Mall I Want For Christmas is You by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

Mall I Want For Christmas is You by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2020

From Bah Humbug to Santa Baby, this standalone holiday novella is full of ho, ho, oh no…

Single mom Chrissy Eve is struggling to make ends meet selling pretzels at the Yule Heights Shopping Mall. All this mama wants is a silent night, but when her seven-year-old asks the mall Santa to teach his mom to drive a sleigh, she finds herself in knots over the man in red.

Dash Winters is the last person she needs pulling her reins. She has a son to think about and a “seasonal romance” with someone who gets paid to lie to kids once a year is not going to jolly her holly.

But the more she gets to know the Santa with a six-pack, the more Chrissy realizes she can’t judge a book by its cover… or a Santa by his suit!

••••••

REVIEW:MALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Sarah Robinson is a contemporary, stand alone story line focusing on twenty- eight year old Dash Winters, and single mother Chrissy Eve.

Told from three third person perspectives (Dash, Chrissy and Rudy) MALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS follows Dash Winters, and his part time gig as the local mall Santa. Doing a favour for his mother, Dash agrees to work as the holiday Santa but the first day on the job Dash meets seven year old Rudy Eve who asks Santa to teach his mother to drive. Trying to keep up appearances, Dash jumps between his Santa persona and that of a man trying to woo Rudy’s mother Chrissy, a woman who is sceptical about Dash’s intentions, and is quick to judge Dash based on initial appearance.

MALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS is a quick read; a short holiday story where all of the names are Christmas related, and the relationship goes from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. A cute story with little to no romance mostly focusing on Chrissy Eve’s inability to trust a man who has taken a job as a part time Santa. I was hoping for a little more romance and character development for our leading couple.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.

Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, and more.

In her personal life, Sarah Robinson is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams and the duo recently welcomed to the world their first baby, Norah Grace. They have a home full of love, snuggly dogs and cats, and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia.

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Misadventures in the Cage by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

Misadventures in the Cage by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 4, 2020.

Callan Walsh kicks ass. In fact, he’s famous for it. As one of the brightest up-and-coming stars on the MMA scene, he’s an absolute beast in the cage…and out. Everything he’s trained for has brought him to this moment. Going toe-to-toe with reigning champ Xavier Gray will make or break his career. Nothing can distract him from his lifelong goal. Nothing. Until he meets…his opponent’s little sister.

Josie Gray is hell on wheels, gorgeous AF, and has a mouth that doesn’t stop. The reluctant reality-television star is every man’s dream, but she’s about to become Callan’s nightmare. Tired of being in her brother’s fight-club entourage, Josie desperately desires her own life out of the limelight. Her loyalty to family keeps her tangled in faux fame, but what she feels for Callan is the realest thing she’s ever known.

Sparks fly when Callan comes to Josie’s rescue, leading to an all-consuming fire after a single night together. Forever is right at their fingertips, if only everything—and everyone—wasn’t working to keep them apart. Will Callan and Josie fight through family ties to come out on top? Or are they both caged into lives they never wanted?

•••••••

REVIEW:Misadventures in the Cage begins with Josie Gray having a drink in a bar off the Las Vegas strip. She is a reluctant reality-television star and just needed to get away from everything, if just for a little while. When she leaves the bar, a man approaches her and attempts to mug her. Thankfully, another man, Callan, takes care of the assailant and makes sure Josie is okay. He then offers her a ride home, which turns into a steamy one night stand.

The next morning, Josie has to head out and be with her family for her brother’s press conference. She finds herself not being able to get last night and Callan out of her head. But, she has bigger fish to fry: namely her mother’s behavior towards her and her brother’s presser. He is an MMA fighter and the reason Josie is doing reality-television and not pursing her passion of cooking. As they arrive at the event, Josie wonders why Callan is there. Imagine her, and his, surprise when they realize who each other is: Callan is Josie’s brother’s opponent.

Josie and Callan speak after the event and decide it would best if they just forgot about what happened between them, but the attraction between the two of them cannot be denied. Josie knows that her family will have a conniption fit when they find out whom she is seeing. Callan needs to focus on his fight, but can’t help but wonder if Josie is the one. What follows is a series of events that tear the two apart just when they thought they had everything figured out.

Misadventures in the Cage is a great story. Josie’s loyalty to her family has prevented her from living her own life. Her mother is a twit and her brother is demanding and a bit of a loose cannon in the way that he lives his life. It’s when Josie has finally had enough that she truly shines. Callan is driven and focused on his career, until Josie enters. The chemistry between the two of them palpable and their feelings are raw. However, when secrets are revealed and Callan is caught up in a real life drama that plays out on television, Josie leaves both her family and the television show, and Callan. When Josie is offered her dream job back in Las Vegas, the two eventually see each other and decide to give it a go again, only to have things crash and burn one more time. Of course, true love wins out in the end, but the trials and tribulations they endure will break your heart at one point and make your heart smile at another. Even though there was instant attraction, it takes almost two years for their romance to find footing and for them to work out all of their issues. I loved their story and the two of them together. If you’re a romance fan, you’ll not go wrong with this latest addition to the Misadventures series. Well done, Sarah Robinson! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelancing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally was picked up by Penguin Random House two years later.

She most recently contracted with Loveswept for a contemporary romance series, KAVANAGH LEGENDSthat surrounds a tight-knit Irish family of MMA fighters in the Bronx. She is also exploring the arena of women’s fiction and has a lot of exciting things planned for the next few years!

Follow Sarah on any of the social media sites below to keep up to date with what she’s doing! She loves talking with readers, and is an open book…literally! Subscribe to her newsletter for info on upcoming releases, sales, and other news!

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WYLDE FIRE (100 Proof #1) by Sarah Robinson-Review & Giveaway Tour

WYLDE FIRE (100 Proof #1) by Sarah Robinson-Review & Giveaway  tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2019

Sam Wylde is ready to prove he’s more than just the privileged son of a wealthy Southern dynasty.

Wyldefire Whiskey is poised to take Nashville by storm—and with any luck, overshadow the scandal of his cheating ex-girlfriend marrying his brother. The only problem? This gruff country boy has no idea how to throw a launch party that will get people talking.

The answer to everything might just be Holly Glen.

A party wrapped up in one tiny woman, Holly is tattooed, tempting, and exactly the event planner Sam needs to liven up his brand—and his life. He can give her what she needs, too.

All it will take is a ring on her finger.

