• Home
  • Reviews
  • Ratings
    • 3 Stars
    • 3.5 Stars
    • 4 Stars
    • 4.5 Stars
    • 5 Stars
  • About Us
  • REVIEW POLICIES AND DISCLAIMER
  • Our Rating System
  • Contact
  • New Releases

TheBookBellas

  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Ratings
    • 3 Stars
    • 3.5 Stars
    • 4 Stars
    • 4.5 Stars
    • 5 Stars
  • About Us
  • REVIEW POLICIES AND DISCLAIMER
  • Our Rating System
  • Contact
  • New Releases

Blog Tour – The Rocker Who Shatters Me by Terri Anne Browning, Review, Excerpt + Giveaway

December 14, 2014





SYNOPSIS:

The Rocker Who Shatters Me

A Bet…


Yes, I made a bet with my best friend—my now ex-best friend.
It had been a stupid, heat of the moment kind of thing. I’d just wanted to get
her out of my system and move one. Instead I’ve lived to regret it ever since.
I lost the girl I loved, a girl that possessed my very soul. Now I can’t even
get close to Natalie. She thinks all she ever meant to me was just the means to
the end of a stupid, stupid game.


…For a Bet!


In the span of one night I’d gone from thinking I had a
future with the man I loved to SHATTERED at his feet. I can’t get over it. The
pain is too strong, too destructive as it festers more and more inside of me.
And then my friend came up with the perfect revenge for both our broken hearts.


“I bet you…”


Those three little words gave me a reason to ball my pain up
and throw it back in Devlin Cutter’s face. I would let him back in, let him
think he had a chance with me once again. And then I would walk away, leaving
him broken and bleeding at my feet as he once had left me.


This time he would be the one SHATTERED.



REVIEW:

This book started off right in the middle of a hot love story between Natalie and Devlin, a famous rock star. But things suddenly crash and burn when it is revealed that actually a bet started it all! But even though Devlin began sleeping with Natalie on a whim, he actually fell hard for her and spends the rest of the book trying to win her back.

I loved Natalie’s feisty spirit!! Even though she is much younger than Devlin, she was no push-over. It isn’t easy being in love with a rocker but Natalie holds her own with the fans, the groupies, touring and all the pressure that comes with being in the public eye. And Devlin…swoon!! Sexy, smart, talented… but will he do what it takes to get Natalie back before it’s too late? I loved his Alpha ways and their scenes together are HOT HOT HOT!!

This was my first book in the series and I totally was at home with the cast of characters. There was plenty of background given on each rocker and I loved all of the band members and their significant others. If you are looking for a sexy, rocker book with lots and lots of steam, then The Rocker Who Shatters Me is for you. Terri Anne Browning writes a quick-paced, sexy and loving story and I am looking forward to reading her other books. Enjoy!

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)



PROLOGUE:

Natalie

One Year Ago

The concert had
been over hours ago, but the band still had another thirty minutes of meeting
fans. I tried not to let my irritation at the ten women and five men still
standing in line show on my face as I continued to do my job.

I just wanted
everyone to leave, so that I could wrap this night up and go out with Devlin. 

That wasn’t asking too much was it? To get to spend a little time with my
boyfriend, doing what normal couples do rather than having to share him with
his fans? Well, I didn’t think it was asking very much.

For the last few
days we hadn’t even had a few minutes alone, and it was about to drive me
crazy. I couldn’t even kiss the man I loved without having someone pop up on us
on the bus, or climb into bed with him at night without something coming up to
keep me out of his arms for the night.

I was starting to
think that fate didn’t want me and Dev together. But that was ridiculous. It
had taken us a long time to get to the place we are now, with us loving each
other rather than fighting our feelings. I was happy, and there wasn’t anything
on the planet that would keep me from being with Devlin Cutter.

even
realizing what I was doing I stopped and my eyes sought out the man in
question. He was sitting down at his table while the fans made their way from
Axton’s, then to Wroth’s, Zander’s, Liam’s and ending at his. He was smiling up
at some guy who was talking a mile a minute. That smile was one of my favorite
sights in the world, the way his aquamarine eyes crinkled at the edges and his
three day old beard hid the dimples that I was such a sucker for. His even,
white teeth stood out against his dark tan complexion and made me want to kiss
him to see if he still tasted like the toothpaste he’d used before taking the
stage earlier that night. My heart melted along with another part of my anatomy
when I saw that smile.

“It’s weird that
one of my best friend’s sister is dating my dad,” Harris complained as he
stopped beside of me.

I turned to frown
down at him, trying to figure out if he was teasing me or if he was serious.
He’d always found something to tease me about over the last few years. He was
good friends with my little sister, Jenna, and I’d always had a soft spot for
Harris despite the fact that I’d seemed to always be in love with his father
from the moment I’d laid eyes on him. But this was a serious matter. If he
really thought that it was weird that I was dating his dad, then I wanted to
deal with it now.

Harris grinned up
at me, reminding me so much of his father that it was hard not to love this kid
as if he were my own. Yeah, now that was the weird part. I was twenty-two years
old to his fifteen. That was extremely weird to me. “Relax, Nat. I’m just
messing with you. I think it’s kind of cool that you are with Dad. He’s smiled
a lot more in the last few weeks than I’ve seen him smile in a long time.”

Relief washed over
me and I punched him in the arm. “You are such a punk, you know that?”

“Yeah. You tell me
that on a daily basis. But you love me anyway.”

“Sadly enough, that’s
true.” I punched him again and forced my attention back to the job at hand. I
still had things to do so that I could leave when Devlin was finished. “I’ve
got stuff to do, wanna help me?”

“You mean work
when I could go back to the hotel, order room service and watch newly released
movies?” Harris raised a brow at me like I was crazy for even asking such a
question. “Yeah, sure, why not? I can help you out, earn brownie points with
your sister, and make my dad think that I’m a good kid all at once.”

“Brownie points
with Jenna?” I questioned as I lead him back toward the stage the band had
performed on earlier that night. “Why would you need to earn…?” I broke off
when I realized why he would want to. “My sister will never like you like that,
Harris.” There were plenty of reasons why I didn’t think that Harris and my
sister would be anything other than friends. 

But the major one was the only one
that I needed to know that Harris was wasting his time on Jenna.

My sister had
realized when she was fourteen that she wasn’t into guys. Plain and simple. Of
course, I was the only one who knew that little piece of information, because
Jenna thought our mother would freak out at having a lesbian for a daughter.
Jenna wasn’t wrong. Stella Stevenson would probably disown her youngest
daughter if she ever found out about her gender preference. 

Our mother was a
total bitch like that. I hadn’t always thought that way, of course. When you’re
a kid you don’t notice the things adults would about someone. It had taken Jenna,
however, to open my eyes to our parent’s small minded bitchiness. When Jenna
had run away to find our brothers because she was tired of our mother putting
Drake down when Jenna would watch America’s Rocker every week and gush that one
of the judges was her brother, I’d seriously opened my eyes. It was then that
I’d realized that my brothers had never been the bad guys, had their reasons
for not wanting a relationship with me or my dad when their own mother had
died. It had all been my mother’s doing, and I couldn’t blame Drake and Shane
for turning their backs on my dad and me when my mother had forced our dad to
turn his back on them when they had needed him so desperately.

With Harris
helping me it still took more than forty minutes to finish up all the after
show things that needed my attention so that I wouldn’t be as busy the next
night. When we were finally finished I gave the fifteen year old a hug and told
him to head on back to the hotel. Harris yawned and nodded. “I’m beat. Have fun
with Dad.” He grinned, flashing those damn dimples of his that were identical
to his fathers and with a wink left.

Laughing I watched
him walk away before I shook my head and lowered my gaze back to the list I had
in my hands, making sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. I was so lost in thought,
my eyes critical on the long list in front of me that I didn’t hear footsteps
until a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

Devlin nuzzled my
hair aside with his nose and placed an open mouthed kiss against the sensitive
flesh just under my left ear. “Miss me?”

The mere sound of
his deep voice made me shiver and I rocked my hips back against him, delighted
at the feel of his hard growing against my ass. “More than you will ever know,”
I assured him as dropped my clipboard on the ground without caring if I’d
finished everything on the list or not. Turning in his arms I wrapped my own
around his neck, letting my eyes drink in the sight off his beautiful face
before brushing my lips over his in a teasingly soft kiss.

Just as I knew he
would, Devlin made a low grumbling sound deep in his chest, almost like he was
purring and unwrapped his arms from my waist so that his hands could tangle in
my long hair. His fingers locked my head into place so that he could take
control of the kiss and devour my mouth in a kiss that left me aching for him
in a way no one ever had before.

When he finally
lifted his head, just an inch or two so that he could brush his lips over the
tip of my nose, I was breathing hard and rubbing my lower body against his
hard-on. “You ready to go?”

After that kiss I
was more than ready, and going to some club where we would be surrounded with
countless strangers for a few hours was definitely not what I wanted to be
doing. “Can’t we just go back to our hotel room and make love?” I murmured,
placing my hands on his chest and tracing little hearts over each male nipple
through the material of his OtherWorld T-shirt.

Devlin raised a
brow at my request. “What happened to the whining girl that left my bed this
morning, complaining about me never taking her out?”

If he hadn’t been
smiling I might have slapped his face. I hated it when he teased me like that.
But I could tease him, too. “I’m a woman, Dev, not a girl. Your woman,” I
murmured in a breathy whisper as I stood on tip toe so that my kiss damped lips
could brush over his ear, making him tremble just like I had earlier. “And your
woman has every right to change her mind a thousand times before she finally
decides to settle on what she really wants. And what your woman wants right now
is for you to take her back to our room and let her suck your dick.”

With a muttered
curse Devlin picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder. One big hand swatted
across my ass, making a loud smacking sound as he hurried for the closest exit.
“You are an evil little bitch, you know that Nat?”

I propped my head
up on my hand so that I didn’t get dizzy from the way he was carrying me. “So
you’ve told me a hundred times before. But you like it.”

“No, babe. I
fucking love it.” He was practically sprinting as he headed toward a row of
taxies waiting in front of the civic center, his long legs eating up the
distance in no time. I heard a door open and then he dropped me onto the bench
seat before climbing in after me. But instead of the address of our hotel he
gave the name of the club he’d mentioned over lunch earlier that day.

“Dev,” I whined
wanting to just go back to our room and have him sink deep into me for the rest
of the night.

With a deep
chuckle he wrapped his arms around me again and pulled me against his side. 

“Nat,” he mocked me. “Relax. We’ll have more than enough time for that later.
Right now I want to take my woman out and show her off at the club. Just like
you begged me for this morning.” His lips captured mine and his tongue snuck
out, licking my bottom lip until I opened for him.

We were still
kissing when the taxi pulled to a stop in front of a club with a line of people
all the way down the block. The driver cleared his throat loudly and Devlin
grumbled something against my lips before finally lifting his head and tossing
a hundred dollar bill at 
the man. “Keep the change,” he bit out as he opened
the door and pulled me out behind him. 

Once we were on
the sidewalk Devlin stopped and kissed me again. His long, raven black hair
fell forward, shielding us from the crowd that was lined up behind us. His
hands wrapped around my neck, telling me that he didn’t want me going anywhere
anytime soon. 

Didn’t he know that I would never be the first to step back? I
loved him more than anything or anyone on the planet. He was the reason I woke
up every morning with a smile on my face, the reason I hadn’t already lost my
mind on this tour.

How long we stood
there getting lost in our kiss I couldn’t honestly say. When he finally lifted
his head, his aquamarine eyes were dark with passion and he was smiling.
“Later,” he promised.

I licked my lips,
sighing when I tasted him there. “Yeah, later.”

Laughing he
grasped my hand and entwined our fingers, pulling me toward the front of the
line where two huge bouncers stood with headsets sticking from their ears and a
clipboard. 

The first guy frowned at Devlin but the second stepped forward and
shook his hand. 

“Welcome back, Mr. Cutter.”

“Thanks, man.” He
reached into his pocket and pulled out something before seamlessly passing it
over to the other man. Another hundred or two I was sure. Would I ever get over
the fact that I was now surrounded by money? Sure, I hadn’t grown up poor, but
we sure as hell hadn’t been rich by any one’s standards. Devlin didn’t carry
anything less than a ten dollar bill in his wallet. If he got a fives or ones
back he just gave them away.

The man’s eyes
drifted over to me and he smirked when he took in my kiss swollen lips. I shot
him a glare and then the finger, making Devlin laugh as he stepped around the
two bouncers and into the club, much to the loudly protesting of the people
still in line. I knew that look well. I’d gotten more than once over the last
few weeks. People knew who Devlin was, and they had never—not ever seen him
with the same chick more than once. When they looked at me they assumed I was
just Devlin’s piece of ass for the night and would be discarded come morning.

