Going Down Easy (Billionaire Bad Boys #1) by Carly Phillips-a review

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Sandy

GOING DOWN EASY (Billionaire Bad Boys #1) by Carly Phillips-a review

Going Down Easy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / ibooks/ Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

Meet Kaden Barnes.

Alpha-licious in the most unexpected ways, Kaden Barnes always gets what he wants.

Enigmatic and exacting, he’s unable to keep an assistant for long. Until Lexie Parker arrives. She’s no-nonsense, efficient and all business… She’s also hot as sin and soon starring in Kaden’s dirtiest fantasies.

When their passion for each other reaches a boiling point, Kaden may think he’s calling the shots, but for this billionaire bad boy, going down easy has never felt so good.

••••••••••

REVIEW: GOING DOWN EASY is the first installment in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS erotic, romance series-a spin off from her DARE TO LOVE SERIES. This is billionaire app developer Kaden Barnes, and PA Lexie Parker’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kade and Lexie) GOING DOWN EASY follows the building but forbidden office romance between billionaire businessman Kaden Barnes, and his new PA Lexie Parker. Lexie is in desperate need of a job following her sister’s latest spiral out of control, and the position of PA to Kaden Barnes is perfect for our story line heroine until the sexual attraction becomes too hot to handle. Giving into their desires, Kaden and Lexie begin an office romance but personal issues in both of their lives bring the romance to an early end. Kaden is being sued by a former business partner, and Lexie’s sister’s bipolar disorder is dangerously out of control.

The relationship between Lexie and Kaden begins professionally but Kaden soon discovers that his PA is a spitfire; a take charge woman he needs in both his professional and personal life.; and a woman who stands up to the man with whom she is falling in love. Lexie is a woman determined to keep her job and an office affair could mean a loss of income and respect. What ensues is a sexual relationship that is destroyed when a lack of trust and mistaken beliefs overpower feelings and emotions. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

We are introduced to Kaden’s business partners Derek West and Luke Monroe, as well as former friend Julian Dane- a man determined to destroy both Kaden’s personal and professional life. Wade Parker, Lexie’s long suffering father needs to step up and take responsibility for his family; and Lexie’s twin sister Kendall is a woman desperately searching for direction in her life.

The world building focuses on the relationship between Lexie and Kade, business partnerships, as well as issues of mental illness, recovery and the affects on family and friends.

GOING DOWN EASY is a relatable story on so many levels. The reality of mental illness is woven into the story as part of every day life. The premise is intelligent and encouraging; the characters are intimate and inspiring; the romance is passionate, sexual and intense. GOING DOWN EASY is a well written, evenly paced love story between two people whose lives are more similar than not.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.

Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Newsletter: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips
Amazon: http://amzn.to/29CYrpZ

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Bayou Nights by Julie Mulhern – a Review

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Barb

Bayou Nights by Julie Mulhern – a Review

Bayou Nights Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
New Orleans, 1903. Before he died, Christine Lambert’s father won a piece of eight in a poker game. How was he to know the coin was part of a puzzle that when solved revealed the location of Jean Laffite’s treasure? Now Christine must find the treasure before the killer beats her to it.

Matthias Blake is as out of place in New Orleans as a raven in a flock of hummingbirds. He has serious work to do and Christine is a distraction he doesn’t need. But how can he resist a lady in distress—even if that lady can win a fight armed with a hat pin? Together they must overcome their pasts and defeat dark forces sent by a shadowy evil. In the process, they just might find the greatest treasure of all…

Review:

Bayou Nights by Julie Mulhern is a wonderfully crafted historical read. The story begins with Christine Lambert, New Orleans, 1903. Christine is a milliner by trade and her ghost father Warwick is missing.

She is convinced that he has been kidnapped but she has no idea why. She sought help from her friend Trula and he was sending someone to help her find her father. Little did she know that what was sent to her may be a greater threat then what she now faces.

When Mattias Drake arrives in New Orleans to help a friend, he is none too happy. He is even more disgruntled when he realizes the man he came here to find is an actual ghost. His work has led him to work with ghosts in the past but finding a ghost in New Orleans is like finding a needle in a haystack. He arrives at MIss Lamberts hat shop only to walk in on her being assaulted. When the attacker winds up dead before him – Mattias is quick to realize there is a lot more supernatural going on here then he was expecting.