Falling in real love with his fake wife was not part of the plan—but one shot of Holly isn’t going to be enough.

•••••••

REVIEW: WYLDE FIRE is the first instalment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary, adult 100 PROOF erotic, romance series focusing on the Wylde family. This is eldest son and Wyldefire Whiskey partner Sam Wylde, and events planner Holly Glen’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sam and Holly) WYLDE FIRE focuses on the building relationship between Wyldefire Whiskey partner Sam Wylde, and events planner Holly Glen. With the launch of Wyldefire Whiskey just around the corner, and the events planner bailing at the last minute Sam finds himself desperate enough to ask a complete stranger for help but a stranger who is widely respected in the world of events planning. Enter Holly Glen, and the woman with whom Sam would fall in love. Needing a plus-one for his brother’s wedding, a wedding to Sam’s ex-fiance, Sam makes Holly an offer she cannot refuse: an engagement and marriage of convenience that will take the pressure of the wedding off our story line hero. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Sam and Holly, and the potential fall-out as Holly finds herself the victim of a set up by Sam’s cheating brother.

Holly Glen has been in love with Sam Wylde since she first saw him in high school years before but Sam never knew Holly existed. Having fallen in love with his high school sweetheart, Sam’s life would be destroyed when his younger brother took from Sam his happily ever after.

The relationship between Sam and Holly is one of immediate attraction; an insta-lust/love romance that turns into something more when Sam offers marriage and forever to the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the large and colorful extended Wylde family: brothers Caleb, Sterling, and Grady, and their sister Bethany ; parents Earl and Grace Wylde: uncle Duke Wylde; cousins Noah and Ruby; Nana Willie Lou Wylde and husband Caesar; Wyldefire business partner Caleb Daughtry; Sam’s ex fiancé Jane, and Holly’s friend and partner Amelia Eldridge. The camaraderie between family members is flirty and fun, but at times strained and reluctant.

WYLDE FIRE is a $ex filled and imaginative story of family, betrayal and vengeance; lust and love; impulsive, amusing and happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are feisty and sassy; the romance is steamy and hot.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

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Bare (Nudes #2) by Sarah Robinson-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

BARE (Nudes #2) by Sarah Robinson-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

BARE
Nudes #2
by Sarah Robinson
Release Date: May 8, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 8, 2018

Reed Scott is the hottest actor in LA…
Being a Hollywood heartthrob has its perks, and I’ve damn sure enjoyed every one of them, both on and off the silver screen. The tabloids loved every second of exploiting my privacy, chronicling my mistakes in ink for the whole world to see. Accepting the lead role in a romantic dance film was guaranteed to make me a box office hit and help me rewrite my image, until the choreographer hired to train me turned out to be the only woman I’d ever loved and lost.

As beautiful and enticing as ever, Teagan walks in and reminds me of the worst mistake I’ve ever made. She should hate me, and now she has the power to destroy everything I am.

Teagan Reynolds is picking up the pieces…
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…never going to happen. I fell in love with Reed Scott once and it nearly killed me—literally. The last thing I want to do now is teach him how to dance, but I need this job and there’s no way I’m letting him take yet another thing away from me.

Reed is in my world now, and this time we’re dancing by my rules.

••••••••••

REVIEW: BARE is the second instalment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary adult NUDES erotic, romance series focusing on three sisters-Aria, Teagan and Simone. This is dancer and choreographer Teagan Reynolds, and actor Reed Scott’s story line. BARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Teagan and Reed) BARE is a second chance story line between college sweethearts- dancer and choreographer Teagan Reynolds, and actor Reed Scott. Eight years earlier, on the day of their wedding, Reed Scott left a humiliated Teagan at the altar. Fast forward to present day wherein Teagan, a former dancer whose life was all but destroyed the day Reed walked out of her life, is currently the hired choreographer for Reed’s latest movie role. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship, friendship and romance between Teagan and Reed, and the potential fall-out as their dual careers begin to pull them apart.

The relationship between Teagan and Reed is one of second chances. Teagan’s love for Reed is masked by her hatred and the humiliation on the wedding day that never was, a day that all but ruined her career and destroyed her life. Reed had no idea the damaged caused on that fateful day but eight years later our hero is desperate to renew his relationship in the hopes of a happily ever after. Reed’s manwh*re reputation precedes his reintroduction to our story line heroine, a reputation Reed and his manager are working to overcome. The $ex scenes are erotic, intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Both of Teagan’s sisters play secondary and supporting roles as well as Aria’s husband Ben Lawson (Nudes #1) and their daughter Tillie, Teagan, Aria and Simone’s parents; Reed’s agent Jason Allen; and Reed’s co-star Elena Stravinsky who pushes a little too hard at trying to seduce our story line hero.

BARE is a story of second chances; of betrayal and forgiveness; of romance, love and happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and edgy; the romance is a back and forth, push and pull between two people whose love for one another has never died but struggles in the face of past sins; the characters are spirited and energetic. BARE is a passionate tale love, betrayal and loss.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one NUDES

