REVIEW: SHIVER by CM FOSS

December 3, 2014

Title: Shiver
Author: CM Foss
Release Date: Nov 22, 2014
Find on Goodreads

This is a love story.

This is a romantic story.

Except bananas. Bananas are never romantic.

Lissa was a twenty-year-old girl trying to make it in the equestrian world. She was sassy and smart, strong and a little weird. And she had no idea what she was doing.

Ethan was twenty-seven, tattooed, tall, dark, and hot. And lugging some baggage. He’d already made it in the business and brought Lissa on to help get her on her feet. And it turned out, he liked a little weird.

Ethan made it clear that he wasn’t in the market for a relationship. Lissa was happy to learn the ropes and push her attraction aside.

But how do you draw the line when every touch makes you…shiver?

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MY REVIEW:

4.5 – 5 Stars!!

Shiver was a delight to read and I absolutely loved this sexy, romantic comedy!! The banter between Ethan and Lissa was snappy, real and fun, and when the book took a few turns into some serious topics, I loved it.

This book was a total surprise for me and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. CM Foss is a talent to watch! Shiver has it all: sexy romance, witty banter, well-rounded characters and a very catchy storyline. Lissa and Ethan’s story could have almost been split into two books, but I’m so glad it wasn’t.

Lissa is a force to be reckoned with, a girl who doesn’t play games and knows what she wants out of life. She decides to forego college to pursue her dream of training horses professionally. Ethan offers her a job at his farm, the two having been former platonic roommates. Will these two be able to work together as boss and employee? This story is fresh and original and was nothing that I expected. Ethan is sexy, funny and of course, not relationship material.

These two characters grew and matured and their romance was HOT and smexy!! The author tackles a few serious subjects in Shiver with great sensitivity and without talking down to the reader. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sexy, funny and very heartwarming story with lots and lots of steam. I can’t wait to read more from CM Foss!

“We do weird well, baby. Let’s roll with it.”~~ Lissa

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

“Dance with me?” Lawrence’s voice behind me pulled me from my musings.

I turned with a smile. “Why thank you, sir.”

I followed him onto the dance floor, the orchestra playing a Frank Sinatra ballad. He swept me into his arms like, well, like the perfect gay best friend.

“Don’t you say it.”

“Say what?” I asked innocently.

“I am not your gay best friend. I have sisters. They took dance lessons. My mom made me partner them.”

I couldn’t help laughing loudly, drawing some disapproving glances. He quickly spun me and dipped me in playful retaliation. As he drew me back up, I stood staring straight into Ethan’s heated gaze.

“Can I cut in?” he asked without breaking our eye contact.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Lawrence nodding and stepping away before I was pulled flush to Ethan and we glided across the floor.

“You look absolutely stunning.” He breathed softly into my ear, his right hand settling low, really low, on my bare back, and I shivered.

“Cold?” I felt him smile.

“No, I’m not cold,” I stated quietly, enjoying the feel of being in his arms, the texture of him beneath his tuxedo, and the touch of our hands.

“Are you having fun tonight?”

“I am.” I nodded slowly. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I came as a trophy.”

I pulled back to look in his eyes. “Whose trophy? And why?” I was a little irrationally angry and felt stupid that I thought we were having a kind of moment, only to find out he was here with someone else.

“Why are you angry? You do realize you’re here with a date too, right?”

I waved him off. “Lawrence and I are just friends. He’s my arm candy for the night. And maybe a kiss at midnight if I get tipsy enough.”

He glared at me, jaw flexing back and forth. “You’re just friends who sleep together?”

“No. Just friends. As in… actual friends. Nothing more.”

“Why have you both been blatantly flaunting your relationship in front of me then?”

I shrugged. “It tickled me.”

“It tickled you,” he repeated slowly, dangerously.

“Yes. It did. It tickled me to see your mood swings every day, and I was making bets on when you were going to start your period.”

Despite his irritation, he laughed out loud. “God, you’re weird.” He pulled me closer, wrapping my arms up around his neck and sliding his hands down my bare arms and then down my back, settling them there. “I don’t know what I’m doing with you,” he muttered softly.

I Don't Dance – Lee Brice
Hard to Love – Lee Brice
A Woman Like You – Lee Brice
Power Of A Woman – Lee Brice
Beautiful Every Time – Lee Brice
She Ain't Right – Lee Brice
Falling Apart Together – Lee Brice
No Better Than This – Lee Brice

I live in beautiful Northern Virginia with my incredible husband, two awesome kids, three dogs, and two budgies. My husband and I both grew up riding and competing horses and have our own equestrian operation that we run together. In my spare time, I read through the hundreds of stories awaiting me on my e-reader.

My love of books started early, and my mom used to ration my reading time so I didn't go through them too quickly. I love all things romantic, whether it's dark or light or silly or dirty, but I really love a happy ending!

In my small moments of quiet time, you'll find me sipping on wine and reading while any movie where people randomly burst into song or dance plays in the background.

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LOVE YOU SENSELESS (MEN OF LONDON #1) by SUSAN MAC NICOL

December 2, 2014

Book Title: Love You Senseless: Men of London
Author: Susan Mac Nicol
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Book Length: 160 pages
Genre: Gay, Romance, Novel

Book Blurb:

One of London’s up-and-coming chefs, Eddie Tripp has just the right recipe to drive tragedy from the mind of Gideon Kent—and leave him senseless with desire.   THE MEN OF LONDON  From Soho to Norwich, there’s no escaping love.   A TASTE OF FOREVER  An award-winning chef with his own restaurant and an inexhaustible passion, Gideon Kent once had everything. Then came tragedy. It stole more than Gideon’s home. He hasn’t cooked since.   Until Eddie Tripp. Fun-loving and vivacious, the Norfolk redhead’s a real up-and-comer in Gideon’s kitchen—and other places. Slim where Gideon’s broad, easy-going where Gideon is growly, he and Gideon seem polar opposites, and yet Eddie conjures flavors that would tempt anyone with a taste for perfection. The sauce of love is already simmering, and this pair is about to dine on the most delicious dish they’ve ever prepared. Because Eddie’s been Gideon’s missing ingredient all along.

