Tag Archives: Rachel T.

Playing Dirty by C.L. Parker-a review

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Playing Dirty (Monkey Business Trio #1) by C.L. Parker-a review

Playing Dirty

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For fans of Bared to You and Beautiful Bastard comes the start of an irresistible new erotic romance series in which competition is the ultimate seduction.

Shaw Matthews plays to win, and he intends to snag a coveted partnership at San Diego’s hottest sports agency by signing America’s top athlete. Only one woman stands in his way: rival agent Cassidy Whalen. But eliminating the competition will be Shaw’s pleasure when he concocts an ingenious plan to seduce Cassidy and show the beautiful ballbreaker who’s the better man for the job. That is, until Cassidy turns the tables—and their steamy encounters start breaking all the rules.

Cassidy has worked hard to make it in a man’s cutthroat arena, and she isn’t going down without a fight, not even against the six-two alpha hunk whose rock-hard body awakens desires she’s never known before. As Cassidy shares night after night of unending passion with Shaw, the game begins to change. Now Cassidy stands to lose everything—unless a fiery contest of wills can become a winning proposition for two people who keep raising the stakes.

Playing Dirty is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

SMOKIN’ HOT, TOE CURLING, YUMMILICIOUS! Yup …. just a few words to describe this hot hot read.

Playing Dirty by C.L. Parker is the first book in her Monkey Business Trio series and what a fantastic start. If you like erotica, sports and a two strong willed leads that are fuelled by that fine line of love and hate, then you will adore this book.

Shaw Matthews and Cassidy Whalen are two sport agents that have been pitted against each other to win a partnership within their agency. Both are worthy of this position, are excellent at what they do and have been advised to break the rules to sign the latest hot ticket player in the sports world. They also can’t stand each other, which makes this battle that much more bitter sweet.

Shaw is fierce and will go to all extremes to get this contract, including seducing his nemesis. Cassidy has had to battle up hill her entire career just because of her sex alone, so she sure isn’t going to lose this contract on account of a sexist pig who she believes has had everything handed to him on a silver platter. She may have to pull the one card she has never pulled … her sex appeal.

These two collide, go head to head and toe to toe, one up another and ultimately land in each others bed (or car, plane, wall .. you get the picture .. LOL) . Between these sheets the storm is as turbulent and possessive as are their verbal and strategic fights and before they know it, many lines are blurred and the real prize just may not be the coveted contract.

I seriously loved these two characters and I am admittedly a sucker for a fierce hot battle. C.L. Parker delivers realistic scenes (in my world at least ..WINK), characters and a clear lesson that what you see isn’t always what you get. Many other characters were introduced and given their own little side stories that just added to the heat, humour and story development. The reader is left on a cliffhanger begging her to hurry up and release the next book.

If you love the dirty talk, breaking rules and harsh truth in your books, then check this one out for sure!

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T

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The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor by Paula Quinn-a review

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The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor (The MacGregor’s: Highland Heirs 3) by Paula Quinn-a review

The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

A LADY’S MISSION…

Known for her beauty and boldness, Abigail MacGregor must preserve her clan’s dangerous secret: that her mother is the true heir to the English Crown. If the wrong people find out, it will mean war for her beloved Scotland. To keep peace, she embarks for London, unprepared for the treachery that awaits—especially from her wickedly handsome escort. He is the enemy, but his slow, sensuous kisses entice her beyond reason…

A WARRIOR’S TEMPTATION

General Daniel Marlow, loyal knight and the kingdom’s most desirable hero, would rather be on the battlefield than transporting a spoiled Highland lass. But Abby MacGregor is unlike any woman he’s ever met, in a ballroom or in his bedroom. Captivated by her daring spirit and seduced by her lovely innocence, Daniel must choose between betraying his queen or giving up the woman who would steal his country—and his traitorous heart.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Man I adore this Scottish/English family called MacGregor/Grant. Every time I return to a book from this series I am filled with anticipation as I know I am about to indulge in some Highland HAPPY! 🙂

The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor by Paula Quinn is the third book of The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series, which happens to be a spin off of two previous series called The MacGregors and Children of the Mist. Please do yourself a favour and indulge in these two series as it will enhance the experience you get from this third one. I promise you will fall in love with this entire family! 😉

Abigail MacGregor is the daughter of The Chief Robert MacGregor and Davina MacGregor. You learn in their story that Davina is English royalty and this is hush hush. When a summons arrives ordering Davina to appear before England’s Queen Anne, Abigail immediately insists in taking her mother’s place to see what kind of danger lurks. Abigail is one smart and very tough cookie. She is a true highland lass and has proclaimed that one day she will be the leader of her clan.

