Dollar$ (Dollar #2) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

DOLLAR$ (Dollar #2) by Pepper Winters-Review and Book Tour

Dollars BAnner

DOLLAR$
Dollar #2
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark romance
Release Date: November 18, 2016

Dollars

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About the book: RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2016

“I should never have asked for a night with you. This would never have happened if I’d had more willpower.”

A thief met a possession and did what he did best.
Now, he has to live with the consequences.
Including the girl he claimed.

Pimlico was stolen and sold all before her twenty-first birthday.
Two years with a master who almost killed her is over.
She has a new master now.
A master who demands everything, expects everything, and requires ultimate access to her mind.

Elder broke countless rules when he took the girl who wasn’t his.
She confuses and bewitches him, but his fascination won’t save her from his desires.

He wants to know her.
She wants to forget.
Together…they’re doomed.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DOLLAR$ is the second installment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult DOLLAR dark, romance series focusing on Elder Prest, and Tasmin Blythe aka Pimlico. DOLLARS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one PENNIES.

WARNING: DOLLARS is a dark romance with scenes of graphic and implied violence, rape, sexual abuse and torture. DOLLARS and the Dollar series may not suitable for everyone; there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Two years earlier Tasmin Blythe was sold to a sadistic Norwegian businessman and in the ensuing time suffered abuse, rape and torture at the hands of Alrik Asbjorn (aka Master A) and several of his friends and associates. Refusing to give Alrik the satisfaction of her pain and turmoil, and in an effort to protect her mind our heroine shut down and opted for selective mutism. This is her continuing story.

Told from dual first person points of view (Pim and Elder) DOLLAR$ is a story of healing and recovery. Elder Prest is a man determined to ‘own’ our story line heroine-body and soul- but first he must allow Pim the time to recover and heal. Tasmin Blythe aka Pimlico was sold into slavery two years earlier and has suffered unimaginable physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Elder Prest, a complicated and domineering man, is both her savior and her keeper, and the man who pushes Pimlico to fight the demons that control her mind. Elder’s need for revenge, and darkened past of secrets and betrayal control the lifestyle that has made him the man he is today, and it is that darkness that he focuses on the woman that calls to his heart. At times, his treatment and threats directed at our story line heroine were abusive and reviling- a bird in a gilded cage is still trapped behind wires and bars-our heroine traded one type of captor for another. Greed, revenge and an unknown future dictate the paths of our story line couple.

The story is told through the thoughts and memories of a battered and broken woman, and the conflicted ramblings of a man desperate to fix what has been destroyed by deviance and evil. Elder Prest is no innocent; his list of sins is long and corrupt but something about Pimlico calls to his missing heart.

But….I do have an issue with this particular story line and it has nothing to do with the story line content but more so with the lack of any definitive story line progress. DOLLARS is a story of recovery –mind, body and soul-but for all intents and purposes the focus remains on breaking down Elder’s cold-hearted facade, and the recovery of a woman who had lost the will to live-while very little else happened along the way. There were a couple of hints as to Elder’s past, as well as Elder’s association with the people who had stolen Tasmin’s life but nothing has yet to come to fruition. The slow build up and absence of any real development is both frustrating and disheartening.

DOLLAR$, and the Dollar series is gritty, raw and emotional. The complexities of a broken mind are slow to heal; steps must be taken to ensure a recovery that is not destroyed by pushing the boundaries too soon or too fast. The premise is unique and creative; the characters are tragic and passionate; the romance fated and angry.

Click HERE for Sandy’s Review of book one-PENNIES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Dollars Teaser

About the Author

Dollar Series

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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Restless (Fractured Farrells #4) by Mallory Crowe-a review

RESTLESS (Fractured Farrells #4) by Mallory Crowe-a review

Restless

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

Ashley needs a husband. Not in a week, not in a year. She needs a husband now if she’s going to keep her lecherous stepfather from getting any of the fortune her mother left to her. There’s only one person she knows who is powerful enough to take on her stepfather. Alex Farrell wanted her before and she’s going to bet her life that he’s still going to want her.

