Dirty Royals (A Sexy Manhattan Fairy Tale 3) by Michelle A. Valentine-a review

DIRTY ROYALS (A Sexy Manhattan Fairy Tale 3) by Michelle A Valentine-a review

Dirty Royals

ebook only 99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2016

My evil plan is right on schedule.

I have her right where I want her, and soon I’ll be ready to lower the boom.

That is, if I can force myself to screw her over.

She’s got to me—made me care about her—and now I have two loves—my company and the Feisty Princess.

I can’t have them both.

It’s time to choose.

•••••••••••••

NOTE: If you have not read the previous two installments there may be some spoilers in my review.

REVIEW: DIRTY ROYALS is the third and final installment in Michelle A. Valentine’s contemporary, adult A SEXY MANHATTAN FAIRY TALE erotic, romance serial focusing on billionaire businessman Alexander King, and Margo Buchanan-the daughter of the man Alexander is hoping to financially destroy. Their continuing story finds our couple married in the hopes of saving Buchanan Enterprises but Alexander King has other plans for the floundering company

Told from dual first person points of view (Alexander and Margo) DIRTY ROYALS looks at the days following the death of Margo’s beloved father, and Margo’s attempt to save what she can of her father’s legacy. But things go from bad to worse when Margo learns the truth about Alexander’s plans, and Margo offers up Buchanan Enterprises to another company. What ensues is the breakdown of a relationship based upon a lie, and the heartbreaking fall out when the truth is revealed.

DIRTY ROYALS is a quick read; a revealing look at two people whose relationship was destroyed by power and greed; a romance between bitter enemies that grew into something more. The premise is moving; the characters are passionate; the romance is provocative and emotional.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of NAUGHTY KING
Click HERE for Sandy’s review of FEISTY PRINCESS

Reviewed by Sandy

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On Higher Ground by Melissa Collins-Review and Release Blitz

ON HIGHER GROUND by Melissa Collins-Review and Release Blitz

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ON HIGHER GROUND
by Melissa Collins
Genre: adult, contemporary, M/M erotic, romance

On Higher Ground

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 18, 2016

When there’s no peace after war…
When there’s no solace after death…
When there’s only pain and suffering…
Anxiety and loss…
All you can hope to find is something more…
Something that makes you whole and complete
Something that puts you
On Higher Ground

••••••••••••

REVIEW: ON HIGHER GROUND by Melissa Collins is the follow-up to ON SOLID GROUND focusing on tattoo artist and shop owner Beckett ‘Beck’ Ridge and former soldier Jacob ‘Dax’ Daxton-two men with darks pasts and even darker issues. ON HIGHER GROUND is Dax and Beck’s continuing journey of loss, love, family, and personal struggles. The story line can be read as a stand alone but for back history and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

NOTE: ON HIGHER GROUNDS contains graphic M/M sexual situations.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Dax and Beck) ON HIGHER GROUND advances the series one year and focuses on Dax’s continuing struggle with PTSD, and Beck’s acceptance of the family he has lost. The story line looks at family, healing, personal and emotional growth as well as acceptance of things one cannot change, and the power to change what can be done. From relationships to marriage, to friendships and loss, Melissa Collins touches on the personal cathartic moments, and emotional highs and lows for two people whose pasts are mired in darkness and loss. Marriage brings about a promise for the future, for family, and for a happily ever after-everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

••••••••••••••••••••

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ON SOLID GROUND book 1 is available for 99¢ from the following ebook retailers:

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

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of ON SOLID GROUND

••••••••••••••••••

About The Author

Follow: Goodreads / website / Facebook / Twitter

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.

Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

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Too Hot To Handle (Romancing the Clarksons #1) by Tessa Bailey-Review & Book Tour

TOO HOT TO HANDLE (Romancing the Clarksons #1) by Tessa Bailey-Review and Book Tour

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TOO HOT TO HANDLE
Romancing the Clarksons #1
by Tessa Bailey
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

Too Hot To Handle

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2016

When rescue looks like a whole lot of trouble . . .