Excerpt:

It was around seven o’clock when he made his way back from a quick meeting with Sarah and heard giggles and deep masculine laughter from Carmen’s office. He’d thought about Carmen’s words earlier and decided that perhaps he might have an early night and get upstairs by eight tonight. He wasn’t going to Bon Appétit, not on a goth night—Gideon shivered at the thought—but he might start that DVD box set he had of Game of Thrones. A night in sounded like a plan. He had plenty in his kitchen to eat and he was sure he could knock up something nutritious if not tasty. He still cooked for himself as it was plain, simple food that didn’t need much effort. Eating nowadays for him was a means to end and no longer any form of enjoyment.

He wandered over to Carmen’s office, jacket slung over his arm, and stood at the door. He stopped dead, his heart beating like a pacemaker gone wrong and his dick instantly standing to attention at the scene before him. Eddie stood with his back to him, in black skin-tight leather trousers, and Gideon could hardly drag his eyes away. The leather fabric hugged a taut, round backside, clearly defined in its two parts and leaving little to the imagination. His feet were encased in high-heeled, studded boots that made his normal five-foot-five or -six height closer to eye level at Gideon’s just over six-foot. Eddie wore a black, silky, skin-tight tank top, showing off well-defined arms and pecs that Gideon didn’t even know he had. Eddie tended to wear loose tee shirts and baggy jeans most of the time.

This strongly muscled, very sexy figure was miles away from the Eddie that cooked in the kitchen.
Gideon felt faint.

Eddie’s rich red hair was streaked with what looked like black boot polish and he had long gold hoop earrings in both ears. He looked like pure sin on legs and Gideon wanted to sin with him, oh so badly.

My Review:

This is a fun, loving, sexy and very satisfying M/M read from Susan Mac Nicol. Gideon is a famous chef but ironically lost his sense of taste and smell after a traumatic event and finds himself angry and explosive at most everyone around him. His restaurant is thriving but he is still traumatized by recurring nightmares and anxiety.

Enter Eddie, a young chef who is instantly attracted to his boss Gideon but finds the gruff facade and the fact that he is the boss very off-putting. Will the two of them be able to fight through the barriers that stand in their way? I loved reading the sexy banter between all of the characters in this book and especially with Eddie’s very colorful and funny friends. I also loved the reading about the sights and sounds on London.

This book is filled with very British references which I loved. It is a very steamy, passionate, very sexy and humorous story with a very happy ending for both of our heroes. It is a very sweet and loving book, and I absolutely enjoyed every minute! All in all, highly recommended for all readers of M/M romance who would like a little something on the lighter side.

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

Author Bio:

Susan Mac Nicol is a self confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, self confessed geek and nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little
treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated,
there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…

She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason.
She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.

Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea
and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self righteous idiots.

In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a
little while, good things happen to good people.

Author Contact Links:

Email: susanmacnicol7@gmail.com
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Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Affliction (Knights Rebels MC #2) by River Savage

December 1, 2014

Title: Affliction (Knights Rebels MC #2)

Author: River Savage

Release Date: November 30, 2014

Add to your TBR: Goodreads

Cover Designer: LM Creations

Purchase Links:

AMAZON US
AMAZON UK

***

Synopsis

Three little words are all it takes to rip his world apart. Lost in his own affliction, Sy has been living in a darkness that he doesn’t ever want to let go of.

Until she arrives and shines her light so bright that nothing else mattered.

She was only in it for the chase, for the thrill of capturing the unattainable.

But what happens when her world shatters around her, spiraling her into the darkness beside him?

Can his affliction be her resurrection?

Or will two lost souls living in the depths of deception let it destroy them?

***

Review

Having read and loved Incandescent, I couldn’t wait to read Affliction, the second book in the Knight’s Rebels MC series. Affliction was a but of a surprise, having a much more emotional story than the first book in the series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, although the characters are first introduced in Book One and some of the plot might be a little spoiler-ish.

Sy is angry, gruff, and hard-edged, having suffered a very, very painful loss several years before. He spends the first part of the book acting like a complete jerk towards our heroine Holly, and at times I almost felt like the author was making him into a lost cause. Holly is spirited and outgoing and we first meet her in Book One. She meets Sy when her best friend becomes involved with the Club President.

Holly, too, has spiraled into a very dark place and Sy is drawn to her and knows that he can help her overcome her emotional scars. I grew to love Sy while reading this book and absolutely adored the protective way he treated Holly. While this story might seem like it is dark and very emotional, the sex scenes are off the charts hot and very, very steamy. And, there is actually a beautiful love story here and a lovely message about forgiveness, acceptance and letting go of the past. All in all, this is a great story for all fans of MC romance. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

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

Excerpt

“What the fuck are you doing in my club?” he asks again, moving his body closer.

“Your club?” I ask, raising my brow. “Last time I checked, I came here with my best friend, not to see you, so if you’ll excuse me,” I say, trying to push off the wall, but he steps right in, his knee coming between my legs.

“You gonna fuck him?” he growls, his eyes growing angrier by the second.

“Maybe,” I tell him, knowing he’s talking about Jesse. “I wonder if he will leave me standing naked after a quick fuck up against the wall,” I continue. His hold on me gets tighter. I know I shouldn’t tease him with my words, but he’s seriously delusional if he thinks he has any claim over me.

“I knew you were a tease, but I didn’t know you wanted to be a club whore,” he replies, and I try not to let his words sting.

“Are you done?”

“Are you?” he counters.

“You left me standing there. I didn’t fucking do anything. What are you so angry about?”

“You coming into my club, throwing yourself at one of my brothers.”

“Jeez, get over yourself, Sy. Jesse was just showing me around the place. And if I decide I want to have sex with him, or anyone else for that matter, I’ll do what I want. You don’t fucking own me. You had me, fine, but it was mediocre at best, so keep your hands off me,” I snap, trying to get out of his hold.

“Mediocre?” he repeats back to me. I’m so pissed at his attitude I don’t falter in repeating it.

“At best.”

“Didn’t feel like that when your cunt was gripping my cock like a vice,” he throws back, his words causing my pussy to throb.

“That’s called pelvic floor muscle exercises,” I say, ignoring my body’s response to having him so close.

“Right,” he whispers, leaning further into me, “and what about when I dragged my tongue through that sweet pussy of yours, and lapped up your juices dripping from you?” he questions. It takes everything in me not to respond. “Now that I think about it, when you walked into my shop, all pissed off, you were walking like you had been fucked so hard. Did you feel me for days, sweetheart?” he continues, pushing into me further. “I bet your pussy is aching for me now, isn’t it, Holly?” he asks, his lips so dangerously close to my neck.

Fuck me. Two seconds ago I hated the man, and now I’m trying to squeeze my thighs together to stop the ache coming from my lady parts.

