Knock Out (The Billionaire’s Club #1) by Mallery Malone-a review

Knock Out (The Billionaire’s Club #1) by Mallery Malone-a review

Knock Out

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KNOCK OUT (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #1) by Mallery Malone

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2014

Sebastian Delacroix knows how to handle pain. Known as the Bourbon Street Brawler, he has fought his way from tough kid in a rough neighborhood to high-profile billionaire, made rich by his heavyweight championships and notorious personality. He’s landed plenty of punches in the ring over the years, but when he met Renata Giordano, it was a TKO. He left her behind, but it was too late. He couldn’t forget her and knew that the next time he got his hands on her, he wasn’t going to let her go.

Renata is the perfect blend of sexy and tough and has one more shot at the women’s welterweight championship. The only problem is that Sebastian, the man who broke her heart years ago, is her new trainer. With so much at stake, Renata knows she must put her feelings aside for this sexy fighter if she’s to be a champion again. But the close quarters at the gym are too much for Renata and Sebastian, and it’s only a matter of time before her desire to win and her desire for Sebastian become one… in Knock Out by Mallery Malone

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: KNOCK OUT is the first instalment in Mallery Malone’s contemporary adult Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans erotic romance trilogy. Each book will focus on one of three friends (Sebastian, Gabriel, Raphael) who grew up on the mean streets of New Orleans. Together they have fought their way to the top, starting in the school of Hard Knocks-a gym where local kids learn to fight with boxing gloves and not guns. This is billionaire Sebastian Delacroix (former heavyweight champion) and woman’s boxing champion Renata Giordano-a second chance at love storyline-that will focus on Renata’s upcoming shot at the crown and Sebastian’s shot at Renata.

Told from third person POV, the storyline follows Renata and Sebastian’s relationship as Sebastian has offered his services to train Renata for her upcoming fight. With their volatile history together, Renata is reluctant to place her future in the hands of the man who walked away five years earlier at a time when she needed him the most. When Sebastian walked out of her life, Renata was heartbroken and turned to another for support. Now five years later, Renata is determined to take back the title and Sebastian is determined to give Renata a different title to call her own.

The attraction between Sebastian and Renata has never waned. Renata never knew Sebastian’s reasons for walking away and she is determined never to lose her heart to the man-again. The sex scenes are intimate, steamy and sensual. Sebastian is a man who knows his way around a woman’s body and into her heart.

The reader is introduced to Sebastian’s best friends and fellow billionaires-Raphael Jerroult and Gabriel Devereaux-each a partner in DJD Enterprises, a fighter with a history of heartbreak and pain. Raphael and Gabriel’s stories have yet to be told.

KNOCK OUT pulls the reader into an intense, passionate and seductive storyline where one man has never forgiven himself for walking away five years before. Sebastian is a man possessed by the need to reclaim the love of his life but the painful memories of the day he walked away have had a profound affect on the woman he left behind.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Gilded Lily / Calla Lily by Vivian Winslow-a review

Gilded Lily / Calla Lily by Vivian Winslow-a review

Vivian Winslow series

3.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Again, love this about The Reading Cafe … another author discovered that I likely would of never encountered if it were not for this site. The Gilded Lily series by Vivian Winslow is a contemporary erotic read that consists of two books with the promise of more (I sure hope). Short reads (approx 100 pages each give or take) they revolve around NYC socialite Lily Baron. The gist of this series is one socially proper woman coming into her own and discovering her personal sexual and sensuality while growing into a strong and powerful woman. Let’s meet her shall we??

Gilded LilyBOOK 1 – Gilded Lily
The Gilded Flower Series
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica

#ebook $1.00->Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

DESCRIPTION-Release Date May 18, 2014

After catching her fiancé Jack in bed with her sister the day before her wedding, New York socialite Lily Baron escapes to Rio, her honeymoon destination—alone. There, Marcelo, the dark and sexy hotel masseur, releases a heated passion Lily had never experienced with Jack. When Lily meets handsome and powerful Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, she can hardly resist him. There’s just one problem. He’s married. In this uber-sensual city, will Lily’s reluctance to be with a married man, in light of her own fiancé’s betrayal, give way to her burning desire for Gustavo?

