Hide Me by Lexi Scott – a Review

Hide Me by Lexi Scott – a Review

 

Hide MeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Sometimes it’s easier to run…

Ripped apart by guilt and grief, nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad grabs her stuff and runs from her super-conservative home and family in Pennsylvania and hauls ass for sunny California. All she wants is escape. Now she has a craptastic apartment, a job at a tattoo parlour, and even a friend-who’s-mostly-benefits. Then she meets a sexy, inked, surfer-dude who has the potential of capsizing everything…

Deo Beckett is adrift. Underemployed and over-boozing, Deo knows he should be doing something more with his life. Being something more. All it takes is a pin-up hottie with a smart mouth—and a bruised soul—to force Deo to start looking below the surface. To wonder if there’s more to life than being a beach bum. Now he’s falling for Whit…and hard.

But Whit ran from home for a reason, and she’ll go to any lengths to keep Deo from learning the truth…

Review:

Hide Me by Lexi Scott is book one in the Silver Strand Series.  Whit Conrad is a small town Pennsylvania girl that has recently moved to California.  She brings with her a haunted past and a troubled soul.  She came to California to be closer to her brother, Wakefield.  To the brother she so tragically lost.  And with her she brought a box of pictures – and she goes to the places that her brother has taken pictures of just to be closer to him.  She needs to be as near to the memory of him as possible. Hence, she gets a job at the tattoo shop where her brother got his first tattoo.   Bullheaded and stubborn – she wants to do things on her own, her own place, college, anything and everything without the help of anyone else.  What she wasn’t bargaining for was Deo Beckett.   He came into her life when she needed him most; unfortunately she wasn’t ready to see that.  Deo is your typical California aimless, slacker surfer.  He is content living out his days in his grandfather’s house, spending the days surfing and the nights partying and having a good time.  Deo isn’t anything that she is looking for – despite him being good looking, charming and funny.  That is until he comes into the tattoo shop looking for a new tattoo.  He wasn’t exactly bargaining for what he found in the tattoo shop either.   Bull-headed and stubborn – Whit is resilient in her thought processes.  No one needs to know about Wakefield, in fact the less she speaks of him the better.   But when her relationship with Deo starts to get even the slightest bit serious – and he wants to know more and more about her and her past.  She not only shuts down, she bails.  And falling back into his old ways – Deo is content that when things start to get tough – its time for him to bail too.   Little did they know that the things there were fighting the most to stay away from is the exact thing that both of them need.

Whit Conrad is pig-headed and stubborn.  She doesn’t want to open up and let anyone in.  It hurts to much when she does that.  The tragedy of her brother’s life is just too much for her to deal with.  And she needs to deal with it in the worst way.  The more that you find out about Whit between the pages the more I started to relate with her.  And her pain is palpable.  You want nothing more that to make things right for her and to show her stubbornness the way. 

Deo Beckett is that loveable jokester that likes to have fun and just hang out.  He can do that because he has no responsibilities and nothing he is committed to.  He makes you laugh and as the story progresses you can see him evolve into a wonderful young man with so much to offer.  Once he began to open his heart and soul to Whit you want nothing more than for her to do the same.  But this isn’t your normal fairytale romance.  No, this is tragic, heart breaking and truly moving.  As you watch as Whit finally finds her true self and what she truly wants and needs – you begin to feel a connection like you have been friends for a long time.

This book was moving.  It makes you think about those things that you hold inside.  That you don’t allow another to see or feel or know. And what exactly that can do to the other person that you are holding back from.  The passion between the two main characters is wonderful and when they are good – they’re great. And when they are bad – it’s heart breaking.  But will Whit finally open up to Deo and explain to him the pain and tragedy that is her life?  Or will Deo get his act together and be the kind of man that Whit wants and needs.  This was one of my favorite read so far of 2015.  The banter back and forth between Whit and Deo is hilarious and jovial.  And the passion – on fire!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Interview with Fitness and Cover Model-Dusty James

Interview with Fitness and Cover Model-Dusty James

TRC: Hi Dusty and welcome to The Reading Café.

Dusty James 2Follow Dusty : Facebook /Twitter /Instagram/

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

Dusty: My name is Dusty Daniels, model page can be found under Dusty James . I graduated from Missouri State University with an education degree. I just
accepted my first teaching job in mid Missouri and am currently working on finishing up my Master’s degree in education administration.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Dusty: Growing up I always dreamed I would be playing sports on TV. I loved being around or just being a part of any and every sport. Being competitive in sports and even life is what drove me growing up.