The road trip was definitely a bad idea. Having already flambéed her culinary career beyond recognition, Rita Clarkson is now stranded in God-Knows-Where, New Mexico, with a busted-ass car and her three temperamental siblings, who she hasn’t seen in years. When rescue shows up—six-feet-plus of hot, charming sex on a motorcycle—Rita’s pretty certain she’s gone from the frying pan right into the fire . . .

Jasper Ellis has a bad boy reputation in this town, and he loathes it. The moment he sees Rita, though, Jasper knows he’s about to be sorely tempted. There’s something real between them. Something raw. And Jasper has only a few days to show Rita that he isn’t just for tonight—he’s forever.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOO HOT TO HANDLE is the first installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adult ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS erotic, romance series focusing on the four Clarkson siblings. This is chef Rita Clarkson, and bar/restaurant owner Jasper Ellis’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jasper and Rita) TOO HOT TO HANDLE follows the Clarkson siblings-Rita, Aaron, Peggy and Belmont as they take off on a cross country adventure. One year earlier, following their mother’s death, Rita Clarkson took over the family restaurant, but a fire destroyed everything they had built. It was then that Rita produced their mother’s journal asking that her children seek out what is important in their lives, and thusly the cross country trek began. When the car in which they were driving breaks down near a small New Mexico town, Rita will come face to face with her future-restaurant and bar owner Jasper Ellis-a man who has sworn off women for close to two years.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE covers approximately three days in th life, and is an insta-lust/love story line between two people who are unable to let go of the past. Jasper’s history as a bit of a man-whore finds our hero immersed in self-loathing, insecurity and unable to accept that any woman would want him for himself. He is an alpha male with a vulnerable side that is exposed in Rita’s presence. Rita’s low self-esteem comes from a series of mistakes and failures, and rejection by Jasper adds one more failure to her list of many. The $ex scenes are erotic and intimate. The sexual energy, attraction, and chemistry is palpable. There is plenty of passion (good and bad) between our leading couple.

We are introduced to Rita’s siblings-Aaron, the politician; Peggy the ‘beautiful’ one; and Belmont-a man so caught up in his own mind that no one is aware of what is going on in his life. Aaron’s story will be told next in TOO WILD TO TAME.

The world building focuses on the dysfunctional nature of the estranged sibling’s relationships. It is readily apparent that something happened in the past to destroy what was once a close-knit family but present day sees the siblings as strangers with the same last name.

Tessa Bailey writes a story about family and loss. She will captivate your imagination as four siblings struggle to communicate, to get along, to cooperate with the smallest of ventures. The premise is entertaining; the characters are likeable and colorful; the romance is fated and heartwarming.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

 

He dipped down until they were nose to nose, saw the rush of thought going on behind her eyes. It was pretty damn breathtaking up close. “Mind cluing me in as to what’s going on in there?”
“If—if—we need to stay overnight—”
“You will.”
“—then I might see you at the bar.” She wedged a hand between them and separated their bodies. “I’d rather see someone’s worst than their best. Saves time.”
Jasper heard the tow truck pulling into the garage parking lot and cursed. Not even remotely confident that his first attempt at polite conversation with an available woman had been successful, Jasper walked her backward until they were hidden behind a rusted pay phone. She’d broken away from his touch, so he was careful to respect that. He dropped his mouth to an inch above hers and said, low, “I didn’t get near enough time with you, Rita. If you don’t show up tonight, don’t be surprised if I come looking.” He laid his palms against the warm building, above her head, watched her gaze dip to his stomach. His lap. “And if I have to come looking, I’ll be twice as determined to get that kiss.”
Her head came up. “W-what kiss?”
Jasper lowered his mouth until their lips brushed. He listened to her breath accelerate, watched her wet her lips. “The one I want to give you right now.” He allowed himself to linger another few seconds, then, with the effort of ten oxen, Jasper stepped back. “Tonight, beautiful.”
On his way to his bike, Jasper tipped his hat at Rita’s gaping siblings

 

 

about the author

Tessa BaileyTessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high
school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Connect with Tessa Bailey

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Beautiful Distraction by J.C.Reed- Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Beautiful Distraction by J.C.Reed-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION
by J.C. Reed
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Beautiful Distraction

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

Add to your GOODREADS shelf.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2016

Kellan Boyd always gets what he wants—except that one infuriating city girl who bumped into his new chick magnet sports car, dared to call him a jerk, and basically threw his pity check in his face.

