Hundreds (Dollars #3) by Pepper Winters-a review

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Sandy

HUNDREDS (Dollars #3) by Pepper Winters-a review

Hundreds

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2017

“I’m done hurting her. She’s been hurt enough. It’s time I set her free…”

Once upon a time, I wished to go home and forget.
Now, I’m strong and ready to fight.
Seduced and claimed, Elder no longer just demands my voice, he commands me to be a thief like him.
I refuse.
But he offers me things I shouldn’t want, favours I should run from.
In return for his protection, I’m ordered to steal enough pennies and dollars to buy back my freedom.
Only, we both aren’t prepared for how he changes me, evolves me.
And now it’s my turn to learn about him…

••••••••••

REVIEW: HUNDREDS is the third installment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary adult DOLLARS dark, erotic, romance series focusing on billionaire Elder Prest, and Tasmin Blythe aka Pimlico. HUNDREDS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book two DOLLARS.

SOME BACKGROUND: Two years earlier Tasmin Blythe was sold to a sadistic Norwegian businessman and in the ensuing time suffered abuse, rape and torture at the hands of Alrik Asbjorn (aka Master A) and several of his friends and associates. Refusing to give Alrik the satisfaction of her pain and turmoil, and in an effort to protect her mind our heroine shut down and opted for selective mutism. This is her story of recovery, healing and falling in love.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Elder and Pimlico) HUNDREDS continues to focus on Pimlico’s recovery, her tentative first steps back into the public realm, and her building love for a man who is more of a jailer than the hero she knows he could be. Elder Prest struggles with his attraction and need for the woman whose mind and life have all but been destroyed but Elder knows about struggle as he battles demons from the past forging ahead towards retribution and revenge.

HUNDREDS is a story that reveals the ghosts that haunt our story line (anti) hero. Elder’s past is shrouded in betrayal, death, revenge and loss, and with it comes a psychopathic need to destroy any happiness that would place him in a position to lose so much more. Like our story line heroine, Elder Prest is a broken soul whose past controls every aspect of his life including the who, what and where of his personal and business success.

Once again, the story line is told through thoughts and personal introspection, and the reality of present day circumstance. Elder’s Prest back and forth, hot and cold emotional fragility aimed at our story line heroine continues the mind-numbing abuse of a woman whose only sin is to fall in love with a man who believes he is unable to find happiness in this life or the next. Elder’s continues to deny and accept, give and take, destroy and lash out at Pimlico’s growing strength and burgeoning recovery from a past that haunts her day and night. Pimlico is offered the choice to stay or go, and in the end, leaving will be her only chance to survive the man that could destroy her heart.

HUNDREDS is a dark, twisted, intense and dramatic story line. Pepper Winters continues to write alarming, passionate and tragic tales of broken lives, betrayal, and traumatic events that are powerful to read and painful to comprehend. The emotional fall out of power and abuse claims two lives-two people- who are paralyzed by ghost from the past, and haunted by the memories of what was and what could have been.

For followers of Pepper Winters there is a slight cross over with her Indebted series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Pennies
Dollars
Hundreds

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

When Danger Bites (Bravo Team #1) by Heather Long-a review

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Sandy

When Danger Bites (Bravo Team #1) by Heather Long-a review

When Danger Bites

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 8, 2017

Buttoned-up Corporal Kaitlyn Amador is dangerous on every level. As a human, she poses a threat to Marine Captain Jax Raymond’s special Force Recon unit. Though the team has a reputation among the other recon units, only their commanding officer knows their secret. As a woman, the danger posed is entirely different. Jax can survive the temptation for only so long before his wolf takes over and pursues what it wants.

Military intelligence specialist Corporal Kaitlyn Amador is the first woman in the Marines to be assigned to a recon team. And everyone’s watching her. Her mission? Not only prove herself worthy of her place in the group, but uncover the mystery of why Bravo Team is so successful. A mission that gets more difficult every time she’s near Jax…

••••••••••

REVIEW: Jax is a wolf, in a humans world, that doesn’t worry him. He was sent to the human world to fight in an elite wolf pack, that didn’t worry him. He lead a band of wolves from different packs (who didn’t always get along), that didn’t worry him. He had a young wolf nipping at his heels, always pushing for command, that didn’t give him sleepless nights. What worries him …… Kat (Kaitlyn) Amador, sassy, smart, level headed and totally his (well that’s what his inner wolf says) his commander wants her off the team, he doesn’t want a woman comprising their clean record. And he knows that Bravo team is a wolf only team. So Jax is told to push her until she quits.

Kat Amador has a lot to prove. She comes from a military family, and she wants to prove to herself that she can cut it in an elite team, but Kat is hiding a mission of her own. Her superior officer wants to know why and how Bravo Team is so successful, so he sends Kat in to investigate.
Only problem is, the longer she stays with the team, and bonds with them, the harder it is to spy on them, and when Kat finally uncovers the truth, what will she do with the evidence?

The action was non stop, we go through basic training with Kat, (and after reading it, I was exhausted ?) it’s very descriptive, I felt I was there training with her. The missions that Bravo Team are sent on, were well written, it all flowed very smoothly.

