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The Gilded Cage by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cage by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cage
The Surrender Series #2
by Lauren Smith
Release Date:June 2, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

 

The Gilded CageAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .

Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .

Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn’t just captured . . . it’s bound.

Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn’s hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she’s ever had and venture into Fenn’s intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn’s searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . . .

 

Review:

I am going to gush throughout this review, but THE GILDED CAGE, book two of the Surrender Series by Lauren Smith is just that good! We finally have the story of Fenn, the lost Lockwood twin. I don’t think it’s a spoiler anymore that Fenn survived his childhood kidnapping. He just doesn’t remember who he is due to the torture from his kidnappers. Well, Fenn has been living in Colorado and is a bull rider. Yes, our Fenn is the exact opposite of his twin Emery. He works the land and loves roping a calf or woman or two! Hayden is our heroine from Long Island. She flew to Colorado to “save” Fenn and really did save him!! It seems that the twins have that magical connection and when Emery and Sophie were in danger he lost control of the bull he was riding and Hayden, wearing a red Valentino, jumped into the arena to distract the bull. You would think our hero would love being saved by a sexy redhead, but he is a Dominant and he doesn’t appreciate the “buckle bunny” who risked her own life. Yes, Fenn thinks our Hayden is a rodeo groupie!

I know that this novel is being promoted as BDSM, but I loved how Fenn has this Dominant side and isn’t ashamed of it and makes it work in his world. It seems very natural to him. Clubs are so passe’ after reading about the props a real man can use! Fenn meets our very dominant submissive and is going to teach her a thing or two! Hayden never was able to meet a Dominant at her club back home, she was viewed as too hard to handle! Fenn doesn’t mind her sassiness or spunk! As with THE GILDED CUFF, this is really a great mystery with a scorching hot love story! The man who hired the kidnappers is still at large and knows that Fenn is alive. Life in Colorado is just as dangerous as Long Island when a hired assassin arrives to kill our couple. His memories are slowly coming back, but does Fenn want to leave the only world that he knows and the family that basically adopted him?

Fenn and Hayden return to Long Island to meet the family that lost him so many years ago. I was crying when he was reunited with his family. The twins are still in danger, but can they unmask the person who kidnapped them as children? The ending is action packed with a large dose of steamy action. You will love this novel, I think I enjoyed it more than the first book and that’s saying something! I guess it’s that cowboy element. Fenn was so swoon-worthy and a true hero! He treasures Hayden and lets her become the woman she wants to be. The story really doesn’t get lost amidst the steamy love scenes! That’s a winner for me! I hope that everyone will love this novel! I can’t wait until the next one…..

Click HERE for Jules’s review of book one- THE GILDED CUFF

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25 Gift Card (Choice of Amazon or B&N) 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 Lauren Smith 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 open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from June 14 – June 18, 2015

 

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The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

The Gilded Cuff Banner

The Gilded Cuff
Surrender #1
by Lauren Smith
Release Date:February 10, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Gilded cuffAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Journalist Sophie Ryder has been following Emery Lockwood’s story since she was a little girl. There has always been something in his haunted eyes that she couldn’t resist and now, when she’s certain he holds the key to solving a string of kidnappings, she’ll do anything to speak to him. Even if it means venturing deep into the seductive world of the Gilded Cuff, a luxurious BDSM club on Long Island’s Gold Coast and Emery’s personal playground.

From the moment Sophie enters his shadowy, sensual domain, Emery Lockwood knows this tantalizing new little sub was meant to belong to him. However, Sophie wants more from Emery than just pleasure . . . she wants his past. And that is something he isn’t willing to give—no matter who is asking. But every moment he spends with Sophie, Emery feels his control slipping and he knows it’s only a matter of time before he surrenders to her heart, body, and soul.

 

Review:

THE GILDED CUFF is the first book in a new series by Lauren Smith. Investigative journalist, Sophie Ryder will do anything to meet Emery Lockwood. He and his twin were kidnapped as little boys and she feels that she can help him solve the mystery of his kidnapping and bring justice to his family. The problem is Emery is a reclusive billionaire. She goes undercover in a luxurious BDSM club to meet this recluse, but did Sophie bite off more than she can handle? Well, throwing her shoe at a Dom isn’t the wisest thing to do! Emery is fascinated with this new “sub” and promises her some exclusive information if she becomes his playmate for a time. Let the fun begin!

