Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2016

Wrong For Me (Motor City Royals #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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WRONG FOR ME (Motor City Royals #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

Wrong For Me

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

About the book: Release Date November 29, 2016

After eight years in prison, Levi Rush is finally out and back on the gritty streets of Detroit to claim the future he was owed. A future that includes the one woman he’s wanted for years—his former best friend Rachel. She’s the reason he went inside and if getting her to do what he wants means buying the building that houses her tattoo studio and using it as leverage, then that’s what he’ll do. Because if there’s one thing he’s learned inside it’s that if you want to win, you have to play dirty.

Rachel Hamilton is a tattoo artist and one hell of a tough girl. Detroit is her home, and she’s determined to make it a better place. But her plans are threatened when her old friend Levi reappears and gives her an ultimatum: she gives herself to him body and soul, or else she and her business are out on the street. Levi’s got no room in his heart for anything but anger and the lust he’s been carrying around for so long. But the only thing stronger than the secrets of their shared past is their fiery attraction to each other.

••••••••

REVIEW: WRONG FOR ME is the second installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult MOTOR CITY ROYALS erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends from Detroit. This is former inmate Levi Rush, and tattoo artist Rachel Hamilton’s story line. WRONG FOR ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Rachel and Levi) WRONG FOR ME is a friends to lovers/second chance storyline that follows the rekindling friendship between Rachel Hamilton and Levi Rush. Eight years earlier Levi was sent to prison for killing a man who had attacked his best friend Rachel. Fast forward to present day and Levi is an angry ex-con, h*ll bent on reclaiming all that he lost, and what he had lost were the eight years he could have been spending with the woman that he loves. Determined to renew his relationship with Rachel, Levi ‘blackmails’ Rachel for all of the wrong reasons ensuring Rachel remains by his side-one way or another. What ensues is an emotional battle between Levi and Rachel, and Levi’s dogged determination to prove he is worthy.

WRONG FOR ME is a story of family and friendship; heartbreak and love; moving forward and letting go of the past. Levi and Rachel, along with Gideon and Zoe come from the mean streets of Detroit, and it is their backstory and earlier years together that make up the emotional and protective relationships that encompass the series premise. Years of suffering and feeling unworthy find Levi Rush trying to prove he is deserving of the life that has passed him by.

The relationship between Rachel and Levi is one of emotional blackmail. Levi struggles with the loss of the previous eight years but more so with Rachel’s rejection and apparent lack of concern as it pertained to Levi and what happened years before.

All of the previous story line characters including Zee and Tamara (Dirty For Me #1), as well as Zoe James and Gideon Black play secondary and supporting roles. Rachel’s co-worker and fellow tattooist Xavier is ever protective of his friend and colleague. Zoe and Gideon’s story is next in Sin For Me (March 2017).

The world building continues to focus on five friends (Gideon, Zoe, Zee, Levi & Rachel) and the difficulties of growing up poor on the mean streets of Detroit. We are witness to the plans for redevelopment that may or may not have approval from the people who live and struggle to survive.

WRONG FOR ME is a dark and gritty look at endurance; at existing one day at a time; at struggling to succeed in a world that is continually pushing you down. The premise is startling ; the characters are passionate but tragic; the romance is emotional and disconcerting. At times, Levi’s treatment of Rachel and his need to recover years of lost time is misguided, vengeful and questionable. I also a couple of issues with questions that were never addressed and left unresolved.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-DIRTY FOR ME

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Saint: World of De Wolfe Pack by Cathy MacRae-a review

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THE SAINT: World of the De Wolfe Pack by Cathy MacRae-a review

The Saint

Amazon.com 

Entire collection of 9 novellas WORLD OF DE WOLFE PACK only 99¢: Amazon.com

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: September 4, 2016

Following in the footsteps of his uncle, the famous Lord William de Wolfe, Geoffrey de Wylde is counted among the greatest knights England had ever known. Revered for his justness and strict adherence to the chivalric code, he was known as The Saint.

