Dirty Deeds Anthology – Review & Giveaway Tour

Dirty Deeds Anthology-Faith Hunter, R.J. Blain,Devon Monk,Diana Pharaoh Francis-Review and Giveaway Tour

 

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Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection (Magical Romantic Comedies)
by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk and R.J. Blain

Dirty Deeds: Urban Fantasy Collection is an anthology with novellas written by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk and R.J. Blain.  I am a huge fan of Faith Hunter, and reading any novella or short story is a must for me.  I will write a short review on Hunter’s stories, revolving around her Jane Yellowrock series, and can only say that the other books are also part of their series, which I have not read.

 Description:
When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small—if the price is right.

 

 

Review:

Bound Into Darkness by Faith Hunter
Bound into Darkness takes place between the last two novels in Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series; the story revolves around Eli Younger and Liz Everhardt. Liz has had a crush on Eli for a while, but after she was seriously injured, she has been in recovery and Eli has not been around.  When Liz gets a call for help to find a missing dog, she asks Eli to help her.   They head to the steep and dark mountain, looking for the dog, only to find Liz encountering a skeletal demon, who comes to life and wanting to possess her.  Liz manages to escape, with Eli’s help and together they build a hedge circle, but time is of essence, as the demon is trying to break through.  To make matters work, a group of rogue werewolves are on the way to kill them.  The question is:  who set this trap to have Liz killed and why?

What follows is an exciting, tense novella that kept my attention from start to finish.  The last half of the book was amazing, as we got to see many of our favorites try to rescue Eli and Liz; including Jane, Cia (Liz’s twin sister, also a witch), Alex, Brute, Lincoln, just to name a few.  We also learn who was behind this trap, which also gets explained more in the next short story; Ties That Bind. I really loved this new addition to the Jane Yellowrock series.

The Ties that Bind by Faith Hunter
Bedelia is the mother of Liz and Cia Everhardt, and she senses something is happening.  Linc Shadrock, who fathered her children, and whom she has not seen in many years, once he became the Master of his territory. When he visits Bedelia late night, he explains about the woman who is threatening to kill her daughters. The Mayhew witches blame Liz for killing one of their own, and they were behind the current attack.  Linc needs Bedelia’s help before he leaves to help save his daughters, with the help of Jane Yellowrock and team. 

Bedelia agrees to call in her witch friends, who had set up a circle from years before, and try to trap the Mayhew leader.  Once the ladies arrive at the circle and set up the trap, they find themselves under attack by both witches and werewolves. 

I enjoyed seeing how Linc loved Bedelia, and explained that he still loved her.  That was a nice addition.  Great short story.

Reviewed by Barb

 

As noted above, the stories below just have a glimpse from the description above:
Vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

Sealed with a Tryst by Devon Monk

At Death’s Door by Devon Monk

The Pixie Job by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Doggone Mess by R.J. Blain

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Down too Deep (Dirty Deeds #4) by J. Daniels-Review tour

Down Too Deep (Dirty Deeds #4) by J. Daniels-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 8, 2019
Following the sudden death of his wife, Nathan Bell has spent nearly two years burying himself in work and neglecting his biggest responsibility: his daughter. Overcome with guilt, he wants to connect with little Marley, but he doesn’t know how to do it alone. And then Jenna Savage throws him a lifeline.

A single mom of twins, Jenna is more than capable of taking care of Nate’s adorable two-year-old, and wants to help Nathan however she can. Soon, attachments are made, forcing Jenna and her kids into new territory. And the closer everyone becomes, the more right it feels.

Falling in love forces Nathan to face his biggest fear, and when hearts, both big and little, are on the line, the only thing scarier than needing someone is losing them all.

••••

REVIEW:DOWN TOO DEEP is the fourth instalment in J. Daniel’s contemporary, adult DIRTY DEEDS erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old, widower/single father/bar owner Nathan Bell, and twenty-seven year old, single mother/nanny /PA Jenna Savage’s story line. DOWN TOO DEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nathan and Jenna) DOWN TOO DEEP follows the building relationship between thirty year old, widower/single father/bar owner Nathan Bell, and twenty-seven year old, single mother/nanny /PA Jenna Savage. Approximately two years earlier Nathan Bell’s wife died, and in the ensuing time Nathan has struggled to move on with his life, a life that no longer includes the daughter he barely knows. Giving their son an ultimatum, Nathan’s parents, who have been raising his daughter, demand he take responsibility including finding someone to look after his child. Enter single mother Jenna Savage, the woman with whom Nathan would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jenna and Nathan, as well as between one another’s children, and the potential fall-out as Nathan struggles with memories from the past.

