Category: New Reviews

Beauty of the Beast by Rachel Demeter…Blog Tour & Review

Beauty of the Beast

by Rachel L. Demeter
Fairy Tale Retellings, #1
Publication Date: March 15, 2017
Genres: Historical Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling, Gothic Romance, Adult

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? Book Blurb ?

Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

Beauty of the Beast is the first standalone installment in a series of classic fairy tales reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Disclaimer: This is an edgy retelling of the classic fairy tale. Due to strong sexual content, profanity, and dark subject matter, including an instance of sexual assault committed by the villain, Beauty of the Beast is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

? Book Trailer ?

 

 

 

 

 

? EXCERPT ?

~ The East Tower ~

Arms sprang out from the darkness. They spun her full circle and slammed her body against the king’s portrait. Isabelle gasped, more in shock than from pain, as she stared into Adam’s deformed face. The lantern flickered behind his massive form, casting his cloaked body in silhouette. But she saw enough to know he was far from pleased. Rage and frustration radiated from his body like a palpable force.

“I warned you to stay out of here,” he said, his voice dangerously cold and deep. Those rugged vocals vibrated against her body and seeped into her marrow. “What part of forbidden didn’t you comprehend?” His voice lashed out from the darkness like a hurtled knife, and the word “forbidden” seemed to whisper another meaning altogether. Isabelle tried to answer but failed to find her voice. Indeed, her vocal cords had turned to solid ice, as numb and cold as the blood rushing through her veins. She couldn’t breathe; she felt like she was suffocating.

“My mother gave me that musical box on my fourth birthday,” he said, the sensual lull of his voice causing the fine hairs on her nape to stand erect. “And now your recklessness has destroyed it. Have you nothing to say?”

“I—I’m sorry.” He offered no reply; only the ragged sound of his breathing and the hammering blizzard broke the silence. “Please—I didn’t mean any harm.”

She struggled under the weight of Adam’s colossal body and battled to free herself. He merely gave a low chuckle and pressed her firmly against the portrait. He looked otherworldly at that moment, like an angel of death seeking vengeance. Both beautiful and monstrous, his cool, sapphire eyes overflowed with warring emotions. In spite of his harsh and ruthless exterior, she detected a quaver in his voice and saw that his large, cloaked shoulders trembled. The darkness in his soul cast a shadow that embraced her; as she peered up at him, she knew he was drowning in the turbulent waters of a past time.

“What a disappointment,” he went on, his voice growing deeper still, mocking her words from so many days ago, “You’re like any other woman.”

“I—I’m sorry. Please, Adam. I—” Her gaze shot past his body and over the wreckage of a past life. She thought of her private chamber again—of the stale perfumes and outdated garments.

Her flight or fight instinct seized hold of her. She attempted to scramble free, but he merely grabbed her shoulder and whirled her back against the portrait. Gloves wrapped his hands; his long, silk-clad fingers grasped her shoulder and kept her firmly in place.

He stood intimately close.

Far too close.

As close as Raphael had been that night.

“Going somewhere, ma belle? After you’ve worked so hard to find my East Tower?”

Hands like two steel bands held her wrists in place. Hot breaths, which faintly smelled of wine, seared her cheeks and assaulted her senses. Her breasts flattened against the pressure of his strong chest, and she felt that same chest swell and deflate in perfect sync with her own. One large hand slipped down her elbow and glided across her extended arm. The lush material of his gloves drew a shudder from her heaving chest. His breathing grew more ragged, shallower, and the erratic beat of his heart banged against her own.

Anger and desire warred on his face, twisting his features into a mess of both monster and man. “Find anything of interest, aside from my musical box? Come, come. You went through such great trouble to get here,” he asked, his voice now threaded with both anger and something else.

Yes, Isabelle recognized that something else. It was the same note that had entered Raphael’s voice that night…

She attempted to duck under his arm, but he moved swiftly, capturing her in the crook of his elbow. Reeling her toward him, he emitted a low, haunting chuckle that swelled the eastern tower to its rafters. She was back where she’d started—pinned against the portrait, Adam’s body serving as a flesh-and-blood blockade.

Hunger radiated from him, enfolding her in a current of sizzling power. His silk-clad hand grazed the curve of her breast as it moved down her body in a painfully slow caress. Even more alarming was her reaction to him. Her treacherous body responded with a crush of hot and cold pulsating waves. Then he whispered a taunt in her ear, and his liquid baritone slid down her backbone like honey; it swirled inside her, finding its home in her most intimate area.

He leaned closer still. His face’s uneven skin brushed against her neck, the black waves of his hair tickled her chin… His thick arousal expanded against her, reminding her of what he was capable of—and of her sheer vulnerability.

His lips teased the base of her throat. Cursing her traitorous body, Isabelle gasped at the gentle scraping of his teeth. His tongue and lips tormented her throbbing pulse—just barely, stirring her skin in a mere ghost of a touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

? Meet the Author ?