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Am I cursed? Teagan stared at herself in the mirror of her small apartment bathroom. She felt cursed. Reed-Scott-freaking-cursed.
Life certainly hadn’t handed her the easiest go, and now, just when she’d thought things were finally turning around because she’d landed a fantastic job as a film choreographer, fate was still proving it had other plans for her. This job was supposed to be her big break—well, break-ish. Sure, it wasn’t what she’d wanted out of her life, but her dreams were no longer an option.
And this job? Most people would kill for it. So, she was choosing to be grateful.
She had to choose to be grateful a lot, actually. If she didn’t, then life would have gotten the better of her years ago. Teagan glanced down at her legs, tracing a finger across the long scar that stretched from her knee to her hip. She tried to hide it under leggings and skirts, but it wasn’t always possible.
When she’d almost died in a car accident at the age of twenty-one, she’d thought she’d never walk again. Hell, the doctors had told her exactly that. And dancing? That was an impossibility.
The years and years she’d spent training to become a professional dancer had all been wiped away in less time than it took for that car to slam hers into a ditch. Despite the doctor’s predictions that her wheelchair would become a permanent fixture, though, she’d proved them all wrong. She’d spent years learning to walk, and then dance, again. Sure, she’d probably never have the agility to become the famous dancer she’d always dreamed of being, but she could at least teach. And with that, she’d found a way to keep doing what she loved…even if it was not exactly what she loved.
So, she chose to be grateful.
But seeing Reed Scott again? The man who made her believe in everlasting, soul-deep, earth shattering love and then left her standing alone at the altar on their wedding day? The man who had left her just to star in a movie that would make him famous?
She was not grateful for that—or for him—one bit.
Teagan finished putting on the last touches of her makeup then changed into a new pair of leggings and a leotard. Glancing one last time in the mirror, she fluffed out her wavy brown hair nervously. As much as she might hate him, she found herself wanting to look her best for him anyway. Make him eat his heart out. Make him regret ever leaving her like that in the first place.
She swallowed, trying to push away her frustration. That didn’t seem possible right now, though. Sighing, Teagan grabbed her car keys off the small table by her front door and gave one last glance around the small Los Angeles apartment she called home. Benson, her incredibly fat tabby cat, was lounging on the windowsill, lazily yawning and watching her. “Bye, Benson. Be good.”
He didn’t even blink at her. He’d probably still be lying in that exact same spot when she came home later.
Teagan blew him a kiss then headed out, locking her front door carefully behind her. Within a few minutes, she was behind the wheel of her car and heading toward the studio. It was still dark outside, but she didn’t mind one bit. She enjoyed early mornings when the world was quiet and the roads were clearer. Driving was still something that made her a little tense after her car accident, and traffic in Los Angeles was always horrendous. But, at five o’clock in the morning, it was a lot more manageable and didn’t make her feel so…terrified.
Luckily, her commute was short and she arrived on set twenty minutes later. She headed straight to the studio where she’d told Reed to meet her, but he wasn’t there yet, which she’d expected since she was a bit early. Placing her dance bag on the shelf to one side of the studio, she pulled out her heel dancer shoes with a cute buckle T-strap over the top of her foot and put them on. She pulled on a loose fitting, light sweater over her leotard for some coverage, since it reached almost to the bottom of her ass.
Next, she began to shimmy out of her leggings, since she was able to work a lot better in her leotard without restriction to her legs. She got down to her knees before she realized that being bare legged would reveal the scar on her leg. Quickly, she slid them back up her legs.
“Shit.”
Teagan whirled around, looking for the person who’d just broken the silence around her.
Reed Scott. Of course.
“You scared the crap out of me,” she told him, grateful that he hadn’t been able to see her scar from where he was standing for the brief moment her leggings had been down.
“Sorry,” he replied, clearly making an effort to look anywhere but at her. “I didn’t know you’d be…uh, I mean, I wasn’t expecting…”
She rolled her eyes. Actors were so dramatic. “I’m not getting naked, Reed. I was just, uh, putting on my leggings to dance.”
“Sure. Right. Yeah.” He was rambling, clutching the gym bag over his shoulder. “So, time to get started?”
“Yep. Put your stuff on the shelf and we’ll get started,” she instructed, doing her best to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the very sight of him. Fuck, he looked even better than he’d looked the last time she’d seen him. Tall, broad shoulders, olive skin under thick black hair with a scruffy beard she remembered was very soft. And those eyes…God, the way those light green eyes pierced through her.
He stood you up at the altar, she reminded herself. For a damn movie.
“Sure.” He headed toward her and placed his bag on the shelf. “What are we practicing today?”
“It’s a pretty short routine today, actually. It shouldn’t take us too long.” Though she doubted he’d be the quickest learner after his warning yesterday. “Ready?”
He turned around to look at her, his eyes trailing down her body in a way that made her heart pound faster and faster. Suddenly his gaze stopped, pausing on her legs.
Her heart pounded, terrified he could see through her thin leggings to the bump of her scar. But he said nothing, and his gaze kept traveling. She was safe.
Honestly, she was a little surprised he didn’t already know about her accident. It hadn’t been a secret. Everyone in her life knew, and she’d certainly expected someone to pass along the message. Or for him to check in, even once.
She’d waited for him in the hospital, expecting him to come. Expecting him to apologize. Expecting him to beg her forgiveness, realize what an idiot he had been and take her back, care for her, return her to health with his love and affection.
That hadn’t really worked out.
Finally, his eyes returned to his face, and his tongue slid across his bottom lip. “You look…damn, Teag. You look amazing.”
“Listen, Reed,” she began, setting her jaw and sticking out her chin. “We work together. That’s it. You don’t get to look at me like that anymore.”
Reed looked startled, taken aback at her abruptness. Then the saddest look she’d ever seen passed over his face. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Let’s get started.” She moved to the center of the studio. “I’ll show you today’s sequence, and then we’ll go through it step by step. Okay?”
He nodded, but said nothing.
Carefully, she posed herself in the center of the room with her toes pointed and her arms around her waist. In one slick move, she sidestepped and kicked one leg out to her left, flipping her hair with the motion. She then tucked her foot, her knee pointed out horizontally from her body and spun in a circle.
On her second spin around, she kicked up high, like an incredibly tall karate kick. When her foot touched back down on the ground, she lunged to the right and threw her arms out, tossing back her head with the motion. She curved her spine outwards, pulling her stomach in as she moved her arms in a circular motion toward herself.
She twirled then, spinning on the tips of her toes while keeping her eyes on one stationary spot so she didn’t get dizzy. After her fourth spin, she shoved her arms down by her sides and lifted her chin. With that, she spun back in the direction she’d just come from and leaped multiple times across the room with her arms out and her fingers pointed.
Finally, she came down on one foot and spun in several circles before coming to a stop in front of Reed. “Annnnnd, that’s it.”
“Shit, that looked complicated as hell,” he admitted. “Though you looked incredible doing it.”
She ignored his compliment. Or, rather, she tried. Admittedly, her heart pounded a little harder. But, that was being ignored for now. “Let’s go over the first step.” She repeated the side steps and kicking her leg to the left. “Just like that. Let’s see what you can do.”
Reed followed in her footsteps, and honestly, it wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t great either. “Like that?”
“Close,” she admitted. “Let’s go through it again.” 


 

Sarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

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Kavanagh Christmas (Kavanagh Legends #5) by Sarah Robinson-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS (Kavanagh Legends #5) by Sarah Robinson-Review,Excerpt and Giveaway

Kavanagh Christmas Banner

KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS
Kavanagh Legends #5
by Sarah Robinson
Release Date: November 7, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Kavanagh Christmas

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About the book: Release Date November 7,2017

The heartfelt holiday conclusion to the Kavanagh Legends family saga revisits all the couples that readers have fallen in love with throughout the series. An angsty and loving Christmas novella, it’s the perfect goodbye to these Irish MMA fighters and a glimpse into what the future holds for them.