Nathan Bell has struggled in the two years since the death of his wife. Barely able to hold it together, Nathan battles between head and heart for the daughter he doesn’t know, and is afraid to love. An accidental meeting with Jenna Savage, finds Nathan instantly attracted to the woman who would become his daughter Marley’s nanny, a woman whose love for both Nathan and Marley is tested on numerous occasions.

Jenna Savage is a single mother to twin eight year olds, twins who have fallen in love with Nathan’s daughter Marley. A family by choice, Nathan and Jenna’s blended relationship finds the children will become collateral damage when Nathan struggles with demons from his past.

The relationship between Nathan and Jenna is one of immediate attraction but Jenna is technically Nathan’s employee, and Nathan battles between head and heart knowing that to possibly push Jenna would mean pushing Jenna out of his daughter’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Nathan’s parents, his daughter Marley; Jenna’s brother Brian and Sydney (Four Letter Word #1), Jamie and Tori (Hit the Spot #2) and Dr .Travis McCade (Jamie’s brother), as well as Jenna’s twins Oliver and Olivia.

DOWN TOO DEEP is a story of grief and acceptance; love and understanding; moving forward and letting go. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful, broken, energetic and strong.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Four Letter Word
Hit The Spot
Bad For You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J. Daniels grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

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Bad For You (Dirty Deeds #3) by J. Daniels-Review Tour

BAD FOR YOU (Dirty Deeds #3) by J. Daniels-Review Tour

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BAD FOR YOU
Dirty Deeds #3
by J. Daniels
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Bad For You

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2018

Shayla Perkins isn’t the kind of girl who makes the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to Sean “Stitch” Molina. So when he gives her the world’s biggest rejection, that’s it—she’s done. Until the sexy, silent, unavailable Sean makes Shay a very personal offer. Of course, it still doesn’t mean he’s interested in her. Or does it?

Sean has done things in life. Bad things. And he’s paid the price. All he wants now is to make up for his past by doing good in the present. And no one deserves more good than Shay. Beautiful on the inside and out, Shay is the kind of woman who should be cared for and protected—especially from a man like Sean. He’s tried to keep his feelings for her in check, but a single, reckless impulse pulls them closer than ever before.

Soon the two are sharing their biggest dreams and satisfying their deepest desires. But what will happen if the only way to truly give one another want they want most . . . is to let each other go?

••••

REVIEW: BAD FOR YOU is the third instalment in J. Daniels’ contemporary, adult DIRTY DEEDS erotic, romance series focusing on twenty-three year old diner waitress and hair stylist Shayla Perkins, and twenty-seven diner cook and single father Sean Molina. BAD FOR YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: BAD FOR YOU contains scenes and references to violence and child sexual abuse and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person points of view (Shayla and Sean) BAD FOR YOU follows the building romance and relationship between diner waitress and upstart hairstylist Shayla Perkins, and diner cook Sean Molina. With the death of her beloved grandmother, Shayla Perkins is about to discover that being a parent to her two younger siblings is a lot tougher than she could ever have imagined when her parents must leave to settle her grandmother’s estate. Struggling with her brothers’ fluctuating schedules including after school sporting events, tutoring lessons and speech therapy Shayla will finally break down only to come face to face with the man who has starred in all of her fantasies for close to a year. Enter co-worker and diner cook Sean Molina, a dark, brooding, tattooed and quiet young man who hides years of painful abuse and loss behind a mask of cool indifference and heart breaking pain. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Sean and Shayla, and the potential fall out when Shayla steps aside, sacrificing her own happiness to allow Sean’s past a second chance.

Sean Molina’s back story is painful and heart breaking; a life full of abuse and neglect that will eventually spiral out of control leaving our hero broken, scarred and permanently lost. Shayla Perkins is the epitome of perfection as it pertains to her handling and defense of our story line hero-a hug here, a caress there for a man not use to affection or love slowly begins to break down the barriers and walls necessary to survive.

The relationship between Shayla and Sean struggles in the early stages as Sean is unable to let go; unable to accept Shayla’s overtures of friendship as he continues to suffer with memories of betrayal, abuse and loss. Shayla’s continuous need to protect Sean is of-times over the top but one born of sympathy and love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The reader is introduced to Shayla’s brothers Eli and Dom; as well as Sean’s ex Val, and his two daughters Fiona and Caroline; and Whitecaps Cafe new cook J.R. The return of Tori and Jamie (Hit The Stop #2), Sydney and Brian (Four Letter Word #1), as well as diner owner and manager Nate adds familiarity and cohesion between the story line.

