspicions are raised. His feelings turn to ones of protection after Faren is mugged and he can’t reconcile his desire for her with the reality they now find themselves in.

As Faren’s bucket list grows, so does the danger that surrounds the choices she’s made. Can she take what she needs from Mick and also secure her mother’s life? Or will the truth she has weaved between the lies doom them both?

My review:

Heated is the word I would use to describe this second installment. What started out as an accidental meeting between Faren and Jared, aka Mick, is slowly turning into a full-blown scorching attraction between them. But they both have their secrets to keep. Mick and his background and how he came to be one of the “other half” and Faren and her less than savory second job. It wasn’t the dancing that was less than savory, it was the private parties she’d decided to take on to earn even more money, faster. Deep down though, Faren knows no matter what she does for a second job, she is pure and still untouched. It’s that knowledge that keeps her from losing her mind when she was doing lap dances on strangers.

Still, though, every time she sees Mick she wants to come clean. She ultimately knows better and knows he wouldn’t be so understanding of that. Why did she have to be falling for him so hard and so fast? Considering the time she has left, maybe it was a good thing this is how it was going…

To make matters worse a nightmare from her past shows up and threatens to take what little time she has left from her. Of course, this is just another secret Faren doesn’t want Mick to find out about. But she’s been handing this for years and she wasn’t going to give up now. She could handle this latest obstacle and hopefully end it once and for all. Of course Mick wants to help but keeping the true situation to herself is better for both of them…so she thinks.

Whoa. The heat and sexual attraction between Mick and Faren is positively delicious and reaching a fevered pitch in this second installment. But besides the heat, there is plenty of emotion for the reader to feel. That anxious feeling Faren is going to going to be found out by Mick and what his reaction will be had me biting my nails while reading. But, I love that feeling!

Fantastic second installment!

The Token 3

Synopsis:

Faren collapses, narrowly escaping discovery upon hearing traumatic news delivered by Thorn. When Thorn becomes her uneasy accomplice in the deception of Mick, Faren decides she needs to come clean with the truth. Shelving her pride might be the last thing she wants to do, but as facts and actions continue to contradict one another, her hands become tied in the lies she creates to survive.

Faren only needs one last lap dance to erase the final debt that hangs over her mother’s head like a cloud of doom. But when Ronnie Bunce circles closer to Faren and threatens the last sanctuary she possesses, circumstances unravel to reveal lies that run deeper than she knew.

Can Faren and Mick consummate their passion before her deceit is discovered? Or will the last dance be the ultimate loss?

My review:

Gut-wrenching perfectly describes this third installment of The Token.

Faren is so close to having all of her mom’s care paid up and she only needs to do this one last gig and she can quit the life she’s hated leading. Mick still hadn’t found out about these “events’ and hopefully she could just keep it on the down low for one more night. Things were heating up and getting serious between them and her feelings were growing for this amazing and complex man and she didn’t want to ruin it. Of course, her deteriorating health would have to come up, but not yet. She would enjoy what she’s found with Mick until she absolutely HAD to tell him.

There was still a threat out there to her safety but she was feeling more and more confident that all of that would work out, too. All of that changes when she sees Mick…at her last “event”. She knows in an instant that he is crushed and she knows things have been ruined. The question is, is it beyond repair?

Oh my…the ending of this installment killed me. I was crushed for both Faren and Mick and am, at this very moment, worried sick for the future of their relationship. I immediately bought the rest of the series and will be devouring them this weekend to see what the fates have in store for Faren and Mick. Both deserve a happy ending and I am praying Mick can forgive Faren for what she’s had to do to survive these past few months.

The Token volumes 1-3

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Buy link:

Amazon

The Token 4

Faren doesn’t think her heart can break any further until Mick discovers her sullied secret in the worst way possible.

Faren picks up the shattered remnants of her emotions and moves forward with a desperate plan to win Mick back that doesn’t involve one penny of his billions. When Faren sees what remains of her life coming together with a synchronicity she can only dream of, the unexpected happens with Jay–and she must play a razor’s edge of deception once again.

Can she tie this final loose end and receive the money from that aborted last dance before the countdown of debt has expired? Will a dirty cop and the long arm of Ronnie Bunce conspire to ruin the fragile bond she’s created with Mick? Or will the concessions Faren’s made along the way shatter the dark joy she has been given ….

The Token 5

Jay puts pressure on Faren for more than she’s willing to give. With the discovery of a deeper secret than she can keep to herself, Faren commits to lying no more. Though the goal of her mother’s debt has been absolved and she is safe from transport, Faren struggles with concerns over her long term care.

