Monthly Archives: August 2014

Permanent Ink by Laura Simcox – a Review

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Permanent Ink by Laura Simcox – a Review

 

Permanent Ink

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Description:
Blair Whitaker has one goal: get the hell out of Celebration, NY. Her ticket out is helping the town take the grand prize in a parade contest, which will ensure she lands her dream job. It’s a win-win.

Standing in the way is Ben Lambert, a sexy, local tattoo artist whose smile makes her weak. To win the contest, she’ll have to sideline his plans for the tattoo festival the town council allowed on the same weekend. But trying to thwart Ben is more than she bargained for, and before she knows it, she’s starting to see Celebration–and Ben–as something more than a temporary distraction.

But Blair’s in too deep to change directions now. Celebration is behind the parade contest, the mayor revokes the tattoo festival permit, and Blair is on the cusp of getting everything she’d planned.  But coming clean will turn Ben against her for good, and going forward means losing what she really wants and hurting the town she’s grown to love.

Review:

Permanent Ink by Laura Simcox is a wonderfully romantic American tale.


Blair Whitaker is trying to make a new start in Celebration, NY. But her new start and her plans of getting back into the big city and the event planning business has hit a snag – it seems the moment she hit the city limits – her life was destined to change. Blair takes the job as the town events planner and she must pull off an amazing Fourth of July Parade – if she wins she lands the job of her dreams in New York City and the town of Celebration receives $50,000 for future events.


Ben Lambert is the sexy, hot local tattoo artist and he wants nothing more than to expand his business and pull off an amazing tattoo fest.  But it seems Blair’s plans for the Fourth of July parade and Ben’s plans for a Tattoo festival collide. Can they hold a tattoo fest at the exact same time as the parade? And what seemingly culminates between the two is classic romance. 
 
I absolutely fell in love with both characters right from the onset. The story is a classic romance of a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. And when the two worlds collide fireworks ensue.  I adored the sub-characters and wanted nothing more to have an Aunt Lola and a local diner to hang out at. All of the characters make you feel right at home in the story and you fall in love with Celebration, NY just as Blair does.

 

The relationship that begins to bloom between Ben and Blair is strained and stressed with Blair keeping things from Ben.  It makes you wonder how exactly he will react when he finds out the truth. Will the love that he feels for her be enough to overcome what has happened between them. 

 

The story is one that I could not resist – and a romantic page turner that leaves you wanting more!

 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear-a review

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Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear -a review

Hero of a Highland Wolf Aug 14

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RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2014

he’s ready for change…

Colleen Playfair has never been to Scotland, but when she discovers she must spend a year and a day overseas learning to manage her newly inherited estate, she’s ready for the challenge. She even has some ideas for improvements-if she can get past the sexy werewolf who seems convinced he’s the one in charge.

But he’s digging in his claws…

Grant MacQuarrie and his clan have been managing Farraige Castle for three centuries. The last thing he wants is a meddling American heiress trying to change the way things have always been done. He’s more than willing to fight the she-wolf every step of the way, using every tool at his disposal. And if that means taking the lass to bed, well…all the better.

Locked in a battle of wills, caught in an attraction they can’t escape, Colleen and Grant must find a way to work together…or face losing it all.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF is the fourteenth instalment in Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf paranormal romance series focusing on the wolf shifters of the Scottish Highlands. This is Alpha Highland wolf Grant MacQuarrie and American female alpha Colleen Playfair. HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF can be read as a standalone; many of the previous storyline couples and characters play secondary roles but their history is not necessary to the enjoyment of this particular storyline.

Following the death of her beloved Grandmother, Colleen Playfair heads to Scotland where she learns that to claim Farraige Castle as part of her inheritance she must remain in Scotland for one year. Believing that the Castle staff is human, Colleen is feeling reluctant and ambivalent about her visit. But all too soon, she discovers that not only is the castle run by wolves, but the MacQuarrie Alpha wants nothing to do with her presence.

The relationship between Grant and Colleen begins rather comically when Grant plays one tactic after another to push Colleen away. From Highland Games style sword fights to wild boar dinners, Grant tries in vain to scare the American she-wolf away. Little does he realize that his inner wolf and most of the staff believe that Colleen, quite possibly, is his mate. I like that Terry does not play up the angst of the mating angle-Grant and Colleen know what they want and there is none of the push and pull of maybe or maybe not.

The storyline and thusly the relationship is slow to build as our leading couple dance around one another for a good portion of the book. Their attraction is immediate but their family history will reveal the animosity that goes back hundreds of years. The secondary characters drive a good portion of the story with humor, history and the potential for another mating.

HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF is an imaginative, seductive and fun read; who knew wolves like to play dress-up as pirates and wenches. If you are a fan of the paranormal shifter storylines, Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf series is must read: family, friends, werewolves and sex; add a little bit of humor and you have the perfect combination for romance and fun all capped off with a man in a Highland kilt.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Master of the Game (Demons of Elysium #3) by Jane Kindred-Review and Blog Tour

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Master of the Game (Demons of Elysium #3) by Jane Kindred-Review and Blog Tour

Masters of the Game

Master of The Game
Demons of Elysium #3
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre:paranormal, M/M, fantasy, BDSM, erotic romance

Master of the Game Aug 14jpg

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2014

Love is the ultimate game changer…and this time it’s winner take all.

Demons of Elysium, Book 3

Now that his lover is back in his arms, Belphagor is taking his own sweet time to say the words Vasily longs to hear: “You’re my boy.” And savoring the sweet torture of driving the firespirit into a frenzy of unfulfilled need.