With the Christmas season fast approaching, the entire Kavanagh family is feeling anything but the holiday spirit. Commitments are questioned, relationships are tense, and bickering is nonstop.

However, when a crisis strikes and the family realizes that they might lose one of their own, they’ll come together to remember the reason for the season is first, and foremost, love and family.

••••••••••

REVIEW: KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS is the fifth and final instalment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary adult KAVANAGH LEGENDS romance series focusing on the Kavanagh family of MMA fame.

Told from several third person points of view KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS is a novella that follows the Kavanagh family as they prepare for the Christmas holidays. Seamus and Dee Kavanagh have finished raising three healthy boys, and a foster daughter, who have grown into successful men and woman with families of their own but life isn’t always easy as each son will continue to fight a personal battle-together and alone.

Sarah Robinson wraps up the Kavanagh Legends with a look at the individual families: their struggles; their successes; their dreams; their futures and their losses. An epilogue will fast forward the series twelve years; the author will wrap up the character development with a look at ‘where are they now?’. KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS ends at 51% in the ebook ; the author adds a short story/excerpt focusing on Rory and Clare set between Becoming a Legend (Book 3) and Chasing a Legend (Book 4), as well as a look at her latest release NUDES.

KAVANAGH CHRISTMAS is an emotional read, not only because it is the last in the series, but the author doesn’t hold back on the heartbreak, pain and potential grief of a family who has battled, lost and won, and who must continue to battle, once again. The premise is impassioned and dramatic; the characters are familiar, animated and energetic. A dramatic, reflective and intimate look at a close-knit Irish family.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Breaking a Legend
Saving a Legend
Becoming a Legend
Chasing a Legend
Kavanagh Christmas

