The Lie and the Lady (Winner Takes All #2) by Kate Noble-Review and Giveaway

The Lie and the Lady (Winner Takes All #2) by Kate Noble-Review and Giveaway

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The Lie and The Lady
Winner Takes All #2
by Kate Noble
Release Date: December 29, 2015
Genre: historical, romance

The Lie and the Lady

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 29, 2015

Clerk John Turner thought only of winning a bet when he switched places with his friend, Lord Edward Granville, at a country house party. But while posing as a lord, he fell for a lady—the Countess Letitia! Now she’s learned the truth, and he must win her back as plain John Turner. He’d better hope that love truly conquers all…

Lady Letty was publicly humiliated when it came out that she had fallen for the man, not the master. When she meets him again, she’s determined to avoid him, but some things are too intoxicating to be denied. Letty knows what choice she must make to survive, but if she turns her back on her dashing rogue—again—will she lose her chance at love forever?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

What a fun read that starts off with a bang! The Lie and the Lady by Kate Noble is the second book in her “Winner Takes All” series. I will admit I did not read the first book named “The Game and the Governess” and I did feel like I missed the back story of the main characters. That being said, Kate Noble was very quick to revisit what had happened in the first story, so it didn’t take away from enjoying this book.. I’m just the kind of reader who likes to know all the author offers in a series.

Countess Letitia is widowed and soon finds that her funds are running low, and once again she will have to marry. After “The Lie” that has not only ruined her, and followed her by means of vicious rumours , whispers and dirty looks , she has found herself travelling about to escape it. She meets Sir Barty on her travels and while he is an older nobleman that suffers from gout (and is somewhat of a bore and by no means a perfect match), he is kind and wealthy and can offer her a decent life.

Little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down.

John Turner, is the man the created “The Lie” and one that truely loves his Countess Letty. After realizing that they are not meant to be, he returns home. This home just so happens to be the same town that Sir Barty is bringing his fiance home to. It is not long before they cross paths and that once again,”The Lie” comes to haunt and plague them. Before all of this however, a number of secondary characters are involved that add depth, humour and layers of “How are they going to get out of this this time?” or “No .. don’t do that!” John and Letty have many hurtles to jump before they can make a go of things, but first they need to realize if personal title, wealth, and lies will pave the path they are to travel. It sure is fun reading how they go about figuring it all out.

This is a solid regency historical romance. Kate Nobles has a talent of writing likable characters, even when they shouldn’t be likable. I will most assuredly be adding her to my “go to” authors list and will be going back to read the first book of this series. I am sure knowing what has already happened in this book will add some smiles when experiencing the first.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series and I am hoping the main characters are who I think they are! Highly recommend!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Rachel T

 

About The Author

FOLLOW Kate:  Facebook/ Twitter / Website

Kate NobleKate Noble is the national bestselling, RITA-nominated author of historical romances, including the acclaimed Blue Raven series and the Winner Takes All series. Her books have earned her numerous accolades, including comparisons to Jane Austen, which just makes her giddy.


In her other life as Kate Rorick, she is an Emmy-award winning writer of television and web series, having written for NBC, FOX, and TNT, as well as the international hit YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son, and is hard at work on her next book.

giveaway

Kate’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE GAME AND THE GOVERNESS (Book 1) 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 Follow Kate Noble on Facebook.

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5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 23 – December 30, 2015

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Royal Savage by Victoria Ashley-Review and Book Tour

ROYAL SAVAGE by Victoria Ashley-Review and Book Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2015

ROYAL SAVAGE

I CAN’T CLOSE MY EYES… I refuse to. Every time I do, all I see is blood, death, and pain. I can feel it – almost taste it, bringing me back to that night. It doesn’t matter that I’m still breathing; I no longer need it, I no longer want it. I despise it along with everything else around me. The only thing I long for is to fucking fade away. I’ve given up. Until her at least…

AVALON.