Christine Lambert is strong willed and iron hearted. She is bound and determined to find her missing ghost father. He was here a week or so ago and now he is gone. And weird things are beginning to happen. Zombies are coming after her and there seems to be a lot of people interested in the eight piece she wears around her neck. Given to her by her father before he disappeared. As luck would have it the helped she seeked is sent to her in a handsome, tall man named Mattias – and he is everything she insists she does not want in a man.

Having watched her mother suffer at the hand of her fathers gambling she knows that no man will ever be a part of her world. She doesn’t need one – she can take care of herself. But when her world comes crashing down and every paranormal element found in New Orleans is after her – she realizes the one person she can truly trust is the one she is fighting to close her heart off to.

Mattias Drake has had his fair share of loss. His mother lost her life following his father into the same line of work. His sister – the same.

Every woman that is close to him seems to die. He has no desire to find love or a woman to share his life with. That may be hard to accomplish when everything in his body responds to the silly milliner with the strong will. Mattias is the strong brooding type that will always help a woman in distress. Little does he know that this woman – Christine – may just be the death of him. The story takes you on a wonderful paranormal experience through New Orleans. And history abounds in the back story – leading you to wanting to know more and wanting to explore everything further.

The characters relationship evolves and pulls you in. The characters mesh extremely well – even when they don’t get along – you want nothing more than the magic that is New Orleans to overtake them and embrace them. I love a story of romance with a dash of paranormal on the side and this story did not disappoint. From zombies, to pirates, to book’s and voodoo priestesses – this story does not disappoint – you will take a journey through the bayou with an amazing story-teller.

I am looking forward to reading more of Miss Mulherns’ historical romances. This is a must read if you love anything and everything New Orleans.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Barb

Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

Bound to the Bounty Hunter Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Harlan Franco, Colorado’s busiest bounty hunter and security expert, lives by his own rules: be in control, be detached, and never mix business with pleasure. These rules are tested when the woman he’s being paid to secretly guard is none other than the sexy, unpredictable, pain in the butt, Sophie Callaghan––a woman determined to stay away from him. If Sophie finds out he’s in her life on an assignment, he’ll never get the info he needs. But those lips, those curves, that attitude… If he could only have her for one night where she’d play by his rules.

Freedom-loving private investigator Sophie Callaghan is on a mission. The daughter of a con-artist is not going to be used by a man again. What she doesn’t need is hot, broody, and controlling Harlan barging into her life. Her brain may say no, but her body craves this bad boy.

After a night where both live out their darkest desires, Sophie tries to fight the explosive chemistry between them. But the ties that bind her heart to this bounty hunter are tight and tangled.

Review:

Bound To The Bounty Hunter is book one in the Bound Series by Hayson Manning.

Sophie Callaghan is a private investigator. And she is bound and determined to correct the wrongs of her con-man preacher father who has passed away. She works several jobs along with her investigating business to repay all the victims one by one that were swindled by her father. Her latest investigation takes her to Hostage, a local sex club that she is hoping will lead her to more information on Vladimir Petrov, billionaire shipping magnate. For some reason she found a journal dedicated to Petrov in her father’s belongings. And she will stop at nothing to find out what the connection is.

While at Hostage, her worst nightmare walks in, Harlan Franco, bad ass bounty hunter. She despises him with a passion – and she has every right to. Eighteen months earlier – when they were tailing the same bounty – she was caught off guard and found herself in Harlan’s arms. When they returned to his hotel room – what started as hot and heavy – ended with Harlan locking her in the bathroom in her underwear just so he could snag the bounty. As much as Sophie despises him – her body betrays her every time she is near him. But little does she know, Harlan’s new assignment is her. And he is going to use everything thing in his power to get the information he needs from her.

But will she finally open up to the man she so hates? Will he even be able to break the surface of who she is? And at what cost will it be if she finds out he is just doing a job?

Sophie is headstrong, stubborn and more than anything in control of her life and herself. She doesn’t mess around and isn’t afraid to even go one on one in the boxing ring with a man. But every fiber of her being cannot stand Harlan. She wants more than anything to hate him. But every time she is in his presence her body betrays her. She cannot control herself around him, and in turn makes very bad decisions when he is around. I loved Sophie! She is funny and strong and will kick butt if she needs to. She isn’t afraid to step to Harlan or anyone else who steps to her. Her back story is tragic and her father scum – but she is doing everything she can to correct his wrongs – even though she shouldn’t have to. I loved her snarkiness with Harlan – and their relationship builds into an amazing crescendo.