BAD FOR YOU is an emotional and heart breaking story where the reader is pulled into the past as one young boy struggles to survive against a world determined to destroy and break; and a present that refuses to give up the ghosts and memories. The premise is moving and visceral; the characters are broken, tragic and colorful; the romance is touching and passionate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Four Letter Word
Hit The Spot
Bad For You

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Bad For You teaser

About the Author yellow

j-danielsJ. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J. Daniels grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads

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Dirty Deeds (The Dirty Series #1) by HelenKay Dimon-Review & Giveaway

DIRTY DEEDS (The Dirty #1) by HelenKay Dimon-Review and Giveaway

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DIRTY DEEDS
The Dirty Series #1
by HelenKay Dimon
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, M/M, erotic, romantic suspense

Dirty Deeds

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2017

No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.

Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.

Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY DEEDS is the first installment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult THE DIRTY erotic, M/M romantic suspense series-a spin off from her TOUGH LOVE series. This is former CIA operative Gaige Owens, and billionaire businessman Alex Drummond’s story line. DIRTY DEEDS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty-any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary. Alec is first introduced in Guarding Mr. Fine (Tough Love #3)

NOTE: DIRTY DEEDS contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations, intended for mature readers only.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gaige and Alec) DIRTY DEEDS follows the search for the truth. Gaige Owens finds himself ‘tied’ to the CIA, and repaying his debt comes with a dangerous mission to Germany, and the man with whom he would fall in love. Enter Alec Drummond, billionaire businessman and civilian security specialist with high ranking government contacts, whose off hour business shipments to Svalbard, the ‘Doomsday Vault’ in Norway, have caught the attention of the CIA. What ensues is the building relationship between Gaige and Alec, and the struggle to uncover the who, what and why behind the ‘mysterious’ cargo entering the secret vaults meant to preserve the world’s food supplies.

Gaige Owens is an IT specialist but his latest ‘assignment’ has him coming face to face with a man who wants nothing to do with Gaige or the reasons behind the CIA’s involvement. Gaige is working undercover at Drummond Industries, and Alec has a difficult time trusting the man with whom he will fall in love. Both burned in the past by people they once loved Gaige and Alec’s attraction to one another is both palpable and immediate. But someone is desperate to keep both Gaige and Alec from uncovering the truth-our couple are targeted at home and at work. The $ex scenes are numerous, intimate and erotic. Alec battles both his heart and his head knowing there is an end date when the mission is complete.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Alec’s second in command Tony, as well as Tony’s girlfriend, former military personnel Caroline; Alex’s PA Pam Masters (Caroline’s sister); CIA Special Activities Division Agent (SAD) Seth Lang (Guarding Mr. Fine#3); Doomsday vault head of security Daniel Berg, and supervisor Astrid Larsen.

The world building continues to focus on the secret military operations, and Black Ops missions; the people, the places, and the threats to world safety and security, and the men whose mission it is to go undercover-in more ways than one.

DIRTY DEEDS is an intriguing and suspense filled story line focusing on the potential destruction of the world’s food supply. The premise is original, engaging and entertaining; the characters are colorful, edgy and animated; the romance is seductive and intense. DIRTY DEEDS is a sensual and passionate story of two men thrown together in the face of impending disaster.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Dirty Deeds Teaser

 

About the author

HelenKay DimonGoodreads /Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

Helenkay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a . . . divorce attorney. Not the usual transition, she knows. Good news is she now writes full time and is much happier. She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But if you ask her, she’ll tell you the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose again.

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HelenKay Dimon’s publisher is graciously offering an ebook copy of DIRTY DEEDS 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.

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9. Giveaway runs from August 8-11, 2017

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Hit The Spot (Dirty Deeds #2) by J. Daniels-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

HIT THE SPOT (Dirty Deeds #2) by J. Daniels-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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HIT THE SPOT
Dirty Deeds #2
by J. Daniels
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Hit The Spot

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Books-A-Million/ Google Play/ iBooks/ Indiebound

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2016

Add to Goodreads

Is this love or just a game?

Tori Rivera thinks Jamie McCade is rude, arrogant, and worst of all . . . the sexiest man she’s ever laid eyes on. His reputation as a player is almost as legendary as his surfing skills. No matter how her body heats up when he’s around, she’s determined not to be another meaningless hookup.

Jamie McCade always gets what he wants. The sickest wave. The hottest women. And Tori, with her long legs and smart mouth, is definitely the hottest one. He knows Tori wants him-hell, most women do-but she won’t admit it. After months of chasing and one unforgettable kiss, it’s time for Jamie to raise the stakes.

Jamie promises that soon Tori won’t just want him in her bed, she’ll be begging for it-and he might be right. Somehow he’s found the spot in her heart that makes her open up like never before. But with all she knows about his past, can she really trust what’s happening between them? Is Jamie playing for keeps or just playing to win?