She comes into my world, knocking me on my ass. It turns me on to have her around me. Makes me want to wrap my hand around her tight little throat and fuck her until she feels my pain, feels the monster in me, but also makes me want to protect her from the very thing that she should be afraid of… me. Once she sees the damage that I’m capable of; she’ll look at me like everyone else around me does: with fear.

AVALON KNIGHT

HIS EYES… THE DARKNESS IN them draws me to him, making me want to taste him, feel him… and save him. I shouldn’t have gotten on the back of his motorcycle that day. I know that now. Colton warned me. I was told it was dangerous. I was told that nothing would be the same. He was right.

ROYAL is dangerous, dark, and seductive; the very thing that keeps me hanging on, willing to give my last breath just to touch him… breathe him in. He’s savage, inked, and highly captivating. So different from his brother… He’s hazardous to my health, mind, and body, yet the only thing that I crave. I want to free him. I want to change his mind, but I’m afraid that he’s already too faded…

•••••••

REVIEW: ROYAL SAVAGE by Victoria Ashley is the story about a man who has lost everything that mattered until the day Avalon Knight walked into his life. Royal’s nights and days are shrouded in demons from the past; the dark memories that shatter what little semblance of control our hero possesses, and it is these memories that push Royal to act out against anyone who crosses his path. Royal is the ultimate bad body; the tall, dark, troubled, and tatted bar owner/ tattoo artist who is fiercely protective of the people he loves but those people are few and far between. Royal is a man estranged from his family, who wants to be left alone, to brood in his grief and need for revenge.

Avalon Knight is a reformed bad girl; a hair stylist whose personal life is wrapped up in boredom and a man whose sexual prowess leaves much to be desired. But the day Avalon accidentally walks into the bedroom of a man who exudes danger and power, is the day Avalon begins to reconsider what it is in life she truly wants. Royal is the man who sets into motion a need and desperation so deep that Avalon finds herself falling for a man who is unable to let go of the past. When Avalon gets too close, Royal walks away leaving a trail of destruction and tears in his path.

ROYAL SAVAGE is a heartbreaking story line about a man who has suffered too much pain and loss, and survives only because of his need for retribution and vengeance. The premise is staggering, riveting and dramatic; a roller coaster of emotions that intensify as the storyline and relationship build. The characters are encouraging, tragic, passionate and heartbreaking; the romance is traumatic in its presentation. There are a couple of predictable twists and turns; and the introduction of Blain, Jax and Madison add much needed support and love. Victoria Ashley’s ROYAL SAVAGE will be remembered for a very long time.

And who doesn’t love Josh Mario on the cover !!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

 