Except Alex Farrell wants so much more than her body. He wants her heart.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: RESTLESS is the fourth installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult FRACTURED FARRELLS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the billionaire Farrell siblings. This is youngest brother Alex Farrell, and Ashley Koiv’s story line. RESTLESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as a number of the events in RESTLESS run parallel to the events of book 3-REMORSELESS. The Fractured Farrells is a spin off from Crowe’s Billionaires in the City series.

Told from several third person perspectives with present day and memories from the past RESTLESS focuses on the marriage of convenience between Ashley Koiv and Alex Farrell. Nine years earlier Ashley’s mother Nadia married Alex’s father Walter Farrell thus making our leading couple, along with Logan, Nathan and Robert Farrell, step-siblings but when her mother’s numerous affairs ended the marriage, Ashley was tossed out of the family along with her pride. Fast forward to present day wherein our now twenty four year old heroine is in desperate need of a husband to ensure her mother’s estate goes to the rightful heir and not the abusive man who is trying to destroy our heroine’s life. Enter Alex Farrell-the man Ashley has loved after most of her adult life-and the man who could help Ashley get what she deserves.

Nine years earlier Alex fell for the fifteen year old Ashley Koiv but as step-siblings and the fact that Alex was several years older forced Alex to make a decision and walk away from a potential disaster. Ashley’s mother continued her streak of marriage and divorce but dying under mysterious circumstances left her daughter Ashley in the hands of an emotionally abusive and controlling man. Ashley was in desperate need of help and offered herself up to Alex Farrell with all of the benefits of married life. When threats are made against Ashley and Alex, the Farrell siblings begin an investigation of their own only to discover that their father’s past discretions have resurfaced looking for revenge.

The relationship between Ashley and Alex is a rekindling friendship and romance with plenty of sexual tension, and the push and pull of want and need. Alex’s attraction to Ashley has never been questioned but his brother’s see something else with Ashley’s reappearance-a woman looking for money and to bring down the Farrell sibling. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.

All of the Farrell siblings play secondary and supporting roles. There are two sources of conflict and threats against Ashley and Alex; one of a questionable nature with connections to Logan Farrell.

RESTLESS is an entertaining and riveting story line. The Fractured Farrells series takes an intimate look at one family’s struggle as they unravel their father’s dark secrets and links to the past. The premise is dramatic and entertaining; the characters are spirited and intense; the romance is sensual and fated. The epilogue fast forwards the series and story line approximately several months where we get a glimpse into the future. There is a short bonus scene that focuses on the search for the truth about a murdered journalist that may be part of the next story line or another spin off series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Ruthless
Reckless
Remorseless
Restless

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

The Curse of Tenth Grave

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About the book: Release Date June 28, 2016

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is the tenth installment in Darynda Jones’s contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time PI/ full time Grim Reaper Charley Davidson.

SOME BACKGROUND: This is the continuing story of Charley’s life as the Grim Reaper, the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass, and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Farrow. Charley Davidson, and now their daughter, are the key to saving or destroying the world. If you have not read the previous installments there may be some spoilers.

Told from first person point of view (Charley) THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE follows PI Charley Davidson as she investigates not one but two cases: a missing woman presumed murdered by her boyfriend, and the case of a young runaway who believes she, and a number of other children, have been cursed at the youth home in which they are staying.

Charley is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, PI, Grim Reaper and a god. Our heroine is a woman whose life is made up of supernatural entities, demons, restless ghosts, murder, and a friendship with her assistant that beats all other friendships. Charley is a wife and mother whose infant daughter, said to be the savior of the world, has been hidden in the hopes of keeping the three gods of Uzan at bay. Charley is also a god, whose powers have yet to be completely established, but a god who could very well be living with her immortal enemy. Some backstory and history is revealed about Charley and Reyes’s relationship throughout time.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE has a large ensemble cast of passionate and intense characters including many, if not most, of the significant entities we have met throughout the series. Rocket’s purpose becomes a little more clearer; Strawberry Shortcake reveals some cryptic information; Charley’s dad reveals many secrets he uncovered in H*ll when he passed through; the army guarding Reyes and Charley’s daughter is available with a flick of the wrist; and Ubie’s future looks grim. I am still hoping Darynda has plans to write a series about Donovan and the gang.