•••••••

REVIEW: HIT THE SPOT is the second installment in J. Daniels’ contemporary, adult DIRTY DEEDS erotic, romance series. This is professional surfer and surf shop owner twenty eight year old Jamie McCade, and diner waitress Tori Rivera’s story line. HIT THE SPOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous book is revealed where necessary. Some of the timeline runs parallel to the events of book one FOUR LETTER WORD.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jamie and Tori) HIT THE SPOT focuses on the tumultuous relationship between surfer Jamie McCade, and waitress Tori Rivera both of whom we met in book one FOUR LETTER WORD. Tori is best friends with Sydney Paige; Jamie is best friends and business partner with Brian ‘Dash’ Savage –the leading couple in Four Letter Word. For close to ninth months Tori and Jamie have danced around one another in a game of palpable, angry sexual energy until Jamie has had enough of their back and forth, and takes the next step in a relationship based upon mutual hatred and attraction-Jamie’s obsession with Tori and his foul mouth make for some curious comments and story line moments.

Jamie is a rude, crude and obnoxious professional surfer- a manwhore- whose reputation and personality has rubbed our heroine in all of the wrong ways but Tori’s attraction to Jamie continues to grow despite their aggressive and sassy back and forth. Tori is a young woman determined to make it on her own whose most recent relationship ended when she discovered the man she thought she loved was already married with children. What ensues is the building love between Jamie and Tori-a love that will be tested time and again due in part to Tori’s inability to trust the man with whom she is falling in love.

Shay and Stitch-Tori’s coworkers at the diner-return as their ‘friendship’ continues to hit the skids. Tori’s boss Nate is more or less absent throughout most of the book. We are introduced to Jamie’s sister Quinn McCade, and their brother Dr. Travis McCade, as well as Tori’s parents Dee and John Rivera.

HIT THE SPOT is a sexy read about a man who makes no apologies for his behavior or his need for the woman that calls to his heart. There is plenty of cursing and vulgar language used by our story line hero. The premise is lighthearted, entertaining and erotic; the characters are colorful, charismatic and animated; the romance is sensational and inspiring. J. Daniels HIT THE SPOT is a riveting take on an enemy to friends to lovers trope that will seduce the reader in all of us.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of FOUR LETTER WORD-Book one in the Dirty Deeds series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Hit The spot Teaser

J. Daniels’s TOP FIVE SONGS that make the author emotional:

1. Say Something by A Great Big World.
2. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton.
3. Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones.
4. Awake by Secondhand Serenade.
5. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

excerpt

Tori slapped the counter and gained everyone’s attention when she started yelling, “I did not run you over, Jamie! Jesus Christ! Quit spreading lies about me!”
“It ain’t lies if it’s true!” I yelled back, glaring at her.
A laugh bubbled in her throat. She tilted her head and stuck her hand on her hip. “Please. I’m sure you’re still able to bang everything with a pulse, as usual, which means you’re fine. Get over it, and grow some balls. I cried less when I watched Bambi the first time.”
“Who’s hungry?” Syd asked nonchalantly, moving behind her friend to round the island and stand near the stove.
I ignored her question because, what the fuck? Grow some balls?
“I gotta pair, babe,” I told Legs, reaching down and palming my shit. “You should know since you’ve been all up on ’em the past nine months.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re disgusting.”
I felt my mouth twitch.
And that was when, for some fucked up reason, I reverted back to my old ways with Tori Rivera, forgetting all about how much I fucking hated her and instead going full-on, hell-bent determined to get an admission out of that smart-ass mouth.
“You want it,” I countered, tipping my chin up.
She wasn’t expecting that. No more than I was. It threw her off.
Her shoulders pulled back and her lips parted.
Then, maybe to cover her tell, or maybe she didn’t have control over what was flying out of her mouth either, I didn’t know, but she brought her other hand to her hip, glared at me with heat flashing in her eyes, tipped forward, and shot back with attitude, “You want it.”
Well shit. This was new. Legs was challenging me and she was doing it flirting. There was no doubt in my mind.
“Sorry, babe,” I said, keeping the smirk and letting go of my junk. “Not interested. I told you yesterday, I’m done waitin’ around. But you?” I pointed my beer at her. “You’ll be beggin’ for it before the month is up. Just watch.”
“Fat chance,” she snapped. “I wouldn’t sleep with you if my life depended on it.”
“Wanna bet?”
“Bet what?”
“What’s going on right now?” Syd called out, but I wasn’t pausing to answer her.
I smiled at Tori, then gestured between us, explaining, “First one to break and come crawling to the other person for sex, loses.”
“Are you serious?” She laughed, not in amusement but in disbelief.
“Yeah, I’m serious,” I answered.
“You want to bet me that I’ll want to have sex with you before you try and have sex with me?” she questioned, moving her finger between us. “You, the guy who has been hitting on me for nine straight months and has been rejected for nine straight months? You seriously think I’ll not only want to have sex with you, but I’ll beg you for it? Is that what I just heard?”
I nodded slowly. I had this in the bag. “A rule. No fuckin’ anyone unless it’s each other.”
Her eyes bugged.
“And no masturbating either,” I added, raising my beer and using it to gesture. “Since we both know when you do it you’re thinkin’ about me, and if you’re that fuckin’ horny you need to rub one out or you’ll fuckin’ explode, you can come to me, Legs, beg, and I’ll put that fire out for you.”