“Too bad you won’t find out,” I counter, staying strong. I might want him more than anything, but he is still an ass.

“I don’t even need to touch you to find out. It’s written all over your face, Holly.”

“Whatever, Sy. Let me go.”

“You know I’m right. You’re so fucking turned on right now and so frustrated you’re not going to get any relief,” he teases, telling me what I already know.

“There’s always Jesse,” I threaten, trying to get a reaction from him.

“Like fuck,” he spits out, pushing his hard cock against me. “You’re not gonna let that fucker touch you. Do you understand me? None of my brothers will taste your pussy. Do you hear me?” His hand runs up my leg, running along my short denim skirt and finding the outside of my panties. A small gasp leaves my lips at his feather-light touch. “This sweet pussy belongs to me. I fucking had it first. Now, it’s mine.”

“No, it’s not,” I fight back, but my mind is too busy memorizing each lazy stroke of his finger over my lace panties.

“It will be again,” he warns before taking my mouth hard, suppressing me with his tongue. His fingers pull my panties aside, slipping in and dancing over my aching heat.

“Shit,” I breathe against his lips, forgetting where I am for a moment. Forgetting we can’t stand each other.

“You want relief, Holly?” he asks as my hips start to ride the rhythm of his talented fingers.

“Yes, give it to me, Sy,” I plead, feeling myself build with each flick of his finger.

“Say please,” he demands, slipping his thick finger inside of me.

“Please, Sy,” I cry out as he pumps me harder.

“That’s it, girl. Fuck my finger,” he growls. The heat of his voice causes goose bumps to break out on my skin. A wave of impending bliss washes over me, and then my orgasm hits, hard and fast.

“Sy,” I hiss, but don’t get anything else out as his tongue is dancing with mine again, muffling my shouts of ecstasy. His taste reminds me of beer, mint, and all things Sy. He latches onto my tongue, sucking it hard into his mouth, sending pleasure and pain rolling through my body.

Fuck, this man is dangerous with his bad-boy attitude, his sexy as hell dirty mouth and his ability to take me on the highest of highs in less than a minute. He slows the kiss, lingering for a moment before resting his forehead on mine. This right here is why this man is dangerous: bringing me apart in the middle of the club, and making me forget I hate him. Removing his fingers, he brings them to his mouth and sucks them clean.

***

Teasers

***

Previous Books in the Knights Rebels Series

Title: Incandescent (Knights Rebels MC #1)

Author: River Savage

Release Date: August 11, 2014

Add to your TBR: Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon US / Amazon CA

Amazon AU / Amazon UK

B&N / Kobo / iBooks

Synopsis

Phoenix ‘Nix’ Knight thought pulling his club out of the illegal shit his Pops got them into was difficult.

Until he meets Kadence.

Kadence Turner has no business lusting over a student’s father, especially the president of the Knights Rebels MC. Nix is crass, obnoxious and dangerously sexy and for some reason, Kadence can’t seem to hate him for it. The bossy biker breaks down her defenses, but unlike the old Kadence, the woman she is today won’t give in without a fight.

The tension is undeniable, the attraction fierce. A man that wants what he wants and a woman that will fight him every step of the way.

***

About the Author

USA Today Best Selling Author River Savage is the author of the Knights Rebels MC Series.

An avid reader of romance and erotic novels, her love for books and reading fueled her passion for writing. Reading no longer sated her addiction, so she started writing in secret. She never imagined that her dream of publishing a novel would ever be achievable.

With a soft spot for an alpha male and a snarky sassy woman, Kadence and Nix were born.

River would love to hear from you. You can contact and/or follow her via…

Email / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

***

Giveaway

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: EXPOSURE by MORGAN & JENNIFER LOCKLEAR (@MJLocklear)

November 30, 2014

About the Book:

Publicist Shaunna Noble is no stranger to the ego-filled dysfunction of Hollywood’s elite, but is she ready for her two biggest clients to turn into her worst nightmare?

Kyle Petersen and Michelle Cooper are Hollywood royalty, everyone’s favorite celebrity couple, but while on location filming their new summer blockbuster, Kyle ambushes his wife with divorce papers and orders Shaunna to destroy Michelle in the media. Unwilling to comply, Shaunna spectacularly and publicly quits her job, humiliating Kyle in the process.

David Quinn, a struggling actor cast alongside the A-listers, is caught in the crossfire. When pictures surface of David and Michelle out on the town, media and fans rush to crown them Hollywood’s new hot couple. Kyle explodes, tensions boil over, and everyone’s lives and careers are thrown into jeopardy.

So what’s a publicist to do? Especially when Shaunna finds herself falling in love with the sexy and talented David. Can she put out fires on the set while keeping the flames burning in the bedroom?

Love, lies and passion. What happens when the naked truth is exposed?

4.5 Fun and Sexy Stars!!!

It’s hard to believe that Exposure is the debut novel by Morgan & Jennifer Locklear. I absolutely love stories about Hollywood and the movie industry, so I was completely drawn into this book from the very beginning. It’s filled with enormous Hollywood egos, tabloid drama, lots of sex and lots and lots of humor. Do you love a look at the inner workings of a movie set and all the behind-the-scenes drama? Then Exposure is for you. It’s a fairly light, quick read, but the writers don’t skimp on plot or character development. This is a fantastic debut book and I can’t wait to read more from this writing duo.

I loved the POV’s from the all the main characters. I fell in love with David, he is totally swoon worthy, and what? He’s actually a NICE guy? Amazing!! Shauna is a brilliant and feisty publicist, and her chemistry with David is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. There is enough steam in Exposure to satisfy readers of contemporary romance but this is a great, character-driven story so all the scenes feel natural and nothing is ever forced or rushed.

If you are looking for a fresh, well-written story, with characters that you will actually care about and a story that you will remember long after you finish the book, then I highly recommend Exposure.

Leave a comment below and 1 winner will be chosen on Tuesday 12/2 at 12am EST for an ebook copy of Exposure!

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ALL I WANT (ALABAMA SUMMER #2) by J. DANIELS

November 27, 2014

Title: All I Want

Series: Alabama Summer #2

Author: J Daniels

Release Date: November 24, 2014

Synopsis

Luke Evans is a heartbreaker.

I didn’t want to give mine to him. Not when he kept
me out.

He gave me enough, just enough to make me fall in
love with him. I say this to convince myself. But I know the truth.

I would’ve fallen in love with him at a distance.