As soon as we step into the hall, all I hear are the sounds of a tattoo gun buzzing. It echoes throughout the small hallway, making me nervous now.
I stop and look through the open door at Royal and my heart literally skips a beat at the sight of him. He’s leaned over, concentrating on some middle-aged man’s back piece that he’s working on. Jax is chilling next to him, watching, them both looking just as sexy as the other night.
Madison stops next to me, raising a brow as she sets sights on Royal as well. “Well spank my ass and call me Sally,” Madison says with a moan. “Sexy, sinful, tattoo heaven… I’m never leaving. Just saying.”
Royal glances up with a snarl, but then turns his gun off and sets it down when his eyes land on me, watching me watch him. “We’re done for tonight,” he says to his client. “Jax will call you a cab.”
Looking as if he’s not bothered one bit by Royal dismissing him, he stands up, grabs for a stained up white shirt, and walks past us, almost falling into the wall.
Jax stands up and reaches for a bottle of Vodka, pouring five shots. “Did Blaine here give you guys a tour of the building on the way in? Zip up your shit, dude.”
“Fuck off,” Blaine says playfully, snatching up one of the shots while zipping his fly.
I turn my eyes back in Royal’s direction, but keep my head still so he doesn’t notice me watching him.
He looks conflicted as he starts cleaning his table and chair off. “Didn’t think you’d be back,” he says stiffly. “You change your mind on that tattoo?”
I grab a shot glass when Jax hands one to Madison first and then myself. “Your friend asked us to come and my friend here, forced me to agree.” I throw my shot back, emptying the glass, hoping for some kind of liquid courage. “So here I am.”
With stiff muscles, Royal stands up straight and grabs the last shot glass, slamming it back, before shoving the empty glass at Jax. “Come here,” he demands.
I stand here for a second, not moving, until Madison shoves me forward and calls me a pussy. I look back at her and glower, before stopping in front of Royal.
Grabbing my hand he pulls me to him, and grabs my hips, digging his hands in. “I have the perfect spot for your first tattoo.” Reaching for the bottom of my dress, he lifts the front so only he can see, and runs his thumb over my hipbone. “Perfect.”
Yanking my dress down, I back away and watch him as he starts preparing his tattoo equipment. “I never said I was going to let you tattoo me.”
His jaw clenches as he looks back at me. “You scared that Colton is going to be pissed or some shit?”
I shake my head. “At this point, I could care less about what he thinks. As far as I’m concerned, we’re on a break.”
“Okay…” He sits down and runs a hand through his messy hair, his eyes studying mine. “You don’t want one then?”
“I do,” I say quickly, realizing that I do, but I’m just being a pussy, exactly what Madison called me.
“Come on, Ava,” Madison says from behind me. “We’re already here and from what I can see, Royal is very capable of giving great tattoos. I’ll let Blaine over there tat me up next.”
Royal raises a brow in question, when I turn back to him. “What do you say, babe? Take that damn dress off for me?”
I swallow and look around the room. Having three other sets of eyes on me is making me nervous, extremely nervous.
“Out,” Royal suddenly barks out. “Keep the girl close by and make sure Porter stays away from her. He’s on some shit tonight.”
“Madison can stay,” I say firmly, not wanting to send her away. “I don’t care if she watches.”
Madison looks between Jax and Blaine and bites her bottom lip. It’s clear what she wants to do, and that’s most likely both of them. “I’ll be good with the boys. Plus, I want to check out the party animals in the next room.”
I take a deep breath and watch Madison as she follows Jax and Blaine out the door, shutting it behind her with a wink.
I suddenly feel nervous, realizing that I’m alone with Royal. He’s so damn intense that I have no idea what to expect from him.
“Lay down.”
Swallowing, I sit down on the black, leather chair that is already laid back into a bed. I jump from the coldness on my skin, but then close my eyes and get comfortable, waiting on Royal’s next move.
With my eyes still closed, I can see the shadow from him standing above me, before I feel his rough hands brush my upper thighs as he grips my dress and lifts it, stopping just under my breasts.
“Any certain design? I can do it all.”
“A feather,” I say softly. “Blue with purple highlights; feminine and pretty. Can you do that?”
He lifts an eyebrow while pulling on a pair of black gloves. “I can definitely do feminine and pretty. Like I said, I do it all.”
I suck in a breath and grip the seat, when I feel his hands brush against my skin as he prepares to mark me for life.
Grabbing my hand, he places it on his thick thigh. My heart speeds up from the feel of his muscular leg beneath my palm. “If it hurts, dig into my leg and take it out on me. It will help you feel better.”
I hear the buzzing of the gun and instantly grip his thigh, feeling anxious. When I open an eye to peek up at him, he’s smirking.
“Ready?”
I nod my head. “Mmm hmm…”
I feel my fingers dig deep into the denim of his thigh as the needle hits my sensitive flesh. My stomach instantly sinks and I flinch, more unprepared than I thought.
I do my best to keep my eyes closed through most of it, but then open my eyes closer to the end, when my skin starts to feel numb. It’s a bit of a relief.
Royal’s face is stern, set in a line of concentration. I notice that he even bites his bottom lip once in a while when he really gets into a good spot. I find myself watching him, my legs slightly opening, as I get lost in my own little world. He’s delicious to watch. There is absolutely no denying that.
Royal’s hand gripping my thigh wakes me from the moment, snapping my eyes up to his.
He pushes my legs together. “Keep those things closed, unless you want me between them,” he growls.
I squeeze my legs together, slightly moaning as the thought of him between my legs causes my body to clench and jerk.
“Is it almost done?” I ask, hoping to come back to reality… the one where he’ll never be between my legs.
“Almost…”
Getting lost in the way that his jaw muscles tighten as he adds the finishing touches, my legs relax and slightly open again.
Tossing his tattoo gun aside, Royal stands up and growls, gripping my hips and pulling me down to the end of the chair, until his jean-covered erection is pressed against my pussy. A shock of pleasure runs through my core as he presses against it.
His right hand digs into my hip as the left one tightens around my neck. His eyes meet mine for a brief moment, before his right hand slides down my thigh and he releases my neck, stepping back.
“Keep flashing that smooth little pussy at me… Fuck, Avalon.” His jaw ticks as he looks between my thighs one last time. “Those little underwear don’t cover much.”
“Sorry,” I say in aggravation. “I got comfortable a couple times and wasn’t thinking. I didn’t expect you to get a fucking hard-on over it and freak out.”
Letting out a long breath, Royal sits back down, grabs my hand, and places it back on his thigh. Except this time, I can almost feel the shape of his hard dick above my fingers. I suck in a breath at the near contact.
“This last part might hurt; especially now that we’ve taken an unwanted break. Hold still.”