As the undisputed master of Heaven’s gaming tables, Belphagor never plays unless he’s certain of winning. But this time, political machinations send the game—and Vasily—tumbling to the brink of even his formidable control.

Vasily can’t deny enjoying their delightfully edgy play—until the airspirit auctions him off for a night to the one demon with a gift for taking things too far. Seductive Silk, tight-lipped about the end of his relationship with the sweet submissive Phaleg, may also be involved with a new faction threatening the pregnant queen of Heaven.

Belphagor couldn’t be less interested in the games angels play, but when angelic and demonic intrigues overlap, he’s drawn in against his will. And forced to break his one inviolable rule: Never gamble what you can’t afford to lose.

Warning: Contains more than a mouthful of m/m ménage, with intense D/s situations featuring intricate rope work, balaklavas, and a flurry of snow.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MASTER OF THE GAME is the third instalment in Jane Kindred’s erotic M/M fantasy series-Demons of Elysium-a prequel spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk Trilogy -focusing on airspirit demon and Dominant Belphagor, and the love of his life firespirit demon Vasily. MASTER OF THE GAME and the Demons of Elysium series is a sexually graphic, M/M series where nothing is off limits as long as all of the acts are consensual between all parties involved-and sometimes, consent is questionable.

The focus of the storyline finds Heaven on the verge of a revolution. Similar to the early twentieth century Russian uprising against Czar Nicholas and his family, Heaven’s angels and demons are at odds when it comes to the ruling political party. Enter Belphagor and Vasily who will be caught up in a game of ‘spy vs spy’ when Heaven’s ruling family are targeted for destruction.

The relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is one of domination and submission although Vasily is not one to consider himself submissive. Throughout the storyline our couple is involved in numerous sexual situations –together, with others, and in precariously dangerous situations. There were times when humiliation and degradation were a means to an end, and in this a fine line was crossed as to whether consent had been given. Belphagor is a demon whose love for Vasily is beyond measure but his actions are questionable –time and again. The secondary storyline finds former rentboy Silk and General Phaleg’s relationship easily crossing the line on several occasions. Phaleg’s need for Silk finds the Angel fighting his urges and his position within the Royal army; and Silk’s need to dominate pushes the boundaries of control.

I found this particular storyline more sexually graphic and disturbing due to the indignity and condescension of some of the acts. MASTER OF THE GAME (and the series) is a storyline where D/s is the overriding theme throughout –not just between our leading couple-but also between angels and demons; the haves and the have nots. The upcoming rebellion and revolution took a back seat to the sexual exploits of the demons and angels.

Jane Kindred has a talent for pulling the reader into a world that crosses between fantasy and reality. Many of the events in the world of the Arkhangel’sk parallel a number of similar events during the Russian Revolution and the Demons of Elysium series is the build up to the fall of Heaven’s Royal family.

MASTER OF THE GAME is an imaginative and infinitely detailed storyline that is both sexually graphic and staggeringly intense. Jane Kindred’s characters are sensual, emotional, heartbreakingly passionate but in the end are as fallible and idealistic as any human (or demon) can be. Heaven’s political system is incredibly abrasive, provocatively abusive, and intensely corrupt such that espionage, abuse and murder are part of the political system and hierarchy.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Prince of Tricks
Demons of Elysium #1
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Prince of TricksABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 7, 2014

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Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.

Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.

A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.

When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.

Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.

________________

King of Thieves
Demons of Elysium #2
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover by: Kanaxa

King of ThievesABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2014

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“There are worse things to lose than one s good name. “

“Demons of Elysium, Book 2”

Belphagor can seduce demons with a look and bring angels to their knees with a single motion, but when it comes to being in love, the Prince of Tricks is out of his element.

At every turn, Vasily rebels against the discipline he claims to want, even refusing to use his safe word. But when Belphagor uses a scheme to shut down an underage brothel to test Vasily s limits, he loses Vasily s trust along with the boys he intended to set free.

Uncovering a smuggling ring that spans two worlds, Belphagor calls on a team of Nephilim mercenaries to rescue the Lost Boys from earthly gangsters. But his relationship seems beyond repair and a heartbroken Vasily beyond his reach in the arms of a sensual demon named Silk.

Belphagor has more than enough grand schemes up his sleeve to bring down the smuggling ring for good. But when it comes to putting things right with Vasily, his bag of tricks is empty. Except for trust and a plan to teach his boy a lesson neither will soon forget.

Warning: Contains two strong-willed lovers who will test the theory that without air, there can be no fire. Expect plenty of smoke, more than a few mirrors, and an old-fashioned Russian duel. You may need a shot of vodka when you re done reading this one!

Guest Post

The Heart of a Demon

If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you know that in Demons of Elysium, the traditional expectation of demons=evil and angels=good goes right out the window. The hero of the series, Belphagor, is a tattooed, pierced, leather-daddy demon. He’s also a gambler, a conman, a thief, a brothel owner, and a member of the Russian mob. Like the word demon, none of these things scream “hero.”

But what Belphagor has is a good heart. And it’s another demon, his “boy” Vasily, who brings it out in him. Before Vasily came along, Belphagor was accustomed to looking out for himself and no one else. He’s had to; being a demon in Elysium—where the pure-blooded angels are considered the superior race of Host, while those of mixed-blood belong to the peasant class of the Fallen—isn’t easy.

Starting out as a rent boy in Heaven’s Demon District, he fell to the world of Man for the first time when he was still in his teens, where he encountered the mad monk Rasputin and fell in love with a Russian prince. Unfortunately, this first love was in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in autumn 1917, just weeks before the Bolshevik Revolution.