Sophie enters the amazing world of Long Island’s Gold Coast. Even though the novel starts in a BDSM club, I would describe the novel as more of a romance with a lot of steam! It touches on the erotic world of BDSM, but in a tasteful way. Sophie doesn’t know what she has signed up for and has some adjustments to Emery’s lifestyle which she readily embraces. She has solved many cold cases with the police and feels that she can help the Lockwood family. Emery is opening up for the first time in years and retells the horrific details of when he and his twin were kidnapped as boys and the loss of his brother.  He has a major case of PTSD, hence his reclusive nature. He is truly a tortured hero who is extremely vulnerable. I think the mystery behind the kidnapping was my favorite part of the novel and things are not neatly tied up at the end. I can’t what to read what happens in future installments! We only scratched the surface of why someone would kidnap little boys and not demand a ransom!

Lauren Smith creates the most intriguing secondary characters. They include Emery’s lifelong bodyguard, his tech geek and two other Doms from the club. My favorite was Hayden, Sophie’s new girlfriend who is the sister of one of the Dom’s. She plays a major part at the end of THE GILDED CUFF and is a true heroine! I can’t wait for her story!  

I can’t give away too much of the plot without spoilers, but if you love a great mystery with a giant dose of steam and a beautiful love story, you will swoon over this novel! I can’t wait for the next one!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $10.00 GIFT CARD (Amazon or B&N) 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 us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Lauren Smith on Twitter.

8. Giveaway is open to Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from February 19-22, 2015

 

 

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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His Wicked Seduction

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Description:
Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

 

Review:

League Rule #2: “One must never seduce another member’s sister. Should this rule be broken, the member whose sister was seduced has the right to demand satisfaction”.

Alas, in HIS WICKED SEDUCTION by Lauren Smith, that rule is broken and put to a test!

Who knew a league of Rogues would have rules? These “Peers of the Realm” are all bad boys, rakehells and seriously fun men!! Poor Horatia has been in love with Lucien, Marquess of Rochester since she was a teenager. He did save her life after a tragic carriage accident, which took the lives of her parents. Lucien reacts by being cold towards her, because he knows she is a lady and an innocent. Plus, she is his friend Cedric’s little sister! Horatia tries countless ways to seduce him and make him hers, but he likes his women, should we say, a tad wanton? He likes control and pleasing his women with a little bit of bondage and fun. Red silk ties come to mind!

The League’s arch nemesis and enemy, Hugo Waverly is still on the loose and he soon threatens Horatia’s life. Lucien sweeps Horatia away to his family’s estate for safety. That’s when the action really begins. Who would guess that spending the Christmas Holidays in the quiet countryside would be so hot and fun! The men in the League of Rogues are all great characters and they make appearances throughout the novel, but Lucien and Cedric’s families take center stage!

Audrey is Horatia’s little sister and is so cunning and full of life. She wants to get married, but with Cedric as her guardian, her suitors are all scared off! In her quest to change her brother’s mind, she even scares some League members in her attempts to be “ravished”. I can’t wait to read her courtship! She is a master manipulator, but in a delightful and stylish way! My favorite secondary character is Lady Rochester! You don’t think she is a mother of four sons, who are all wild and a daughter without having a hand in their development? As the saying goes, the “fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”! She hides in cupboards to eavesdrop on her children and then jumps out at them. She is determined to get her brood married, because she wants grandchildren and lots of them! She admits that while her late husband was mild and good natured, she was a “hellion” and all of her children take after her! What’s a mother to do? She has some clever ways to get Lucien and Horatia together. Plus, she plans the greatest activities. They have a snow fort fight, men against the women and it was hilarious! I will reread this book for this chapter alone!

Horatia proves to Lucien throughout this novel, that she can keep up with him and that she enjoys his “wicked desires”, but they must keep their relationship a secret from Cedric, or else that Second Rule must be honored! The last chapters are action packed with danger, betrayal, villains, forgiveness and most of all, LOVE! I can’t wait to for the next Rogue to fall!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

about the author

Lauren_Smith_2014Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer.