 

 

About The Author Black and Red

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Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.

She lives for a good romance book with bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows.

She is the author of Wake Up Call, This Regret, Slade, Hemy, Cale, Get Off On The Pain, Something For The Pain and Thrust.

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Love: Uncivilized (Uncivilized 1.5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

LOVE UNCIVILIZED (Uncivilized 1.5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

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Love: Uncivilized
Uncivilized 1.5
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: December 15, 2015

Love Uncivilized

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 15, 2015

How did things ever get to be so difficult?

Nearly eight years of marriage.
Two kids.
Hectic careers and major life choices.

Throw in sexual frustration, doubts, insecurities and one wild man not completely tamed by society, and you have a Christmas that’s bound to get out of control. Zacharias Easton will show you just how uncivilized love can be.

** Love: Uncivilized is a follow up novella to the book, Uncivilized. While it can be read as a stand alone, it is best appreciated after having read Uncivilized first.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVE UNCIVILIZED is the continuing story of Zach and Moira first introduced in Sawyer Bennett’s UNCIVILIZED storyline. Zach was raised in the Amazon jungle and his foray into civilization has brought with it some uncivilized notions and sexual needs. LOVE UNCIVILIZED focuses on Zach and Moira’s relationship, their marriage and growing family eight years after the events of book one-the novella should not be read as a stand alone.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Zach and Moira) LOVE UNCIVILIZED looks at the struggles of having it all-love, marriage, family, success and a healthy and active sex life. Zach’s work hours take him away from his family and the love of his life; Moira is battling her desire to be a stay at home mom and the call of a career outside of the home. With their anniversary and the Christmas holidays approaching, Zach is torn between his family and the need to prove himself worthy of being CEO. What ensues are Moira’s struggles to remain happy in the face of her struggling marriage, and Zach’s need to keep his family together.

LOVE UNCIVILIZED is a familiar scenario for many married and co-habitating couples when work and careers seem to take over one another’s lives. Late nights, early mornings, two young children, and the hit and miss of a satisfying sex life all add to an increasingly dissatisfying life. Moira and Zach will have to take time to ‘smell the proverbial roses’ or risk losing one another without ever knowing. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative, erotic and intense-Zach is a wild man; an alpha male who likes control both in and out of the bedroom.