TRC: When not modeling, what are your other interests? Do you have a ‘day job’?

Dusty: When I’m not behind the camera I worked at a local bank and also serve/bar tend at a Brew Haus on the Lake of the Ozarks. I always like staying busy in the summer time until I start teaching in this coming August. Other hobbies include sports, hunting, traveling and being out on the lake with friends and family.

TRC: How much time do you spend working out? And does the type of work out change depending on your next photo shoot or job?

Dusty James Cover 4Dusty: Working out is a huge part of my life. I work out 6 days a week for about 2 hours a day (in the weight room). I’m currently training people on the side and eventually want to be a certified personal trainer. My workouts now are centered around staying lean and keeping a healthy diet. Authors sometimes want a bigger build or a lean “shredded” look. It’s always fun pushing myself to these different body types in between shoots.

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Dusty: I never thought I’d be modeling for magazines and book covers. I was working out one day and a photographer approached me and asked if I’d be interested. At first, I thought it was a joke but got together with a couple photographers and started taking photos. Soon authors and other photographers started contacting me after seeing my photos. The first author that contacted me said, “I want that gave and jaw line on my cover!” Haha it just took off from there.

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Dusty: I really haven’t had a shoot go completely wrong. I’ve done an outside shoot when the weather didn’t cooperate but we went with it and for some really good shots!

TRC: Many photo shoots take the model to exotic locations. What has been your favorite location to shoot? Least favorite location (and why)?

Dusty: I haven’t really been anywhere too exotic to shoot yet. With my schedule it’s hard to go all the places that are needed to shoot. I’ve been to various outdoor parks with waterfalls and beautiful scenery and those are my favorite types of shoots. I feel it’s easier for me to get in my comfort zone when shooting outside opposed to a studio.

Dusty James imageTRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Dusty: Full nude modeling I haven’t done. Some shoots do include very minimal clothing for both models. Professionalism is a big part of modeling. I’ve never felt uncomfortable shooting a very sensual shoot just because my photographer and other models act so professional. If their is a shot that makes you uncomfortable, voice your opinion. You are always in control of what you do or don’t do. Nobody can tell you otherwise. I’m very comfortable with my body and as long as everything stays professional with everybody involved in the shoot nothing should be a concern.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surrounded by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Dusty: The only time I see it becoming stressful is when so many people are trying to get ahold of you to ask you questions about a book or a shoot and you don’t have time to give your full attention to that person. Authors, fans and even photographers have different opinions and questions for you every day and you as a model have to be ready to answer these questions and giving your own opinion. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and friends. Those are the people you always keep closest to you.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Dusty: Everybody likes the feel and look of “romance”. Everybody wants it in their life. When a person can connect with a story or image of the term romance, they are drawn to that. It’s a comfort zone that people grab onto. When they grab onto that romance story line and have a face or image to go with it, it almost becomes real life to them. That’s what makes a great novel and cover image.

TRC: Do you remember the first ‘romance cover’ on which you appeared?

Dusty James Cover 2Dusty: Alluring Temptation by Skye Turner was my first romance novel.

TRC: Do you have a favorite cover-romance image or otherwise? (e.g. magazines, ads etc)

Dusty: It’s hard to pick a favorite because they are all fun to do. One of my favorite shots was probably Ready or Not by author J.L. Berg.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Dusty: To relax I listen to music or just hang out with friends and do simple things like fish or ride four wheelers. Anything outdoors help me take my mind away and relax.

TRC: Do you listen to music when you work out? If so, what songs are currently on your playlist?

Dusty James CoverDusty: I listen to EVERYTHING while I’m working out. It all depends on what mood I’m in that day. Rap, country or rock it all depends if I’m pissed off working out or pumped up working out.

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

Dusty: Picking three things I want to accomplish is so hard because you never know where life will take you. I would like to be successful in my career, backpack in Europe for a summer since I have those months off, and focus on making life a full time adventure, you only get one of those to live so live it to the fullest and be happy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Chicken!

Favorite Dessert: I don’t eat desserts

Favorite Movie: Anything action

Favorite TV Show: SOA (right now)

Last Movie that you Saw: Training Day

Secret Celebrity Crush: Brittany Snow but their are many 🙂

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Last book that you read: The Testing Series

Pet Peeve: People who chew with their mouth open! It kills me!