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

PROLOGUE

Prologue
Three Weeks Before Christmas
Dee Kavanagh

“You’re kidding, right?” Dee turned away from the stove to look at her husband of forty years. “Not in your health.”
Seamus grumbled something under his breath, putting the piece of bacon he’d been about to eat back on the serving plate. “One piece of bacon with breakfast won’t kill me.”
“Pfft. You’re mad.” She shook her head, and turned back to stirring the scrambled eggs she was making for her grandkids. “Plus, save it for the kids. They’ll be down for breakfast in a minute.”
Her oldest son, Rory, was away on a romantic weekend trip with his wife, Clare, leaving their two children, Murphy and Brontë, under the care of Seamus and Dee. Dee was, of course, thrilled. There was nothing she loved more than being a mother, and now a grandmother. She would spend all day every day with her grandkids if she could, and her heart was filled to overflowing to have so many now.
At the reminder, Dee gazed at the photo go her grandchildren in a homemade popsicle-stick frame on her kitchen countertop that Murphy had made for her. The photo inside was silly and sweet—all five grandchildren making funny faces at the camera. Well, four of the five. Shea was in the back looking stoically at the camera, which wasn’t unusual for the teenager with special needs. Shea was Kieran’s wife, Fiona’s, biological sister, and when their mother passed away, Fiona and Kieran had adopted her.
Dee didn’t care one bit that they weren’t related by blood. Being loved and part of their family didn’t have a DNA requirement, and that was something she’d raised all her boys to know.
Next to Shea in the photo was Rory and Clare’s two children, Murphy and Brontë. Murphy was crossing his eyes and Brontë was sticking her tongue out, laughing. Gavin was on the floor in front of them, his little arm around Ava’s shoulder as they both made faces at the camera. Gavin was Kieran and Fiona’s son, and the youngest of the entire group. Ava was Jimmy’s girlfriend Sophie’s daughter from a previous relationship, and had been embraced by the family when Sophie and Jimmy began dating.
“Have you checked your sugar yet?” Dee asked, plating the scrambled eggs and adding a serving spoon before placing it on the kitchen table next to the bacon and biscuits.
“Not yet.” Seamus pulled a blood glucose monitor out of a kitchen drawer and began swabbing his finger with an alcohol wipe. He barely looked up at her, his answers always as succinct as possible. He’d always been brusque, but this was different.
His recent diagnosis of diabetes had thrown them a major curveball, and completely changed their lives. It was a struggle, however, because the man loved his carbs and sugar. Changing sixty years of unhealthy eating habits had caused a lot of friction between them.
Wiping her hands off on a towel, Dee approached her husband’s side and watched as he pricked his finger and dabbed a drop of blood onto a testing strip.
“See? Healthy as all hell.” He turned the monitor towards her when it displayed his results, which thankfully were in a great range. “You worry too much.”
“I know. I can’t help it.” Dee sighed, and glanced toward the hallway to make sure the kids weren’t about to walk in. Returning her gaze to her husband, she placed a hand on his upper arm. “Seamus?”
He grunted. Forty years and he couldn’t even respond with a word?
“Next month is our anniversary.” She blinked quickly, taming the tears that wanted to flow. “I was thinking maybe we book ourselves a trip. Or a cruise. Get away and celebrate.”
He shrugged and then began putting away his supplies. “Fine.”
That’s it. “Damn it, Seamus!”
“What?” He turned bewildered eyes to her. “What’s wrong?”
“You, that’s what. You’re being a fecking asshole. I know that I’m being strict with this new diet, but the doctor said you’d die. You were nearly in a coma, Seamus. Your sugar was hundreds above where it should have been. Do you know what that was like for me?” Her voice was cracking, full of emotion as anger and heartbreak surged through her heavily Irish accented words. “I’ve spent more of my life as your wife than I ever was anything else. Losing you…shite. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t wake up every morning and not have you next to me. I—”
“Dee…” Seamus reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her to his chest and wrapping her in a hug. “Feck. I’m sorry. You know I don’t mean it. I’m a grumpy old bastard.”
“Such a bastard,” she mumbled into his shirt, sniffling, twisting her fingers in the fabric.
He chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “I know you’re just trying to keep me healthy. I’m trying, too. It’s hard, but I’m trying. I’d never do anything to shorten my time with you on this earth.”
Dee felt her heart soften again, the tension of their recent fiction sliding away. After almost forty years together, fighting was nothing new for them. In fact, it was one of the things they did best. He was an asshole, and she had known that the day they met, but he was also a wonderful husband and an even better father and grandfather.
“I love you, Dee.” He kissed her softly, and she felt the same flutter in her heart that he’d made her feel since the first time they’d laid eyes on one another. His voice deepened, developed a huskier lilt. “Maybe once the kids leave, I can show you how much.”
“Sweet talker,” she teased, whacking his arm before turning back to the table.
“Grandad!” Murphy came skipping into kitchen and tossed himself at his grandfather.
Seamus caught him just in time and swung him high above his head as the young boy’s laughter filled the air while he soared in the safety of his grandfather’s arms. “Hey, Murph! Did you sleep all right?”
“Eh.” Murphy shrugged and wiggled his way back down to the floor, turning his affections to Dee this time. “It’s okay. Hi, Nanna!” He squeezed her waist in a hug, his little head pressing into her stomach.
Dee picked him up and covered his cheeks with kisses. “Is my grandbaby hungry? Breakfast is ready!”
“Yes! Hey, Nanna, guess how old I’m going to be next week?” Murphy held up both hands, one with all his fingers up, and the other with only one. “Guess!”
“Hmmm.” She placed a finger on her chin. “I think twenty-seven, right?”
“No!” His laughter peeled out of him, warming her heart. “Guess again!”
“Thirteen?”
“Nope!” Murphy sat at the kitchen table, kicking his feet back and forth underneath him.
His little sister, Brontë, toddled into the kitchen, still holding her favorite blanket, her thumb shoved in her mouth.
“Hey, baby girl, do you know how old your brother will be next week?” Dee scooped up the young girl and kissed her.
“Six!” She burst out, her wet thumb popping from her mouth.
“Is that right? Six? I can’t believe it!” Dee feigned as Murphy vigorously nodded his head in agreement.
Dee sat Brontë in a booster seat at the table and filled both of their plates with eggs and bacon. A mournful expression crept over Seamus’ face as he stared at his bowl of oatmeal and pushed around the apple slices on top with his spoon.
Murphy held up both hands, six fingers raised. “Six, Nanna! Mama says I’m getting too big. She cries when I say that.”
Dee chuckled. “Well, mamas wish their kids stayed kids forever. We get sad thinking about them growing up.”
“Are your kids growed up?” Murphy asked, spooning a large bite of scrambled eggs into his mouth.
“My first kid is your daddy, baby,” Dee reminded him, sitting at the table between her grandkids.
“Oh, right.” Murphy looked deep in thought as he considered what she’d said. “That’s weird.”
Seamus laughed at that one then ruffled Brontë’s hair. She beamed at him, and offered him a piece of bacon which he only pretended to eat with loud, chomping noises that made her giggle. Dee loved watching Seamus with their grandkids—the love between them was so beautiful.
“Did Daddy look like me when he was your kid?” Murphy continued his line of questioning. Actually, his questions never stopped. The boy was a sponge, asking everyone a million questions all day long. She didn’t mind one bit, though.
“His hair was a bit darker, and he was shorter. A little stockier. You’ve got your mother’s height and slim frame. Very lucky, because your mother is beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful, too, Nanna.”
“Thanks, Murph.” She smiled. Kids were a goddamn blessing. “Do you like the eggs? You’ve only eaten one bite.”
He pushed some more around on his plate. “I think I’m not very hungry.”
“You said you were.”
The little boy sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I know. I changed my mind.”
Dee frowned, but squeezed his shoulder. “Are you feeling all right?”
He nodded. “Can I be excused? Grandad said I could play Xbox today!”
Seamus grinned, ignoring the look she shot him.
“Okay, but only for an hour. After that, no more electronics this weekend.”
“Whyyyy?” Murphy began to whine. “Just a little bit!”
“Hey, no whining,” Dee reminded him. “Santa’s coming in three weeks. We’ve got to be good to be on the nice list and get lots of presents.”
That reminder perked him right up. “I’m going to be the nicest boy on the whole list!”
“Good job!” she cheered, making a mental note to finish her Christmas shopping soon.
Murphy was already up and out of his seat, heading for the living room. They’d already made sure Rory set the games up before he left, so that the parental controls were on. For the life of her, Dee couldn’t figure out how to work the blasted machine herself.
Brontë smiled, her mouth full of food. “Nanna, can I have his bacon?”
“That’s my girl.” Seamus laughed, giving Brontë a thumbs-up. “My genes are strong.”
Dee rolled her eyes at her husband. “You can have one more piece, baby girl. Seamus, should I text Clare and tell her Murph isn’t eating?”
“Nah,” he replied. “I’m sure he’s fine. Let them have their romantic weekend in peace.”
“You’re right,” she agreed.
He lifted one brow, eyeing her. “You’re going to text her anyway, aren’t you?”
“Well, she’s a mom. She’ll want to know.” Dee was already pulling out her phone and scrolling to Clare’s name. “I’m sure she won’t mind.”
Seamus chuckled. “I love you, Dee.”
“Love you, too, baby.”
“I love you, both!” Brontë added herself to the conversation.
Dee smiled over her phone at the little girl, her heart overflowing.

 

 

About The Author Black and Red

Sarah RobinsonSarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

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Chasing a Legend (Kavanagh Legends #4) by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway

CHASING A LEGEND (Kavanagh Legends #4) by Sarah Robinson-Release Day Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway

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CHASING A LEGEND
Kavanagh Legends #4
by Sarah Robinson
Release Date: August 22, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Chasing a Legend

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / | Amazon UK | Amazon AUB&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks | Books a Million | Google PlayPenguin Random House

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2017

A topnotch manager and agent, Quinn Kavanagh pictures a life outside of his family’s renowned MMA gym. Beneath his sleek exterior, Quinn has a secret passion for sculpting. But after a nearly fatal motorcycle accident, he’s struggling just to walk again, let alone get back to the studio—and it doesn’t help that the doctor in charge of his physical therapy is his childhood crush. Quinn’s always ready for a fight, but the bittersweet sting of unrequited love has him begging for mercy.

Dr. Kiera Finley is determined to make her medical residency a success. Six years ago, she gave in and shared a single passionate night with Quinn. Now she’s just hoping the cocky lover from her past doesn’t derail her plans for the future. Little by little, though, Kiera gets to know another side of Quinn. She knew he was a family man, devoted to his parents and brothers, but he’s also a free spirit trapped in a cage—and only she has the key. To heal both Quinn’s body and soul, Kiera’s tempted to give him a special kind of medicine.

