Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2017

Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights) by Lauren Blakely-Review and Excerpt Tour

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STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely-Review and Excerpt Tour

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STUD FINDER
Big Rock World/ 1001 Dark Nights
by Lauren Blakely
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: September 26, 2017

Stud Finder

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

Man seeking woman: Hot, rich, smart, witty, self-made multimillionaire Internet genius seeks classy, intelligent, sexy, fun-loving woman who’s interested in settling down and sharing all the good things.

There. Best. Ad. Ever.

I will absolutely find the woman of my dreams, someone who’ll love me for me. Even if my sister thinks I need help dating, I’m confident I can pull this off, courtesy of the great worldwide web.
Let me just hit the upload button right now…
***
No. Just no. As a woman and a professional matchmaker, I can’t let Dylan Parker run this ad. He’s the catch of all catches. That’s why his sister has asked me to help her ridiculously good-looking, insanely rich, but socially clueless brother find a woman. As a broker of happily ever afters, I’m known as the Stud Finder since I make a great living pairing wildly successful women with men who won’t fleece them but will adore them. After all, what woman in her right mind wouldn’t fall in love with Dylan?

I mean, besides me. It totally won’t be me.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story line set in the author’s Big Rock World, and latest installment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is business entrepreneur Dylan Parker, and matchmaker Evie’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dylan and Evie) STUD FINDER focuses on the search for a woman for Dylan Parker. Taking matters into his own hands, APP developer and successful businessman takes out an online ad to procure the perfect woman but finds himself inundated with messages from h*ll. Enter matchmaker Evie, his sister’s best friend, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues are Evie’s attempts to get to know Dylan, in the hopes of finding him someone to love.

STUD FINDER is a quick read ; a fun and sexy story of friends, family, flirty banter and falling in love. Several non-dates find our leading couple drawn to one another but Evie struggles with falling for a client-a client, for whom, she is contracted to find love. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is passionate and inspiring. STUD FINDER is a delight to read; a playful and encouraging story line with a happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Stud Finder Teaser

Excerpt

The problem solver in me comes out in full force. I must show him the beauty of a made bed. “Come with me.” I grab the basket of mostly-eaten chips, dump the rest, return the salsa tubs to the counter for cleaning, and reach into my wallet to leave a generous tip in the jar.
He clasps his hand over mine, shaking his head. “My treat,” he says, his voice a soft, sexy whisper. I want to protest, to tell him I insist, but he curls his hand tighter, and I’m speechless.
His hand on mine sparks a wave of goosebumps on my arms, my body telling me I like his hands on me. I want more of his touch. I imagine how I’d feel if he ran his hand up my arm, to my shoulder, through my hair. A shudder races through me, and I do my best to tamp down my reaction to a suddenly overactive imagination.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice like a feather.
“You’re welcome.” His eyes never stray from mine, and for a sliver of time he holds my gaze by the counter at Mama une’s.
Then I wrestle my attention back to my plan. We leave, and fifteen minutes later, I stroll through the front doors of the Luxe Hotel. My friend Nate Harper is the CEO, and I’ve texted him for a quick favor. The concierge greets me and hands me a room key card. Dylan and I walk past the chichi sushi restaurant in the lobby, head to the elevator, and soon arrive at room 521. I slide the card in the door.
Dylan sets a hand on my arm. “Are you trying to seduce me?”
“No,” I say quickly. Too quickly. I’m not trying to seduce him at all.
I open the door, and a perfectly modulated blast of cool air greets us. We stroll across the navy carpet to a king-size bed perfectly appointed with a gorgeous white duvet and mountains of blue velvet pillows. I gesture to it, as if I’m a saleswoman, showing it off. “Tell me. Doesn’t this bed make you want to do everything on it?”
Then, to demonstrate my point, I fall back onto it, like a snow angel.
I prop myself on my elbows and meet his eyes. His green irises darken, and his lips part. He stares at me, and something shifts. The look in his eyes is no longer challenging. He’s not asking me to prove a point. His eyes are hungry. He stares as if he’s considering my question seriously, and I realize that maybe it does sound as if I’m trying to seduce him. I’ve pushed the limits here. I’m in a hotel room, trying to prove a point to a client, and in reality, my skirt is riding up my thighs, and I’m sprawled on a pristine, inviting bed.

 

 

About the author

Lauren BlakelyA #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, 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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The Wicked Billionaire (The Tate Brothers #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE (The Tate Brothers #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

The Wicked Billionaire

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

The Tate Brothers were once orphans and they have been raised to do one thing only: protect what is theirs.

As a trained sniper and Navy SEAL, Lucas Tate found the courage to distance himself from the wealthy, wicked patriarch who adopted him. Instead, he’s devoted his life to the elite band of brothers from his unit. So when the widow of one of his former comrades finds herself in apparent danger, Lucas makes it his job to protect her against all enemies. . .and not let her out of his sights.

