Beg For You (Rocktown Ink #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review & Excerpt Tour

BEG FOR YOU (Rocktown Ink #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2019

Ten years. Ten endless years I’ve waited to destroy the man who tore my family apart. But I never thought I’d get the chance… until his daughter walked into my tattoo parlour, looked me in the eye — and had no damned clue who I was.

I never planned on falling for Cassandra Deighton. She’s silk scarves and manicures. I’m scars and rage. Yet I can’t resist when she begs for more, my ice queen who burns with enough heat to sear the soul.

I need to end this. Before she finds out who I am. Before she gets hurt.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. We both have our scars, and if the truth comes out, we could lose everything.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  BEG FOR YOU is the first instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult ROCKTOWN INK erotic romance series focusing on the Calero family who own and operate the tattoo shop Rocktown Ink. This is twenty-nine year old, tattoo artist and owner Joel ‘Cal’ Calero, and art gallery owner Cassandra Deighton’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cassandra and Cal) BEG FOR YOU follows the enemies to lovers / opposites attract relationship between twenty six-year old art gallery owner Cassandra Deighton, and twenty-nine year old, tattoo artist Joel ‘Cal’ Calero. Ten years earlier Cal’s life was destroyed when an accident left him scarred, and the finger of guilt was pointed in his direction. Losing his family gave Cal thoughts of revenge, revenge he was about to impart using any means necessary. Enter Cassandra Deighton, a beautiful but badly scarred young woman looking to take back control of her life. What ensues is the building relationship between Cal and Cassandra, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Cassandra had no idea her father was about to lose the family ranch. In an effort to save face, Cassandra is offered as ‘payment’ in return for saving the business and the Deighton family legacy. Cassie wants nothing to do with her father’s plans, plans that threaten all semblance of freedom for our story line heroine. Hoping to push the envelope, our heroine goes in search of someone with the ability to tattoo over her scars, scars burned into her flesh ten years earlier.

Joel ‘Cal’ Calero knew the moment Cassandra stepped into his shop, revenge was close at hand but Cal never expected to fall in love with the platinum blonde beauty, a woman he once thought of as an ice-cold and frigid. The relationship between Cal and Cassandra is predicted upon a lie, a lie of omission as Cal struggles with his attraction to the woman whose father he is hoping to destroy. Cal believes Cassandra is a spoiled princess, but Cassandra sees beyond Cal’s own scars and tattoos, sees the man with whom she will fall in love. Desperate for an escape to forget about life for a while, our heroine returns to Rocktown Ink for much more than her scheduled tattoo. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Cal’s younger brother Dane, and their cousin Logan aka Bull; Cassandra’s grandmother, her father Lyall Deighton, their neighbour Spencer Livingston; as well as Cassanda’s friend Ted.

BEG FOR YOU is a story of betrayal, vengeance, secrets and lies; a story of grief and loss; of retribution and revelations. The premise is dramatic; the characters are broken and energetic; the romance is steamy, sexy and hot. BEG FOR YOU is a spicy, sensitive, and spirited introduction to Sherilee Gray’s ROCKTOWN INK world.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature readers due to strong language and content

Cal
She didn’t recognize me.
But then my name wouldn’t have tipped her off. Cal was a nickname, a shortened version of my surname Calero. Cassandra wouldn’t know that, Chris had called me by my first name, Joel.
Through a small gap, the only piece of glass door not covered in pictures, I watched Cassandra Deighton get into her car and shut the door.
Jesus. Even after ten years she still seemed as untouchable as she had then. That coating of frost she’d made sure I felt whenever I was around her hadn’t thawed. The only time I’d seen her soften was around her horses. Daddy’s perfect angel. She’d been an ice queen in the making back then. Is that who she was now?
What would her father say if he knew she was getting inked up? If he knew who was going to be decorating her rich-girl skin?
I gripped the handle. I needed to go out there before she left, put a stop to this, tell her that I’d made a mistake, that I couldn’t fit her in after all. But I couldn’t make my damn feet move. I fucking stood there and watched her drive away.
The last time I’d seen her she’d been walking up the stairs in her house, dressed to the nines, dolled up for one of her father’s fancy dinner parties. She hadn’t seen me, had missed the night’s entertainment when I’d been escorted from the property, whispers and looks of accusation following me as I was dragged out and told not to come back.
The poor Rocktown kid, the bad seed who had led Lyall Deighton’s perfect son astray then dared to show his ugly face at their doorstep and remind them of what had happened. All I’d wanted was to see if Cassandra was okay. I knew she’d been hurt, but I had no idea how badly.
That was the first time her father publicly blamed me for Chris’s death.
My fist collided with the doorframe, a rough growl erupting past my lips, rage a twisted knot in my gut. I should have followed her from my shop. I should have told her not to come back.
Would you be able to even form the damn words to tell her to take a hike?
I felt my skin heat and gritted my teeth. Yeah, I’d seen the horrified look on her face when she’d gotten a good look at me, the tilt of her head when my speech was slow, measured. It pissed me the fuck off. Frustration, the kind I hadn’t felt in a long time, settled in my gut. The TBI—traumatic brain injury—I’d suffered when I was thrown from the car had changed my whole life, and even after all this time I still had moments when I struggled with my speech. The words didn’t always come easy and I had to think hard, get them right in my head, before I spoke.
“Fuck.” Of all the tattoo shops Cassandra could have strutted her snooty ass into, she’d chosen mine. Why did I agree to work on her? I’d lost my motherfucking mind. Shit, if she knew who she’d asked to cover those scars…