REVIEW

Lily Baron has it all. Beauty, status, money and Jack, her fiancée and childhood sweetheart. She is about to seal her future with marriage when she discovers Jack in bed with her twin sister, the night before their wedding. Her world has been torn apart and the man she thought she had, turns out to be real jerk face. Deciding she cannot live with this deception she ditches Jack and takes off on her honeymoon to Rio .. ALONE!

While indulging in a relaxing massage she discovers a sensual touch and release that seems to shift something inside her. As her sexual encounters increase so does her confidence. That is when she decides to indulge another man, Gustavo, the sexy Brazilian billionaire she first encountered on her flight to Rio. Gustavo is head over heels for Lily and while he is married he claims his marriage has an “understanding”. After being cheated on herself, she is reluctant to be the “other woman”. However, Gustavo convinces her and off she goes experiencing the most intense experience of her life. It’s cut short however and Lily is then called home due to a family emergency ….

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Calla LilyBOOK 2 – Calla Lily
The Gilded Flower Series
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotica

DESCRIPTION-Release Date June 22, 2014

Having experienced a profound personal and sexual awakening during her solo honeymoon to Brazil, New York socialite LilyBaron rushes back to New York upon hearing the news that her father has fallen ill. Now, Lily must take the helm of the Baron Media empire and fend off a high-stakes hostile takeover attempt. With the fate of the company hanging in the balance, will Lily be able to resist the advances of the luring, unwanted suitor in the boardroom as well as the bedroom? Things
get steamy in this highly anticipated sequel to *Gilded Lily*.

REVIEW

Picking up right where Gilded Lily left off, we meet Lily at the hospital after her father has had a stroke. More confident in her own skin, Lily confronts her sister about ruining her relationship to Jack. When a bigger truth comes out, Lily decides to forgive her twin .. but not forget. She has to now focus on becoming an acting CEO to her father’s company. With the assist of Ben (a trusted high ranking employee of her dad’s), Lily starts to put in long hours. When Lily has a “chance” encounter with another hottie (Todd) she is beginning to feel on top of the world. Enter once again … Gustavo! Lily cannot seem to resist her hot Brazilian and once again indulges her fancy … although it is more fire than fancy .. LOL When a seemed deception once again come knocking, Lily does not hesitate and reacts quickly. We are left wondering what her future will hold!

Overall, this is an engaging series. The sex scenes are super HOT and I am all over loving Lily coming into her own and getting in touch with her inner tramp. I love that she is building her sexual confidence and that it is spilling over into her professional life. After deception she opted to fight back instead of pulling the “poor me” card .. hard not to respect that. I do find for such a short read there is much story crammed in and I would love to read some more back story on our lead characters. Some of the writing tended to be choppy at times and a little hurried but in saying that I was completely into the story and enjoyed the easy read. I will most certainly be interested in continuing this series and seeing where Vivian Winslow will be taking Lily!

HAPPY READING!

Copies supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Hunger (The Seductors #2) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Blog Tour

Hunger (The Seductors #2) by B.L. Wilde-Review and Blog Tour

Hunger Blog Tour

Hunger
The Seductors #2
by B.L Wilde
Cover Design: Jo Matthews
Genre: Romance/Erotica/Suspense
Expected Release Date: June 6, 2014

Hunger

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About the Book: Release Date June 6, 2014

When Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months.

Oliver was devastated when he discovered Jade had left him, so he closed himself off to the world, focusing solely on his job. Everything is thrown into chaos when she resurfaces, working for an old friend of his.

Will Jade be able to win Oliver back while fighting her jealously that another Seductor might steal the mission from her? Consumed with love, controlled by a hunger she has never known, can she protect her heart a second time around if Oliver takes her back?

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I am REALLY enjoying this series. Hunger by B.L. Wilde is the second book of The Seductors series and it picks up pretty much right where the first left off which is great as I was uncertain where this series was heading at the end of the first book.