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of fourteen years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.

Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.

Rachel endeavors to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.

Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Don’t be a stranger! Rachel loves to connect and interact with her readers:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile | Instagram

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Co-Wrecker by Meghan Quinn….Release Day Blitz



We’re celebrating the release of CO-WRECKER by Meghan Quinn!

 

NA Romantic Comedy
Photographer: Lauren Perry
Designer: Meghan Quinn
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2mtA5QO
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2mHiKEu
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What do ice cream and Sadie Montgomery have in common? They’re both ice cold, but one taste is never enough.
I wanted to be friends — I would have even settled for her seeing me as anything but a nerd — but there was no getting through. So just like any hard-headed, red-blooded man out there, I made up my mind.
I’d make my coworker fall for me.
I’d like to say it was simple, but like every other epic love story, all it took was one drunken night and a lot of naked courage to get the girl. For a moment, at least.
Love with a coworker is never simple, especially since Sadie’s trying to keep us on the low. Not to mention her persistent ex-boyfriend who won’t leave her alone. But I’ve never been good at giving up, and I don’t plan to start now.
The whole thing is a recipe for a rocky road, but I plan to eat the whole gallon, no matter how bad the brain freeze.

 

 

 

 

4.5 Stars

Co-Wrecker is another hilarious hit for Meghan Quinn.

Another great RomCom starring Sadie and Andrew. And let me tell you, these two do not hit it off well, at all. Sadie has to train Andrew in the Fountain area, the area she loathes. Andrew is just excited to finally be working at a place where he’s earning a paycheck and not just hugs – read the book to understand that one. LOL

I really enjoyed Andrew – he is one of those guys who just never gives up. And the more he’s challenged, the more intrigued he becomes, but he’s not a dick about it. He’s a nerd with a very witty humor and has this way of capturing your attention without trying too hard. And plus he’s pretty easy on the eyes, even for a nerd. And let me tell you, he surprised me with a few things – he owns his sexiness and has no problem letting his sexy out. RAWR!!

Sadie likes to keep to her inner circle of friends and not really get to know others. She doesn’t have the best upbringing, but it could have been worse. So when life dealt her another blow, she’s resigned to thinking that life is just going to continue shitting on her. One thing I have to applaud Meghan for here, is that she didn’t make Sadie come across as “poor m.e” She still lives her life, she’s just sort of in a frump and hiding behind her friends.

I really enjoyed this story. Meghan is known for her hilarious and very sarcastic characters. And we have no shortage of them in this book. And what I love even more, is that it’s not over the top and annoying either. It all just flows so well and seems so natural. Meghan does a great job of blending the humor and the serious tone in this book. It’s a hard blend to find but Meghan pulls it off well.

Another great RomCom is in the bag for Meghan!! I wouldn’t mind seeing a book down the line about Tucker, either. HINT HINT 🙂

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.
Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.
Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!
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Bleed the Water Red by R.L. Griffin…Release Day Blitz & Review

Bleed the Water Red by R.L. Griffin

Release date: March 23, 2017

Blurb:

When Kate Tennison returns to the low country of South Carolina it’s with her tail tucked between her legs. She doesn’t want to be there and face the love of her life, who’s now married with a child. Distance has not broken the spell of fear that surrounds why she ran from her home in the first place.

Her story is a tragic one.

Mom in rehab.

Father dead.

Career annihilated.

When we run from something looking back over our shoulder, we miss the scars on the arms that now hold us.

Can the magic of the water heal her wounded heart or does something dangerous lurk underneath the perfect features of the new man she’s decided to take a chance on?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lN6Riu

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2lrLcJT

Amazon CA: http://a.co/2DNy2aF

First off, let me tell you that I enjoy reading R.L.’s stories. Her book, Quiet Lies is one of my favorite books and my favorite by her. And I was so hoping that this book would rank right up there with it. But somewhere along the lines, things fell short for me.

Bleed The Water Red is not a bad book by any means. I know a lot will enjoy this book more than I. And I do hate that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. But let me explain myself.

The plot line was amazing. I love how we were given small snippets throughout the story and were able to piece together our own thoughts. What I didn’t like was how things felt disjointed at times. It’s hard to explain without giving away parts of the story, but things are left out it seems or overlooked. It makes the writing come across as scattered. And that’s what hurt the story and pace for me. I felt all over the place at times. And I do understand that part of a psychological thriller is to have pieces left out, but in this particular scenario, the pieces were obvious but at the same killed the vibe for me. I knew what would happen in the end because of this. And for me, that really sucked.

Like I said, this book is good. I love R.L. and her writing. However, her writing in this book was not what I have to come expect from her. I know that this story came to her fast and I get that you just need to get it out. However, as a beta reader, proofreader and editor, there are a lot of things that I personally would have changed/edited. I am in no way knocking any of the proofreaders or editors on this, there is nothing wrong in that aspect. But for me, certain things were not working and made it plainly obvious what the outcome was going to be.