All the secondary characters were great, and I’m hoping they will all get stories ?

That was an awesome read. Totally loved it from start to finish. Just the right amount of chemistry (nothing worse than needless naughties) from start to finish an enjoyable read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

Payback (Viking Bastards MC #2) by Christina Phillips-a review

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Sandy

PAYBACK (Viking Bastards MC #2) by Christina Phillips-a review

Payback

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2017

Gage…

I don’t f*ck girls who work for me, but as soon as Amelia turns those big green eyes on me I know she’s trouble. I can’t keep my hands off her, and the almost-but-not-quite-sex we share in the kitchen is the hottest thing I’ve ever had. Except she calls it quits, before we’ve even started.

Instead of moving on, she’s all I can think about and that’s bad news. I’m breaking all my rules for her, and don’t even care.

Until I find out who she is and what she really wants. She’s after payback, but there’s no way she’s going to get it. No way in hell…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: PAYBACK is the second installment in Christina Phillips’ contemporary, adult VIKING BASTARDS MC erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Viking Bastards MC. This is MC member and bar owner Gage Reynolds, and waitress/romance novelist Amelia Davis-Crane’s story line. PAYBACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Gage and Amelia) PAYBACK follows waitress and romance writer Amelia Davis-Crane as she plots revenge against the MC that destroyed her life and sent her family in to hiding. Years earlier, Amelia’s father, a member of the Silver Wolve’s MC was killed in prison by a member of the Viking Bastards MC, and our heroine is determined to make them pay. When someone from the past demands Amelia ferret out some information about the Viking Bastards MC, Amelia finds herself working for the very man she is hoping to take down. Enter Gage Reynolds, Odin’s bar owner and member of the Viking Bastards MC, and the man with whom Amelia will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Gage and Amelia, and the fall out when the truth is finally revealed.

Amelia Davis only knows what her mother has told her about the man she once worshipped-Hank Crane, an MC enforcer, was imprisoned to protect the Silver Wolves MC and lost his life at the hands of a Viking Bastard member. On the run, and unaware that the family had moved into enemy territory, Amelia plots revenge against the son of the man who destroyed her father’s life.

Gage Reynolds doesn’t do relationship; his reputation as a ‘manwhore’ precedes his introduction to our story line heroine but something about Amelia calls to Gage’s heart. Amelia refuses to give into her attraction to our leading hero, and in this, Gage is determined to win Amelia over with something more than a one-night stand. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense. Gage likes to talk dirty in the bedroom.

The world building focuses on Amelia’s need for revenge but secrets, lies, and a vendetta from the past destroy Amelia’s relationship with the man that she loves, and forces Gage to push away the woman that calls to his heart.

We are introduced to a number of the Viking Bastards MC including the reappearance of Gage’s brother –Zach Reynolds (Hooked #1), their sister Kat, and cousin Tod. The requisite evil is a member of the Silver Wolves who uses our story line heroine to destroy the rival MC.

PAYBACK is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and revenge. There are moments of romance and love; hurt and sorrow; forgiveness and moving on from the past. The premise is revealing; the characters are spirited and flawed; the romance is sexy and spicy. Once again, like in the first book HOOKED, I was hoping for a little more grit, danger, and conflict but the premise focuses on the relationship and reveals very little about the Viking Bastards MC and their current work and struggles.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-HOOKED

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Buy Me Love (Buy Me Love Shapeshifter Series #1) by Julie Tetel Andresen-a review

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Sandy

BUY ME LOVE (Buy Me Love Shapeshifter Series #1) by Julie Tetel Andresen

Buy Me Love

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / KOBO / Chapters

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE May 11, 2017

WEREWOLVES. PUPPET MASTERS. DEAD BODIES. WAX MUSEUMS. WHAT OTHER MYSTERIES DOES LONDON HOLD?

Detective Chief Inspector Moses Reilly of Scotland Yard is the consummate bachelor, married to his job–and with good reason. On a covert mission to infiltrate an international crime ring, he poses undercover on dates to find criminals running online dating scams that separate unwitting love struck participants from their life savings. His powerful deduction skills and level head can usually keep him several steps ahead of the women he meets, but his latest date is making his head spin.

The mysterious Zelda Sachsen works as a Guardian for G4S, a private security firm in London that has a global reach and deep pockets. She is working undercover trying to sniff out a crime ring that has international implications of its own when her sensitive nose detects an intriguing smell that she can’t let go of.

Relentless pursuit of the truth behind an abnormally creative murder near G4S headquarters brings Scotland Yard and G4S together, led by DCI Reilly and Zelda. As Zelda turns Reilly’s world upside down, can they both keep their heads long enough to crack the case?

••••••••••

REVIEW: BUY ME LOVE is the first installment in Julie Tetel Andresen’s contemporary, adult BUY ME LOVE SHAPESHIFTER paranormal, romantic suspense series. This is Detective Chief Inspector Moses Reilly of Scotland Yard, and G4S Guardian Zelda Sachsen’s story line.