General Daniel Marlow is Queen Anne’s right hand guy. He is a loyalist, Jacobite Killer (and yes The MacGregor’s are Jacobite’s) and fiercely protective of his Queen as he looks upon her as a mother figure. He is tasked to accompany Abigail to England. Before he leaves, he learns a secret that threatens his relationship with his Queen and leaves him questioning much.

As these two go about their journey together they fight, joke, admire, hate, indulge, push away, protect and question the other. They seem to have this strong pull to the other despite that all odds are against them. Add in some lurking danger, dangerous plots of murder and life ending secrets and well … yup …. you have the makings of one fricken fantastic book.

Oh Paula Quinn, you do write English men yummy and Highlanders HAWT! The love of this family and of your lead characters is palpable but it’s returning to the familiar and seeing how they have faired in their lives that I treasure the most. It’s like a warm blanket and hot cup of tea on a cool rainstormy kind of day .. soul filling! 🙂

Cannot wait for the next book .. and those reading this review, you can read this story somewhat independent of the series, but please believe there is so much more to gain when you understand the history of these beloved characters!

HAPPY READING 😉

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell
The Sweet Surrender of Janet Buchanan
The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd
The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Clarity (The Seductors 3.5) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Guest Post

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Clarity (The Seductors 3.5) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Guest Post

 

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When you find a love worth fighting for, nothing can stand in your way.
Jade Phillips is that love for me, and I’d follow her to the end. I’ll stop at nothing to make her happy, including doing everything in my power to make her mine for eternity.

She is my clarity.

You’ve read Jade’s side of the story, now Oliver gets his turn…

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

SMOKIN’ HOT! Yup these two words sum up this fabo series by B.L. Wilde. I am extremely in love with the leads of this series and it was absolutely wonderful to get a recap/continuation of this story, but from the other side. Clarity by B.L. Wilde (book 3.5) is a continuation of the story but with familiar scenes that we get in books one to three, but this time it’s from Oliver’s perspective as opposed to Jade’s.

I am not going to recap the entire series but just give a brief over view. Jade is a member of The Seductor’s which is a spy agency that specializes in seduction and Jade is the top agent. She is hot, intelligent, amazing at her job and known for getting said job completed without getting emotionally involved with her targets. Jade has been assigned to seduce Oliver, who is a hot nerd that has created some top spy science stuff that involves world domination .. yada yada (with all the yummy coming off Oliver I don’t think I paid much attention to the other stuff .. I know you’ll forgive me for that Bee … LOL). Jade must steal blue prints of this science stuff and in order to do this, she must seduce Oliver. Little problem with this though … she falls for her target. She gets the job done however, and in the process rips out Oliver’s heart (and her own), disappears and then has to reappear when more is required of her assignment. She is stuck between a rock and literally a hard place (TEEHEE) and has to decide if she is willing to break the contract and place herself and Oliver in danger all for the sake of love.

I love that we experience how Oliver felt when Jade left and understand all that he went through to discover what became of her. We experience how he helps Jade free herself from The Seductor’s and the dangers that are involved. The bond these two feel for one another is for certain despite who’s POV this story comes from, but I have to say, Oliver’s view gave this series so much more depth and this novella is a welcomed addition to this amazing series.

I adore these two characters and their ultimate fight they are enduring to get to their HEA. Many questions still are left unanswered but I have no doubt that B.L. Wilde will deliver in her next book!

You absolutely need to read the first three books of this series before devouring this one .. and you will devour it. If you like a hot couple, a little mystery, danger, hot smexy scenes, nerdy science and writing that flows from page to page then you should check this series out for sure!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Desire
Hunger
Devotion
Clarity

Desire
The Seductors #1
by B.L.Wilde

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

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About the Book: Release Date December 2013

Click HERE for Rachel’s  review of DESIRE (Book 1)

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

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

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

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

_____________________________

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

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of Hunger

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About the Book: Release Date June 6, 2014

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

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

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

__________________

Devotion
The Seductors #3
by BL Wilde
Release Date: September 12, 2014

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of DEVOTION

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About the Book: Release Date September 12,2014

Falling in love is never easy, but when you’re a Seductor who has fallen for your target, it’s impossible.