TRC: Thank you Dusty for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We wish you all the best and many more covers !!

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Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine – a Review

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine – a Review

 

ink and boneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Review:

Ink and Bone begins with Jess Brightwell having to deliver a book to one of his dad’s “customers”. Illegally. Books are illegal to own, but that hasn’t stopped the Brightwells from being a family of “runners”, meaning those who illegally obtain books and sell them to the highest bidder. As Jess makes his way to deliver the book, things don’t go quite as planned. The Garda, the Library’s muscle, are everywhere and Jess has to get creative in order to meet the buyer. He delivers the book but soon discovers that the buyer is an Ink Licker, i.e., one who destroys books by EATING the pages……. Yep, that’s how it begins.

We flash forward six years to see that Jess’ father has made the decision to send him to try out for a place working for the Library. He knows that Jess isn’t really cut out to take over the family business and figures that he’d best serve his family as a spy while serving the Library. Jess, almost reluctantly, agrees and sets off on the long journey to Alexandria. Once in Alexandria, he discovers that there are thirty other candidates to fill only six positions. Uh oh….. Add to that the fact that he knows he can never return home, and that he may actually like some of his fellow students……… He knows that he has a long, hard road ahead of him. Unfortunately, he had no idea in the beginning just how hard. Everything that he and his fellow students thought they knew about the Library ends up being laughable. Because once the Library in Oxford (England) is threatened by war between the English and the Welsh, he and his fellow students are sent to the war zone to save as many books as they can. What follows is a heart breaking series of events and earth shattering revelations that changes everything they’ve ever believed in and forever changes them. At least, those who survive.

I have to say that when I started this one, I didn’t think I was going to like it. At all. I’ve never been a big fan of Dystopian worlds and the pace was slow. And, that bothered me more than you’ll ever know. I love Rachel Caine. Her Morganville Vampire series is one of my all time favorite YA series. EVER. So, based on that alone, I continued reading…..and a funny thing happened. I found myself so engaged with all of the characters that I didn’t want to put it down. The world that Caine has created is so imaginative that it will blow you away. The cast of characters is long and varied and very intriguing. The basic storyline itself has been done before, but not by Rachel Caine. She has rewritten history and created a world that will leave you wanting more. A lot more. The only problem I had with this entire story was the pace. As I said earlier, it’s slow, although it did pick up in the second half. I’m thinking that since we have the world built, the next one will be move along at a faster pace. You will fall in love with the premise. You will fall in love with the characters. And, in the end you will be wanting more. If you’ve never read Rachel Caine and are a fan of YA, you’re sorely missing out. Well done, Rachel Caine!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sweet as Sin (Bad Habit #1) by J.T.Geissinger-a review

SWEET AS SIN (Bad Habit #1) by J. T. Geissinger-a review

Sweet As Sin

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 14, 2015

Twentysomething Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.

However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SWEET AS SIN is the first installment in J.T.Geissinger’s adult, contemporary BAD HABIT rocker romance series focusing on the rock band Bad Habit. This is lead singer and songwriter Nico Nyx, and makeup artist Kat Reid’s storyline.

Told from first person point of view (Kat) the storyline focuses on the tempestuous and insta-lust/love relationship between Kat and rock superstar Nico Nyx. Kat and Nico met on the set of Bad Habit’s latest video and the connection was immediate. Kat was hired as the make up artist but found herself defending Nico’s intoxicated ‘sometime girlfriend’ Avery Kane. What ensues is Nico’s pursuit of a reluctant Kat; and the fall out of too many lies, secrets and Nico’s intense and overwhelming need for Kat Reid. A good portion of the storyline finds Kat and Nico trying to negotiate between one another’s insecurities, and need for reassurance and affirmation. Jealousy, rivalry and a lack of trust are constant sources of turmoil and turbulence.

Nico and Kat are two broken souls whose past lives are filled with abuse, betrayal, and pain, and in this their ability to trust is non-existent. Nico keeps secret his history, revealing only what he wants Kat to know and in this Kat is unable to build the trust she requires to hand over her heart to the man with whom she is falling in love. The backstory is heartbreaking and reveals slowly over the course of the storyline but in doing so begins to build a wall between our leading couple.