With their own heartwarming HEAs, Sarah Robinson’s Kavanagh Legends novels can be read together or separately:
BREAKING A LEGEND
SAVING A LEGEND
BECOMING A LEGEND
CHASING A LEGEND

•••••••••

REVIEW: CHASING A LEGEND is the fourth installment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary, adult KAVANAGH LEGENDS erotic, romance series focusing on the Kavanagh family of MMA fame. This is twenty seven year old MMA manager and agent Quinn Kavanagh, and twenty four year old Dr. Kiera Finley’s story line. CHASING A LEGEND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. CHASING A LEGEND fast forwards the series approximately three years.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Quinn and Kiera) CHASING A LEGEND is a second chance story line that focuses on the rekindling romance between Kiera Finley, and Quinn Kavanagh. Six years earlier Kiera walked out of Quinn Kavanagh’s life, breaking his heart and destroying his soul. Fast forward to present day wherein Kiera is now working on her doctorate in physical therapy, and comes face to face with the man she has always loved-Quinn Kavanagh-but a man she barely recognizes since the accident that almost destroyed his life. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Quinn and Kiera, and the fall out when Kiera’s future, once again, interferes with the couple’s plans.

Quinn Kavanagh continues to struggle with the loss of the only woman he has ever loved. Six years have yet to heal his broken heart, and a near –fatal accident compounded Quinn’s agony when the object of his affection becomes his only chance for recovery. Kiera Finley’s future beckoned but leaving behind the man that she love broken more than her heart but her faith in any hope for a future with Quinn Kavanagh.

The relationship between Quinn and Kiera is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that proves twenty years of friendship and love is more powerful than a lack of communication, or misdirected thoughts about their final goodbyes. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the entire Kavanagh family, as well as new MMA manager Flynn Gallagher, who has caught the eye of the only female in the Kavanagh clan-cousin Casey. There is some great back and forth banter between all of the siblings, as well as the Kavanagh matriarch Dee.

CHASING A LEGEND is a passionate story of family, friendship, second chances and love. The premise is engaging and spicy with some amusing and playful moments. The characters are dynamic and colorful; the romance is fated, provocative and emotional. CHASING A LEGEND is a moving and captivating story from the pen of Sarah Robinson.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Breaking a Legend
Saving a Legend
Becoming a Legend
Chasing a Legend

Click here–>Read the Free Short Story Set Between Becoming a Legend and Chasing a Legend!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

“I’m leaving Legends now. My bags are packed, so be ready to go as soon as I get there,” Quinn said into the phone, his thick arm flexing as he twisted it to look at his watch.
“UK, here we come!” his older brother Kane shouted through the line. Quinn could practically see him fist-pumping the air. “You’re the best manager ever, Q!”
“Better believe it, Killer.” Quinn laughed before disconnecting the call and pushing his phone into a small interior pocket of the leather jacket that fit snugly over his chiseled back and broad shoulders.
Straddling his prized possession, a classic Ducati he’d kept in pristine condition for years, Quinn pulled on his helmet and gloves. His shaggy black hair peeked out from under the edges of the helmet, framing his face. Though covered in leather, glimpses of his love of ink showed on his neck and hands. What could not be seen was how the tattoos continued onto his chest and back as well. He loved the images, and each one had a special meaning to him—a falcon across his chest in midflight to symbolize his yearning for freedom, a dragon wrapping his arm to mark the fire in his blood, the Kavanagh family crest and motto in Gaelic on his back to represent family pride, along with phrases and names of people and moments that had made him who he was.
But the small metal bar through his eyebrow, or the piercings in his ear? Those were just for fun.
The motorcycle roared to life beneath him, easily heard from blocks away, as he pulled out onto the main street and headed for his parents’ house to meet his brother. He might not live there any longer, but he’d grown up in that house, and it would always feel like home. The whole neighborhood was his home; he knew everyone there, and everyone knew the Kavanaghs—for better or worse.
Quinn rode past the quaint houses in the Woodlawn area of the Bronx, going through a mental checklist of everything he needed to do before Kane competed next week. The International MMA Championship, held in London this year, was the biggest mixed martial arts competition in the world. Kane had won that championship the last two years, giving him the title of World’s Greatest MMA Fighter. Kane planned to win a third time next week and Quinn was eager to stand by his side when he did.
It’d been three short years since his brother had been thrust into the public spotlight after winning his first U.S. National Championship in Vegas. Quinn beamed proudly at the memory. Even though he wasn’t the one in the cage, he still felt a part of his brother’s success, having managed his entire career from the beginning. Kane’s win was Quinn’s win. It was a win for all the Kavanaghs—something they each really needed after everything the family had been through.
As he approached his parents’ street, he signaled with both his right hand and turn signal that he was switching lanes. A large truck whistled past, completely ignoring his signal. Quinn yanked the bike to the left, narrowly escaping a collision as his heart leapt into his throat.
Asshole.
Taking a deep breath to calm the adrenaline shooting through his body at the close call, Quinn carefully looked around, and once he’d confirmed that the right lane was clear, he again signaled his intentions. Sliding the bike into the right lane, he accelerated, eager to get to his childhood home.
That was his last thought before it happened.
His family.
How happy he was.
How much he loved his life.
A silver sedan parallel-parked against the curb nosed out into the right lane, directly in front of Quinn’s bike. His eyes widened as the air left his lungs, and he attempted to swerve around the sudden obstacle.
But there was no time. There was no space.
The front wheel of his bike slammed into the front wheel well of the sedan, and Quinn was weightless. He barely had a moment to blink before he was twisting through the air—over the handlebars, over his bike, over the sedan.
He heard the impact before he felt it.
His body skidding over the unforgiving pavement as wind rushed past him—a crunching, tumbling screech. Car horns firing, people screaming—or was he screaming? The echoes inside his helmet both muted and deafened.
But then he felt it, and it was fucking hell.
The crack of bones, a searing pain shooting through him. Every nerve ending in his body set on fire at the force of impact, consuming him till he was certain he couldn’t stand another second of it. Sliding across the pavement, his skin burned against the grating asphalt, his leather gear no match for the unforgiving surface.
And then it was quiet.
So fucking quiet as he stared up at the sun and waited . . . for what, he didn’t know.
He wasn’t connected to his body, but somehow trapped inside it. Quinn tried to call for help, tried to get up, but his lungs and limbs ignored his commands.
Just as his eyes began to flutter closed, the pain overtaking him, pushing him beyond what he could ever handle . . . he saw her. Her strawberry-blond hair falling down past her soft pink cheeks, the sun creating a halo behind her. Her fingertips grazed his face, and she whispered to him so softly he barely made out what she said. Light blue eyes, nearly translucent in their brightness, told him to just hold on . . . don’t let go . . . don’t give up.
And then she was gone.
And so was he.