Fast forward three months later. When Ava Cross suddenly knocks on his door in the middle of a storm, soaking wet and in dire need of help, he’s determined to settle old scores and finally get her between the sheets where she belongs.

Ava knows Kellan is a complex man with a dark past and a wild reputation he can’t deny. Forced to stay, Ava begins a desperate search for the truth about the one man she wants to despise and quickly discovers that the passion she feels for him isn’t just deep…it’s dangerous to her heart.

Kellan is a beautiful distraction. When the traps of her own weakness stand in the way, Ava is faced with one choice only: peel off the layers of a man who is a wild cowboy at heart.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION is the first installment in JC Reed’s new sexy, romance series focusing on the Boyd Brothers-Kellan, Cash and Ryder. This is Kellan Boyd, and journalist Ava Cross’s storyline- a love/hate relationship that looks at misunderstandings, first impressions, secrets and lies.

Told from first person point of view (Ava) BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION focuses on the building relationship between the mysterious Kellan Boyd, and journalist Ava Cross. When Ava accidentally ‘bump’s’ into Kellan’s very new, very expensive car at the popular New York nightclub Club 69, Ava finds herself face to face with the most beautiful but arrogant human being she has ever met. Several caustic remarks later between our leading couple has Ava regretting turning down Kellan’s ‘proposal’, and Kellan wondering about the woman he just met. Fast forward two months wherein Ava has won 2 tickets to a rock concert for the group Mile High, and another ‘accident’ finds Ava and her best friend Mandy at Kellan’s front door – a secret cabin in the backwoods of Montana- and the prospect of spending too much alone time with the man who has featured in all of Ava’s dreams. What ensues is the building relationship between two people who profess to hate one another all the while hoping for a chance at something more.

The relationship between Ava and Kellan begins literally by accident. When Kellan offers to pay for Ava’s repairs, as well as a brand new car, Ava sees red and believes Kellan pities what he sees, and Ava has had enough of arrogant jerks and men. Kellan is a man who harbors many secrets and isn’t about to reveal the truth about who he is and what he does. When a second chance ‘meeting’ finds Ava front and center in Kellan’s life, our hero tries everything to seduce the woman of his most recent fantasies but when the truth is finally revealed about Kellan’s current life, Ava finds herself heartbroken once again. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive although limited in number as Ava tries to keep Kellan at a distance throughout a good portion of the story.

We are introduced to Ava’s best friend Mandy, who falls for Kellan’s friend Josh; and Ryder Boyd-Kellan’s brother and local deputy in small town Montana. The world building focuses on the building relationship between Kellan and Ava, and their struggle to accept the expiry date on what is, and what could have been in their lives. The epilogue advances the story two years where we get a glimpse into the future.

BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION is an entertaining story; a passionate tale about two people who met by accident and found love in the wake of the storm. There are moments of heartbreak and betrayal; romance and love; secrets and letting go. The premise is engaging; the characters are heartwarming and sensitive; the romance is impassioned and hopeful. J.C.Reed invites the reader into her imaginary world of beautiful distractions, and addicting romances.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

BEautiful Distraction Teaser

About The Author

JC Reed

J.C. Reed is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She writes steamy contemporary romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, you can find her chatting with her readers on Facebook.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

 

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Take Me Home Tonight by Erika Kelly-Review, Book Tour and (2) Giveaways

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT (Rock Star Romance 3) by Erika Kelly-Review, Book tour and (2) Giveaways

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Take Me Home Tonight
Rock Star romance #3
by Erika Kelly
Release Date : April 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, rock stars

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Take Me Home tonight

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef.

Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is the third installment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult ROCK STAR ROMANCE erotic, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Blue Fire. This is keyboardist Calix Bourbon, and home cook Amelia ‘Mimi’ Romano. TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mimi, her mother Francesca, and Calix were introduced in book two-I WANT YOU TO WANT ME.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Calix and Mimi) TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT looks at family, grief, loss and moving forward. Three years earlier, Calix’s family was caught in the trauma of the unexpected death of the youngest sibling whose overdose destroyed their once tight knit family. Fast forward three years and no one in the Bourbon family has been able to move forward or get on with their lives. Enter Mimi Romano-Blue Fire’s temporary chef-and the woman who would push the Bourbon family out of their comfort zones with the possibility of taking the first few steps in a new direction. What ensues is a slow building romance between Calix and Mimi, and Calix’s inability to let go of the past.