And that was when
I got to do the smirking because I knew that I was going to be in my rocker’s
bed the next night and the night after and the night after that. He had
promised me that our relationship was something special to him. That what we
had would last because he cared about me.

Sure it hadn’t
been a declaration of loved, but it had been good enough for me. We’d only been
dating for a few weeks now, and I wasn’t in a rush. We had the rest of our
lives to say those three little words to each other.

Inside the club we
moved straight for the bar. Devlin ordered a beer for himself and a glass of my
favorite wine for me. I loved that I didn’t have to tell him what I wanted. He
knew me well and always thought about what I wanted or needed, in and out of
bed.

When the drinks
were placed in front of us I reached for my glass but Devlin shook his head and
lifted it to his lips. With his eyes locked on mine he took a small sip before
offering the glass to me. My panties dampened even more than they already were
as I turned the glass so that I could put my lips where his had just been. As I
took my first sip his eyes darkened and he mouthed a curse before swallowing
half his beer in one gulp.

Laughing I took
another drink of my wine and grabbed his hand. I didn’t need alcohol tonight. I
just needed him. “Dance with me?”

With another
swallow, the bottle of Samuel Adams was empty and he followed me onto the dance
floor. For the next hour I wrapped myself around Devlin and let myself go to
the beat of the music. I’d always loved to dance, but with Devlin holding me
close even through the fast songs, it was an exhilarating experience.

As we danced he
kissed me from time to time, but never more than a brush of his lips over mine.
We both knew that if we kissed like we both wanted that we would end up in a
bathroom stall, and Devlin would hate himself afterwards. The one time that we
had done something like that he’d been pissed at himself for three days because
he respected me more than that.

Our relationship
meant more to him than a quick fuck in some dirty bathroom.

Sweating like
crazy, I finally let him led me from the dance floor to rehydrate. We sat at
the bar while he drank another beer and I sipped at my water and curled my
fingers around the ends of his hair. My own hair was a light brown, with a few
blonde highlights. It wasn’t as long as his, but there wasn’t very many people
who did have hair as long and healthy as his. He loved my hair just as much as
I loved his. When we were in bed, lying beside of each other, he would lift a
few locks of my hair and kiss them as reverently as if he were kissing my skin
when we made love.

Devlin leaned
forward and kissed me, deeper than he had in over an hour. The taste of beer
didn’t completely mask his own unique taste and I opened my mouth, silently
begging him to take more. When he did I knew it was past time we left. My panties
were drenched and I was throbbing between my legs for his attention.

Without warning
Devlin stumbled against me. His hands caught me around the waist, righting us
both before I hit the bar. His eyes asked me if I was okay and I nodded before
he turned with a snarl to the man who had just pushed him.

“What the fuck
asshole?” Devlin demanded as he faced Zander. “You nearly made me fall on my
girl.”

I nearly groaned
at the sight of Zander standing there. His glassy eyes told me he was drunk,
without having to see the further proof of it in the way he was walking. He’d
been drinking a more often over the last few weeks, even more so when Devlin
and I started seeing each other. I knew it was because of me and I hated it.
I’d never led him on, had always made it obvious that all we would ever be was
friends. That didn’t seem to matter to Zander, because he’d been nothing but an
angry bear to me and everyone else.

“Sorry, bro. I
didn’t see you standing there,” Zander said with a sneer before turning his
attention back to the bartender and ordering a shot and a beer.

Devlin clenched
his fists at his sides and I could tell he was about to punch his friend. 

Emmie
had threatened to join the tour if they got into another fight, and I honestly
didn’t want to see more bloodshed between the two men. Stepping between Devlin and
Zander I put my hands on Devlin’s chest. “I’m ready to go, babe.”

Aquamarine eyes
lost some of their hostility when they landed on my face and I breathed a sigh
of relief. “Let me pay the tab, baby, and we’ll go.”

“Don’t let me rush
you off.” Zander tossed his shot of whisky back and slammed the small glass on
the bar top. Picking up his beer he turned toward us. Devlin was talking to the
bartender who had started his tab. I tried to ignore Zander, not wanting to
make Dev any more upset that he already was. The two had once been best friends
but now, because of me, they could barely stand each other. I hated that I was
the cause of the rift between them.

Zander’s cold hand
wrapped around my elbow and swung me around to face him. The smell of alcohol
on his breath made me blink a few times it was strong. “Stay and dance with me,
Nat.”

I gave him a grim
smile, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Until recently I’d thought we were
good friends. Now I wasn’t so sure. “I’m tired, Z. I just want to go back to the
hotel and go to bed.”

“No, you want to
go back to the hotel and fuck Dev.” His words made me gasp in pain because they
had been like a slap in the face. I didn’t deserve for him to talk to me like
that. 

“It’s alright. I just don’t get it, though. Dev’s won the bet, so I
figured once he had been in your pants he would move on. Must be some good
pussy.”

If his first words
had been a slap the rest was a punch to the gut. I felt tears burn my eyes even
as confusion clouded my brain. “What do you mean, bet?” I demanded louder than
I’d intended.

Behind me I felt
Devlin wrap an arm around me as he turned back from paying our bill. At my
question, however, I felt him stiffen. Zander gave me a drunken grin and tipped
his beer bottle to his lips, making me wait for a response even as I felt
Devlin shifting behind me.

“The bet I made
with Dev two months ago, babe. The one that he put his prized John Bonham drum
sticks up for grabs against my signed Geddy Lee bass.” Another drink of beer,
this one longer as his words burned like acid across my skin.

My fingers were
trembling as I grabbed the beer bottle from him and threw it on the ground
where it shattered and spilled what was rest of the contents across my sandal
clad feet. 

“What was the bet, Z?” I demanded through gritted teeth.

Another shrug, as
if he didn’t know or just didn’t care that his next words were going to shatter
my heart. As if his words weren’t going to destroy me the point of no return.
“First one to bag you was the winner. Lucky for Dev, he now has my bass.”

Devlin moved so
fast I didn’t see the fist as he swung out and punched Zander. Zander stumbled
back, knocking three people down in the process. I just stood there, watching
with deadened eyes as Devlin jumped his best friend. I didn’t move out of the
way as Zander somehow rolled and started punching Dev in the head. The glass
from the broken beer bottle didn’t faze them as they rolled around, fighting.

The fight went on
and on. People moving quickly to get out of their way. A table was destroyed,
two chairs and numerous bottles and glasses. I remember watching a live MMA
fight with Linc once, and that was what the two men before me seemed to be
doing right then. They twisted at odd angels to get their punches in, didn’t
seemed to care if they fought dirty or not when Zander double punched Devlin in
the stomach then kneed him in the balls.
Wasn’t that a big
taboo with men? Never go for another man’s package?

Devlin groaned in
pain but didn’t pause in his attempt to annihilate his friend. He gained the
upper hand in a move that I wasn’t sure possible for such a tall man and
started hitting Zander in the ribs.

Two bouncers broke
through the crowd and tried to pull Devlin off Zander. He shrugged them off
like they were just bees that annoyed him. Two more stepped forward to help and
finally they were able to break the two rockers apart. Both were bleeding,
throwing curses at each other in a verbal battle now that they could do so with
their fists.

Still I remained
where I was, not even sure if I were breathing because the pain that was
ripping through me was so consuming.

It was all a lie.
My relationship with Devlin Cutter was nothing more than the product of Devlin
wanting to win some bet against his friend. All our nights spent in each
other’s arms, all his whispered words of how much he cared about me, worshipped
me… They were all lies. I was nothing more than a bet. Nothing. I was nothing
to him.
 

AUTHOR
BIO:


The USA Today bestseller hated school and reading until her aunt handed
over her first romance novel at the age of twelve, as crazy aunts tend to do.
It gave her a passion for the written word that has only increased over the
years.  Started writing her own novellas
at the age of sixteen, forcing her sister to be her one woman fan club. Now she
has a few more fans and a lot more passion for writing. Reese: A Safe Haven Novella
was her first Indie published book. The Rocker That Holds Me changed the tables
and kicked off The Rocker… series featuring the sinfully delicious members of
Demon’s Wings. The Rocker… Series has since expanded to OtherWorld with Axton
Cage and his band members. Terri Anne lives in Virginia with her husband, their
three children, and a loveable Olde English Bulldog
AUTHOR MEDIA LINKS:
Website: Terriannebrowning.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/writerchic27
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=terri%20anne%20browning&sprefix=terri%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aterri%20anne%20browning
Barns & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/terri-anne-browning?store=allproducts&keyword=terri+anne+browning
Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=Terri+Anne+Browning
Email: Terri.anne.browning.author@gmail.com

BLOG TOUR HOSTED BY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Contemporary, Reviews, Rocker Tagged : 4 stars, Excerpt, Terri Anne Browning, The Rocker Who Shatters Me

Blog Tour – Forked (Frenched Series #2) by Melanie Harlow, Excerpt + Giveaway

December 10, 2014

BT Banner
Forked

Title: Forked (Frenched Series Book #2)
Author: Melanie Harlow
Genre: NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Release Day: October 20, 2014


Synopsis:

Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.

goodreads button-2

My Review:

4 frothy and delicious stars!!

I absolutely love Melanie Harlow’s Frenched Series! The heroines are strong, witty, sexy and very relatable. Coco is thrown together with her ex, Nick, a well-known chef who broke her heart years before. She has never really gotten over him and it seems that even though he broke up with her, he isn’t over her, either. Melanie French writes sexy heroes who have a heart of gold, a strong romantic streak and who aren’t afraid of strong women. The sex scenes in this book are UBER-hot and sweetly romantic at the same time.

Sometimes you need a sexy, light and super-romantic book in between some of the darker, heavier reads, and Forked fits the bill perfectly. Put Nick and Coco on your reading menu, you won’t be disappointed!

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review)

Buy Links:

logo-barnes-noble__120821132934

Excerpt

Smiling gleefully, I hopped up on the counter while he filled two cake pans with batter, tucked them into the oven, and set the timer. “Twenty-five minutes.” Grabbing the mixing bowl, he set it next to me. “And I know exactly how I want to spend them.”
Peering into the bowl, I was delighted to see it still had plenty of batter left in it. He took the spatula, scooped some off the side of the bowl, and I thought he was going to feed it to me, but he didn’t. He smeared it on my thigh.
And licked it off.
S l o w l y.
At the feel of his hot tongue on my leg, my stomach tightened, and I held my breath.
Next, he pulled down a black lace strap of my tank, fully exposing one breast, smearing it with batter. My nipple was already hard and tingling, and when his lips closed around it, sucking off the chocolate, I gasped and arched, my fingers curling around the edge of the counter. He circled the stiff peak with his tongue, taking it between his teeth and biting gently before dragging his mouth up to my neck.
“Get down,” he breathed softly in my ear, one hand curling around my waist.
I let him pull me off the counter, my bare feet landing between his. Our mouths opened wide to one another in a long, deep, chocolate-flavored kiss. I slid one hand up the back of his neck and one down the front of his jeans, finding him hard and thick beneath my palm. If I hadn’t been sure before about doing it again, I was now.
He lifted his mouth from mine. “Turn around and spread your legs.”
I turned around and he slid my boy shorts to my ankles. I wore nothing under them. Leaning forward, I braced myself against the counter and opened my feet wider, rising up on tiptoe. Expecting to feel his cock between my thighs, I was surprised by cool batter against my hot skin. He spread it on my ass and licked it off, making me giggle and moan in delicious agony. He rubbed it along the backs of my legs and knelt between them to eat it off, his fingers and mouth and tongue teasing and tantalizing me, inside and out.
Closing my eyes, I moved against him, torn between wanting to come just like this and wanting to feel him pounding into me from behind.
My body decided for me, growing hotter and tighter as I spiraled higher. “Nick,” I gasped, collapsing forward onto my elbows as colors danced behind my eyelids. He moaned, pushing his fingers deeper, and I came so hard I felt it in every muscle, every inch of my body reverberating with pleasure. My legs weakened, and it felt like he was holding me up with one hand and his tongue.
“God, you’re so wet. And I love your ass.” His breath was hot between my legs, his fingers gliding in and out of me. “I want to fuck you like this.”
“Do it,” I begged.
He got to his feet and I heard the glorious sounds of a belt coming undone, jeans being unzipped. Then he stopped.
“Fuck, I don’t have a— “
“I don’t care. I’m on the pill. Just do it.” I arched my back and looked back over my shoulder, hoping my body looked irresistible. “Please.”
He placed the tip of his cock at my entrance, sliding it in just enough to torture me. “Please what?”
“Please fuck me.” I tried to push back against him, make him give me more.
But he held me steady, using his hands on my hips to hold me where he wanted me. “I love the way that sounds coming out of your mouth,” he said, pushing deeper. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say it before.”
I smiled, exhaling with relief as he glided in and out. “I guess I was too shy to tell you what I wanted back then. Or maybe I didn’t know yet.”
“So tell me now.”
I looked back. “Fuck me. And don’t be gentle.”
He began to move my hips, his fingers digging into my flesh as he jerked me back onto his cock. “I was always so scared to be rough with you,” he said, the strain in his voice telling me how he struggled to keep control. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“You won’t.” But each time he hit the deepest spot within me, I felt a sharp little twinge, and once or twice it was enough to make me gasp.
“Good. Because ever since I saw you today, I’ve been thinking about fucking you just like this.” He reached up and tore the elastic from my hair before fisting a hand in it and pulling so hard I cried out. “Tell me if you want me to stop,” he said through clenched teeth, his hips driving forward now in powerful thrusts that made my teeth clatter, “otherwise I can’t promise not to tear you apart.”
“I want you to,” I managed between hard, short breaths. “I want you to tear me apart. I want it to hurt.”
And as he cursed and groaned and fucked me so hard against his kitchen counter my skin would bruise, I was shocked to realize it was true—I wanted him to hurt me. Beyond enjoying rough sex, I wanted pain at his hands, wanted it bone-deep and razor-sharp. Wanted him to inflict damage on my body and make me feel unsafe, unsteady, unloved.
Safer that way.