About The Author

J. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J. Daniels grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads

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Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels -a review

FOUR LETTER WORD (Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels-a review

Four Letter Word

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About the book: Release Date October 4, 2016

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words “wrong number” in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend’s heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he’s quickly come to hate-until Sydney’s wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past .

••••••••••

REVIEW: FOUR LETTER WORD is the first installment in J. Daniels’s contemporary, adult DIRTY DEEDS erotic, romance series. This is former surfer Brian ‘Dash’ Savage, and x-ray technologist Sydney Paige’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Sydney and Brian) FOUR LETTER WORD follows the building relationship between Sydney Paige and Brian Savage. When her husband of seven years announces he wants a divorce our heroine packs her bags and heads to Dogwood Beach to move in with her best friend Tori but Tori’s personal life has also gone to h*ll and Sydney decides to confront the man that destroyed Tori’s life. A wrong number and a verbal tirade focusing on the stranger at the other end of the line finds Sydney mortified to learn she cussed out the wrong man. Enter former surfer Brian Savage, and the man who would begin a ‘virtual affair’ with our story line heroine. What ensues is the back and forth texting and phone calls in which our couple begin to fall in love before they ever meet.

Brian Savage is a broken man; racked with guilt and a need to repent for sins of the past Brian has too many secrets that are about to destroy the woman with whom he is falling in love. Sydney Paige is trying to put her life back together, and falling in love with Brian is the balm to her broken heart.

The relationship between Sydney and Brian begins accidentally when our heroine dials Brian’s number by mistake. Brian is so impressed with the ‘tirade’ on the other end of the line he texts back our heroine and thusly begins a romantic relationship with a woman he has never met. Meeting in person our couple are quick to consummate their relationship-a relationship that is mired by secrets and betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and provocative. Our couple like to talk dirty in the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Brian’s friends Cole and Jamie McCade as well as Sydney’s co-workers at the Whitecaps diner Shay, Sean and Kali, and their boss Nate whose personal life is broken and sad. We are introduced to Sydney’s best friend Tori whose own life is a series of mismanaged relationships but there is some definite sexual attraction between Tori and Brian’s business partner and ‘local surfing legend’ Jamie McCade-a sexual attraction that finds Tori and Jamie bickering throughout the story.

The world building follows the friendships and relationships of two groups of friends, and the fall out of one couple when Brian’s secrets or ‘lies of omission’ threaten their building love.

FOUR LETTER WORD has a little bit of everything: humor, fun, romance, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak and love. The premise is engaging, clever and emotional; the characters are passionate, broken and dynamic; the romance is captivating and intense. J. Daniels FOUR LETTER WORD is a moving story line with sympathetic characters and a wonderful happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dirty Deeds (Mechanics of Love #3) by Megan Erickson-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

DIRTY DEEDS (Mechanics of Love #3) by Megan Erickson-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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DIRTY DEEDS
Mechanics of Love #3
by Megan Erickson
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Dirty Deeds

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 8, 2015

Alex Dawn is saying no to men. No to bad relationships, disappointments, and smooth-talkers. Focusing on her family and her job at Payton and Sons Automotive keeps her mind occupied and her heart content. She doesn’t really miss a man’s touch, until one night, a man shows up with the body of a god and a voice from her dirtiest dreams.

L.M. Spencer is only in Tory, Maryland, to scope out the town as a possible site for one of his company’s hotels. The British businessman didn’t expect his car to break down or to find the hottest little American he’s ever seen holding a tire iron, piercing him with bright blue eyes.

They agree to one hot night, one dirty deed to burn out the chemistry between them. But from their first kiss, Alex can’t stop saying yes to this man. And when Spencer’s company threatens everything she cares about, they must make the choice to stand together or apart.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY DEEDS is the third installment in Megan Erickson’s contemporary, adult MECHANICS OF LOVE erotic romance series focusing on the men and women of Payton and Sons Automotive-a spin off from Megan’s ‘Bowler University’ series. This is mechanic Alex Dawn, and hotel acquisitions agent L.M. Spencer’s storyline. Alex was first introduced to the reader in Dirty Talk (Book 2)-she is Ivy’s sister and the reason she, Ivy and Violet are now calling Tory, Maryland home.