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn’t writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

Share

Merciless King by Sherilee Gray-a review

MERCILESS KING (Lawless Kings #5) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2019

Two years ago Van King killed a man and saved my life.

I’ve thought about the handsome private investigator every day since, fantasized about what would happen when I finally saw him again. And when I do, it’s far from the reunion of my dreams.

A copycat serial killer wants to finish what I barely survived. Van rushes to my side once more, and shows me the man he truly is: protective, possessive, merciless, especially when it comes to me and my safety. He thinks I’m afraid of him. But I’ve loved Van from the moment his dark, enigmatic gaze met mine.

This time, I won’t allow my fear or debilitating shyness to rule me. I sure as hell won’t hide from the heat that explodes between us while I’m under his protection. No, I’ll welcome it and beg for more

••••••••••••

REVIEW: MERCILESS KING is the fifth and final instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic), high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is eldest King brother and security specialist Van King, and florist London Rivera.

Told from dual first person points of view (Van and London) MERCILESS KING follows in the aftermath of an attack that left our heroine close to death. Two years earlier, while on stake out for another case, Van King saved the life of London Rivera when a serial killer targeted our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day wherein a copycat killer has set his sights on London Rivera, a killer who has vowed to finish the job. Desperate for help when the police are unable to prove her theory, London approaches the King Agency in an effort to hire the man she never forgot. Enter Van King, the man with whom London will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between London and Van, and the potential fall-out as Van pushes London out of his life and directly into the direct line of fire.

Van King has never forgotten about the woman that had called to his heart but Van doesn’t believe in happily ever afters especially for someone like himself. London Rivera struggles with what was and what may never be but threats against our story line heroine find London facing the fight of her life.

The relationship between London and Van is one of immediate attraction but Van knew London needed time to heal. Having ‘stalked’ our heroine from afar, Van believes he is unworthy of London’s love when our heroine demands more than his protection and security. Tormented and torn Van knows his time with London comes with a deadline. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Detective Connor Daniels, a man who takes a personal interest in London’s safety. The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the previous story line couples: Van’s brother Hunter and his wife Lulu, as well as fellow partners and security specialists Sunny and Zeke, Ruby and Neco, Willa and Jude; London’s friend and co-worker Erin. The requisite evil has many faces.

MERCILESS KING is a story of family, obsession, vengeance and love. The premise is captivating and energetic; the characters are dynamic ; the romance is seductive and hot. MERCILESS KINGS is an emotional final instalment in the Lawless Kings romantic suspense series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shattered King
Broken Rebel
Beautiful Killer
Ruthless Protector
Glorious Sinner 4.5
Merciless King

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Demon’s Temptation (Knights of Hell #3) by Sherilee Gray-a review

DEMON’S TEMPTATION (Knights of Hell #3) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2019

Half demon and club owner Brent Silva lives and breathes control—in all things. He’ll never give into the constant cravings of his incubus side again. Revenge against the ancient demon who almost broke him is all that matters. Until a captivating female, hell bent on pushing him to his limits, storms into his life and makes him hunger for so much more.

Waitress Chaya Westbrook is determined to join the war against the demons hunting her kind. And if her first assignment also helps her prove to her maddening boss that she’s more than capable of giving him exactly what he needs, in and out of the bedroom, she’s all for it.