Belphagor spent the next few months in a Russian prison for soliciting. Then, as now, being a man who loved men in Russia wasn’t something one wanted to advertise, and being one in the Russian prison system made him a target. In and out of Russian gulags over the next several years, Belphagor managed to fight his way from downcast to respected thief, which his tattoos can attest to—except for the ones he received involuntarily before earning the fear and respect of others in the system.

For the better part of a century, between adventures in the world of Man, Belphagor honed his skills at the wingcasting table in Elysium, using his airspirit tricks to keep the other players on their toes, never certain if they were playing a master gambler or a consummate cheat. He made a name for himself in two worlds and shared the beds of demons, men, and angels without ever needing anyone. Until a young firespirit rent boy with a chip on his shoulder tried to pick his pocket, and instead, stole his heart.

Read about Belphagor’s “boy” elsewhere on the tour, along with the other boys of Elysium, and enter my giveaway at each stop to win a diamond accent winged demon heart necklace and a $25 gift card.

Excerpt

The angel had been avoiding his eyes, but he met them now, and his blue ones—the color of the supernal celestine stone in the signet rings the nobles wore etched with the symbols of their houses—were full of heartache. “You said we were not to see one another again…after. And I accepted that. I understood your reasons. It was wise counsel. But then you summoned me and brought me back into your world, and I came. For you. You must have known I could never refuse you.”
“Phaleg—”
“I don’t regret it. It may not have been wise, my agreeing to be the front man in your enterprises, but I accepted with full knowledge of the risk. The Celestial Silk Road had to be closed. The fletchers needed to be stopped and brought to justice. But it was very difficult seeing you again.”
Belphagor rose and came close to the table. “I’m sorry. I’m a selfish demon. I thought perhaps I could keep you near without doing you harm so long as there was no intimacy between us. But I saw how cut off you were from what you needed and desired, and I thought perhaps Silk could give that to you. I made a mistake.”
“No.” Phaleg gave him a sad smile. “Nyet, ser. It wasn’t a mistake. It’s not your fault things didn’t work out between us. But I thought it meant…” The charming blush had risen once more in his cheeks. “I thought you wanted him to use me.”
“You went to him to please me?” He’d never wanted that. Damn, he’d screwed this up.
“No. No, not that exactly.” The blush deepened, and Phaleg looked down at the table with the bashfulness of a young ingénue. “Though I would. If you told me to let anyone use me, demon or angel, because it pleased you…I would. But I desired Silk. He’s—he’s beautiful and complicated. And a bit cruel. Like you. I couldn’t help but desire him. It’s just that I thought it was your way of telling me you…released me.”
Belphagor reached his hand across the table, and Phaleg took it, his own trembling. “It was, sweet boy. I had to release you. You deserve to be free. To love and be loved by someone who desires to make you suffer because you desire to be made to suffer by him. Someone who will cherish that suffering and that hunger for it. Someone who needs to use you just as desperately as you need to be used by him. You deserve what Vasily and I have, and I can’t give it to you.”
“And yet you speak of a bond.”
“Of course there’s a bond.” He closed his fingers tightly around Phaleg’s hand until the angel made a soft, involuntary sound of pain.
“Heaven help me,” the angel moaned, the very words he’d uttered in his desperation while Belphagor had sundered him. He knew if he ordered the angel to, right here and now, Phaleg would strip and climb onto the table to be used and degraded in whatever fashion Belphagor took a fancy to, regardless of the fear of discovery. He was sorely tempted. But even he wasn’t that much of a bastard.
He loosened his grip. “There will always be a bond,” he said in a gentler tone. “But I will do my best never to abuse it.”
Phaleg nodded as Belphagor released his hand, his throat working for a moment as if he couldn’t get any air through it. “Then you’ll help me?” he managed at last.
“Of course I’ll help. All you had to do was ask.” He tried to remember exactly what Phaleg had asked him. His imagined violation of the angel had given him a rather distracting erection. “You said you want me to stop the principality from signing the Liberation Decree.”
“I don’t want you to, but someone must, or this next attempt upon the principality’s life will succeed. Heaven isn’t ready for liberation, as much as it pains me to admit. It’s not the right time. And the only way Helison will see that is if he understands the extent of demonic sedition going on right under his nose.”
“Even if it implicates Silk.”
Phaleg paled. “That isn’t what I want. But if he’s plotting against my principality…Belphagor…I cannot ignore it.” And there was the difference between them. Belphagor hadn’t given a fig whether the beautiful Russian prince he’d spied upon had been plotting against the tsar.

 

About The author

Jane-Kindred-200x300Jane Kindred is the author of The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, the Demons of Elysium series, and The Devil’s Garden. Born in Billings, Montana, she spent her formative years ruining her eyes reading romance novels in the Tucson sun and watching Star Trek marathons in the dark. She now writes to the sound of San Francisco foghorns while two cats slowly but surely edge her off the side of the bed.

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest/ Tumblr / Twitter  / Google+ /  Blog

 

 

giveaway

Jane is giving away a Diamond Accent Devil Heart with Wings Pendant in Sterling Silver and a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card at the end of the tour.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

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Veiled Target (Veilers #1) by Robin Bielman-Blog Tour and Review

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Veiled Target (Veilers #1) by Robin Bielman-Blog Tour and Review

Veiled Target Blog Tour Button1

Veiled Target
Veilers #1
by Robin Bielman
Genre: paranormal, romance, shifters
Release Date: July 27, 2014

Veiled Target

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Tracking down Veilers—non humans—is only a sideline for Tess Damon. Vengeance for her fiancé’s murder is her reason for living. But with two botched jobs on her record, if she fails to eliminate her next mark, she’s dead. She’s not afraid to die, but not before she gets even. Too bad fate has a really bad sense of humor.