Now that Jade has learned the whereabouts of the powercore made by Oliver’s company, her mission is almost over. The chances of being able to stay with him at the end of her contract are slim and she knows that. Would her organization really keep their word? When has a Seductor ever been able to stay with their mark?

When disaster strikes near the end of her assignment, Jade is faced with the biggest decision of her life—she must choose between her heart’s desire and doing the right thing for the sake of the world. Her choice may just be the catalyst that sets her free.

What happens when the truth comes out? Will Oliver be able to let her go this time? Or will their love for each other be enough to finally bring The Seductors down?
One thing is for certain—devotion will seal their fate.

Erotic vs Romance Storylines-The Fine Line

Having written both erotic and romance stories it can get tricky mixing these two genres. For me, it’s my characters that define what I write, though.

The Seductors Series wouldn’t have worked as a romance series with Jade and Oliver being as sexy as they are. However, if I’d gone down my original route of having each book as a different seductor, romance may have worked, but Oliver took on a bigger role in this series as he developed, and four books later, here we are.

When I write romance, I find that my storylines tend to be softer, and my characters are usually a little younger, giving the story a more innocent approach.

However, when I write erotica, its more fast paced. My leads are a little more edgier, and in tune with their desires. I can also get deeper sexual emotion with this genre, which is sometimes needed.

Of course my erotic stories have romance too. I can’t have a book with no plot, and romance is the key for me, but it’s more difficult knowing how far sexual encounters should go in a romance book. I always play it safe and leave them as the bedroom door closes.
I know if anyone wants more spice they’ll read my erotic romance anyway. 😉

 

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

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

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Kiss Me Hello (Sweetest Kisses 3) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

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Kiss Me Hello (Sweetest Kisses 3) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

Kiss Me Hello

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

Sidonie Lindstrom’s hands and heart are full—she’s been uprooted from the urban life she loves, she’s grieving for her brother while raising her foster son Luis, and she’s trying to find a job with meaning. But her burdens feel lighter when she meets rural lawyer Mackenzie Knightley. Their attraction is powerful and unexpected. Life is perfect… until Sid learns that Mack hasn’t been completely honest about his job.

When problems arise with Luis’ foster care situation, she must decide: can she trust Mack again, when she has so much more to lose?

•••••••••••••

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

GRACE BURROWES …. enough said .. THE END!

Just kidding …. LOL I am a huge fan of this author and if you have read any of my previous reviews on her books you know I am about to sing from the top of mountains for her writing.

Kiss Me Hello is her third and final book of her contemporary romance Sweet Kisses series. This trilogy is based off the Knightley brothers and Mackenzie Knightley is the brother I was most intrigued by. Grace, you sure did deliver here!

Sidonie, our leading lady is a whole lot of complicated and has some serious issues going on. She is the foster mother to her son Luis, is trying to keep her head above water both financially and mentally, and is desperately fighting to keep her foster son. Then … Mack enters! Mack has a whole lot of issues as well (thank goodness we find out what was going on with him .. totally teased in the past books) and hasn’t been with a woman in 10 years. Mack becomes a real pillar of strength to Sid throughout this book and this blossoming romance is a joy to read about. There is a deep friendship in this relationship and you pray that it is enough to keep them bonded when their damaged pasts are revealed to the other. Suddenly, there is a chance for family and happiness if these two can trust in the other … but trust can lead to heartache which neither will survive is broken.

I always say there is a maturity value to Grace Burrowes writing. She doesn’t write “ooey gooey” immature love. There is a friendship that develops out of mutual respect that leads to love. This kind of love includes all the dark and bitter as well as the bright and sweet .. it’s completely refreshing and believable. I love how her novels overlap and you always get reacquainted with past characters and see how they are doing presently.

I am all about the Grace Burrowes historical romance, but she is sold me on her contemporary writing as well … another great series completed and looking forward to more!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T
excerpt

 

 

“This is a nice spot,” Mac said. “The horses will loaf here in the hotter months because the trees make for good shade, but the canopy isn’t quite done leafing out yet, so we’ll be able to see the moon come over the ridge.” He spread the blanket on a patch of grass up the slope from the pond.Sid settled on the blanket, running her hand over what felt like soft flannel, while Mac lowered himself beside her.