But when the heat between them becomes impossible to resist, the dark secrets of Brent’s past are revealed. Will the truth finally set him free or tear away the only female he’s ever loved?

••••••••

REVIEW: DEMON’S TEMPTATION is the third instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult KNIGHTS OF HELL erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on a group of demon hunters known as the Knights of Hell, warriors whose birth was ordained by the mating of angels and demons. This is Demi-demon(s)and night club owner Brent Silva, and half-demon, waitress Chaya Westbrook’s story line. DEMON’S TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. An important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: DEMON’S TEMPTATION contains M/M, Domme/sub and BDSM sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brent and Chaya) DEMON’S TEMPTATION follows the building relationship between half-demons Brent Silva and Chaya Westbrook. Brent Silva wants Chaya Westbrook but his dark and sexually deviant past forces our hero to keep his distance from the woman that calls to his heart. Discovering that Chaya is working for a group of renegades in an effort to help the Knights of Hell, Brent is desperate to prove that they belong together. What ensues is the building sexual and romantic relationship between Brent and Chaya, and the potential fall-out as Brent’s past continues to haunt his days and nights.

Chaya Westbrook knows she is not a submissive but trying to convince the man that call to her heart that what she needs is not necessarily what she wants is easier than expected. Brent Silva is a succubus, and as such, his sexual needs are unlike those of most demons and men but trying to hide his nature from the woman he loves wracks our hero with humiliation and shame. Broken and struggling with sins of the past, Brent is unwilling to open up fearing the loss of Chaya’s love.

The relationship between Chaya and Brent begins as a working arrangement; a friends to lovers, Domme/sub relationship wherein Brent needs what Chaya is offering, a chance to submit to the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense.

The colourful secondary and supporting characters include Chaya’s sister Mia Westbrook and her demon hunting mate Zenon (Knight’s Salvation #2), Eve and Lazarus (Knight’s Redemption #1), as well as Victor, a man whose interest in Chaya is questionable and misdirected.

The world building focuses on the BDSM and Domme/sub relationship between our leading couple, detracting from the demon-hunting/angels and demons aspect of the first two instalments.

DEMON’S TEMPTATION is a story of betrayal, secrets, obsession and love. The premise is engaging, captivating and provocative; the romance is impassioned and steamy; the characters are determined, broken and energetic. DEMON’S TEMPTATION is a sensual and sexual look at want and need.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Knight’s Redemption
Knight’s Salvation
Demon’s Temptation

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Knight’s Salvation (Knights of Hell #2) by Sherilee Gray-a review

KNIGHT’S SALVATION (Knights of Hell #2) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: November 26, 2018

Demon hunter Zenon lives with a dark secret. When he escaped Hell, he didn’t leave alone—and he’ll do anything to keep the shameful reason hidden. But when an intoxicating demi-demon, new to her powers, has him breaking all his own rules just to be near her, he knows he’s in serious trouble.

Painfully aware of being different, Mia Westbrook has always kept herself apart from others. Yet her new demon life comes with strings attached, namely one scarred and broodingly seductive knight who storms into her world—and her heart—and may just be her perfect match.

But a formidable evil has been watching, and is determined to tear them apart. They want Zenon back in Hell, with them, where he belongs…

•••••••••

REVIEW: KNIGHT’S SALVATION is the second instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult KNIGHTS OF HELL erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on a group of demon hunters known as the Knights of Hell, warriors whose birth was ordained by the mating of angels and demons. These ‘Knights’ hunt the demons who make life a living h*ll on earth for everyone involved. This is demon hunter Zenon, and demi-demon Mia Westbrook’s story line. KNIGHT’S SALVATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: KNIGHT’S SALVATION may contain triggers for more sensitive readers due to the nature of the story line content.

Told from several third person points of view including Zenon and Mia KNIGHT’S SALVATION follows demon hunter Zenon as he struggles with his attraction to demi-demon Mia Westbrook. Mia knows she is a half-human, half-demon hybrid; and with it comes immense power that is oft-times unstable, without the ability to control. Knowing she is expected to live and train with the Knights of Hell, Mia is shocked when her attraction to demon hunter Zenon causes all kinds of problems for our story line hero. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Mia and Zenon, and the potential fall-out as Zenon’s time on earth has an end date when Zenon is forced back into hell.