The characters are very well written. I love their backgrounds and where they are from. The amazing friendship between Layla, Poppy and Austin is awesome – I love these three so much. I enjoyed learning about Layla’s past with Gent and how all that comes together in the end. This part of the story was beautiful and heart-wrenching to watch unfold. Layla has some growing struggles to deal with it and does come in to her own eventually. It’s a really good story with different avenues that all come together in the end.

With that being said, please give the book a chance. It’s a great story line. I loved how this is tied to Quiet Lies. If you have read it before, you will like the tie-in. If you haven’t, it won’t hurt the story at all. I gave this book 3.5 stars because my only gripe was the disjointedness that I felt and how I was able to figure the ending immediately but the overall story line was what kept me moving forward and not stopping.

Will I continue to read R.L.’s books – hell yes! She’s writes amazing stories. This one just want for me and that sometimes happens. But it won’t stop me from reading any of her books.

About R.L. Griffin

 

R.L. resides in the Atlanta area with some cool dudes: her husband, son and two crazy dogs.  She was born and raised in the South.  She attended Georgia Southern University and moved to Washington, D.C. to intern in the United States Senate during the impeachment trial.  Falling in love with the city, she went to law school at American University, Washington College of Law.  By A Thread is R.L.’s second book, but is the first in a series that got her back into writing after a ten year hiatus.  She writes anything from romantic suspense to psychological thriller to romantic comedy. One of the things that readers always say is they never know what kind of story they will get from R.L.

https://www.facebook.com/R.L.GriffinByAThread/

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1254833.R_L_Griffin

Cut Wide Open by Abby McCarthy…Release Day Blitz

PURCHASE TODAY

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BLURB

One day you held my hand. One day you loved me.
Then you were gone.
At sixteen, I lost the only love I’d ever known. Thrown back into the foster system, pregnant and alone, I prayed that you’d come for me and save me from life’s cruelties. Only the next time I saw you, it was too late.
Doing what I needed to do to provide for my son, we were finally brought face to face. It should have been the best day of my life, but it was far from it. It was the worst.
That day a monster took me and held me captive.

I begged for my life. I prayed for my son. I dreamt of you, the memories keeping me alive.

You finally came for me. You were my heart. My Salvation.

But sometimes the heart is too damaged, too broken, to be saved.

And sometimes monsters have a way of coming back to haunt me.
*This is a dark story. It is intended for mature audiences. If you need a trigger warning then this book isn’t for you. I have other books of mine that I’d recommend like Current or Tainted by Crazy, but not this one.
Add to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lsE5QU
 
4.5 Stars

This is the second book I have read by Abby and wow!! Her writing has grown and she has dipped her toes into the dark side of things. Actually, she jumped right into the dark side of things compared to the other book I read.

Cut Wide Open is the first book in what I am hoping will be an amazing series to come. This book is about Gunner and Charlie, aka Mouse. You get a lot of background on these two; starting out with where they come from, to what happened in between to the here and now.

Abby’s writing style really accentuated these characters – it helped breathe life into them and gave them a harder edge. You could easily sense the grit and rawness in these characters. Abby lays it all out there and doesn’t really hold much back. There are some scenes that she doesn’t go too into detail over, but the lead up to it, you get the idea and possibly thank her for not taking you to those depths.

I read somewhere about this book that Abby humanizes these characters and I couldn’t agree more. She makes the reader understand their reasoning for redemption and their hostility. You also understand where Mouse gets her strength and the perseverance to stand strong and move on. Not let her past dictate her present or future. And Gunner – lord, that man. His determination to never give up on Charlie is heart wrenching and shows another side to him.

Abby has started this series off with a huge hit and I can’t wait to see what she brings us next. She has introduced a lot of great characters to us with some interesting backgrounds that I am itching to know more about. I know that Charlie and Gunner’s story is far from over too.

If you enjoy a darker read, I would definitely recommend this book as one to add to your TBR list.

 


About Abby McCarthy

Abby McCarthy is reader and a lover of words. She is a blogger turned author and released her first novel in May 2014. She is a mother of three, a wife and a dog person. She has always written, sometimes poetry, sometimes just to vent about failed relationships, however in parenthood she has found her voice to help keep her sanity. Words have flowed from her, to review and with the support of amazing friends in the Indie community she has decided to pursue her dream of writing! She loves to write and read romance, because isn’t that something we all yearn for? Whether it be flowers and hand holding or just the right tug on your hair. Isn’t that what life is about? The human connection?