As per Darynda’s style of writing the story line is packed with humor, snark, sarcasm, funny one liners and plenty of innuendo. Each chapter begins with a meme, t-shirt slogan or bumper sticker line. Reyes and Charley’s relationship is struggling in the face of what the future might hold; there are secrets between the couple that fester and burn. The $ex scenes contain a little more graphic text and sexual language than in previous installments but like most UF story lines, the romance is secondary to the story although it is Reyes and Charley’s relationship that may be triggering the ultimate war between Heaven and H*ll. The slow build to the final show down is gradually unfolding.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is a revealing story line; a provocative look at two people destined to destroy one another; an addicting series where the next installment cannot come fast enough. The premise is dramatic; the characters are dynamic; the romance is sexy and heartbreaking. Darynda Jones writes an amazing series about a kick-ass heroine who struggles with every day life and the supernatural.

Reading Order and previous reviews
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun (novella)
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
The Curse of Tenth Grave

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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After The Storm: Mid-Season Episode 1 (Rising Storm) by Lexi Blake-Review and Book Tour

AFTER THE STORM: Mid-Season Episode 1 (Rising Storm) by Lexi Blake-Review and Book Tour

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AFTER THE STORM
Mid Season Episode 1
Rising Storm
by Lexi Blake
Genre: adult,contemporary,
Release Date: March 29, 2016

ABOUT THE SERIES:

*Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…*

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection. But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, *Rising Storm* is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.

With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” for the Midseason Episodes of this serial opera are bestselling authors Lexi Blake and Larissa Ione who have brought their vision of Storm to life.

*So get ready. The storm is coming.*

After the Storm

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2016

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

In the wake of Dakota’s revelations, the whole town is reeling. Ginny Moreno has lost everything. Logan Murphy is devastated by her lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a horrifying new light. And nothing will ever be the same…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AFTER THE STORM by Lexi Blake is the first installment in the Mid Season multi –authored RISING STORM serialized story line focusing on the people of Storm, Texas. Their continuing story focuses on the aftermath of a very public revelation, the truth about Storm’s golden boy Senator, and the havoc wreaked by a spurned young woman vying for attention and the love of a man she cannot have. AFTER THE STORM should not be read as a stand alone as the story line (and Mid Season 2) continues upon the events of Season One.

For followers familiar with the series, the revelations regarding Ginny’s pregnancy, and the senator’s numerous affairs have affected everyone in the small town of Storm, Texas. AFTER THE STORM looks at the devastating fall-out when secrets and lies are revealed by Dakota Alvarez that will have a domino affect upon all who are connected through friendship or blood. Lives will be destroyed; reputations shredded; hearts broken into a million pieces, and Ginny Moreno must go it alone in a town that is determined to brand her with a scarlet A.

RISING STORM, and thusly AFTER THE STORM, reads like a soap-opera serial; a Dynasty meets Dallas meets Peyton Place afternoon Soap where scandal, lies, betrayal and lust are the backdrop to a town controlled by the political elite, and powerfully rich. No one is innocent; blind eyes are turned to the truth; fingers are pointed in all directions.

AFTER THE STORM is the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the people of Storm, Texas. Once protected by a bubble of their own making, Storm must face the clean-up of the destruction brought about by one man’s indiscretions and the lives he has destroyed along the way.

Lexi Blake pulls you in, ties you down, and straps you in for the ride that is Storm, Texas.

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

After The Storm Teaser

Excerpt

 