Just a quick recap. Jade is a top agent to an elite group of specialists called the Seductors. A Seductor is contracted out on daring and often dangerous assignments that usually involve special circumstances .. like getting close in order to seduce the target. A Seductor needs to beautiful, in incredible shape, intelligent, risky and engage in sexual activity without emotion while exuding whatever the target needs to believe to get the job done! Jade is considered the best of her field.

Jade was contracted out to steal nuclear weapon blue prints from Oliver in book one. While she completed her mission, she broke the first rule of a Seductor. She fell in love with her target. Placing the Seductors first, she is now in hiding after she disappeared out of Oliver’s life .. and he is not taking it kindly. Many months have passed, and Oliver is still actively searching for her, and getting too close for comfort.

When a rival Seductor (man this woman is a piece of work) has been contracted to steal more information from Oliver but is unable to get close, Jade must reappear back in the picture and once again get close to Oliver. Only this time, she has been promised by the Seductors a way to remain with Oliver forever. This time however, it is a different trust she needs from Oliver. As these two fall deeper into one another and the deception remains, you see glimpses of the real Jade surface and Oliver is adamant that this time … Jade will not disappear. Will the truth come out and will Jade be able to complete this mission with so much to lose, yet so much more to gain??

I love B.L. Wilde’s writing style. Honestly one page just melted into another and before I knew it, the book was read. I love that the story is not resolved but there was no major cliffhanger like there was in the first book. There is promise of a happy ending, but so much has to be achieved first. I am looking forward to the next book!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

excerpt

***Contains mature content meant for 18+ years of age.***

 

“I heard you were back.” I groaned internally as Mario spoke from behind me in the laundry room a little later. “Did Miss S put you on lockdown again?” he mocked.
“You’re not funny, Mario.” I didn’t even look up at him as I continued to fold my clothes.
“I really thought I’d break you while you were cooped up in here. I was hoping you’d take your frustration out on me.” By the level of his voice, I could tell that he was right behind me. I turned around quickly, pushing his chest before he laid a finger on me.
“How many times do I have to tell you, this isn’t a game? I’m not fucking interested!” I seethed, barging past him. Mario grabbed my waist, trying to pull me toward him.
“Another few weeks and I would have had you. You wouldn’t be a Seductor if you weren’t addicted to sex like me. You’re only holding back because you don’t want to get attached. We’d be good together and you know it. I could give that sweet pussy of yours a real good beating if you just let go.” I lost it, slamming the heel of my shoe hard into his foot. Me get attached to Mario’s cock? I was wrong—this guy was hilarious. “Oww…you fucking bitch!” he yelled, hopping around while clutching his injured foot. I didn’t even try to hide my snigger as I walked past him. You deserved that, Mario!
I was still chuckling to myself when I bumped into Molly in the hallway.
“Sonia is ready to see you now.” She had a worried look on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Alicia came to get you.”
“She’s back? I thought she wasn’t due back for a progress report for another few weeks.” My mind was racing. Why the hell would Alicia come to get me? It didn’t make any sense; Sonia knew I hated her.
“Sonia wanted her back early. I’m not sure things are going too well with the mission.” Molly followed me back to my room. “What if your theory is right and Alicia has been with Oliver these last few months?” I dumped my clean clothes on my bed, trying to compose myself. I was making Molly paranoid now, and that wasn’t good.
“Why would Oliver become a target again? It doesn’t make any sense. You and Georgie have been telling me that for months.”
“I don’t know, but it all seems a little strange to me.”
“You’re really not helping. You’re supposed to say that I’ve gone crazy. Do you know how ridiculous this all sounds?” I threw my arms up in the air in frustration.
“Go and see Miss S and finally put your mind at rest. Georgie and I know it’s been eating away at you. You need answers, Jade.”
“I can’t hide anything from you two, can I?” I sighed, grabbing my phone. Molly was right—I couldn’t put it off any longer. I needed to find out what was going on.

 

Series Spotlight Black and White

Desire
The Seductors #1
by B.L.Wilde

ebook only .99cents at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca:

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

DesireAbout the Book: Release Date December 2013

Click HERE for our review of DESIRE (Book 1)

Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.