“Give me your foot.” Mac didn’t wait for her to comply. He took Sid by the foot, and drew her running shoe off. “Other one.”

He peeled her socks down and tucked them into her shoes, then unlaced his boots and set them beside the blanket, stuffing a sock in each one.”Moonrise is always best appreciated barefoot.”

The sentiment was poetical; the words were not. “Is that a rule?”

“Suppose it is.” He took off his jacket, balled it up, and lay back to rest his head on it. “Come here and let me hold you, Sidonie. I haven’t watched the moon come up with a lovely woman in my arms for years.”

She settled against him, resting her head on the slope of his shoulder.”We’re going to talk about rules like this?” He thought she was lovely.

“We’ll come to some understandings.” His arm came around her shoulders,and his hand stroked over her hair. “I’ll undo this braid while we’re at it.”

“Don’t lose my elastic.”

His fingers were soon winnowing through her hair, drawing the length of it over her shoulder.

“How am I supposed to think about rules when you’re touching me like this,MacKenzie?”

“You don’t need to think. You just tell me what’s true for you.”

“True about what?”

He went quiet again, while Sid repositioned herself against him. She could hear his heart beat, feel the slow, steady thud of his life’s blood beneath her cheek.

“What do you want from me, Sidonie Lindstrom? What do you need?”

“Nobody has asked me that before.” She considered her answer, while Mac’s hand drifted through her hair, across her back, down her arm. “I want a friend, I guess. You’ve been a friend to me, and I wasn’t expecting to find that here.”

“Is that all you want? I can be a good friend. My brothers would vouch for me in that regard.”

She could not tell from his voice if he was disappointed with her answer,or pleased. “No, that isn’t all I want, but I’ll settle for it, and be grateful if that’s where you want to draw the line. A friend, a real friend, is nothing to scoff at.”

Another silence, while Mac got his hand on her nape and started massaging the tension there. His idea of friendship would soon leave Sid witless and boneless.

“I can’t expect you to put yourself out there without showing I’m willing to do likewise: I want you.” Mac’s voice was quiet in the gathering darkness. “I want you at least for a friend, an intimate friend, Sidonie,but I don’t share something that precious. If you allow me the privileges of a lover, then I will expect that for whatever time I enjoy that status,those privileges are exclusively mine. You will agree to this, or our friendship keeps its clothes on.”

Sid shivered, though the night wasn’t uncomfortably cool, and Mac gave off heat like a woodstove. He was so serious about this, when they could have shared a casual romp in the moonlight.

She would have settled for that-and settling would have been a mistake.

She traced his facial features. Beyond serious, he was solemn, as if these understandings he sought could be the foundation for something evengreater than friendship.

“If you agree to my terms,” he said, his hand slowing in her hair, “you agree because it’s what you want too, not because I need to hear the words and you have a private agenda that’s different from what you’ll say to me.”

He was asking for honesty, the most basic tenet of a real friendship. Friends were kind to each other, considerate, patient, reliable, but above all, a friend was somebody who told the truth.

“I don’t have much practice with relationships, MacKenzie.”

He rolled slowly, like the earth heaving up, until Sid was on her back with Mac blanketing her. “There’s more to say.” He rested his forehead against hers. “A lot more, but right now, Sidonie, I have to kiss you. Have to.”


 

 

About The Author

Grace BurrowesFollow Grace: Website / Blog Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012.

Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Private Lessons by Chelsea Dorsette-a review

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Private Lessons by Chelsea Dorsette-a review

Private Lessons

Amazon.com

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 30, 2014

When Denise Spencer, co-owner of a chiropractic practice in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado decides to take private ski lessons, she has no idea that her sexy instructor, Dustin Wells, is the same man she’s been flirting anonymously with on a dating website.

The moment she figures out that Dustin is the man behind the flirtatious, and very naughty emails, she decides to have a bit of fun before he figures out she’s the same salacious woman he’s been flirting with electronically.

When she finally tips her hand and divulges to Dustin that she’s one in the same woman, a steamy romance heats up immediately, and Denise begins the most exciting sexual relationship of her life.