Fleeing the unwanted attentions of her late husband’s brother, Marsaili de Ville runs headlong into the path of The Saint. She wants nothing more than to reach the safety of her family’s home in Scotland before Edmund de Ville’s henchmen capture her, but Geoffrey de Wylde insists on becoming her protector, slowing her flight and putting her unknowingly at risk.

As her past catches up with her, Marsaili will find more than a safe haven in The Saint’s arms. And Geoffrey de Wylde will discover his code does not tell him what to do with a woman who has been accused of murder, yet has captured his heart.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SAINT by Cathy MacRae is part of the multi-authored World of  De Wolfe Pack series set in Kindle Worlds. This is Lord Geoffrey De Wylde, and Marsaili de Ville’s story line. Each installment is stand alone.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Geoffrey and Marsaili) THE SAINT is an historical romance that follows Marsaili de Ville, widowed wife of Andrew de Ville- a woman on the run from her former brother in law who wants his brother’s widow for himself. Enter Lord Geoffrey de Wylde aka The Saint, who takes a reluctant Marasili under his protection as they continue their journey towards his new home. What ensues is a cross country trek through snowbound England while trying to stay one step ahead of Edmund de Ville.

The relationship between Geoffrey and Marsaili is slow to develop. Geoffrey struggles with the on-going pain and damage from an injury sustained in battle; and Marsaili is a woman whose need to return to Scotland outweighs any thoughts of starting a new relationship. The sexual intimacy is limited.

THE SAINT is a quick read: a novella length historical romance focusing on two people whose lives will collide on a stormy, winter’s night. The premise is entertaining; the characters are engaging; the romance is light and tender. Cathy MacRae writes a sweet and graceful story line that will capture your attention.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Keeping Score (The Perfect Play #2) by Sara Rider-a review

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KEEPING SCORE (The Perfect Play #2) by Sara Rider-a review

Keeping Score

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2016

Professional soccer player Jaime Chen is used to hearing the word “no”—she’s just not used to listening to it. Despite her tiny frame, she’s won two Olympic medals and earned the title of Assistant Captain of the Seattle Falcons. And when Sport Fitness magazine decides it wants her for the cover of its annual Bodies of Sport issue, she finally has the chance to prove to the world that she truly is a top-class athlete. But when a lingering ankle injury forces the team’s physiotherapist to bench her, Jaime’s top-ranking dreams start to slip through her fingers.

In his career as a pro sports physiotherapist, Alex Martinez’s instincts have never steered him wrong. But he’s also never met someone as obstinate and frustrating as the snarky Jaime Chen. With their spot in the playoffs on the line, the Falcons’ owner gives him an ultimatum: get Jaime back in the game or kiss his job goodbye. When she skips yet another appointment with him, the only way he can wrangle a diagnosis from the medically-phobic midfielder is to stick to her like a shadow. But getting close to the woman who simultaneously irritates him and turns him on like no other is the last thing he wants to do.

••••••••••

REVIEW: KEEPING SCORE is the second installment in Sara Rider’s contemporary, adult THE PERFECT PLAY sports romance series. This is professional soccer player Jaime Chen, and physiotherapist Alex Martinez’s story line. KEEPING SCORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jaime and Alex) KEEPING SCORE follows soccer player Jaime Chen as she struggles to keep her place with the Seattle Falcons woman’s professional soccer team. For weeks Jaime has suffered with debilitating ankle pain that is affecting her game and her play, and her chance to be on the lucrative magazine cover of ‘The Bodies of Sports’ issue. Enter team physiotherapist Alex Martinez-the man whom Jaime has lusted after since joining the team, and the man Jaime believes can make or break our heroine’s career. What ensues is the building relationship between Jaime and Alex, and Alex’s search for what ails our story line heroine. Meanwhile, Alex has an offer back home that he considers when his past begins to rear its’ ugly head.