Follow Abby McCarthy

 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Abbymccarthyauthor/?fref=ts
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Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TZd07V
 
 
 

 

One Wrong Choice by A.M. Hargrove and Terri E Laine…Review

One Wrong Choice by A.M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine
Release Date: March 1st
Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

You are cordially invited to witness the union of Jenna and Kenneth…

 

Isn’t it every woman’s dream to marry the perfect guy?

Mr. Tall, Dark, Rich, and Handsome, the one who waits for me at the altar, is that man.

It’s what my family wants.

For a long time, it was what I thought I wanted, too.

Then I met Brandon, a ruggedly handsome guy with inked up sleeves, who turns my dreams into flames of heat.

What kind of person am I—an engaged woman constantly fantasizing and lusting over her best friend?

When Kenneth is away, Brandon fills all my dangerous desires, even though we haven’t so much as kissed.

I’m torn between doing the right thing, and following my heart.

If I make one wrong choice, I risk losing it all.

            Read Today!

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Okay so let me start with the lesson I have learned- DO NOT start reading a book a “lazy Sunday” and it happens to the day you move clocks forward an hour. For the love of all things, I could not put this book down. I had to know what happened! It is bad enough that the prologue had me HOOKED but as I kept reading the entire book did the same thing to me. I just couldn’t put it down. Hence, my heavy bags and irritable mood today but it was so worth it!

A.M. Hargrove and Terri Lane, you sneaky little authors you! I am impressed you got me to read a book in 12 hours just so I could find out the ending. I thought for sure I would get to the point where I was like “yep saw that coming”! I never got to that point. In fact, even the epilogue had me guessing. Amazing!

Jenna and Brandon are characters you will adore as a reader. They will make you smile, say “oh come on”, laugh out loud and even having you throw your hands up in the air. I wish I could tell you more! However, I think someone else must suffer dark bags like me and keep guessing. It is a love story but one that you just can’t get to stick. It actually reminds me of all those tv shows where I know a couple would be great, they fall in love, they break up, fall in love again and something tragic happens. Jenna and Brandon are just that aggravating tv couple but in such a good way! You will not be disappointed if you pick this book up to read!

 

 

Meet A.M. Hargrove:

One day on her way home from work as a sales manager, USA Today bestselling author, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast-forward. If she didn’t do something soon, it would be too late to write that novel she had dreamt of her whole life. She slammed on the brakes, made a crazy decision, and quit her job. Then she reinvented herself as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author.

She fancies herself all of the following: Reader, Writer, Dark Chocolate Lover, Ice Cream Worshipper, Coffee Drinker, Grey Goose Aficionado, and #WalterThePuppy Lover. If you’re around her for more than five minutes, you’ll soon notice she has a tendency to talk you ear off.

 

 

 

Meet Terri E. Laine:

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.

In her early years, she and her best friend would tell each other stories over the phone when they were bored. They called them their “soap operas” and generally revolved around whatever boy they liked at the time.

Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

 

 

Connect with A.M. Hargrove:

Website: http://www.amhargrove.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amhargroveauthor

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Hargrove/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove

Connect with Terri:

Website: www.terrielaine.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineBooks

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TerriLaineBooks

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TerriELaineAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14299771.Terri_E_Laine

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Terri-E.-Laine/

 

The Play Mate by Kendall Ryan…Blog Tour & Review

NowAvailable_Ad2

 

 

 

the-play-mate-kendall-ryanSmith Hamilton has it all—he’s smart, good-looking and loaded. But he remembers a time when he had nothing and no one, so he’s not about to mess up, especially with his best friend’s little sister. That means keeping Evie at arm’s length … even though the once pesky little girl is now a buxom bombshell. A sexy blonde who pushes his self-control to the limit the night she crawls into bed with him.

Evie Reed knows she’s blessed—with an exclusive education, a family who loves her, and a new job managing social media for her family’s lingerie company. But she wants more, like a reason to wear the sexy lingerie herself. She has just the man in mind to help with that. She’s crushed on Smith forever. Surely tricking her way into his bed will force him to see her in a new, adult way.

Except that when Evie’s plan leads to disaster, she and Smith must decide—ignore the attraction sizzling between them, or become play mates and risk it all.

 

 

Kindle | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

Teaser6_WEB

 

 

3.5 Stars

Ok – So I don’t think I have ever given a 3 star review to Kendall. And 3 stars isn’t bad by any means. This book is good, just for me it wasn’t my favorite from her. There were parts that were harder for me to believe and that took away the connection I usually get with her books.

The Play Mate is the 2nd book in Kendall’s Roommates series but can be read as a standalone. Every book features a new couple and nothing overlaps; no previous characters or needing to know about the previous book.

As with all Kendall Ryan books, I know to expect a quick, sweet, sexy and fun read. And The Play Mate is nothing short of that. Kendall writes her characters so they are relatable and honest and that helps makes her stories even more enjoyable.