Told from alternating third person perspectives (Alex and Spencer) DIRTY DEEDS follows Alex as she slowly begins to open her heart to the possibility of love and a happily ever after. Alex’s last relationship found our heroine on the run from an emotionally abusive ex, and in order to protect the people that she loves, Alex and her sister Ivy moved to Tory, Maryland to start a new life and a new future. One year later, Alex finds herself falling for British ex-pat L.M. Spencer-a man who is in town only for a few days. What ensues is a one night stand that turns into something more when Spencer returns to Tory in the hopes of securing some land for his company’s hotels.

The relationship between Alex and Spencer is one of immediate attraction; their sexual chemistry is explosive and hot but Alex has been hurt in the past and is unable to let go of the emotional damage caused by her controlling ex. Unwilling to commit to a future, Alex is willing to say goodbye rather than face an uncertain future or another possible controlling man. A lie of omission by Spencer finds Alex back in the same dark and broken place, and she isn’t willing to lose her heart to another man. A good portion of Alex’s backstory was revealed in the previous installment wherein the Dawn family was on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of Alex’s past. The $ex scenes are intense, erotic and often spontaneous-anywhere, anytime.

Most of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles including Alex’s sister Ivy and her boyfriend Brent Payton, as well as Cal Payton and Jenna, and Jenna’s best friend Delilah. The Payton patriarch Jack makes a cameo appearance, along with Payton half-brother Asher. Wounded fire-fighter Davis is absent but by way of mention is brought into the storyline through Delilah-who may or may not have feelings for the now wheel-chair bound hero. I am looking forward to Delilah and Davis’s story.