Told from several third person points of view including Zelda and Moses BUY ME LOVE focuses on the hunt for a killer. While undercover investigating on online dating scam DCI Moses Reilly meets the sultry Zelda Sachsen and many of her ‘alternate personalities’. When a body is found ‘posed’ on a bench in Russell Square Moses will come face to face to the ‘real’ Zelda Sachsen, a Guardian and agent for the secretive G4S, and more than sparks will fly when the couple begin working together to solve the mystery behind the body in the park. What ensues is the immediate attraction and building relationship between our leading couple as they dig deeper into the who, what and why of the Russell Square murder.

BUY ME LOVE is a story of murders, mystery, the supernatural and fated mates. While Moses believes in the existence of the paranormal including werewolves and shifters, he is surprised to learn that they live and work under his nose. Zelda is an investigator and agent for G4S, and finds herself on a path towards forever when partnered with Scotland Yard’s prestigious Detective Chief Inspector Moses Reilly. Their immediate connection concerns our leading hero but Zelda knows exactly why she is attracted to Moses Reilly. The $ex scenes are intimate, fade to black and mostly implied.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Scotland Yard police force, as well as the introduction of the local werewolf pack and its’ Alpha Egon Hanover.

The world building focuses on the investigations and take down of a killer; the attraction between two people whose lives intersect on more than one occasion; and the existence of a supernatural world in modern times.

BUY ME LOVE is a slow building story line where, approximately, the first forty percent introduces the players and background surrounding the murder investigation in Russell Square Park, and the undercover operation focusing on an online dating scam. I struggled with the infinitely slow unveiling in the first part of the story including little to no mention about the paranormal/supernatural aspects of the story, but thereafter, the action, mystery and suspense including the fated relationship between Moses and Zelda begins to build until the final reveal. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic.

I will caution North American readers that the story line is awash in British language, text, slang and figures of speech that may or may not be familiar. There are also a couple of ‘erroneous errors’ as it pertains to American ideals and realities including the confusion between Daffy vs Donald Duck 😉 .

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

The Dangerous Billionaire ( Tate Brothers #1) by Jackie Ashenden-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Sandy

THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE (Tate Brothers #1) by Jackie Ashenden-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE
Tate Brothers #1
by Jackie Ashenden
Release Date: Ma 2, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic, suspense

The Dangerous Billionaire

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2017

Money doesn’t always change the man in this new standalone romance from Jackie Ashenden.

Navy SEAL Sullivan “Van” Tate has been called home to reluctantly inherit an empire and finds himself facing the most difficult mission of all: love.

Nothing about Sullivan “Van” Tate is what it seems. A Navy SEAL raised among the New York City elite, Van prefers heart-pounding action over a Wall Street corner office. But when his adoptive father dies and his business rivals move in to overtake his empire, Van must suit up to save the company and protect the one woman most forbidden to him…and the object of Van’s most dangerous desires.

Chloe Tate is as ambitious as she is gorgeous. With a newfound independence, Chloe is no longer a prisoner on her father’s ranch. But everything changes when losing her father may also mean losing her life. Even with her survival on the line, Chloe can’t deny the burning attraction she feels the moment she locks eyes with Van, her rich, rough and ready, foster brother and the new head of her father’s company. Tall, dark, and muscled, he’s the one man who she has no business being with. But how can she resist a Navy Seal Warrior when he’ll do anything to protect her?

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE is the first installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult TATE BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three foster brothers-Sullivan (Van), Wolf and Lucas Tate-as well as their foster sister Chloe Tate. This is Navy SEAL Sullivan (Van) Tate, and Chloe Tate’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Chloe and Van) THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE follows the Tate siblings in the aftermath of their father Noah Tate’s death. Called home from active duty, all three brothers find themselves the recipients of a letter outlining what the future has in store. Enter Chloe Tate, Van ‘s foster sister, and the woman that calls to his heart. What ensues is the protection and lock down of Chloe Tate in the face of a series of threats against our story line heroine. Van Tate is tasked with protecting his younger ‘sister’, a woman he hasn’t seen in close to eight years but a woman that means more to him than he had ever anticipated.

Chloe Tate has been in love with her ‘foster brother’ most of her life. Dejected and alone, our heroine spent most of her life on her father’s ranch, and with his death Chloe has hoped to take over the business she had come to love. But things don’t go according to plans when threats against her life come from an unlikely source-a source that is all to familiar to our story line heroine.

Sullivan (Van) Tate is a Navy SEAL; a career military man who spends his life in service to atone for sins of the past. Unable to move beyond what was and what should have been, Van struggles with his latest assignment ‘from the grave’-to protect the woman he sees as his little sister, and prevent the take over of his father’s company.

The relationship between Van and Chloe is one of mutual attraction but eight years have passed since they were last together. Van has always had a protective nature as it pertained to Chloe Tate, and with the latest threats against her life, Van goes alpha bear to protect the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive.