Dustin introduces her to everything from a dom/sub relationship, to threesomes and bondage.

Just when she is starting to realize that Dustin is someone who she wants a future with, everything changes in a matter of seconds…

And it threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, as her life comes crashing down around her.

REVIEW

3.5 of out 5 for this reader folks!

Well as a Canadian enduring these cold winters I have say I have a little appreciation for a story that involves some skiing with a little naughty naughty. LOL Private Lessons by Chelsea Dorsette is a quick read that has a sweet “soon to be couple” who not only find a potential love interest in the other, but also one that enables the other to indulge in a little kink that adds a much needed layer to that love interest.

Denise co-owns a chiropractic business that is doing quite well, but she is lacking in the love department. Convinced to open an account on a dating website she sure seems to find some freaky deekys. Denise also find Dustin who she starts quite the flirtatious email adventure with. When she takes some ski lessons, she soon realizes that her hot instructor is that same man that she is flirting with. When the secret is out of the bag, her whole sex life is about to change.

Dustin is yummy … he is quite interested in engaging a dom/sub relationship with Denise and soon begins to introduce her to a whole new world that she never knew existed. These two are so perfectly matched and you can see how they can make it as a couple, if only they can get through a threat that is dooming them to fail.

This is a pretty quick read. It felt a little rush at times but the characters were enjoyable so it was easy to get lost in them. If you are looking for a quick smutty read that’ll make you smile then by all means give this book a try!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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A Single Kiss by Grace Burrowes-Review and Blog Tour

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A Single Kiss by Grace Burrowes-Review and Blog Tour

A Single Kiss

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2015

A single kiss can change everything…

In the first novel of the Sweetest Kisses series, Hannah Stark has set her sights on corporate law to assure her a career of paperwork, predictability, and conservative suits. Contracts, finance, and the art of the deal sing to her, while the mess and misery of the courtroom do not. But her daughter needs to eat, so when Hannah is offered a temporary position in a small town firm’s domestic relations department, she reluctantly accepts.

Trent Knightley is mightily drawn to his newest associate, though Hannah is as protective of her privacy as she is competent. When their friendship and attraction heat up, Hannah’s secrets put her heart and Trent’s hopes in double jeopardy.

•••••••••••••••

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ok .. so … as many of you know Grace Burrowes is one of my absolute fave historical romance authors. When this book came to me and I learned it was contemporary I have to admit I was very hesitant (disclaimer … historical’s are preferred to contemporaries where my tastes are concerned). I know what to expect with her historical romances and I was fearful that a contemporary would taint my beloved historical writer. NOPE .. NOT AT ALL! As hesitant as I was, it did not take long for me to settle in and come to love and recognize the way Grace writes. Seriously I adore this woman!

Hannah is a single mom, lawyer, has an unfortunate past in the foster system as a child, and is looking to make a better life for her family. Although she isn’t interested in practising family law (she is hoping to go down the corporate road), she finds a job in just that .. family law. Hating that she will see other families dragged through the system in way she was, she puts on her big girl panties and decides to deal.

Trent is one of the brothers who run this firm and just so happens to be a book boyfriend I’d like to tuck away for a real crummy day. He is WONDERFUL and so ideal for Hannah. Smart, straight shooting without insult, handsome, strong, opinionated and able to back up his statements with fact, he is Hannah’s perfect guy. He is also clearly into her and although fraternization is a no no, these two really have no choice but to go “there”.

Hannah and her daughter have secrets though, and this prevents Hannah from fully letting Trent get in. I love that Grace Burrowes didn’t spill the beans right away about this past, leaving a bit of a mystery for the reader to guess at. The contemporary issues were real and completely believable adding to this story. I only knocked off 0.5 because I have given all her other books 5 (again historical is my fave) and I cannot say I loved this one as much as I do her historical’s. Maybe that isn’t fair, but it’s how I feel!

A great start to another fabo series by Grace Burrowes. I will ABSOLUTELY be reading the remainder of this series. If you love a good contemporary that touches on domestic family issues with a side of law and love, give this book a read!

HAPPY READING! 🙂
Reviewed by Rachel T.