“I didn’t know I was pregnant until I woke up from the accident.” Ginny’s voice was an impassioned whisper. “I found out two things that changed my life in that moment. I found out that my best friend was gone and that I was pregnant. And I prayed so hard that I hadn’t lost all of Jacob forever.” Forever. That’s what she was looking at. She was looking at an entire lifetime of being a mother without a son. She loved her daughters dearly, but she would mourn Jacob forever. And this selfish girl was equating her pain as though they were the same. As though one night of spreading her legs gave her the right to mourn him. “I think you woke up and realized you had two options. Take care of that baby alone or worm your way into Jacob’s family and his money.” “I never cared about the money.” Celeste wasn’t going to listen to that tripe. “Of course you did. Not enough to keep your legs closed. You say you loved Jacob but how long did you wait before you hopped into bed with that Murphy boy? Did you even break it off with my brother-in-law? How many men do you need on your string?” “I’ve never slept with Logan, but I will admit that I’m in love with him. I love him in a way I never loved Jacob. Jacob was my best friend, but I know now that he wasn’t my soul mate. I pray with everything I am that this is his child, that we receive a miracle because I don’t want him to be lost forever, but I won’t hide what I feel for Logan and I won’t pretend it’s nasty. Not even to placate you, Celeste. I want to make things right between us and that means apologizing to you. Celeste, I’m so sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. I should have been braver. I should have been stronger, but I woke up and the world had crashed around me and I wanted the love you could give me. That all of you could give me. I’m sorry that it brought you so much pain.” Something about the way she was standing there enraged Celeste. How could she stand there looking so innocent? How could she say exactly the right things to garner empathy? Celeste didn’t want to empathize. She wanted to fight and tear up things and destroy the world around her because it seemed so damn intent on destroying her. She wanted to burn it all down. She didn’t feel her hand snap back, didn’t quite understand what she was doing. The world seemed tinged in red at the corners as though rage now filtered her vision. And it slowed everything down. In horror she realized she was going to strike Ginny Moreno. Her hand was going to bring justice her words never could. And then it slapped against flesh. A strong hand circled her wrist and Travis stared down at her like he had no idea who she was.

 

 

About the author

 

Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss a thing! http://risingstormbooks.com

Lexi Blake*About Lexi Blake:*   *New York Times* and *USA Today* bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

 

Visit Lexi Blake’s website http://www.lexiblake.net/ and follow her on:

Rising Storm Website  http://risingstormbooks.com/
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/authorlexiblake/
Twitter  https://twitter.com/authorlexiblake
1001 Dark Nights http://www.1001darknights.com/
Rising Storm on Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/series/162172-rising-storm

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The Baller by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

THE BALLER by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE BALLER
Down and Dirty Football #1
by Vi Keeland
Genre: adult, contemporary, sports, erotic romance
Release Date : January 18, 2016

The Baller

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 18, 2016

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room. It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster. The famed quarterback decided to bare all.
And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets. No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.
When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me. But I don’t date players. And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football. I’d date an athlete. It’s the other kind of player I don’t date. You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid. Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him. But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for. Turned out, I was that girl. Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is. There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after… And this one is ours.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BALLER is the first installment in Vi Keeland’s DOWN AND DIRTY FOOTBALL stand alone erotic romance story line focusing on professional football quarterback/Super Bowl MVP Brody Easton, and television sportscaster Delilah Maddox.

Told from three first person points of view (Delilah, Brody, Willow) THE BALLER follows Delilah Maddox as one of a handful of female television sports journalists who enters the locker rooms of the professional football league. Her first on-air assignment finds Delilah face to face with cocky, self assured Super Bowl MVP Brody Easton-a man who isn’t afraid to push all of Delilah’s buttons. Their first introduction to one another finds Delilah facing a naked Brody when he drops his towel in an bold act of defiance. What ensues is Brody’s pursuit of Delilah Maddox and Delilah’s need to remain neutral and professional in the face of public scrutiny. Their mutual love of football is a family tradition with both of their father’s originally star quarterbacks as well.

THE BALLER looks at two people whose pasts are mired in heartbreak and loss. Both Delilah and Brody lost someone close, and in this there is a mutual understanding about letting go of the past, and moving forward without looking back, which is easier said than done when Brody’s past comes looking for a second chance.

The relationship between Brody and Delilah is caustic in the beginning. Brody is a bit of an a$$ when it comes to Delilah in the locker room but his a$$holishness hides a desire and attraction he didn’t want to admit. As Brody continues to pursue our heroine, she reminds Brody that she wants something more than a one night stand-to which something Brody is unable to commit. There is plenty of sexual banter, innuendo and come-ons. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense.

There are numerous secondary and supporting characters including coaches, players, journalists, and co-workers. Brody’s remaining family focuses on a woman named Marlene who adds a bit of off-beat humor to Brody’s demanding life. Delilah’s boss is a bit of a jerk-Mr. CUM-is a misogynistic pr*ck who despises women in the workplace or out in the field-he wants an exclusive interview with Brody Easton and uses our heroine to get what he wants.