Sophie life hasn’t been easy and it’s hard for her to let anyone in – but you can tell more than anything that she wants and needs these kinds of relationships in her life. As hard and rough as she can be at times I loved when she melted into Harlan and her whole demeanor became soft and gentle.

Harlan is a tall, dark and handsome drink of water – the stuff book boyfriends are made of. You know a character and a story is good when you give him a real life persona (Trace Adkins in this case) in your own mind and go with it for the entirety! I loved Harlan – from the first moment you meet him – you wanted to know more – to tear away his layers and his clothes all at the same time. He tried everything to resist the temptation of touching Sophie. God knows that is all he thinks about. Wanting her, touching her, tasting her. When her life becomes endangered he realizes that he will do anything to protect her – and that anything includes moving in with her. Sophie realizes she may be over her head with whoever is after her and reluctantly agrees to allow Harlan to move in for the time being. What ensues with them spending more time together was magical. If they were separated for any length of time, you can’t wait for them to be back together.

This story is fast paced and definitely a page turner. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The secondary characters were amazing and I am hoping and praying that each of them has their own story to be told. And I am not afraid to admit that this story had one of the best intimate scenes that I have ever read. Steamy, hot and erotic is an understatement, completely left me wanting more. I look forward to more books in the Bound series and I will never forget Harlan Franco.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Wicked Sexy (Wicked Games #2) by J.T.Geissinger-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Sandy

WICKED SEXY (Wicked Games #2) by J.T. Geissinger-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Wicked Sexy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

A badass ex-Special Ops officer and a smartass hacker fight a dangerous enemy…and a blistering attraction to each other.

Connor Hughes is an ex-special ops officer, CEO of Metrix Security, and bonafide badass. His private security firm is renowned for its effectiveness. He’s renowned for his lethal precision and iron self-control. But when the former Marine meets a gorgeous young hacker with a mouth as smart as her brain, his control unravels in ways he never could have predicted.

Tabitha West is a genius MIT dropout with a bad attitude, an obsession with Hello Kitty and piercings in unmentionable places. Tabby amuses herself by outwitting the most secure technology systems on the planet. Known in hacker circles as Polaroid due to her photographic memory, she’s as secretive as she is accustomed to working alone. So when Connor decides she’s the only one who can help him catch a cyber criminal intent on taking down one of his clients, she tells him exactly where he can stick it.

But when the cyber criminal turns out to be the Hannibal Lecter of computer crime—and a dark presence from Tabby’s past—Tabby and Connor are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. They quickly find themselves fighting not only their common enemy, but also an explosive desire that threatens to consume them.

When the stakes are this high and the game this deadly, will falling in love be the most dangerous move of all?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED SEXY is the second installment in J.T. Geissinger’s fantastic contemporary, adult WICKED GAMES erotic, romantic suspense series. This is security specialist Connor Hughes, and IT whiz Tabitha West’s story line. WICKED SEXY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Tabby and Connor were first introduced to the reader in book one Wicked Beautiful.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Connor and Tabby) WICKED SEXY focuses on the hunt for a cyber criminal intent on destroying business woman and movie mogul Miranda Lawson. When Miranda hires security specialist and former special ops agent Connor Hughes, she demands that he bring in smart mouthed, IT genius Tabitha West to aid in the investigation and take down of the internet hacker known only as Maelstrom. What ensues is a set up involving many branches of the US government, and the building relationship between Connor and Tabitha- a relationship fraught with heated tension, secrets and a palpable sexual energy.

The relationship between Connor and Tabby begins acrimoniously. Tabby wants nothing to do with the strong, alpha, and smart security specialist, mercenary and former Marine but her attraction to Connor is off the charts. Their back and forth, yin and yang bickering and innuendo is fast paced and filled with verbal sexual foreplay, tension and banter. Connor has wanted Tabby since the first time they met; Tabby does her best to push Connor out of her life and in doing so becomes the bait to pull in the cyber attacker. The $ex scenes are erotic, intimate and intense.

We are introduced to a number of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the NSA and FBI. Connor’s best friend Ryan T. McLean is a man determined to protect Connor’s back and his heart. I am hoping JT writes a story for Ryan McLean.