With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

About The Author Black and White

B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.

Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Facebook     |     Goodreads     |     Twitter     |     Blog     |     Website

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Demon of Envy (Gods of Love #5) by Jennifer Lynne-a review

DEMON OF ENVY (Gods of Love #5) by Jennifer Lynne-a review

Demon of Envy

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 24, 2014

How do you make room for love when you hold envy in your heart?

Phthonos, god of envy & jealousy, has been given a second chance at life and love in the mortal realm. He is desperate to make up for the mistakes of his past, but is Thon more demon than god? And if the demon Envy wins out, how will this lonely god ever find room in his heart for love?

Olivia is an ordinary woman living an ordered life, but at thirty-two true romance appears to have eluded her. Everywhere she looks people are in relationships or falling in love, but her career and her charity work are enough to keep the demon of envy at bay.

Or so she thinks…until the moment he turns up on her doorstep with a demand that rips her life and her heart wide open and leaves her at risk of eternal torment.

This fifth installment in the GODS OF LOVE series will be out 24th May 2014. Each of the GODS OF LOVE novellas are stand-alone and it is not necessary to read them in order. If you want to read DEMON OF ENVY first, go ahead!

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DEMON OF ENVY is the fifth instalment in Jennifer Lynne’s contemporary, adult, Gods of Love erotic novella series focusing on the sons of Aphrodite and the Erotes (gods of desire). This is Phthonos ( god of envy and jealousy) and Olivia Stratton’s storyline. Although this is the fifth book in the series, each book can be read as a stand alone.

For weeks, Olivia has been dreaming –erotic dreams about a beautiful man who is more godlike than he is human. With a past mired in abuse and a secret that she is no longer willing to reveal, Olivia’s life cycles between her work with a fund raising organization and the panic attacks that she struggles to control. The day Phthonos-or Thon as he likes to be called-strolls into her life-Olivia is a changed woman. But jealousy and envy will rear its’ demonic head when Thon is unable to control the beast within and everyone’s life will be place in danger when he believes someone else has touched what is his.

The majority of the storyline is an erotic look at two people whose dreams have become reality; where a god-like demon believes he has found the one woman to control the savage beast; and where one woman will discover that what she wants isn’t necessarily what she needs. As this is an erotic romance series, the sex is graphic, sensual and often. There is an ‘insta-love’ quality to all of the Gods of Love storyline characters and in this, Olivia and Thon will lose more than their hearts to one another.

Jennifer Lynne writes a seductive and provocative storyline; where one man tries to control his god-given natural tendencies and falls for a woman who is trying to control the anxiety that is her life. Because this is a novella, the world building is limited and the secondary characters offer up the catalyst that drives our couple apart.

I will add, that I LOVE this cover and the model image-very sensual and beautiful.

Series Order
Platinum Passion
Aphrodite Calling
Sex Club Secrets
Immortal Seduction
Demon of Envy

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Since I Saw You (Because You Are Mine #4) by Beth Kery-a review

Since I Saw You ( Because You Are Mine #4) by Beth Kery-a review

Since I Saw You

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SINCE I SAW YOU (Because You Are Mine #4) by Beth Kery

ABOUT THE BOOK: May 6, 2014

When enigmatic billionaire Ian Noble sets Lin the task of “taming” his brilliant yet half-savage brother Kam Reardon, she eagerly accepts. She’s more than curious about the solitary genius and everything she’s heard about him. During their electric first meeting, her fascination increases a hundredfold. Kam practically oozes raw sex appeal. Lin is interested…very interested. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before in the bedroom really have to do with Kam? Or is her carefully hidden desire to blame for wanting a man she knows she can never have?

An elusive outsider, Kam avoids intimacy, yet never shies away from satisfying his erotic appetites. But there’s something different about Lin—a reserve he’s anxious to break. She’s a woman he’s eager to take his time withand possess completely. A sophisticated beauty like her would never want him anywhere but in bed, but he finds himself unable to resist her.