Jaime is a multi-talented athlete with a couple of Olympic gold medals to her credit. Her decision to enter professional soccer has earned her the Assistant Captain position with the Seattle Falcons. She is known as the ‘wild child’ and her antics off the field add to her already meteoric rise to fame. Alex is a man with a secreted past that if revealed could affect his position with the team. Alex’s job is on the line when the team’s owners and managers demand information about Jaime’s ongoing injuries, and Alex is having a more than difficult time scheduling a diagnosis, and forcing Jaime into rehab and therapy.

The relationship between our couple is fraught with tension and the forbidden between player and team physiotherapist. Alex’s attraction to Jaime is palpable but Jaime struggles with her attraction to our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top graphic, erotic language and text but I did struggle with some of the immaturity of the leading couple.

Team captain Lainey Lukas returns along with her significant other Seattle Surge soccer player Gabe Havelak (For The Win #1), as well as sports agent Jillian Nichols whose story will be told next in GOING FOR THE GOAL (February 2017). Several of Jaime’s teammates play secondary and supporting roles including Tara, Joanna, Kara, Alyssa and head coach Victor Labreilla.

The world building focuses on the Seattle Falcons woman’s professional soccer team as they battle for the league’s ultimate prize, and the ongoing and undiagnosed pain of the team’s assistant captain. Although not readily obvious, I guessed the source of Jaime’s struggle immediately but for most readers it will remain a mystery until revealed.

KEEPING SCORE tackles diversity, sacrifice, illness and injury, the struggle to succeed, and women athlete’s battle for equality in the world of sports. The premise is realistic and intelligent; the characters are playful and energetic; the romance is provocative and captivating.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crazy Pucking Love (Taking Shots #3) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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CRAZY PUCKING LOVE (Taking Shots #3) by Cindi Madsen

Crazy Pucking Love

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2016

I just met the girl of my dreams.

Megan Davenport is funny and smart, and she’s as much of an insomniac as I am. She’s also my team captain’s little sister, which I only found out after our passionate kiss.

Megan is completely off-limits—her brother makes that very clear—and I know better than to think I can keep a relationship going during hockey season anyway. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be late-night friends, right?

The only problem is, love makes you do crazy things, like breaking all the rules.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CRAZY PUCKING LOVE is the third installment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, new adult TAKING SHOTS romance series focusing on the members of a Boston college hockey team. This is hockey player Dane Kowalski , and college student Megan Davenport’s story line. CRAZY PUCKING LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Megan is Beckett Davenport’s (Getting Lucky Number Seven #1) younger sister-and as such is off limits to the guys on his team.

Told from dual first person points of view (Dane and Megan) CRAZY PUCKING LOVE follows the building romance and relationship between Dane Kowalski and eighteen year old Megan Davenport. Unbeknownst to Megan, Dane is a member of the college hockey team- a team in which her brother Beckett is a member and his over protective alpha attitude has placed Megan in the ‘hands off’ category as it pertains to his fellow team players. Dane’s attraction to Megan finds our hero pushing away the young woman with whom he is falling in love leaving a heartbroken Megan to deal with the anxiety of another failed relationship. Megan’s ‘Fresh Start Checklist’ – a bucket list of things to accomplish while at college including finding a guy with boyfriend potential -begins to fall apart when Dane walks away because of his past and Megan’s brother’s warning.

Dane and Megan’s backstories are heartbreaking and full of angst and lost opportunities. Megan’s parents were killed years before, and Dane’s parents were all but absent throughout most of his life. To escape his home town Dane walked away and never looked back but recent events find our hero battling more guilt than his secret relationship with Megan Davenport. The $ex scenes are mostly implied reading more like a YA story line than a new adult formula.

Several of the previous story line couples plays secondary and supporting roles including Beckett Davenport and Lyla Wilder (Getting Lucky Number Seven #1) as well as Hudson Decker and Whitney Porter (Anatomy of a Player #2).