Zenon is unlike the other hunters. Our hero is a hell-born demon hunter; more demon than angel, and thusly his life is all about chaos, power and control. Broken and scarred, Zenon struggles with his attraction to Mia, a woman he knows to be his fated mate. With needs beyond that which he can control, Zenon is willing to sacrifice himself to save the woman with whom he is falling in love. Mia Westbrook has always known she is the product of a human and demon mating but her powers are growing beyond that which she is able to control, powers that attract the pure-bred demons. Hoping to live a life as normal as possible, Mia battles her attraction to, and hatred for the man that continues to break her heart.

The relationship between Zenon and Mia is contemptuous at best. Zenon refuses to accept Mia as his mate but he is unwilling to let go knowing his beast is but a heartbeat from breaking free and destroying it all. The push and pull, back and forth, up and down of Zenon’s emotions is overwhelming and constant. Ashamed and humiliated about his life and what he must endure, Zenon continues to push Mia at every encounter. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the reappearance of Lazarus and Eve (Knight’s Redemption #1), Knights of Hell leader Chaos, James, Gunner, Kryos and his mate Meredith, and Rocco; as well as Silas-the angel who trains and watches over the Knights. The requisite evil has many faces.

KNIGHT’S SALVATION is a story of heartbreak, endurance, struggle and pain. The premise is engaging, emotional and disturbing; the characters are colorful, dynamic and dangerous; the romance is hot and heavy. KNIGHT’S SALVATION is also a familiar story line in that the male lead, and the struggles he has had to, and continues to endure are intensely recognizable and similar to another author’s well-known, broken, vampire warrior hero. From the name similarities (Z). same physical attributes and manifestations, tattoos and scars, to the background history and suffering, Zenon’s resemblance to said broken vampire are too numerous to ignore.

Click HERE for Sandys review of book one-KNIGHT’S REDEMPTION

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Sherilee Gray writes sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance. Stories full of heat and high emotion, following stubborn characters as they fight against the odds… and their happily ever after. She’s a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful NZ with her husband and their two children. When not writing or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Twitter /

Sign up for Sherilee’s newsletter for updates and giveaways:http://www.sherileegray.com/contactne…

Share

Ruthless Protector (Lawless Kings #4) by Sherilee Gray-a review

RUTHLESS PROTECTOR (Lawless Kings #4) by Sherilee Gray-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 13,2018

The first time I saw my landlord Jude Wayland, with his gentle brown eyes and a body built to do damage, I knew he was trouble. Sure, he has the nice guy routine mastered, but I’m not buying it. In my experience, no one does a good deed for free.

Now that he’s seen me at my lowest, the sexy P.I with a white knight complex wants to uncover my secrets. He also has me craving more of his sizzling kisses. But I can’t give in to my feelings for him. I promised my sister that I’d raise her daughter without a man, and I won’t let her down again.

Yet as my past catches up with me, bringing danger to our door, I’ll have to make a choice — let Jude in and betray my sister, or run, leaving behind the only man I’ve ever loved.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RUTHLESS PROTECTOR is the fourth instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic), high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is King Security PI and former police officer Jude Wayland, and waitress/exotic dancer Willa Hartley’s story line. RUTHLESS PROTECTOR 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 first person points of view (Willa and Jude) RUTHLESS PROTECTOR follows the acrimonious relationship between King Security PI and former police officer Jude Wayland, and waitress/exotic dancer Willa Hartley. Jude Wayland knows something is going on with his new tenant: mysterious strangers, and threats against her life, as well as her most recent venture into the world of exotic dancing find Jude going into protector mode as it pertains to the independent and untrusting Willa Hartley. The sole provider for her eight-year old niece Tilly, Willa becomes desperate enough to take on a position at the local exotic dance club, desperate enough when threats of another nature come knocking at her door. What ensues is the building relationship between Jude and Willa, and the potential fall-out as Willa continues to keep secret the who and why behind to threats to her life, and our heroine’s inability to trust threatens her relationship with the man that she loves.

Willa Hartley’s need for independence, and her inability to trust promote an aura of unfriendly and harsh. Our heroine’s aggressive attitude and unwillingness to ask for help threatens not only her life but the life of her eight-year old niece, and in this, she is a difficult heroine to like and accept. A little bit of TSTL (too stupid to live) syndrome does not make for an enjoyable character. Willa’s character development is questionable until the very end, and someone points out the truth of her actions against the man that she loves. Jude Wayland knows loss, and it is this loss that exaggerates his need to protect Willa and Tilly, an exaggeration that brings with it too many heart breaking memories of the past.