Forked Teaser 7

Frenched

Title: Frenched (Frenched Series Book #1)
Author: Melanie Harlow
Genre: NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor


Synopsis:

When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier.

The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth.

Nor is the simultaneous O.

The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling.

Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?

Frenched Series Bundle: Frenched, Yanked & Forked

Floored Cover

Title: Floored (Frenched Series Book #3)
Author: Melanie Harlow
Genre: NA, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Release Date: February 5, 2015


Synopsis:

Erin Upton is too embarrassed to tell the cops what she was really doing while her townhouse was burglarized, especially since the first officer on the scene is former nuisance next door Charlie Dwyer. Where’s the justice in the world when a neighborhood know-it-all grows up to be six-foot-three inches of solid muscle with gorgeous green eyes and a slow, sexy please-arrest-me-now-officer smile? It’s bad enough she’s wearing her robe and slippers—did he have to notice her fuzzy hand cuffs on the bathroom sink?
He’s arrogant as he ever was, which is fine by her—she’s too busy with her dance studio’s grand opening to make time for a man. But they keep crossing paths, and
when Charlie offers to help her put in new flooring at the studio one night, things go from hammering nails to hammering each other in a hurry. And about those hand cuffs…
They agree it’s a one-time thing. But when that becomes a two-time thing, then a three-time thing, Erin starts to wonder if maybe she and Charlie could be a life-time thing. Her best friends Mia and Coco found love in unexpected places. Is it finally her turn?

goodreads button-2

Preorder Links:

About the Author

melanie harlow

 
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick
red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are inspired by
a sense of place, an appreciation for the past, and unexpected pleasures in
life—especially the romantic kind. She lifts her glass to readers and writers
from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two
daughters.
 

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Erotic Romance, Giveaway, Reviews Tagged : 4 stars, Excerpt, Forked, Giveaway, Melanie Harlow, Review

SOLDIER ON by SYDNEY LOGAN

November 23, 2014

soldier onTitle: Soldier On

Author: Sydney Logan

Date of Publication: June 2014

Synopsis

Will his call of duty break both their hearts?

Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph’s only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.

Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed.

Steph unexpectedly finds herself in need of a roommate. Brandon volunteers, thinking it’s the perfect opportunity to show her the real Brandon, before he’s forced to admit the truth about his four-year obligation to the army. Afraid that living together will be a distraction to graduating on time, Steph establishes house rules—rules they both find difficult to obey.

When faced with the realization that she’s fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?

goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47

 

 Buy links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tz8fy9

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

 

My Review:

If you are looking for a sweet, romantic military romance with a light dose of angst, then Soldier On is for you. This is a standalone story and will truly warm your heart and make your pulse race. Steph and Brandon are two wonderfully-written characters and I was rooting for them to make it from the very start! But Brandon (foolishly) is hiding a whopper of a secret from Steph that might spell the end of their very new and fragile relationship.

Brandon is a handsome, smart, driven and honorable guy and you would think he would be the perfect match for Steph. But she has a deeply rooted hatred of the military for her own reasons and he is scared to tell her the truth about himself.

This is a lovely book with a moderate amount of steam and a fast-paced storyline. The author has a beautiful writing style and handles some very heavy topics with great sensitivity and care. If you are looking for a fairly quick, heart-warming story, then Solider On is definitely for you.

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

Excerpt

Frat houses have libraries?

This one does, complete with ceiling-high bookshelves. Laptops line one wall, and a giant multimedia screen is attached to another. While all of it is impressive, nothing excites my book-loving heart more than to see the library ladder.

Secretly, I’ve always wanted to climb one—the tall ladders that roll from one end of the shelves to the other. Ironically enough, library ladders always remind me of Beauty and the Beast. Or the love scene in Atonement.

One of those movies is G-rated. The other most definitely is not.

Suddenly nervous, I look over my shoulder before making my decision.

YOLO. Carpe Diem. Whatever.

Slipping off my shoes, I reach for the ladder and slowly begin to climb. Sadly, this is the most adventurous thing I’ve done in a long time, and I can’t stop smiling. I’ve made it to the fifth rung when I hear someone clear his throat.

I hold on tightly and manage to turn myself around without falling off. When I’m sure I’m steady, I turn and find myself looking into the eyes of a soldier. Possibly Army. Maybe Marine.

Not that it matters. I accepted long ago that my hatred for anything military related is a little unhealthy, but when the service strips a girl of the privilege of knowing her father, it sometimes makes a person bitter.

I am the epitome of bitter.

This particular soldier is smiling at me, and I can’t lie, the smile is kind of beautiful. Despite that, my first instinct is to roll my eyes at his outfit. But then, I remember this is a costume party, and he probably just needed a quick and totally uncreative disguise.

“I don’t think this room is open to visitors,” he says, his tone soft and deep.

I wonder if that’s his natural speaking voice or if he’s just playing his role as a badass. The guy certainly looks like a soldier, dressed in his head-to-toe camouflage and smeared-on face paint.

“It was actually the only room that wasn’t locked, which is kind of stupid if you ask me. This is the one room in the house you guys shouldn’t want trashed. Drunken idiots could really do some damage in here.”

He grins, and my breath catches in my throat as he steps closer. I tighten my hold on the ladder, because a smile that makes a girl’s heart race isn’t the best thing when she’s trying to maintain her balance.

“I noticed you downstairs.”

Embarrassed, I glance down at my ridiculous dress. “I’m a little hard to miss in canary yellow. I’m going to kill Tessa—”

“That’s not why I noticed you.”

Before I can ask why he noticed me, shouts erupt from downstairs.

“Ten, nine, eight . . .”

“Do you have someone to kiss at midnight?” he asks.

I simply shake my head. He steps closer, pinning me between his body and the bookshelf.

“You do now.”

 

Q/A with Sydney

Where do you find your inspiration?

People and music, mostly. Sometimes, like in the case with my novel Soldier On, I found a picture that served as inspiration and later, as the cover of the book.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The most challenging thing is balancing writing and promotion. I’m not very good at it. It was easier when I only had one book, but the more I write, the harder it gets to juggle it all. I’m not complaining, because I love it, but that’s the biggest challenge for me.

What are your current projects?

I’m getting ready to release a holiday collection of short stories titled Once Upon a December. It will include two previously published Kindle short stories along with a new short story. It will release on November 28. I’m also working on my fourth novel.

 Tell us about your first book. What would readers find different about the first one and your most recent published work?

sydney loganAbout Sydney Logan

Amazon best selling author Sydney Logan holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is the author of three novels – Lessons Learned, Mountain Charm, and Soldier On. Sydney has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.

Website: http://www.sydneylogan.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@SydneyALogan

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5787300.Sydney_Logan

 

Logo2.png

Categories : 4 Stars, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance, Reviews Tagged : 4 stars, Excerpt, Review, Soldier On, Sydney Logan

THE DUET by R.S. GREY

November 10, 2014

Title: The Duet
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: Nov 8, 2014
Find on
Goodreads

When 27-year-old pop sensation Brooklyn Heart steps in front of a microphone, her love songs enchant audiences worldwide. But when it comes to her own love life, the only spell she’s under is a dry one.

So when her label slots her for a Grammy performance with the sexy and soulful Jason Monroe, she can’t help but entertain certain fantasies… those in which her G-string gets more play than her guitars'.

Only one problem. Jason is a lyrical lone wolf that isn’t happy about sharing the stage—nor his ranch — with the sassy singer. But while it may seem like a song entitled ‘Jason Monroe Is an Arrogant Ho’ basically writes itself, their label and their millions of fans are expecting recording gold…

They’re expecting The Duet.

MY REVIEW:

I loved this book!! Brooklyn and Jason are forced to write and record a song together, but there’s one tiny roadblock in their way – he can’t stand her and she feels the same way about him! Jason is a broody, folksy musician whereas Brooklyn is a “pop princess”. But she actually writes all of her own songs and is really a very warm, smart, funny, sarcastic woman who is lonely and wants to really experience love, not just write about it. Jason only sees the stereotype and is very judgmental toward her at first.


The Duet is very funny, witty, sexy and just plain un-put-downable. The author makes tons of pop culture references and give the reader lots of sneak peeks inside the business of producing popular music. The banter between Jason and Brooklyn is absolutely priceless and the story never sinks into sentimentality but instead stays fresh, modern and very, very witty.


Jason and Brooklyn begin a no-strings-attached sexual relationship which of course turns into much more for Brooklyn. I absolutely loved the sexy times between these two and I loved watching Jason’s douche-y, “asshole-ian” (no, not a word!) facade slowly change. But he is hiding a whopper of a secret and I was sitting on the edge of my seat to see how this would play out.


The Duet is for sure a romantic comedy but it is much more. It is about accepting who you are, being true to yourself, always being honest and the importance of keeping your heart open to love. I love R.S. Grey and am totally excited to see that Brooklyn’s sister Cammie, a brilliant architecture student, will be getting her own story with Grayson, one of Brooklyn’s best friends! Bring it on!!

The Duet will be priced at $2.99 for two days post-release, then the price will bump to $3.99!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

The M Lounge was the hippest and most discreet club in LA. If there was any hope of me locking down a one-night stand, M Lounge was the place to go.

“I can’t drink much tonight because I have that meeting with my record label in the morning,” I warned as we passed through the back entrance to the club and headed up a set of stairs that were used exclusively for the VIP level. Fun fact: one time I was going up those stairs when P. Diddy was coming down, and he totally touched my ass. Allegedly.

“Just to clarify: if you’re begging me for tequila shots at midnight, threatening to kill my first born if I don’t give them to you, I should still tell you no?” Cammie asked, just to ensure the boundaries were set. Better safe than sorry.

“That was one time and it was in Cabo,” I protested. “What else are you supposed to do in Cabo other than challenge a mariachi band to a tequila shot contest until the lead singer passes out beside a donkey?”

Cammie held up her hands and started listing off items. “I dunno— enjoy the beach, check out the museums and the culture—”

“That was a rhetorical question,” I interrupted as we made it to the top of the stairs.

As if by magic, the black curtain in front of us swept to the side, opening up an entire room of drunken debauchery before us. In one corner, a celebrity who shall remain nameless (we’ll call her Nennifer Janiston) was sucking face with a sexy man, and across the room two of the funniest women in comedy were doing body shots off of a waiter from the club.

“Welcome to the behind the scenes of Hollywood,” I whispered to Cammie.

 

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I'm a comedy geek and love all things "funny". Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

 


Categories : 4 Stars, Book Launch, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz, Reviews Tagged : 4 stars, Excerpt, R.S. Grey, Review, The Duet

BLOG TOUR: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK by AMBER L. JOHNSON

November 9, 2014

Eight Days a Week
by Amber L. Johnson
A “manny” should always mind his own business. And he definitely shouldn’t fall in love with his boss.  

Release Date: November 6 , 2014
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
Genre: Romance / Contemporary
ISBN e-book: 978-1-61213-329-4
Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 

~~SUMMARY~~

Eight-Days-a-Week-3D-Bookstack-2

Gwen Stone has secrets she’s not ready to reveal. After a recent promotion at work, she needs a caretaker for her children. She’s frenzied and in a lurch and pretty much ready to hire the first person who comes along. So she does.