SWEET AS SIN is a storyline with a large ensemble cast of characters including the members of the rock band Bad Habit. We are introduced to stylist Kenji; Nico’s head of security and best friend Barney; and Michael-Nico’s brother and a man whose past is darker than most. Kat’s support system comes via her two besties: Grace-a psychologist whose own history is a question mark but her ‘dislike’ of men finds Kat questioning everything about the man with whom she is falling in love; and Chloe-a local florist who may or may not have something for Nico’s bandmate AJ. AJ is a bit of a conundrum as his acerbic personality and contempt towards Chloe is nothing short of rude and abusive.

There is plenty of lighthearted humor between Kat, Grace and Chloe. The three best friends tell it like it is but in doing so never seem to upset the balance of their friendship. But there are also dark and dangerous moments as Kat and Nico face their fears, their pasts, and the truth. Secrets will be revealed; hearts will be broken; someone close will never again see the light of day. The requisite evil wants to ensure that Nico’s soul will be destroyed for all eternity. The disquietude and angst of the storyline is a roller coaster of emotional push and pull; the turmoil is a never ending path that is a constant source of worry and unease. I had to wonder if Kat and Nico would ever find their ‘happily ever after.’ When Nico’s past catches up Kat will be targeted in a game of cat and mouse.

J. T. Geissinger writes a gritty tale of family and friends; heartbreak and betrayal; love and a happily ever after. The premise is engaging and suspenseful; the characters animated, charismatic and passionate; the romance intense and emotional. The destructive nature of jealousy, rivalry and addiction reveals a traumatic history, and a disturbing past; one that will be difficult to overcome when secrets are kept hidden in the dark.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Espionage Effect by Kat Bastion with Stone Bastion – a Review

The Espionage Effect by Kat Bastion with Stone Bastion – a Review

 

The Espionage EffectAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
I’m Devin Hill.

Darkness taints my soul.

I’m suffocating. Drowning.

The sweet promise of air? Pure illusion.

Tested as a genius at age seven, I hide my emotions, become what they expect…bury my secrets. At nineteen, I trudge toward a predestined path, blinders on, heart safeguarded.

Until I dare to be wild.

Until Alec Marquez crashes into my world.

Until all that follows redefines everything I’ve ever known.

What happens when you stumble into a world of spies…and discover you belong there?

 

 

Review:

Devin Hill decided to break out of her boring, predictable life by taking a spur of the moment vacation with her best friend Anna.  She was feeling unsettled and unsatisfied by the path her life was supposed to take but had no idea how to change course.  Little did she know that this vacation and her run in with Alec Marquez would change her life forever.  Once she meets Alec, he touches a part of her soul that she didn’t even know existed.  He helped her realize exactly where she needed to be to break free of her mundane, predictable life.

But Devin needs to be careful what she wishes for because she learns very quickly that her life and the people in it aren’t what they seem.  And once the facade comes crashing down, she can’t change it back.

I loved The Espionage Effect.  It has the perfect balance of everything a book needs to keep me reading and interested in what happens to the characters.  Romance, intrigue, action….it has it all.  This is also one of those stories that makes writing a review extremely hard because I don’t want to give away any details or spoilers!  I was very surprised and pleased with the twists and turns.  Things didn’t turn out the way I expected which made the book even more enjoyable.  I loved the characters, the storyline and the surprises.  But my favorite part was the ending.  Why you ask???  The way this book ended, it leaves the storyline open for many more books to be written.  Are you paying attention Kat and Stone Bastion???  I want more!  I need a series!  These characters are too interesting to stop writing about them now!!! I’ll be waiting and impatiently checking my Kindle.  Waiting, waiting, waiting….. 

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy provided by Author

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Flight From Death by Yasmine Galenorn – Review & Giveaway

Flight From Death by Yasmine Galenorn – Review & Giveaway

Flight From Death Banner

Flight From Death
Fly by Night #1
by Yasmine Galenorn
Genre: paranormal
Release Date: July 7, 2015

flight From DeathAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
I’m Shimmer, a blue dragon shifter. Thanks to a mistake, I was exiled from the Dragon Reaches and sentenced to work for Alex Radcliffe, a vampire who owns the Fly by Night Magical Investigations Agency. Now, not only do I have to adapt to Earthside culture, but every time I turn around, somebody’s trying to kill us. And worse, Alex is as gorgeous as he is exasperating. But you know what they say: All’s fair in love and bounty hunting…

When an old friend of Alex contacts him about a haunting at the High Tide Bed & Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington, we think we’re on a simple ghost hunt. But our investigation quickly transforms into a deadly fight as we uncover an eighty-year-old murder, a cursed house, and a dark force trapping the spirits within. To stop impending disaster we must break the curse and lay the angry spirits to rest.