DIRTY DEEDS focuses on family and friendships; romance and love; moving forward and letting go. Alex and Spencer must face their pasts before they are able to move towards a future-apart or together. The small town familiarity of Tory, Maryland brings with it the love and support not otherwise found in big city living. The premise is entertaining and heartwarming; the characters are loving, animated and protective; the happily ever after takes time to come to fruition but is worth the wait-in the end.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Alex Dawn growled as she tightened the hubcap with the tire iron and thought, for the fifth time, that she should have gone home an hour ago.
But that meant going home to an empty house, which she didn’t think she’d hate but had learned to her supreme horror that she did, in fact, hate living alone.
She’d never lived alone, not ever. First she’d lived with her mom and sister, Ivy, and then . . . him . . . and then again with Ivy and her daughter, Violet. She liked living with Ivy and V, but now they had moved in with Ivy’s boyfriend, so Alex was alone. In that apartment that used to be filled with Ivy’s clothes and Violet’s coloring books.
Alex banged the tool on the rubber of the tire. The thunk was comforting. She did it again, and again, wondering why she was doing this, but couldn’t deny it felt good as hell to get some anger out. Because that’s all she seemed to have lately. Anger. Anger at him and at her life and anger at the fact that she couldn’t seem to be fucking happy.
It was a shitty cycle.
Therapy was helping, a little, but it dredged up old wounds she’d tried to bury for so long. She hated being unhappy. But the more she dwelled on it, the less happy seemed to be within reach. She did like her job, though, so that was something. Working at Payton and Sons Automotive as a mechanic was more home than that empty apartment.
Her phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID before tucking her phone in between her ear and shoulder. “Hey.”
“What’re you doing?” Ivy’s voice was soothing.
“Working,” Alex answered.
There was a pause, as if Ivy was checking the time. “You’re still at work.”
“Tell her to go the fuck home!” yelled a male voice in the background. Brent Payton. Ivy’s boyfriend and Alex’s coworker.
“Stop swearing,” Ivy muttered, but there was no heat to her words.
Alex smiled. “Tell him I’d stop working if I didn’t have to pick up his slack.”
There was a rustle on the phone and then Brent’s voice was clear. “Seriously, why are you still there?”
Alex shrugged, even though she knew no one could see her. “Why do you care? I’m getting stuff done so you have less to do tomorrow.” It was Friday and Alex was off the next day, but Brent was on the Saturday shift.
“Alex.” Brent sighed. “Go home.”
Where was home? she wanted to ask. But instead she traced an oil spot on the concrete with her boot. “Yeah, okay. Just so you know, this Jeep here—”
“I’ve been drinking. Leave me a fucking note.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “Fine. Take care of my sister for me.”
“Always do.”
Alex was about to hang up when Ivy’s voice came back on the line. There was a giggle, and Alex was happy for her sister at the same time a pang of envy sliced into her heart. “Alex?”
“Yup.”
“Want to come over or something?”
“Nah, that’s okay. You guys have a nice family night or whatever.”
“Alex, you’re family too.”
She was, but Ivy was starting a new family, a nice, perfect nuclear family, and there wasn’t room in that house for a clingy sister. “I know, but I’m cool. Gonna go home and crash.” She’d been reading Ivy’s romance books she’d left behind too.
“Okay, but if you change your mind . . .”
“Thanks, honey, but I’m fine.”
Ivy sighed. “ ’K, love you.”
“Love you too.”
Alex shoved her phone back into her pocket and glanced around the garage. She really should go home. The sun was setting, painting the fall sky in streaks of pink and orange. Hooking her thumbs in her pockets, she walked to the front of the garage, leaned against the side of the open bay, and gazed at the sky and the Friday night traffic on Main Street in Tory, Maryland.
She tapped the tire iron against her jean-clad thigh, enjoying the breeze on her heated skin and through the thin fabric of her tank top.
Her nerves were jittery, and sometimes she still had the urge to run. To flee. To be far away from him and her past as best as she could. But if she’d learned anything since she moved to Tory, it was that she couldn’t keep running. So she stayed here, where Ivy found the love of her life and where Alex had a good job and could see her niece grow.
She’d given up hope long ago she’d get the fairy tale that seemed to happen for everyone else. And that was okay. She’d hardened and carried a chip on her shoulder that was like an old friend now.
She was about to turn around and close up shop when the sound of a rattling exhaust caught her attention. She turned her head to see a red Mercedes—the source of the sound—making its way down the street. The car turned into the parking lot of Payton and Sons and Alex waited as it parked in front of her and the driver turned off the engine, which thankfully killed the noise.
Alex glanced at her watch. It was after seven now. Technically the shop closed an hour ago, but she waited for the driver to get out of the car, because it wasn’t like she was in a hurry.
The door opened. A man’s black dress shoe planted on the ground of the parking lot, attached to a gray-panted leg. That leg just . . . kept going. The man had to be tall as hell, and when he emerged from the car, Alex swallowed. Yes, he was tall. Very tall, probably close to six-four. He wore a gray suit with a white shirt that was unbuttoned at the top and a dark blue tie, loosened so the knot hung off to one side. He slammed the car door shut with a little bit of anger, and Alex jolted at the sound and the force, her body stiffening.
She hated herself a little at her knee-jerk reaction to a big man who was angry.
She squared her shoulders and gripped the tire iron, watching the tall man with dark hair glare at his car with his hands on his lean hips, broad shoulders rising and falling with a heavy sigh.
He speared his fingers through his hair and turned to Alex, opening his mouth to say something but stopping abruptly at the sight of her. He blinked.
She blinked back.
He was about ten feet away, and even from here she could see the brilliant blue of his eyes, the long dark lashes framing them. The little bit of silver peppering his hair at his temples.
He was gorgeous in a clean-cut, serious businessman way. The effortlessly wavy hair, the square jaw, the lips that threatened to open any minute and spit out such words like merger and acquisition and accounts payable. He looked like he didn’t smile, but scowled from under a heavy brow.