Q&A

Three Questions With Grace Burrowes

1. What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter while writing A Single Kiss?

One of the heroine’s heartaches is that she was raised in foster care, and never developed much of a support network. Hannah is trying to remain emotionally self-sufficient but so, so tempted by the respect and trust the hero offers her.
From an author’s perspective, Hannah had no sidekick, nobody to process with, and that could have meant a lot of internal reflection, if other characters weren’t drafted into temporary duty.

2. When writing the storyline, did the characters direct the writing or did you direct the characters?

I have my ideas about how things should proceed, but invariably, the characters come up with better material.

3. What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

I’m not that attached to goals. I’d like to write books that people enjoy, be a loving member of the species, and not burden anybody unnecessarily.

********

 

A Single Kiss
Author: Grace Burrowes
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A Single Kiss

Summary

Hannah Stark has set her sights on corporate law to assure her a career of paperwork, predictability, and conservative suits. Contracts, finance, and the art of the deal sing to her, while the mess and misery
of the courtroom do not. But her daughter needs to eat, so when Hannah is offered a temporary position in a small town firm’s domestic relations department, she reluctantly accepts.

Trent Knightley is mightily drawn to his newest associate, though Hannah is as protective of her privacy as she is competent. When their friendship and attraction heat up, Hannah’s secrets put her heart and Trent’s hopes in double jeopardy.

excerpt

James stood beside Mac at the window in Mac’s office, watching the head of the domestic relations department escort his newest associate to her car.

“Why isn’t that idiot sneaking in a little kiss here and there?” James asked. “He’s not even touching her. Didn’t offer his arm, hasn’t got his hand on her
back.”

“Some of us appreciate a more subtle approach,” Mac said. “Some of us with a little discretion and tact.”

“I about sat her in my lap at lunch earlier this week. She said I was flirting my eyelashes off, and laughed at me.”

“Laughed?” By a little blue Prius, Trent handed Hannah her briefcase. “You have my condolences, James. You must be losing your touch. We depend on you to carry
the Knightley standard into the bedroom of western Maryland, but it looks as if at long last – well, one hopes it’s
long last-”

“Shut up,” James smacked Mac’s shoulder for good measure. “It’s just as long and lasting as it ever was, but Hannah Stark has been inoculated against my devastating
charms by the only thing that has ever protected a female from falling for me.”

“Common sense?” Mac drawled. “A functioning brain? A sense of humor? An accurately calibrated ruler?”

“She’s fallen for him,” James said, gesturing towards the parking lot. “We have reason to hope.”

About The Author Black and White

Grace BurrowesFollow Grace: Website / Blog Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012.

Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Wanton Christmas Wishes anthology-a review

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Wanton Christmas Wishes Anthology-a review

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Wanton Christmas Wishes Anthology
by various authors
Release Date: November 18, 2014
Genre: erotic, romance

Wanton Christmas Wishes

ebook only .99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

HIS TO COMMAND by bestselling author Monica Burns. Book 2 (Novella) Self-Made Men series. A Christmas Eve blizzard and one small act of discipline compromises Charlotte Clayworth, but she refuses John Fordyce’s proposal. Now, years later, the Self-made Men decide to reunite the lovers for one more wanton Christmas wish.

THE KISSING BOUGH by NYT & USA TODAY bestselling author Madelynne Ellis. Percy Gilling and Lord William Ricborough share a special bond and require a very particular woman to satisfy their needs. When they encounter Viola Marsh beneath the mistletoe, they know she’s the perfect choice. Now all they need do is persuade her that some things are worth sacrificing ones reputation for.

HAMISH by Samantha Kane. Book One of The 93rd Highlanders. During the Crimean War, injured Captain Hamish Fletcher is sent to the hospital in Scutari, where he finds his old friend and lover Dr. Phineus Harper treating the wounded. Finn can keep him at the hospital until Christmas. Will it be enough time to convince widowed nurse Edith Lambeth to grant both men their Christmas wishes?

ALL A MISTRESS WANTS by Eliza Lloyd. Eloisa Larkin wishes for the one thing she can’t have—the love of the powerful Duke of Sterling. Being his mistress provides many luxuries but being hopelessly devoted to a man who loves another as left her feeling alone and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmastide with him and his family.