The world building focuses on the locker rooms, the interviews, and the public and private life of a professional football hero but also looks at the struggle to stay in a committed relationship when everything and anyone is offered on a golden platter.

THE BALLER is a captivating story line with energetic characters and an impassioned romance. There are moments of heartwarming love, intense sexual attraction and passionate romance followed by misunderstand and heartbreaking realization. The premise is lighthearted and enjoyable but dramatic; the characters are colorful and charismatic; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. The epilogue fast forwards the story line a couple of years where we get a glimpse into the future for Delilah and Brody.

Copy supplied by the tour operator.

Reviewed by Sandy

Baller Teaser 2

excerpt

A new song had just started, and I was enjoying his company when a voice behind me said, “Can I cut in?”
My head whipped around, even though I had no doubt whom the gravelly voice belonged to.
Michael was gracious. “I hate to share. But I suppose I have been hogging the most beautiful woman at the event.” He let go of my hand and stepped back with a gentlemanly nod. “Thank you for the dance, Delilah.”
Again Brody Easton had caught me off guard. Before I knew it, I was dancing with the arrogant jerk. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled my body tight against his. Way tighter than Michael had held me.
“Good to see you again, Lois Lane.”
The man had balls; I had to give him that. I looked him straight in the eyes. “Nice to see you with clothes on, Easton.”
“Do you prefer me without?”
“I prefer you on the other side of the room.”
He chuckled. It was a hearty laugh. “That’s what happens sometimes when you decide you want to hang out in the men’s locker room.”
I tried to pull back, but he tightened his grip and held me in place. I craned my neck. “Let go of me.”
“No.”
“No?”
“That’s right. No.”
“I can scream at the top of my lungs.”
“I’d like to hear you scream.” His tone made it clear he meant he wanted me underneath him while I was doing the screaming.
“You’re an asshole. You know that?”
“I do. You asked me that yesterday. For a reporter, you should really try changing up your questions more frequently.”
My eyes bulged.
Easton shifted his hand down to the small of my back before twirling us around the dance floor. Figures the prick can dance.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“You can’t be serious?”
He ignored my comment. “Would you like to have dinner tonight?”
“We just ate.”
“Dessert at my place, then?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you hit your head at the game yesterday?”
“On a diet, huh?”
“Yeah. That’s it. I don’t want to go to your place for dessert because I’m on a diet.”
“Well, that’s just a shame.”

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

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Outside the Lines (On The Run #1) by Lisa Desrocher-Review and Book Tour

OUTSIDE THE LINES (On the Run #1) by Lisa Desrochers-Review and Book Tour

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Outside the Lines

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 19, 2016

As the oldest son of a Chicago crime lord, Robert Delgado always knew how dangerous life could be. With his mother dead and his father in prison, he’s taking charge of his family’s safety—putting himself and his siblings in witness protection to hide out in a backwater Florida town.

Fourth grade teacher Adri Wilson is worried about the new boy in her class. Sherm is quiet and evasive, especially when he’s around his even cagier older brother. Adri can’t help her attraction to Rob, or the urge to help them both in whatever way she can.

But the Delgados have enemies on two sides of the mob—their father’s former crew and the rival family he helped take down. It’s only a matter of time before someone finds them. And if Rob isn’t careful, Adri could end up in the crossfire.

••••••••

REVIEW: OUTSIDE THE LINES is the first installment in Lisa Desrochers contemporary, adult ON THE RUN romance series focusing on the Delgado (aka Davidson) siblings. This is eldest son (and heir apparent) Robert Delgado, and grade school teacher Adri Wilson’s story line.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Robert and Adri) OUTSIDE THE LINES focuses on the once powerful and rich Delgado family-five siblings, in witness protection, whose father, currently in jail, is the head of one of the most powerful crime families in Chicago. After an attack that was intended to kill the family, the Delgado children –ages 9 to 25 years-are relocated to Florida with a new identity, and very little help from the FBI, while their father continues to control things behind bars. Struggling to raise his younger siblings who are all but defiant in the face of their own safety, Robert finds himself oddly attracted to his youngest brother’s new teacher-twenty three year old Adri Wilson. The problem-Adri’s father is a police officer, overly protective of his only daughter, and suspicious about the newcomers to his territory. What ensues is a very slow building relationship between Adri and Rob, and Rob’s contempt for the FBI when he believes they are doing nothing to locate the people responsible for the attempts on their lives.