Grace Riley feels overwhelmed by Lucas’s presence, but the cold-eyed marksman will do anything to keep her safe. Soon the special attention he pays her becomes a wild romantic distraction―one that troubles Grace, since Lucas was so close to her deceased husband. Still, how can she resist Lucas’s intense, ice-blue stare? All she knows is that a life without strong, passionate Lucas is one not worth living. Can Lucas can find a way to honor his former brother-in-arms by saving Grace. . .and loving her, too?

••••••

REVIEW:  THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE is the second installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult THE TATE BROTHERS romantic, suspense series focusing on three foster brothers-Sullivan (Van), Wolf and Lucas Tate-as well as their foster sister Chloe Tate. This is Navy SEAL Lucas Tate, and artist/painter Grace Riley’s story line. THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Some of the events of THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE run parallel to, and cross over with the events of book one-The Dangerous Billionaire.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of their father Noah Tate’s death, Van, Wolf and Lucas Tate are called home from active duty to find themselves the recipients of three letters outlining what the future has in store-letters from the grave asking each son for a final favor. There is a dark history between father and sons, marred by secrets and lies, and a father ill-equipped to look after the family he chose to raise.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grace and Lucas) THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE focuses on the protection of artist Grace Riley. Grace’s husband Griffin Riley died with a secret, and that secret has come back looking for the payout that never came to fruition. A former Navy SEAL and a member of Lucas Tate’s team, Griffin worked the darker side of the military and his untimely demise finds his widow on the receiving end of a series of threats against her life. Enter Lucas Tate, the man with whom Grace will fall in love, but a man whose heart and soul have been destroyed by the sins of his past. What ensues is the building relationship between Lucas and Grace, and the fall out when Lucas pushes away the only woman he has ever loved.

Lucas Tate is a man surrounded by the demons of his past; memories that refuse to rest or let go of guilt that continues to destroy our story line hero. Alone and separated from the brothers of his heart, Lucas is the epitome of a broken, alpha male who is unable to forgive or forget about the past. Grace Riley believes herself to be the ugly duckling; the ‘plain Jane’ whose talent and artistry are unacceptable-a belief reinforced by a father whose own career failed before it began.

The relationship between Grace and Lucas is fraught with mutual self-doubt reinforced by childhoods fraught with disapproval, humiliation and degrading remarks. Lucas doesn’t have a very high opinion of our story line heroine-an opinion that clouds his perception of the woman he believes to be ugly and plain. Basic social interactions are difficult with a man who isn’t willing to accept Grace for the woman she has become. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE continues to focus on the Tate family dysfunctional dynamics-three brothers who struggle in the aftermath of their father’s death, and the directives each has been ordered to follow through until the end. The premise is heartbreaking and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful and charismatic; the romance struggles with one man’s belief is he incapable of love.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-THE DANGEROUS BILLIONAIRE

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the Author

Jackie AshendenFOLLOW: Goodreads /Website / Twitter / Facebook

Jackie Ashenden lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr. Jax, and their two kids and two cats. When she’s not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

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Savage Rising (Redemption Harbor #2) by Katie Reus-Review Tour & Giveaway

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SAVAGE RISING (Redemption Harbor #2) by Katie Reus-Review Tour and Giveaway

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SAVAGE RISING
Redemption Harbor #2
by Katie Reus
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic, suspense

Savage Rising

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes & Noble Nook /  Chapters Indigo /

iBooks | iTunes (audio) | Audible (audio) | Kobo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

He’s a former Marine, her new fake boyfriend, and the only way to escape her dangerous past.

Having a child changed everything for Olivia—she vowed to keep her little girl safe from the mistakes of her past. But when the most dangerous person she ever met blackmails her into doing one last heist, the world she’s so carefully built goes into a tailspin. Frantic, she heads to Redemption Harbor in search of help. Sparks fly when she meets Savage, a man who will do anything to keep Olivia and her daughter safe. He’ll help her get her life back, but can he handle seeing who she once was?

Can they pull it off?

Savage poses as her obsessive ex during a daring undercover operation—and soon the line between reality and their cover story becomes blurred. He’ll use every trick he knows to keep the sensual woman alive and out of jail—and in his life. But the clock is ticking and if they can’t find a way to trust each other, no one will make it out alive.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: SAVAGE RISING is the second intalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR romantic, suspense series focusing on a tight knit group of friends who grew up together but now work security and Black Ops investigations for Redemption Harbor Consulting. This is former Marine Zac Savage, and single mother/thief/ security specialist Olivia Carter’s story line. SAVAGE RISING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Zac and Olivia SAVAGE RISING focuses on Olivia as she comes face to face with a past she thought she put behind her. A former thief who specialized in big paydays Olivia walked away from the lifestyle following the birth of her daughter. When a former ‘colleague’ threatens the people that she loves, our heroine is forced to do one last job. On the run, Olivia seeks helps from Skye Arevalo, who works and lives in Redemption Harbor. Enter Zac Savage, former Marine and Redemption Harbor Consulting team member, and the man with whom Olivia will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Zac and Olivia, as they go undercover as a couple in the hopes of uncovering the truth behind the threats against Olivia and the people she loves.