The Play Mate is another brother’s best friend romances. Yes, I know this is starting to get played out a bit, but Kendall keeps it light and enjoyable. Evie attempts to seduce Smith one night and everything backfires. But she refuses to hang her head in shame and moves on.

Then they are stuck working together. Evie and Smith can both sense the tension and growing attraction that neither can hide. But Smith made it clear that he doesn’t want to move past the friend-zone. He’s her brother’s best friend and things would just ugly between all of them if they did. That is until he realizes it’s almost impossible to work with Evie on a daily basis and not die of slow death of blue balls.

These two try to keep it casual but we all know that won’t happen. As much as they keep their relationship a secret, they both fall for each other a little more during their time together. I enjoyed watching these two get to know one another in a new way. However, my biggest gripe is the whole no sex during most of that time. I’m sorry, I just don’t buy it. He’s a grown man who has needs. And seeing one another every day and night and it never once leads into sex after all that foreplay – that’s some really good restraint. Hell, I think I got blue balls a few times reading this. Geez. But enough about that.

Overall, the book was really enjoyable. I loved watching these two go from friends, to coworkers to lovers. The story moves at a great pace and there isn’t any huge drama. It’s a light and sugary story!

 

 

 

 

Teaser2_WEB

 

 

Kendall Ryan author picA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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Ripple Effect: Episode 2 by Keri Lake…..Blog Tour & Review

 

 

 

EPISODE TWO: As a calculated assassin, Ripley thrives on always being in control. But when the woman he’s sworn to kill makes an offer he can’t refuse, his control is what he risks losing most.
Ripley

They call me RIP.
I’m a killer. A murderer. A psychopath.
In the eyes of the righteous, I’m a monster, born of sin and depravity.
I want to protect her, but I’m not a good man.
I want to love her, but I no longer feel.
She gets under my skin, though, and has awakened something inside of me.
Something I’d kill for.
I’m not her savior—not even close. In fact, I’m worse than the hell she’s already suffered.
I’m her vengeance. Tit for tat, as they say.
And if she’s not careful, I’ll be her ruin.

Dylan

For months, I’ve watched him.
I’ve fantasized him as my savior, my lover. My ticket out of the hell I’ve lived in for the last six years.
I never dreamed he’d be my nightmare.
Had I known what he really is, I’d have never gotten in the car that night, but life is full of cause and effect.
And sometimes the choice on offer isn’t a choice at all.
It’s the result of something already in motion, and we’re merely left to survive the ripple effect.

*This is an erotic suspense/erotic romance not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence and sex.
 This series continues to get dirtier, grittier and more intense as we go.

We get to know more about Ripley and how he works – the inner workings of his brain. He’s no prince charming and he definitely shows no mercy to anyone. He’s a man we fear yet his intensity draws us in.

“For a monster, he’s stunning.”

Dylan is a firecracker. She’s learned to live life in the worst of ways and understands one thing – life will kill you, if you let it. She will not be a victim. She holds nothing back when it comes to Ripley and has no problem voicing her opinion, even though she knows he could easily end her life without thinking twice of it.

“But this is my world, and getting fucked over is all I’ve known.”

Keri has no boundaries when it comes to her writing. She’s got a fucking wicked mind and I would mind being trapped there for awhile. I love how she is able to take the most disrespectful and degrading things and makes them desirable in that moment; yet you can see how messed up it is too. You know it’s wrong, but you just can’t stop the curiosity.

I am ready for Episode 3 to take me even further into this dark and erotic world……

I open my eyes to the sting of sterile scents, like disinfectant and alcohol. A quick scan of my surroundings shows crisp white sheets, the cool fabric brushing against my legs—my bare legs. The dripping of water from before pounds louder, without the chasing echo. Scents. Sounds. Touch. As if my body has turned into a sharper frequency, everything around me seems more alive. More intense.
  Attached to my left arm is an IV whose tube connects to a bag labeled saline, hanging off a hook sticking out from the wall. Two white patches are stuck to my arm, and I can’t begin to imagine what the hell they are. Maybe he mutilated me? What the hell is this guy, a doctor?
  The stabbing pain from before has dulled to an ache of intense hunger or the craving of pills, I can’t discern. Nausea still grips me the same way it had when I drank too much cinnamon liquor one night and ended up at the side of the toilet with my sugar crashing. I’m not a diabetic or anything, but I remember Chanel gave me a glass of orange soda and the jitters disappeared. I feel cool and sweaty at the same time, clammy and exhausted.
  I stare down at myself, noticing a thin white shirt. My bra has been removed along with my panties, leaving me naked beneath the oversized garment that must belong to my captor. The heavy comforter, far too elegant and plush for the mattress on which I’m lying, covers only my ankles, as if I’d kicked it off. Or someone else had.
  What did he do while I was out?
  I perform a quick mental rundown, only remembering flashes of the bathtub, which I’m certain was nothing but a dream. From my fingers to my toes, I concentrate on any pain. Wriggling my toes doesn’t point out a weird absence of one, flexing my calves, thighs, nothing. I attempt to pull my knees together, testing whether or not it produces an ache that might suggest he’d raped me, but chains keep me from crossing my legs.
  In my pathetic assessment, I find there’s no damage, nothing to suggest mutilation of any sort. And no evidence of blood on the sheets.
  With my arms still bound, I turn to the faint musky scent on my skin and breathe in the clean aroma. He did bathe me.
  He. Rip.
  His name loops over and over inside my head in some desperate bid for my conscious half to hang on to it. As if I’d forget the name of the killer who tied me to a wall in his dark and dingy basement.
  My mouth is bone dry and I push a swallow past the burn in my throat.
  The single light that illuminates my surroundings is both a blessing and a curse, as I begin to see things in the wall of darkness that separates my little halo. Hallucinations? Maybe. The drugs still swimming through my body certainly don’t rule out that possibility. A pale white spectral figure dangling from the ceiling shakes my core, and I screw my eyes shut, hoping it’ll fade away. The withdrawals have settled over me, commandeering my mind, and have me seeing things that don’t make sense.
  Like the terrors of my youth.
Keri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan. By day, she tries to make use of the degrees she’s earned in science. By night, she writes dark contemporary, paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Though novels tend to be her focus, she also writes short stories and flash fiction on the many occasions distraction sucks her into the Land of Shiny Things.