The relationship between Ari and Rob is infinitely slow to build as Rob refuses to bring anyone else into the line of fire. As the family continues to struggle with their new life, Rob makes plans to return to Chicago for a final showdown with his father’s enemies. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense-our heroine is a virtual newcomer to the world of $ex and boyfriends.

OUTSIDE THE LINES has a large ensemble cast of characters. We are introduced to the Delgado siblings-all named after US Army Generals-eldest son Robert; Grant- the ultimate bad boy and most defiant; sisters Lee and Uly; and nine year old Sherm whose own fragile existence is clouded by painful memories; Adri’s best friend and former US soldier Chuck whose PTSD manifests in a need for submission, and Adri’s father Chief Carl who still has reservations about the man with whom his daughter fell in love.

Because OUTSIDE THE LINES is the introductory story line there is a copious amount of information and character introductions throughout the story. We followed Adri’s daily interactions with her father, fellow school teachers, and best friend, which added to the already slow building premise. The story focused on many mundane, day to day struggles for the family leaving the threat against the family as more of an afterthought until Robert returned to Chicago wherein everyone with an axe to grind or need for revenge, easily located the Delgado heir. Most of the premise involving the mob criminal element and threats to their lives is found in the last few chapters of the book-the mafia/mobster trope is secondary to the main story. The premise is entertaining but slow to build; the characters are numerous and energetic; the romance is tender leading to a happily ever after –for now.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Adri
“Is this straight?” Dad asks, peering in the mirror across from the front door and messing with the badge on the breast pocket of his blue shirt.
There is almost no crime on our little island because Dad is legendary for taking down drug rings and poachers, but when it comes to the little things, like pinning his badge on straight, he still needs help.
That’s why I’m here.
When Mom died last spring, I came back from Jacksonville so I could live at home and help Dad. He and Mom were high school sweethearts and married not long after graduation. He’s always been taken care of. I don’t want him to be alone.
I move to where he is and turn him, unpinning the badge and straightening it. I smooth his salt and pepper hair off his forehead and stretch up on my toes to kiss the smooth patch of cheek above the line of his beard. “I seriously doubt they’re going to send the Chief of Police home for a dress code infraction.”
“We’ll see,” he chuckles, giving my blond ponytail a gentle tug. “You ready for your first day influencing the youth of Port St. Mary?”
I was over the moon when I got the call three days ago that Mrs. Martin had had surgery and they needed a long-term sub for her class. Not that I’m happy they hacked out her gallbladder or anything, but her loss is my gain, so to speak.
I come from a long line of educators. Mom was my first grade teacher. Both of her sisters, her father, and her grandfather taught as well. You could say it’s in my DNA. I resisted it for a while, thought I wanted to go into finance, but by my junior year at Clemson I had to finally admit to myself teaching was what I really wanted to do. I changed my major to Education and finished my credential just before Mom died.
Since her death, it’s felt even more urgent to me to teach—like maybe following in her footsteps will somehow keep her spirit alive. But Port St. Mary and the surrounding communities are small, and teaching jobs are pretty scarce. I was afraid I was going to have to try elsewhere come fall. This was a prayer answered…which makes me a little afraid I might have had something to do with poor Mrs. Martin’s gallbladder flaring up. And now it’s starting to feel like one of those “be careful what you wish for” scenarios.
I rub my sweaty palms down my slacks. “What happens if they hate me?”
Dad wraps me in his arms and squeezes me in a bear hug, crushing the air out of my lungs. “They’re going to love you, punkin. Your mom would be so proud of you right now,” he says, a catch in his voice. “I hope you know that.”
I swallow back the lump in my throat and look up at him. I can’t even remember the last time he’s brought her up out of the blue like this. “I know, Dad, but thanks for saying so.” He lets me go and I shoulder my messenger bag. “Time to face the music.”
We step out the back door to where my old electric blue Chevy Lumina is parked in the driveway, next to Dad’s only slightly less conspicuous cruiser. Dad watches as I slide in and turn the key. The engine chugs but doesn’t turn over.