Handing my heart over to Luke was the easiest thing
I’ve ever done. I was naive when I wished for more, when I hoped he wanted the
same things I did.

I try to hate him. I try to forget him.

But it’s not that easy.

Love is a ruthless bitch, and I’m her latest victim.

Tessa Kelly is a man-eater.

When she sets her sights on you, she doesn’t just
consume your heart, she goes for your soul.

What we had was perfect, real, and all I would ever
want.

But she destroyed it.

She destroyed us.

I try to hate her. I try to forget her.

But it’s not that easy.

Love is for people who have hope, and I have none.

Add to Goodreads

Links to Buy

AMAZON US

Also Available

#1 Where I Belong

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

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iTUNES

Review

Tessa and Luke. They absolutely can’t stand each other…but really they are perfect for each other! All I Want is the second book in the Alabama Summer series and can be read as a standalone although it is recommended that you read Book #1 first. I have not read the first book and I still loved this second installment in the series. The sex is HOT, the attraction undeniable and the story fast-apced and gripping! Tessa and Luke are two incredibly stubborn people who just can’t seem to stop torturing each other. Tessa broke up with Luke for what she thought was good reason (if a little misguided) and while he can’t forgive her, he also can’t seem to stay away from her, either.

I’m a sucker for a hot Alpha in a uniform and Luke is one protective, sexy cop. He has a very, very painful family life, one that he hides from Tessa, much to her dismay. Despite her initial resentment of Luke, and jealousy over his random hook-ups, she really wants to be there for him emotionally.

Much of this book is spent with these two fighting and then having scorching hot sex. J. Daniels can really write a super-hot, sexy and fast-paced read that will keep you very entertained. This book is as lighthearted as some of her other books but it is very enjoyable and I recommend it for fans of second-chance romance and super-hot, sexy, Southern Alphas who won’t take no for an answer! And not to fear, these two have a HEA, even after all of their emotional ups and downs. And I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Reed! Bring it on!

Prologue

Two
months ago

No.

Jesus. Fuck, no.

There are absolutely zero good-looking men
at this thing. Besides Reed, who disappeared an hour ago with some giggly
brunette, and the man I refuse to acknowledge. Weddings are supposed to be a
breeding ground for nameless hook-ups, and I’m shit out of luck at this one. So
instead of getting drilled in a concealed corner somewhere, my dress bunched
around my waist as a stranger becomes familiar with my sounds, I’m having to
find other ways to pass the time.

Eat cake.

Hit up the open bar.

Eat more cake.

Dance with Nolan.

Get cake with Nolan.

Steal Mia away from Ben.

Watch Mia get carried off by Ben.

And now this.

Sitting at an empty table, watching as Ben,
Mia, and Nolan all slow dance together. Nolan’s in between them, rubbing Mia’s
growing baby bump, while Ben can’t seem to keep his eyes off his new wife. I’m
crazy happy for them, but right now, I can’t watch them share another perfect
family moment in front of me. I need a break from this. Just a few minutes to
get some air.

I step out of the tent and head across the
lawn toward the Estate House. I’m walking aimlessly, not having any destination
in mind. I just need to get away from all the love for a second. Love is great
when you’re with someone. It’s better when it’s reciprocated. But it fucking
sucks when that shit is one-sided.

And that’s the only way I’ve known it.

I walk down the side of the building and
turn right to go around the back. As soon as I round the corner, I see him.

He’s leaning against the building behind
some shrubs, head back, eyes closed, lips slightly parted. His sandy-brown hair
is cut shorter than normal, almost buzzed completely, and it does really
annoying things to his face. Like show it off more. Those ridiculously gorgeous
features of his are on display for my eyes right now, and I don’t have to avert
my gaze because he doesn’t know I’m watching. He has no idea I’m staring at his
sharp, angular cheekbones, the fullness of his mouth, or the bump at the bridge
of his nose that I see as this perfect imperfection.

God, I fucking love that bump.

His face tenses as his arms move to the
front of his body, and I let my eyes roam to the reason for this change.

The blonde I recognize from the wedding is
on her knees with his cock lodged in her mouth, deep throating it until she
gags. His hands are in her hair, encouraging her, pulling her closer until she
practically swallows him whole. I lift my eyes to that face I was just secretly
admiring seconds ago. It’s no longer tempting me to keep my presence unknown.
Because there’s no way in hell I’m going to let this shit happen right now.

Fuck him, and his face.

I step in front of the bush and make a
fist, clearing my throat into it. Luke’s eyes shoot open and he grabs the
blonde’s head, sliding her off his cock. She releases it with a pop and a grunt
of disappointment. Apparently, she isn’t finished. But she looks pretty fucking
finished to me.

Luke tucks himself away quickly. “What the
fuck, Tessa? What are you doing?”

I look from him to the blonde. “Oh,
sweetie. You might want to go disinfect. He’s got the herp.”

Slutty blonde parts her lips as if she’s
waiting for another cock. She stands and wipes her mouth with the back of her
hand, glaring in Luke’s direction. “Oh my God. Are you serious? You have
herpes?”

Luke’s wide eyes train on mine. “What? No I
don’t!”

“He’s really sweet about it though,” I say,
looking sympathetically at the blonde. “He pays for my Valtrex every month.” I
turn my eyes to Luke, letting out a swooning sigh. “So romantic.”

Blonde shoves against Luke’s chest. “You’re
disgusting.”

“I don’t have fucking herpes!” Luke
adamantly vows as he tightens his belt.

I watch, basking in my victory as blonde
trudges through the grass, getting her heel caught in the process. She stumbles
a bit, glares at Luke over her shoulder, and disappears around the corner.

“I can’t fucking believe you just did
that,” Luke says, prompting me to whip my head around to look at him. He
buttons his suit jacket up and steps closer. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

You.

What happened between us.

And
the fact that you’ve obviously moved on without any difficulty.

I close the gap and he freezes, his hand
flattening against his jacket. My gaze flicks from his crotch to his face, and
I mask all the hurt of seeing this asshole with another woman behind the fakest
smile I’ve ever worn.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with me.
You, on the other hand, might want to go to the clinic. If you didn’t have an
STD before that whore touched you, I’m sure you have one now.”

I
turn and storm away before he can give me a comeback. But more importantly,
before he can see the smile fading from my lips.

Author Bio

J. Daniels was born and raised in Maryland.

After putting her kids to bed, she escapes into her cheeky world where some of her characters kiss, and some of them do a lot more than kiss.