Olivia Carter is a single mother whose six-year old daughter Valencia is hearing impaired. When someone from her past threatens not only Valencia but her daughter’s nanny as well, Olivia knows it is time to run. Zac Savage doesn’t do relationships but his attraction to Olivia is immediate and intense. A past mired in too many kills, Zac struggles with his path in life. Pretending to be a couple comes with the perks of the ‘job’ but Zac will soon lose his heart to Olivia knowing their time is limited once the threats against Valencia have been quelled.

The relationship between Olivia and Zac is one of immediate attraction but Zac knows protecting Olivia and gathering information is first and foremost in his mind. Zac will play the over protective lover of our story line heroine- an act that comes too easily for the former Marine. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense; the sexual attraction is palpable.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the men and women who work for Redemption Harbor Consulting: Mary Grace and Mercer, Colt Stuart and Skye Arevalo (Resurrection #1), Leighton Cannon, Gage Yates, Brooks Alexander and his father Douglas; as well as Valencia’s nanny Martina Cruz, and DEA Agent Darius Moore. The requisite evil has many faces including Olivia’s former partner in crime Kyle Neely, and Valencia’s father Heath Price. The entire Redemption Harbor team of ex-military personnel will set up and take down the people threatening our story line heroine. There is something brewing between Douglas and Martina; I hope the author has plans for Agent Darius Moore.

SAVAGE RISING is a story of action and suspense; a fake relationship trope that grows into something more. The premise is dramatic, intense and entertaining; the characters are colorful, edgy and charismatic; the romance is captivating and passionate. SAVAGE RISING is a spirited and thrilling story about retribution and revenge with a remarkable cast of friends and family-by choice.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-RESURRECTION

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

Katie ReusKatie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Mine for the Week (Wild Love #2) by Erika Kelly-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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MINE FOR THE WEEK (Wild Love #2) by Erika Kelly-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Mine for the Week Banner

MINE FOR THE WEEK
Wild Love #2
by Erika Kelly
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Mine for the Week

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

As the top collegiate shortstop in the country, Ryan O’Donnell’s life is about discipline. But a growing restlessness causes him to bail on his baseball team over spring break to join his buddies at a singles resort. He just needs one week to escape his life, and then he’ll get back on track. But moments after arriving he meets HER, and the world as he knows it changes irrevocably. It should only be a hookup—that’s what spring break’s all about—but one taste of this sexy, vibrant woman isn’t enough. He has to have her. Even if it’s only for a week.

Sophie Valentine—yes, that Valentine—just found out her siblings want to sell off Crazy Hearts—the Peeps of the Valentine’s Day world. Upset, she takes off with her friends on their spring break vacation. She only wanted an escape—she never imagined meeting HIM. But he’s about to start a Major League Baseball career, and she’s launching a fight for her family legacy. They have no future. It’s just…she’s never felt this way for anyone before.

Are they really going to walk away from this kind of connection…this passion?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MINE FOR THE WEEK is the second installment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, new adult WILD LOVE erotic, romance series focusing on the O’Donnell siblings. This is top collegiate shortstop Ryan O’Donnell, and Crazy Hearts heiress Sophie Valentine’s story line. MINE FOR THE WEEK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Ryan in book one MINE FOR NOW.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ryan and Sophie) MINE FOR THE WEEK follows the building but acrimonious relationship between two college seniors-professional baseball prospect Ryan O’Donnell, and cookie company heiress Sophie Valentine. It’s prospect week for college baseball, the scouts are in attendance, and our hero Ryan O’Donnell is about to spiral out of control. On the verge of panic, Ryan’s best friend suggests an island retreat to Santa Grenada wherein our hero will walk away from his future, and meet the woman with whom he will fall in love. Enter Crazy Hearts heiress and college senior Sophie Valentine, a woman on the cusp of a future that is about to be pulled out from under (her). What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Sophie and Ryan, and the fall out when Ryan’s ex-girlfriend comes back looking to rekindle what’s left of their failed friendship and love.

MINE FOR A WEEK is a story of family, friendships and facing the future. Ryan knows he is destined for the major leagues. Baseball is his life but our hero is looking for something different; something more. A past mired in heartbreak, a dysfunctional family where addiction and drama followed in its’ wake, Ryan has always fronted the epitome of perfection; the perfect son and student; the perfect boyfriend and star athlete but a man whose inner turmoil pulls our hero in another direction-a direction he is unable to decipher until the end. Sophie Valentine is in the battle of her life as her family considers selling her beloved Crazy Hearts cookie factory in the hopes of a lucrative payout and retirement. Sophie’s attempts to dissuade her siblings are met with derision, and a family unable to come to terms about the future.