LOVE UNCIVILIZED is provocative and passionate; an honest account about the daily struggles and issue that many couples face. The premise is heartbreaking and familiar but in the end Zach knows that save his marriage and his family, he has to step back and take stock of what is important in his life.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of UNCIVILIZED (Book 1)

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post=Black and Red

Love: Uncivilized Blog Tour – 25 Facts about Sawyer Bennett

1. I am a lawyer by trade, but stopped practicing to write full-time in 2014. I still maintain an active law license.
2. Some of the scenarios in the Legal Affairs Series are loosely based on real-life court cases. Though sadly, none of the naughty office shenanigans are real.
3. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails was on repeat while writing Off Limits. That was my theme song for the book.
4. In Off the Record, Linc and Ever go to assist with clean-up efforts following a tornado in Oklahoma. This was taken from my personal experience of assisting with the clean-up efforts in Joplin, MO following an EF5 tornado on May 22, 2011.
5. My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and my dogs are named after the main characters, Atticus and Scout.
6. My dad owned a bar when I was growing up, so I spent a lot of time there slinging beer. It was part of my inspiration for the Last Call Series.
7. Jackson Hole, WY is one of my favorite places ever, and if I had it my way, I’d retire there.
8. I swam with stingrays just after Steve Irwin was tragically killed by one.
9. There is no room in my life for spiders. None. Kill them all dead. Ryker’s fear of spiders came from my own fears.
10. I am teaching my almost 2-year-old daughter to love and appreciate all things Harry Potter.
11. But that doesn’t mean I don’t give in and let her watch Barney to keep her entertained. I love that big, purple dinosaur more than I ever imagined possible.
12. I wrote my first new adult book, Off Sides, as a dare from my husband.
13. I make a mean Bloody Mary.
14. I played volleyball in college.
15. I am a born and raised North Carolinian.
16. I love all things Pittsburgh: Steelers, Penguins, Primanti Brothers, etc.
17. I am a huge Ohio State fan and used to have a dog named Buckeye. O-H…
18. While I love all the men in the Cold Fury Series, Ryker is my favorite. Something about his character really spoke to me, and I found him to be very swoony when all was said and done.
19. Some of the content in Wicked Fall (and the upcoming Wicked Lust) was far outside of my realm of knowledge, and has led to some very questionable (and informative) Google searches.
20. I had the title for Uncivilized before I ever knew what the book would be about. I just loved that title and knew I needed to use it, and then were born Zacharias and Moira.
21. I once planned and booked a two-week car/ train trip through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Hungary for my husband’s 40th birthday party using nothing but Google Maps.
22. Next to spiders, I’m terrified of sharks. I refuse to get in the ocean.
23. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my all time favorite show. I have all 7 seasons on DVD and I’m actually embarrassed to tell you how many times I’ve watched all 7 seasons.
24. I just started learning the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and it’s scary how much I enjoy punching and hitting things.
25. I have a tropical Goby fish I named Fred. He intimidates me. He fluffs up the sand into a pile, sits on top of it and glares at me.

About the author

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

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Mine to Protect (Mine #6) by Cynthia Eden-a review

MINE TO PROTECT (Mine #6) by Cynthia Eden-a review

Mine to Protect

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 15, 2015

He agreed to protect her…not love her.

Victor Monroe left behind a brutal past when he decided to become an FBI Agent. He knows that other agents think he’s too cold, that he has ice in his veins, but he doesn’t care what folks say about him. He gets the job done–always. No matter the cost.

Then he’s blackmailed into guarding…her.

Zoe Peters, ex-showgirl, daughter of a mob boss and drug dealer, a witness who wants to vanish. Zoe is wild, beautiful, and on far too many hit lists. It’s now Victor’s job to keep her safe–a job that Zoe makes damn difficult. But keeping her alive is his mission. It’s supposed to be strictly professional between them. Just another case. Only…

He never counted on falling for her.

Zoe is not the woman he expected. She isn’t cold or hard. She lights up the room when she walks into it, and despite the hell surrounding her, Zoe is good. Probably too good for Victor because Zoe doesn’t know about the secret deal that Victor worked out with her father. Zoe doesn’t know that Victor intended to use her for information and then turn her over to waiting operatives.

Desire wasn’t supposed to enter the equation. The white-hot lust he feels for Zoe should have never threatened Victor’s legendary self-control. But she’s under his skin…melting his ice…getting to him… Soon Victor doesn’t care about the law or about the lines he has to cross for Zoe. She is his priority. Victor will not rest until every threat to her has been eliminated. And then…

Zoe will be his.