Immediately Lin’s smooth facade is undone by Kam’s overwhelming masculinity and by his irresistible erotic demands—a lesson in subjugation that leaves Lin confused, reeling, and open to things she never thought possible. Now, as the unpredictable nights between them grow darker, Lin and Kam are certain of only one thing: they’re made for each other.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SINCE I SAW YOU is the fourth full length instalment in Beth Kery’s contemporary, erotic, adult romance series-Because You Are Mine. The focus is on Lin Soong (Executive at Noble Enterprises) and Ian Noble’s half brother Kam Reardon to whom we were first introduced in book three-Because We Belong. Kam is a recluse with a brilliant mind who has created the next big thing in medical technology. Lin has been assigned to assist and groom Kam for his visit to the US but along the way she will lose her heart to the man whose public persona is less than kind.

The storyline follows the building of both a professional and personal relationship between Kam and Lin but Kam knows that Lin’s heart has been set on someone else for years. There will never be a chance at a happily ever after for Lin as the man of her dreams has found his soulmate but Kam is hoping to that he will be the one to open Lin’s heart to love someone else. As Lin prepares Kam to meet potential investors, Kam prepares his heart for the eventual fall.

The relationship is quick to build. Kam and Lin are both mature adults who know what they want but Lin’s heart still holds out for the one that got away. Kam, like his half brothers, is a man who likes to experiment in the bedroom and he hopes to draw Lin into a world where Kam is the only man for her.

SINCE I SAW YOU is a sexually graphic storyline with some light BDSM. Beth Kery writes a sensually seductive and romantic storyline where two people will find their perfect match while trying to navigate a business venture in a world of billionaires and executive class snobs.

Several of the previous storyline characters play secondary roles including Ian and Francesca, Lucien and Elise. SINCE I SAW YOU advances the series by approximately nine to ten months and will come full circle with Ian and Francesca’s continuing story.

READING ORDER
1. Because You Are Mine
2. Because I’m With You
3. Because We Belong
4. Since I Saw You

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Giving In (Surrender Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Giving In (Surrender Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

Giving In Banner

Giving In
Surrender Trilogy #2
by Maya Banks
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance

Giving In May 2014

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Giving In by Maya Banks
Surrender Trilogy – #2
About the Book: Release Date May 6, 2104

Kylie sees the way Jensen looks at her. The dark promise in his eyes. That rough edge of dominance she knows he possesses. But dominance is the one thing that frightens her above all else. She and her brother barely survived a childhood steeped in violence and abuse. She could never give up total control and submit to a man. Especially a man like Jensen. Could she?

Jensen sees the shadows in Kylie’s eyes. Knows he has to tread very carefully or risk losing any chance he has with her. All he wants is the opportunity to show her that dominance doesn’t equal pain, bondage or discipline. That emotional surrender is the most powerful of all, and that to submit—fully to him—will fulfill the aching void in her heart in a way nothing else ever will.

Review:
Kylie survived a horrific childhood. And, then, the unthinkable happened. Her brother, Carson, the one who forged a life for them, was killed. She has her small circle of friends, her job as office manager at the company that her brother and his best friend, Dash, built from the ground up. Before Carson’s death, he and Dash had already discussed bringing in another partner. Dash makes the decision to bring in Jensen Tucker. Kylie is less than thrilled. She knows down to her toes that Jensen is overbearing and used to getting what he wants. But, she knows that Dash needs the help, so, as long as Jensen keeps his distance, no harm, no foul. And, oh yeah, he wants her!

Once Dash and Joss leave for their honeymoon, distance isn’t a thing that Jensen is willing to give Kylie. He knows that everyone has made it easy for Kylie in order to protect her fragile psyche, but he also knows that she is being way underutilized in her current position. He sees more potential in her than anyone else sees, even Kylie herself. So, he gives her a project to work on that will bring her in line to become a partner. Even though she balks at first, Jensen convinces her to give it a try. When she gets started on said project, she finds herself thoroughly enjoying the work and begins to think “what if”………… Maybe she can function in a larger role within the company. But will she be able to move past her horrid past and truly be able to function in the corporate world? And, will she be able to act on the attraction that sizzles between her and Jensen and find herself giving in? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out.