RUTHLESS PROTECTOR has a colorful cast of secondary and supporting characters all of whom interact with our story line couple. From fellow exotic dancers, the local cartel, the men and women who work for the King Security Agency, and the requisite evil with many faces, RUTHLESS PROTECTOR is a character driven story line about family, friendship, betrayal and love. The premise is engaging; the leading characters are broken and charismatic; the romance struggles in the face of our heroine’ s inability to trust or ask for help when it is needed the most.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shattered King
Broken Rebel
Beautiful Killer
Ruthless Protector

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Beautiful Killer (Lawless Kings #3) by Sherilee Gray-a review

BEAUTIFUL KILLER (Lawless Kings #3) by Sherilee Gray-a review

Beautiful Killer

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

About the book: Release Date January 9, 2018

She’s wanted a big family ever since her distant father and cold stepfamily isolated her from affection. He’s an ex-SEAL sniper with PTSD.

Too bad she’s been told she can never have children, never have a family of her own.

Too bad he’s shut off his heart from love.

What do you do when one secret could bring you ultimate happiness…or destroy everything you hold close?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL KILLER is the third instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic) and high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is King Security PI, sniper and ex Navy SEAL Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny’s story line. BEAUTIFUL KILLER 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 first person perspectives (Sunny and Zeke) BEAUTIFUL KILLER follows the unconventional relationship between PI and sniper Zeke Stanton, and jewelry designer Sunny. When her blind date was a no-show Sunny propositioned the stranger at the bar, a man so intense and dark, she couldn’t help but be attracted like a moth to a flame. Enter Zeke Stanton, broken and embattled ex-Navy SEAL whose demons continue to ride him hard. What ensues is the sex only arrangement between our leading couple that grows into something following an attack on our heroine by an unknown assailant. Left alone, and with no where to turn Sunny approaches the security specialists at King Agency only to come face to face with the man with whom she was falling in love.

Zeke Stanton is a broken man, an ex-Navy SEAL who suffers nightmares, PTSD and survivors remorse following the last mission that went all to h*ll. Working for high school friend and fellow Navy SEAL Van King, Zeke continues to place himself in dangerous situations while on assignment, with the possibility of never coming home alive. Meeting the beautiful and talented Sunny begins to melt the ice around our hero’s heart but Zeke wants nothing to do with family or relationships forcing a stricken Sunny to move forward, alone.

The relationship between Sunny and Zeke begins as a one-night stand that turns into something more. Zeke wants nothing to do with a forever kind of love but he finds himself unable to walk away from the woman that calls to his heart. Days, weeks and months of emotionless $ex begin to push at our story line couple until news of a different sort finds Sunny at a crossroads towards the future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Hunter King and Lulu Frost (Shattered King #1), and Neco Malik and Ruby Styles (Broken Rebel #2), and co-owner of the King Agency Van King. We are introduced to Sunny’s step-sister Julia and her husband Bobby Grant, as well as Zeke’s parents Ron and Jane Stanton.

BEAUTIFUL KILLER is an emotional story line of one man who is unable to move on from the past, and one woman whose history of rejection continues to push her forward-alone. The premise is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are charismatic but damaged; the romance is seductive and fierce.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shattered King
Broken Rebel
Beautiful Killer

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Broken Rebel (Lawless Kings #2) by Sherilee Gray-a review

BROKEN REBEL (Lawless Kings #2) by Sherilee Gray-a review

Broken Rebel

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 10, 2017

They used to be best friends…but now, all they do is fight each other at every turn. She’s loved him since he saved her from her evil stepmother all those years ago. He’s sworn to never love her for fear of tainting her innocence with his criminal past.
What do you do when the one person you love is the one person you can’t have?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BROKEN REBEL is the second installment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic) and high-risk fugitive recovery, missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is King Security tracker Neco Malik , and King Agency receptionist Ruby Styles’ story line. BROKEN REBEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Ruby and Neco) SHATTERED REBEL looks at the friends to lovers relationship between King Agency employees Ruby Styles and Neco Malik. Growing up on the mean streets meant Neco was all about protecting the people whom he loved including his childhood friend Ruby Styles. The early years were never good for our leading couple but Ruby suffered at the hands of the people who were tasked with loving and caring for our younger heroine. Fast forward to present day where Ruby finds herself on the outside looking in as the man she has always loved looks beyond the woman to see the child within. Hoping to gain respect and their trust Ruby sets about proving she is just as capable as the men she works for at the King Agency by seeking employment somewhere else. But Ruby’s life is about to get a whole lot worse when our heroine is targeted but an unknown source. What ensues is the building love and fracturing relationship between Ruby and Neco, and the potential fall out when the past come back, looking for revenge.