LOVING MICHAEL by NYT & USA TODAY bestselling author, Kate Pearce. Since returning from the peninsular wars, Michael Waterstone has learned to live within restricted boundaries and taught himself not to yearn for what he can never have. Fortunately for him, ex-courtesan Angelique Delisle is no respecter of boundaries of any kind, and offers him a provocative Christmas wager that might change his life forever…

A CHRISTMAS KISS by Jess Michaels. Tricked into spending time alone with the husband who made it clear he doesn’t care about her, the Countess of Blackgrove, Amelia, has no idea how to react. But Stephen only wants seduction… and love.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

HO HO HO ….. well steam up my Christmas happy why doncha! LOL I am not normally a big fan of anthologies, but this one I LOVED! Historical erotica is one of my all time fave genres and a good storyline can be hard to find because it is out shined by some serious “cheese factor”. Well every one of these stories was beautifully written and provided me not just some yummy Christmas spirit, but introduced me to a few new authors. I am not going to highlight all the stories but my two fave instead (which happen to be new authors to me as well). Believe me when I say though, that every one of them is worth the purchase of this book!

The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis may have some smutty moments but it was the storyline that snagged me. Poor Viola is a ruined woman living with her aunt resigned to a life alone. Once a year (every Xmas Eve) she gets to go out without her aunts escort and participate in the Xmas festivities. Standing under The Kissing Bough, making wishes for true love is always the first thing she does. This year she is noticed by cousins and lovers Percy and Will. They are on the hunt to find a woman who can complete their circle and appreciate their lifestyle. Once they see Viola they know she is the one. Viola’s father wants to marry her off to any old man who will have her, so she must decide quick if she will agree to the proposal that Percy and Will have made .. unsure she decides to indulge in a night with them and see how it goes. Can these two men convince Viola into not just a Christmas happy but a whole life of it??? READ ON! 🙂

Hamish by Samantha Kane was my absolute fave. While the Xmas theme seemed to be a bit of an after thought, the story completely made up for it. Hamish and Finn were childhood playmates who grew up together. They also shared one night of lust before going their separate ways. Finn became a physician and Hamish became an officer of the 93rd Highland regiment. Fighting in the Crimean war, Hamish finds himself injured and sent to Scutari hospital where Finn happens to be a top physician. Edith is a recent young widow and nurse who works closely with Finn. Over the short time they have worked together, they have fallen for the other and find time to sneak stolen moments. When Hamish and Finn reunite however, the spark still exists an is ready to blow the roof off the hospital. It also seems that Edith has bonded with Hamish. In such a lonely time of war, these three provide a strong sense of love and unity that is actually really endearing to read. Yes the steamy moments and steamy, but the story is so good! I am happy to hear that this will be turned into a series.

Again .. every one of these stories is worth a review and is amazing. I am excited to dive into my own Xmas indulgences by snagging a few more books by these authors. I can see my feet up in front of the fireplace, eggnog and book in hand, feeling steamy under the collar (and not by the fireplace …lol), and enjoying the occasional giggle. Sounds just about PERFECT! 😉

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS. XOOX

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel T

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Owned by B.L.Wilde & Jo Matthews – Review and Blog Tour

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Owned by B.L.Wilde & Jo Matthews-Review and Blog tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2104

Ryan Lawson has almost everything he wants. A Capo to the Valenti mob family, the world is at his fingertips and the ladies all drop their panties at his signature smirk. All but one, anyway, and she happens to be the only one he wants.

On the run from a horrible past, Trixie finds herself accepting a job as an exotic dancer in a club run by the mob. Left without a choice, she begins to date the Boss’ son while lusting after someone else.

Everything changes when Ryan is offered a chance to win a weekend with the woman he desires. All he has to do is roll the dice. The rest is up to fate.
What will happen when their worlds collide? Will a mutual attraction turn into something more? Or will the dangers they face be enough to keep them apart for good?

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

EEEEE .. a brand new series by one of my fave erotica authors B.L. Wilde and Jo Matthews. Owned is the first book of what I am anticipating to be a smashing series that revolves around a mob family and one gorgeous woman who is stuck between a rock and hard place (pun completely intended … WINK) LOL

Trixie is on the run from a sketchy past full of abuse. She has been hopping from city to city and just making enough money to get to her next destination. When she is offered a job as a classy, clothes on, gentleman’s dancer, she decides to give it a try. Little did she know that she was about to enter a mob family business and meet a couple of men that seem to be destined to change her future.