She is an avid reader and enjoys everything from unconventional romance to fantasy novels.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW: SAVING POUGHKEEPSIE by @Debra_Anastasia

November 26, 2014

Saving Poughkeepsie

Debra Anastasia

Add Saving Poughkeepsie to: Goodreads

On 11/22 Buy from: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Beckett
Taylor’s quest to be a better man has brought Eve Hartt back into his
life, but sometimes it feels like they’re bound together with barbed
wire. Though he longs to love her without causing pain, the wreckage of
their past continues to crash down around them.

Yet with the
help of this brothers—and for his brothers—Beckett won’t stop trying.
He’s determined to make them all a family, to make a life they want to
live, and to make Poughkeepsie a place that’s safe to live it.

He
can feel their futures balanced precariously on his shoulders: Blake
and Livia and their children, Cole and Kyle and the new baby they’ve
just brought home, and Eve…always Eve. He wants their dreams to be real.
But murderers don’t just get Happily Ever After handed to them. They
have to wrench it away from Satan himself.

Good thing Beckett is prepared to do just that. After all, saving Poughkeepsie is the only way his story ends.

Prepare
your heart and your head for a wild ride in this final installment of
the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. Debra Anastasia does not disappoint
as she weaves the last chapter of a story that blends true love,
turbulent emotions, and life’s harsh realities into an uplifting tale
that calls to the good in each of us.

My Review:

Saving Poughkeepsie wraps up the story of the brothers and the whole gang in the Poughkeepsie series.

Poughkeepsie was truly a book that changed my life. Debra Anastasia became one of my favorite authors and she does it again with Saving Poughkeepsie. This is not a typical love story. It’s gritty, hilariously funny, violent, and yes, beautiful. All the brothers are here in all their glory.

All of the characters are very real and very flawed and you can’t help but fall in love with them, even Beckett, the brute of a man who finally finds a woman who can tame him. I loved seeing Blake and Livia, Cole and Kyle, and all of their loving and living and trials and tribulations. These characters stay with you long after you read these books and I truly will miss this wild and gorgeous group.

The story took a minor detour about mid-way through which was surprising but did not detract from the book for me. Once again, the author has written a fast-paced tale which not only has elements of a crime thriller, it also is a romantic story filled with lots of heart and plenty of love. The dialogue is snappy, the banter between the characters is priceless, and the scenes are very, very real.

I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the brothers or the rest of the characters and I actually re-read most of the first two books while reading Saving Poughkeepsie. Please read this series. The books will absolutely enrich your life.

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

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Poughkeepsie (Book 1)

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Audio Book
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Return to Poughkeepsie (Book 2)

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Excerpt:

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“I’m not worried about tomorrow. I’m worried about right now, with you, under this Christmas tree.” Blake supported her neck as he laid her on the floor.

Livia turned her head. “You’d better convince me. So far you’ve talked about the dog going to the bathroom, trash, and dirtiness.”

Blake kissed her jaw and turned her head gently, kissing her mouth as she bit her lips together.

“Can’t I just convince you with my manly ways?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

He could, of course, do just that—but she shook her head. She loved the playful sparkle in his green eyes. His five o’clock shadow just made him more handsome, framing his kissable lips with scruff.

“Okay.” He put his fingers at the bottom of her shirt, lifting it gently so he could circle her belly button with his index finger. “You’re the sexiest, most beautiful woman on this planet. So sexy, in fact, that I had to have you. I had to make you bear my children because my universe and yours had to be combined. Everything I’ve ever been needed to be buried inside of you, so deep, so full of love that we created life. Twice.”

He lifted her shirt and kissed the tops of her breasts, whispering his devotion into her skin. “And it’s never enough. Unless I can hear you coming, I can’t think of anything else. All day every day. For years now. You’re that powerful, Livia. This. Us. It’s so intense that years haven’t cured me. I can’t stop wanting to make love to you.”

“Wow.” Livia smiled and pulled his face back to hers, kissing him and effectively stopping his beautiful words.

SOLDIER ON by SYDNEY LOGAN

November 23, 2014

Title: 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?

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?

About 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

THE SPACE BETWEEN (The Walshes #2) by KATE CANTERBARY

November 22, 2014

Title: The Space Between (The Walshes #2)
Author: Kate Canterbary
Date of Publication: November 18th 2014

Synopsis

Some lines are meant to be crossed.

Patrick

That hair. That fucking hair. It was everywhere, always, and I wanted to tangle my fingers in those dark curls and pull. And that would be fine if she wasn’t my apprentice.

Andy Asani was nothing like I expected. She was exotic and scary-brilliant, and the slightest murmur from those lips sent hot, hungry lust swirling through my veins. Outside my siblings, she was the only person I could name who shared my obsession with preserving Boston’s crumbling buildings.

Andy

My wants were few: good eats, tall boots, hot yoga, interesting work. One incredibly hot architect with the most expressive hazel eyes I ever encountered and entirely too much talent in and out of the bedroom wasn’t part of the original plan. Apparently he was part of the package.

Wine was my rabbi and vodka was my therapist, and I needed plenty of both to survive my apprenticeship. Especially with Patrick Walsh leaving love notes in the form of bite marks all over my body.

Order the Book!

Amazon

MY REVIEW:

4 stars!!

The Space Between is the second book in a series about the Walsh family, but it is most definitely a standalone! This is my first Kate Canterbary book and I loved it! This book literally had me laughing out loud at the snappy, dirty, funny dialogue. I adore Kate’s style of writing, it is fast-paced, highly detailed and very, very funny.

This series is about a large group of siblings. The Space Between focuses on Patrick, a well-known architect with a tough reputation. Andy is smart, driven and YOUNG but determined to win a coveted internship at the Walsh family architecture firm. These two clashed from the beginning but this book is about so much more — family relationships, how they can define you well into your adult life, relationships with friends, and balancing work and professional life. Oh and the sex scenes? OFF-THE-CHARTS steamy and HOT HOT HOT!! Patrick is a dirty-talker with the best of the them! And Andy holds her own with Patrick, especially after she’s had a few and let’s go of some of her inhibitions. Their text message exchanges are priceless!

“02:12 Andy: you said you wanted to tie me up, is that the sort of thing a girl has to request in advance, kind of like how you have to call ahead for Peking duck?”