Hugh Langston, a wolfen half shifter, lives to keep both humans and his pack safe. But when rogue humans kidnap his apprentice, his rescue mission is compromised by a hot-as-hell, kick-ass woman who makes him think only one thing: mine.

Tess tries to ignore her feelings, but temptation trips her up. Especially when Hugh figures out he’s her next target and forces her into an inconvenient alliance that tests all the laws against their attraction. Now, with the line between good and evil getting blurrier by the minute, it becomes clear Tess’s only hope of living to see another day—and finding a murderer—lies with the one man she’s supposed to kill.

••••••••••••••••••••••

As an eliminator for Private Investigations and Elimination, or P.I.E. – the clandestine government-sanctioned organization that investigated and removed dangerous non-humans, or Veilers – Tess always worked alone.

Tess thought she was damn good at her job. When her mentor/boss threatens to eliminate her services if she fails her assignment, she had no choice but to take it as was seriously intended. The fact that her target was a wolfen was enough to keep her focused – thank goodness for vendettas. Easy peasy, right? Not when Hugh Langston, the “mark”, upends her world, breaks down her prejudice, and makes her melt. Shi* just got real! You all know my absolute bias towards vampires, but Robin Bielman’s Veiled Target has managed…to make me swoon for a wolf(en)! Let’s take this one book at a time, though – baby steps, please. 😀

When Hugh reveals his identity and mission to find his second-in-command, his attraction to Tess aside, her knowledge of the veiled community and her fearlessness (general badassness) brings him to his knees; he knows he’s a goner. Of course that only makes him dig his heels and dismiss those feelings as fast as they stir him up! I found their banter sexy and charged; their sexual desires hard-fought against logic. When they finally kiss, it was almost comical (almost). Hugh is poisoned during an attack by a supernatural creature and the antidote is nowhere to be found. Tess learns her saliva contains life-saving properties. Talk about taking sexy out of a deep kiss! Quite the opposite, I’m happy to report.

Hugh parted his lips and hers immediately followed. His tongue swept into her mouth and swirled around in such a delicious way that she forgot about everything she hated. Forgot about what day it was, what year, what name she’d been given. Everything inside her turned pliant, soft, agreeable.

Now…wasn’t there elimination business…wasn’t Hugh supposed to be Tess’ target?! Awkward. The magnitude of Tess’ noble kiss, lol, takes on deep impact (which they’re both denying) and simultaneous conflict of interest. I voted for chucking the job and rendering more “first aid” services, but Tess decides to capitalize on Hugh’s abilities. As pack leader of the Night Runners, she’s asked Hugh for help to find out who killed her friend five years ago (you think Hugh’ll freak out when friend = fiancé?) Of course that will complicate matters, not to mention feelings, because you’re not supposed to bite the hand that feeds you, right? (Does that adage even apply here? Uncharted grounds with wolves, I tell you!)

Lots going on, right? Indeed, but it’s not convoluted – Ms. Bielman addresses each subplot with equal attention and passion. I loved them all! And if that wasn’t enough, she delights with secondary characters as well: Blanche was a doll, Dane is a puzzle, Trey and Gavin, charmers both. I was intrigued by everything she offered.

Hugh and Tess work so well together, lines blur (are obliterated, more accurately). Tess owes everything to P.I.E., the agency that raised her, straightened her out as a too young foster kid of 16. When information gleaned suggests subversive purposes are at hand, enlightenment is an understatement. The relationship she’s formed with Hugh gives Tess the courage to question the integrity of her role at P.I.E. Can Tess and Hugh be brave enough to fight for each in love instead of war?

I devoured this book voraciously, but savored it all the while. This book will make you postpone that new recipe you’ve been dying to try and opt for yummy take-out. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite drink…and your partner…whoooo wheeee!!! Soooo.freaking.good.

P.S. I’m not entirely backpedaling, buuuut: It’s the alpha qualities that made me love Hugh. Robin Bielman just made me dislike wolves…less. Ahahaha…but seriously, look at that book cover! Swoooon…

Copy supplied by the tour provider

Reviewed by Carmen

Excerpt

 

“Cut the crap, Tess. Why were you following me?”
“How do you know I was following you?” Oops. She meant to say, “What makes you think I was following you?”
He gave a knowing smile—that looked ridiculously sexy rather than irritating. “I know you don’t want to insult my intelligence so let’s just say for argument’s sake, if you were following me, why would that be?”
At least she’d gotten him to change his tone.
“Truthfully?” She leaned a little closer to him. She couldn’t help it.
“That would be nice.”
“I’m really not a very nice person,” she announced.
“Neither am I.” He reached out and moved a strand of hair behind her ear.
Was he trying to confuse her? Because it was working. She’d nearly fallen into his hand before he pulled it away. He was indeed a very bad man.
“That’s good. I hate nice guys. So where does that leave us?”
“I haven’t got all night, Tess.” He lowered his chin, indicating—she presumed—he was growing tired of their banter.
She lifted an eyebrow. “No? That’s too bad. I’m a night owl. I can—”
“Answer my question before I haul you to your car over my shoulder.” His tone sent a little zing of pleasure right to the tips of her breasts.
“As if you could—” She was over his shoulder in one second flat. He moved swiftly, quietly and with superhuman strength. Uh oh. “Hey, put me down!”
He started down the alley, seemingly unbothered by her spastic attempts to get him to let her go. “You ready to walk and talk now?”
“Fine,” she conceded, although the view of his backside was pretty damn good.
When both feet securely hit the ground, she tugged down her dress and shifted the V-neck into place. He watched her squirm to put the rest of the material back where it belonged and his roving eyes heated her from the inside out.
“I followed you because I wanted to help.”
He started walking. “Do I look like I need help?” A little gleam—and major interest?—flickered in his sideways glance.
“Well, no. But I’m very capable and I didn’t feel like going home, so I decided there was no harm in making myself available to you should you need me.” She took a deep breath. It was time to put the question out there. “Did you know Dane is a—”
“Wolfen? Yeah I know.”
“How do you—”
He stopped and turned toward her with confusion and passion in his deep blue eyes. For several seconds he stared at her, like he was trying to get inside her head. Guess what she was thinking. “I’m the leader of the Night Runners,” he finally said.
She imagined he’d told her something he’d never told another human being before.
What the hell was she going to do now?