Review:

Flight From Death begins with Alex accepting a case from Patrick, an old friend, whose bed and breakfast opening has been delayed because of ghostly activities that need to stop in order for him to feel that his guests are safe. Alex informs Shimmer and Ralph that they will be heading out the next night, which surprises Shimmer, as this is the first case that she has been invited to tag along. After a few ferry debacles, they arrive in Port Townsend and the feeling of heaviness and dread is almost immediate. Once they arrive at Patrick’s, it doesn’t take long for things to go awry and leave everyone a bit on edge. As they delve into the history of the house and the land on which it sits, the level of paranormal activity increases.

It doesn’t take the team long to enlist the help of a local witch to help with freeing the ghosts trapped in house. However, once they start down that path, they realize that there is something dark that has trapped the ghosts. Add to that the discovery of an old murder and they know they’ve got their work cut out for them. Oh, and the house is cursed as well. So much for a simple ghost hunt……..

Once they try and exorcise the ghosts and the dark entity, things really get hopping. Not only does it not work, it has enraged the entity that has trapped the ghosts and he turns that rage on to all of them. They end up going to a spiritwalker to learn more about what exactly they are dealing with. When they devise a plan, things once again don’t go as planned. Then, they get down to business. What follows is an action packed and suspenseful series of events that will leave you wondering if they’ll ever be able to accomplish their mission. You’ll also be rooting for Alex and Shimmer as they start to explore their mutual attraction to one another.

Flight From Death is another very well written story by Yasmine Galenorn. If you’re a fan of her Otherworld series, you’ll definitely love this one as well. Galenorn does a very good job of building the world in which these characters’ stories will be told. Alex is their boss and leader who keeps things rolling. Shimmer is still trying to find her way Earthside and is starting to build a life for herself. There is still a lot to learn about her which I think will have a huge impact on the overall story. Ralph is the resident geek (and werewolf) who is always in the fray. That leaves Bette, the office manager who keeps it all tied together.   You will fall in love with her immediately, and out of all of the characters, hers is the story that I most want to read. We’re also introduced to a few friends of theirs along the way in this book that I think will end up having a big impact as well. Galenorn, more than any author I’ve ever read, has a cast of characters so diverse that you’d think that it would be overwhelming. But, the way she writes makes it easy to follow and you feel that you get to know about each species, for lack of a better word. Her world building in this was phenomenal.

If you’re looking for a fresh, new series that has a great cast of “otherworldly” characters that has suspense and a little romance, this one is definitely for you. I can’t wait to see whose book is next! Well done, Yasmine Galenorn! Very well done!

Review by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Yasmine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of FLIGHT FROM DEATH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Yasmine Galenorn on Facebook

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5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from July 14-17, 2015

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Playing with Pleasure / Temptation (The Players Club 1 & 2) by Erika Wilde-Review and Book Tour

PLAYING WITH PLEASURE / PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION (The Players Club 1&2) by Erika Wilde-Review and Book Tour

Playing with Pleasure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 13, 2015

***Full length, stand-alone novel. No cliffhangers!***

PLEASURE HAS NEVER BEEN SO DECADENT . . .

Paige Moore has a fulfilling business designing couture corsets for her high profile clientele, but her love life is sorely lacking. Being burned in the worst way possible by Sawyer Burrows has left her guarded and wary when it comes to men and their motives. When her best friend presents her with an invitation to The Players Club, she embraces the chance to enjoy a hot night with a stranger, and finally put her past heartbreak, and Sawyer, behind her.

Sawyer knows he devastated Paige with his careless actions a year and a half ago, and he’s lived every day since with those regrets. Now, seeing Paige at The Players Club, he knows this is his chance to make amends and prove that there is still something between them worth pursuing. If sensual pleasure is what Paige is looking for, then he intends to be the man to spend the night seducing every part of her.