WICKED SEXY is an amazing and fascinating story with many twist and turns; an intriguing, well developed and researched tale of cyber crime and internet technology in the hands of a psychotic genius. Tabitha’s past is heartbreaking-so many losses but it is the true nature and extent of the losses that add another layer onto the ever mounting hoard of secrets from the past. The premise is incredible and moving; the characters are passionate, dynamic and intense; the romance is provocative and explosive. J. T. Geissinger is a phenomenal author whose writing with captive your imagination, leaving your breathless and wanting more.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of WICKED BEAUTIFUL-book one

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Wicked Sexy Teaser

excerpt

For a moment Connor just examines my face in silence. There’s a strange tension in him, a stillness, like a held breath but in his entire body. Then he abruptly swings around in his seat so he’s facing me, his massive thighs on either side of my bar stool, his booted feet planted on the floor.Trapping me.“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask, my voice high with panic.“Got something to say to you. It’s important, so don’t talk until the end.”He looks dangerously intense. His dark eyes are heated, drilling into mine. His cheeks are flushed from the fire, or from something else, but I don’t have time to think about what that something else might be because he opens his mouth and starts to speak, and my brain faints dead away, leaving me to fend for myself.“I want you. Bad. Don’t know exactly why, you’re a complete pain in my ass and pretty much the most contrary, foul-tempered woman I’ve ever met, and you’ve made it really clear what you think about me, but every time I look at you I have an almost overpowering urge to touch you, kiss you, do a lot of bad things to you, and I don’t know how to manage it. Yeah, it might be more prudent for me to keep this shit to myself, but I know that when you don’t talk about shit it festers, gets worse, and if the way I feel about you gets any worse I won’t be able to put my goddamn shoes on in the morning. So I’m putting it out there.”He takes a breath. Deeply shocked, I stare at him with my mouth open, my heart up in my throat.“We’re both professionals. We have a job to do. And I don’t mix business with pleasure. Ever. But the way I figure it, we’ve got one more night until the work actually starts, and if I don’t do something to get you straight in my head I won’t be able to do the job at all.”He stops abruptly. Then he waits, watching me with unwavering intensity as I attempt to digest what just happened.I whisper in disbelief, “You’re propositioning me?”His gaze drops to my lips. When he looks back into my eyes, his own are burning. “You liked that kiss.”He gives me time to deny it, but I don’t. How could I? We both know I’d be lying.He adds, “And you called me hot, so I know you don’t think I’m a complete troll, even though you act like you do.”“That was an accident.”“Yep.” He nods. “And you fuckin’ hated yourself for it. Which is why I know it was true.”Things are happening in my body. My nipples harden, my breath quickens, there is a distinctive throb and ache between my legs. All because this jarhead I hate just told me he wants to do bad things to me.Bad things. Dear God, were any two sexier words ever spoken?

About The Author

J.T. Geissinger is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of smart, sexy romance. Writing in the contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance genres, her eleven published novels all include a high level of sensuality, intense emotional connections, and plot twists galore.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and was a finalist for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

She loves to interact with readers, so please join her private Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and a chance to get advance reader copies of her new releases.

Connect with J.T.:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Bossman (Dirty Office Romance #1) by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Sandy

Bossman (Dirty Office Romance #1 ) by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

BOSSMAN
Dirty Office Romance #1
By Vi Keeland
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: July 18, 2016

Bossman

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /B&N / KOBO / itunes / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2016

The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn’t exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business—his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business—and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn’t help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us—telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I’d never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I’d run into him again in a city with eight million people?
Then again…

What were the chances a month later he’d wind up being my new sexy boss?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BOSSMAN is the first installment in Vi Keeland’s adult, contemporary Dirty Office erotic, romance series This is business entrepreneur Chase Parker, and advertising and promotions executive Reese Annesley’s story line

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chase and Reese) using present day and memories from the past, BOSSMAN looks at the forbidden relationship between Chase Parker and Reese Annesley. Reese is desperate to escape her current employer-a failed office ‘romance’, and being overlooked for promotion meant Reese was on the fast track, going nowhere. An accidental meeting at a local bar with Chase Parker found our heroine on the receiving end of a night filled with stories and sexual attraction leading Reese to an interview and the possibility of a new job at Parker’s company. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between boss and employee, and Chase’s struggle to let go of the past.