The relationship between Sophie and Ryan is one of immediate attraction but from the start Sophie is unable to let go. Ryan’s seduction of Sophie begins as an island adventure, and our heroine wants nothing to do with what she believes is a $ex craved athlete letting go on Spring Break in Santa Grenada. Ryan’s pursuit of Sophie is off-putting; she is unable to look past the ‘hook up’ of spring break. Trusting Ryan grows more difficult as their ‘friendship’ blossoms letting Ryan in will cost Sophie her heart and her self-esteem. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense. Throughout the story our very independent heroine had a habit of running; misinterpreting signs and conversations; and had a difficult time accepting the truth for what it was. She is constantly looking for faults including those in her relationship with Ryan O’Donnell.

We are introduced to Ryan’s best friends Dixon and Jake; his ex girlfriend Emma, as well as the reappearance of Ryan’s father Bill, sister Nicole and her boyfriend Dylan (Mine For Now) and his troubled brother Brandon; Sophie’s friends Kat and Laura, and Sophie’s ex-boyfriend Richard aka King.

MINE FOR THE WEEK was a bit of a struggle for me. I didn’t like the heroine. Some would call her strong and self-reliant but it is this part of her personality that I battled because of the way it is presented-an over the top need to be independent, and separate from the whole. Neither character was perfect; their personality quirks made for some uncomfortable situations. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate and intense; the characters are colorful and charismatic. MINE FOR THE WEEK is a well written, and engaging story line.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-MINE FOR NOW.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Mine for the Week Teaser

excerpt

Where had Sophie gone? Didn’t she want her keycard? He didn’t see her anywhere but, damn, he could feel her clutching him, feel the press of her body against his. Desire burned through him. She’d been so responsive last night. That’s what it was, really, what had made him so wild. Her response to him.
It was them. Combustible.
He remembered tucking his face into her neck, being surrounded by her scent, her silky hair. Her hands reaching under his shirt—her touch so hungry. Oh, Christ.
His heart pounded. Need burned a fiery path through his limbs. Where the hell had she gone?
He scanned the empty pool, the chaises, and the path to the terrace grill. Stalking towards the hotel, he peered through the glass doors but didn’t see anyone inside. She couldn’t have made it to the elevator that quickly.
The sound of water hitting pavement snapped his attention to the side of the building. To the outdoor showers.
An image sprang to mind. Sophie, naked, water glistening on that peachy skin.
Desire charged through him. Don’t do it. If he went in there, he’d touch her. And he couldn’t do that. She didn’t want it.
Go to your room.
To hell with that. Go to the gym. Work this crazy energy out of you.
He stood outside the hotel, every muscle tensed. A worker rolled a cart of clean towels out a side door and wheeled it toward the wicker towel stand.
But all he could focus on was the water splattering on concrete. Had she taken off her bikini?
None of your damn business. He turned away from the worker, but instead of opening the door to the hotel, he found his feet eating up the path, taking him toward the row of outdoor showers.
He’d just give her the key card and cover-up, and then he’d go. Leave her alone.
Water pooled outside a stall. “Soph?” He knocked, and then called for her again.
The door swung open, and she stood there in her red bikini, soap suds streaming down her gleaming body. Her features softened when she saw the cover-up and phone he held out to her.
Taking them out of his hand, she set them on a wooden shelf. “Thank you.” Then, she stepped under the spray and tilted her head back, her long dark hair streaming over her shoulders.
Desire rushed him so hard his breath went choppy, his knees weak. He closed and locked the door, heading right for her. Her eyes flared with surprise, but she didn’t stop him. The look in her eyes set his blood roaring. Heat, need, want burst inside him.
(can stop here if too long)
Her chest rose and fell with her rapid breathing. He moved toward her, crowding into her space, needing to touch her more than he needed air.
“I can’t believe you pirated my boat.”
Water splattered his calves, and his spine tingled with a lust so crazy he could barely control it. “It was too windy to be out there.”
She gave him a defiant look. “I don’t like people telling me what to do.”
Or she wasn’t used to it. No one in her family seemed to bother with her. “I’m not going to apologize for worrying about you.”
“Why?” Her voice sounded thin, shaky. Water beaded on her skin.
He wanted her so badly he hurt, but even though he could barely think, he knew she deserved an answer. “Because I like you.”
She let out a shaky breath.
“Sophie.” Leaning in, he watched the desire in her eyes turn fiery. Her fingertips traced a path down his chest, making him shudder. He licked the water droplets off her lips, and she sighed into his mouth.
He kissed her—yes—tongue stroking into her mouth, fingers sliding into wet hair, shoving it off her face. Cupping the back of her head, he shifted her so he could kiss her more deeply. Her mouth, so lush and hot, opened to him, and he lost himself in all the lusciousness that was Sophie Valentine.

about the author

Erika KellyAward-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life–she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she’s lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.

 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter Signup ** Erika Kelly Goodreads

 

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Racer (Real #7) by Katy Evans-Review and Excerpt Tour

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RACER (Real #7) by Katy Evans-Review and Excerpt Tour

Racer Banner

RACER
Real #7
by Katy Evans
Release Date: September 28, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Racer

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2017

A bad boy with something to prove.
A woman with a mission.
The race of their lives.
The love of a lifetime.

I don’t think his parents expected him to live up to his name—Racer Tate—but once he felt the adrenaline rush behind the wheel, he was addicted.