CRAZY PUCKING LOVE is a bit of a frustrating story line in that Dane is reluctant to cross an invisible line as it pertains to his relationship with Megan, and his friendship with teammate Becket Davenport. For all intents and purposes the situational anxiety was unfortunate in that I was disappointed in the overall feel of the story. The push and pull of the relationship was tempered by the possibility of Beckett’s discovery, and in this, their ‘dirty little secret’ felt more like an affair than a growing love.

CRAZY PUCKING LOVE is a story of ‘forbidden love’; a young woman on her own for the first time falling for an older man who is friends with her over-protective brother. The premise is entertaining but maddening; the characters are caught between friendship and love; the romance is a struggle towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Legalizing Kane by Sara Holland-a review

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LEGALIZING KANE by Sara Holland-a review

Legalizing Kane

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2016

Libby Michaels is pulling her life back together after escaping – barely – from an abusive relationship. On a dream trip to Tahiti, she meets Kane Ellis, the shaggy maned lead singer of one of the hottest new hair bands around. But their brief encounter ends badly, leaving Libby with no doubts that she just isn’t cut out for one night stands.

Back home in New York, though, chance throws them together once more, and their connection rekindles, quickly building to an unstoppable blaze of lust. And maybe love.

But when the fates are being so kind, there’s always a price to pay.

••••••••••

REVIEW: LEGALIZING KANE by Sara Holland is a stand alone, contemporary, erotic, romance story line focusing on musician/singer Kane Ellis, and attorney Libby Michaels.

Told from dual third person points of view (Kane and Libby) LEGALIZING KANE follows the forbidden relationship between attorney Libby Michaels, and singer Kane Ellis. While on vacation in Tahiti, our heroine Libby had a one-night stand with a man she knew only as Kane. Back home, Libby is assigned an exclusive client-a musician who needs a personal attorney-enter Kane Ellis, the man who is currently at the forefront of Libby’s desires. What ensues is the building relationship between attorney and client- a relationship Libby wants to keep on the down low, and Libby’s need to move on from her past.

Libby’s previous relationship has scarred our heroine both inside and out; her ability to trust has been fractured, and her relationship with Kane struggles with Libby’s emotionally, needy demands. Kane is a professional musician whose lifestyle finds our hero missing the woman that calls to his heart as he is about to head out on tour.

The relationship between Kane and Libby is one of immediate attraction but a relationship that Libby hopes to hide from people with whom she works. One of Kane’s band mates has a love-hate relationship with Libby Michaels, and Libby’s past tries one more time to intimidate our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are numerous, intense and provocative without the use of the over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Kane’s fellow band mates, as well as Libby’s boss Jake, and her friend and co-worker Jo-Jo may or may not have an interest in Kane’s band mate Max-here’s hoping for another story line or novella.

I did struggle with one particular issue of the story line as is pertained to Libby’s past and the man who destroyed her trust. Libby’s issues stemmed from the previous abuse, and the possibility that the man in question refused to accept that Libby had move on but for all intents and purposes, the ‘threats’ were more of a red-herring as nothing came to fruition throughout the story line build up. The resolution of the threats was never addressed to completion.

LEGALIZING KANE is a passionate and heartwarming story line. The premise is romantic and encouraging: the characters are animated, colorful and engaging; the romance is seductive and inspiring. LEGALIZING KANE is an intimate and intoxicating story line about two sensual and playful people.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Triple Trouble (Found in Oblivion #2) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

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TRIPLE TROUBLE (Found in Oblivion #2) by Cari Quinn/Taryn Elliott-a review

Triple Trouble

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

Add to your GOODREADS shelf

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 18, 2016

She wasn’t looking to fall in love with one man. Never mind two.

Juliet Reece grew up in the shadow of her seemingly perfect older sister, Margo Reece. While Juliet’s wealthy, blue-blood parents dealt with infidelity, Juliet fought for normalcy. Now she’s the bassist in Warning Sign, a band on the rise, and she finally feels like she’s making space for herself in the world. It’s her time to shine, and she’s ready to have fun and focus on her career.

Until Randy “Sparks” Pruitt nearly blows up her life. Literally.