Both Reese and Chase have suffered tragedy in their pasts. Reese’s inability to feel safe is a reminder of what happened years before; Chase’s guilt and grief prevent our story line hero from moving forward in his personal life-in this, Chase begins to push Reese away but not before breaking her heart one last time.

The attraction and chemistry between Chase and Reese is immediate and palpable but our couple are at odds about what they want going into the future. Chase owns the company for which Reese works, and Reese has already suffered through a failed, office fling. There is plenty of sexual banter and sinful innuendo, and of course the requisite curious concerns when Reese’s fellow employees become aware of her office romance with the bossman. The $ex scenes are intimate, sexy and seductive.

We are introduced to several secondary and supporting characters including Reese’s best friend Jules, her brother Owen, and a number of employees at Parker Industries. Samantha Richmond, Chase’s best friend since childhood, is a font of information about Chase’s past; and Reese’s immediate boss Josh Lange has too many concerns about Reese’s relationship with the company owner.

BOSSMAN is a fun and sexy read. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow when Chase’s past becomes his present. The angst is grounded in grief and guilt-an emotion Chase has a difficult time letting go. The premise is entertaining, thoughtful and humorous; the characters are animated, lively and real; the romance is steamy and provocative. BOSSMAN is a wonderful summer read for a lazy afternoon – beside the pool or in bed with your own ‘boss man’.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Bossman Teaser

excerpt

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking where—”

I froze.

The sight of Chase standing there was almost enough to knock me over. I’d secretly hoped to see him, yet never thought I actually would. What are the chances? I did a double take, sure I was seeing things. But it was him all right, in the flesh. And what flesh it is. Standing there shirtless and wet—wearing nothing but a pair of low-slung swim trunks—he had me stuttering. Literally.

“Ch…Ch…Ch—” I couldn’t get the word out.

Of course, Chase didn’t miss a beat. He smirked and leaned in. “You do a cute train impression, Buttercup.”

He remembers me.

I shook my head, attempting to snap myself out of it. But it was no use. He was so tall, and I was so short, I had no choice but to stare at his body. Water trickled down his abs. I was mesmerized watching it speed up and slow down as it crossed the rippled lines of his six-pack. Damn.
I cleared my throat and finally spoke. “Chase.”

I was pretty freaking proud of myself for getting that much out. He had a towel slung around his neck and lifted it to dry off his dripping hair, revealing even more flesh. His pectoral muscles were carved and perfect. And—oh, my God…is that… Holy shit. It is. His nipples were cold and erect, and one of them was….was…pierced.

The author has previously provided Chapter 1 for a sneak peek!

Read it here: http://bit.ly/29GxNYZ

About The Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

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Pennies (Dollar #1) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Sandy

PENNIES (Dollar #1) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

PENNIES
Dollar #1
by Pepper Winters
Release Date: July 20, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark romance

Pennies

ebook ONLY 99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2016

“At 18 I had pennies, but money didn’t make me bold. At 19 I had dollars, but it didn’t dull the pain of being sold. At 20 I had hundreds, but then I met him and was found. At 21 I had thousands, but all I wanted was to be bound.”

“At 23 I had dollars, but life changed and made me rich. At 25 I had hundreds, but it wasn’t enough to stop my killing itch. At 27 I had thousands, but my reputation didn’t set me free. At 29 I had millions, but I met her and could finally see.”

Tasmin was killed on her 18th birthday. She had everything planned out. A psychology degree, a mother who pushed her to greatness, and a future anyone would die for. But then her murderer saved her life, only to sell her into a totally different existence.

Elder went from penniless to stinking rich with one twist of fate. His lifetime of crime and shadows of thievery are behind him but no matter the power he now wields, it’s not enough. He has an agenda to fulfill and he won’t stop until it’s complete.

But then they meet.

A beaten slave and a richly dressed thief. Money is what guided their separate fates. Money is what brought them together. And money is ultimately what destroys them.

She was poor.
He was rich.
Together…they were bankrupt.

•••••••

REVIEW: PENNIES is the first installment in Pepper Winters’s contemporary, adult DOLLAR dark, romance series focusing on Tasmin Blythe (aka Pim), and billionaire Elder Prest.