I blow out a breath and pop the hood. By the time I grab the monkey wrench on the floor of the passenger side and get out of the car, Dad already has the hood propped up and is looking over the engine compartment.
“Don’t mess with Frank, Dad.” I point my finger in a circle at the guts of my poor Frankencar. Me and my best friend Chuck rebuilt most of the insides from junkyard parts when we took auto shop our senior year in high school. “It’s a delicate balance.”
He grins and steps back, his hands in the air. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I will always love Frank—he was my first—but I know I need a new car. Dad’s offered me Mom’s T-Bird, but I’m twenty-three. I’m supposed to be responsible for myself at this point. And besides, I’d rather he sold Mom’s car and put the money towards his retirement. Even though Port St. Mary is pretty sleepy most of the time, everyday he goes to work, I worry.
I reach between the radiator and the engine and give the alternator a sharp rap with the wrench, then slip back into the driver’s seat. When I turn the key, Frank chugs twice, same as always, then rumbles to life.
Dad ducks into the cruiser and gives me a little salute as I pull out.
Port St. Mary Elementary is only about two miles from home. It takes a grand total of eight minutes to drive there. Technically, it’s a one-room schoolhouse. The tiny twelve-space parking lot butts up against an octagonal building, which, in fact, is just one big room inside. In the exact center of the building are the bathrooms and storage closets, and from there, folding accordion partitions section off each wedge of the octagon. Each wedge is a grade level, kinder through sixth, and a multipurpose room. To the right of the parking lot is a doublewide “portable” that houses the school offices and small staff room. Behind that, children are already gathering in the playground, which is really just a weed-infested lot with a slide and jungle gym that has been there since before I started kindergarten here.
When I walk around the octagon to the door marked with a big yellow four and step inside, it’s like deja vu all over again. Mrs. Martin (she told me to call her Pam when we talked on the phone about the lesson plan yesterday, but I can’t bring myself to) has had the same posters on the walls since the dawn of time. The presidential chart ends with Reagan. She had already been teaching fourth grade in this same classroom for, like, twenty years when I had her.
I move to her desk, to the right of the door, and set my bag on it. And that’s when I see the note from Principal Richmond.
A new student.
I brush my palms down my slacks again, a fresh jolt of nerves twisting my insides into knots. I was already going to be way over my head with a classroom full of nine-year-olds fresh off Christmas vacation and all sugared up on candy canes.
I look over the instructions. Sherman William Davidson needs his reading comprehension assessment, writing and grammar evaluation, and his math skills worksheet completed by the end of the week.
I blow a wisp of hair off my forehead and unpack my toothpaste and toothbrush, my journal, and a few of my favorite colored pens into Mrs. Martin’s desk, careful not to displace her things too much. I’m just pulling the assessments for the new kid from the file cabinet when the classroom door opens. I hear Principal Richmond’s gravel voice before I turn around. “…and his classroom is here. We just got word a few days ago that our regular fourth grade teacher is out on medical leave, but Sherman will be in good hands with Ms. Wilson. She’s a very capable substitute.”
I take a deep breath as I turn and hope he’s not lying.
I substituted five times during fall semester. For the most part, everything went great until I subbed for Mrs. Yetz’s eighth grade class the week before winter break. Somehow, what started out as a math lab on probability devolved into a liar’s dice tournament, complete with money changing hands. I wasn’t sure they’d call me back after that.
But when I see Principal Richmond waddle his round frame through the door, I straighten the scarf I tied over my favorite teal sweater and try to look as confident in what he said as he does.
“Ms. Wilson,” he says, waving me over. “This is your new student, Sherman.”
Sherman is a wiry little thing with unruly brown hair and clothes that hang off him a little. He looks as if he’d vanish into himself if given the chance.
“He goes by Sherm,” the man standing next to him says.