Neco Malik struggles with his attraction to the woman that calls to his heart. From an early age Ruby saw Neco as her protector and her Superman but Neco believed himself to be the villain, and in doing so, sets about to destroy our heroine’s heart. Ruby’s love for Neco never wavers in the face of our hero’s less than stellar actions and attitude, including his attempts to dissuade Ruby through intimidation and threats.

The relationship between Ruby and Neco is a friends to lovers, back and forth friendship wherein Ruby believes that to be accepted she must prove herself worthy by walking away and never looking back. Neco’s need for Ruby is palpable but his treatment of our heroine is questionable including the push and pull of sexual attraction. Saying that, Ruby knows how to push Neco’s buttons as well, including going rogue as she sets out to meet up with a potential threat to her life. The co-dependent relationship between Ruby and Neco borders on heartbreaking and problematic. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Hunter King and his fiancee Lulu Frost (Shattered King #1), Hunter’s older brother Van King, and their guardian Raul Esposito; King Agency employees: former police officer Jude Wayland, and ex-navy SEAL sniper Zeke Stanton. We are introduced to Ruby’s roommate Scott, PI Harry Hains, as well as Neco’s mother Celeste Malik. The requisite evil has many familiar faces.

The world building continues to look at the camaraderie between the King Agency employees, most of who have known one another for most of the lives. The simmering relationship and attraction between Ruby and Neco is apparent to everyone but Neco refuses to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

BROKEN REBEL is a story of family and friendship; of one man’s struggle to move on from the past, and one woman’s need to be accepted for the woman she has become. The premise is engaging and emotional; the characters are broken, colorful and charismatic; the romance struggles in the face of unrequited love, perceived notions and one man’s battle with his demons.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-SHATTERED KING

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Shattered King (Lawless Kings #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review, Excerpt & Interview

SHATTERED KING (Lawless Kings #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review, Excerpt & Interview

Shattered King

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

About the book: Release Date June 27, 2017

What if the man you love hated you more with every breath he took?

SHATTERED KING is an intense, ultra-sexy standalone novel set in the world of the Lawless Kings. Sherilee Gray’s raw, hard, beautiful, deeply-emotional voice will leave readers breathless.

He’s out to get revenge for a crime he didn’t commit…

Hunter King just got out of prison. Incarcerated for three years though an innocent man, his rage against the people who put him there knows no bounds. First up on his list for vengeance: the woman who betrayed him years ago. The woman he loved fiercely, the one bright light in his otherwise hard, ruthless life. She has information he needs. And he’s going to kidnap her, hold her hostage, in order to get it. But one look into Lulu’s eyes unleashes the true beast within. Hunter’s never hated anyone this deeply, or wanted any woman this badly.

Lulu had no choice: Either help send Hunter to prison, or see him destroyed. She couldn’t do that to the man she loved. Couldn’t do it to the father of her child. But Hunter was locked away before he had a chance to learn about his son—and a hard layer of despair has formed around his heart that she’s desperate to crack. And if Hunter is to give himself and Lulu a second chance at love, he needs to find a way past his darkest demons.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SHATTERED KING is the first installment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult LAWLESS KINGS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the King Agency doing personal protection and security, private investigation (corporate and domestic) and high-risk fugitive recovery and missing persons and kidnapping investigations. This is Hunter King, and Lucinda (Lulu) Frost’s story line.

NOTE: SHATTERED KING contains graphic scenarios that may be triggers for some readers including attempted rape, abuse and questionable consent.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lulu and Hunter) SHATTERED KING is a story of second chances. Three years and four months earlier Hunter King found himself charged for a crime he did not commit. The one person who would have been able to clear his name refused to testify for the man that she loved. Enter Lulu Frost, the woman who destroyed Hunter King’s heart. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Hunter and Lucinda, and the struggle to stay one step ahead of the man hoping to destroy them all.

Lulu Frost has been on the run since the day she walked out of Hunter King’s life. With her past hunting her whereabouts, Lulu must return to the town where everything went wrong but finds herself imprisoned by the very man she betrayed-at a cost. But Lulu keeps secret the truth from all those years ago and once revealed will place her on a path towards a future-with or without the man that she has always loved.