For news, updates and sneak peeks at the sexy cover model candidates for her annual Cover Model Contest, subscribe to her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/HJPHH

 

 

 

Sweet Victory by Gina L. Maxwell…Blog Tour with Review

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Today is the blog tour stop for Gina L. Maxwell’s Sweet Victory! Grab your copy of this sexy new MMA fighter romance and follow along the tour today!

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About Sweet Victory:

Sophie Caldwell might not like asking for help, but help is what she needs if she’s going to save her family business from her uncle. Her grandma left one rule for Sophie if she wants to gain sole ownership before she’s thirty—get married. Yeah, fat chance of that happening since she hasn’t had a boyfriend in years, and now she can’t get her uncle off her ass.

British-born MMA fighter Xander James has never lost a fight, and he’s not about to start now. He’s on the brink of a comeback that could make him a UFC champion, but his landlord wants to take away his last chance by shutting down his gym. Hell, no. Fortunately, his landlord’s niece has a problem of her own. Time for a proposal she can’t refuse.

Get your copy today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Sweet Victory has all the elements I love in a story, a MMA fighter, a fun outgoing girl that I would even hang out with and a story full of passion. I love that this continues Gina L. Maxwell series on the MMA fighters and it can be read as a stand alone.

Xander and Sofia each own a business in a retail development that her uncle is trying to sale right from underneath them. Fearing that they will lose their beloved businesses (Xander’s gym and Sofia’s bakery) they decide to do the one thing that can stop her uncle from selling- get married and end it as soon as the time line is up. These two find themselves not only finding friendship with one another but also hot sexy passion! It is really nice to get both perspectives on their relationship as it unfolds as well.

I was intrigued by the story line but felt like I could predict most of what was to come. Please remember, I do read on average 3 romance novels almost every week, so sometimes I just kind of know what will happen. However, if you love a love story playing out the way you hope and wished it would- you will LOVE this book. This is a fantastic series for any reader who loves series and getting to know all the characters as well as their personal stories. Gina L. Maxwell does a fantastic job of keeping the characters in each book and the best part is they are always H.O.T alpha males!

 

About Gina L. Maxwell:

Gina L. Maxwell is a full-time writer, wife, and mother living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. An avid romance novel addict, she began writing as an alternate way of enjoying the romance stories she loves to read. Her debut novel, Seducing Cinderella, hit both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists in less than four weeks, and she’s been living her newfound dream ever since.

When she’s not reading or writing steamy romance novels, she spends her time losing at Scrabble (and every other game) to her high school sweetheart, doing her best to hang out with their teenagers before they fly the coop, and dreaming about her move to sunny Florida once they do.

 

Connect with Gina!

Author Website: www.ginalmaxwell.com

Author Twitter: @Gina_L_Maxwell

Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginalmaxwell

Author Street Team/Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/themaxwellmob

Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginalmaxwell

Author Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ginalmaxwell

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446604.Gina_L_Maxwell

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/GLMnewsletter

Enter Gina’s Giveaway:

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What I Need by J. Daniels…Blog Tour & Review

 

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From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes a sexy new STANDALONE novel.

Riley Tennyson has made a huge mistake.

At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Showing up to her brother’s wedding pissed off and newly single, Riley seeks comfort in solitude and an open bar, until the gorgeous and irresistibly charming CJ Tully makes her a better offer―a wild night with the master of smooth-talking where nothing is off limits.