Paige’s surrender is Sawyer’s ultimate goal, but once her desires are sated, will she give them the second chance they deserve?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING WITH PLEASURE is the second installment in Erika Wilde’s adult, contemporary The Player’s Club erotic romance series. The Player’s Club is an exclusive members-only sex club. This is former Marine and private security agent Sawyer Burrows, and fashion designer Paige Moore’s storyline. We were first introduced to Sawyer and Paige in book one-PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION. THE PLAYERS CLUB is a spinoff from Erika’s erotic romance THE MARRIAGE DIARIES series. Playing with Pleasure can be read as a stand alone but for some backstory I recommend reading in order.

Told from alternating third person perspectives PLAYING WITH PLEASURE is a second chance storyline for Paige and Sawyer. Eighteen months earlier, on Paige’s twenty sixth birthday, Paige watched Sawyer walk out of her step-sister’s bedroom looking sexed up and guilty. Kissing her relationship with Sawyer goodbye, as well as her family home where she no longer felt welcome or safe, Paige walked away in the hopes of starting a new life with her Couture Corset business. Fast forward a year and a half, and a still brokenhearted Paige will come face to face with her past when her best friend gives her an invitation to The Players Club for a night of freedom and sex. What Paige never expected was to find Sawyer more than willing to give Paige whatever it was she wanted for the night, and possibly her future.

The prior relationship between Sawyer and Paige has already been established but Sawyer needs to explain to Paige what it is he does and doesn’t know about the night eighteen months earlier. Hoping for a second chance with the woman that he loves, Sawyer begins a slow, sexual seduction of Paige. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and steamy. Sawyer is a man who likes rope and knot play, and Paige is a willing participant both in and out of the bedroom. There is also some light bondage, voyeurism, and spanking. I did have a slight concern as to Paige’s easy acceptance of the BDSM lifestyle, and Sawyer’s need to dominate and play-I thought there should have been a little more ambivalence on the part of our leading heroine but she took what was offered with very little concern.

PLAYING WITH PLEASURE has a large ensemble cast of secondary characters including friends, family and potential love interests. Raina and Logan from book one –PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION-play a supporting role, as well as a number of Paige’s friends including Kendall Shaw and Paige’s co-worker Summer. We are also introduced to Jase Burns, Sawyer’s friend and fellow security expert at Noble and Associates. Kendall and Jase’s storyline will be told in PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION. The requisite evil comes in the form of Paige’s step sister Ashley who has made Paige’s life miserable for a number of years.

PLAYING WITH PLEASURE is an easy and predictable read; a fast paced, sexy look at a second chance for two people whose lives were torn apart by jealousy and betrayal. The premise is entertaining; the characters colorful, animated and real; the woman are strong of character and determined; the romance is a quick build to a happily ever after. The BDSM content is light, and there is limited exposure to the happenings at The Player’s Club.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