We are introduced to Van’s brothers, and Navy SEALS-Wolf and Lucas Tate. Wolf and Lucas also received a letter with orders from beyond the grave-orders that send each man in a different direction. Lucas’s story line is next in THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE.

THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE is a story of family, betrayal, secrets and lies. The presentation suffers with too many repetitive reminders about the past, internal dialogues (Chloe and Van) laced with self-pity and a defeatist mindset; and the believability factor is questionable. Van’s emotional self-depracating attitude and guilt override his personal well being, as well as a heroine who is TSTL (too stupid to live) as she continuously places herself in the line of fire believing she is impervious to the threats against her life. Chloe’s apparent rejection by the father she loved is another constant throughout the story-there is plenty of whining and self pity from both of our leading characters. There is very little in the way of conflict resolution so I am going to presume more is to come in the next installment(s).

THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE introduces the players and background to the Tate family history- a history marred by secrets and lies, and a father ill-equipped to look after the family he chose to raise. There are moments of heartbreak, sorrow and revelation; acceptance and moving on from the past. The premise is challenging; the romance struggles in the face of guilt; the characters are tragic and lost. Sadly, I struggled with some aspects of this introductory story but overall I am looking forward to see how it all plays out.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

He didn’t look at her. Instead he shifted his weight onto one elbow and lifted his hand, cupping one breast in his palm. The breath hissed in her throat, the shocking heat of his touch reverberating through her like a scream echoing through a deserted house. He brushed his thumb over her aching nipple and she gasped, all the desperation she’d felt earlier rushing back.
He lowered his head, putting his mouth against the pulse at the base of her throat, the feel of his lips so hot she began to shiver almost uncontrollably. His tongue pressed lightly, his thumb brushing back and forth over her nipple, teasing her. She groaned, her spine bowing, pleasure like a live thing twisting inside her.
“Beautiful,” he whispered roughly against her skin, giving her the reassurance she needed without her even having to ask. “You’re just so fucking beautiful.”
He didn’t speak after that, too busy trailing kisses down over her skin, making goose bumps rise everywhere, the brush of his thumb maddening. Then he took his hand away as his mouth closed over the hard point of her nipple, hot and wet, an intense pressure building as he began to suck.
She groaned again, the pleasure bright and electric, her hands closing into fists beside her head. It felt so good she could hardly stand it. She whispered his name yet again, the sound raw as he teased her nipple with his tongue, then bit gently on it, making a sob catch in her throat.
He shifted his attention to her other breast, sucking that into his mouth as well as he slid one hand down the quivering plane of her stomach, to the fastening of her jeans. She lifted her hips urgently, unable to keep still, wanting to pull away from the maddening torture of his mouth and yet wanting him to suck harder, deeper at the same time.
“Hush.” His breath was hot against her sensitized nipple. “I told you to keep still. It’ll happen, don’t worry.”
She tried to do as she was told as he casually flicked open the button on her jeans and grabbed the tab of her zipper, tugging it down. Then his fingers were feathering light touches across her stomach, moving lower, sliding beneath the waistband of her panties. The breath sobbed in her throat as she felt those teasing fingers tangle in the soft, damp curls between her thighs, pulling lightly, sending tiny pinpricks of sensation racing over her skin.
She said something, she didn’t know what, maybe it was his name again or maybe it was a curse, and then she forgot it entirely as his fingers slid lower, stroking the soft, slick folds of her pussy.
Her hips bucked against his hand, her head going back on the pillow. He circled her clit with one finger, teasing her. Inching her closer toward the edge of the cliff but not pushing her off.
His mouth was so hot on her nipple, licking and sucking, torturing her as his fingers stroked unhurriedly around and around her clit, then sliding down to circle the entrance of her body, almost pushing inside but not quite.
He was playing with her, making her moan and move restlessly beneath him, blind now to anything but the feel of his hands on her body and the relentless pressure that was slowly building higher and higher.
Then quite suddenly he took his hands away and she nearly burst into tears at the loss, reaching for him as she felt his weight shift up and back.
“Lie still.” The rough sound of his voice rolled over her, full of command. “I’m not going anywhere.”
So she did as she was told, lying back against the pillows, blinking away the stupid rush of salty tears from her eyes and watching him slide off the bed. He straightened and pulled his shirt off, then got rid of his shoes. He un did his pants, pushed them down his hips along with his briefs, and stepped out of them magnificently, gloriously naked, but for his dog tags.
She couldn’t stop staring at him, following the carved lines of muscle and sinew, a work of perfect, masculine art, the eagle and trident inked across his chest making it very clear—as if his body hadn’t already—exactly what he was.
Dangerous, lethal. A weapon in human form.
He bent and got his wallet out of his pants, every movement fluid, purposeful as he extracted a foil packet from it. Then he ripped the open the foil, taking out the latex inside. And as she watched, completely fascinated, he reached down and gripped his cock in one hand, rolling down the condom with the other.
Big. He was really big. And beautiful too.
Her hands itched, wanting to touch him, to stroke down the long, smooth length of his rigid flesh, feel exactly how hard he was. But then he was moving, the bed dipping as he got back onto it. And her breath caught as he reached for the waistband of her jeans, pulling the denim down her legs in short, hard jerks, taking her panties along with them, and finally slipping them both off. Then he put his hands on her bare thighs and with ruthless insistence, spread them wide apart.
Another rush of vulnerability swept over her and she half sat up, breathing fast. “Van, I . . .” she began, before stopping short, not knowing what she wanted to say.
But he was moving forward, putting his hands on her shoulders and easing her back. “Let me look.” His voice had gentled again. “I only want to look at you.”
She tried to relax against the pillows, letting him hold her thighs apart, his gaze returning between them. The look on his face was so hungry, making her feel less ex posed and more . . . powerful almost. She liked doing that to him. She liked making him look at her as if he was starving.
He moved forward quite suddenly, coming over her, surrounding her with all that bare, tanned skin and strong muscle, his dog tags brushing against her sensitized breasts. The scent of him was everywhere, fresh, with that spicy, earthy undertone, and she was abruptly trembling so hard she didn’t think she’d ever stop.
He said nothing, looking at down at her, and this time his expression was fierce with something she didn’t under stand. She wanted to ask him what it was, but then he slid one hand beneath her hips, lifting them, and she felt the head of his cock slide through her folds, nudging against her clit. And she forgot what she was going to ask. In fact, she lost the power of speech entirely.
All she could do was lie there, shaking and desperate as he teased her, and when she didn’t think she could bear it anymore, he began to push his cock inside her, the intense stretch and burn of her pussy around him tearing a gasp from her throat.
She sobbed, because he didn’t rush. He went slowly. Inch by inch. Murmuring encouragement, telling her what a good girl she was, how tight and wet and hot her pussy was, and how good she felt around his cock. The dirty talk made her break out into a sweat, the climax so near she could almost taste it, making her want to shove herself up onto him or do something—anything—to push herself over the edge. But he didn’t let her, pinning one of her hips to the mattress with one hand as he lifted her leg up and around his waist with the other, tilting her pelvis so he could slide in deeper.
She stopped pleading, her throat too dry, her voice too hoarse. Besides, it was clear he wasn’t going to do anything until he was good and ready. She could only breathe through the pleasure that was wrapping itself around her throat and squeezing tight, making her gasp, making lights burst behind her eyes.
Then he was seated deep inside her, and she found herself pressed to the mattress, pinned beneath the hot, heavy weight of him. But strangely, looking up into his beautiful face, she didn’t feel crushed. She felt anchored. As if for the first time since she’d left Wyoming she’d come home in some way.
She didn’t speak as his arms came around her, cradling her, holding her close against him like she was a secret he wanted to keep safe. Then he drew back his hips and thrust deep inside her.
Chloe came apart then, sobbing against his shoulder, shattering as easily and as lightly as a sphere of blown glass, the pieces of her held together only by the strength of his arms.