Andrew Lyons needs to get out of his sister’s apartment, and a Craigslist posting may be the answer to his prayers. But what he thought was an ad for a room rental turns into a job offer he can’t refuse. Accepting the nanny position could change his life, if only he had a clue how to be a grownup.

A working mother, a shirtless “manny” who looks good in a towel, two children who need more than a babysitter, and hours of kids’ TV can only spell disaster for everyone involved. Because a manny should always mind his own business. And he definitely shouldn’t fall in love with his boss.

 

 

~~REVIEW~~

I LOVED this funny, sexy romance from Amber Johnson! The story is fresh and creative and I absolutely fell in love with Andrew. What starts off as cute storyline turns into a lovely, sweet and very, very funny story about overworked Gwen, who is struggling to manage raising two young children on her own, and Andrew, a wealthy, seemingly carefree guy, who must get a job and really wants to become responsible and self-sufficient and please his cold and distant father.

Eight Days a Week is a fantastic “lighter” read, with an unexpected storyline and interesting characters. My heart ached for Andrew; he has spent his life trying to please his parents and live up to his “perfect” older sister. He sees his chance at redemption when he becomes “manny” for Gwen’s young family and actually finds something he is very good at. The children love him and of course, he is madly attracted to Gwen. But they both decide not to pursue their insane chemistry for the sake of the children, because what would happen if they broke up?

Will these two be able to love each other and keep their new family together? I adore Amber Johnson’s writing style and was laughing out loud as well as totally swooning many times during this book. The sexy times are HOT and Andrew really has it all: looks, brains and talent. What woman wouldn’t fall for him? I loved this book and highly recommend it for all fans of sexy, funny contemporary romance.

 

 

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

AuthPhot
~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

Amber is a full-time mom and a full-time wife who is employed full time and writes when she can. She believes in Happily Ever Afters that occur every day—despite the obstacles real life serves up on a regular basis. Or perhaps they’re sweeter simply because of them. She always has two rubber bands on her wrist, a song in her head, and too much creamer in her coffee cup that reads ‘Cocoa,’ because she’s a rebel.

If she’s not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she’s supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and her eyes closed, waiting for the drop.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~
Twitter * Facebook * Website

 

Praise for Eight Days a Week
“Laugh-out-loud story about a guy who goes to look at a room to rent and discovers it comes with a job – that of live-in nanny to two damaged kids. So Andrew Lyons accidentally becomes the “manny”. Written in his POV, this book chronicles his hilarious escapades as he looks after and grows to love Bree and Brady, and his employer, Gwen. His pranks and spot-on observations about kids’ TV shows had me giggling, but there were a few serious moments worthy of a sniffle as well. The star of the show may be Don, though – you’ll just have to read this book to find out about him! Highly recommended.” 
 – Andrea Goodreads Review

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Giveaway Tagged : 4 stars, Amber L. Johnson, Eight Days a Week, Giveaway, Review

LOCKE by HARPER SLOAN BLOG TOUR – REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

October 8, 2014

LOCKE-blog tour-2

Locke (Book Five) The Corps Security Series

LOCKE-live

locke

AMAZON
ADD TO GOODREADS
RELEASE DATE: September 29th, 2014

A Potion of Locke’s Sales will be donated to the Semper Fi Fund

locke semper fi

Blurb:
Darkness is the only thing I see. Ever since the day my life changed. The day that everything and everyone I held close to me ceased to exist. The day I lost it all and the demons of my past consumed my every waking moment.

I tried to keep others at arm’s length. Tried not to let my darkness taint them. Ruin them. Harm them. And whether I want to admit it or not, as much as I wish I could keep them locked out, they refuse to leave. Refuse to let me suffer alone.

If I hadn’t been so focused on keeping those demons from flying free, I wouldn’t have missed how one perfect angel was able to sneak her way under my skin—refusing to let go. Making me want things I don’t deserve.

She consumes me. Her beauty knows no end. The love she promises tempts me every time she’s near. But that pure heart that makes her MY Emmy is the one thing I’m convinced I’ll destroy if I ever let her close.

I’m a broken man. A broken man with too much darkness in his soul to ever let her light shine upon me. But even that doesn’t stop me from craving her with every single breath in my body.

**This is the final book in the Corps Security series. This book is not suitable for younger readers. There is strong language, adult situations, and some violence.*

locke teaser5

Review:

Locke is the last book in the Corps Security Series. Although each book can be read as a standalone, the series is fantastic and you really get a sense of the strong camaraderie and history between the characters if you read the series. It is hard to say goodbye to these beloved characters but Harper Sloan does in in style with Locke.

Locke has a horrible relationship with his family as does Emmy, each in a different way. They both suffer terrible emotional (and physical) abuse. Locke has been convinced by his family that he is worthless, evil, bad, etc., so it is no wonder that he believes he has nothing to offer anyone, let alone Emmy.

Emmy has always loved Locke and when these two finally get together, it’s the usual hot and fiery Corps-Security, bad-ass Alpha way! Locke won’t let anyone or anything harm his Emmy and she helps him finally confront his own personal demons.

This is a fast-paced, really sexy and hot read. I love this series and fell in love with all the Corps Security men. Locke’s family felt a little over the top to me, almost cartoonish in their behavior but other than that, I loved this book and highly recommend it.

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

EXCERPT:

Prologue—Maddox
Six weeks. It’s been over a goddamn month since Emmy ran from me.
Just gone.
It took me three days to find her—thanks to the tracking device I had placed on her car—down in some small Podunk town in south Florida. Even if she had been trying to hide, she’d done a shit job of it. One search for her parents would have brought me right to her.
It took me longer to actually get eyes on her than it had to find her. She was holed up in some cheap-ass hotel for three weeks. She called in her meals and never left the room. And unfortunately, I had to leave and rush home when things out of my control needed attention and I again had to pull Asher’s head out of his ass. Now I’m back and I’m not leaving until I get my hands on her.
She doesn’t want to be found. I know that, but damn if I’m going to let her run off and get away for good. I’ve pushed and pushed her away. Every bone in my body has screamed at me to take what she’s been offering for years. I’ve seen her, I know what she wants, but I won’t let my demons hurt her. Not my Emmy.
Since day one, she’s been the greatest temptation, but I refused to take everything innocent that is Emmy and let my blackness take her. Because that’s what will happen. It will wrap around her soul and slowly choke the life out of her. Just like every other person I’ve allowed in.
I’ll taint her. I’ll ruin her. And in the end, it will destroy her.
One smile from her made me fall. So I pushed her away. I told her that she would never be what I need—that I would never want her. God, if she only knew. I crave her and everything she keeps trying to hand me. I crave her and everything she could give me. My very being calls out to her, and I work daily to refuse it.
So I pushed.
Until she ran.
But that ends right now.
Looking up at the gaudy neon lights thrown on the top of this hellhole, I know that was my first mistake.
SYN.
A motherfucking strip club.
This is not a place where my angel belongs. Just the thought of her inside this club makes my skin crawl. I can feel my anger becoming a force of its own as the blackness in my soul threatens to burst through. It’s burning inside my veins and demanding blood. My nostrils flare, making my breaths come in loud pants. My fist clenches—demanding something to pound into, something to destroy. My skin feels tight. Every vein in my body is pulsing with each wild beat of my heart.
I’m going to explode.
The bouncer doesn’t even give me a second thought. He gives me a brief glance as I pay the twenty bucks to gain my access into the hellish place. I immediately rip my sunglasses off, taking in every inch of the room. Black walls with dim lighting, stereotypical red carpeting and leather booths lining the room. They have the name right with the smell of this place—sex and sin with a mixture of smoke and sweat. There are three stages set up around the room, the center one being the largest and two smaller ones to the left and right, with a bar against the back wall and one on the top floor.
The whole top-floor bar area is set up on a glass floor, giving these douchebags around the room the perfect view between the barely dressed servers’ legs. Taking my eyes off the top floor, where the bartenders are clearly working the glass floor to their advantage, I scan the room again, squinting my eyes to see through the dim lighting and heavy smoke.
That’s when I spot her.
“What. The. Fuck,” I snarl under my breath.
The anger I felt earlier burning through my body starts to boil. It’s almost as if my body becomes a force of its own. The monsters inside me wanting free.
There she stands, not even five feet away, looking exhausted, wearing next to nothing. Her skirt—if that’s what you want to call it—is more like a napkin someone cut in half. From the way she stands—slightly to the side—I can just make out the perfect roundness of her ass peeking out the bottom of the hem. Her pert tits are pushed together and held in a tight bikini top, the fabric so thin that I can see the outline of her nipples clear as day.
My eyes take in every inch of her exposed skin and I want to roar with rage.
No one should see her like this. No one but me. And even though I don’t have the right to feel this way about her, there isn’t a damn thing that can stop me now.
She hasn’t seen me yet, so I stalk over to where she’s standing. She turns right when I’m about to reach out for her and her eyes go wide, shock and alarm clear in her beautiful, honey-brown eyes.
“Wha—”
“What the fuck are you doing, Em?” I bite out.
She shrinks back at my tone before she catches herself and goes stiff. I can tell instantly that I’m not going to like anything she has to say.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Emmy. What in the hell are you doing in this place?”
She tilts her head slightly, taking me in. Her eyes leave mine and roam the room before she gives a stiff nod. When she turns her focus back to me, I go stock-still at her words.
“I’m exactly where I should be, Maddox. I’m home.” Her tone is submissive, and that fury inside me goes from a boiling fire to ice cold.
With that, she turns and stalks off towards the bar. And I see that not only is her ass hanging out, but so are her hot-pink boy shorts.
“Dude. She’s a fine piece of ass, right?” The man she was just talking to speaks in awe.
“Shut your fucking mouth,” I growl, feeling that rage return like a switch has been flipped.
“Ah, you’re new here. Just sit back, my friend, and get ready for the show.” He laughs, takes a deep pull from his beer, and turns his attention back to the main stage, where the current entertainment is doing her best to swallow the fucking pole with her pussy. She’s working so hard for it that she might as well be fucking the damn thing.
I’m no stranger to strip clubs. Back when the guys were all single, we would hit some local ones around California. No better way to let off some steam from the shit that is constantly swirling around in my head than to sit in a room full of naked woman. Where the music pounds into your body, the drinks are always flowing, and the pussy is in abundance.
One thing’s for sure: This isn’t a place for Emmy. Hell no.
Without taking my eyes from Emmy, I drop my body into the nearest booth. She’s in a heated argument with the bartender and an older man who looks about as run-down as this fucking town. She throws her hands in the air, her head moving wildly, and if I had to guess, her stunning eyes are burning bright. She points over to me a few times, and all the older man does is shake his head, obviously not giving her what she wants. I just scowl at them from the booth, waiting for her to walk her ass back over here so I can explain to her that it’s time to go.
“Hey there, handsome,” a raspy voice says to my right. “Looking for some fun tonight? I bet a big man like you would be up for something wild.”
“No.” I don’t even look at her. My eyes never leave Emmy—who is now looking at me. A mix of ire and hurt is written all over her face. Even with the shit lighting in this place, I can see it…and I hate it.
Fucking hurt? Is she serious right now? Pissed I can understand. She didn’t want to be found and I found her.
“I won’t bite, baby. That is unless you want me to.” Her hands snake around my neck and down my chest.
Turning my attention away from Emmy, I look at the bleach-blonde hair, weathered skin, and fake tan of this bitch in front of me. I’ll give her credit—she tries to hide it with more than enough makeup for about ten women, but this piece of work in front of me has to be pushing fifty.
“I said no, woman. What part of that didn’t you understand? And for the last time, do not touch me.” I reach up and pull her hand off my stomach before she can go any further.
Moving my eyes back to where I last saw Emmy has me coming up empty. What the hell? I scan the room but she is still nowhere to be found.
“Ah, sweet cheeks. I know what you want. Good luck with that one. Rose doesn’t play around, and honey, why would you want her when you can have me? After all, I taught her everything she knows.” She leans down and, before I can guess her intent, licks my neck, clearly taking my distraction at her words to her advantage.
I turn swiftly and move into her space, making sure she doesn’t mix this shit up in her head to think that I would somehow ever want her ass.
“Do. Not. Touch. Me. You got that, sweet cheeks?”
She looks me in the eyes for a few beats before throwing her head back and laughing. The sound of it hits my ears like nails on a chalkboard.
“Your loss.”
When she walks off, I start my scan of the room again. No Emmy in sight. I run my hand over my buzzed scalp before settling in for the wait.
Thirty minutes later and I still haven’t found her. The crowd is getting restless. The chicks taking turns on the stage now haven’t been impressive and they undoubtedly want more. The pole humper has moved on to one of the smaller stages. The last act on the main stage was slightly better, but all she did was basically finger-fuck herself on the stage before fumbling to get to her feet on her ridiculous heels.
Jesus Christ.
I wait, determined not to leave until I have her with me. Another thirty minutes and two more rotations on the stages have my frustration levels going up even higher. How the hell did she just disappear? I know she didn’t leave. The tracking device on her car, which is sitting right next to my truck in the parking lot, hasn’t alerted me of any movement. I’ll be damned if she takes off on me again.
After signaling over another server, I order a beer and check my phone again to make sure the tracker isn’t malfunctioning. I’m just putting my phone in my pocket when a deep voice cuts over the music.
“Gentleman of Syn. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. The one your dicks have been begging for all fucking night. The Princess of Syn herself. The one and only, Rose!”
The Princess of Syn? What an idiot. I laugh to myself, placing my beer to my lips for a long pull. The music starts and the first few notes of Lollipop by Framing Hanley fill the air. Got to give this chick props—at least she picked a good song.
The house lights go down, plunging the room into darkness, before a spotlight hits the main stage. The smoke clinging to the air gives the stage an eerie glow. I take my eyes off the action and attempt scan the darkness of the room again for Emmy. Movement by the back corner catches my attention at the same time that the crowd goes electric. Idiots start throwing their money left and right, calling to this Princess of Syn to take them.
What morons.
I focus on the corner again and see the blonde from earlier smiling her wicked smile at me before pointing to the stage. Turning back to the stage, I watch as a woman, who I assume is this so-called princess, spins effortlessly on the pole, her movements all but blurring her body from the men wishing she were spinning on their dicks. It doesn’t take me long to see why the bitch from earlier is telling me to look.
With one quick spin, her hands are placed at the center and her legs are spread wide and parallel to the pole, showing off her barely there G-sting, I see my Emmy. It takes a second for the shock to wear off, and in that second, she gracefully drops from her spin with a guarded smile to the men crowding the stage. Lifting her small hands from her side, she drags them up her flat stomach to take her tits in hand and jiggles them.
Fucking jiggles them.
I can’t control my body at this point. I’m focused on one thing—the best way to get her off that stage and out of this place.
She reaches up and, in a move that is obviously practiced, removes her top, throwing it in to the crowd. There she dances with her body on display, caressing her naked tits until her nipples pebble. Turning her back to the room, she bends at the waist and starts to slowly pull her G-sting down her long, toned legs.
This is when the reality of this situation hits me. I’ll fucking kill all of these motherfuckers in the room.
Then she drops to her knees before getting on all fours and crawling towards the end of the stage.
Hell. No.
I’m on my feet in seconds, stalking through the crowd, pushing any man who stands in the way of my woman and me. I don’t even lift my arms from my side. I just barrel through the bodies with one goal in mind.
She doesn’t see me coming since she’s back on her feet and walking to the pole again. With a leap that would make my high school track coach proud, I’m on the stage, and a second later, I have a naked Emmy thrown over my shoulders before I jump off the stage. The sharp pain up my leg does nothing to extinguish my determination.
I can see the bouncers coming, and with one hand on her slick ass, I reach out and punch the first one in the face, taking great pleasure watching him instantly buckle to the floor. The other one comes at me from the side, but he doesn’t get far before I pick up the chair to my left one-handed and crack it against his fucking head.
Emmy is struggling with such vigor that I’m forced to put her down. She looks up, ready to spit fire at me, before snapping her mouth shut when she sees the expression on my face. I have no doubt that I look just as feral as I feel.
“Don’t you open that sweet fucking mouth, Emersyn. I swear to Christ, now is not the time to fucking piss me off any further.”
I rip my shirt off and roughly pull it over her head. She struggles and puts up a fight, momentarily distracting me from the third bouncer coming at full throttle. His fist takes me by surprise, but not for long. Grabbing her wrist so she doesn’t get away, I turn to the motherfucker stupid enough to get in my way.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” I seethe.
He goes to punch me again, but I duck and pop up before he realizes he failed. Bringing my head forward, I head-butt him right between the eyes and almost smile when he falls instantly.
I’m stopped at the door by the last bartender she was speaking with earlier. He goes to make a move but pulls up when he sees the look in my eyes. I’ll fucking kill and I’m sure it’s written clear as day on my face.
“Do it. I dare you.” My tone leaves no room for argument. I’m leaving with her and there isn’t a person on this Earth who can stop me.