Ryan is the manager of this gentleman’s club and when he first sees Trixie it’s instant “SHHAWING”. The attraction is mutual but before she knows it, Trixie becomes involved with Tony (serious douchebag and mob bosses son) and all that can ever be between her and Ryan is mutual attraction.

ONE BET … that is all it takes! One bet between Ryan and Tony places Trixie at Ryan’s home for a weekend of pure indulged lust … and the fire doesn’t just roar … it explodes. But these two know you don’t mess with another mob guys girl. Will these two only ever have their one weekend together, or will they find a way to be together?

SO YUPPERS …. totally loved this book. It’s a short read (bad B.L. and Jo .. I wanted more) but it was jammed pack full of story. I loved the build in anticipation for the weekend, the lusty internal thoughts and the turmoil of mob drama. There are flash backs of pasts that give you some perception of why a character is the way they are and perhaps wonder what can be expected in the future. The sex was HHHAAAWWWTTT! In my opinion, an absolute incredible start to what I anticipate will be a great series.

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by the authors

Reviewed by Rachel T.

 

excerpt

I took my place right by the pole, and even though the room was nearly pitch black, I could feel several people watching me. When the music started and the lights came on over the stage, I placed one hand on the pole and circled it, making eye contact with as many of the men in the front as I could. I made it all the way around and then bucked my hips into the cold metal, sliding up and down a few times before spinning around it again.
I had a few tricks in my arsenal, but I wanted to save those for a little later on in the song. Still gripping the pole, I walked halfway around so my back was to the crowd. There were loud catcalls and wolf whistles when I started shaking my hips to the beat of the music. They got even louder as I hooked my left leg around the pole and spun in quick circles until my ass was on the ground and the pole was between my legs. Using my hands as leverage, I planted my feet and lifted my hips, thrusting against the shiny object seductively.
Men from the tables in the back of the room rose from their seats and were closing in on the stage area. Figuring it was now or never, I got to my feet and shimmied around again. Facing away from the audience, I placed my hands high on the pole and jumped up, straddling it and squeezing my thighs together to hold me in place. Arching my back, I released my hands and used my stomach muscles to support me as I flashed some cleavage at the patrons. After a few seconds of holding the position and nearly falling out of my top, I straightened up and slid my way down the pole, shaking my ass and earning more whistles.
When I spun around, my eyes met with Ryan’s for a brief moment. I couldn’t help but smirk at him and toss my hair over my shoulder as I continued to dance. Was it possible that god-like creature wanted me? The mere thought of it turned me on more than anything ever had.
I made a full circle on the pole when I saw him waving a hundred dollar bill around, trying to get me to come over. Feeling overly confident and wanting to fuck with him a bit, I sauntered over and shimmied my hips just inches from his face. His eyes were locked on my covered pussy, and I could have sworn I saw him lick his lips. An image of him between my legs flashed through my mind, and I felt myself getting damp with arousal. Shaking my head slightly to clear it, I continued with my dance.
Every time Ryan reached up with the money, I backed away so he couldn’t touch me. He wasn’t supposed to touch me anyway. At least…I didn’t think he was. None of the customers were ever allowed to touch the dancers according to what I’d been told. Carlo had said that Ryan ran the club, though, so I wondered if that meant he was an exception and could do what he wanted. That thought both thrilled and terrified me.
Still, I shook my head with a smirk on my face and sunk down to my hands and knees. His eyes were focused on my tits, which were nearly bursting out of my bikini top as I began to make my way toward him, so without him even noticing, I pulled the money from his hand with my teeth.
“Thanks,” I winked as I rose to my feet and headed back to the pole to finish the song. I could feel his eyes boring into me until the lights went out and I collected my tips.


 

 

 

B.L. Wilde
B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories and sexy men. Fully supported by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project, or looking at eye candy online for research purposes. She is a sucker for happy endings, but will always make her characters work for it.

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Jo Matthews

Jo Matthews is an Arizona native, where she lives with her son. A stay-at-home mom since 2007, she only recently discovered her love and passion for the written word. When she’s not writing, she’s usually knee deep in editing—an aspect she thoroughly enjoys. As an editor, she has propelledquite a few authors into the published world, and with her skills, has landed several stories on Amazon’s Top Sellers lists.

Facebook     |     Blog     |     Goodreads     |     Twitter    |     Google+

 

NOTE:  The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author

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