 

 

About the Author

Sarah RobinsonSarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

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Nudes (Exposed #1) by Sarah Robinson-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

NUDES (Exposed #1) by Sarah Robinson-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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NUDES
Exposed #1
by Sarah Robinson
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Nudes

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 22, 2017

Ben Lawson is making a comeback…
After a few tabloid headlines, they think they know me. They don’t know a damn thing. As CEO of a movie production company, I’ll show them who I really am when we hit it big at the box office. My ex thought her smear tactics would ruin me, but I’m unbreakable. Rising from the debris, I swore I’d never let a woman distract me like that again. But then, my leading actress walked on the set and changed everything.

Seductive, sexy, and unapologetic, Aria Rose could break me. I wanted to help her, protect her…love her. Instead, I destroyed her.

Aria Rose is baring it all….
I knew better. I knew not to trust another Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation like his. He was my boss and became my ruin. I should have stayed far away from him. Ben Lawson promised me the world. He even promised me his heart.

But he destroyed everything–my heart, my career, us.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: NUDES is the first installment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary, adult EXPOSED romance series. This is up and coming actress Aria Rose, and new CEO of Shepherd Film Studios Ben Lawson’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aria and Ben) NUDES follows the secret and forbidden relationship between actress Aria Rose and studio head Ben Lawson. Days before taking over the reigns of Shepherd Film Studios Ben Lawson spent a wild and sex filled weekend with actress Aria Rose. Together, the couple agreed to a no-strings attached, ‘free-agents’ affair but sometimes the heart wants what the head refuses to admit. What ensues is the breakdown of trust and a violation of privacy that engulfs our leading couple.

NUDES is a story of betrayal where doubt and uncertainty leads to the destruction of love, and the breakdown of friendship and trust. The relationship between Aria and Ben is one of immediate attraction; palpable sexual chemistry and a mutual desire to be free of constraints, manipulation and public scrutiny. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of sexually graphic, over the top language and text. There is a distinct lack of communication that adds fuel to an already raging fire.

Sarah Robinson’s NUDES is not only a story of romance but a story with a message empowering women against humiliation, shaming and the rampant sexism in society today. Simple in its’ presentation, NUDES will awaken your heart and your mind to the reality of discrimination, inequality and bias in our public and personal lives. But, saying that, I struggled with the lack of emotional depth-something I thought should have been more fervent and visceral. The conflict resolution was too perfunctory- there should have been a more powerful and dramatic presentation.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nudes Teaser

 

excerpt

 

“Aria?” A deep voice cut through the crisp nighttime air.
She turned to see Ben approaching her, the shadows from the upper deck of the yacht moving across his face as he came closer. “Oh. Hi, Mr. Lawson.”
“Please, like I said, call me Ben,” he reiterated, leaning against the railing next to her.
“Right. Ben. Sorry, the last exec wasn’t quite so…”
His lips curved into a smile. “So, what?”
She wasn’t sure what to say, because her honest answer was sexy. That didn’t seem like the best thing to a man who now funded and controlled her film. “Approachable?”
Ben laughed—a deep chuckle that she felt vibrate through her bones. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
“It definitely is,” she assured him, placing a hand on his arm. The moment she touched him, she pulled back, immediately embarrassed.
He. Is. My. Boss. Get it together, Aria.
He didn’t chide her, or look uncomfortable, which she took as a good sign.
Aria returned to her original position beside him, and they stared out at the darkened water lapping the sides of all the boats docked around.
“Want to hear something funny?” Aria finally broke the silence, but kept her voice low. So low, he had to lean in to hear her.
“Tell me.”
“My parents met in this very marina. She was a caterer and he was a deckhand—still teenagers. Barely old enough to know who they were, let alone what they wanted out of life. Still, they knew what love was when they stumbled upon it, and they knew enough to never let go.” Aria’s heart beat a little faster, warming at the memories.
“Wow. Are they still together?”
Aria nodded. “Barely spent a day apart since. My mother is actually my manager, and she works insanely hard for me, but my father always comes first. He’s the love of her life.”
“Love like that is special. Rare.”
“Is it?” Aria tilted her head to the side. “I’m not sure it’s as rare as it is a choice, a commitment, and the strength to follow through each and every day. There were times they could have given up—maybe lived an easier life with someone else—but they made a decision that this was the love they wanted, this was the life they wanted, and in that choice comes a confidence, a happiness, that most people deny themselves.”
Ben was quiet for a minute. Finally, he inhaled loudly, then blew it out in one long breath. “That’s really beautiful, Aria. Hits a bit close to home, I have to admit.”
“I’m sorry.” Aria frowned, turning to face him and just leaving one elbow on the railing. “I didn’t mean—”
He shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I just finished going through a divorce about six months ago, though we’d separated the year before that. I think you’re right—love is a choice. Making love work is a choice. And yet…if it’s not with the right person, then it’s the wrong choice.”
“Soul mates.” Aria raised one brow. “You believe in that?”
Ben stared at her for a moment…a long moment. The kind of moment that made her shift her weight from one leg to the other, her skin heating under his gaze. “Yes. I believe in soul mates.”
She tilted her chin up ever so slightly, going for lightheartedness. “Well, we all have our flaws. You couldn’t be entirely perfect.”
Ben laughed again. “Believing in soul mates is a flaw?”
“Buying what you’re selling is definitely a flaw. You’re a movie producer, so you sell fantasy to the world.”
“I think we can have the fantasy.” His eyes danced, but his smile was gone. “Don’t you want the fantasy?”
Aria turned back to the ocean, looking out at the waves. This was too much, too real, too soon with a man she barely knew. A man who was pretty much her boss. “Who wouldn’t want the fantasy?” she said dismissively. “Some would say I’m already living it.”
“That’s certainly true. Everyone on this yacht, everyone in this city…Hollywood. It’s all a fantasy of some sort.” Something in his tone sounded so…sad? A small ache pulled at her heart, and she felt like they’d opened the door to something different. Something different than studio exec and actress. Something more than strangers who just met today.
Her humanity connected to his, and they were just two people standing on a boat wishing it could float them away from their picture-perfect lives.
“Do you know why I love Scarlet’s Letters?” she said softly, her voice barely above the whistle of the wind around them.
He stepped closer, his elbow pressed against hers on the railing now. “Why?”
“It’s something I can be proud of. A story I’m proud to tell. The strength of a woman in wartime, a French woman saving innocent people during the Holocaust…a woman picking her truth over a man, over love. Have you read the script?”
Ben nodded. “I have. Two years ago, when it was making the rounds. It’s powerful, and from what I’ve seen, you do an amazing job in it.”
“Thank you. When I first saw this script—or rather, read the book it’s based on—I knew I had to play this part. No matter what I had to give up. This was mine.”
She’d never connected to anything more than she had this script. It was empowering, and taught courage in the toughest of circumstances. It was a tiny snapshot of a much larger scale event, showing the decisions and atrocities suffered at such a human, personal level. It was a woman denying her own privilege and luxury to help fellow humans who didn’t have that reach.
“The way you talk about it…I’m jealous,” Ben admitted.
That got Aria’s attention, and she turned to face him. “Jealous? Of what?”
He pushed off the railing, looking up at the stars before settling on her gaze. “Passion. Excitement. Purpose. You know what you want. You know who you are and what your goals are.”
“And you don’t?” He had to be nearly thirty, if not over. Striking and fresh faced, but his features still said experience. Aria was only in her twenties, but at times she felt decades older.
Ben shook his head. “I thought I did. I built a life. Got married. Worked my way up in Maguire Industries. Everything was mapped out. Everything was…easy.”
The ache from earlier was back, the sadness in his voice. Aria placed her hand on his forearm, a comforting gesture. Partly for him, but mostly for her. She needed a physical connection when they were connecting on so much more.
“What happened?” she pried, squeezing his arm ever so slightly.
Ben looked down at her hand, his eyes lingering. He didn’t move or pull away, and when he lifted his head to face her again, there was a need in his eyes that made her insides heat. “The woman I trusted with all my secrets? She sold them to the highest bidder the moment I wasn’t able to be a stepping stone for her career.”
Aria didn’t reply, sensing there was more.
“She used every connection she had to get me blacklisted. Took everything. Now Maguire Industries acquired Shepherd Films, expecting me to fail. Pushing me out.”
“Not many would call being the CEO of a film studio a demotion,” Aria pointed out.
“When you’re used to being the landscaper, it’s hard to become the rose.”
Aria laughed, letting go of his arm. “First, soul mates. Now, roses. You’re a poetic man, Ben Lawson. A true romantic.”
Suddenly, his fingers intertwined with hers, pulling her to him. Pressing her body to his, chest to chest, heartbeat to heartbeat. His eyes never left hers, and she watched him wrestle with something…doubt, uncertainty. As if he didn’t know why he’d just hugged her to him, but then need. Pure need darkened his eyes as something deeper pushed the rest away.
Her breath was lost as she concentrated on standing, her knees already threatening to buckle. She’d taken every second of the journey with him, and now she wanted more. Something about the way he smelled ignited every nerve ending in her body. The way he held her, one arm wrapped around her back, was so secure, so comfortable, so protective, so intimately. No one had ever held her like that in her entire life.
She didn’t want him to let go.
He was fire. She wanted to leap into his flames.
“And what are you, Aria Rose?” Ben’s fingers tipped her chin upward, her eyes finding his. “Who are you?”
The words rumbled in his chest, vibrating against him as he spoke. There was a genuineness to it that terrified her, unnerved her, and completely overwhelmed her. Their souls were laid bare and he was asking for more.
A perfect stranger. A moment of truth. An absolute mistake.
She couldn’t do it. Her walls shot up and she let go of him, fear coursing through her. “I’m an actress, Mr. Lawson. Just an actress.”
And just so much more.