Riley does what any single woman would do, and a connection is made. One neither one of them can ignore. But when she comes home to the boyfriend she no longer thought she had, Riley buries her secret and begs CJ to do the same.

Forget about each other. It was a mistake. That’s all it was… right?

Desires are hidden. Distance is kept. Until one night CJ makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Riley can no longer avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about.

Not with him sleeping down the hall…

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

 

 

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I have found another series that I have fallen in love with!!  Yes, I am reading a book in the middle of the series where I have not read any of the previous ones and now have this incredible itch to go back and read the others.  J. Daniels is just that darn good people!!!

Yes, you can read this book and have not read of the other previous books to know what is going on.  And yes, you will get hooked on these characters plus the rest of the gang and have this immediate need to go read their stories.

CJ – where do I start with this man?  He’s IT!!!  He’s hot, funny, sexy, and romantic!  GAH!!!  he’s your next book boyfriend!

Riley – she’s a sweetheart that you can’t help but love.  I could easily find myself being really good friends with her.  She’s got a bit of feistiness in her and she’s quite funny – those two combinations amp up her sexiness.

I love these two together. There is no denying the immediate attraction they have for one another.  So how Riley denies and wants to stay friends – BEYOND ME!!  But it makes for a great story.  A story that J. Daniels plays out well!!  And if you want to know how this all plays out, you have to read it.  I am not telling you a single word.

If you haven’t figured it out already, I LOVE THIS!!!  I am now a resident Bama Lover!!!  Bring on the next Bama Boy!!!!

 

 

 

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logo-rectangle-1-2400-x-1025J.Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Sign up to receive her newsletter and get special offers and exclusive release info: http://authorjdaniels.com/newsletter/

Twitter | Instagram | Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page |Goodreads | Reader’s Group

 

 

The Wright Brother by K.A Linde….Blog Tour & Review

 

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I’d dated his brother.

He didn’t remember and I wish I could forget.

I may have sworn off the Wright family a long time ago. But when I returned home, Jensen Wright crashed into my life with the confidence of a billionaire CEO and the sex appeal of a god. Even I couldn’t resist our charged chemistry, or the way he fit into my life like a missing puzzle piece.

Too bad he’d forgotten the one thing that could destroy us.

Because Jensen Wright doesn’t share. Not with anyone. And if his brother finds out, this could all go down in flames.

When it all was said and done, was he the Wright brother?

✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play

 

 

The Wright Brother started off so great for me. And then there were parts that made this book fall flat for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good book, I just had some issues with particular scenes that had me feeling “meh” on.

I always know to expect a very well written book from K.A. and The Wright Brother holds up that expectation for me. It’s just certain scenes, regardless of how well written they are, that I didn’t like and felt were unnecessary, but that’s me. How something like that is a secret for 7 years and yet Emery’s best friend knows about it and doesn’t view it as a huge secret, just sort of baffles me altogether.

Emery has returned to her hometown and is looking to figure out a fresh start somehow. Emery is dragged along with her best friend to a Wright wedding – the one family she has sworn off. She doesn’t expect to capture the eyes of Jensen Wright, the older brother of Landon Wright, her high school sweetheart.

While things are working out between Jensen and Emery, Landon does not play the part you are expecting, but his life is quite interesting, to the say the least. It’s one that has me itching to see what happens in the next book.

Overall, aside from my few problems in the book, K.A. starts this series off well. I am definitely intrigued by this family and look forward to reading more about them all.

 

 

 

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KylaK.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

Mister Wrong by Nicole Williams…Blog Tour & Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cora Matthews grew up with the Adams boys, twin brothers and best friends who wouldn’t let anything come between them except for one thing—her. One of them became her best friend, the other, her fiancé.

She always knew she’d wind up marrying one of them, and Jacob Adams is the very epitome of Mister Right. At least he is up until he fails to show up for their wedding day. Not that Cora realizes it. At first.

As Jacob’s best man, and identical twin, Matt makes a split second decision, but one that will affect the three of their lives forever—he steps in to take his brother’s place. In front of the altar, exchanging vows with the woman he’s secretly been in love with for years.

Cora eventually finds out about the groom swap. The morning after the wedding. As if realizing she just slept with her fiance’s brother wasn’t disturbing enough, she’s forced to confront her feelings for Matt Adams she thought she’d buried years ago.

Matt’s wrong for her. In every way. But through the course of her real honeymoon with her fake husband, she starts to uncover truths both Adams brothers were hoping to keep hidden, for opposite reasons. One to protect himself, the other to protect her.

She married the wrong brother, but what if he’s been the right one all along?