T The bell on the door to Couture Corsets tinkled, announcing that a customer had just walked into Paige Moore’s small boutique in Old Town San Diego, where she designed and sold custom-made corsets.
“It’s just me,” she heard her good friend Raina Beck call out.
Knowing Raina would just head to the back area of the shop where Paige did all her designing and creations, she continued hand sewing small seed pearls to an exquisite white satin corset she was making for a client’s wedding night.
A moment later, Raina walked past the curtain of glittering crystals hanging in the doorway that separated the retail floor from the workroom. “Wow, that looks stunning,” she said of the one-of-a-kind bridal corset, her voice laced with awe.
Paige glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “Thanks. Once I add the crystal and lace embellishments along the bodice, this bride is going to knock her groom’s pants off when he sees her in this corset.”
Raina laughed. “Not a bad way to start off a marriage.”
“What? By getting lucky?” Paige asked humorously as she set her needle and thread down on the nearby worktable that dominated the area.
“And being totally turned on by your new wife.”
“Speaking of getting turned on,” Paige said with a smirk as she eyed her cheerful friend. “You’re glowing and smiling all the time, so things with Logan must be good, yes?”
“Really good,” Raina admitted, her face flushing with happiness. “And I do have to say, it’s nice having sex on a regular basis,” she teased.
Paige sent her a mock glare. “Yeah, I wouldn’t know, so stop bragging,” she grumbled, even though she was genuinely thrilled that Raina had found a man who absolutely adored her. “What brings you by?”
“I have something for you,” Raina said and handed her an envelope with the word Welcome embossed in black across the front.
Paige’s eyes widened as she looked at the envelope. “Oh my God, is this an invitation to your wedding? I can’t believe you didn’t tell me…” Her words and excitement trailed off as she pulled out the card inside and read the message granting her a night at The Players Club, an exclusive, members-only sex club.
“Oh, wow,” she breathed in surprise and glanced back at Raina. “I thought—”
“If I was getting married, you’d know about it before I sent out invitations because you’d be my maid of honor,” Raina interrupted with a laugh. “Besides, I’m not even engaged yet. This invitation is for you,” Raina went on with a grin. “The Players Club is a place where you can get down and dirty and freaky with a stranger, indulge in a fantasy, or try a particular kink that has piqued your interest.”
“I have to say, that sounds very tempting.”
Oh, yes, Paige was definitely intrigued. It had been a year and a half since she’d been with a man. A year and a half since the morning Sawyer Burrows had shattered her heart with his betrayal. And the thought of indulging in a night of hot sex with an anonymous guy was incredibly appealing. She needed to do something to finally shake Sawyer from her mind and thoughts and let the painful past go so she could move on with her life.
Easier said than done, but an evening at The Players Club was a good start to putting an end to her dry spell.
“There is one thing you need to know.” Raina suddenly looked uncertain. “Logan told me that Sawyer is a member of The Players Club. Which, in my opinion, could work to your advantage if he’s there the night you decide to go.”
Paige frowned, not sure how she felt about running into a man she swore she hated yet who still had the ability to affect her on a physical level. Yeah, that part drove her absolutely crazy, but she was curious what Raina meant. “How so?”
“If he’s there, think of it as a bit of revenge.” Raina’s eyes danced with mischief. “Flirt with other guys and enjoy yourself. Show Sawyer exactly what he’s been missing and what is no longer his. Men are such jealous, possessive creatures, and it’ll drive him nuts to see you with another man.”
The corner of Paige’s mouth curled into a smile as she thought about her friend’s suggestion. It had been too long since she’d felt desired and sexy. Combine the bonus of possibly showing Sawyer that she was over him by letting him see her enjoy another man’s attention, and it really was a win-win situation.
Her decision made, she met Raina’s gaze and lifted her chin in determination. “I’m totally down for that.”

 

 

 

____________

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION
(The Players Club #1)
by Erika Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, BDSM

Playing with TemptationABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 6, 2015

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

When Raina Beck is given an invitation to The Players Club, all she wants is a night of decadence with a gorgeous, sexy stranger. The seductive, mysterious man she meets fulfills her deepest desires and most erotic fantasies, giving her a night she’ll never forget. But forgetting him isn’t quite so easy.

Logan Cruz prefers his women submissive and compliant in the bedroom . . . everything the independent Raina is not. Yet from the first moment he lays eyes on her, he’s determined to make Raina his. Despite her resistance.

When Logan is assigned to protect Raina from a stalker, everything between them changes. Sex becomes more than just physical, and emotions run deep. Falling in love was never on Raina’s agenda, but can she let go of the past and surrender the one thing he wants the most . . . her heart?

•••••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION is the first installment in Erika Wilde’s adult, contemporary The Players Club erotic, romance series. The Players Club is an invitation only, exclusive sex club in the San Diego area. This is private security agent and former Marine Logan Cruz, and adult toy shop owner Raina Beck’s storyline. THE PLAYERS CLUB is a spinoff from Erika’s erotic romance THE MARRIAGE DIARIES series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Raina and Logan) PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION focuses on Logan’s seduction of the woman who ran from our hero after a sexual encounter at The Players Club. Raina’s invitation to The Players Club came at a time when our heroine was looking for something in her life but threats against Raina find our heroine at the security firm of Noble and Associates where her mystery man from the night at The Players Club is hired security specialist Logan Cruz. When Logan is assigned as Raina’s protection, their sexual attraction and need for one another continues to grow. What ensues is a Logan’s protection of Raina while pushing her towards his world of Domination and submission.

The relationship between our couple begins as a sexual encounter at The Players Club where Logan wants more than a one night stand. Raina isn’t willing to commit to something more, and the potential threat of harm finds our heroine wondering if someone at The Players Club is her probable stalker.

The $ex scenes are erotic, intimate, provocative and exploratory. Logan demands total submission in the bedroom; he want and needs to be in control at all times. There is some light bondage, spanking, and discipline play.