He’s the fastest, fiercest driver around.

Scouting new talent brings me to his doorstep…but his smile sends me to my knees.

The sexy, mysterious Racer Tate is not the kind of man a girl like me falls for. He’s secretive, reckless, elusive. But his proximity pushes me beyond reason, and his kiss….

This is our last chance to win, and he is our only hope. I’m supposed to watch him—make sure he doesn’t get into trouble. But it’s an impossible task. And now the one in heart wrenching, toe-curling, soul-crushing trouble is me. Because when your heart belongs to someone, their truths become your own, and their secrets become your salvation…or your curse.

He says he wants me. He says I’m the One. But he also thinks he’ll break my heart, one piece at a time until it’s gone.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: RACER is the seventh installment in Katy Evans’ contemporary, adult REAL erotic romance series. This is twenty two year old, rookie Formula One racecar driver Racer Tate, and twenty two year old, PR representative Lana Heyworth of the HW Racing Team story line. RACER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary. RACER is the son of Remington and Brooke Tate, and focuses on the next generation in the Real Series.

NOTE: If you have not read the series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives ( Racer and Lana) RACER follows the building romance between former illegal street racer Racer Tate, and HW Racing Team member Lana Heyworth. The HW Heyworth owned Racing Team is struggling and on the verge of a professional collapse; without a driver, and the owner currently battling health issues, Lana Heyworth insists she is able to find a driver that is capable of taking the HW Racing Team all the way. Enter Racer Tate, illegal street racer, and the man with whom Lana will fall in love. What ensues is the back and forth, push and pull of a building relationship between Racer and Lana, and the potential fall out when Racer’s mental health is placed on the line.

Like his father, Racer Tate struggles with issues of mental health. Always looking for a thrill, the excitement of racing keeps our hero floating just above the line of no return. Lana is the only daughter of the Heyworth Racing legacy, and with three over-protective brothers Lana struggles with new relationships as well as a heartbreaking loss from years before that keeps our heroine from moving forward.

The relationship between Lana and Racer is one of mutual attraction but Lana is technically Racer’s boss, and our heroine continues to push away the man with whom she will fall in love. Racer’s attraction to Lana is one of insta-love/lust; he is determined to make Lana Heyworth his girlfriend and wife including the slow seduction of our story line heroine. Lana’s past is secreted in a loss so devastating that she is unable to let her heart free fearing another crushing heartbreak. As part of the HW Racing Team Racer risks his life every time he steps onto the track and it is these risks that continue to threaten Racer’s relationship with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. The back and forth banter between Racer and Lana should have been fun but Lana battles her attraction to the man who could save the HW Team.

We are introduced to Lana’s brothers Clay, Drake and Adrian, and their ailing father; as well as the reappearance of Racer’s mother and father Remy (Remington) and Brooke Tate (Real Series 1-3), and Racer’s younger sister Iris. The requisite evil comes from within, as well as the on and off- track competition between HW Racing and the Clark Team.

The world building takes the reader behind the scenes of Formula One racing; the racing circuit and events throughout the world; and the off track competition to secure the number one driver and the heart of our story line heroine. We are also up close and personal as Racer Tate struggles with the challenges of mental illness; like his father Remy, Racer Tate is always fearing a fall-a fall that could potentially destroy everything and everyone that he loves. My only complaint is some of the childish word play used throughout the story e.g. broke his head.

RACER is a story of struggle; of family and friendship; a come from behind tale of two people who place everything on the line in both their professional and personal lives. The premise is entertaining, edgy and heartwarming; the characters are colorful, intense and energetic; the romance is sensual, passionate and provocative. RACER is a wondrous and moving story line from the creative imagination of Katy Evans.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Racer Teaser

 

excerpt

I’m still reeling. While people approach him, he cuts a path straight to me, his gaze penetrating and target-like; making me want to bolt.
His lips do that little upward tilt they do that seems so sexy, and for a second, I feel like I’m lightheaded.
I gulp, and then feel mad at myself for acting like some idiot as fucking devil-Racer Tate reaches me, throws himself into a seat next to me, and turns to look at me expectantly with the most gorgeous grin on his face.
I don’t know what to say.
This guy has left me sort of speechless.
“So … ” I say, staring in the distance at his beat-up mustang, then at him.
“So … ” he says too, in his deep voice, his smile a little more wicked than it was two seconds ago. He glances at my mouth.
Oh god.
Why am I licking my lips?
It only made his eyes narrow and darken.
I open my mouth to speak, failing to find words. He smells like sweat and soap and shampoo, and I feel my traitorous nipples push up to my top again. Why do they do that when he’s around?
“This is illegal,” I state.
His voice is husky from exertion, and his eyes glint with laughter. “That’s why it’s fun.”
I look away from his eyes, trying to focus and clear my head. He leans over and peers into my face, his face shadowed by the moonlight and his jaw now carrying a little scruff. “Are we in agreement?” he presses.
“No.” I glare and shake my head, meeting his cocky gaze. “You’re reckless, Racer.”
“So are you, Alana.”
“It’s just … Lana.”
His brows fly up in surprise. “And a bit of a liar too.”
I purse my lips, still glaring as my gaze goes back to his car. Girls are rubbing against it as if it were him, and I find it disgusting. Why are women always acting so slutty around race car drivers and bad boys?
“You crashed your car,” I say flippantly.
“You crashed my car,” he contradicts, amused.
I laugh, then scowl in his direction. “You crashed it more. I can’t believe you were making such a fuss about me crashing into you when it was just a little kiss—”
He leans in to peck my lips—fast but firmly. “That’s a kiss.”
I lose my breath.
My eyes wide.
He eases back, lips smiling as he comes to his feet and stretches his hand out to take me by the elbow and help me to my feet.
“Let’s get out of here.” He starts walking, leading the way.
“And go where?”
“Anywhere I can get my hands on you.”