Calix blames himself for his brother’s death, and like the other members of the family, has hovered close to home in order to keep an eye on their grieving mother. Calix comes from a musical family- a high profile rock family, and with it comes the guilt of the past-sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I did take issue with Calix’s ‘hot and cold’ treatment of Mimi Romano-on some levels, his lack of maturity was a bit much with his ‘too quick’ to run attitude. Many times Mimi was left alone struggling to find a way home or to heal her broken heart.

Mimi is a strong female character; an only child who has done everything to please her father but believes her father cannot see beyond the past. Hoping to make it on her own Mimi enters a reality cooking competition but lacks the skills necessary to make it to the end. When Calix, and his family offer to ‘teach’ Mimi the skills necessary to survive, Mimi jumps at the chance to be near the man with whom she is falling in love, but a man who is unable to give Mimi what she wants.

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT has a large ensemble cast of characters including the entire Bourbon clan; Mimi’s parents Dino and Francesca; all of the members of Blue Fire and their significant others; as well as a number of groupies and wannabes who make life miserable for everyone involved.

The world building focuses on the band and their struggle with membership, management and moving forward. The relationship between Mimi and Calix is a slow build to a happily ever after but was lost in the family struggles on both sides of the couple’s relationship, and Mimi’s appearances on a television show similar to CHOPPED™. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. Again, I had an issue with the believability of one of the judge’s discriminating and derogatory comments-I don’t think the attacks against the competitor would have been allowed.

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is a fascinating story line about grief and loss; family and love; falling in love and looking forward to the future. The premise is spirited and moving; the characters are emotional and intense; the romance is passionate and heartbreaking. We can never set a time line on grief or over coming a tragic loss; while one person is able to move forward, others are caught in an unending spiral of emotional pain. Erika Kelly’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT is an engaging look at one family’s struggle with loss and moving forward.

Reading Order and previous reviews
You Really Got Me
I Want You to Want Me
Take Me Home Tonight

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

NOTE: Excerpt is recommended for ages 18 +

 

She started to pull away from him, but the loss of her touch made him tighten his grip. When he didn’t let go, she lifted her head to look at him. They’d never been this close. Close enough to see the pale nick of a scar right at her cheek bone, that expressive mouth, and the question in her eyes. Need burned through him, sending electrical impulses down his spine and through his dick. He needed her bare, warm skin against his. Needed the wet heat of her mouth, the slick tangle of her tongue. He needed…oh, fuck him. His mouth settled over hers, and sparks fired in his blood. Her body turned toward him, fingers gripping the back of his shirt. The hunger took over, and he swept his tongue across her lips, licking inside her mouth. With a sharp intake of breath, she was kissing him back. And, holy fuck, this wasn’t some gentle exploration. This was mouth-fucking. She clutched the back of his neck, her tongue stroking his, and raw desire streaked though him, setting him on fire. Keeping his arm firmly around her waist, he set her down. But if she thought he was letting her go—not a chance. He just repositioned her so he could lift her against the wall and spread those legs around his hips. Nothing could stop his body from pressing into her and taking that mouth he’d fantasized about for months. Her tits, her hands, the way she writhed against him, made him frenzied. “Jesus, Mimi.” And then she was making noises, hot, hungry purrs deep in her throat. He ground his cock against her stomach. Heat blistered through him. “God.” The back of her head hit the wall, and she fought to pull her legs out of his grip. It took him a moment to shift gears, but he slowly lowered her to the floor. She looked as shaken as he felt. His knees barely supported him, so he braced both arms against the wall to hold himself up. He needed a moment to cool down. Jesus, he’d never had a kiss like that. *About TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT:* *A rocker gets a taste of unexpected passion in the latest red-hot Rock Star Romance from the award-winning author of I Want You to Want Me.* Calix Bourbon might seem like a free spirit, but that’s all a front. In reality he’s just trying to keep his fractured family together while working as a session musician. When Blue Fire hires him to replace their keyboardist, Calix is determined to make the most of the opportunity—but he can’t help being distracted by the band’s sexy personal chef. Mimi’s temporary gig is great, but she has her heart set on auditioning for a televised cooking show. There’s just one problem: she only has a week to acquire the skills necessary to survive the competition. Luckily, the band’s new keyboard player can teach her exactly what she needs, in the kitchen and in the bedroom…