Additional books in the Corps Security Series and Cooper will be on sale throughout the tour! ONLY $0.99

cooper teaser

About the Author:
harper

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

promo-11

Categories : 4 Stars, Alpha male, Alpha- hero, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Giveaway, Reviews Tagged : 4 stars, Corps Security, Excerpt, Giveaway, Harper Sloan, Locke, Reviews

ALL OR NOTHING (LOVE BY DESIGN #3) BY KENDALL RYAN

September 13, 2014

image001-4

ABOUT ALL OR NOTHING:

You’ve met Ben Shaw. Now meet Braydon Kincaid, the devil-may-care male model who nearly stole the show in Working It by New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

As one of the world’s most sought-after male models, Braydon is no stranger to the finer pleasures in life. The last thing he wants to do is limit himself, especially when it comes to women. His best friend, Ben, might’ve settled down, but Braydon doesn’t want to waste his youth on the messy complications of commitment. He wants fun. He wants easy.

Ellie isn’t looking for a casual relationship, but her tough and sassy personality instantly attracts Braydon, who proposes a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Unable to resist the powerful pull of the charming bad boy, Ellie eventually relents, though she longs for all-consuming love.

As the two spend more time together, Ellie soon realizes that Braydon’s posing skills extend off the runway. His carefully crafted façade masks a secret hurt that he’s reluctant to share with Ellie, even as they embark on a passionate affair that sends them hurtling toward a fate neither expected. Can Ellie risk her heart while she waits for Braydon to let her in, or will she be forced to demand all or nothing?

image

CLICK FOR BUY LINKS:

image001-4

Ellen’s Review:

(* ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

All or Nothing is the final books in the Love By Design series and it is most definitely a standalone! That being said, I am now going to read the first two books because I loved this romantic and very sexy story. This book is very funny, modern, totally hot and a great book to read when you want a true contemporary romance story.

Braydon is a hot supermodel and he and Ellie enter into an arrangement that is strictly sex only. Unlike the usual sex-to-love stories, this had some real drama, a great supporting cast of characters and an interesting plot that that takes the reader to some very exotic locales.

Braydon is very honest right from the beginning about what he wants from Ellie. The problem is, how can she not fall totally in love with this gorgeous, sensitive, sexy, and yes, SWEET guy who has obviously been badly hurt in the past?

This book will have you blushing and laughing and rooting for Ellie and Braydon to get past their stubbornness. All in all, a fun, sexy, sweet and romantic read from an author whose other books I can’t wait to read!

About Kendall Ryan:

439937520_hr

Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the contemporary romance novels Unravel Me, Make Me Yours, Hard to Love, Resisting Her, The Impact of You, Working It and Craving Him. She’s a sassy yet polite Midwestern gal with a deep love of books and a slight addiction to lip gloss.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Buy the first two books in the series:

6157da_454a50667b3c4f89967e3e970eac8eea.png_srz_250_371_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srz

6157da_3777661b0e2941f882d5081e45eb57f0.png_srz_250_371_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srz

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance Tagged : 4 stars, All of Nothing, Kendall Ryan, Reviews

Blog Tour w/Review and Giveaway: Assumption (Underground Kings #1) by Aurora Rose Reynolds

September 12, 2014

assumption banner

assumption cover-2

Today we are thrilled to feature Aurora Rose Reynolds’ new book, Assumption, with a review and fantastic giveaway! And scroll down to read the Prologue and Chapter 1!!

Assumption (Underground Kings #1)

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Goodreads Link

Blurb

as·sump·tion:
a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Cathy’s Review:

Autumn is a student nurse by day and a stripper at an upscale establishment night, until she gets her degree. Well, major trouble breaks out at the club, and she is caught in the middle. She must leave Las Vegas for Tennessee until it all cools down.

She then meets Kenton who is supposed to look out for her until it is safe to return home. There are major fireworks between both of them, but Autumn’s past can’t let her bring her walls down. Kenton is going to go through hell or high water to get in!

My first thoughts on this story were, “FAB!!” It was a quick, very steamy read. I did feel a little rushed and would have liked more explanation of the characters and their situation, a little more in-depth would have been satisfying. With that said, this book was VERY entertaining, even though the sex scenes did not happen until after mid-way through the book! I absolutely LOVED the banter between the characters, and this is one tough heroine! So if you love a bossy hero and a fast-paced read, I completelty that you read Assumption.

assumption teaser 6

assumption teaser 9

Additional Books by Aurora Rose Reynolds
The ENTIRE Until Series is AVAILABLE in one box set

until series box set cover

About the Author:

aurora bio-3

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prologue & Chapter 1

I see you judging me. I know what you’re thinking. She has to be a slut; she works at a strip club and takes off her clothes for money. Yes! I work at a strip club, and you may think I’m a whore for showing off my body, but this is a talent that has been forced down my throat since I was a young child. Look pretty and smile. I put on a show for those who choose to watch. However long I’m on stage, I’m not even me. It’s what I imagine an out of body experience would be like—a performance, nothing more, nothing less. The people watching make assumptions about who they think I am, or cook up a story in their heads of whom they want me to be. I’m just another beautiful face.
Beautiful. I hate that fucking word. Who gives a crap if someone is attractive on the outside if they are dying inside? My whole life has been about what I look like. I swear, the only reason my mother kept me was to have a real-life, living, breathing doll she could dress up and control, which is the exact reason why as soon as I became eighteen, I got as far away from her special brand of crazy as I could. That’s also why I don’t date. The first thing guys do is look at me and see a pretty face, a nice body, and an empty space where my brain’s supposed to be. They have no interest in getting to know the person I am on the inside. They don’t care I volunteer my spare time, and they couldn’t care less I’m going to school to be an RN. They don’t ask about my hopes, my dreams, or about where I see my life in twenty years. They don’t care about me at all.
They just want someone pretty to follow them around and tell them how handsome they are, how special they are, while agreeing with everything they say. Fuck that! I did that for too many years. That’s why I live inside books. At least there I can choose where I want to be—from the highlands of Scotland, to a king’s bed in a faraway land—and even if it’s pretend, sometimes that’s a lot better than reality.

Chapter 1

I look out the plane window, my finger going to the glass, feeling the cold on my fingertips as I look out at the land moving quickly below me. It’s funny how from up here, everything looks so small. I never traveled in a plane before today; just the idea of being trapped inside a tin can while flying at six hundred miles an hour never appealed to me. I take a breath and look at the TV monitor that’s in the seat in front of me. The small, animated plane on the screen shows we’re over halfway to Tennessee.
“Are you traveling for business or pleasure?”
I turn my head and look at the guy sitting next to me. He’s slightly overweight and balding, but he also has wrinkles around his eyes, giving him the appearance of someone who smiles often. I debate with myself on whether or not to answer before replying, “Business.”
His eyes drop to my mouth, then to my chest as I fight the urge to punch him in the throat. I hate when men go from nice to creepy. I shake my head, turning away from him. I don’t know why I even try. I feel a hand on my bare leg and my head swings around quickly. “Touch me again and I will rip off your balls and feed them to you,” I tell him in a soft tone, trying not to bring attention to us. He quickly removes his hand before swallowing hard.
“I…I’m sorry.”
I shake my head before turning my body away from his. I feel tears sting my nose, but I fight them back. No way am I going to cry now—not when just six hours ago, my whole world exploded and I didn’t shed one single tear. I lay my forehead to the glass, closing my eyes. I still can’t believe how fast my life changed…