She can’t stand the guy. She definitely hasn’t fantasized about gripping a handful of his hair and – no. Not happening.

Then there’s Tristan Eves, Sparks’ new friend. He’s the exact opposite of Sparks. Playful. Naughty. Arousing.

Suddenly, she’s on the verge of something wilder than she’s ever experienced before. Two seductive men, hers for the taking – if she can handle the heat.

If double trouble is dangerous, watch out for the power of three.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: TRIPLE TROUBLE is the second full length installment in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult FOUND IN OBLIVION erotic, romance series. FOUND IN OBLIVION, focusing on the younger siblings of the original story line characters, is a spin off from Quinn and Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION series. Several characters from LIO and the authors’ HAMMERED series cross over and make cameo appearances for familiarity and cohesion. This is bass guitarist for the upcoming rock band Warning Sign Juliet Reece, executive chef Tristan Eves, and tour lighting director Randy ‘Sparks’ Pruitt story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the spin off but for backstory and enjoyment I recommend reading the authors’ LOST IN OBLIVION and HAMMERED series as well. Juliet is the sister of Margo Reece, and Rand is the brother of Harper Pruitt (Lost in Oblivion series)

NOTE:
TRIPLE TROUBLE contains graphic M/F/M sexual situation, language and text, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from three third person perspectives (Tristan, Rand and Juliet) TRIPLE TROUBLE follows the building relationship between chef Tristan Eves, lighting coordinator Rand Pruitt, and bass guitarist for Warning Sign Juliet Reece. For months Rand aka Sparks has lusted after Juliet Sparks but believes himself out of her league. As part of the road crew Rand works behind the scenes and quietly desires the woman of his dreams until an opportunity presents itself at the Halloween wedding of Owen Blackwell and Callie Templeton (Manipulated /Hammered #3). When his best friend and roommate chef Tristan Eves makes a play for Juliet Reece, Rand is shocked when Juliet extends the invitation for all three. What ensues is the growing love between three people whose lives are about to spiral out of control when jealousy and love enter into the equation.

TRIPLE TROUBLE is a story with numerous graphic, M/F/M sexual situations; a spicy ménage relationship with palpable sexual energy between three unique and exceptional individuals. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott create a world of passion, heartbreak and anguish wherein our leading trio find love in the unlikeliest of situations. The premise is intoxicating; the characters are intense; the romance is seductive and erotic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bedded Bliss
Triple Trouble

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg-a review

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SWEET CHEEKS by K. Bromberg-a review

Sweet Cheeks

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

RELEASE DATE: November 14, 2016

It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it. Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

••••••••••

REVIEW: SWEET CHEEKS by K. Bromberg is an adult, contemporary, stand alone, second chance romance story line between movie star Hayes Whitley, and bakery shop owner Saylor Rodgers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Saylor and Hayes) SWEET CHEEKS focuses on Sweet Cheeks bakery owner Saylor Rodgers following the invitation to her ex-fiance Mitch’s wedding. With his sister in need of the perfect date for the island nuptials Saylor’s brother Ryder calls in an IOU from Hayes Whitley-the man whom Saylor has loved for most of her life- and the man who broke her heart ten years earlier. What ensues is the rekindling romance and rebuilding of a friendship between two people who have never forgotten the past.

Hayes Whitley is an award winning Hollywood actor whose fame came at the cost of his relationship with Saylor Rodgers. Ten years earlier, Hayes left his hometown and the woman he loved to seek his fame and fortune, then never looked back. Saylor Rodgers thought she found love in the guise of someone new but six years later realized that Hayes was the only man she would ever love. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

We are introduced to Saylor’s brother Ryder Rodgers, and her co-worker and best friend Dee Dee who is responsible for sending Saylor’s wedding invitation reply. Saylor’s ex-fiance Mitch Layton has yet to sever the umbilical cord still attached to his overbearing mother; and Mrs. Layton who is attempting to destroy Saylor’s business one nasty comment at a time.