Hunter King is a changed man since the day he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Angry, determined and in desperate need of revenge, Hunter will make Lulu’ s life a living h*ll but for all intents and purposes, Hunter is a man still in love with the woman who betrayed his heart and soul. It is only when Lulu reveals the truth will Hunter’s change his path towards a happily ever after with the woman he loves

The relationship between Lulu and Hunter is one of second chances. There is a palpable sexual energy that is both heightened and damaged by Hunter’s behavior and actions towards our story line heroine. In the early stages of the book Hunter’s actions are reprehensible; his behavior and treatment of Lulu Frost is abusive, damaging and not without some questionable consent. The $ex scenes are angry, intense, seductive and promising.

We are introduced to Hunter’s older brother Van King, their guardian Raul Esposito, King Agency employees: former police officer Jude Wayland, PA Ruby Styles, ex-navy SEAL sniper Zeke Stanton, and tracker Neco Malik; Lulu’s ailing mother Elizabeth, and step-father Pierce, as well as Lulu’s Aunt Sara. Neco and Ruby’s story line is next in BROKEN REBEL.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance between Lulu and Hunter, and the lengths Hunter will go to to protect the woman he has always loved. At times, Lulu Frost, is determined to push all of Hunter’s buttons, including placing herself in direct conflict to everything meant to protect her life.

SHATTERED KING is a dark, sexy, heartbreaking and emotional story of revenge, betrayal, and second chances. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are passionate, colorful and energetic; the romance is edgy and powerful. SHATTERED KING is an excellent start to a new series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Excerpt provider by St. Martin’s Press

I blinked several times, working the heaviness from my eyes. Somehow I’d fallen asleep, locked in this room, surrounded by people that thought I was lower than dirt. God knows how I managed that, especially after what happened in that bathroom. I shivered. Every time I thought about it, my body heated. I was more screwed up than I thought.
The light in the room was diluted, gray. I guessed sometime late in the afternoon.
I froze. I wasn’t alone.
Hunter. His volatile energy filled the room, saturated it. My skin prickled and I sucked in a sharp breath. I didn’t move, stayed right where I was. I had no desire to find out what came next. I was still here for a reason. I didn’t know what that reason was, but considering the way he felt about me, things were not looking great.
“I know you’re awake.”
His voice was rough, low, but not angry for once. Something else, something I couldn’t name, set off little zaps of electricity in my lower belly. I’d decided before I fell asleep that I was done talking. Every time I opened my mouth, I pissed him off. And since he didn’t believe a word that came out of it, I was going to save my energy. With that in mind, I sat up, shoved my hair back from my face, and waited.
He was standing at the foot of the bed, arms crossed over his wide chest, chin dipped, head tilted, eyes locked on me. I couldn’t read his expression. But he was studying me in a way that made me want to squirm.
His jaw tightened, not much, but enough that I saw it. That gaze got more intense, so intense I couldn’t hold it any longer. I picked at the hem of my T-shirt, fidgeting.
“Why?” he said into the quiet room.
That’s it. That one word. I knew what he was asking. I’d heard that one word, Hunter’s voice, echoing in my head, for three years. The pain and anger distorting it as he was dragged away by prison guards.
I had nothing.
Nothing I was prepared to give, anyway. I made myself meet his gaze. It wasn’t easy. God, how I wanted to tell him everything, but I couldn’t and clamped my mouth shut instead. I refused to put Josh at risk just to appease my guilt. No good would come from telling him what happened, not now. Nothing would change. Nothing would make any of this all right. If I knew without doubt that Josh was Hunter’s, maybe I’d open my mouth. But I didn’t know that. Telling Hunter would only turn a spotlight on my little boy. It would make him a target, if he weren’t already. I’d die before I did that.
Hunter’s expression hardened. “You fucking owe me an explanation.”
I didn’t move, didn’t blink, just kept my eyes locked on his and my mouth shut.
He shook his head. “What did I ever do to you, Lulu? To make you hate me so damn much?”
I jolted, a full body spasm. Oh God. It was him. There he was. My Hunter. Just a glimpse of the man I loved beyond reason. It hurt to see him again. I wasn’t prepared for it. I looked down at my hands, tears stinging my nose, the back of my eyes. I swallowed down the lump threatening to choke me. My tattered heart couldn’t take much more of this.
I felt his gaze hot on me, waiting. Hoping I’d give him what he needed, give him the answers he wanted. I couldn’t do it.
Finally, after what felt like forever, he hissed through his teeth.
I looked up, couldn’t help it. His eyes were back to that cold, dead stare. He was gone again.
He tilted his head toward the door. “Time to go.”
I wanted to ask where, but since I’d just made a point of not talking, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut. I stood as he opened the door and followed him back upstairs.