I loved the alternating POV’s of Patrick and Andy. I also applaud the other for not just “touching” on the subject of architects. Many books will use a setting such as a law firm or architecture school, and then barely ever mention the setting or background again. Not Kate Canterbary. The Space Between delves into the architect profession and the subject matter with gusto and with intelligence. As a reader, I appreciate the detail!

The Space Between is a witty, very sexy and ultimately heartwarming tale about family, friends and love. I absolutely love the title of the book and how it ties in to the story of the Walsh family. Highly recommended for readers of sexy, funny and very romantic stories. I can’t to read more books about the fabulous Walsh family!

(*ARC provided in return for an honest review)

Book One on The Walshes Series

Underneath It All (The Walshes, #1)

If I had known I’d have a hot architect balls deep inside of me before the end of the weekend, I’d have made time for a pedicure.

Lauren

It’s all the little things—the action plans, the long-kept promises—that started falling apart when my life slipped into controlled chaos.

After I met Matthew Walsh.

I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to run screaming or rip his pants off, and most days I wanted a little of both. If I was being honest with myself, it was rip his pants off, ride him like a workhorse, and then run screaming.

Matthew

A rebellious streak ran through Lauren Halsted. It was fierce and unrelentingly beautiful, and woven through too many good girl layers to count, and she wasn’t letting anyone tell her what to do.

Unless, of course, she was naked.

She wasn’t looking for me and I sure as shit wasn’t looking for her, but we found each other anyway and now we were locked in a battle of wills, waiting for the other to blink.

Sometimes the universe conspires to bring people together. Other times, it throws people down a flight of stairs and leaves them in a bruised and bloodied heap.

Amazon

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About the Author

Kate doesn’t have it all figured out, but this is what she knows for sure: spicy-ass salsa and tequila solve most problems, living on the ocean–Pacific or Atlantic–is the closest place to perfection, and writing smart, smutty stories is a better than any amount of chocolate. She started out reporting for an indie arts and entertainment newspaper back when people still read newspapers, and she has been writing and surreptitiously interviewing people—be careful sitting down next to her on an airplane—ever since. Kate lives on the water in Rhode Island with Mr. Canterbary and the Little Baby Canterbary, and when she isn’t writing sexy architects, she’s scheduling her days around the region’s best food trucks.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Excerpt:

“This is the best taco truck in Boston,” Patrick said, gesturing to the van parked between Harrison and Concord in the South End. “The best. No pickled beets or arugula. Real tacos. You like tacos, right? If you don’t, this isn’t going to work out.”

“Haven’t met a taco I don’t like,” I replied from the passenger seat of Patrick’s Range Rover.

“If you tell anyone about this, or put it on Twitter, and then everyone and their uncle shows up and I can’t get a taco? You’ll be pulling permits at City Hall for the next six years.”

“I can handle that.”

With a nod, we headed toward the van. We ordered the day’s special, barbacoa de costilla, and he inclined his head toward the park across the street. It was cold but the late afternoon sun seeped through my skin, and I turned my face toward it when we settled on a stone bench. The tacos were delicious, and when I told Patrick as much, he grunted in agreement. It was a raw, beautiful sound that annihilated Operation Don’t Think About Patrick Walsh Naked.

I wanted to hear that sound again. I wanted to cause that sound. I ate my tacos, staring at a bronze statue of a rider on horseback, reminding myself to stop thinking about sex.

REVIEW: ONE KISS WITH A ROCK STAR (Half-Life #2) by AMBER LIN & SHARI SLADE

November 17, 2014

Synopsis

Half-Life bassist Krist Mellas is caught in a PR nightmare after his dirty sex video blew up online. His agent has the solution: a fake engagement with sultry pop princess Madeline Fox. Krist can’t think of anything worse than a charade with the bubblegum bombshell…except losing the band.

Madeline knows better than anyone what it means to live a lie in the spotlight. She’s determined to help Krist without ever letting him find out what it costs her—or about her girlhood crush on him. But after a smoking hot back alley encounter with him leaves her breathless, she can’t deny she wants the snarling bad-boy rocker.

In a world of glitter and diamonds where the kisses are fake but the climaxes are real, their facades start to crack. And the publicity storm may shatter them both.

WARNING: This book contains a scorching threesome, a dirty talking pop princess, and a surly rocker who hits all the right notes.

Review:

Although this is the second book in the Half-Life series, I read it as a standalone and loved it. The characters mentioned in this book peaked my interest and now I will make sure to read Book 1! I loved this rough and intense look inside the music business. This is a sexy and gritty book, filled with raw sexuality and damaged characters. Krist and Madeline have both made painful choices in their pasts, and have had to suffer the consequences of their actions while living in the unforgiving glare of public spotlight.

Berng a rock star or “pop princess” is not all it’s cracked up to be, and both Krist and Madeline struggle with broken hearts and loneliness. They are thrown together by their management in an afford at damage control for both their careers, and at first, they can’t seem to stop hurting each other over and over again. The “show” they are putting on for the public is scorching HOT and they begin to realize that the heat and emotion between them might be very real. But will both of them be able to get past their mutual mistrust and broken hearts? The authors really deliver on the sexy times in this book and the birthday kiss scene is off the charts!

“I don’t know what’s real anymore, but I’m not sure I care. When I’m touching you, it’s the only time I don’t feel like I’m drowning.” – Krist

One Kiss with a Rock Star is a great behind-the-scenes story about the life of rock stars. Being constantly in the media, being “used” by your label and management and sometimes by your bandmates, and not being able to really trust anyone all come with the territory. But Krist and Madeline love for the music and it is when they are on stage or performing that they truly feel alive. It is this deep bond that ultimately draws them together, and you hope will bond them together forever.

I absolutely love the writing duo of Amber Lin and Shari Slade. They really know how to create raw and beautiful scenes with their damaged characters. The emotion is real and the steam factor is HIGH. I highly recommended this book for all fans of rockstar romances.

Excerpt:

Watch the wings.

He couldn’t miss them. She was naked but for feathers and glitter. Untouchable. Two grips ushered her along the catwalk and affixed her harness to a rig in the rafters. Krist was only a few feet off the ground on his platform, but he still felt unsteady. She was so high.

An assistant counted down, and the director shouted, “Action!”

The army of dancers below writhed to the thumping bass line of the guide track, feet pounding the floor, but Krist only had eyes for Madeline. She lifted her arms above her head like the ballerina in a little girl’s jewelry box, stepped off the ledge, and twirled down, singing.

“I break my own wings.”