 

 

About the author

Erika KellyI’ve been spinning romantic tales all my life–I just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, I didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, I’ve been devouring the genre and have found my true voice as an author. Over three decades I’ve written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of my life and raising four children, I’ve lived in two countries and seven states but give me pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and I can make my home anywhere.

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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The Reading Cafe and Erika’s publisher are offering a paper copy of TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Brave Enough (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3) by M.Leighton-Review and Giveaway

BRAVE ENOUGH (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3) by M. Leighton-Review and Giveaway

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BRAVE ENOUGH
Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3
by M. Leighton
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Brave Enough

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Is she brave enough to give her heart to a man she only thought she knew?

He was the most charismatic man I’d ever met. Strong, tough, brave. Bold as hell. Something told me Tag Barton could have anything—anyone—he wanted…and he wanted me. It didn’t matter that he was wrong for me in practically every way possible. It didn’t matter that my father would hate it.

I couldn’t resist him. Even if I’d known who he really was and what he was really capable of.

When he suggested we pretend to be engaged, I thought he was the answer to all my problems. He wasn’t. And, in his wake, he left nothing but scorched earth and me, just another casualty of my father’s war.

Can I believe him now when he tells me he loves me? Or is he nothing more than a beautiful, breathtaking lie?

••••••••••

REVIEW: BRAVE ENOUGH is the third installment in M.Leighton’s adult, contemporary TALL, DARK AND DANGEROUS erotic, romance series. This is former Special Ops soldier/ winery foreman Tag Barton, and heiress/philanthropist Weatherly O’Neal’s story line. BRAVE ENOUGH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person points of view (Weatherly and Tag) BRAVE ENOUGH is a fake fiancé/marriage of convenience trope that focuses on love and a lie from which there may be no return. Weatherly O’Neal is about to be forced into an arranged marriage by her family to keep her family’s billionaire dollar business afloat, and finds herself at the winery where she spent many of her summers growing up. Meeting sexy, handsome winery foreman Tag Barton throws all of Weatherly’s caution to the wind when her father’s plans for the future are interrupted by a man that Weatherly barely knows. What ensues is a story of insta lust/love that finds Tag harboring a secret that will destroy Weatherly’s heart. For this reader, Tag’s secret was easily deduced early on in the story.

The relationship between Tag and Weatherly begins upon a lie-a lie that Tag knows will break Weatherly’s heart and destroy any happiness that the future may bring. Weatherly is running from a forced marriage, and Tag is the perfect foil to prove to her father that she is not a business transaction for her father’s company. The $ex scenes are seductive, intense and hot. Tag knows how to please a woman both in and out of the bedroom.

The world building looks at family, betrayal, love and lies. Although Tag Barton is a former Special Ops soldier, there is little to no connection to the previous two story lines although Keifer Rogan and Katie Rydale (Tough Enough #2) make a cameo appearance both during and after Tag’s fall from grace. The story line focuses on one man’s need to protect his family and home-at all costs.

BRAVE ENOUGH is a sweet story line; a slow build to a happily ever after that sees two people finding love under difficult circumstances. The premise looks at promises of forever and betrayal of love; the characters are colorful, animated and heartbreaking; the romance is provocative and steamy. M.Leighton adds another wonderful story line to her library of go-to reads.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Reading Cafe and M.Leighton’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of BRAVE ENOUGH 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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Hendrix / Jagger (The Caldwell Brothers 1 & 3) by MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron-reviews

Hendrix / Jagger (The Caldwell Brothers 1 & 3) by MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron-review

Caldwell Brothers

•••••••••••••••••

JaggerJAGGER
(Caldwell Brothers #3)
by MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron
Genre: new adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: April 12, 2016

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jagger Caldwell is no one’s hero. With a reputation busting heads and breaking hearts on the underground MMA circuit, he lives for easy cash and easier women. But when he stumbles upon an all-too-familiar scene, painful memories awaken Jagger’s sensitive side and compel him to act. As a kid, he stood by helplessly as his old man beat his mom. Now, Jagger won’t let seventeen-year-old Tatiana Rand suffer the same fate. Nothing matters except saving her.