About The Author Black and Red

Katy EvansFollow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

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Too Beautiful To Break (Romancing The Clarksons #4) by Tessa Bailey-a review

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TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK (Romancing the Clarksons 4)by Tessa Bailey-a review

Too Beautiful to Break

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

A love of a lifetime . . .

Leaving Belmont Clarkson is the hardest thing Sage Alexander has ever done. From the moment they met, she knew Belmont was the one, and getting up close and personal with him on his family’s epic road trip has taken her desire to a new, even hotter level. But there’s no way she can go there—not without revealing secrets that could devastate them both.

Losing Sage is not an option. Belmont’s heart is hers, has always been hers. He knows she’s hiding something from him, but nothing will stand in his way of telling her just how much she means to him. Finding her is easy—saving her from her past could cost him everything.

***********

REVIEW: TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK is the fourth installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary,adult ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS erotic, romance series focusing on the Clarkson’s siblings. This is eldest sibling Belmont Clarkson, and wedding planner Sage Alexander’s story line. TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory as Sage and Belmont’s story have been developing throughout the series.

SOME BACKGROUND: One year earlier Miriam Clarkson passed away but not before leaving her now four grown adult children (Rita, Aaron, Peggy and Belmont) a journal of her most intimate thoughts and dreams. Miriam’s final wishes were for her children to seek out what is important in their lives and thusly a cross country trek began wherein each sibling will find his or her own happily ever after as they venture their way from California to New York City ending with a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sage and Belmont) TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK follows the friends to lovers relationship between wedding planner Sage Alexander and salvage boat owner and operator Belmont Clarkson, a co-dependent relationship that places our heroine in a position to walk away claiming her sanity and her sense of self as she struggles with the push and pull of her love for a man so broken he is physically or emotionally unable to let go of his need for Sage Alexander. What ensues is the emotional and heartbreaking revelations about one woman’s past, present and possible future,and man who is willing to sacrifice his freedom and his life for the woman he loves.

Belmont and Sage are kindred spirits; two broken souls whose backstories are heartbreaking; whose memories of the past come with pain, sorrow,loss and the darkness of emotional,physical and mental abuse. Belmont’s siblings are unaware of their big brother’s tortuous past; Sage keeps hidden a past awash in embarrassing secrets and threats against the people she loves.

The relationship between Sage and Belmont is a friends to lovers romance that struggles with the innocence of virginity;memories of the past; and threats that are meant to coerce and control. The $ex scenes are seductive and provocative.

All of the previous story line couples including Belmont’s siblings Peggy and Elliott, Jasper and Grace, Rita and Aaron, play secondary and supporting characters. The Clarkson’s are a tight knit group of siblings, very protective of the people they love. We are also introduced Sage’s parents Peggy and Thomas Anderson.

The world building continues to follow the Clarkson siblings as they search embark on a cross country journey to honor their mother’s final wish. Along the way each sibling will find love,them self, and their purpose in life.

TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK is an emotional and heartbreaking story line.throughout the series Belmont and Sage’s story has been building with hints at the potential breakdown of one man who is unable let go of the past and the woman he loves. The premise is engaging; the characters are broken, colorful and lost; the romance is exploratory and sensitive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Too Hot to Handle
Too Wild to Tame
Too Hard to Forget
Too Beautiful to Break

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hot Stuff (Sexy Jerk World) by Kim Karr-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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HOT STUFF (Sexy Jerk World) by Kim Karr-Review Book Tour & Giveaway

Hot Stuff

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk/ Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2017

He’s the newly drafted quarterback.
Hot. Arrogant. Too sexy for words.
Ready to score.

I’m an athletic intern, and the coach’s daughter.
Driven. Determined. Prepared to conquer the world.
Completely off-limits.

The NFL is full of rules. Rules I’ve never broken. Never challenged. Never even scratched–until the day Lucas Carrington crashes into my life with his hard body and I-don’t-give-a-f*ck attitude.

After I almost injure my father’s star player, I volunteer to make sure he’s in top shape. At first, it’s hell. I don’t like his cockiness, his easy smile. Don’t like the way he oozes sex. Or how his penetrating eyes follow me everywhere.