She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

Giveaway beige

Lauren is graciously offering a choice of either an e-copy or a pre-printed paper copy of  HIS WICKED SEDUCTION 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 us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Lauren Smith  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open e-copy (International) or pre-printed paper copy (USA only)

8. Giveaway runs from November 12 – November 16, 2014, 2014

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The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

The Shadows of Stormclyffe HallAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
To defeat a dark evil, they must face his family’s past…

Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth, doesn’t believe in ghosts. Even though tragedy and mysterious hauntings have driven his family away from his ancestral home, Stormclyffe Hall, he is determined to restore the castle to its former glory. His plans are disrupted when a stubborn American shows up on his doorstep hoping to pry into his family’s tragic history.

Jane Seyton, an American graduate student, is convinced there’s more to the tragedy of Stormclyffe Hall than history claims. Ever the scholar, she is determined to discover the truth, even if it means putting up with the arrogant, yet sexy, Bastian.

Although Bastian wants nothing to do with the pushy American, it soon becomes clear that something evil is in the house—and that something is targeting both Jane and Bastian. The two must join forces to purge the ghosts of Stormclyffe Hall once and for all—even as they try to fight a physical attraction between them that grows more and more impossible to deny.

 

Review:

I had the pleasure of reading THE SHADOWS OF STORMCLYFFE HALL by Lauren Smith on a dark and stormy night. Lightning and thunder booming overhead greatly enhanced this reading experience! I would classify this novel as a modern gothic novel on par with the greats!

Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth has returned to his family’s castle to restore it, even though the castle has only seen tragedy for the past two hundred years. Jane Seyton, an American graduate student has shown up on the castle’s doorsteps to finish her doctoral dissertation. She doesn’t admit to the arrogant Brit that she has been having nightmares about the castle for years.

Together, Bastian and Anya learn the secrets behind the evil that lurks in the hallways and the ghosts that appear to each of them! Bastian tries to make Jane leave, to protect her and his heart, but the castle needs both of them to defeat the curse.

I won’t give away too many spoilers, because everyone needs to experience the hair rising on their necks for themselves! I am a fan of this author and I love a good scare, but I have to say, I’m still questioning every noise I hear in the dark now! This novel is for the reader who loves the paranormal mixed with a hot romance!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

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Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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Wicked DesignsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
The League of Rogues takes what they want—but have they taken on too much?

For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.

It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.

Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.

Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.

 

Review:

WICKED DESIGNS by Lauren Smith is proving to be a superb first novel in an exciting new series. The novel starts with a kidnapping!! That’s a pretty exciting and humorous event. Usually, I don’t like when our hero kidnaps their lady, but this event was well written and action packed!

It seems that our heroine’s uncle owes Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex some money, so Godric kidnaps our heroine. Trust me readers, Miss Emily Parr does not go easily or quietly. It seems that our league of rogues has met their match. Our “bad boys” of the ton, love their naughty image, but underneath their roguish exteriors, they are all great men. Don’t be overwhelmed with the amount of characters introduced at the beginning. They are all going to become fabulous, swoon-worthy, leading men in their own stories! Fingers crossed!!

Back to our main couple! Godric has no plans on marrying, he has too many demons in his past, but Emily is slowing pulling down his barriers. She is such a wonderful woman! She tries to escape her captors throughout the novel, through very ingenious ways. All of the men grow to respect and like her and become very protective towards her. The league of rogues does have some rules: One is that Godric has first dibs on Emily! We have a very sinister and creepy bad guy who wants our heroine too! Will our league of rogues be able to protect Emily from harm and will Godric ever find peace and love?

This is such a wonderful Regency romance. I started reading and could not put it down until the end. The author has created some great characters. It’s one of those books where I loved the woman as much as the brooding hero! I look forward to reading further rogue escapades, because these men love getting into trouble! Enjoy!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Lauren is offering an e-copy of Wicked Designs to two (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. The giveaway is open Internationally

7. The giveaway runs from June 8 to June11, 2014

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