Tatiana is a prisoner in her own home, at the mercy of her violent father—until an unlikely savior bursts through her door and into her life. Six-feet-plus of tattooed muscle and raw power, Jagger is no prince charming—but Tatiana stopped believing in fairy tales long ago. Despite their differences in age and, well, everything else, the sexy bad boy sparks a fire that Tatiana never knew she had—and desires that only Jagger can quench.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: JAGGER is the third (and final ?) installment in the adult, contemporary CALDWELL BROTHERS erotic, romance series co-authored by MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron. This is youngest brother and fighter Jagger Caldwell, and eighteen year old Tatiana Rand’s story line. JAGGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jagger and Tatiana) JAGGER is a story that focuses on physical and emotional abuse of a young woman by a man, who by birth and DNA, should have protected his daughter with his life. Jagger is the youngest Caldwell; a man with a temper who fights in the underground, illegal arena, and his patience reaches its end when he takes things into his own hands to defend Tatiana from the violence her drunken father continues to rain down upon the young woman’s body. What ensues is the building relationship between Jagger and Tatiana-a girl days from her eighteenth birthday but a woman who has endured much more than most women twice her age.

The relationship between Tatiana and Jagger is one of immediate attraction (insta love and lust) but Jagger knows that Tatiana is off limits due to age and lack of experience. While Jagger bides his time, Tatiana will slowly recover from the life she once had, and into a life that is completely laid out for her future. I did have a concern as to Tatiana’s easy acceptance of the world outside from her previously sheltered life, and her ability to go from broken young girl to sexually aggressive woman within a couple of days. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play supporting and secondary roles. The Caldwell brothers’ father makes a cameo appearance looking for forgiveness but sometimes there is no forgetting about the past.

JAGGER caused me a few anxious moments. Not only is our heroine underage, which in and of itself it neither here nor there because she reaches eighteen within a matter of days, but the authors continue to focus on her youth, having Jagger call her ‘little one’; Cobra call her ‘mouse’; and constantly talking about good and bad touch between our leading couple as though the heroine was a five year old child-it made for some uncomfortable reading where the ‘romance’ is concerned. If the authors had an issue with her age, perhaps the story line should have fast -forwarded a few years before Jagger had the opportunity to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love.

JAGGER is an interesting story line that focuses on rescue and recovery; abuse and responsibility; forgiveness and letting go. The premise is engaging with moments of heartbreak and humor; the characters are passionate and sometimes tragic; the romance is encouraging and hopeful.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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HendrixHENDRIX
(Caldwell Brothers #1)
by Chelsea Camaron and MJ Fields
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: March 8, 2015

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

About the book:

Hendrix introduces the wild and sexy Caldwell boys—three brothers who are living up to their legendary names in Detroit Rock City.

Hendrix Caldwell wants nothing more than to revitalize the family bar—and tear down every last reminder of his no-good father. But business isn’t the only thing on his mind. An explosive encounter with a stranger at a charity masquerade is just the distraction he craves, with no names and no strings attached. For Hendrix, sex is casual, and love is a four-letter word. His commitment is to his brothers, his bar, and his bike. So why can’t he stop thinking about the naughty Cinderella who rocked his world, then left him—and her panties—behind?