WARNING: PENNIES is a dark romance with scenes of graphic and implied violence, rape, sexual abuse and torture. PENNIES and the Dollar series may not suitable for everyone ; there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tasmin and Elder) PENNIES focuses on the murder, abduction and enslavement of a young eighteen year old girl named Tasmin Bythe who has been sold to a Norwegian business man – a sadistic, sexually and physically abusive monster-by an unknown source. Two years of abuse, rape and torture at the hands of Alrik Asbjorn (aka Master A) and several of his friends has found our story line heroine selectively mute and gradually falling into a darkness from where they may be no return. Enter Elder Prest, a man submerged into the illegal world of arms dealing, power and control-a man known to be a killer and a thief- who would be both Tasmin’s savior and downfall. What ensues is the struggle for Tasmin to remain quiet in the face of her potential freedom when to speak could mean the end of her life-an end she welcomes in more ways than one.

PENNIES is a story revealed in present time and through written memories of a girl who has, for all intents and purposes, died and been resurrected as Pim. Her thoughts are poured into a ‘diary’ of sorts-she writes to no one, and no one listens-a reminder of who she was and what she has now become. The premise is dark, controversial and tragic. The abuse is humiliating, painful and life-threatening; the heroine borders on the abyss between life and death on more than one occasion. To disobey means reprimand; a reprimand means pain, blood and broken bones.

Pepper Winters has reached into the inky darkness for her latest story. There are moments of graphic violence, disturbing implications, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The imagery is dark and alarming; the violence is intense and extreme; the pain is heartbreaking and tearful. PENNIES is a complex and impassioned novel of suffering; an all consuming tale about betrayal, revenge and survival; a powerful and violent story of one woman whose freedom was stolen for a million and a half pounds. Give me a ‘penny’ for your thoughts!

Copy supplied by the tour provider

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Fuck this.
I stalked forward.
My hand came up.
The urge to soothe her catapulted my fingers to her cheek. My skin erupted from her delicate heat. I’d already had my single touch when I’d petted her hair. I wasn’t permitted a second.
But it didn’t stop me.
One second, she stood close, arching her chin at the door.
The next, she was across the cage, flying into a stack of boxes that tumbled in a clatter of butcher knives, butter knives, and sharp forks.
Her eyes turned luminous in the gloom, locking on mine with rage.
Shit.
I’d forgotten myself by feeling sorry for this beaten wraith, but she hadn’t forgotten her overwhelming hatred of men.
I didn’t look away. But I didn’t explain myself, either.
I’d borrowed her for the night. If I wanted to touch her, I could. The fact that she’d leapt away meant I could report her to her master and have her punished.
Or you could punish her instead.
The distance between us grew thicker as we breathed fast.
I waited…wanting to know just how deep her education in pleasure flowed. Tearing her gaze from mine, she swallowed hard. Piece by piece, she hid her loathing, replacing it with reluctant acceptance.
Inching closer, her toes nudged aside sharp blades as she made her way to me and fell to her knees on the cold concrete.
Half of me jolted with insane lust. Most of me shied away with repulsion as her straggly hair covered her face but not before I saw the twisted disgust and echoing despair.
“Get up,” I murmured. Even though my voice was low, the cavern of the garage amplified it, layering it with bite.
Instantly, she swooped up. The crackle of her joints and misused cartilage in her bones sounded like tiny gunfire.
“Don’t kneel. Not in here.”

Pennies Teaser 2

About the Author

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Waking Eden by Rhenna Morgan – Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Barb

Waking Eden by Rhenna Morgan – Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

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Waking Eden
Eden series – Book #3
by Rhenna Morgan
Release Date: July 5, 2016

Waking Eden Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
The only hope for saving their race is to surrender their hearts.

With a long foretold and annoyingly vague prophecy warning of immense change for Eden, Ramsay Shantos is forced to hunt words and legends instead of rebels. For a man of action, it’s the worst kind of agony. Until he encounters a sexy librarian who bears the fated prophecy’s mark. A mark no human should possess.

Tortured by her mixed heritage, Trinity Blair has enjoyed little human touch in her life, let alone intimacy. Even the most innocent contact fills her mind with a person’s deepest, darkest secrets—except for Ramsay. Her immunity to his thoughts sparks a fragile hope that she might finally experience the passion of her Dark Spiritu brethren…unless he’s the dangerous crossroads her father predicted.

When knowledge of Eden goes viral in the human realm, Trinity is Ramsay’s only hope for quelling mass panic. Can he risk revealing the secrets of his race to the guileless ray of sunshine? Or is she the unknown source of Eden’s destruction?