Yesterday
I got up that morning and went to the hospital like I always do. I work at one of the busiest ERs in Vegas. I’ve been working there since I finished school, and was required to get my clinical hours for my RN certification. As soon as I walked into the building, I was loaded down with work. Weekends are always crazy in Sin City, but yesterday seemed worse than normal—two drug overdoses, three stomach pumps, and one gun shot victim. Later, I was leaving the hospital exhausted, only to head to my real job—well, the one that pays me the money I need to live.
“Hey, Angel.”
“Hey, Sid.” I gave him a half-smile as I walked into The Lions Den, the gentlemen’s club I worked at. Do I like to strip? No. Does it pay my bills? Yes. The second I get on stage, I’m no longer me; my brain shuts off and my body takes over, the same way it used to when I was growing up and my mom forced me into pageants. I’m accustomed to being on display and used for my appearance. I wish life was different, but it is what it is. Some people complain about being overweight or having acne; for me, I hate being beautiful. I know it sounds stupid; I mean, why would anyone complain about being attractive, right? Here’s why: men see me as an object, and women see me as competition. No one is ever willing to give me a chance; they all judge me by what’s on the outside, never taking a second to find out even the smallest detail about who I am. I know I’m a walking cliché; I hate being beautiful, yet I work in a business where I put myself front and center to be viewed and judged.
The difference? For the first time in my life, when I get on stage, it’s my choice; no one is forcing me to do it. I get up there to earn the money so I can change my life in a way that will make it where I never have to be objectified again.
“Tired?” Sid questioned, following me. I had worked for Sid for the last three years. He was a friend of sorts; he’s also my boss.
“Yeah, I can’t wait until my clinical hours are over and I can start working at the hospital full-time, instead of having two jobs.”
“I don’t like that I won’t see your face all the time, but I know you need to move on,” he conceded.
“Some other girl will come in and you will forget all about me.”
“Never, Angel.” His eyes move over my face and he shakes his head. “You’re working VIP tonight.” He followed me down the hall towards the dressing rooms.
“Sure,” I agreed, already exhausted. I needed a shower and a bed, but knew I was going to be there for at least eight hours, so I might as well suck it up.
“The guys coming in are important, so you need to make sure they’re happy the whole time they’re here.”
“I have done this before,” I reminded him, stopping outside the dressing room door to frown at him.
“Normally, I wouldn’t say anything—you know that—but I gotta go get on a plane, so I won’t be here to check on them.”
“I’ll make sure they’re taken care of,” I assured him.
“Thanks, Angel.” He kissed my forehead like he often did before walking away. I watched him go for a second before pulling myself together.
“Oh! Look who’s here,” Tessa said as soon as I entered the dressing room. I ignored her and tossed my bag into my locker before pulling my scrubs off. Tessa is a bitch; she is just like the girls I used to compete against in pageants. To her, life is a competition, and she is determine to come out the winner, even if she has to throw everyone else under the bus on her way to the top. “Mick said I could work VIP tonight,” she said to one of the other girls in the room. I ignored her, knowing better than to tell her it wasn’t happening. I was sure Mick did tell her that…after she took him in the backroom and gave him something to convince him. “Pixie said the guys coming in are some big-time land developers, so you know the tips are going to be outrageous. Thank God, because I need to have my tits redone, and that shit is not cheap.” I rolled my eyes and headed for the shower room. I had met a couple nice girls during my time here, but most were just like Tessa—a whole lot of hair, tits, ass, and not much else.
I stood in front of the mirror and put on a coat of red lipstick before standing back, looking myself over. The VIP dress code is different than the rest of the club. The required outfit consists of a sheer, black overlay bra, black silk panties, a black garter belt with sheer hose, and black heels. My long, naturally red hair was pulled back on one side by a large flower; the rest was loose and wavy, flowing down my back and one shoulder. My creamy white skin, red lips, and smoky eyes made me look almost like a sexy vamp.
“You ready, Angel?” Sid asked, pounding on the door.
“Showtime,” I whispered before opening the door.
“You look beautiful; I’m going to take you in there and introduce you before heading out.”
“Sure.” I followed him down the hall to the club. The Lion’s Den is well-known in the area for its exclusivity. The walls are painted a dark brown, and the booths are designed into the walls, making the space feel intimate. The stage is in the center of the room, with a single spotlight shining down on it. Every booth has a girl assigned to it, and VIP has two girls. We aren’t allowed to interact with the customers without being asked directly to do so.
The club is less of a strip club, and more of a place for men to hangout and drink while having beautiful women tend to them. If they choose to, they can watch the girl in the center of the room put on a show. I had been on stage several times in the three years I’ve worked here. I never told Sid I didn’t like it up there, but he normally put me in VIP, or assigned me to a booth for the night.
“Why are you so worried about these guys?”
“They’re thinking about opening up a Lion’s Den in one of the new casinos they’re building.”
“That’s huge! Congrats, honey.” I squeezed his bicep and gave him a smile.
“One day, Angel, I’m gonna take you away from this place and show you happiness. I wanna see that smile everyday.” My heart did a little thud. Sid is a very attractive man, but he’s not for me. I don’t want or need a man; they get you all discombobulated, filling your head with a bunch of lies then expect you to follow them around. I did that once. I thought a man was going to save me from the hell I was living in. I gave him my virginity and my heart, and he gave me a child I wasn’t allowed to keep and a heart so broken nothing or no one would ever put it back together again.
I looked through the two-way mirror at the men around the table in the VIP room.
“All right,” Sid says from beside me, “the man in the center at the table is John Barbato; he is the owner of three of the largest clubs in the city. The guy there on his left is Steven Creo; he’s some big wig on Wall Street and has backed more than half the new clubs and casinos opening on The Strip. The guy to the right of John has a location they’re interested in purchasing.”
“Got it. Who’s working with me?” I asked him.
“Tessa, Mick said she would be the best out of the girls we’ve got on the schedule tonight.”
“I’m sure he did,” I mumbled, looking back into the room. “What other bouncers are on tonight?” I hated when Mick and Craig worked together; they were both more concerned about hooking up with the girls than what was going on out on the floor.
“Link’s here now.”
“Good.” Link was a good guy and a close friend. He also took his job seriously.
“All right, let me introduce you quickly before I head out.”
“Sure.” I followed him into the room; the men’s heads turned in our direction smiling.
“Guys, I want you to meet Angel. She’s gonna be your girl for the night. You need anything, you ask her, and she will make sure you’re taken care of,” Sid tells them, gesturing to me.
“Nice to meet you,” one of the men said, smiling while the others nodded.
“Nice to meet you.” I smiled back.
“Angel will be right back; give me a minute guys.”
“Sure,” the one that spoke before said. As Sid and I stepped away, I heard from behind me, “Do you think the curtains match the drapes?” and they all laughed. I hated that saying, and I swore once I was free of this lifestyle, I would kick the next man in the nuts who said it.
“Okay, I gotta head out. I won’t be back for two weeks,” Sid said once we were standing in the hall.
“Have a safe trip.”
His eyes searched my face. His mouth opened and closed like he was going to say something, but instead, he shook his head, kissed my cheek, and walked off down the hall muttering something under his breath.
Tessa came around the corner a couple seconds later with a smug smile on her face. I hate to admit it, but she is beautiful. Her skin has a natural glow that makes her look healthy and youthful. Her hair is black and thick, reaching the top of her ass. Her eyes curve out at the corners, showing off her Asian-American heritage. “You ready?” she asked, looking at me from head to toe. I avoided rolling my eyes at her before stepping into the room behind her.
After we took the first orders, we stood back while the men talked. I learned a long time ago to zone myself out. We were there as eye candy and nothing else. There was a knock on the door, and I knew the drinks had arrived. Tessa answered it, opening the door wide, and the man who brought the tray in was someone I had never seen before. He looked to be mid-thirties, had long, shaggy black hair, and brown eyes. When he set the tray down on the table in the corner, he turned and did something odd that had me watching him more closely. His hand went to his back as he looked over at the men who were still busy talking. When his eyes came to me, he smiled before walking out of the room. I looked at Tessa to see if she had noticed anything strange, but she was busy handing out the drinks and flirting with the men at the table.
We stood to the side again once the men had their drinks; every once in a while, they would ask me a question about the club, and I told them what I knew. About thirty minutes after they had their first drinks, I called and had more ordered. This time, when the guy came in, he did the same thing—hand at his back, looking at the table. I had no idea who he was, but planned to find out as soon as the men left. One of the men received a phone call and stepped out of the room, and when he returned, he had another man with him. They all sat down, and this time when they called me over, they wanted a bottle of Chives Regal Royal Salute Scotch. One glass of the stuff cost close to six hundred dollars, making it over ten thousand dollars for a bottle. I placed the order and waited for it to be delivered. When the knock sounded on the door, I opened it up, and the same man from earlier came in and set the tray down. I watched to see if he would do the same thing he had done the previous times.
Sure enough, his head turned towards the table and his hand lifted behind his back, but this time, he lifted his jacket, pulling out something black. It took a second for me to realize what it was, and by that time, it was too late. He let off four rounds in rapid succession, then turned and fired a round, hitting Tessa. I screamed as he turned the gun on me, and before I could think, I ducked down and ran as fast as I could out of the room. I felt a bullet whiz past me as I turned the corner, and another as I entered the main part of the club. I spotted Mick; right away his eyes got wide and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “HE HAS A GUN!”
Everyone started screaming and running in every direction. I ran into a solid wall, and when I looked up to see it was Link, he wrapped an arm around my waist, turned, and pushed me behind the bar. I stumbled in my heels, falling to my knees and hitting the ground hard. I crawled under the counter and curled myself into a ball, shaking out of fear for my life. I listened as people screamed, but didn’t hear anymore gunshots. I don’t know how long I stayed like that, but it felt like forever until I heard police sirens.
“Autumn,” Link called my real name, snapping me out of my terrified huddle. I peeked out from behind my hands as he crouched down in front of me.
“Did you get him?” He shook his head, putting out his hand for me to take. I shook my head no—I was safe; I didn’t want to move from that spot.
“Come on, Angel, he’s gone.” I shook my head again. “Nothing is going to happen to you. I promise you’re safe.” I swallowed against the lump in my throat, squeezing my eyes closed.
“Tessa?” I asked him. His eyes closed and his head dropped forward. “No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “No.”
“Sorry, Angel,” he said quietly.
“Why?”
“Not sure, but the cops are here. I need you to come out of there so you can talk to them,” he told me gently, holding out his hand again. I nodded, reluctantly taking it. Even though I didn’t like Tessa, she didn’t deserve what happened to her. None of the people in the room deserved what happened to them.
“I should have tried to help her.”
“Nothing you could have done,” Link said, and my eyes went from to the floor to his. He shook his head, wrapped his beefy arm around my shoulders, and walked me over to a barstool. I sat there until the cops came up a few minutes later and told me they needed to talk to me at the station.
“Can she get some clothes on?” Link—who had given me the shirt off his back and hadn’t left my side—asked one of the detectives.
“Sure,” the guy mumbled.
I slid off the barstool and dazedly walked to the dressing room. When I walked in, all the girls were there, huddled together and crying. I didn’t know what to say to them; most of them had been friends with Tessa. I felt horrible they had lost their friend, but was unsure if they would want me to express my condolences. I walked to my locker and started to pull off my stockings when one of the girls came up to me, wrapping her arms around me. Shocked, I hugged her back, and more of the girls gathered around me. We all stood there silently for a few minutes; most of the girls were crying while a couple mumbled about how everything would be okay. I wasn’t sure anything would ever be okay again; I just watched five people die and was lucky to still be alive.
“I have to go with the police,” I told the girls when it didn’t seem like they were going to let me go. After a second, they all started breaking away from me one-by-one, giving me reassuring hugs.
“Call me if you want to talk,” one of the girls, Elsa, said, handing me a business card with her personal information on it. I looked at it for a long second before nodding. I had never really been friends with any of them. Maybe that needed to change. I went to my locker, pulling off my clothes before slipping on a pair of jean shorts, a black tank top, a large, oversized grey sweater, and a pair of black flip-flops. I grabbed my bag, shoved everything into it from my locker, and left the room without a backwards glance.
Link was waiting for me outside the dressing room door, his back against the wall, his head tilted back, looking at the ceiling. I had known Link since I started working at The Lion’s Den. He was a nice guy, blonde hair cut low to his head, tan skin, blue eyes, and a southern drawl that made women fall to their knees. He used to flirt with me when I first started, but when I didn’t return any of the banter, he laid off and became a friend. He’s one of the only people who knows about my past and the things I’ve gone through. “You didn’t have to wait for me,” I told him, pulling my bag across my body.
“I’m not letting you go through this alone.” He pulled me into his side. I could feel tears sting my eyes, and I fought them back. I wasn’t going to cry until this was all over, when I could do it alone, hiding under my covers with my face stuffed into a pillow…like I always did.
“Thank you.”
He gave me a squeeze, and I felt his lips at the top of my head.