Olivia Hemmingway knows fairytales are for little girls. Drowning in debt and hiding a shameful secret, she won’t be saved by a knight in tattooed armor, no matter how mind-blowing their one-night stand may have been. Olivia never expects to meet her masked lover again. But when she takes a job at Hendrix Caldwell’s bar, her sexy new boss seems all too familiar. And once the lights go out and the music is turned up, the sparks between them burn hotter than ever.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HENDRIX is the first installment in the contemporary, adult CALDWELL BROTHERS erotic, romance series co-authored by Chelsea Camaron and MJ Fields. This is bar owner and eldest brother Hendrix Caldwell, and social worker Olivia Hemmingway’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Olivia and Hendrix) HENDRIX focuses on the building relationship between Hendrix and Olivia. Olivia is a social worker in need of some extra cash so she ventures into a local Detroit bar where she will soon discover that her new boss and bar owner Hendrix Caldwell is the same man with whom she recently found herself having a one-night stand in a darkened closet at a charity event. What ensues are Hendrix attempts to keep Olivia at a distance, and Olivia’s attempts to go it alone. From their first introductions Olivia’s life has fallen on hard times, and Hendrix is the man who is constantly picking up the pieces of her shattered life.

The relationship between Olivia and Hendrix is quick to develop; the attraction is immediate but Hendrix believes Olivia’s craziness leaves something to be desired, and he isn’t the man to settle down or look forward to the future. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

We are introduced to Hendrix’s brothers Jagger and Morrison who both work at Caldwell’s bar alongside their brother. The world building looks at the brother’s dark and damaged past wherein they buried their mother following a short battle with cancer; and sent their father packing for the very last time. Olivia’s past is mired in betrayal and sexual abuse; it is Hendrix who will stand by her side when she faces down her heartbreaking past.

HENDRIX is a quick read; a fast paced story about two people who met under ‘closeted’ circumstances and found one another along the way. The premise is entertaining and fun; the characters are animated and real; the romance is a quick build to a happily ever after. I am looking forward to Morrison and Jagger’s stories.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Exposed (Madame X #2) by Jasinda Wilder-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

EXPOSED (Madame X #2) by Jasinda Wilder-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

Exposed Banner

EXPOSED
Madame X #2
by Jasinda Wilder
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: March 1, 2016

Exposed

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

About the book: Release Date March 1, 2016

Everything Madame X has ever known is contained within the four walls of the penthouse owned by her lover, her keeper, the man who controls her every move and dominates her desires. While Caleb owns her body, someone else has touched her soul. X’s awakening at the hands of Logan’s raw, honest masculinity has led her down a new path, one that is as exciting as it is terrifying.

But Caleb’s need to own her completely knows no bounds, and he isn’t about to let her go. Not without a fight that could destroy them all…

•••••••••

REVIEW: EXPOSED is the second installment in Jasinda Wilder’s contemporary, adult MADAME X erotic, dark romantic suspense series focusing on a woman known only as Madame X. The continuing story finds our heroine caught between the only life that she knows, and the man who calls to her heart. EXPOSED should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues upon the events of book oneMadame X.

Some background: X is a woman who has no memory and no knowledge except for the previous six years, and in this, she relies on billionaire Caleb Indigo-a man whose control over Madame X is virtually master to a slave. Caleb is X’s rescuer, her confident, her protector, her master, and the darkness to her light.

Told from first and second person points of view (Madame X) EXPOSED follows X as she endeavors to break free from the only lifestyle she has known for the previous six years. Caleb Indigo is a man who controls every aspect of X’s life, but X has discovered that there is more outside of the four walls that have held her prisoner –there is freedom, and there is Logan-the man that will open her eyes and her heart to her past, her present and her possible future; and there is the truth.

EXPOSED is a startling, raw, twisted and revealing look at one woman’s struggle to set herself free from a man who regulates and holds dominion over her life. The tragedy that is X finds our heroine caught between two worlds, and two men who both profess their need for a woman who knows nothing about herself. The ‘love triangle’ aspect of the story line is a bit disconcerting as X is unable to let go of the ‘safety net’ Caleb has provided. The intriguing aspect of the unknown begins to build as X slowly recovers some of the memories from her past, and the darkness that lies behind the man who claims to have saved her life. Caleb’s control over X is methodical and relentless; there is evil behind his pursuit of X.

EXPOSED follows Logan and X’s developing relationship; a path towards a future that holds the truth of what was and what can be but Logan’s love for X may never be enough if X is unable to get free of the man who dominates every aspect of her life. Caleb’s capture, control and mastery of X’s life goes more than skin deep but into the heart and soul. Logan’s love may never be enough.