Review:

Waking Eden by Rhenna Morgan is the 3^rd book in her Eden series. We knew after Eryx and Lexie were mated in the first book, and Galena and Reese in the second book, that this book belonged to Ramsay. Even though his siblings (Eryx and Galena) found their mates, Ramsay doesn’t believe he will ever need a mate. Ramsay is his brother’s protector, and takes his job seriously, especially with some unrest in their kingdom. He enters the human territory to try to discover the true meaning of a prophecy warning about a big change in Eden. While relaxing with his friends in a bar, he bumps into Trinity, our heroine, and immediately falls to the floor unconscious.

Trinity Blair is secretly a spiritu; she has the ability to touch people and see everything about them, including deep dark secrets. Trinity avoids touching anyone, and when she accidently bumps into Ramsay, she realizes he is not affected by her touch. Ramsay discovers that Trinity is more than human, and makes it his business to learn more about her.

What follows is a romance that will heat up quickly, as Trinity finds herself attracted to the hot hunk that Ramsay is, and the fact that now she has found someone who can make her enjoy his touch. Ramsay is attracted to Trinity, but sees something around her neck that is a duplicate of Lexi’s branded tattoo. Who is Trinity Blair? Once Eryx and Lexie (they have a nice size part in this story) find out about the pendant, they are determined to bring Trinity to Eden. Ramsay goes back to Trinity, and shortly thereafter, her secret is revealed causing Ramsay to bring her to Eden. Lexi and her become close immediately; with vibes that they are somehow related. Ramsay has always kept himself distant from relationships, but in a short time he begins to feel a pull towards Trinity, and knows she is the woman for him; first he must get past the fear of being involved with a spiritu. Ramsay and Trinity have a lot of sizzling chemistry together, especially as he teaches her all the things she has missed being unable to touch anyone. Trinity has a hard time coming to terms that she belongs in the Myren life, and soon will meet the Spiritu King and Queen that will help guide her in what she is and how to use her powers.

Serena, one of the villains, in the first book returns. Eryx and Lexie know she is bad to the bone, but they cannot prove it. We get to see Serena join hands with traitors against Eryx to plot his demise. This evil group wants to take over Eden, and destroy all humans. Will they prevail?

Much of this is left hanging for the next book. I loved Ramsay and Trinity together, and was happy to see much of their issues resolved. I also loved seeing our other heroes from the first two books continue to be a big part of this story. Together, Eryx, Lexi, Ramsay, Trinity, Galena, Reese and those loyal to them will have to work together to understand the prophecy and defeat their enemies, and this series will continue.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publicist

Teaser4

Rhenna Morgan writes for the same reason she reads—to escape reality.

A native Oklahoman with two beautiful girls and a fantastic husband, her resume reflects her passion for new experiences. Since graduating with a Bachelors in Radio, Television, and Film at Oklahoma State, she’s racked up positions ranging from on-air radio talent, skip tracer, and promotions director, to real estate agent, project manager, and business analyst.

Like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dusk to dawn. That’s where the romance comes in. Reading, or writing, romance has been her happy place since she cracked the spine on her first Christine Feehan book years ago. Nothing thrills her more than the fantasy of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who’ll fight to keep the women they want.

Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape for the women who need it.

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Married by Contract by Noelle Adams-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Sandy

MARRIED BY CONTRACT by Noelle Adams-review, book tour & Giveaway

Married by Contract

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2016

Three years into a five-year marriage of convenience, Jenn finds herself wanting something she never thought she’d want from her laid-back, ex-military husband. Sex–as a much-needed release of tension from her high-stress job. But weekly sex with Nick, despite their careful parameters, is likely to get messy eventually.

Ever since her father walked out on her as a child, Jenn knows never to assume the people she loves will stick around, so she’s not about to trust Nick with her heart. She vows to stay strong, no matter how much intimacy develops between them in bed.

But what starts as a tension-reliever soon becomes so much more, until it threatens both their practical arrangement and the heart Jenn has worked so hard to keep safe.

••••••••

REVIEW: MARRIED BY CONTRACT by Noelle Adams is a stand alone, erotic romance focusing on successful business woman Jenn Castle, and former soldier/ private investigator Nick-her husband of three years.