 

 

 

About the author

Robin BielmanUSA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Filled with wanderlust, she longs to visit many different places and fulfill her curiosity. She wouldn’t mind indulging her sweet tooth in every location either. She’s a lover of sticky notes, cable television shows and coffee drinks. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She writes contemporary and paranormal romance and loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.

Site: http://robinbielman.com
Facebook:http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter
Twitter:http://twitter.com/RobinBielman
Goodreads:http://goodreads.com/robinbielman

Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

Robin is offering a $25 Gift Card at the end of the tour. Follow the rafflecopter instructions.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

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Temptation by Robin Covington-Review and Release Day Blitz

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Temptation by Robin Covington-Review and Release Day Blitz

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Temptation
by Robin Covington
Genre: adult, contemporary, musician, romance
Release Day: August 5, 2014

Temptation

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / iTunes

Add TEMPTATION to your GOODREADS shelf.

About the book: Release Date August 5, 2014

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TEMPTATION is the latest adult, contemporary release from author Robin Covington. The storyline focuses on Nashville firefighter Max Butler and twenty one year old country music star Kit Landry. Told from alternating first person POV (Kit and Max) the storyline follows their building relationship after Max rescues Kit from a burning studio. Kit has been placed on notice by her recording company following a stint in rehab and Max is a distraction she doesn’t need.

Max and Kit’s relationship is in constant turmoil-from nosey paparazzi to the sell out of a friendship and more, our couple find themselves in the spotlight for everything that could wrong. When provocative images of the couple are brought to the attention of Kit’s producers, it doesn’t take a genius to know that someone close has targeted Kit for another fall.

The secondary characters included Max’s family, friend and fellow firefighters who give Max a little bit of trouble when his love life begins to spiral out of control. Kit’s entourage and management team tend to make her life a little more complicated and in the end she must open her eyes to the possibility that she has been betrayed by the very people who have promised to be there if she falls.

TEMPTATION pulls the reader onto the stage and back rooms as a one time star must prove to the fans and herself that she is ready for everything that life and money have to offer. Robin Covington writes a story that is seductive and realistic with its’ gritty, no nonsense look at the price of fame on friendship, family and love.

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss. How she’d tasted, how she’d felt in my arms. Despite the difference in our size, Kit fit perfectly against me—like she was made to be there. We had chemistry, alright. But that was all it was or would ever be.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Shannon Jones?”
The voice came out of nowhere and I lurched up, banging the top of my head on the edge of the fire truck door. Biting back the “fuck me” that could get me written up, I straightened, turned, and found myself looking right into the eyes of the woman I’d just been obsessing over.
Kit was standing there in my station, an expression of surprise and then concern on her face as she glanced to where I’d clonked the living shit out of myself just seconds before. She was wearing a low-cut, little blue sundress and cowboy boots and everything else was miles of bare skin and dark curls. My brain went mushy. Maybe I’d hit my head harder than I’d thought.
Her voice was full of concern as she moved closer. “Max, are you okay? I didn’t mean to sneak up behind you.”
I stared at her like an idiot. In person, I was reminded again of just how gorgeous she was. She walked towards me and I couldn’t move, couldn’t take my eyes off of her. If you looked up “dumbstruck” in the dictionary, you’d see my goofy-ass face pasted right next to it.
I still hadn’t answered when she stopped in front of me. Standing on tiptoe she touched my recent injury. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Her voice was feminine, with a whiskey-edge that tied my gut up in knots. Her hand was cool on my over-heated skin and, as she moved closer, I could smell her sweet, summery, honeysuckle scent. All I wanted to do was pull her lush curves against my body, take her mouth, and find out exactly where this crazy chemistry would take us.
I definitely had a head injury because suddenly I realized that I had her close enough to do all those things and I wasn’t doing anything about it.