Jasinda Wilder’s EXPOSED is disturbing, aggressive, frightening and dramatic. The premise is incensing, stimulating and intoxicating; the characters are damaged, provocative, and charismatic; the $ex scenes are erotic, impassioned and intense. Jasinda Wilder will entertain the darkest recesses of your mind.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

I wake sobbing.
Nightmares of sirens and flashing lights and a pair of cold cruel dark eyes staring haughty and inscrutable down at me as I am used like a receptacle. Nightmares of a perfect body pinning me to an elevator door. Sorcery, stealing my will, manipulating my desires, cool silk of a tie wiping my face. Rain cold and wet and windblown, shifting shadows and blood and pain.
My dream is pervaded by a voice: “Isabel, you’re okay. It was just a dream.”
Who is Isabel?
The voice is in my ear, soft and tender and warm. “I’m here, Isabel.”
Oh, it’s me. I’m Isabel.
I am Isabel; I have to remind myself that it is true.
I am lifted, cradled. I hear a heartbeat under my ear, feel soft cotton under my cheek. I am lying on top of him, as if he is my bed. His hands smooth in caressing circles on my back.
I cannot stop sobbing.
My eyes burn with hot tears, and I try to stop them, but I can’t. “L-Logan—”
“Ssshhh. It’s okay. I’m here.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry—I can’t—can’t stop—”
“Don’t apologize, sweetheart. Cry if you need to. I’ve got you. I won’t let go.”
I can only cling to him and cry. My whole body shakes with shuddering, wracking sobs, as if a lifetime of pent-up tears are being ripped out of me wholesale.
I don’t know how long it lasts. Minutes? Hours? A measureless time of weeping. I think I have cried more in the last twelve hours than in all my life.
Eventually, I am able to breathe normally and the sobs and shudders fade.
I remain still, barely breathing now.
On top of Logan.
Aware of him, suddenly.
Completely attuned to every inch of him, stretched out beneath me. His arms around me, his chin tucked against the top of my head. His denim-sheathed thighs beneath mine, thick and hard. His breath on my hair. His hips nudging mine. My hands on his pectoral muscles, my breasts crushed against his sternum.
There is a shift then. A charge to the air. Electricity crackling.
And now, between one breath and the next, it is sexual, the way I’m lying on him.
I can’t breathe again, but for a different reason.
I can’t breathe for wanting him.
Needing him.
“Isabel . . .” he breathes.
“Logan—”
“I need you to get up,” he says, and it isn’t what I expected. “There are still some people working out there, and in a few more seconds I’m going to forget that.”
“What would happen if you did, Logan?” I ask. I don’t recognize the daring, the boldness, the raw hunger in my voice.
His fingers twine gently into my hair and pulls, tipping my face up to his.
It’s me, this time,
kissing him,
and kissing him,
and kissing him.
My fingers wrap around the back of his head, clinging to the nape of his neck, pulling him closer, pulling myself higher on his body, needing needing needing to be closer to him, to press my lips more completely against his, to taste him, to feel him. I breathe him. His hand, resting on my back, slides lower. I arch against him, press my body against his. There is no part of me that isn’t touching him. I pause to breathe, gasping against his lips. I want more of me to touch more of him. I want all of him, all of me, all of us.
I crave completion, of a kind only Logan can provide.
He feathers his mouth against mine, a teasing brush of lips against lips, heat of breath on tasting tongue.
“That will happen,” he whispers.
“Oh,” I murmur.
“Yeah, oh.” His fingers are tangled in my hair, applying gentle delicious pressure to my scalp, keeping my face tilted to his. “And now I can’t stop.”
“I don’t want you to.”
“I have to,” he says. “Or there won’t be any stopping at all.”
“Logan . . .”
“I want you. I need you. But Isabel, you deserve better—we deserve better—than on a couch in my conference room, with a dozen people on the other side of the wall.”

About The Author

Jasinda Wilder

 

Jasinda Wilder is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and international bestselling author. She is a Michigan native and currently lives there with her family. Visit her official website at jasindawilder.com.

 

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Jasinda’s publisher are offering a paper copy of EXPOSED 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).

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from March 10-14, 2016

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