The power in her vocals, the edge behind the lyric, knocked him more off balance. He’d expected her to lip sync. He’d expected her to fucking suck.

“I am falling. I am falling. Lift me up.”

All the dancers below lifted their hands in unison and swayed like the collective force of their will would boost her higher. Cheesy pop bullshit, but something about it worked. He didn’t want to admit it, but she had…something. She could fucking sing.

Her descent slowed. If he stretched, he could just reach her perfectly manicured toe. Almost time.
His whole body tensed as a camera swung in his direction. He grimaced and gripped the railing when the platform beneath him, mounted on what looked like a cherry-picker truck, shifted closer to Madeline. The cameraman gave him a thumbs-up. He must look sufficiently demonic.

Now. He reached for her, grabbing her by the waist, the only part of her body unadorned, and pulled her close. One breath and he was overcome by her scent. Spicy cotton candy. Unexpected and strangely perfect. A second breath and he prepared to do his damned job, to mash his lips against hers and fling her back to her adoring throng. It was only skin. It didn’t mean anything.

Her eyes flashed mischief. Hi, she mouthed and hooked her legs around his hips.

He froze. The producer hadn’t mentioned grinding in the rundown earlier. She shimmied against him, and his traitorous cock responded. Do the job you came to do.

Before he could, she bent her head and stole the kiss he’d been hired to deliver. He couldn’t help but gasp, and then her tongue, warm and electric, invaded his mouth. Chai.

Could an angel corrupt a devil?

“I am falling. I am falling.” The guide track looped in the background, distorted by Auto-Tune, hardly recognizable as the sultry voice he’d just heard.

It was too much. The wet heat, her teeth grazing his bottom lip, and the way she rocked against his crotch. It hurt to touch her, just like the devil was supposed to react. He pushed, but she only held on tighter, digging her heels into his ass, twisting his hair in her fingers. Sparks of pleasure-pain skittered under his skin. She’d chosen him.

He didn’t want to want her. Wanting was a one-way ticket to disappointment.

She raked her fingers down his back, teasing the sliver of skin between his shirt and belt, and pressed her mouth to his ear. He shivered.

“Work with me.” She nipped him.

He could work. And if his body responded? Well, it was only biology. The hard-on straining against his zipper was as manufactured and packaged as the Dream Angel in his arms.

He lost himself in the pull and sway, forgot the crowd of people, the camera, the job. Forgot everything but the taste of her, the feel of her tight muscles under his palms, the tickle of feathers floating free.

He kissed her back, violent and hard, reclaiming what she’d taken: his choice. Her body softened, melted around him. She moaned, giving in, an unexpected surrender. He hadn’t missed the power she wielded over the whole production, a queen bee to her hive. But here she was gasping and shuddering in his arms, the rapid pulse against his chest like wings beating against glass. He ran his tongue along hers, savoring the honey and spice.

A sound came from the sides, an urgent whisper. They wanted him to stop. He even felt her lurch away, tugged by mechanical means, but he held tighter. They’d have to tear her away. They’d have to hurt her to do it. For one brief moment, he wasn’t letting go. Skin to skin, mouth to mouth. Heat to heat, and they’d both flown too close to the sun.

The music stopped.

<br />

About Amber Lin

Amber Lin writes erotic romance with damaged souls and deep emotion.

Her debut novel, Giving It Up, received The Romance Review’s Top Pick, Night Owl Top Pick, and 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars, calling it “truly extraordinary.” She has been published by Loose Id, Carina Press, and Entangled.

Amber married her high school sweetheart, birthed a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good. Come say hi back on twitter, through goodreads, or by email.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

About Shari Slade

Shari Slade is a snarky optimist. A would-be academic with big dreams and very little means. When she isn’t toiling away in the non-profit sector, she’s writing gritty stories about identity and people who make terrible choices in the name of love (or lust). Somehow, it all works out in the end. If she had a patronus it would be a platypus.

Frequently found in a blanket fort, you can also find her contributing at wonkomance and on facebook, twitter (mostly SFW) or tumblr (mostly NSFW).

Her debut New Adult novella, THE OPPOSITE OF NOTHING, is now available!

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

REVIEW: FIGHTING THE FALL (FIGHTING #4) by JB Salsbury

November 16, 2014

The toughest fighters aren’t created in the octagon but are born of necessity. When life delivers blow after punishing blow, you fight back or get destroyed.

Eve Dawson has had her fill of bad luck. A string of unhealthy relationships has left her angry, bitter, and frustrated. She’s given up on being happy and settles for content. Swearing off men, she repels advances and makes herself a challenge to even the most persistent suitors. After all, how much can the fragile human heart take? But life isn’t finished with her, and when things can’t possibly get worse . . . they do.

STAY ON YOUR FEET

It’s Cameron Kyle’s motto, but with his fighting career ripped from his grasp, a child he wasn’t strong enough to save, and a marriage that even the brawn of a heavyweight couldn’t hold together, it’s getting harder and harder to stay upright. He takes on the position of CEO of the UFL, intent on hiding his biggest weakness in order to forge a path that leads him back into the octagon.

When an old rival mysteriously gets wind of Cameron’s plan to fight again, he comes out of retirement to settle old debts, but secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to deliver the death-blow. The distraction of a sass-mouthed girl seventeen years his junior is the last thing he needs until a tragic accident shatters the firm foundation of his resolve and he realizes just how far he’s fallen.

Will they risk it all and fight to be together?

OR DOES DEFEAT LIE WITHIN THE FALL?

unnamed-15

Cameron:

Meeting with the whiners. Check. Weigh-ins. Check. I’m flipping through the pages and checking off things I’ve completed when I feel her eyes on me.

I don’t look up from my lists, but hear her feet on the carpet and finally the sound of creaking wood as she takes a seat across from me. “You got something to say?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“As long as you make it fast.” Her silence brings my eyes to her contemplative expression.

“I noticed you’re not married.” She tilts her head to my left hand that is very much without a wedding ring.

Not anymore. “And?”

“Nothing really. Just surprised.”

I lean back in my chair as irritation pinches my brows. “Surprised.”

She shrugs. “Yeah, I mean you seem like a decent guy.”

I’m not. “You seem like a decent woman and you aren’t married.” I nod to her empty left ring finger.

She grins. “That’s because I just got divorced. Marriage jumping isn’t my thing.”

This feels like one of those you-share-I-share conversations that I do not participate in. I find if I can bite back my impulsive outbursts and stay zipped people eventually give up.