About The Author

Jackie Ashenden FOLLOW: Goodreads /Website / Twitter / Facebook

Jackie Ashenden lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr. Jax, and their two kids and two cats. When she’s not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

Giveaway Gold and Black

Jackie Ashenden’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jackie Ashenden on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from May6-10, 2017

SMP St. Martins

Sex in the Sticks (Love Hurts #1) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Sandy

SEX IN THE STICKS (Love Hurts #1) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

SEX IN THE STICKS
Love Hurts #1
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance
Release Date: May 2, 2017

Sex in the Sticks

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2017

Wake up and feel the wood! In the first of a series of irresistible standalone romances from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett, a city girl rediscovers love and lust in the Alaskan wilderness.

Valentine French may be the sassiest dating columnist in New York City, but the abundance of metrosexuals in her adopted metropolis is seriously cramping her style. Where are the beefy all-American boys? Hoping to find some inspiration, Val heads to Alaska, where the men outnumber the women fifteen to one and wrestle grizzly bears for sport. Or so she can only imagine. Suddenly the most eligible bachelorette in a town full of horny lumberjacks, Val is writing her best columns ever. But if she doesn’t get her nose out of her laptop, she just might miss out on Mr. Right.

Logan Burke is the sheriff of the little podunk town that Val finds so charmingly backward. He’s not that different from the guys she’s using for her little experiment; it’s just that one date would never be enough for Logan. As he listens to Val complain about love over beers in the local tavern, he realizes that she can’t see the forest for the trees. Because if she would ever give up her Prada bags and fourteen-dollar martinis, Logan would give her the only luxury that matters: his heart.

••••••••••

REVIEW: SEX IN THE STICKS is the first installment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult LOVE HURTS erotic, romance series. This is thirty one year old New Yorker/ dating columnist Valentine French, and thirty seven year old East Merritt, Alaska’s mayor and police chief Logan Burke’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Logan and Valentine) SEX IN THE STICKS follows disgruntled socialite and dating blogger Valentine French as she heads to the wilds of Ketchikan, Alaska in search of inspiration, something different and love. Enter East Merritt’s police chief and mayor, former Marine Logan Burke, and the man with whom Valentine will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Valentine and Logan, and the fall out when Logan discovers the truth about Valentine’s visit to the great Alaskan wilderness.