*~*~*
“I don’t understand why I have to leave the state,” I told Link, putting another pair of shoes in my bag. I had no idea how long I would be gone, and Link made it sound like I wouldn’t be able to come back to Vegas for a long while.
“Angel, I hate to remind you, but you’re the only witness, and from what the cops said, the guy is a killer paid by the mob to do hits on people.”
I sighed, looking around my house. I hated I was leaving, but knew it was for the best. I was at the police station for over eight hours going over what happened then sitting with a sketch artist. Somehow, the guy who had shot Tessa and those men had avoided every camera in the club. The cops informed me I needed to be extra cautious. I was the only witness, and they were concerned he would come after me. When Link found out what they said, he made a call to one of his friends from back home in Tennessee and asked if he would be willing to let me stay with him until the police caught the guy. The man, Kenton, agreed, telling Link I would be safe. I hated I was leaving my home, but if my only options were either death or moving, the choice was begrudgingly clear.
“I hope they get the guy fast,” I mumbled.
“Me too, but until then, you will be far away from here where your safe.”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea to have me stay with this guy? I mean, how well do you really know him?”
“We were best friends growing up. He’s a good guy; you’ll be safe with him.”
I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded before going into the closet to get another suitcase. Might as well pack enough stuff to last me. Once I was all packed and ready to go, we got into Link’s SUV and headed for the airport. I was nervous the whole way, feeling like something crazy was about to happen…

Today
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re about twenty minutes out from our arrival destination. The weather in Nashville is mostly clear and sunny; the temperature is eighty-five degrees. The pilot has now turned on the fasten seatbelt sign. Flight crew, please prepare for landing,” I hear through my sleep-ridden state and lift my head from the wall where I had rested it. I wipe my mouth with the sleeve of my sweater before looking around to see everyone is putting their belongings away. I make sure my seatbelt is secure before sitting back. My leg starts bouncing up and down quickly, and I rub the tattoo behind my ear, trying to think about something other than the plane landing.
Once we are on the ground, I wait until everyone is off the plane to make my way out into the terminal. I go to baggage claim and look around, but I have no clue what this guy looks like. All I know is that his name is Kenton, and he is supposed to be picking me up.
I don’t see anyone who looks like they’re searching for someone, so I go to the conveyer belt and spot one of my bags as soon as I get there. I pull it off, stumbling back slightly from the weight, as every guy here just watches me without offering to help. I look around again, wondering if I’m supposed to call someone to tell them I landed. I pull my phone out, click it off airplane mode, and send a text to Link letting him know I had arrived. He sends me a message back letting me know Kenton had called and told him he couldn’t make it to pick me up, and I should just catch a cab to his house; the door would be unlocked.
I shake my head, cursing under my breath, and almost miss one of my other bags going around the belt. Luckily, I catch it at the last second. I carry it over to my other bag, and turn around just in time to see my last bag about to go through the tunnel. I run as fast as I can in my flip flops, and land half-on the conveyor belt, my bottom-half being dragged along the floor as I grab the handle of my bag, pulling it back so hard it flies over my head, causing me to land on my back with my hands over my head.
“You must be Autumn,” I hear rumbled from above me. I tilt my head back and look up at the man standing over me. He’s upside-down, but even from my awkward position, he is good looking. His chuckle makes me grit my teeth though, and I stand up, putting my bag on its wheels before turning back to face him.
“You are?”
He raises a brow to me, shaking his head, looking me over from head to toe. My body heats immediately under his gaze. I take my sweater off, wrapping it around my waist and clearing my throat. “You are?” I ask him again, getting annoyed that he’s obviously finding this so funny if the smirk on his face is anything to go by.
“Kenton.” He smiles. “Those bags yours?” He nods towards my other two bags.
“Yes.” I blow some hair out of my face, looking into his blue eyes and wondering why the hell I feel so hot all of a sudden. He looks away, going over to my bags while I take the time to look him over.
He’s tall—much taller than my five-five. His hair touches the edge of the black t-shirt he has on. He needed a cut a while ago, but judging by the dark scruff along his jaw, I can tell he doesn’t care much about grooming. His shoulders are broad, tapering down to a lean waist; his thighs are thick, incased in a pair of dark jeans that have shredded around the bottom by his heels, and his wallet is imprinted in the back pocket like he wears them often. I look at his ass as he leans over. I can’t believe I’m checking a man out; I’m not one to be the slightest bit sexually interested in anyone. My eyes travel lower, looking at his feet, which are enclosed in a very large pair of black boots. I wonder absently if what they say is true about shoe size. I shake my head at my thoughts, dragging my bag with me towards him. “I thought you couldn’t make it,” I tell him when I reach his side. My head tilts back to look up into his eyes.
“Yeah, change of plans,” he mutters, looking at me. I wait to see if he’s going to say anything else. Apparently, he isn’t going to, so I shake my head again and lower my face towards the ground. “You tired?” His voice is dark and rich, and does something crazy to my insides. I nod, lifting my head. “Let’s roll; you can sleep when we reach the house.”
I don’t say anything else. Something is wrong with me; maybe I’m getting sick. I follow him out of the terminal into the car park. When we reach the parking lot, he stops and pulls a set of keys from his pocket. I hear the beep and look around, expecting him to be driving a large truck, a Hummer, or maybe even a tank. I never expected him to be driving a Dodge Viper, the black-on-black of the car only making it look hotter. I look at my bags, wondering how we will get them in the car.
“It’ll be tight, but they’ll fit,” he mumbles, pulling my other two bags with him. I can’t help noticing the flex of his muscles as he gets my bags into the car, or the fact even his fingers are attractive. It takes some maneuvering, but he does get my bags to fit. I sigh, sitting down on the warm leather once we’re done. “I’m just gonna drop you off at the house. I gotta head out for a bit, but you have free rein. Just make yourself at home; there’s food in the fridge, and fresh sheets on the bed in the guest room.”
“Thank you for doing this,” I tell him, looking at his profile. He is seriously good looking, and the butterflies in my stomach are making me feel anxious about staying with him.
“Don’t mention it. So…you and Link?” It took a second to decipher his words between the thickness of his accent, his smell, and the nervous energy I was feeling. Being in his presence, my brain seemed to have shut down.
“He’s a friend.” Shit, maybe I should have said he was my boyfriend. I looked over at him again; he didn’t seem to be as on edge as I was. He was probably used to women swooning over him. My gut tightened with something, and it took a second to realize what it was. My body froze. Jealousy, really? I must be going into shock or something—I don’t get jealous.
“How’d you two meet?”
“We work at the same club,” I murmured, squirming in my seat.
“Oh yeah,” he mumbled, his knuckles turning white from his grip on the steering wheel. I didn’t know what that meant, but the energy in the car changed, making me want to get away from him.
We drove in silence for the next half-hour, the car winding its way through one small town after another until we went up what seemed like the side of a mountain. The area was surrounded by forest on either side of the road. We drove for about five minutes more before turning onto a dirt road that took us deeper into the forest. I wanted to ask if he lived out here and about where he worked, and a million other questions, but my mouth had gone dry, and the energy in his car hadn’t gotten any better, so I decided to keep my mouth shut.
I was going to be stuck with him for a while, so I figured there would be time for all of that later. I looked ahead of us, and squinted as the image of a large house came into view. It was a very large brick house; the front had two porches, one on the first floor, one on the second, and both wrapped around the front of the house. It was beautiful and expansive. I looked over at Kenton again, gaging if I should ask him if this was his house. His jaw was ticking, and the vein in his neck was pulsing wildly. I had no idea what had set him off, but figured my best bet was to sit there quietly until he calmed down.
We parked in front of the house, where there was no real designated parking place. He unfolded himself out of the car without saying anything, and I took that as my cue to follow him. By the time I made it to the back of the car, he had both of my bags out and was back on the driver’s side, sliding his seat forward so he could get to the bag in the backseat. Without a word, he carried two of my bags up the front porch and right into the house. I dragged my last bag with me, following close behind him.
He set my bags down at the bottom of the staircase, then turned to look at me. “Your room is at the top of the stairs to the right. There’s a bathroom across the hall you can use; I have my own.” He ran a hand through his hair and looked me over again, anger apparent on his face. “I don’t want random men in my house, so if you need to get off, take care of yourself.” I blinked at him as he continued. “The code for the alarm is 4593; don’t forget to set it when you’re in the house. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but you’ll be safe here.” Before I even had a chance to form a complete thought, he was closing the door behind him, shouting, “Set the alarm.”
I stood there for a few minutes, just looking at the door, then I looked around for an alarm, but didn’t see one. Tears stung my nose again as I recalled the look of disgust on his face when he told me to get myself off. I said a silent, “Fuck you,” and looked at my bags then the stairs, shaking my head—I could cry once I got settled in the room. I carried my bags up the stairs one at a time, and by the time I was done, I was so exhausted that I laid face first on the bed, put my head under the pillow, and cried until I fell asleep.

There was a pounding on the door, and I rolled, falling off the bed and onto the floor. “You didn’t set the alarm,” I heard growled. I stood up, pushing my hair out of my face, glaring at Kenton, who stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.
“I looked and didn’t see the alarm to set it.” I copied his posture, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You should have called and asked me where it was.”
I scoffed. “With what magic? I don’t have your number.”
“You could have asked Link for it.” He shook his head.
“I’m sorry, but if you wanted me to have your number, I figured you would have given it to me,” I retorted.
“Did you eat?” he asked, changing the subject suddenly and throwing me off-guard.
“Pardon?”
“Did you eat something?”
“No, and I’m not hungry; I’m just really tired,” I told him, rubbing my face. All I wanted to do was go to sleep and forget about the last forty-eight hours.
“You need to eat something,” he chided, uncrossing his arms and placing his hands on his hips.
“Okay, don’t get me wrong; I’m really thankful for you looking out for me, but I have been taking care of myself for a very long time. I don’t want nor need a babysitter.”
“Suit yourself.” He shrugged then looked me over again, his eyes lingering on my chest. I glanced down and groaned. Seriously? My boobs were in my bra, hanging over the top of my tank-top. I quickly adjusted my shirt before narrowing my eyes on him. He smirked, looking up into my face. “Make sure you set the alarm from now on. The panel is inside the room off the entry, first door to the right.”
“Got it.” My body was doing that hot thing again, and I wondered why it kept happening when he was around.
“All right, doll, get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He let his eyes linger on me for a few moments more, and then shook his head, stepping out of the room. I went to the side of the bed and turned on the light before walking to the door and shutting it. I leaned my head back, closing my eyes and breathing in deeply. I ran a finger across my tattoo behind my ear before opening my eyes and looking around. I could do this; I had lived through much worse and came out on top. I just needed to get a plan in place.

promo-9

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Giveaway, Uncategorized Tagged : 4 stars, Assumption, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Giveaway, Reviews, Underground Kings

Bog Tour w/Review and Excerpt: McFarland’s Farm (Hope #1) by Cardeno C.

September 10, 2014

McFarlands Farm Banner

McFarland’s Farm

by Cardeno C.

McFarlands Farm Cover

Wealthy, attractive Lucas Reika treats life like a party, moving from bar to bar and man to man. Thumbing his nose at his restaurateur father’s demand that he earn his keep, Lucas instead seduces a valued employee in the kitchen of their flagship restaurant, earning himself an ultimatum: lose access to his father’s money or stay in the middle of nowhere with a man he has secretly lusted over from afar.

Quiet, hard-working Jared McFarland loves his farm on the outskirts of Hope, Arizona, but he aches to have someone to come home to at the end of the day. Jared agrees to take in his longtime crush as a favor. But when Lucas invades his heart in addition to his space, Jared has to decide how much of himself he’s willing to risk and figure out if he can offer Lucas enough to keep him after his father’s punishment is over.

Review-300x112

Another totally sexy, hot, sweet and incredibly poignant story from one of my favorite M/M authors, Cardeno C. This is a perfect book for any reader who might be new to the M/M genre and would like to “get their toes wet” so to speak. McFarland’s Farm is a novella but it is yummy, filled with emotion, and oh yeah, some totally scorching hot sex scenes.

The scenes between Jared and Lucas are also filled with warmth and yes, love, and I felt a deeper connection to these two delicious characters than I did in many books 4 times the length of this story.

Spoiled, handsome Lucas is rude and disrespectful at first when he is first sent to stay with Jared and work on his organic produce farm in the tiny town of Hope, Arizona. Jared is a huge, very shy man who has been attracted to Lucas for years. What develops between these two misunderstood men is beautiful, steamy and very satisfying.

My one teeny tiny complaint is that I wanted MORE of this story! It was absolutely wonderful and I loved these two characters. I definitely recommend this book for all M/M fans and even for readers who don’t normally try this genre. It’s fantastic!