•••••

REVIEW: MINE TO PROTECT is the sixth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult MINE romantic suspense series. This is FBI agent Victor Monroe, and former Vegas showgirl and mob daughter Zoe Peters’s storyline. MINE TO PROTECT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives, MINE TO PROTECT focuses on the protection of Zoe Peters. Zoe is the daughter of a powerful and infamous mob boss-a man who continues to control his empire behind bars-but a man who is willing to kill anyone who stands in his way. When a two million dollar hit is taken out on Zoe’s life, the FBI try to stay one step ahead of the people gunning for Zoe’s life-enter Victor Monroe-the FBI agent assigned to Zoe’s protection and the man who is willing to give up everything to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. There is only one issue standing between Victor and Zoe’s protection-Victor needs some information from Zoe and the only way he can make her talk is to ensure she trusts him with her body and her heart.

We are reintroduced to Elizabeth and Saxon Black (Mine to Have #5), as well as Jasmine and Drake Archer (Mine to Hold #4). Victor’s connection to each of these couples is paramount to the storyline premise.

The relationship between Victor and Zoe has been building for several months while Victor is entrusted with Zoe’s protection. But Zoe is a woman determined to find her missing friend, and with it comes the probability that the people hunting Zoe will find our heroine before she has a chance to discover the whereabouts of her only friend.

MINE TO PROTECT is a story of mystery and suspense; romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak. Zoe is a strong female character but her need to strike out on her own places her in several dangerous situations. Victor is a man with many secrets; some of these secrets he would die to protect and Zoe pushes all of Victor’s buttons-both good and bad; protective and alpha.

Cynthia Eden writes another entertaining, action packed story of intrigue and suspense. The $ex scenes are seductive and intimate. The characters are likeable, intense and colourful; the happily ever after finds our couple starting a new life with the possibility of a future together.

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Billionaire Between the Sheets by Katie Lane-a review

A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS ( The Unexpected Billionaires #1) by Katie Lane-a review

A Billionaire Between the Sheets

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

Overnight billionaires, the Beaumont brothers are thrust into life in the fast lane with exotic cars, private jets . . . and sex and success on their minds.

A commanding presence in the boardroom and the bedroom, Deacon Beaumont has come to save the failing company French Kiss. He was born to be boss in this glamorous new world of lacy lingerie and stunning supermodels. But one bold and beautiful woman dares to question his authority.

Olivia Harrington has dedicated her life to the company’s success. Just because Deacon is sexy as hell doesn’t mean he’ll make a better CEO. With a limitless supply of push-up bras and garter belts, Olivia turns her considerable feminine charms on Deacon to discover what makes him tick . . . and reveals instead the billion reasons why she wants him to stay.

••••••••

REVIEW: A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS is the first installment in Katie Lane’s contemporary, adult THE UNEXPECTED BILLIONAIRES romance series. This is lingerie designer Olivia Harrington, and Deacon Beaumont’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS focuses on the French Kiss lingerie company, and the new owners Deacon, Grayson and Nash Beaumont-three brothers from the Louisiana Bayou who inherited controlling stocks in their uncle’s dying business. Deacon, Grayson, Nash and their father Donny Jon Beaumont are the poor Beaumont’s from the other side of the tracks, and it has been years since their uncle wanted anything to do with this side of the family. Enter Olivia Harrington, their uncle’s step daughter, and the woman who offers the brothers fifty-million dollars each for their shares in French Kiss lingerie. What ensues is Deacon’s endeavor to save the company from bankruptcy while fighting off his feelings for Olivia Harrington.

The storyline follows the building relationship between Olivia and Deacon, and Deacon’s desire to destroy the man who left everything he owned to the Beaumont brothers. Deacon believes there is more to ‘uncle Michael’ than anyone knows, and he is willing to destroy the man’s reputation and name by taking over the company and proving the previous owner knew nothing about running a successful business. But first, Deacon sets out to seduce Olivia Harrington hoping to ensure that ownership stays in the brother’s hands. The romance takes our couple from New York to Paris, elegant dinners and quickies in the boardroom-the $ex scenes are intimate without the use of graphic erotic imagery.