Valentine French is a trust fund baby who spends her time shopping and blogging about her dating experiences in New York City (ala Sex in the City style) but our heroine is frustrated with the selection of ‘metrosexual ‘ men in the Big Apple, and struggles with the same old-same old dates night after night. When her equally metrosexual New York cousin Jeremy suggests spreading her wings and venturing to Alaska where the men outnumber the women fifteen to one Valentine jumps at the chance to try something new never expecting to fall in love with the town’s chief of police.

Logan Burke is a former Marine who found his place in East Merritt, Alaska and like most of the men struggles to find the one woman that calls to his heart. When feisty, New Yorker Valentine French drops into his quiet, podunk town, every man wants the woman that calls to Logan’s heart.

The relationship between Logan and Valentine is one of immediate attraction. Valentine finds herself in some awkward circumstances including drunken table-top dancing, and in need of rescuing on more than one occasion as she unsuccessfully navigates through East Merritt, Alaska. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. Logan likes to talk dirty in the bedroom.

We are introduced to several locals including boarding house owner Sarah Billiott, and her adult daughter April; waitress and trouble maker Darla; The Wounded Caribou owner and former professional baseball player Ted Dawson, and a large assortment of men all vying for our heroine’s affections. With a limited number of women in East Merritt, Alaska, Valentine becomes the center of attention, and the recipient of some unwanted hostility.

SEX IN THE STICKS is a story with humor, fun, heartbreak and romance. The premise is lighthearted and moving; the characters are colorful, realistic and energetic; the romance is captivating and passionate. Sawyer Bennett’s SEX IN THE STICKS will intoxicate and fascinate romance readers with her new series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sex in the Sticks Teaser

About The Author beige

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Inkslinger 2

Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Sandy

PIPE DREAMS (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen-Review, Interview and Giveaway

PIPE DREAMS
Brooklyn Bruisers #3
by Sarina Bowen
Release Date : May 2, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey, romance

Pipe Dreams

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

About the book: Release Date May 2, 2017

A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart…

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused on her plans for the future—she doesn’t need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve—his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

••••••••

REVIEW: PIPE DREAMS is the third installment in Sarina Bowen’s contemporary, adult BROOKLYN BRUISERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Brooklyn Bruisers professional hockey team. This is Bruisers’ goalie Mike Beacon, and the team’s temporary office manager Lauren Williams second chance story line. PIPE DREAMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lauren and Mike) PIPE DREAMS focuses on the rekindling romance between Brooklyn Bruisers’ goalie and single father Mike Beacon, and office manager Lauren Williams, and the Bruisers run for the Stanley Cup. With the office manager Rebecca Rowley on sick leave, team owner Nate Kattenberger brought his former office manager, and current corporate employee Lauren Williams to fill in for the remainder of the season knowing Lauren’s history with team goalie Mike Beacon was icy and cool. Two years earlier Lauren and Mike were lovers; making plans for something more permanent when demons from the past forced Mike to walk away from the woman he loved. Fast forward to present day and Mike Beacon wants a second chance with Lauren Williams-a woman struggling with her attraction to the man that broke her heart. What ensues is the rekindling love between two people whose relationship was destroyed by secrets, miscommunication and Mike’s overwhelming need to care for someone from his past.

The relationship between Mike and Lauren is one of second chances. Lauren’s need to run from the man that she loves finds our hero begging for another chance to prove he is worthy of Lauren’s love. Lauren’s struggles with a broken heart that has to be mended; her trust in Mike Beacon is tempered when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including team owner Nate Kattenberger, and the woman he secretly loves Rebecca Rowley. I am hoping for Nate and Becca’s story line next. We are also introduced to Mike’s teenage daughter Elsa who struggles with the loss of her mother, and her father’s relationship with a woman she blames for her parent’s marriage demise.

The world building follows the Brooklyn Bruisers’ as they make a run for the Stanley Cup; a championship season that takes the team to the final round.

PIPE DREAMS is a story of second chances, forgiveness, falling in love and moving on from the past. There are moments of heartbreak, betrayal, romance and love. The conflict between our leading couple is easily resolved with little to no drama or anxious moments. The premise is engaging and realistic; the romance is sexy, seductive and spicy; the characters are spirited and passionate. PIPE DREAMS is a heartwarming and moving story about family, love, and second chances.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Rookie Move
Hard Hitter
Pipe Dreams

Copy supplied the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview beige

TRC: Hi Sarina and welcome to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the release of PIPE DREAMS, the third book in your Brooklyn Bruisers series.

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

Sarina Bowen Sarina: Sure! I live in northern New England and I love hockey. And coffee. And wine with bubbles.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Sarina:Every new book is a challenge. With the Brooklyn Bruisers I wanted to make my new hockey series have a terrific sense of place, using Brooklyn as a rich setting. Penguin loved the idea so the Brooklyn Bruisers was born!

TRC: Would you please tell us something about PIPE DREAMS and the Brooklyn Bruisers series?