(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

EXCERPT:

“Please tell me you can go again,” Lucas said breathlessly.
“Won’t be a problem,” Jared assured him. “Just give me a few minutes to recharge.” He flicked his tongue over Lucas’s lips, pulling back with a grin when Lucas darted forward and tried to catch him.
“Come here,” Lucas said playfully. “I’m hungry.”
Jared chuckled. “I don’t think my tongue’s going to fill you up.”
“Oh no?” Lucas leered at him and waggled his eyebrows. “You have something else in mind?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Enjoying the game, Jared took hold of Lucas’s hand and brought it between them, resting it on his package.
“Mmm, I can see that.” Lucas gently cupped Jared’s sensitive balls before running one finger up his satisfied cock. “This is nice and thick. It’d really fill me up.”
“Why do I suddenly feel like I’m in the middle of a cheesy porno?”
Scrunching his nose in an incredibly adorable way, Lucas nodded. “You’re right. That last line was total Velveeta. I blame it on the hunger.”
“You didn’t finish your dinner,” Jared said as he rolled off Lucas and lay on his side. He grasped Lucas’s hip and tugged him forward so they were chest to chest. “Do you want me to go get you a snack?”
“And where, pray tell, do you plan to find such a thing?” Lucas draped his leg over Jared’s waist and played with the hair on his chest.
“Uh.” Jared thought through the contents of his kitchen. He wasn’t much of a snacker so he didn’t buy chips or cookies or crackers. “I, uh, can heat up—”
“Let me help you out by giving you the answer to my question.” Lucas paused and looked at him meaningfully. “If it’s food, we won’t find it in your kitchen.”
“Oh.” Jared blinked in surprise. “Are we low on food?”
“Low?” Lucas snorted. “Sure, we can call it low.” He leaned forward and circled Jared’s nipple with this tongue. “Or we can go with accuracy and call it nonexistent.”
Still satisfied from his orgasm, Jared enjoyed Lucas’s attention without losing focus on the conversation. “When I got my breakfast out of the freezer this morning, I could have sworn there were lots of meals left in there.”
“Let’s take a moment to repeat what you said.” Lucas cleared his throat. “When I got my breakfast out of the freezer.” He arched his eyebrows. “Why is your breakfast in the freezer? And your lunch? And your dinner?”
“I’m sorry,” Jared said, immediately feeling guilty about forcing a man accustomed to chef-prepared cuisine to settle for Hungry-Man. “I know you don’t like the frozen meals, but I don’t have time to cook, and even if I did, I hate doing it. Tomorrow’s Friday. How about we go into town and eat at Jesse’s?”
“That sounds good. I called the grocery store, and they’re open until nine. Do you think you can finish what you need to do outside in time to get cleaned up, go to dinner, and still leave an hour or so for shopping?”
“An hour?” Jared repeated. “What are we going to do at the store for an hour?”
“Well, I’ve never been there, and I think it’s a fair bet you’re not all that familiar with anything outside of the frozen food aisle, so I want to leave us enough time to find everything on my list.”
“List?”
“Yeah.” Lucas nodded and moved his finger over the same path his tongue had taken, tracing the perimeter of Jared’s nipple. “I got all the urgent invoices, emails, and letters out today, so I had time to poke around online. I made a list of meals to tide us over for a week, and I need to stock up the kitchen.”
“You’re going to cook?”
“Like I said earlier, one of us has to and you work longer hours. Besides, I think maybe I’ll enjoy it. I’ll for sure enjoy eating food that’s not loaded with preservatives.” Lucas nudged Jared’s shoulder until he tipped onto his back. Then he crawled onto his lap. “What do you say?” he asked as he ran his fingers through Jared’s beard.
“Say?” Jared mumbled, distracted by how good it felt to have Lucas touching him. “Uh-huh, sure. We can go to Smitty’s after dinner.”
“Good.” Lucas grinned at him, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “But that’s not what I meant.” He tilted his hips back and rubbed his ass over Jared’s groin.
“It isn’t?” Jared asked hoarsely. “What did you mean?”
“I meant, what do you say about going again?” He moved back and forth, giving Jared delicious friction right where he wanted it most. “You up for it?”

Amazon : Are : Smashwords

 

Cardeno C - Logo

Cardeno C. – CC to friends – is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few “awwws” into a reader’s day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno’s stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Cardeno’s Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, “You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day.”

Website: http://www.cardenoc.com/index.php#.U-Js0Tg-671

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CardenoC?fref=ts

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CardenoC/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CardenoC

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4620386.Cardeno_C_

 

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary M/M Romance Tagged : 4 stars, Cardeno C., Excerpt, M/M Contemporary Romance, McFarland's Farm

BLOG TOUR and REVIEW: SUGAR ON THE EDGE (Last Call #3) by SAWYER BENNETT

August 30, 2014

Sensual couple in blue jeans

SUGAR ON THE EDGE (Last Call #3)

by USA Today Best-selling Author Sawyer Bennett

Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing July 28, 2014

Synopsis:

He’s utterly alone…
Tortured and existing in a dark spiral of despair, bestselling British author, Gavin Cooke, has come to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape the seedy lifestyle he had been living in London and in a desperate attempt to regain his writing focus. He’s twisted, bitter and angry at the world. He’s a loner… needing not a single thing other than his Scotch and a laptop upon which he can bang out his next erotic, dark thriller.

She’s running in place and getting nowhere…
Savannah Shepherd’s life is falling apart. Her dream of being a wildlife photographer seems a distant memory and she’s barely able to make ends meet. Driving herself forward with no clear goals apparent, she’s about ready to pack up her bags and head home with her tail between her legs.

Two unlikely lovers…
He’s raw, forceful and a dirty talker. She’s a flowers and romance type of girl. Yet within each other, they find a mutual craving that can only be satisfied by giving in to their desires for one another.
Lust turns into something more… something they were not looking for but tentatively accept. Will it be enough to push them past the obstacles of Gavin’s bitter past?
*SUGAR ON THE EDGE can be read as a stand-alone*

image

Ellen’s Review:

This is my first book by Sawyer Bennett and I absolutely loved it! Sugar on the Edge reminds me why I love reading contemporary romance. It has emotion, perfect pacing, a lovely locale (the Outer Banks of North Carolina), a character-driven story and BLAZING hot sex. Gavin and Savannah are memorable, real and totally drew me into their story.

I have not read the other books in the Last Call series so I can tell you that this one can absolutely be read as a standalone, but now that I have sampled Ms. Bennett’s writing, I will read them. There are other characters from the previous books but they are fully-written characters and I did not feel as though I was lost at all.

Gavin is in a lot of emotional pain and moves to North Carolina to finish writing a manuscript. He’s sexy, British and has a very dark side. Savannah seems at first to be his total opposite – sweet, hard-working, yet smart and a little sassy. I literally read this book in one sitting and recommend it as a perfect read if you want a hot, sexy, funny, exciting and emotional story. I highly recommend Sugar on the Edge and am adding Ms. Bennett’s other books to my TBR list immediately. Enjoy!

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

10417789_671161222960324_8260612716021849237_n

unnamed-43

About the Author:

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Website
Facebook
Twitter

unnamed-6

Categories : 4 Stars, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Reviews Tagged : 4 stars, Reviews, Sawyer Bennett, Sugar on the Edge

Next Page »

Categories

  • 2 Stars
  • 2.5 Stars
  • 3 Stars
  • 3.5 Stars
  • 4 Stars
  • 4.5 Stars
  • 5 Stars
  • Action Romance
  • Adult
  • Adult Coloring Book
  • Adult Romance
  • Adult Suspense
  • Alpha male
  • Alpha- hero
  • Angsty
  • Anthology
  • Audiobook
  • Author Interview
  • Author Signing
  • Autobiography
  • BDSM
  • BDSM – Dark and Angsty
  • Biker
  • Billionaire Romance
  • Biographical Fiction
  • Biography
  • Bisexual Romance
  • Blog Hop
  • Blog Tour
  • Book Blast
  • Book Blitz
  • Book Launch
  • Book Tour
  • Charity
  • College
  • College Romance
  • Coming of Age
  • Contemporary
  • Contemporary Erotic Romance
  • Contemporary Fiction
  • Contemporary Gay Romance
  • Contemporary Homoerotic Romance
  • Contemporary M/M Romance
  • Contemporary Queer Romance
  • Contemporary Romance
  • Contemporary Western Romance
  • Courtroom Drama
  • Cover Reveal
  • Cowboy Romance
  • Cozy Mystery
  • Crime
  • Crime Romance
  • Dark
  • Dark and Twisty
  • Dark Contemporary Romance
  • Dark Erotic Romance
  • Dark Erotica
  • Dark Humor
  • Dark Romance
  • Diverse
  • Domestic Fiction
  • Domestic Suspense
  • Domestic Thriller
  • Dominant
  • Dystopian
  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Erotic
  • Erotic Humor
  • Erotic Romance
  • Erotic Romantic Comedy
  • Erotic Suspense
  • Erotic Thriller
  • Erotica
  • Erotica/Sci-Fi
  • Events
  • Family Drama
  • Family Saga
  • Fantasy
  • Fashion
  • Feminism
  • Fiction
  • Fighter
  • Financial Thriller
  • Forbidden
  • Giveaway
  • Gothic
  • Gothic Romance
  • Guest Post
  • Hispanic American Literature
  • Historical Fiction
  • Historical Romance
  • Holiday Fiction
  • Holiday Romance
  • Horror
  • Horror Romance
  • Human Sexuality
  • Humor
  • Legal Thriller
  • Lesbian Romance
  • LGBQT Science Fiction
  • LGBT
  • LGBT Romance
  • LGBTQI
  • Literary Fiction
  • Literary Saga
  • M/m
  • M/M Contemporary Romance
  • Mafia Romance
  • Magical Realism
  • Mature YA/NA
  • MC Romance
  • Memoir
  • Ménage
  • Mental Health
  • Military Romance
  • MM Romance
  • MMA
  • Movie Star Romance
  • Multicultural Romance
  • Mystery
  • Mythology
  • Nature
  • New Adult
  • New Adult Contemporary
  • New Adult Contemporary Romance
  • New Adult Romance
  • New Adult Romantic Comedy
  • New Adult Romantic Suspense
  • New Release
  • Non-con
  • Non-Fiction
  • Novella
  • Office Romance
  • Organized Crime Thrillers
  • Own Voices
  • Paranormal
  • Paranormal Romance
  • Political Romance
  • Post-Apocalyptic
  • Prequel
  • Psychological
  • Psychological Thriller
  • Release Blitz
  • Reviews
  • Rock Star
  • Rock Star Romance
  • Rocker
  • Romance
  • Romantic Comedy
  • Romantic Erotica
  • Romantic Suspence
  • Romantic Suspense
  • Romantic Thriller
  • Romantic Women's Fiction
  • Satire
  • Sci-Fi Romance
  • Science Fiction
  • Second Chance
  • Second Chance Romance
  • Self-Help
  • Serial
  • Series
  • Shifter
  • Short Story
  • Single Dad
  • Slow Burn Romance
  • Small-town Romance
  • Speculative Fiction
  • Sports
  • Sports Romance
  • Sports-Hockey
  • Spotlight
  • Spotlight Tour
  • Standalone
  • Student-Teacher
  • Suspense
  • Taboo
  • Tattooed hero
  • Teaser
  • Teaser Tuesday
  • Thriller
  • Time Travel Romance
  • Trailer Reveal
  • Uncategorized
  • Urban Erotica
  • Waiting on Wednesday
  • Western Romance
  • Women's Fiction
  • Women's Studies
  • Young Adult
  • Young Adult Contemporary Romance
  • Young Adult Fantasy
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Young Adult Romance
  • Young Adult Thriller
  • Young Adult Time Travel
  • Young Adult-New Adult

Stay Connected

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Recent Favorites:

Search The Book Bellas

New Posts Delivered Straight To Your Inbox

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 37 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • HELLO BEAUTIFUL by ANN NAPOLITANO
  • PINEAPPLE STREET by JENNY JACKSON
  • SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES by JOJO MOYES
  • MS. DEMEANOR by ELINOR LIPMAN
  • WOMEN ARE THE FIERCEST CREATURES by ANDREA DUNLOP
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Archives

Find us on GoodReads

Goodreads: Book reviews, recommendations, and discussion

Grab our Button


Tags

4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars A.L. Jackson Aleatha Romig Alessandra Torre alpha male BDSM Bella Jewel Blog Tour Book Blitz Book Launch Cat Porter Chelle Bliss contemporary romance Cover Reveal Erotica Erotic romance Excerpt Giveaway Jane Harvey-Berrick K. Bromberg Karina Halle Katy Evans Kristen Ashley Laurelin Paige Mara White Nelle L'Amour New Adult New Releases Pam Godwin Penelope Douglas Penelope Ward Pepper Winters R.S. Grey Release Blitz Review Reviews S.L. Scott Skye Warren Tarryn Fisher Tessa Bailey Tia Louise Vi Keeland Young Adult

Copyright © 2023 · Annabelle Reloaded Theme