I have to say that I was worried about how this book would turn out, even back before I read it. To say that the abuse Kylie suffered was horrible is an understatement. And, for Banks to pair her with a dominant just didn’t sit well with me. But, I went into this one with my mind open. After all, everyone knows that I worship Maya Banks. So, after reading this one, she only solidified my stance that she is absolutely one of the best authors in this genre EVER! The way she writes Kylie’s insecurities and the way Jensen handles them is brilliant. Jensen has his own horrific past that he has overcome, or at least he thought he had. Their chemistry sizzles on the pages.

I know that some will probably complain about the way Jensen gives over control to Kylie in order to ease her fears, but I thought it was spot on. More than anything I’ve read in a long time, this is about a couple who truly have demons to overcome and are willing to take the necessary steps to solidify their relationship. Of course, there is a bump or two along the way, but the resolution of the bumps is definitely worth the read. I’ve read everything that Banks has ever written, and I have to say that this one is near the top for me. Giving In is ultimately about trust, redemption and love. Well done Maya Banks. Once again, very very well done.

Surrender Trilogy

Reading Order

1. Letting Go
2. Giving In
3. Taking It All (Sept 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Maya Banks and the publisher are offering a paper copy of GIVING IN to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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6. Giveaway runs from May 4 to May 9, 2014

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Kiss The Sky / Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters 1 & 2) by Krista and Becca Ritchie-reviews

Kiss the Sky / Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters 1 & 2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie-reviews

Calloway Sisters

KISS THE SKY
(Calloway Sisters #1)
by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Release Date January 24, 2014
Genre: New Adult, contemporary, romance, erotica
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Kiss The SkyVirgin. Sex addict. Daredevil. Alcoholic. Smartass … Jackass. Her five friends are about to be filmed. Reality TV, be prepared.

Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she’s a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But with a sex addict as a sister and roommate, nothing comes easy.

After accepting help from a producer, Rose agrees to have her life filmed for a reality television show. The Hollywood exec is her last chance to revive her struggling fashion line, and boundaries begin to blur as she’s forced to make nice with a man who always has his way.

Twenty-four-year-old Connor Cobalt is a guy who bulldozes weak men. He’s confident, smart-as-hell and lives with his equally ambitious girlfriend, Rose Calloway. Connor has to find a way to protect Rose without ruining the show. Or else the producer will get what Connor has always wanted—Rose’s virginity.

This New Adult Romance can be described as Friends meets The Real World. Expect fist fights, drugs, sex of varying degrees, crude humor and competitive alpha males. Definitely for mature readers audiences only.

***Authors’ Note***
Kiss the Sky is a spin-off of the Addicted series. If you’d like to read the Addicted series beforehand, you should read them in order (see below) before starting Kiss the Sky or else the time jumps will be jarring.

Addicted Series Recommended Reading Order
Addicted to You (Addicted #1)
Ricochet (Addicted #1.5)
Addicted for Now (Addicted #2)
Kiss the Sky (Spin-Off)
Hothouse Flower (Spin-Off)
Thrive (Addicted #2.5)
Addicted After All (Addicted #3)

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: KISS THE SKY is the first instalment in Krista and Becca Ritchie’s contemporary, new adult, erotic Calloway Sisters series-a spin off from their successful Addicted Series. This is Rose Calloway and Connor Cobalt’s storyline – all the previous series characters play a major role. If you have not read the original series much of this particular story will be lost to a new reader. It is highly recommended that you read the Addicted series prior to reading the spin off.

Told from two distinct first person POV (Connor and Rose) the focus of the storyline is Rose and Connor’s building relationship -one that started as teens and is put to the test when the Calloway sisters agree to participate in a six month reality show that will feature the sisters and their boyfriends-in all of their glory. If you are familiar with ‘The Jersey Shore’ or ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ then the premise will not be lost on the reader. KISS THE SKY is an adulterated, exaggerated and off the wall version of reality tv.