Sarina:Pipe Dreams is a unique second chance love story. Lauren isn’t very nice in the first two novels in this series, but she has a terrific reason. It was really fun to unspool her back story and turn her into an empathetic character. And Mike Beacon is a swoony single dad. I’ve always wanted to write one of those.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Sarina:I’m really not sure, but each book stands alone on its own. No cliffhangers in sight.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Sarina:I don’t find that a problem because hockey is unpredictable! And the men and women who live the pro hockey lifestyle experience some pretty wild circumstances. There is a fun plot twist in this book provided by the hero’s teenage daughter.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Sarina:Probably! We take many cues from book covers. But that doesn’t mean a reader rejects a book just because she doesn’t love the image. She might, however, reject a book if its cover design doesn’t accurately depict the book’s contents.

TRC: Do you have any say in the cover selection?

Sarina:Sure. My editor at Penguin and I discussed the covers right away, before the first book was even finished. At that point my publisher went into a photo studio and shot unique images for all the books, so that they wouldn’t overlap imagery on other books in the market.

TRC: You have co-written several books with author Elle Kennedy. How do you determine the break down of the writing/ story line process?

Sarina:We brainstorm the story together ahead of time. And then we take shifts, trading off every half chapter or so. It’s a really fun way to write a book!

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

Sarina:The trick is to never cheat your story’s emotional touch point moments. When something big is happening emotionally, the scene should linger and take it all in. If a big moment feels rushed, that’s when the reader feels cheated.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the story line direction? Characters?

Sarina: Nope. I write in silence. Music sounds fun but I can never make it work for me.

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

Sarina:You mentioned co-writing before. The bouncing of ideas is what makes that so great. When I’m working alone I don’t really have anyone to help me. Actually, sometimes I call up Elle Kennedy and make her listen to my plot woes. She usually points out something incredibly obvious and then I slap myself on the head.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Sarina:I’m not sure there are any misconceptions left. Facebook has made all of us terribly accessible.

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

Sarina:For twelve years I traded derivatives on Wall Street. It was stressful but fun.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: tacos

Favorite Dessert: cherry pie

Favorite TV Show: I don’t have a TV!

Last Movie You Saw: Hidden Figures

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark, with nuts

Secret Celebrity Crush: Anna Kendrick

Last Vacation Destination: What is a vacation?

Do you have any pets? We have 11 chickens. I’m not sure that counts.

Last book you read: Outlander

TRC: Thank you Sarina for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your PIPE DREAMS.

Giveaway beige

The Reading Cafe and SArina Bowen’s publisher are offering a finished copy of PIPE DREAMS 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Follow Sarina Bowen on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 5-10, 2017

Arranged (Masters and Mercenaries 13.5) 1001 Dark Nights by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Sandy

ARRANGED (Masters and Mercenaries #13.5) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt Tour

ARRANGED
Masters and Mercenaries 13.5
1001 Dark Night
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, BDSM, erotic,romance

Arranged

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

•••••••••

REVIEW: ARRANGED by Lexi Blake is the latest addition to the mult-authored 1001 Dark Nights series, and #13.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult Masters and Mercenaries erotic, BDSM romance series. This is King Kashmir Kamdar of Loa Mali, and scientist Dayita Samar’s second chance story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kash and Day, ARRANGED looks at the rekindling relationship and romance between King Kashmir Kamdar and scientist Dayita Samar. Fifteen years earlier Kash and Day were students at a prestigious university in Oxford, England. As the ‘spare to the heir’ Kash always believed that he was never expected to amount to anything special but a fatal accident claimed the life of his father and his elder brother leaving Kashmir Kamdar the next in line to the throne of Loa Mali. Fast forward to present day wherein Kash’s reputation as a ‘manwhore’ forces his ailing mother to ‘arrange’ a bride for her wayward son. Enter Dayita Samar, the woman who stole Kash’s heart fifteen years earlier, but a woman whose life experiences reveal a side to our heroine that threatens her relationship with the man that she loves. What ensues is the second chance at love for two people whose lives went in opposite directions but directions that will come full circle when our couple becomes the target of someone hoping to destroy them both.

Dayita Samar is a Domme; a woman whose secret will come between the man that she loves and the life that she hides from the people in charge. Kashmir has spent the last fifteen years ‘whoring’ his way throughout the world but the time has come to return home, to a throne for which he was never prepared. Day’s BDSM lifestyle will complicate the relationship between our leading couple; Kash struggles with his feelings for a woman he believes wants to control every aspect of his life; his misunderstanding of the D/s relationship adds anxiety and conflict to an already tentative friendship and growing love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. The BDSM scenarios are light; Dayita’s attempts to secretly dominate the man that she believes is a submissive will backfire both in and out of the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several previous MASTERS AND MERCENARIES story line couples, as well as the royal servants, royal family, and a woman who wants a second chance with Kash Kamdar.