We are introduced to Deacon’s brothers-Nash and Grayson-a couple of lighthearted brothers who are willing to step up and help Olivia with what needs to be done. We are also introduced to several employees of French Kiss lingerie including PA Kelly, attorney Jason, and French designer Babette who likes to bedazzle men’s thongs and underwear; and Olivia’s eccentric and naked neighbors who are more like former hippies than aging members of society.

A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS has a little bit of everything: intrigue, mystery and suspense; sex, romance and love; family secrets, lies and misunderstandings. The premise is entertaining and fast paced; the characters are colorful, animated –the Beaumont brothers are full of mischief and fun; the romance is a roller coaster ride to a happily ever after. Katie Lane’s A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS is a fun, flirty and great introduction to a new series about billionaire brothers and the women they love.

Copy supplied by Goodreads First Reads.

Reviewed by Sandy

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First Touch (First and Last #1) by Laurelin Paige-a review

FIRST TOUCH (First and Last #1) by Laurelin Paige-a review

First Touch

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About the book: Release Date December 29, 2015

When Emily Wayborn goes home to visit her mom while on hiatus from her hit TV show, she receives a voicemail from her former best friend, Amber. Though the two were once notorious party girls, they haven’t spoken in years. Although the message might sound benign to anyone else, Amber uses a safe word that Emily recognizes, a word they always used to get out of sticky situations during their wild days. And what’s more chilling than the voicemail: it turns out that Amber has gone missing.

Determined to track down her friend, Emily follows a chain of clues that lead her to the enigmatic billionaire Reeve Sallis, a hotelier known for his shady dealings and play boy reputation. Now, in order to find Amber, Emily must seduce Reeve to learn his secrets and discover the whereabouts of her friend. But as she finds herself more entangled with him, she finds she’s drawn to Reeve for more than just his connection to Amber, despite her growing fear that he may be the enemy. When she’s forced to choose where her loyalty lies, how will she decide between saving Amber and saving her heart?

•••••••••

REVIEW: FIRST TOUCH is the first installment in Laurelin Paige’s contemporary, adult FIRST AND LAST dark, erotic romance series. This is actress Emily Wayborn, and billionaire hotel magnate Reeve Sallis’s storyline.

NOTE: The storyline contains triggers for some readers as it pertains to violence, rape, atypical sexual acts, and dubious consent.Some readers may be offended by some of the storyline content-you have been warned.

Told from first person point of view (Emily) FIRST TOUCH follows Emily Wayborn as she searches for the truth. Months earlier, our heroine, hears a phone message from a friend she hasn’t seen for close to seven years-a phone message using a safe word the friends had promised to use if ever they were in trouble. What ensues, is Emily’s hunt for the truth-a hunt that begins with the last person known to have seen Amber alive-billionaire hotelier Reeve Sallis. Emily will begin to seduce her way into Reeve’s life and his heart ensuring she has a front row seat when the truth is finally revealed.

FIRST TOUCH is a slow build to a suspense filled and intriguing cliff hanger that will only create more questions than answers; a dark, erotic romance that focuses on two people whose lives are interconnected through a missing woman-a woman Emily presumes to be dead. Emily and Reeve’s taste for the darker side of sex borders on deviance: fantasies that go beyond BDSM and role play; and questionable consent. Our leading couple straddles a fine line between right and wrong: trust must be earned; boundaries are pushed; control and power are at the center of all negotiations. While our heroine continues to search for the truth, she begins to lose herself to a man who is capable of destroying her world. So many clues are interspersed throughout the storyline premise.