Get your shit together, Butler. Carpe the fucking diem.
I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards me, turning us so she was backed up against the door of the fire truck. She still held her packages in her hands and I missed the feel of her touch on my body, but I could work with what I had.
She stared up at me, her big, blue eyes wide with shock but mostly what I saw there was curiosity. She licked her lips and that was all the invitation I needed. I leaned into her, bypassing the prize of her mouth to press a kiss to her throat, just above the place where her pulse pounded against her skin. She was delicious all over, sweet and warm, and I wanted to drag her down to the floor and bury my cock inside her body for hours.
I looked down and realized that my hands were shaking, my breath as quick as hers—and I hadn’t even kissed her yet.
“When we fuck, it’s probably going to kill me.” It came out as a growl, as I tipped her face up to mine and wasted no more time in taking what I wanted.
Kit didn’t play games, no pretending that she didn’t want this, too. She opened to me, meeting my tongue more than halfway when I dove inside. She was as hungry as I was and the kiss was anything but the usual finesse I used on women. There was no slow seduction here. It wasn’t in my power to play games. I was at the mercy of whatever she would give me.
I slanted my mouth over hers, barely giving her a chance to take a breath before I went at her again like I was starving.
And I was famished. For her. It was the craziest thing I’d ever experienced, but I wasn’t going to let a little insanity stop me. It never had before.
I wrapped my arms around her waist, inserting my body in between her legs. The skirt of her dress rode up high on her thighs as I pressed my hard-on against the hot cleft of her pussy. I rolled my hips against her and she dropped the bags in her hands with a thud against the concrete, weaving her fingers into my hair with a pressure that brought a little pain with the pleasure.
I didn’t care. She could do whatever she wanted to my body as long as I got to do exactly what I was doing right now. As long as she let me do this and so much more.

 

About The Author Black and Red

Robin CovingtonRobin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance.

A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel was a 2012 finalist in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Awards, earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.

Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington and Maryland Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (@RobinCovington).

Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy.

Website: http://robincovingtonromance.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5812874.Robin_Covington
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinCovingtonAuthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robincovington
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Covington/e/B008BX1HY6

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GIVEAWAY: Robin is giving away a $50 Giftcard to the online bookstore of the winner’s choice. This is an International giveaway.

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One Night: Promised (One Night Trilogy #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review and Interview with the Author

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One-Night-Promised-Blog-Tour[1][1]

One Night: Promised (One Night Trilogy #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review and Interview with the Author

One Night Promised

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5,2014

Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He’s heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she’s almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she’ll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M.

All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment, nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He’s obnoxious but well-mannered. He’s a gentleman but aloof. He’s passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can’t deny him… or herself.

M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addictive that she never knew existed — and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he’s aching inside. To have him, body and soul, she’ll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses become her obsession – an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair..

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONE NIGHT: PROMISED is the first instalment in in Jodi Ellen Malpas adult, contemporary One Night Trilogy erotic romance series focusing on Livy and M-a couple of broken birds whose past and present haunts their daily lives. This is a story where M wants twenty four hours with Livy-no strings, no commitments, no promises for the future. What ensues is a tumble down the rabbit hole for two people whose lives are more similar than not.

The focus of the storyline is the building relationship between Livy and the man she knows only as M-one based on a mutual need and desire but one that also has an expiry date of twenty four hours. M is a man whose obsession with Livy hides a dark secret-one that he isn’t willing to reveal. His personal and private life shall never meet and in this Livy is lost and confused when M wants to know everything about her life but refuses to reveal anything about his own.

The relationship is one of mutual attraction, sensuality and need. M is a man who knows what he wants and he wants Livy for his very own. M is a man with many secrets and issues-issues that become all too clear to Livy with each and every encounter.

Livy is a twenty four year old woman with a past mired in betrayal, regret and abandonment. Seven years earlier Livy’s life took an unexpected turn when she went on the hunt for information about her past. Today, Livy’s past is about to collide with her present and there isn’t anything she can to stop the collision. She is a woman who is quick to run when she perceives betrayal and pain, but in this she is also one to confront some of the issues head on when M keeps Livy in the dark about what has been happening in his world. When Livy goes looking for answers, what she finds will not only shatter her faith in M but shatter her heart as well.

ONE NIGHT: PROMISED is a sensual, seductive and intense storyline about two people who are perfect for one another. They balance one another’s needs and wants but what one wants isn’t necessarily what one needs. Jodi Ellen Malpas pulls the reader into a startling storyline where once secrets are revealed the drama that unfolds will leave you breathless and crying for more.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

 

TRC: Hi Jodi and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ONE NIGHT: PROMISED and the new ONE NIGHT series.

Jodi Ellen MalpasJODI: Thank you!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Jodi: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

JODI: In a nutshell, I’m 34, a mother of two boys and I love losing myself in fiction, mainly my own.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

JODI: Honestly? Me. I wanted to write a story that pleased me 100%. It wasn’t that the story was perfect, it was that I could take things in whatever direction I wanted and pump in every emotion to the point I lived it in my head. The fact that it pleased God knows how many other women was a huge bonus, obviously!

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of your contemporary, adult ONE NIGHT: PROMISED trilogy?

One Night PromisedJODI: One Night follows the love story of Olivia and M. Unlike This Man, both of the main characters have a tainted history. It’s also a little darker than this man, and far more action-packed. After writing about my beloved lord, I wanted to capture my readers imagination with an entirely different set of characters. The idea of One Night and the characters of Livy and M snowballed for me. The tagline of PROMISED kind of says it all… One Night Will Never Be Enough.

TRC: Who or what was the inspiration behind the new series?

JODI: My inspiration is always fierce love – the kind that sends you dizzy and makes you lose all reason. I’m also a sucker when it comes to alpha men. Go figure! Now I also have an army of ladies who love my stories as much as me, so I have to add that their enthusiasm now inspires me too.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular series?

JODI: My biggest challenge was getting over my worry to please my readers. I know how much Jesse is loved and I know people will compare him and M. They are so different, and I meant them to be. I’d be silly to try and recreate The Lord. There’s only one Jesse and it should stay that way. M, on the other hand, brings a new dimension to the term “alpha male”.

One Night DeniedTRC: ONE NIGHT: DENIED is the second instalment set for release in November 2014. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

JODI: PROMISED is focused mainly on Olivia and her history. When we move into DENIED, we know a lot about Livy, and not so much about M – except one very important thing. DENIED is mainly centred around M and his story, plus their growing but turbulent relationship.