We are introduced to several of Raina’s friends: Stephanie, Paige, Kendall and Jillian (The Marriage Diaries). Jillian’s husband Dean is co-owner of Noble and Associates Security, and Paige’s story will be told next in Playing with Pleasure. We are also introduced to Logan’s sister Emily, and her husband Pete. Emily is not impressed with Raina’s line of work, and makes her feelings known forcing Emily, to once again, consider what her future holds with the man Logan Cruz.

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION is a flirty, sexy and fast paced erotic storyline that introduces some of the players in Erika Wilde’s THE PLAYER CLUB series. There are moments of humor and fun (join the ladies at their Cocktails and Cock Club monthly meetings ); betrayal and heartbreak; kinky sex and falling in love. If you like a little erotica with your romance storylines, then check out Erika Wilde’s THE PLAYERS CLUB.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Purple

follow: Website/ Twitter/ Facebook /Goodreads

Erika WildeErika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.

So, why the new pen name? 

As Janelle Denison she has always written sexy books, but lately her writing has taken on more erotic elements that she wanted to keep separate for readers because not everyone likes their reading material on the spicier, kinkier side of romance.   However, please be assured that even as Erika Wilde, you will still get an emotionally layered story with characters you’ll care about and fall in love with.   That is always Erika’s goal, whether she is writing straight contemporary romances, or more erotically charged stories.

Currently, Erika/Janelle is working on The Marriage Diaries and making sure that Dean and Jillian enjoy exploring the more erotic side to their marriage.  The series will be on-going, with no foreseeable ending as of right now, for as long as readers want to be voyeurs to Dean and Jillian’s sizzling new relationship.

Erika also planning a spin-off series in the future, featuring the hot military men that work security for Dean at Noble and Associates.
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Back to Us by Christi Barth – a Review

Back to Us by Christi Barth – a Review

 

Back to usAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Ward Cantrell always went for the long shot. But that recklessness cost him his college scholarship and his chance to play pro ball, and—worst of all—it ended his relationship with the girl next door. Neither the town nor the girl has ever forgiven him. Now he’s taking one last long shot by opening a boutique distillery on the family farm he inherited.

Piper Morrissey spent high school in Ward’s shadow, but she’s come into her own in the years since. Maintaining her spotless image, and that of her family’s winery, is priority number one. Nobody knows that she still yearns for her golden-boy ex. Or at least they didn’t—until Ward agrees to sell Piper the land she needs to start her precious port line. The caveat? She’ll need to date him for one month.

Ward hopes a month is all it’ll take to convince his former sweetheart that while he’s changed, his love for her hasn’t. But when the chance arises to thumb his nose at the town that turned its back on him, he can’t afford not to reject Piper’s offer. Will that make her reject him and his love—for good?

 

Review:

Back to Us by Christi Barth is the 3rd book in her Shore Secrets series. Piper Morrissey is our heroine, and she is best friends with the two previous heroines in this series. Ward Cantrell is our hero, and he is best friends with all three of the girls. For a long time, Piper and Ward were on the outs, since their breakup during their high school days, where she caught him cheating with another girl. Rather than ruin their group friendship, they remained civil to each other in front of the group. However, both Piper and Ward secretly still have feelings for each other, but neither will act on it.

Piper has grown up to be more independent, and she helps run her family’s successful winery. Piper wants to honor her deceased grandfather, and add a line of port to the winery, which her father steadfastly denies.

Ward runs a distillery, which he inherited from his deceased father that was in huge deb. He has fulfilled the debt, but is desperately trying to get a loan to help cover the cost of increasing and improving his business.   When he finds out from his friends that Piper is still determined to start her dream, Ward uses this opportunity to try and win Piper back. He offers to lease her some unused land that he has, but there is a catch. She must date him for a month. Piper accepts the deal, as she still cares deeply for Ward, but does not want to get hurt again.

What follows is a sweet delightful story of a second chance romance of two people who never stopped loving each other. It was fun, and funny at times to watch them rekindle their romance, and Ward’s determination to go slow, which has Piper doing all she can to to entice him. In the midst of their deal, Ward is offered something that could help give him money to do what he wants with the business, but at the same time it would hurt Piper. Will Ward hurt Piper again?

The great thing about this series is that we get to spend a lot of time with all the characters in all three books of this series.   It was a lot of fun, and it is this wonderful friendship that will help bring this to a happy ever after for all of them. Secret Shores is a fun series, with great couples. Christi Barth always gives us sweet delightful romances. I suggest you read this series, and start with the first book, Up To Me.

Reviewed by Barb

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