I will say, before I go any further, that I am not a fan of the unreality of the ‘reality’ TV show. Nothing can be gained from the humiliation and degradation of airing one’s dirty laundry in public and in this, much of the storyline content follows a similar pattern. Rose and Connor are intellectually gifted, up and coming entrepreneurs and successful in their own rights but what ever possessed these children of the uber rich to star in their own reality television show leaves questions of sanity and stupidity. Everything that could go wrong, does go wrong and grows exponentially worse with each day.

We are reintroduced to Rose’s troubled sister Lily and her boyfriend Lo-both recovering addicts; seventeen year old and youngest sister Daisy-a successful model and minor in the eyes of the law; and Ryke-Loren’s half brother and the man who will be featured in the next instalment HOTHOUSE FLOWER as Daisy’s love interest. Each character will suffer during the six months of shooting but none more so than Connor and Rose-all of their lives will become fodder for the tabloids but our leading couple will suffer the most. And, in the end, when someone hands you lemons, why not make lemonade and sell it back to the public.

Kristi and Becca Ritchie have proven they are a masterful team when it comes to writing an angst driven and heartbreaking storyline that focuses on some ethically and morally questionable situations and, KISS THE SKY is no exception.

The characters are raw and unencumbered-they say and do what they want without forethought of the consequences-and consequences-they will suffer. The storyline is fast paced, in your face-dark and gritty. You can’t not be affected by the actions of these six young adults and you know that everything they do and say will be captured on tape for the world to see. The reader is pulled into the multi layered relationships between family and friends-no one is unaffected by the lies, love and protective nature of six friends who are willing to risk everything for one another.

KISS THE SKY reveals the inner thoughts and emotions of two people who were previously presented as cold and uncaring but again, in this, we were completely wrong. Connor is the master of his own destination, both inside and outside of the bedroom; and Rose needs someone like Connor to master her needs and wants. KISS THE SKY is an erotic, compelling, dramatic and intense storyline that reveals the probability in an improbable situation.

Reviewed by Sandy

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HOTHOUSE FLOWER
(Calloway Sisters #2)
by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Release Date March 27, 2014

Genre: New Adult, contemporary, romance, erotica
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Hothouse FlowerRyke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway … she’s all grown up.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.

And then he receives a distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.

Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.

As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

New Adult Romance: recommended for readers 18+ for mature content

***Authors’ Note***
Hothouse Flower is a spin-off of the Addicted series. Kiss the Sky is required before reading, and we strongly recommend reading the Addicted series before this spin-off.

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REVIEW: HOTHOUSE FLOWER is the second instalment in Krista and Becca Ritchie’s contemporary, erotic, new adult Calloway Sisters series-a spin off from their popular Addicted series. This is Daisy Calloway and Ryke Meadows’s storyline. Daisy is the youngest sister of Rose and Lily Calloway; Ryke is Loren Hale’s half brother. This is a friends to lovers storyline -one that started years before with a simple introduction between family and friends. Because the series and storylines are interconnected you must read the previous instalments in order for this particular story to make any sense.

Told from two distinct first person POV (Daisy and Ryke) the storyline follows Daisy and Ryke’s forbidden love. Daisy has just turned eighteen years old and twenty six year old Ryke has always had a hands off policy where it concerned Daisy due to their age difference, her minor status  but also out of respect for his brother Lo. Ryke has been in love with Daisy since their first introduction but their age difference meant that he could only watch as Daisy’s world begins to fall apart around her. But Ryke knows more about the emotional and physical suffering that Daisy has had to endure and he is the only one who is there when her life takes a dangerous turn.

Lo has always been protective of Lily and Daisy but when Lily and Lo’s personal life spiraled out of control, Daisy had been pulled into a media frenzy when her sister’s sexual addiction became the stuff of her own nightmare’s. When everything goes wrong on a trip to Paris, Daisy and Ryke will take their friendship to the next level but in doing so raise questionable doubts about Ryke’s true intentions and a timeline that also questions the length of their relationship.