That doesn’t stop me from wanting him. He’s meant to be a distraction–something to occupy my mind for these precious few remaining hot summer nights before I’m forced to leave football behind forever.

I know what we’re doing will lead nowhere good. I know we’re crossing the line. And I know my father will never understand.

None of that matters.

But maybe it should.

Rules aren’t meant to be broken.

Or are they?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HOT STUFF (Sexy Jerk World) by Kim Karr is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, football romance story line focusing on NFL quarterback Lucas Carrington , and athletic trainer Gillian Whitney. Lucas is the younger brother to Nick Carrington whom we met in the author’s Sexy Jerk.

Told from dual first person points of view (Gillian and Lucas) HOT STUFF follows the rookie career of NFL quarterback Lucas Carrington. From the squalor of Chicago our hero, Lucas Carrington, rose above the rest, with the help of his brother Nick, and made to the NFL. As the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, Lucas had to prove himself worthy but Lucas had never planned on falling in love –with the coach’s daughter. Enter Gillian Whitney, athletic trainer, Coach’s daughter and the woman with whom Lucas will fall in love. What ensues is the building but secret relationship between Lucas and Gillian, and the fall out when Gillian’s father sits down for a one on one with his first string quarterback.

HOT STUFF is a story of family. Both Gillian and Lucas come from single parent homes but unlike Gillian, Lucas struggled in his early years on the mean-streets of Chicago. With the help of his older brother Nick, Lucas became the successful professional athlete that he had hoped would make his father proud. Gillian never once complained about the lifestyle of the NFL, in fact, it was the life she had grown to love.

The relationship between Lucas and Gillian is one of immediate attraction but an attraction tempered by their professional acquaintance and positions on the team. Gillian is a smart, sexy and talented, and goes for what she wants, and our heroine wants Lucas Carrington but something or someone pulls Lucas back, and in this, our couple will face the future apart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Lucas’s teammates, the Bear’s support staff, coaches, as well as the appearance of Lucas’s brother Nick. The world building follows the Chicago Bears as they struggle through wins and losses, injuries and illness, with an epilogue that looks three years into the future and a shot of the Super Bowl Championship.

HOT STUFF is a fast paced story of forbidden romance; a sexy and seductive look at relationships both on and off the field of play. The premise is engaging, enjoyable and lively; the characters are colorful and charismatic; the romance is fated, provocative and hot. HOT STUFF is a wonderful addition to Kim Karr’s Sexy Jerk world of erotic romance story lines.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Sexy Jerk
Big Shot
Hot Stuff

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Disappointed, she unwrapped her arms from her body, and then pivoted on her toe in the direction of the open door. “Then it looks like we have nothing further to discuss, Lucas.”

I reached for her and tugged her to me. “I don’t want to want you,” I breathed, my mouth hovering just centimeters from hers.

Gillian tried to pull away, but not whole-heartedly. If she wanted me to let her go, I would have, but I knew she didn’t. “Then stop,” she sighed.
I took her face in my hands. “I can’t. I don’t know how to.”

“Neither do I,” she whispered.

Unable to stop myself, I crashed my lips to hers and drove my tongue into her mouth to retrace every inch that I had explored days ago.

About the author

Kim Karr 2Reader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life.

Her romances are raw, real, and explosive.
Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel.
And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy.

From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered business woman. No two storylines are ever alike.

Get ready to fall in love.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Instagram

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Holiday Spice (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase-Review,Book Tour & Giveaway

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HOLIDAY SPICE (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Holiday Spice BAnner

HOLIDAY SPICE
The Shaughnessy Brother #6
by Samantha Chase
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Holiday Spice

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding — and deliciously handsome — artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember.

There’s only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.

With Ben’s need for privacy and Darcy’s love of family and social life, will opposites still attract once the snow clears and the holiday festivities come to an end?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HOLIDAY SPICE is the sixth and final installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Shaughnessy siblings. This is youngest child and only sister Darcy Shaughnessy, and recluse artist Benjamin Tanner’s story line. HOLIDAY SPICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years earlier the Shaughnessy’s lost their mother to a drunk driver that left six siblings (including a one year old infant daughter) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where the now adult children continue to struggle with the loss.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Darcy and Ben) HOLIDAY SPICE follows the building relationship between Darcy Shaughnessy and artist Benjamin Tanner. Benjamin Tanner is in desperate need of some organization in his life but the shy, quiet and introspective woodcarver prefers the solitude of his cabin in the woods. Enter Darcy Shaughnessy, his friend’s sister in law, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the turbulent and emotional relationship between two people whose lives are the complete opposite.

Darcy Shaughnessy is a butterfly who enjoys the boisterous, family get togethers and social functions that allow her to express her ideas and have fun. Growing up the youngest child and only daughter, Darcy struggled with the over –protective nature of five older brothers who chased away all the men she wanted to date. Benjamin Tanner is a loner; a social misfit who battles the need to remain hidden from the paparazzi and social functions that come with being a successful artist but Benjamin also struggles with the holidays-the reminders of everything he has lost- and two younger brothers who would give anything to reconnect with the brother they love.