 

 

 

About The Author Black and Red

Sarah RobinsonSarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

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Becoming a Legend (Kavanagh Brothers #3) by Sarah Robinson-a review

BECOMING A LEGEND (Kavanagh Legends #3) by Sarah Robinson-a review

Becoming a Legend

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 13, 2016

Kane Kavanagh has always had one goal: being the best mixed martial arts fighter alive. With the MMA National Championships in Las Vegas fast approaching, the man they call “Killer” has no intention of letting anyone or anything get in his way. Somehow, though, a feisty opponent has slipped beneath his guard—and stolen his heart. Fiery and passionate, Nora Hannigan is harder to pin down than any rival Kane has faced in the ring. And she isn’t afraid to tell Kane that she wants nothing to do with him.

With her best friend about to marry into the Kavanagh family, Nora has been resisting Kane’s shameless attempts at flirting for months. But after their undeniable chemistry finally takes over, leading to the hottest night of Nora’s life, she’s running scared. There’s a lot about her life Kane doesn’t know, and she won’t be responsible for ending his career. Now Kane’s out to prove that he’s ready for commitment by winning her heart—and he’s never lost a fight.

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REVIEW: BECOMING A LEGEND is the third installment in Sarah Robinson’s contemporary, adult KAVANAGH LEGENDS MMA erotic romance series focusing on the Kavanagh family of MMA fame. This is Kane ‘Killer’ Kavanagh, and psychology student Nora Hannigan’s story line. BECOMING A LEGEND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kane and Nora) BECOMING A LEGEND focuses on Kane’s upcoming championship MMA fight, and his building relationship with Nora Hannigan- a love/hate relationship that finds Kane offering a friends with benefits proposition that Nora readily accepts. But all does not go according to plan when Nora begins to have feelings for the man who finds his relationship with Nora a distraction from his ultimate goal. When Nora’s past threatens to destroy her hard-fought foray into higher education, Kane and his family immerse themselves into Nora’s life. What ensues is the building love between two people who continue to push at one another’s boundaries, and Kane’s decision that could destroy a career that he has fought for long and hard.

The relationship between Kane and Nora begins acrimoniously. There back and forth banter is fraught with tension, sexual energy, and a passionate foreplay of give and take that hides a palpable attraction between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and hot.

All of the previous story line couples, and the Kavanagh family play secondary and supporting roles including Rory and Clare, and Kane’s twin brother Kieran whose wedding to Fiona Doherty is high on the list of priorities for the Kavanagh family.
The world building continues to focus on the sport of mixed-martial arts: the family involvement, the upcoming championship fight, and some of the behind the scenes irregularities and threats from an outside source.

BECOMING A LEGEND is a sexy and sometime heartbreaking story about one woman’s struggle to keep one step ahead of the past; and one man’s battle between the woman he loves, and a championship he has worked towards his entire life. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is intimate and provocative. BECOMING A LEGEND will intoxicate your senses, and leave you breathless for more.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Breaking a Legend
Saving a Legend
Becoming a Legend

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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