 

 

Interview seafoam:black

TRC: Hi Sherilee and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of SHATTERED KING

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please
tell us something about yourself?

Sherilee GrayFollow: Website / Goodreads / Twitter /

Sherilee:  Thanks so much for having me here! Well, I live in a small town in rural New Zealand with my husband and two kids. I’ve had quite a few jobs over the years, office manager, bank teller, sales assistant, and after I had my children, I painted and sold my artwork. I even fancied myself a chief for a while and did some training before working in a restaurant. But nothing was ever the right fit, not until I started writing about eight years ago. I haven’t looked back since!

TRC:Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Sherilee: So many romance authors. So many amazing books! After years of devouring romance novels, I knew I wanted to try writing myself. I had all these ideas, all these stories in my head. One night I just sat down and started.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Sherilee: I struggled a lot in school, and when I started writing I had to go right back to basics. It was hard going, but writing and being published was what I wanted so I persevered. And of course, there are the rejections. Most of us them, and no matter what stage you are at in your writing journey, they never get any easier.

TRC: You write novels in several different genres. Which do you prefer? Which do you find more difficult?

Sherilee: I don’t really find one more difficult than the other, just different. I don’t think I can pick one I prefer! I love them all 🙂

Shattered KingTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of SHATTERED KING and the LAWLESS KINGS series?

Sherilee: I love an alpha hero. I also love anti-heroes, and both describe the men in this series. These guys may be P.I’s, but let’s just say they’re not exactly law-abiding citizens. They’re hard, and rough around the edges, products of the crap they’ve been through in their lives. They’re also loyal to a fault, and extremely protective. And the women that crash into their lives shove these big, bad, emotionally stunted alpha guys right out of their comfort zones. With Shattered King, I used two of my favorite tropes, second chances, and enemies to lovers, the result was some serious fireworks. I loved every moment of writing it.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Sherilee: Honestly? My plots can be a little wacky, and I tend to just go with it. As far as believability goes? I can believe almost anything if it’s executed well, and that’s what I try very hard to do. It’s the characters that make each story unique or unpredictable no matter what trope/setting etc you use in your story.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic, and erotica in many of today’s popular contemporary fiction. What do you believe accounts for the differences between the sub-genres in today’s romantic stories?

Sherilee: Romance and erotic romance are all about the Happily Ever After, or at least a Happy For Now. In erotic romance, the developing sexual relationship between the H\h is hugely important for character growth and getting to that all important HEA/HFN. In erotica, Happily Ever Afters aren’t necessary.

TRC: Where should authors draw the line when writing romance vs erotic vs erotica story lines?

Sherilee: I think it’s up to the author.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Sherilee: I think a great cover definitely helps!

TRC: When writing a story line, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Sherilee: I direct my characters…though, I do often end up where I hadn’t anticipated going. I’d love to be one of those authors that wake up to a story fully formed in their minds and characters yanking it up. Alas, that has never happened.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the story line so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Sherilee: I don’t know about other writers, but there are several things I do. If I can, I draw from my own experiences, research if I can’t, and I also work really hard at putting myself in my character’s shoes while I’m writing. I want their reactions to be as believable as possible. Which is why writing those emotional scenes can be extremely draining.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the story line direction? Characters?

Sherilee: I listen to music while I draft a book. The music doesn’t really influence the direction of a story, but it can inspire me. I always try and choose songs that fit the mood of the book I’m writing.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Sherilee: My author friends. I have a small group of amazing ladies that are not only talented and knowledgeable, but extremely supportive as well. I couldn’t be without them. Also, my sister! I talk her ear off and she makes all the right noises when I’m freaking out about something.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Sherilee: That writing is easy because we’re doing what we love.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Sherilee: If I could, I’d live somewhere remote, like an island with a tiny population. I’m a total introvert (Then again, maybe that’s not so secret!)

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Sherilee: A proposal for a new series 🙂

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Cheese

Favorite Dessert
Apple crumble

Favorite TV Show
Too hard to pick!

Last Movie You Saw
Can’t remember!

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush
Tom Hardy (also not so secret!)

Last Vacation Destination
The beach

Do you have any pets?
Two cats

Last book you read

Blood Vow by JR Ward

TRC:Thank you Sherilee for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

Sherilee:  Thank you!

Share