The relationship between Darcy and Ben begins as a business arrangement that quickly dissolves due to misunderstanding and Ben’s needs for privacy. Their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but the potential for a long distance relationship begin to build a wall between our leading couple that may be too hard to pull down. The $ex scenes are all implied.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The Shaughnessy’s are a close knit family, and their over –zealous attitude is too much for our story line hero.

HOLIDAY SPICE is a story of family, friendship and love. The premise is entertaining and emotional; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sweet. HOLIDAY SPICE is the perfect ending to a well-loved series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Made For Us
Love Walks In
Always My Girl
This Is Our Song
A Sky Full of Stars
Holiday Spice

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

This was not what he had planned.
Maybe it was what he had fantasized about, but this was not what he had planned.
But the instant Darcy’s lips touched his, Ben was lost. From the first time he’d laid eyes on her, he’d wondered how she’d feel in his arms.
Now he knew. Amazing.
From the first time he watched her move, he wanted to know how she’d feel moving against him.
Now he knew. Incredible.
From the first time he’d seen her smile, he wanted to know what her lips would feel like as he kissed her.
Now he knew. Sexy as hell.
His arms banded around her waist until he made sure there wasn’t even room for a breath between them. She went up on tiptoes to press even more intimately against him—which he totally appreciated—and it allowed his hands to linger and cup her denim-clad bottom.
And what a denim-clad bottom it was.
Gently, he squeezed it and even considered grabbing it harder and lifting her onto the counter, but he wasn’t ready to let go of the full-body contact just yet.
It was insanity. One minute, she was frustrating the hell out of him in a nonsexual way, and the next, he was so consumed with need for her that he almost didn’t recognize himself. This wasn’t the man he normally was. He didn’t pounce; he didn’t even think of initiating anything physical in a situation that was so mundane.
And breakfast was pretty mundane.
When Ben chose to sleep with a woman, there was, well, there was a certain protocol to it for him. There were the required three dates. There was the kiss good night that would build in heat over the course of the dates, and then it was normally at her house. Never here. Never in his bed. His home was just that—his. It was his sanctuary, and he was possessive of it. But right now, all he wanted—almost more than his next breath—was to have Darcy in his bed.
Under him.
Over him.
Another growl escaped before he could stop it.
For a moment, he allowed his lips to leave hers, because he was desperate to taste her in other places. His mouth trailed along the delicate line of her jaw, her throat, and up to nip at her ear, a spot he quickly learned made her knees buckle and had her gasping.
Good to know.
But she wasn’t having any of it for long. With her hand firmly anchored in his hair, she let him know the instant she wanted to kiss him again, and he went willingly. Over and over, his mouth slanted over hers until he thought he’d simply consume her. Tongue tangled with tongue. Breath mingled with breath. Never had the act of kissing seemed so carnal. So indecent and so damn erotic.
And that’s when he knew standing at the kitchen sink was no longer cutting it. He needed her. Wanted her. And from the sounds she was making and the way she was moving against him, Darcy felt it too.
This time when he reached down and cupped her ass, he lifted her up onto the counter. Stepping in close until he was firmly pressed against the juncture of her thighs, he cursed their clothes. Cursed the fact that the nearest soft surface was so damn far away. And cursed the fact that she tugged at his hair as she pulled away from him.
“Ben, wait,” she panted.
Well, shit.
A little dazed, he forced himself to open his eyes and focus on her. Her lips were wet and red and a little swollen, and her skin was flushed.
So. Damn. Sexy.
Resting his forehead against hers, he took a minute to catch his breath.
Was he supposed to apologize? Step away and start shoveling? Hell if he knew, but he was going to stay quiet and let Darcy say whatever it was she was thinking. So he didn’t move, and once his breathing was back to normal, he almost felt as if he was holding it.
“What are we doing?” she asked quietly.
Was she serious? Those were some fairly obvious moves going on, on both their parts! How could she be questioning it? And on top of that, she was the one who had initiated it! Lifting his head, he looked at her.
“I thought we were kissing,” he said simply.
She blushed, and it was sexy as hell to see. His fingers twitched with the need to touch her cheeks and feel the heat there.
“I…I know, but…I guess I’m just a little confused as to where that all came from.”
She was confused? Because now he was a little beyond that himself. Taking a step away, he frowned. “Why don’t you tell me?” he began levelly. “Since you were the one who reached up and pulled me into the kiss in the first place.”
The blush was instantly replaced by a look of mild annoyance. Darcy jumped from the counter, placing her hands on her hips. “I guess I got caught up in what I thought was a moment. I mean you came over and crowded me into the cabinets and then started touching me—out of the blue, might I add—so I guess I thought you were into it too.”
Oh yeah. He had forgotten about that part. Once she had reached up and kissed him, Ben had pretty much forgotten about his own actions leading up to it. “Fine. Yes. I came over here and—” He stopped and cursed, raking a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I wanted to do that since you first showed up here.”


 

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About the author

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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