Laurelin Paige pushes the reader into an unimaginable world; a place where our thoughts go but our heart does not belong; a story that will command your attention until the very end. But I want to add, that sometimes an author goes for ‘shock value’ in the storyline content, and I have to wonder if that is the purpose for some of the graphic imagery.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

City of GoldAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death…

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in Cambodia. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse—the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

 

 

Review:

City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold is the 1st book in her new Matthew Connor Adventure series. I have read two of Carolyn’s other series, which are Police/FBI themed stories. It was a surprise that she was going a different direction with this new series, which is more like an Indiana Jones mystery archaeology theme; especially since Arnold is one of the best at police stories, with her wonderful knowledge of police procedurals. I am happy to say, even to my own surprise, that I really enjoyed City of Gold.

Matthew Connor is our hero, and a well known Archaeologist. From the start, the story begins with Matthew and his friends Cal and Robyn having just found a priceless artifact, running for their lives, literally over the cliff. Now safely back home at a Gala celebrating the finding, Cal tells Matthew about his girlfriend’s worry that someone is following them. A short time later, they learn information that could possibly lead to finding the legendary myth, City of Gold. All three are interested, though doubtful that it was real, since many people have searched for this for centuries. They are also very tired and need time, maybe months to consider if this adventure is worth undertaking.

As best laid plans do not always work out, someone is watching them, and wants the Pandu artifact that is now securely locked in a museum; and they have kidnapped Sophie, Cal’s friend. Matthew knows he cannot get the artifact anymore, and uses the temptation of finding the City of Gold to bargain with the kidnapper to save Sophie.

What follows is an exciting action packed adventure that will take Matthew, Robyn and Cal, as well as two people from the kidnapper’s side to Bolivia to join two guides who will help them try to find the City of Gold. For every step they take, danger and death threaten from all sides. The adventure was pulsating, and Arnold does a fantastic job of taking us through the jungle, caves, underground with many traps along the way.

Is the City of Gold real? Will Matthew and his team find it? Will they survive, and save Sophie? You need to read this book to find all the answers. This was a fun and exciting book, which I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed so much. I look forward to more from the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Carolyn Arnold has another winner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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Raw Edge of Danger (The Omega Team #1) by Desiree Holt-a review

RAW EDGE OF DANGER (The Omega Team #1) by Desiree Holt-a review

Raw Edge of Danger

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2015

Grey Holden was on a mission to find the source of illegal arms. The death of his best friend on a compromised mission left him filled with anger and dedicated to bringing down whoever was responsible. Athena Madero had her own mission, to take down a major politician who had been preying on young girls for a long time. She hated him enough to quit her job as a cop and go on her own hunt for evidence. When she and Grey crossed paths, chemistry sparked and suddenly, unexpectedly, shockingly, there was a lot more between them than searching for evidence and pinning down a traitor. In a split second, they were riding the raw edge of danger. Together.

••••••

REVIEW: RAW EDGE OF DANGER is the first installment in Desiree Holt’s contemporary, adult THE OMEGA TEAM erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former special ops soldier Grey Holden, and police officer Athena Madero’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Athena and Grey) RAW EDGE OF DANGER focuses on the take down of a US politician with connections to illegal arms dealings, as well as preying on young women and girls. When a mission overseas goes terribly wrong, Grey Holden promises his best friend that he will ferret out the person responsible, no matter how connected to the inside he or she may be. Enter Athena Madero-a cop who’s on a mission of her own-trying to stop the same man from destroying more lives with his physical abuse and emotional blackmail. What ensues is a partnership between Athena and Grey that will result in the formation of The Omega Team but not before taking down one of the most crooked politicians in Tampa, Florida.

The attraction between our couple is immediate although they meet accidentally while both are scoping out the offices of the man they have both targeted. While Grey holds ‘Athena’ as his temporary guest, our duo come to an understanding that both are working on the same side of the ‘law’. The $ex scenes are erotic, seductive and provocative. There is some mature sexual language and graphic sexual text.

RAW EDGE OF DANGER is a quick read; a suspense filled storyline that focuses on the betrayal against the USA by some of its’ very own. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are colorful, charismatic and intense but I would have liked some more background information about our leading couple; the happily ever after focuses on the future for The Omega Team.

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

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