When Mick finds out the absolute truth, the dynamic of their relationship changes to include something she never expected to have: hope.

How long can Faren keep those at bay that wish to destroy the fragile happiness between Mick and Faren? Will blackmail be successful in ruining the one thing Faren’s decided she wants even more than her own life?

The Token 6

From the NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author, Marata Eros

Faren is blown away about the dual revelation of her health. A different threat against her mother remains, while Mick and Faren execute caution with the excavation of the past. Neither want Thorn to suffer for something he’s not responsible for.

The lesson taught to Ronnie Bunce didn’t stick and he has connections that even Mick’s monetary status can’t silence. When its discovered the players on the chessboard have been closing in for a checkmate against Faren and Mick, Farenuses whatever’s at hand to save the one she cares about the most.

Will the gauntlet Faren rushes through put everything she cares about to the test? Does this final danger erase the seeds of the truth she’s finally come to terms with—or will the larger threat irrevocably damage her most precious treasure?

About the author:

Marata Eros (a pseudonym for Tamara Rose Blodgett), is the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author of dark, romantic new adult novels, including A Terrible Love and its companion novel A Brutal Tenderness. Marata lives in South Dakota with her husband

Hunter by Night by Elisabeth Staab… Review & A visit from Lee

Hunter by Night releases June 3

Synopsis:

She wants out

Party girl Alexia Blackburn is only hanging around the vampire compound until her best friend—the queen—has her baby. After that, nothing is going to stop Alexia from getting back to daylight, safety, and feeling like a normal human being. But leaving the vampire world has one big catch…

He needs her to stay

Head of vampire security Lee Goram has hated and distrusted humans for centuries. Feeding on vampire blood has kept him strong…but now it’s killing him—and he’s horrified to discover that Alexia may hold the key to his cure. He’d rather die defending his king than admit his weakness, but time is running out for the great vampire warrior…

My review:

Hunter by Night is the third book in author Elisabeth Staab’s Chronicles of Yavn Series and the book I have been most looking forward to in the series after falling in love with Lee form the very first book. Well, I was not disappointed. This book was everything I had hoped for and more.

Alexia Blackburn is slowly losing her mind. Being the only human stuck in a house full of vampires with the constant threat of war from their enemies, the wizards, is just a tad bit taxing. Especially to someone like Alexia. Someone who has been on her own for as long as she can remember. Her childhood kind of sucked and the minute she got free she had been in charge of herself. So to be stuck here was driving her crazy. If it weren’t for her best friend’s pregnancy and impending delivery, she’d so be outta here. But she would stay, for her best friend. She’d be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t also staying for a certain royal guard vampire named Lee. Sure, he’s made it clear that he could never be with a human, but she knows there’s some sort of connection there. And if she was wrong? Fine. She’d be gone before she could let his rejections sting any more than they already have.

As head of security for the king and their community, vampire Lee Goram had a lot on his plate. Every day there were new threats emerging and with the uncertainty with the wizards, you could say his plate runneth over. Making matters worse was that the queen was due to give birth any week. Talk about a security nightmare. So he’s been blaming his chest pains on all of that stress. Certainly vampires didn’t get sick and die from something like that so he’d put it on the back burner until all of this wizard nonsense went away. Also adding to his stress was Alexia. That human was always trying to plead her case as to why she should be allowed to go out into the day, without any protection. Didn’t she know as the queen’s best friend she had a huge target on her back? But he knew she didn’t care. She had a stubborn streak a mile wide and was beyond independent. She wasn’t going to listen to him. Of course, his annoyance with her isn’t helping squash his underlying attraction to her. But he just kept coming back to that fact that she was a human. Surely he could never be with a human. But Lee has been known to be wrong a time or two and this may just be one of those times….

Tensions are higher than high within the mansion and the sexual tension between Lee and Alexia is adding a deliciously tense layer to the situation. Will they ever put all their differences aside and take a chance on the pull they feel between themselves?

Oh man how I loved this book. Lee is the quintessential stubborn alpha vampire with a deep-rooted disgust for human/vampire relationships. Alexia is just as stubborn and is also stronger than anyone could guess. She’s got a sharp tongue and a beautifully smart assed wit that I adored about her. She wasn’t going to let Lee push her around. She wasn’t going to let anyone push her around. The push and pull between them had started in the first book and reached a fevered pitch in the second book and left me dying for the ending to their story. Elisabeth gave them an ending they both needed and truly deserved. They pissed each other off at every turn, bantered constantly but the underlying level of care and concern for one another was so touching. Even if they didn’t want to admit what had developed between them as going from annoyance to one of love, I knew eventually they would. If for no other reason than even though they may be stubborn characters, they are also honest, and when the walls of defense crumble between them their honesty is amazing. Heartfelt and touching. I went from being pissed off to crying and then laughing with happy tears being shed. I love all the feels!