I look up into some of the most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen. Heavy dark brows curve over irises the color of honey with burgundy flecks through them. Thick brown waves are loose around a strong face with angled cheekbones, and a square jaw covered in two-day stubble. Set in flawless olive skin are lips so firm and red they make me forget the frown that’s turning them down slightly at the corners. He’s just so…gorgeous, like something out of a magazine or a movie. And he’s tall—well over six feet of broad shoulders tapering to narrow hips under his blue button-down shirt. The tails are loose over pressed jeans that fit him just so. Everything about him is tailored and cultured and nothing like any of the year-rounders who live on this bumpkin island. But it’s not just the way he looks. A blend of confidence and something else I can’t identify but makes him feel a little intimidating wafts off him with the spicy cologne I keep catching hints of. He’s nothing like anyone I’ve ever met, even at Clemson.
I feel my jaw dangling and snap it closed, pulling myself together long enough to extend an arm. “I’m Adri.”
Principal Richmond clears his throat, and when I flick a glance his direction, I know my ogling didn’t go unnoticed. His brow is deeply furrowed and his frown curves so low it makes him look like one of those marionettes, where their chin is a whole different piece of wood than the rest of their face.
My eyes bulge and I shift my outstretched hand to Sherm. “I mean, Miss Wilson. Welcome to Port St. Mary, Sherm.”
The boy just looks at me with sad eyes the color of his…father’s?
My gaze gravitates back to the guy towering over me. Could he be Sherm’s dad? He looks way too young to have a nine-year-old. He also looks all business. There’s nothing soft or nurturing in his cold, sharp gaze as it flicks around the classroom, silently assessing.
“What’s on the other side of those partitions?” he asks Principal Richmond.
“The third and fifth grade classrooms,” he answers.
The guy’s eyes continue to scan the room. “He’ll spend all day in here?”
The principal nods. “Except when he’s on the playground.”
“Is there security on campus?”
Principal Richmond looks momentarily perplexed, rubbing his round stomach as if he’s thinking with it. “Not as such. We have yard monitors during recess and lunch, and the teachers are responsible for the children when they’re here in class.”
“What about lunch?”
“He can bring his own lunch, or buy a bag lunch from Nutritional Services for three dollars. Either way, if it’s nice weather, the children eat outside at the picnic tables. On rainy days, we open the partitions and they eat inside as a group.”
The guy reaches into his pocket, but Principal Richmond holds up his hand to stop him when he comes out with a thick wad of cash. “We don’t allow students to carry money on campus. When we’re done here, I’ll take you to the office and have you purchase a scan card for Nutritional Services.”
The guy nods, then moves to the door and jiggles the knob. “The exterior doors are left unlocked?”
“During school hours, yes.” Principal Richmond answers, moving to my desk and shuffling through the papers I pulled for Sherm.
The guy’s full lips narrow into a tight line and he scowls at the door. He spins and starts toward the door in the back of the room, leaving no stone unturned.
I wipe my hands down my slacks again and decide just to ask. “So, you’re Sherm’s father?”
His feet stall on the chipped linoleum and he seems to finally notice I exist. “Brother,” he answers, and that one word seems to carry the weight of the world with it as it falls from his mouth.
His eyes make a slow sweep of my face, and as they trail down my neck, the front of my sweater, over my hips and down my legs, I’m frozen in place, paralyzed by the intensity of his gaze.
Principal Richmond shoves some papers in my face, breaking the spell. “You still have fifteen minutes until the bell. Maybe you can get Sherman started on these.”
“Um…” I grab the papers out of his hand as Big Brother blinks, some of the thickest lashes I’ve ever seen hiding those incredible eyes. “Yeah. We’ll do that…”
Principal Richmond guides Big Brother to the door. “Let’s get out of their way and let them get started. I’m sure Sherman will have a positive experience here. Children his age tend to adjust quickly,” he’s saying as the door swings closed behind them.

 

About The Author

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Lisa DesrochersLisa Desrochers is the USA Today bestselling author of A LITTLE TOO FAR, courtesy of HarperCollins. Look for the companions, A LITTLE TOO MUCH (11/12/13), and A LITTLE TOO HOT (1/21/14), and also her Personal Demons trilogy (Macmillan).

Lisa lives in northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise. Find her online at www.lisadwrites.com, on Twitter at @LisaDez, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LisaDesrochersAuthor

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