 

 

“So?” I crossed my arms and leaned into the banister behind me. “Did you? Like my brother?”
She sighed, turning toward the open door. “Jacob . . .”
“What? It’s a fair question.” I shoved off the banister, feeling hope and heat tangling in my veins from the look on her face, from the sound of her voice. She’d felt something for me, whether it be the most passing of crushes or something much deeper. Realizing that had me feeling drunk from something other than alcohol. “Besides, you’re stuck with me now. Won’t matter what you ’fess up to.”
Cora started through the doorway. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Grabbing the suitcases, I followed her. I wasn’t letting this go. Never. Not if she threatened death or castration or anything else. “Why not?”
She broke to a sudden stop a few feet inside the room. “Because I don’t want to focus on the past. I want to concentrate on the future. That’s not going to work if you keep asking me questions about Matt.”
There was a sharpness in her voice—one she didn’t use too often. She didn’t want to keep talking about me, which only made me want to continue talking about me. I’d struck a nerve, but I wasn’t sure how deep that nerve went.
I needed to know how deep it went. I had to know. My whole life, I’d been under the impression that Cora saw me as nothing more than a good friend and substitute brother. She cared for me, but not in the same way I cared for her.
Or did she?
“This thing with Matt . . .”
Her back stiffened.
“Was it a thing? Like ancient history? Or is it still a thing?” I closed the door and wondered why I could feel my heartbeat in my eardrums.
She kept her back to me, standing in the middle of the dark room like a lone ship on a vast ocean. “I married you.”
Yeah, she did marry me.
“But if he’d made a play for you, way back before all of this”—I waved my finger between the two of us, not that she could see it—“would you have given him a chance?”
“He never made a play for me.” Her voice sounded faraway, like she was out of reach when she was less than an arm’s length away.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” I stepped closer. “If he had? Would you have?”
Her back was moving faster from her quickened breathing. This conversation was making her uncomfortable. Why was that?
“Stop, Jacob. Enough.” She spun on me, swaying in place just enough that I reached out to steady her. She shook my hand away like it was white-hot. “I’m not going to get into another fight with you over Matt. I’m done. I picked you. I married you. What else do I have to prove?”
“That you don’t—”
“I don’t love Matt!” Her arms flung out at her sides as her voice spilled across the room. ‘There. I said it. Are you happy now? Are you happy we’ve managed to get into another argument over this infatuation you’re convinced I have for your brother? On our wedding night of all times?” She glared at me with bleary eyes. I couldn’t tell if that was from tears or from alcohol. Maybe both.
“Cora, I’m sorry.” I ran my hands through my hair, wondering what in the hell I was doing—for the millionth time that day. Deceiving her, betraying her, and now accusing and angering her. Maybe I didn’t know the first fucking thing about love. Maybe Jacob knew more about it than I did, because I wasn’t sure love was supposed to hurt as badly as this did.
“Just . . . enough already.” As she shouldered past me, I reached for her, but she shook me off. “I need to be alone.”
She slammed the front door behind her a moment later, leaving me alone with my idiocy.
“Cora,” I called to an empty room. I wasn’t thinking when I rushed toward the door after her. “Cora!”
The moment I pulled the door open, something crashed into me. It made a sharp breath rush out of my mouth as I staggered back a few steps.
My arms barely had time to wrap around her before Cora’s mouth was on mine, moving in such a way that made staying upright next to impossible. Before I had a chance to catch up to the fact that I was kissing Cora in an entirely different way than we’d kissed at the wedding and reception, her fingers were working at my belt. Quickly.
I didn’t know she’d already gotten it undone before she’d moved on to my zipper. The sounds she was making as she kissed me, the way her body felt aligned against mine, the way her mouth knew the intricate balance of submission and domination . . . one moment at a time, Cora was crushing the last remnants of my resolve. Destroying the final pieces of my views of right and wrong.

 

 

3.5 Stars

Nicole Williams definitely knows how to write quick, fast paced angsty stories and Mister Wrong is no shortage of that.

What happens when you find out the day after your wedding that you married the wrong man?? Sounds impossible, right? Even if it’s the brother’s identical twin. You’d think that would be hard to not notice, but I love how Nicole delivers this and makes it believable.

Cora has been with Jacob Adams for the better part of 10 years. She’s known the Adams’ brothers since they are tiny tots. But when in the heat of everything and some added alcohol, your ability to see things clearly becomes a haze.

Mister Wrong is told from both Cora and Matt’s POVs. Matt has been in love with Cora since he can remember and has always put her first. So when it came time to step in for his selfish brother, he didn’t think twice – not for the wedding vows or for consummating the marriage!!

Yes, shit hits the fan when Cora finds out the next day. And she reacts appropriately. And her entire though process and actions throughout the rest of the story are perfect. She grows, she learns, she finds herself and stands up for what she wants! But there are quite a few incidents along the way and not everything goes well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The whole “not realizing who you’re marrying” part was slightly hard for me to grasp on to (especially when the dad didn’t notice the switch – puhlease) but I have to admit, I let that go and just enjoyed the story.

It’s a quick and sweet read to lose yourself in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

 

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

 

 

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