TRC: Do you think the revelation of M’s business profession will come as a shock to most readers?

JODI: I think the signs are there and I intended them to be. Some have been utterly shocked, others have said they suspected early in the book. That particular revelation wasn’t meant to be a huge bombshell, though I’m glad some have been truly stunned by it. The way the exposure is approached by both Livy and M is more of a shock.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the characters of Livy and M which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

JODI: HA! As with This Man, I’ll never disclose my muses. I think it’s important for my readers to build up their own perfect fit. I don’t want to spoil their imagination with my ideal image, just in case it isn’t theirs.

TRC: The final instalment in your popular THIS MAN trilogy was released in July 2013. Have you considered releasing a novella or short story to catch the readers up to date on Ava and Jesse’s life?

This Man Series

JODI: No, I haven’t. I don’t think I could write a short story!

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

JODI: A bit of both. For the most part, I direct the characters and storyline, but when you’ve developed characters and fleshed them out, as silly as it sounds, they have personalities. There are often times when I sit and wonder how a character would react to the situation I’ve put them in, in which case, they direct me.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

JODI: Your first sentence: I’ve always said this! This is why I don’t think I can write a short story. I need room to develop the characters, let my readers get to know them. That’s when I believe you get that connection between you readers and your characters, and a true investment from your readers in the fictional world you’ve created. I’m in no position to give my take on why some writers fail to do this. Every writer captures someone’s imagination – just some more than others.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

JODI: I walk away from the laptop, usually after blankly staring at it for a while. It could drive you insane if you let it. I return the next day and generally find I can roll again.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

JODI: No one. I don’t think I’d have any friends if I blasted them with the stuff that flies around in my head! I always finish a book before I let anyone take a peek – usually my friend Kate. Then, of course, my agent.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

JODI: I feel like I’ve achieved so much already in my short career. As long as I continue to consume my readers, I’ll be happy ☺

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

JODI: If they don’t know, there’s a reason 😉

TRC: On what are you currently working?

JODI: I’m taking a short break after what’s been a really intense writing and editing schedule. I’m not sure how long I’ll force myself to stay away from the laptop. Probably not long at all! I have a few ideas racing around and I’m itching to dive in.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

JODI: Only how grateful I am to all of my ladies for their continued love and support. #mushy!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favourite TV Show – Sons of Anarchy

Last Movie You Saw – Dallas Buyers Club

Favourite Musical Group – Too many!

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark! And it has to be Green and Blacks 😉

Secret Celebrity Crush – Which one?!

Last Vacation Destination – Like a proper vacation? Madeira, and that was too long ago!

Do you have any pets? A Beagle. Prince Loui – or Lucifer when he’s being a nuisance

Pet Peeve – Bad Manners

TRC: Thank you Jodi for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release and the new series.

JODI: Thank you, Sandy ☺

About The author

In October 2012, Jodi Ellen Malpas burst onto the e-publishing scene with her first novel, This Man. The erotic story of Ava O’Shea, a young interior designer, and Jesse Ward, the handsome playboy who knows no boundaries was a hit with readers and industry tastemakers alike. It quickly began its climb up the bestseller lists as fans urged their friends to read it. Malpas continued Ava and Jesse’s bestselling story with Beneath This Man and signed on with Forever/Grand Central Publishing to publish the third installment, This Man Confessed. In July 2013, This Man Confessed debuted solidly in the #1 spot on The New York Times E-Book Bestsellers List.

Now, with ONE NIGHT: PROMISED (Forever; August 5, 2014; $7.99/$15) Malpas is set to launch her second erotic romance trilogy—available in both e-book and trade paperback formats—that is sure to leave readers breathless for book two.

ONE NIGHT: PROMISED centers on Livy, a waitress who lives a rather quiet and solitary life. But all that is about to change. Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop where she works. He’s heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she’s almost too distracted to take his order. When he leaves, she thinks she’ll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M. All he wants is one night to worship her. No commitment, no strings, nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated. The fascination is so powerful; Livy can’t deny him . . . or herself. Delving into his world becomes her obsession—one that could shatter her heart beyond repair.

Set in London, ONE NIGHT: PROMISED has all the elements that Malpas’s fans love about her novels: a relatable heroine, a mysterious and complicated hero, and of course steamy passion. Readers won’t have long to wait for the rest of Livy and M’s store either. The second book, One Night: Denied is scheduled for November 2014 and the final installment will out in early 2015.

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Jennifer L. Armentrout’s OPPOSITION Release Day Launch

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Jennifer L. Armentrout’s OPPOSITION Release Day Launch

 

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We are ridiculously excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Jennifer L. Armentrout‘s OPPOSITION!

OPPOSITION is a young adult Paranormal Romance being published by Entangled Teen and the fifth book in her LUX Series!

Opposition
LUX series – Book #6
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 5, 201
OppositionAmazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | IndieBound | Others via Entangled

Description:
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

 

Excerpt

Katy

I still stared at Daemon, completely aware that everyone else except him was watching me. Closely. But why wouldn’t he look at me? A razor-sharp panic clawed at my insides. No. Thiscouldn’t be happening. No way.
My body was moving before I even knew what I was doing.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Dee shake her head and one of the Luxen males step forward, but I was propelled by an inherent need to prove that my worst fears were not coming true.

After all, he’d healed me, but then I thought of what Dee had said, of how Dee had behaved with me. What if Daemon was like her? Turned into something so foreign and cold? He would’ve healed me just to make sure he was okay.