She twirls a strand of her long blond hair. “Ever been married?”

I lock my jaw and wait, but she doesn’t fucking budge and stares with expectant eyes. Something tells me we’ll be here all day if I don’t give her something. I’d lie, tell her I’ve never been married, but if I plan on digging in here for the long haul, I’m going to have to give her enough to keep her satisfied.

“Once.”

Her eyes light up as if she just realized we belong to the same super-secret club. “Really.”

What is it about sharing that creates this weird expectation from people? As if simply telling another person about your past allows them some special access into friendship. I don’t do friendship.

I flip through my notebook and hope like hell this conversation is headed toward The End.

“Any kids?”

My hand freezes mid page-turn, and a whisper of pain echoes through my gut that would usually be followed by a cringe, but not anymore. I clear my throat and refocus on my notebook. “I have a son.”

“Oh, that’s cool.” She’s silent for a few beats that are probably uncomfortable for her but don’t bother me at all. “I have a daughter.”

The rumble of an old hurt reverberates against my shield. Ten years ago those words would’ve bled me alive, but not anymore. “Mm.”

“How old—”

“Look, I really have a lot to do.” I’m still studying the pages of my notebook like a complete asshole, but honest to God it’s as if we’re about to bust out some knitting needles and tiny sandwiches.

“Sure thing.” She hops up and moves toward the door when she turns suddenly. “Oh, I forgot. We’re having a party after the fight tonight. The Blackout. You should come.”

“Thanks, but”—I flip a page and another—“I think I’ll go home after the fight. Long day.”

“Suit yourself. If you change your mind, we’ll be there.” She’s gone with the soft click of my office door.

After party. Haven’t been to one of those in a while, at least not many I remember. The little flashes I’ve managed to retain carry good feelings of camaraderie with the team. I groan and lean back in my desk chair. My goal is to get back into the octagon, but until then I need to run this organization and put it back on its feet. The fighters got screwed by Gibbs and are having trust issues. I get that. Maybe showing up at this party is a smart move after all. Just for one drink. Should be painless enough.

Eve:

With my head down, I make way to my car when I notice a familiar car parked next to mine. I look up and my steps freeze just feet away. Leaning against my car, arms crossed at his chest, long powerful legs crossed at his ankles, is Cameron.

My hand clutches my purse to my side. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I internally scold myself for sounding more defensive than happy to see him. He can’t possibly know what’s in my purse.

It’s been days since I’ve seen him, and our quick telephone conversations do little to slake my desire to see him in the flesh.

He shrugs. “Passing by, saw the place was closed for the night. Thought I’d hang out and see if I could speak to the manager.”

My stomach jumps and goes warm. He came all the way here just to see me?

“Did you have a bad experience? Like to make a formal complaint?”

He pushes off my car and takes two steps toward me. Close, but not close enough. His eyes set in their usual glare, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his dark washed jeans. “Mmm . . .” He rubs his fingers across his lower lip, as he did the night in front of Mason. His eyes burn through me. “I have no complaints about my . . . experience.”

His presence combined with his insinuation become too much and I drop my gaze. A tickle of caution pricks at my subconscious, reminding me that I’m not the kind of girl who shies away from flirtation. I’m not timid, demure, or easily swayed by just any man. But there are a few who have brought me to my emotional knees, and both of them I dislike. Immensely.

His feet move into my line of site, and I pull my gaze up to settle on his face. How is he even more beautiful than I remember with all that thick dark hair, his fierce jaw, and full lips that I know are as powerful as they are soft?

“What’re your plans tonight?” He reaches out and brushes my bangs off my forehead.

Such a tiny gesture, but the sweetness of it makes my eyes flutter. “I was going to grab a bite to eat.”

His eyebrows pinch together. “You hungry? I’ll take you to dinner.”

I look around at the empty parking lot then move my eyes back to his. “Now?”

“You hungry now?”

“Very.”

“Then yeah. Now.”

“But it’s the middle of the night.”

The corner of his mouth lifts so slightly it’s barely noticeable. “It’s Vegas, babe.”

“But I’m in the mood for a bacon cheeseburger.” I lick my lips. I can almost taste the greasy goodness. “With green chilis.” My stomach grumbles in agreement. “And onion rings. Not the battered ones, but those breadcrumb ones.” I hum low in my throat. “Oh, and a chocolate milkshake or an ice cold beer will also do.” I tap my lips, thinking. “Hm. Maybe both.”

So lost in my food-fantasy I don’t notice the way he’s staring at me until I focus on him. His glare isn’t as tight as it usually is, and his mouth isn’t the straight—but full and kissable—line it usually is. It’s as if someone pulled the starch from his expression, not completely relaxed, but tender.

5 amazing stars!!

JB Salsbury is my go-to author for hot, swoony but very loving and caring and all-around PEEFECT Alpha males. Each book in the Fighting series gets better and better and Cameron Kyle… well, Cameron Kyle broke my heart over and over again. Excerpt that he is the kind of character that expects no pity from anyone. The Prologue in this book is absolute perfection and I don’t think I ever have felt so much sympathy for a character in a long, long time.

Cameron is my favorite of all of the characters in the Fighting series. His struggles hit very close to home for me and the author totally nailed his constant battles with memory loss. But make no mistake – Cam is one HOT Alpha male, and never lets anyone forget that.

I absolutely fell in love with Eve. She has overcome a painful past and her self-esteem issues were truly heartbreaking. Cam and Eve make an unlikely couple, but their attraction led to an undeniable, unstoppable, powerful, once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. This story is unputdownable (is that a word?) and is a must-read. You will have “tummy flips”, heartbreak, tears and swoony moments that don’t come along very often in NA, contemporary romance books. Bravo, JB Salsbury. Cameron stole my heart in this one.

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

Fighting for Flight:

Amazon US

http://goo.gl/GxvXEN

Amazon UK

http://goo.gl/scx1w5

Fighting to Forgive:

Amazon US

http://goo.gl/20NqjJ

Amazon UK

http://goo.gl/jSAMnW

Fighting to Forget:

Amazon US

http://goo.gl/C0bR6P

Amazon UK

http://goo.gl/6HnjfH

JB Salsbury, New York Times Best Selling author of the Fighting series, lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing.

Fighting for Flight, Fighting to Forgive, and Fighting to Forget are the first three novels in the MMA romance series. Fighting the Fall is due to be released in November 2014.

For more information on the series or just to say hello, visit JB on her website, Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads page.

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