Also, there was a bit of closure for Siddoh and a few of the other members of the vampire clan we’ve met along the way. That was another gift to read.

Thank you, Elisabeth, for giving Lee and Alexia their happy ending. I loved every minute of it!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

And, as a special treat, I was so lucky to have Lee stop by with his take on loving a human…. (oh, how I freaking LOVE Lee!)

Okay, listen up…. people: I may not be old by the standards of my kind, but seven hundred years sure ain’t child’s play. I’ve trudged through a whole hell of a lot of history, fuck you very much. I’ve kicked my way through plagues, wars, and what have you, and I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity can do to itself. What it can do to my kind. So I hope you’ll understand if I don’t jump on the warm and fuzzy bandwagon about getting up close and personal with you folks. I drink the blood of vampires, I live among vampires, and if I have to brush up against the occasional person at the gas station once in awhile, I try not to get any of ‘em on me.

You know what I mean.

Shoulda known one day the gods or karma or whatthefuckever would nail me right between the eyes with that shit. No humans? How about living with one right down the hall. One small, stubborn, intensely aggravating and completely feminine human, who sways her hips when she’s stomping away from you. Yeah. Perfect. Damn me straight to hell.

Shoulda known, right? For all my love and loyalty to my kind, I mated first with a succubus hybrid, so that was my own damn fault. See, that one didn’t work out though, and I told myself I’d never get attached again. Not to someone of impure blood, maybe never to anyone.

Never say never.

Still, Alexia, she’s something. And being with a human, it’s forced me to learn some things I never expected I’d have to learn. Never wanted to. Never wanted to learn to use a blender, either, but I guess you roll with the times—and those protein shakes come in handy.

So today—because Jillian here is such a sweet gal, I’m sharing what I, Lee Goram, learned about loving a human. Buckle up, assholes.

They’re stronger than they look. With all of her five-foot-nothing and her barely a hundred pounds, I swear I could break Alexia if I so much as bump into her. Still, she’s more passionate than any female I’ve known, and get your mind out of the gutter, people. She holds her own, ‘s all I’m saying.
They’re not like vampires. All right. Don’t give me the “no shit,” and the eye rolling. Some things you take for granted after centuries of knowing it, okay? Their fertility cycles don’t run with the moon, so you can’t bank on that shit. And that “birth control” stuff? I’m not convinced that’s all it’s cracked up to be. Don’t even get me started on condoms. I don’t wanna put my dick in some kind of weird-assed rubber wrapper.
What is up with their undergarments? I’ll cop to it, I haven’t got this one figured. All I know is Alexia’s underwear barely passes as an eye patch and her brassieres could double as body armor. God help the man who rips it in half, is all I know. Been there, done that, got the lecture.
Sometimes they just don’t stay where you put ‘em. I mean, vampire females? I guess it’s not hard and fast, but centuries of tradition says you defer to your mate and your elders. Alexia, she doesn’t defer to anybody. I don’t know if that’s all human females, or only her, but it’s damned aggravating. She has a mind of her own, and she decides she’s gonna do what she’s gonna do, fuck what I say. Nobody has the brass ones not to heed my command. Most of the time, even our king listens to me. Still, it’s a sexy mind, full of wicked thoughts and sharp-tongued jabs, that hurt in an oddly pleasant way when they land. I can’t help it… I love them. Her. Maybe tradition’s not all it’s cracked-up to be.
That fucking sunlight thing. No getting around that problem. Not much of one, anyway. I found out there’s a thing you can do, but it ain’t worth doing unless you’re sure your woman is worth the pain. Alexia’s worth the pain. Alexia is worth everything. She loves the night, too, which kind of cuts both ways. Goes back to the problem of staying where I tell her to.
Fuck biology, after all. See, I got all up in my head about her humanity. Wanting to sleep with the woman was one thing. Living a life together, that’s an animal I didn’t have the magic powers to take down bare-handed. Why try to wrestle with the idea that I’ll only have to say goodbye again in a handful of years? Well, screw that selfish nonsense. For starters, anything worth having is worth having for any time at all. A lot, a little, whatever you can damn well get. And for finishers, it turns out if we look back at my first point, humans aren’t so wimpy as I thought. There’s a way around this biology BS after all. We’re gonna make it work. That human, she’s mine. Besides…
In the end, you love who you love. So fuck off, all of you.

(….I mean, really, how freaking great is he?!) Thanks, Lee, for stopping by! XO

Buy links: