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Teague / Grace (The Family Simon # 4 & #5) by Juliana Stone-reviews

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TEAGUE / GRACE (The Family Simon #4 & #5) by Juliana Stone – reviews

Teague Grace

TeagueTEAGUE
(The Family Simon #4)
by Juliana Stone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2015

Teague Simon is a man at a crossroads. He’s no good around people and spending time alone at the family cottage will hopefully ease his burden. What he doesn’t need is the woman next door poking around his business making things worse. And what he really doesn’t need are her two young children in his face. How can they help slay the demons that haunt him?

Sabrina Campbell is barely surviving and doing everything that she can to hide that fact. She takes care of her kids and keeps herself busy. She’s not looking for anything other than the chance to forget. But when Teague Simon shows up, looking as haunted as she is, she’s drawn to his pain. His loneliness. She knows his scars run deep, but so do hers. She should stay away and yet she can’t.

Can these two broken souls somehow heal each other?

•••••••••

REVIEW: TEAGUE is the fourth installment in Juliana Stone’s adult, contemporary The Family Simon romance series focusing on the Simon Family. This is US soldier Teague Simon, and widow/single mother Sabrina Campbell’s storyline. TEAGUE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters from the previous storylines as well as Teague’s family play cameo roles throughout the story.

Told from dual third person perspectives TEAGUE follows the building relationship between two broken souls. Sabrina is a young widow with six year old twins Morgan and Harry, whose husband passed away from cancer: Teague is a soldier whose PTSD and injuries from his time in Syria, finds our hero lost in a world of nightmares and grief, with the death of a friend weighing heavily on his mind. While on R&R at his family cottage in Muskoka/Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, Teague will reconnect with childhood friend Sabrina Campbell while reconsidering another assignment that will take him away from his family and friends.

The storyline focuses on the rekindling of a friendship between Teague and Sabrina, and the growing bond between Teague, and Sabrina’s twins. Teague is a man whose demons ride fairly close to the surface, and he believes he is not capable of love or understanding with all that he has had to endure. His goal is to escape the nightmares and ghosts by embarking on another mission. At times, his attitude and patience push away the people he loves.

The relationship between our couple is slow to build as Teague tends to keep to himself a good portion of the storyline but as children always do, Morgan and Harry worm their way into Teague’s heart, opening a path for Sabrina and her love. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic, without the over the top erotic factor.

Many of Teague’s family are present, some by way of mention, while others take an active role in Teague’s life. We are introduced to townie Josiah Duff whose interest in Sabrina catches Teague off his game.

The world building brings together the Simon’s and their extended family reminiscent of the Kennedy clan with their money, power and political aspirations. Teague is the war veteran who has seen too many deaths, and in this, the Simon family are concerned about their son, and sibling’s emotional recovery.

TEAGUE is a story with family and friends; romance and love; recovery and grief. It is also a story about two friends who reconnect at a time when both are in need of physical and emotional support. Juliana Stone’s THE FAMILY SIMON is a series about family, relationships and love, and in this, TEAGUE sees another Simon family

Reviewed by Sandy

_________________________

GraceGRACE
(The Family Simon #5)
by Juliana Stone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2015

Matt Hawkins, the tortured man you first met in The Barker Triplets, is finally getting his story! And more than a match for him is Grace Simon

When love and pain collide, all bets are off…

Grace Simon is a fixer. But fixing the men in her life has led to more heartbreak than she cares to admit to. She should know by now that some men are damaged for life. Yet Matt Hawkins awakes in her such a need to connect that it can’t be denied. Risking her heart might be the only way to help him, but it could also be the one heartbreak she will never get over…

Matt Hawkins has never learned to deal with his painful past. He uses booze and women to forget and he sure as hell knows that ‘forever’ isn’t in his future. He’s no good for a rich girl like Grace Simon. Yet he can’t deny the powerful attraction between them and his desire to be with her. Does he push her away knowing he’ll only hurt her? Or does he take a chance and hope that she’s the key to slaying his demons…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: GRACE is the fifth installment in Juliana Stone’s contemporary, adult THE FAMILY SIMON romance series focusing on the Simon family. This is the Simon family’s only daughter Grace Simon, and car restorer Matt Hawkins storyline. We were first introduced to Matt in Juliana’s THE BARKER TRIPLETS series. GRACE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is imparted where necessary. There is a cross over between the Barker Triplets series and The Family Simon.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grace and Matt) GRACE focuses on second chances, and letting go of the past. Two years earlier, Grace and Matt shared a kiss at Betty-Jo Barker’s wedding-a kiss that Grace believes meant something more but Matt pulled away and our heroine hasn’t seen the man of her dreams in all that time. Fast forward to present day where Grace will all but be destroyed when Matt takes everything Grace has to offer, then pushes her away like yesterday’s garbage. What ensues is a rekindling of a friendship, a building love, and Matt’s need to let go and forgive himself for the sins of the past in order to move forward.

GRACE is an emotional and heartbreaking storyline where one man is consumed by self-hatred, and the memories of his younger self. Matt is a broken man; a damaged soul who has always struggled with his demons, his dysfunctional family, and his hatred for the man and woman who destroyed his life. No one knows the truth about what drives Matt or what caused the pain and haunting emptiness in his eyes but one look at his past and the truth is not very far behind.

The relationship between our couple is one of immediate attraction but Matt’s self loathing and the sins of his past keep friends on the periphery of really getting to know the man in question. Matt is a man-whore who uses women for one night stands; his heart and soul are darkened by hatred and a past that haunts his night and days. Meeting Grace reminds Matt that he is a dark and damaged man, and will never be good enough for the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.

Most of the previous storyline couples and characters play a secondary or supporting role –some by way of mention or through phone calls and memories. We revisit with the Barker family including triplets Betty, Billie and Bobbi-Jo and their significant others. Betty Jo Barker is Matt’s best friend and the woman who pushes Grace to never give up on the man that she loves. Grace’s cousin Cooper Simon has a small cameo role-Cooper’s story is next.

Juliana Stone reveals the heartbreak and emotional backstory of one man whose heart and soul were destroyed by the very people who were supposed to love and protect. The premise is engaging and intense; the characters are haunting and memorable; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. There is plenty of push and pull throughout the story especially when Matt realizes that Grace is too close to the truth.

Congratulations Juliana on another great story.

Reading Order
Tucker FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /
Jack
Maverick
Teague
Grace
Cooper 2016

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crashed Out (Made in Jersey #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

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CRASHED OUT (Made in Jersey #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Crashed Out

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2015

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation…

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She’s the fuel for every song he’s ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she’s always needed…

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or rather storms-into Jasmine’s life. Sarge’s return shouldn’t affect her this way. He’s her best friend’s much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CRASHED OUT is the first installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adult MADE IN JERSEY erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Old News. This is lead singer and front man Sarge Purcell, and blue collar worker/former singer Jasmine Taveras’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives CRASHED OUT focuses on a forbidden love between rock star Sarge Purcell, and Jasmine Taveras-a woman seven years his senior and the muse to his writing success. Growing up in Hook, New Jersey, a much younger Sarge fell in love with his sister’s best friend Jasmine Taveras. Jasmine was the focus of every dream, every fantasy and every song he has ever written. Fast forward to present day, when the band takes a much needed break for the Christmas holidays, Sarge returns to Hook, after a four year absence, to seduce the woman he has always loved. What ensues is an erotic affair between two people who have known one another most of their lives.

CRASHED OUT follows the building relationship between twenty two year old Sarge Purcell, and twenty nine year old Jasmine Taveras. Jasmine is a woman stuck in a blue collar job in Hook, New Jersey when the singing career she always wanted never failed to materialize. Sarge is the boy from Hook who made it big on the music stage, and the man who has come home to claim what it is he has always wanted-Jasmine Taveras.

We are introduced to Jasmine’s best friend and Sarge’s older sister River Purcell, and her three year old daughter Marcy. River’s life as a single mother has not been easy as she works two jobs to support her daughter and herself ; and band manager James Brandon, and Old News drummer Lita Regina-who may or may not have a thing for one another. Lita has a habit of getting herself into trouble, and James is the one constant always bailing her out, and standing by her side.

CRASHED OUT is a storyline with graphic sexual text. Sarge likes to talk dirty in the bedroom but at times the ‘dirty’ crosses a line into ‘rude, crude and crass’. The age difference between the characters is amplified by Sarge’s raunchy expressions and phrases both in and out of the bedroom. The premise gets lost in the numerous sex scenes and dirty talking bad boy that does not compensate for the lack of sexual chemistry between our leading couple. And the constant reminders about the age difference was disappointing although Jasmine’s lack of maturity seemed at odds with the storyline premise.

Tessa Bailey writes a predictable but entertaining storyline about forbidden romance and falling in love. The characters colorful, animated and engaging; the romance is erotic and provocative; the happily ever after finds our couple singing the praises of togetherness and love.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Misconduct by Penelope Douglas-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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MISCONDUCT by Penelope Douglas-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

 

MISCONDUCT
by Penelope Douglas
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: December 1, 2015

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2015

Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students and trying to forget her past. What brought her to this stage in her life isn’t important. She can’t let it be. But now one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing…

Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth, not a teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet…there is something about him that draws Easton in—a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn.

Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton’s resolve—and reveal what should stay hidden…

(*STANDALONE, NO CLIFFHANGER*)

•••••

REVIEW: MISCONDUCT is a contemporary adult, stand alone erotic romance novel by Penelope Douglas focusing on former tennis player / private school teacher Easton Bradbury, and billionaire businessman/single father Tyler Marek’s storyline.

Told from dual first person points of view (Tyler and Easton) MISCONDUCT focuses on the building relationship between Tyler and Easton. Six months earlier at the annual Mardi Gras ball, Tyler and Easton met and spent a few hot and sexy minutes in one another’s arms never exchanging last names or personal information. Fast forward to present day where Easton comes face to face with one of her new student’s father-Tyler Marek-a man who is ten years her senior and who pushes all of Easton’s buttons-both good and bad. What ensues is an anger filled personal attack against one another, head butting and public clashes for no other reason than the sexual tension that has been building for months and the potential for a taboo relationship between the teacher and a student’s father who radiates power, control and misdirected rage.

Easton is a former tennis protégé whose career died when tragedy struck her family leaving Easton in a world of controlled and obsessive chaos. Tyler Marek is a single father struggling with a teenaged son who wants nothing to do with his absentee father. Tyler is a man vying for the state senate, and a man whose need for Easton shatters his formidable control. Together our couple tries to keep secret their forbidden romance but love has a funny way of making itself known to family, friends and the power elite. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive. The world building focuses on the political power builders, single parent/family struggles, and the taboo of a forbidden love.

I had a couple of issues with the storyline: Easton’s dark and damaging past revisits in a new incarnation and with it comes a plot twist, out of left field, that I felt was unnecessary and out of place to the overall premise-there was no reconciliation to this particular revelation-only more questions. Another issue I had was the relationship between Easton and Kristen-a fellow teacher at the private New Orleans school. Once again, a change in direction, and a definite red herring, that added nothing to the original plot but more unanswered questions.

MISCONDUCT is a story about forbidden romance, family, loss, obsession, jealousy and love. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; moving forward and letting go. The characters are well developed, colorful, dynamic and intense-Tyler’s fourteen year old son Christian is a young man who wants his father’s love but is unsure where he belongs in his father’s life; the romance is filled with sexual tension, chemistry, emotion and love; the happily ever after is the stuff of fairy tales. MISCONDUCT is raw, aggressive, and electrifying.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

Attendees laughed and danced inside, while the two of us, alone in the cold night with only a few other people lounging around the large balcony, carried on with our stolen moment.
“I should really get back, though,” I suggested, pulling away.
My brother was no doubt looking for me.
But he reached out and grabbed my hand, narrowing his eyes. “Not yet,” he urged, looking behind me toward the ballroom.
I stopped, not making a move to take away my hand.
He stood in front of me, his chest nearly touching mine.
“You’re right,” he whispered, his breath falling over me. “I don’t really like a lot of those people, and they don’t really know me.” His voice turned hoarse. “But I like you. I’m not ready to say good night yet.”
I swallowed, hearing the soft trickle of a slow jazz tune drifting out from the ballroom.
“Dance with me,” he commanded.
He didn’t wait for a response.
Sliding a hand around my waist, he guided me in, and I sucked in a sharp breath, my body meeting his for the first time.
Raising my arms, I put my right hand on his shoulder and my left hand in his as I let him lead me in a small circle, remaining in our own small, private space. Chills broke out down my arms, but I didn’t think he noticed.
I let my eyes fall closed for a moment, not understanding what made him feel so good. My hands tingled and my legs felt weak.
There was rarely ever a time when I felt drawn to a man. I’d felt attraction and passion, and I’d enjoyed sex, but I’d never opened myself up to someone long enough to connect.
Now I found myself not wanting this evening to end any way other than in his arms.
That’s where I wanted this to go. I didn’t need his name, what he did for a living, or his family history. I just wanted to be close to someone and feel good, and maybe that would be enough to satisfy me for the next few months until I needed someone again.
Shaking my head slightly, I tried to clear my thoughts.
Enough, Easton. He was good-looking and interesting, but I didn’t see anything in him that I hadn’t seen in any other man.
He wasn’t special.
Looking up, I asked, “You’re not enjoying the party, so what would you rather be doing right now?”
He shot me a small, sexy smile. “I like what I’m doing right now.”
I rolled my eyes, covering up how much I also liked him holding me close. “I mean, if not this?”
He twisted his lips, looking me over like he was thinking. “I’d be working, I guess,” he answered. “I work a lot.”
So he’d rather be doing work than schmoozing and drinking at a Mardi Gras ball? I dipped my head, breaking out in a laugh.
“What?” He pinched his eyebrows together.
I met his eyes, seeing the confusion. “You prefer work,” I stated. “I can relate to that.”
He nodded. “My work challenges me, but it’s also predictable. I like that,” he admitted. “I don’t like surprises.”
I instantly slowed, nearly stopping our dance.
I said the same thing all the time. I never liked surprises.
“Everything else outside of work is unpredictable,” I added for him. “It’s hard to control.”
He cocked his head and brought his hand up to my face, running his thumb along my cheek.
“Yeah,” he mused, leaning in while his hand circled the back of my neck possessively. “But there are times,” he said softly, “when I like to lose control.”
I closed my eyes. Jesus.
“What’s your last name?” he asked.
I opened my eyes, blinking. My last name? I had kind of liked keeping specifics off the table. I didn’t even know his first name yet.
“Easton?” he pressed.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why do you want to know that?”
He stepped forward, charging me slowly and pushing me backward. I had to keep backing up so as not to fall. “Because I intend on getting to know you,” he said. It sounded like a threat.
“Why?”
“Because I like talking to you,” he shot back, his voice thick with a laugh he was holding in.
I hit the wall behind me and stopped, glancing over at the people sitting at the table across the balcony.
He closed the remaining distance between us and dipped down until his face was a couple of inches from mine.
I locked my hands behind my back, instinctively tapping the wall with my fingers and counting in my head. One, two, three—
“Do you like me?” He cut me off, a playful tilt to his lips.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I turned my head, but I knew he saw it anyway.
“I don’t know,” I answered casually. “You might be too much of a gentleman.”
The corner of his lips curled, looking sinister, and he threaded his hand around the back of my neck and through my hair, gripping my waist with the other and pressing his body to mine.
“Which means I’m still a man, only with more skill,” he whispered against my lips, making my breath shake. “And there’s only one place I won’t be careful with you.” 

 

About The Author

Penelope Douglas is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fall Away series. She has her Masters of Science in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans and she currently lives in Las Vegas with her family.

Website: www.penelopedouglasauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeDoug…
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PenDouglas
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/penelopedoug…
Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/PenDouglas
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1A8hUBX
Instagram: @penelope.douglas

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Wild Cat (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

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WILD CAT (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

Wild Cat

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

A simple request for Siena Arnotto: deliver a gift to her grandfather’s friend. One look at Elijah Lospostos, hard-bodied and stripped to the waist, and Siena succumbs to a feline stirring she never felt before, and to Elijah’s reckless and pleasurable demands. But when that pulse-throbbing moment ends in the murder of an unexpected intruder, Elijah accuses the shaken and confused Siena of setting him up.

Then Siena discovers the truth of her Leopard heritage, of the secrets in her grandfather’s inner circle, and the sinister plot of revenge that has put her in jeopardy. When Siena’s grandfather is assassinated, she realizes the only man she can trust is Elijah. Now as her Leopard rises from within, Siena and Elijah share not only an animal instinct for survival—but a desire so raw and wild it may be the only thing that can save them.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WILD CAT is the eighth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD PEOPLE paranormal, erotic romance series. This is Elijah Lospostos, and Siena Arnotto’s storyline. WILD CAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the previous storyline couples and characters have secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Elijah and Siena) WILD CAT follows Siena’s introduction into the world of Leopard shifters. Raised by her elderly grandfather at the Arnotto winery estates, Siena has always had the protection of several of her grandfather’s guards, but every once in awhile Siena is sent on a solo mission to deliver wine to a few of her grandfather’s ‘close friends and associates’. What Siena never knew is that she was a distraction to her grandfather’s competition, and Siena played right into the hands of her grandfather’s games. When her latest mission finds Siena delivering a case of wine to the man who has called to her heart for over ten years, Siena soon discovers that entering into a relationship with Elijah Lospostos is one of the most dangerous and humiliating situations she could ever have imagined. Siena has also attracted the interest of her grandfather’s right hand man, and the danger to Siena is dark and fatal. There is a war between the Leopard families, and each ‘familia’ is willing to kill for power, control and territory.

All of Christine Feehan’s male characters (especially the Leopards) are dominant and controlling, and Elijah is more controlling than most. His relationship with his men, and Siena is aggressive, and Elijah will humiliate the woman who will one day be his mate-Siena will never forget the humiliation and hurtful words that spewed from Elijah’s mouth, and in this Elijah knows that he has far to go to earn the trust of his future mate.

Siena is unaware of her Leopard heritage, and enters into a world that promises death, pain and the possible loss of her individuality and freedom. A relationship with Elijah promises secrets and the fear of the unknown, especially as it pertains to Elijah’s business affairs and his role within the Leopard community. Siena easily accepts the existence of the Leopards without the usual denial and need to run from her life. The world building continues to focus on the Leopard’s struggle to survive in the human world; their need to dominate and control; and the search for a compatible female to carry on the shifter lines.

The relationship between Elijah and Siena is a constant push and pull. Elijah must be in charge at all times but Siena isn’t willing to acquiesce to Elijah’s demands-both in and out of the bedroom. The $ex scenes are numerous, aggressive, erotic and intense but there is no denying that Elijah has fallen in love with Siena Arnotto.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jake and Emma; Eli and Cat; Evan, Joaquin and Tomas Estrada, Drake Donovan, and Joshua Tregre. We are also introduced to several of Siena’s grandfather’s guards including Alonzo-a man who has promised to protect Siena with his life; and Paolo-a dangerous Leopard who wants Siena for himself.

WILD CAT is a sexually graphic and aggressive erotic storyline with abusive and violent situations especially as it pertains to the female characters. I have mentioned in several previous reviews that Christine Feehan’s storylines have become more violent towards the female characters-abuse, rape, torture, assault, and with WILD CAT the trend continues for both the leading heroine and a secondary character. Siena will suffer at the hands (paws) of another Leopard, and her emotional psyche will be assaulted by the man with whom she has fallen in love. Christine’s males have always been alpha and aggressive but it is the females who are suffering an uptake in violence and abuse. The real world is not perfect and neither are the world’s of Christine Feehan’s paranormal series. But not to focus on too much negativity, WILD CAT does brings with it some of Christine Feehan’s original writing style from the early days of the Leopard series-I found myself looking forward to revisiting old friends and familiar names. Welcome back to the world of the Leopards.

BONUS: WILD CAT contains a quick peek at the next Ghostwalker installment-SPIDER GAME #12-featuring Cayenne and Trap, and the backdrop of the NOLA Bayou. But I want to address the number of previous storyline characters who have yet to have their story told. So many GW Teams and male Ghostwalkers were introduced in the earlier novels, but Christine Feehan continues to add new names and characters, focusing on a different direction for the series. I am beginning to wonder if any of the original team members will ever have their stories told.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Tough Enough (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #2) by M.Leighton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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Tough Enough (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #2) by M. Leighton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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TOUGH ENOUGH
Tall, Dark and Dangerous #2
by M. Leighton
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Tough Enough

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

TOUGH ENOUGH ( Tall,Dark and Dangerous #2) by M. Leighton

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart?

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars.

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid.

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most.

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOUGH ENOUGH is the second installment in M.Leighton’s contemporary, adult Tall, Dark and Dangerous erotic, romantic suspense series. This is actor/MMA fighter/ former Special Ops soldier Kiefer “The Rain” Rogan, and make-up artist to the stars Katie Rydale’s storyline. TOUGH ENOUGH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Kiefer and Katie) TOUGH ENOUGH follows the building relationship between Kiefer and Katie. Katie is the make-up artist for Kiefer’s latest movie, and with it comes the attraction towards a man she wants to avoid-Kiefer’s reputation with the ladies precedes their introduction. Katie is a young woman who is merely existing on a day to day basis, and Kiefer is the man who will push Katie to go for what she wants. What ensues is Kiefer’s seduction of Katie Rydale-a woman with secrets she wants kept hidden.

Kiefer is a man who appears to have everything under control but his past is about to catch up with him and the men from Delta Five. Kiefer and his fellow army buddies have been targeted for destruction and with it comes an investigation into the who, what and why. We are reintroduced to Muse Harper and Jasper King (Strong Enough #1), as well as Tag, and Kiefer’s brother Kurt. Kurt has been confined to a wheel chair following a devastating attack by someone close. Katie’s best friend Mona plays a pivotal role in setting up Kiefer and Katie; Mona needs her own storyline and a happily ever after.

The relationship between Kiefer and Katie is one of immediate attraction but Katie keeps Kiefer at arm’s length. Katie’s secrets hide both emotional and physical scars that have control over her life; Kiefer’s own secrets are rooted deeply in Katie’s past. The $ex scenes are erotic, intimate and intense.

The world building focuses on abuse, revenge, betrayal and love, but also on the hunt for the person(s) responsible for destroying the men of Delta Five.

M. Leighton pulls the reader into a story of romance and love; retribution and deception; power and greed. The premise is entertaining; the characters are flawed but loveable ; the romance is inspiring, seductive and hot. There are a few twists and turns, and a conflict resolution that ends rather quickly. I was hoping for a few more details and backstory.

Copy supplied by the publisher and Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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About The author

MLeightonNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author M. Leighton is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLeightonAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mleightonbooks
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M.Leighton’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of SWEET ACHE to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from November 5-8, 2015

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Hard Beat (Driven #7) by K.Bromberg-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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HARD BEAT (Driven #7) by K. Bromberg-Review,Book Tour and Giveaway

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HARD BEAT
Driven #7
by K. Bromberg
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Hard Beat

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

Foreign war correspondent Tanner Thomas is addicted to living on the edge. Needing the adrenaline rush of his job to help him cope with a personal loss, he throws himself back into the game, concentrating all his energy on getting the next big story.

But when he meets his new photojournalist, Beaux Croslyn, he can’t help but feel like he’s losing his focus—and maybe risking more…

With secrets she won’t address, Beaux is far from your ordinary woman. Determined to keep her distance, she’s willing to pull Tanner in closer and hide behind the sparks flying between them. But as Beaux’s past begins to put their relationship—and their lives—at risk, Tanner’s determination to find the truth puts them both in jeopardy.

He’s ready to chase her to the ends of the earth to find out if what they had was real, or if the danger surrounding them was just an exquisite heat fated to burn out.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD BEAT is the seventh installment in K.Bromberg’s contemporary, adult Driven erotic, romance series. This is war correspondent Tanner Thomas, and photojournalist Beaux BJ Croslyn’s storyline. HARD BEAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Tanner Thomas is Rylee Thomas-Donavan’s brother-the heroine in K.Bromberg’s original Driven Trilogy.

Told from first person point of view (Tanner Thomas) HARD BEAT follows Tanner as he returns to the Middle East following the death of his previous partner (and photographer) and best friend Stella. Stella was killed while on assignment with Tanner, and Tanner is having a difficult time accepting what was and what has to be. Enter Beaux Croslyn-Tanner’s new photographer and partner-and a woman with too many secrets that she is not willing to share. We learn very little about our leading heroine, and her secrets are the catalyst that sets into motion Tanner’s downward spiral.

The relationship between Tanner and Beaux begins acrimoniously-Tanner wants nothing to do with his new photographer- a woman who represents everything he lost-but a woman whose secrets, and late night solo excursions find our hero fearing for the death of another woman with whom he has fallen in love. The banter is angry, aggressive and confrontational, and sets the tone for much of their combative relationship. The $ex scenes are seductive and provocative. I will add that I applaud K. Bromberg’s shift away from the sexually graphic and over-the-top language between our leading couple as found in her earlier storylines. There comes a time when certain words don’t belong in a romance storyline.

The secondary characters include Rylee and Colton Donavan-although most of the interaction is through phone conversations but we do get some one on one time between the characters. We are also introduced to Tanner’s boss Rafe, and a few of his fellow war correspondents and news reporters in the Middle East.

There are several twists and turns throughout the storyline especially near the end when everything goes to h*ll for our storyline hero. The world building focuses on the element of danger, suspense, destruction and potential threats to everyone’s lives-it is a storyline set in the war-torn Middle East where life is as fragile as a piece of glass.

HARD BEAT has moments of heartbreak and tears; emotional breakdowns and tragic loss. The premise is a roller coaster of unanswered questions and hidden agendas; the characters are charismatic and real; but in the end, there is a happily ever after for two people whose paths ventured off in different directions.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

She pulls me from my lewd but damn fine thoughts when she tries to jerk her arm from my hold. My spine stiffens some because hell if I’m up for resistance right now. I’m emotionally drained, exhausted, and as much as I don’t want to feel that grenade of desire sitting low in my belly, I still want to pull its pin so I can lose myself for a bit in the soft curves and sweet taste of a gorgeous woman no matter how fucking insolent she is.
I clench my jaw. A fleeting show of resistance before I give in to my need and the sexual tension. She gasps when I release her arm only to bring it up to her neck at the same time I crash my lips to hers.
And fuck yes I’m a dick for not letting her push me away, for letting my own need for this woman who will most likely move on by the week’s end control my actions, for taking without asking, but goddamn her small display of independence turns me on something fierce.
I brand my mouth to hers, press my tongue between her lips as she parts them. Her hands push me away, but the movement of her tongue tells me she wants more. She’s a clear contradiction in all meanings of the word. Soft and supple body, but I can feel the toned muscle beneath. Between kisses she tries to pull back, but a soft moan in the back of her throat when my free hand cups her ass tells me how much she wants this.
Her hands fist in my shirt at the same time my hand takes hold of the loose bun at the nape of her neck to tilt her head back and look into her eyes. But her mouth stays right where I want it because I’m nowhere near done with her yet.
“I don’t like you,” she claims through gritted teeth. Our hands run possessively over each other, but derision laced with defiance glimmers in her eyes.
“I beg to differ.” I laugh at the ludicrousness of her statement, considering the predicament we’re in. She tries to step back, but when she doesn’t release my shirt, I know she still wants more.
And fuck, I’m definitely all in. I need this outlet more than I ever realized until I was in the thick of it. I’ve kept to myself at home, fought with my sister when she attempted to fix me up with one of her friends, punished myself, and now with the heat of a woman’s body pressed up against me and the taste of her kiss seared in my goddamn brain, there is no way in hell I’m walking away now.
“I don’t like you,” she reiterates.
“Too bad,” I tell her as I go in for the next kiss. One that’s full of angry desperation and irresistible need with teeth nipping and tongues meeting and that ache deep in my balls taking hold of me. My hips pin her against the cold cinder-block wall behind her.
Her fingers dig into my shoulders as she tears her mouth from mine, our chests heaving. And then just when her protests stop and her tongue starts to dance with mine again, I pull back.
“You’re arrogant and—”
“You don’t have to like me to fuck me,” I say, cutting her off. “You just have to want me.”
She protests, and I cut her words off with my mouth on hers at the same time my hands grab her wrists. Even as I gain the advantage, I feel like she’s pulling out the ground from beneath my feet. “Fuck you!” She manages to get the words out between fervent kisses.
I chuckle against her lips before pulling back and looking straight into her desire-laden eyes. “That’s the plan.”


 

 

Hard Beat Teaser

about the author

kristy brombergNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner who has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her—the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard.

K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Her debut novels, Driven, Fueled, and Crashed of The Driven Trilogy were well received and went on to become multi-platform bestsellers as well as landing on the New York Times and USA Today lists. Her other works include a short story, UnRaveled, and a companion piece to The Driven Trilogy titled Raced. She is currently working on three stand alone Driven novels, Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, and Hard Beat. She also plans to release a novel addressing the 10 year gap at the ending of Crashed in late fall 2015

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K. Bromberg’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of HARD BEAT to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from November 4-7, 2015

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Union of Sin (Vault of Sin #2) by Eden Summers-Review and Book Tour

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UNION OF SIN (Vault of Sin #2) by Eden Summers-Review and Book tour

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Union of Sin
Vault of Sin #2
by Eden Summers
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

Union of Sin

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2015

He’ll do anything to protect her. Even if it means letting her go.

Vault of Sin, Book 2

Tate Jackson made a big mistake. No, a monumental one. He picked the wrong place to introduce his wife, Cassie, to the alluring lifestyle they’d fantasized about.

Instinct told him to get her out of the poor excuse for a sex club—but he didn’t. And she was assaulted because of his carelessness. He’ll do anything to protect her from another traumatic experience, even if it means making the agonizing choice to convince his wife he no longer loves her.

Cassie’s not buying it. In fact, Tate is the last person she blames for that horrific night. She’s willing to give him the space he thinks he needs to get his head straight, but when divorce papers arrive, she realizes she’s out of time. She has twenty-eight days to figure out why Tate is ruining a perfect marriage. Twenty-eight days to figure out what he’s hiding. But when she learns the truth, she has to decide if her heart can take the strain of piecing their love back together.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNION OF SIN is the second installment in Eden Summers adult, contemporary Vault of Sin erotic, romance series focusing on three friends-Leo, TJ (Tate) and Brute (Brian)- who own a private sex club known as the Vault of Sin where anything goes between consenting adults. This is TJ (Tate Jackson), and Cassie Jackson’s storyline-a second chance at love and a happily ever after. UNION OF SIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is imparted where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (TJ and Cassie) UNION OF SIN follows the breakdown and rebuilding of TJ and Cassie’s marriage. TJ holds himself responsible for the attempted assault by another male, against his wife, and in this our hero has withdrawn any and all affection leading to the disillusionment of their marriage. Six months after the attack, TJ moves out of the house leaving a heartbroken and confused Cassie behind. What ensues are Cassie’s attempts to uncover the truth about her husband, and her need to win back the man she loves at any cost.

UNION OF SIN finds TJ lost in a world of guilt and grief. One year earlier, to keep his fantasies alive, TJ brought his wife into a different kind of sex club where things went from bad to worse in a short period of time. TJ’s need to punish himself for the wrongs against his wife found our hero destroying the love and the heart of the woman who calls to his soul. The seduction scenes are intriguing; the $ex scenes between our leading couple of impassioned and heartbreaking.

The secondary and supporting characters include TJ’s Vault of Sin partners Leo, and girlfriend Shay ( A Shot of Sin #1), and Brian (aka Brute). Like many ensemble storylines of partnerships, the Leo and Brute play an integral role in TJ’s need to accept and understand his guilt and grief. At times, the advice was harsh and real.

UNION OF SIN is an emotional storyline. I may have shed a tear or three; I was a bit of a mess as I was pulled into the drama of one man’s guilt, and the woman whose heartbreak was too much to bear. The premise is sensitive and profound; the characters are tragic, emotional and intense; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. UNION OF SIN is an erotic look at two people whose love for one another is full of anguish and pain due to a misdirected guilt about the what ifs and whys.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

A Shot of SinA SHOT OF SIN
Vault of Sin #2
by Eden Summers
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: January 13, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of A SHOT OF SIN

ebook only 99¢ : Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2015

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.

Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the night club he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.

Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.

Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

About the Author

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Eden SummersEden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.

Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Website / Facebook Page / Twitter / Goodreads /Facebook Fan Group Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | 

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Filthy Rich by Virna DePaul-Review & Giveaway

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FILTHY RICH by Virna DePaul-Review & Giveaway

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FILTHY RICH
by Virna DePaul
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Filthy Rich

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27,2015

Cara Michal has had to fight every step of the way to earn her place in the glittering seven-figure world of Wall Street. Years ago her hardworking father, a small-time investment adviser, was humiliated and wrongfully accused of fraud. Now Cara is at the top of her game, trying to support not only herself but her mother and brother. The occasional night out dancing soothes Cara’s soul, even as a bitter need for revenge against the man who destroyed her father makes inner peace elusive.

Then, in a moment of heat, Cara kisses a sexy stranger at a party—only later to discover that the man is Branden Duke, her new boss, an infamous operator with a wicked reputation in bed and on the Street. Branden is a man who seemingly has it all—except a woman who connects with him on a physical and emotional level. Now that he’s found Cara, he’s not sure he can let her go, even if he should.

In spite of herself, Cara is drawn to this charismatic guy. He is a challenge like none she has ever faced in her life. Their passion for each other is unquenchable, surprising them both with its ferocity. Even as Cara wonders if she can trust this man with her heart and soul, the ecstasy of their love cannot be denied. But when the past threatens the present, the two are faced with a truth from which they may never recover.

•••••••

REVIEW: FILTHY RICH is the first book in Virna DePaul’s contemporary, adult, erotic romance series. This is billionaire/CEO Branden Duke, and Wall Street analyst Cara Michal’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives FILTHY RICH follows the building relationship between Branden Duke and Cara Michal. Cara is an analyst for Dubois & Mellan, and the with the recent sale of the company to Branden Duke finds our heroine caught in a taboo relationship with her new boss, whom she first met at a gathering intended to introduce Branden to his new employees. What ensues is a highly sexual relationship between two people whose lives are connected by the past. Cara is the soul source of income and support for her mother and mentally ill brother since the death of her father, and with it comes the responsibility of both physical and emotional acceptance of what she is and is not capable of providing. Her position within Dubois & Mellan is a necessity but an affair with the new boss proves that nothing is secret or sacred in the workplace when threats, accusations and adulterated videos of Cara and Branden are used as leverage against our leading couple. Branden has begun an investigation into the financial assets of the company, and Cara has become the target of slander and office gossip while a stalker continues to threaten our leading couple.

The relationship between Cara and Branden begins accidentally at a party to honour the new owner of Dubois and Mellan. Cara finds herself alone with a man she knows nothing about but a man who calls to her heart and soul. Branden, as it will soon become known, is Cara’s new boss, and the man who would die to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love; their backstories are sad and heartbreaking, and tied together by deceit and fraud. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and intense. There is very little angst between Cara and Branden; when Cara is threatened, she is quick to let Branden know without denying the obvious or hiding the truth.

There are a number of secondary and supporting characters including Branden’s five half and step-sisters but we only meet Deena who has a recurring role as she is hired to investigate some of the people at Dubois and Mellan. With the introduction of Branden’s extended family, his best friend Alex (who may or may not have an interest in one of Branden’s sisters), and Alex’s brother Lee, there may be several story lines on the horizon from Virna DePaul. The requisite evil has many faces. Cara’s best friend Iris continues to push Cara to come out of her shell.

The world building introduces the characters and players behind the scenes at Dubois & Mellan, and the loving relationship between Branden and his family. The witty text banter and phone calls are humorous and affectionate. The sibling interactions are familiar and warmhearted.

FILTHY RICH is an easy read with drama, betrayal, mystery and suspense; the person responsible for the threats against Cara and Branden is unexpected, and not whom the reader may have been lead to believe. The premise is entertaining with scenes of drama, humour and a twist; the romance is erotic and not unexpected; the happily ever after is about to begin.

Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Reading Cafe and Virna DePaul’s publisher are offering a paper copy of FILTHY RICH to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Virna DePaul on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from October 25 to 29, 2015

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