The type of man who’d always looked down his nose at all the Dawn women. Called them easy and white trash under his breath. Yeah, she was judging, but her defense was to judge first. Better to size up whom she was dealing with quickly than be caught off guard.
Basically, Mercedes Man was the exact opposite of Alex’s type.
She placed the tire iron she was holding and crossed her arms over her chest. With a raised eyebrow, she said, “Having some trouble?”
He blinked again, his hand frozen in his hair. Then he dropped it at his side, the other still on his hip. “Bloody car.”
It was Alex’s turn to be surprised. The guy was British. She’d never met anyone who was British, and she really only heard British accents on TV shows like Game of Thrones and Spartacus, when all the actors had these vague European accents in order to appear exotic. She grew up in Indiana. Not a hotbed of diversity.
“You guys really say ‘bloody’? Like that’s actually a thing?” she asked—and immediately clamped her hand over her mouth, because the man’s dark eyebrows dipped in a scowl, which still did nothing to lessen his attractiveness.
“Do you Americans really say ‘yee-haw’?” he shot back at her, the last word morphing into what Alex assumed was an attempt at a southern accent.
“You’ve officially said that word more than I have in my whole life,” she answered drily.
He paused, like he wasn’t sure whether to laugh or glare. In the end, he went with a glare, along with a muttered, “Well, then, I’ll be sure not to blurt that out at random times.”
“That might be a good rule.” She took a step forward and jerked her chin in the direction of his car. “Need some help?”
“Your bloody roads,” he said. “Can’t go a hundred meters without hitting a pothole, and it’s done a number on my car.” His eyes took in a sweep of the shop. Alex tried not to look at it through this man’s eyes. Everything about him, from his clothes to his car, was sleek and clean and put together. The shop behind her was an older building, with a few—okay, several—cosmetic issues. It smelled like grease, oil, gas, and rubber, and she loved every fucking inch of Payton and Sons. So this guy could sneer at it all he wanted. It was home to her. When that arresting blue gaze returned to hers, his eyes were unreadable. “Can you service a Mercedes?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Uh, yeah, we can service a Mercedes.”
He didn’t flinch at her dry tone or her looks-could-kill laser eyes. The man was made of steel. “I see. Well, then, can you look at it, or do I need to speak to a manager?”
She kinda wanted to punch the guy. “No.”
He stared. “No . . . you can’t look at it, or no, I don’t need to speak to a manager?”
“Neither.” She gestured toward the unlit sign in the window of the office. “We’re closed.” Maybe she would have stayed open if anyone but this guy had pulled into the parking lot.
He sighed and ran his hands over his face and up into his hair, tugging on the dark strands before dropping his arms to his sides. “Fuck,” he muttered, turning his glare back onto the car.
She stuck her hands in her pockets. “Look, I’ll make sure the guys coming in tomorrow look at it, but that’s all I can promise.”
After a silent thirty seconds, he nodded. “That’ll have to do then.”
She took a step forward. “I’m Alex, by the way.”
His gaze dipped down her body for one minute before locking eyes with her. “Spencer.”
That name. So British and posh and everything Alex wasn’t. “Do you need a ride somewhere?” She should just make him figure it out on his own since he was kind of a jerk, but she could always use some karma points. And it wasn’t like Tory had a taxi service.
“I’m at the Tory Inn.”
“I know where that is. I can give you a ride, if you want.”
He studied her again, and she wondered what he thought of her. She was dirty after a long day at work, but she always wore a full face of makeup and red lipstick. He had hated it, but she didn’t wear it for him.
“Okay, yes,” Spencer said with a nod, his tone brusque. “I’d like that. Thank you.” His last two words were tacked on, like an afterthought.
Don’t hurt yourself thanking me. “I’m going to close up the shop, so you can get your things and I’ll meet you at my truck.” She pointed to her old Ford in the corner of the lot. His eyes followed her finger, and then he gave a short nod.
“Give me ten,” she said.
It really only took her five minutes to close up the shop, but she needed some time to gain her bearings. She could feel his judgment of her and her workplace on her skin like ants. She wanted to get home and shower and forget about this uppity Brit. Why had she offered him a ride home? Stupid, stupid Alex.
Also, why did he have to be hot?
When she approached her truck, he was standing by the passenger door, head bent, a lock of dark hair falling onto his forehead as he tapped away at his phone. As her footsteps approached, he looked up. He held a fancy-looking bag, the strap crossed over his chest.
“That all you have?” she asked.
He nodded and his head swiveled as he looked up and down Main Street. He sighed, and for the first time since she’d met him, his severe face softened. “Look, I’m sorry. I’ve had a shite day, and I was an arse. Can I buy you dinner or a drink to make up for it?”
Alex hesitated. No, no, just say no. But he was looking at her with a somewhat eager expression, and she was starving. A free meal. While looking at a hot guy. Hopefully he kept his mouth shut. “There’s a little place down the street, serves burgers and beer.”
“Lovely.”
As they got into the truck and she put on her seat belt, she said, “But you don’t have to pay—”
“Please, Alex.”
She tried not to think about how she liked the way he said her name, drawing out the first syllable and emphasizing the x. “Sure, okay,” she said as she backed out of the parking lot, glancing at him as she did.
He smiled then. A smile that transformed his surly face into . . . something gorgeous. Spectacular. Like he belonged in some period film with a cravat, sipping champagne. She tried not to think about how his smile made her feel, even as the warmth spread down to her toes. He was just a hot guy, and she’d been around hot dudes before. Hell, she worked with some. So why couldn’t she quit perving on this one? Especially because he’d already shown he could be an asshole. God, was that who she was? A woman who was doomed to always want to bone jerks?
Spencer’s name was probably something like Spencer Addington IV, and he probably had a distant relative of royalty. Surely, his family played polo or cricket or whatever they did over there in Britain.
Either way, despite the way his eyes lingered on her lips and the way his long tapered fingers rested on his thigh, he wasn’t her type.
Hell, she didn’t have a type anymore.
Being alone was lonely, but at least it was safe.

About The Author

Megan EricksonFollow Megan: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/Pinterest

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

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