I still didn’t stop.
 Please, I thought over and over again. Please. Please. Please. On shaky legs, I crossed the long room, and even thoughDaemon hadn’t seemed to even acknowledge my existence, I walked right up to him, my hands trembling as I placed them on his chest.

 “Daemon?” I whispered, voice thick.

 His head whipped around, and he was suddenly staring down at me. Our gazes collided once more, and for a second I saw something so raw, so painful in those beautiful eyes. And then his large hands wrapped around my upper arms. The contact seared through the shirt I wore, branding my skin, and I thought—I expected—that he would pull me against him, that he would embrace me, and even though nothing would be all right, it would be better.

Daemon’s hands spasmed around my arms, and I sucked in an unsteady breath.

His eyes flashed an intense green as he physically lifted me away from him, setting me back down a good foot back.

I stared at him, something deep in my chest cracking. “Daemon?”

He said nothing as he let go, one finger at a time, it seemed, and his hands slid off my arms. He stepped back, returning his attention to the man behind the desk.

“So . . . awkward,” murmured the redhead, smirking.

I was rooted to the spot in which I stood, the sting of rejection burning through my skin, shredding my insides like I was nothing more than papier-mâché.

“I think someone was expecting more of a reunion,” the Luxen male behind the desk said, his voice ringing with amusement. “What do you think, Daemon?”

One shoulder rose in a negligent shrug. “I don’t think anything.”

My mouth opened, but there were no words. His voice, his tone, wasn’t like his sister’s, but like it had been when we first met. He used to speak to me with barely leashed annoyance, where a thin veil of tolerance dripped from every word.The rift in my chest deepened.
 For the hundredth time since the Luxen arrived, SergeantDasher’s warning came back to me. What side would Daemon and his family stand on? A shudder worked its way down my spine. I wrapped my arms around myself, unable to truly process what had just happened.

“And you?” the man asked. When no one answered, he tried again. “Katy?”

I was forced to look at him, and I wanted to shrink back from his stare. “What?” I was beyond caring that my voice broke on that one word.

The man smiled as he walked around the desk. My gaze flickered over to Daemon as he shifted, drawing the attention of the beautiful redhead. “Were you expecting a more personal greeting?” he asked. “Perhaps something more intimate?”

I had no idea how to answer. I felt like I’d fallen into the rabbit hole, and warnings were firing off left and right. Something primal inside me recognized that I was surrounded by predators.



About the authorJennifer Armentrout
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads ** OPPOSITION on Goodreads

 

rafflecopter giveawayJennifer will be giving away a Lux Series Basket with Lux themed jewelry, a signed set of the Lux Series and a $50 gift card to a retailer of the winner’s choice (Amazon, Barnes&Noble, or Indiebound).

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Power Play (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #2) by Mallery Malone-a review

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POWER PLAY (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #2) by Mallery Malone-a review

Power Play

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2014

Raphael Jerroult a.k.a. the Crescent City Casanova, has fought his whole life—both in and out of the boxing ring. Watching his father suffer for years after his mother’s death, he’s resolved to envelop himself in a shell made of money, MMA matches, and a different woman every day. But when an old flame, and the only woman he’s ever truly let in, comes back in his life, Raphael can’t stop being distracted by the red-headed beauty with the curves that go on for days…

Macy Lovelace has no desire to start things up again with Raphael. Memories of the sweetest torture she’s ever known can’t make her forget that he’s not cut out for long-term love. But Macy’s the only girl who Raphael ever let in, the only girl who really knows his sexy, dangerous side. And with the Crescent City Casanova, the only way to keep up, is to be tied down…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: POWER PLAY is the second instalment in Mallery Malone’s contemporary, adult Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans erotic romance series focusing on three friends (Sebastian, Gabriel , Raphael) who grew up on the mean streets of New Orleans. Together they have fought their way to the top, starting in the school of Hard Knocks-a gym where local kids learn to fight with boxing gloves and not guns. All three men are equal partners in DJD Holding-the parent club to Hard Knocks. This is former MMA fighter Raphael Jerroult and, chef/restaurant owner Macy Lovelace’s story.

Told from third person POV, the storyline follows the rekindling of a relationship that fell apart eight years earlier. Raphael and Macy were childhood best friends, sweethearts and first loves but following the death of Raphael’s mother and subsequent suicide of his emotionally absent father, Raphael wanted to distance himself from Macy fearing he would turn out just like his father. Sending Macy to Paris to study cooking, Raphael realized he had made a mistake but two months later Macy had disappeared and no one would tell Raphael where she had gone. Fast forward eight years when Macy and Raphael would run into one another at Sebastian and Renata’s (Knock Out book 1) engagement party and the love they once felt for one another-has never died.

The relationship between Macy and Raphael is sensual, sexual and intimate. Macy and Raphael have never stopped loving one another but time, distance and miscommunication pushed the best friends and lovers in opposite directions believing that, in the end, neither one wanted the other. But Macy has a secret-one that could destroy the foundation of their second chance at love-and when the truth is revealed, Raphael will walk away-once again.

The secondary characters include Sebastian and Renata (book 1), and Gabriel who will be featured in Take Down-book #3. The world building continues as the friendship between Raphael, Sebastian and Gabriel follows each man as he finds the love of his life while focusing on the business of DJD Holdings.

Mallery Malone writes a seductive and compelling storyline about a second chance at love for two people who have never stopped loving one another. The love making is intense, emotional and passionate for two people whose lives splintered at a time when they needed each other the most but have been brought back together by a mutual friendship, a secretive past and two hearts that will never forget.

Reading Order
1. Knock Out
2. Power Play
3. Take Down (September 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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