Krista and Becca pull the reader into a storyline that takes the definition of dysfunctional family to another level. No one is left unaffected by the sins of the parents and of the past. When addiction, humiliation, degradation and infidelity become the storylines of two families connected through three sisters, heartbreak and sorrow are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when revenge, betrayal and scheming exes want to push in the knife and twist.

The ensemble cast includes all of the previous storyline characters and is the key to Krista and Becca’s successful series. Their lives, their loves, their heartache and their pain are intertwined and amplified when six friends must endure the media scrutiny that has splashed their lives on the front pages of every tabloid around the world. No place is safe. And it is with staggering realization that the next generation of the uber rich must pay for the sins of the fathers.

HOTHOUSE FLOWER is a fast paced, profound and controversial storyline that looks closely at two dysfunctional families and the devastation that has become their lives. The novel will captivate the reader and pull you into a story that is heartbreaking, dramatic, abrasive and intense.

Reading Order
Addicted To You
Ricochet
Addicted for Now
Kiss The Sky
Hothouse Flower

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Surrender to Temptation by Lauren Jameson-a review

Surrender to Temptation by Lauren Jameson-a review

Surrender to Temptation

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble > / The Book Depository

SURRENDER TO TEMPTATION by Lauren Jameson

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1,2014

In this stunning romance, Lauren Jameson presents a story of unexpected desire in which two strangers play a dangerous game in the quest for incredible pleasure. But winning comes with a price….

After walking in on her boyfriend with another woman, Devon Reid decides to seek solace in the small California town she’s often visited on vacation. Instead, she finds herself consumed by a mysterious man who sets her ablaze with one simple look.

Devon has always been the good girl, but Zach’s touch turns her into something primal, especially when he persuades her to give up control to him. But while Zach can make her burn, he seduces Devon one moment and turns her away the next.

When Devon starts her new job at Phyrefly Aviation, she learns that Zach is actually founder and CEO of the massive corporation. And while Devon knows she should keep things between them strictly professional, his overwhelming magnetism makes it impossible to stay away….

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REVIEW: SURRENDER TO TEMPTATION is an adult, contemporary, erotic romance story (originally released in a six part serial format) from the pen of author Lauren Jameson that focuses on billionaire/Dom Zach St. Brenton and former paralegal Devon Reid. When Devon finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman, she packs up and moves across country only to find herself face to face with the man who would one day be her future and her heartbreak. The storyline is written from Devon’s first person POV

The storyline focuses on Devon as she moves forward with her life. Meeting Zach at a local restaurant, he will begin to pull Devon into a world she never knew-but a world of which will dominate her daily life. Zach is a Dom-a man who doesn’t do relationships because of his past-but a man who needs and wants control and, Devon is ripe for the picking. As the storyline builds, so too, does their relationship but Zach is a man who refuses to let his feelings take control. Most of the storyline focuses on the building relationship; Zach’s need for control; and Devon’s desire to be loved. Zach is a man whose emotions are buried deep and in this his character comes across cold and uncaring.

The relationship between Zach and Devon is complicated at best. He is her boss; the man to whom she must submit both in and outside of the bedroom. But their relationship is definitely not equal as Zach demands obedience and submission from Devon in everything. From work, to home, to the bedroom, Zach is a man in charge-until he loses his heart to a woman who only wants to be loved.

Devon is a heroine who is pulled into a lifestyle-not of her choosing-but a lifestyle Zach believes is for her. Although the Dom/sub relationships are usually equal in their pleasure/pain -give and take- I did not feel the connection between our leading couple. Devon is a reluctant submissive and Zach pushes Devon at every opportunity. In this, Zach is a man who needs to control and Devon is the woman he chooses to control. In my opinion, Devon had a need to feel wanted and Zach’s need to control gave Devon the illusion that Zach and the lifestyle-are for her. There were a few spots where the storyline becomes convoluted-the entire ‘surfing scenario’ felt disjointed from the story and was another demonstration about who is the dominant  in the relationship.

Lauren Jameson has written an interesting storyline that follows a similar outline to many of the best selling erotic/BDSM/Dom/sub series. Our hero believes his need for control is because of his past and our heroine is a naïve, young woman looking for love-in all the wrong men.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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