Told from third person perspective (Jenn) MARRIED BY CONTRACT looks at the marriage of convenience between Jenn Castle, and a high school friend Nick. Three years earlier Jenn made Nick an offer-a financial and business contract for five years of marriage that enabled Nick to start his own PI firm, and for Jenn to climb the corporate ladder at work. Jenn’s image as a single woman did nothing to enhance her ‘domestic image’ to coincide with her company’s baby clothing line, and in this Nick’s position in her life was only a business arrangement and nothing more. What ensues is the building relationship between Jenn and Nick, and Jenn’s reluctance to ‘allow’ Nick into her personal life.

For three years Jenn and Nick lived together as roommates but Jenn’s workaholic lifestyle meant late nights, late dinners and stress headaches requiring Nick to work his magic fingers to relieve the pain and tension. As the story line builds, so too does Nick’s need for the woman he married but Jenn is reluctant to cross the invisible line between friendship and love. When $ex enters into the equation, our heroine ‘renegotiates’ their contract to allow for their sexual encounters-a friends with benefits arrangement that grows into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

MARRIED BY CONTRACT is a quick read; an easy going story with no outside conflict to complicate the premise. Jenn and Nick spend most of the story line playing cat and mouse; the push and pull of want and need; the heroine’s reluctance to lose her heart to a business arrangement. Nick, on the other hand, wants Jenn as his lover and his wife, and tries desperately to refocus Jenn’s attention on something more than her job.

Because of the ‘business’ arrangement aspect of the story I felt disconnected from the characters. Initially, Jenn comes across as cold and uncaring, and there are moments where her personality is acerbic and condescending towards Nick, and I had a difficult time letting go of this image. Jenn is emotionally withdrawn and has some insecurities about abandonment and loss. Nick wants a relationship with his wife but in the end words are spoken in anger, and Nick knows it is time to walk away with some of his dignity still intact. Sadly, I could not connect with this couple although my heart did break for our story line hero. The premise is idealistic but encouraging; the characters are engaging; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Watch the trailer:

Direct Link: https://youtu.be/U8WA_ojC0oA

Married by Contract Teaser

excerpt

And now he was smiling again—and looking at her with an expression that was amused and slightly smug and way too hot. “Well, then I can help you out, if you want.”
“What? Help me with what?” She’d completely stopped moving on the machine now. She was just staring at him, excitement and anxiety both throbbing in her veins.
“Help you work off your…tension.”
“That’s crazy.”
“Why is it crazy?”
“Because…because we don’t do that.”
“We could. I have some tension myself, you know.”
“You do?”
“Oh yeah.”
“And you don’t want to hire an escort?”
“That doesn’t really do it for me.” He’d stepped closer to her and now reached a hand out to help her off the machine.
She took his hand and got off, feeling like she might just melt into the floor. “So you think we should…”
“Work off tension together. Why not?”
“I…I don’t know.” She really didn’t know why they shouldn’t. They were both adults, and they’d always gotten along well. Sex didn’t have to be serious. She’d always known that. In fact, she’d never had any sex that wasn’t casual in her life. At least with Nick, she wouldn’t end up with those sick feelings she used to get when she’d fucked someone she wished she hadn’t.
Nick was smiling at her more fully now, like he already knew her answer. “You want to, don’t you?”
“And you want to?”
“Of course I do.”
“You want…to have sex…”
“With you.”

About the author

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Connect with Noelle:
Website: http://noelle-adams.com/Home_Page.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoelleAdamsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoelleAdams3
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6572847.Noelle_Adams

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Monthly Archives: July 2016

Going Down Easy (Billionaire Bad Boys #1) by Carly Phillips-a review

GOING DOWN EASY (Billionaire Bad Boys #1) by Carly Phillips-a review

Bayou Nights by Julie Mulhern – a Review

Bayou Nights by Julie Mulhern – a Review

Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning – a Review

Wicked Sexy (Wicked Games #2) by J.T.Geissinger-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

WICKED SEXY (Wicked Games #2) by J.T. Geissinger-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Bossman (Dirty Office Romance #1) by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Bossman (Dirty Office Romance #1 ) by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Pennies (Dollar #1) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

PENNIES (Dollar #1) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

Waking Eden by Rhenna Morgan – Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

Waking Eden by Rhenna Morgan – Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

Married by Contract by Noelle Adams-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

MARRIED BY CONTRACT by Noelle Adams-review, book tour & Giveaway