SWEET CHEEKS is a second chance romance between two people who share a lifetime of memories, of hopes and of dreams. The premise is emotional and sexy; the characters are passionate and real; the romance is fated by time.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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Out of Bounds by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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OUT OF BOUNDS by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Out of Bounds

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 22, 2016

The first rule of football–don’t screw with a streak.

My career is finally looking up, and I’m leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I’ve ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.

But it’s not. And now I can’t get her out of my mind. Even when I’m playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.

And it turns out, she’s not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team.

***

I only have one goal this season–do my part as the team’s lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There’s no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he’s the quarterback.

Right?

••••••••

REVIEW: OUT OF BOUNDS by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, erotic romance story line focusing on the Los Angeles Knights quarterback Drew Erickson, and team attorney Dani Paige.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Drew and Dani) OUT OF BOUNDS follows the building of the forbidden relationship between two members of the professional football team the Los Angeles Knights. As the team’s attorney Dani has had to deal with her share of team scandals and isn’t willing to place herself in the line of fire but meeting Drew during the summer hiatus adds fuel to a fire that is beginning to burn. What ensues is the push and pull of attraction between two people who are desperately trying to keep their relationship in the friend zone.

OUT OF BOUNDS is a quick read; a sweet and sexy romance story line with a little bit of heartbreak when our hero believes his relationship threatens his golden arm. The premise is lighthearted; the characters are passionate; the romance is spicy and hot. OUT OF BOUNDS is an enjoyable story line from kickoff to touch down.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Out of Bound Teaser

excerpt

When we reach her home, a cute little white bungalow, she gestures to the porch. It’s teeming with potted plants and flowers, as well as pizza coupons and takeout menus stuffed behind the mailbox next to the doorway. “Thank you, Andrew. For the drinks and the escort service.”

I wiggle my eyebrows because she says escort in kind of a naughty way. “And thank you for the surf angel-slash-nurse work.”

“My pleasure. I was happy to save a guy in distress.”

I narrow my eyes and protest her description. “Hey now. I’m not dude in distress.”

She whispers “just kidding” as she leans against her porch railing. I don’t think it’s intentional, but that pose shows off all her assets. The swell of her breasts in her tank top, her curvy hips, her strong legs. This woman just fucking does something to me. Turns me on, that’s what she does. Makes me hard as hell. Though she’s made it clear that the night ends right here, I intend to make the most of this good-bye.

I move closer to her and run my hand down her arm. I watch as goose bumps rise in its wake. My voice goes low. “Do you know what I’ve been thinking about?”

She tilts her head to the side. “What would that be, Andrew?”

It still sounds funny to hear her call me that. But next time I see her I’ll tell her that everyone calls me Drew. With my other hand, I brush her hair off her shoulder, cataloging her reaction to my touch. The way she shivers. How she sways closer. The rush of breath on her lips. I bring my mouth to her ear, and whisper. “What it would be like to kiss you.”

I pull back, wanting to look at her. Her lips are parted, then she licks them and swallows. It’s like she’s taking a step closer, saying go for it. “You should absolutely find out then,” she says, soft and inviting.

My fingers travel from her shoulder, up to her hair, and I rope my hand through those blond locks. I pull her close, savoring the warm feel of her sun-kissed skin and the smell of sand, surf, and sunshine in her hair.

I dip my mouth to hers, clasping her face in my hands. When I nip her bottom lip, she gasps. It’s such an alluring sound, and it turns me the fuck on even more. My dick would very much like to go inside her house tonight, but kissing is all that’s on the menu, so I kiss her in a way that’ll leave her wanting more. Because I want so much more of her, and I also want her to know that.

I’m not sure how I went from leaving the field when practice ended this morning, to spending the afternoon surfing to get my mind off all the changes I’m sure are coming, to kissing this beautiful stranger outside her Venice Beach home. But hell if I want to analyze this moment.

I spend my working hours making decisions, analyzing, choosing. Then executing.

Right now, I want to get lost in something that no one else controls but this woman and me.

about the author

Lauren BlakelySince self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With twelve New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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