ARRANGED is a fast paced, suspense filled story that will help educate the reader as to the nature of a D/s relationship: no coerced power; no gender specific roles; only the limitations set by an uneducated mind. The premise is entertaining and spicy; the characters are realistic, dynamic and colorful; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of secrets and mistaken beliefs. ARRANGED is a passionate and imaginative look at second chances and emotional reactions.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

“Did you enjoy the dessert? They had been planning on serving crème brûlée, but I remembered you like gelato. Strawberry.”
She turned and Kash was standing in the doorway, the tie to his tuxedo undone and the first few buttons of his shirt open, showing off golden skin.
Oh, how the girls must swoon over that man.
Unfortunately for him, she was a woman and not a girl. She curtseyed, recalling her etiquette classes and going down deep, to show her respect for the crown. “I thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Come now, Day. I asked you not to call me that long ago, and now it appears there’s even less reason. We were friends then. We’re going to be husband and wife in a week. Shocking how quickly that woman can move when she wants to.”
He looked so composed, but she couldn’t forget that he’d only found out his mother was dying this afternoon. That was when she’d seen the real man. She’d interrupted them with her silly dress and she’d seen the shock and pain on Kash’s face before he’d smoothed it out and gone back to being the polite royal he’d become.
“Are you all right?” She asked the question for two reasons. First, she wanted to know the answer and second, to see if they really were still friends.
His lips curved up slightly. “I’m faring quite well. We Kamdars are made of sterner stuff than this. Did you enjoy the dinner?”
So, not so friendly he would talk about private things with her. It was good to know where they stood. They needed to have a long conversation about how this was going to work. They might be marrying to protect the Kamdar line and to give his mother some peace, but they needed a plan of action about how best to achieve their goals.
Partners. That was how she’d decided to look at this. They were partners. And if she ended up governing the kingdom while he was out fucking around with supermodels, she wouldn’t get her heart broken.
Just humiliated.
Yes, they needed a talk and perhaps a contract.
“I enjoyed the meal very much. The company left something to be desired, but I suspect I’ll get used to dining with windbag politicians.” She turned back to the balcony, leaning against it. The view from here was spectacular. Beyond that, it was soothing in a way.
“Yes, Mother told me they’re giving you trouble.” He joined her, leaning beside her, their bodies so close but not touching. “I’ll talk to them, ensure you have your funding.”
“Don’t. It can wait a few weeks. I need to go back to them and introduce myself as their new queen.” She wasn’t about to let them think she sent her husband in. If he behaved as he so often did, he wouldn’t be around much and it would be up to her to keep everyone in line.
“Is that why you agreed to this arrangement? Because you wanted power?”
“I agreed because I care about this country. I’ve spent the last ten years of my life working here and trying to ensure that our children get what they need to make it out in the world. I agreed because your mother is excellent at putting one in a corner. I agreed because someone has to and I wasn’t sure who you would bring home if given the chance.” She shuddered at the idea of some brainless model attempting to be a role model for Loa Malian girls.
“Ah, you don’t think I have good taste in women.”
“I think you have an unquenchable appetite for them, Your Majesty, and that is something we should talk about.”
“Ah, the wifely lectures begin,” he said with a sigh. “Please proceed. I’m anxious to get this over with so I can be properly chastened.”
“I only ask that you attempt some discretion, Kashmir. I don’t expect you to be faithful in any way, but I do expect you to not humiliate me.”
He turned, frowning a bit as though she’d surprised him. “You don’t expect me to be faithful?”
It was time for some honesty. “I don’t think you can be. How long have you kept a single woman? A month? Three?”
“Six,” he replied. “I was with Tasha Reynolds for six months before we went our separate ways.”
“And were you faithful to her?” She already knew the answer to that question.
“We had an agreement.” He frowned as though the conversation wasn’t going at all as he’d expected. “She was on set much of the time. She knew I had a highly stressful job, so she was understanding. I gave her the same options.”
“Excellent, then let’s be fair with each other. As long as we’re both discreet, this marriage of ours doesn’t have to mean the end of our lives.”

About the Author Black and rose

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

The Reading Cafe

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Monthly Archives: May 2017

Hundreds (Dollars #3) by Pepper Winters-a review

HUNDREDS (Dollars #3) by Pepper Winters-a review

When Danger Bites (Bravo Team #1) by Heather Long-a review

When Danger Bites (Bravo Team #1) by Heather Long-a review

Payback (Viking Bastards MC #2) by Christina Phillips-a review

PAYBACK (Viking Bastards MC #2) by Christina Phillips-a review

Buy Me Love (Buy Me Love Shapeshifter Series #1) by Julie Tetel Andresen-a review

BUY ME LOVE (Buy Me Love Shapeshifter Series #1) by Julie Tetel Andresen

The Dangerous Billionaire ( Tate Brothers #1) by Jackie Ashenden-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE (Tate Brothers #1) by Jackie Ashenden-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Sex in the Sticks (Love Hurts #1) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

SEX IN THE STICKS (Love Hurts #1) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen-Review, Interview & Giveaway

PIPE DREAMS (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Arranged (Masters and Mercenaries 13.5) 1001 Dark Nights by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

ARRANGED (Masters and Mercenaries #13.5) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt Tour

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