Saturday 31 October 2015

Review ~ Jack & Jill Series by Jewel E Ann ~ End of Day and Middle of Knight


Book Descriptions:

End of Day (Jack and Jill #1)

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.

Four caskets. Two bodies.

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.

Six months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy.

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don't kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.


Middle of Knight (Jack and Jill #2)

The living seek forgiveness. The dead seek revenge.

A first love.
A last breath.
A haunting past.

Armed with a sinful past and an equally sinful body, Jackson Knight absolves his vow of celibacy to pursue Sergeant Monaghan’s unsuspecting—older—housekeeper.

Ryn Middleton, on the cusp of turning forty with a snarky daughter, a killer dog, and an abusive ex-husband, finds Jackson’s advances humorous and unbelievable. After intense negotiations including Vera Wang, Ed Sheeran, and sex four times a day, Ryn accepts Jackson’s marriage proposal on their first date.

What could possibly go wrong?

While struggling to lay claim to the woman of the dreams he never had, Jackson is forced to deal with a grief-stricken Jillian trying to hold on to her past without letting go of her future—the doctor who took her heart and the Sergeant who gave her a new one.

Beyond the hope for light, lies the middle of darkness, the illusion of truth, and a haunting past.

Buy Links:

End of Day


Middle of Knight



Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars


“Because everybody needs somebody.”


These books will have you crying with laughter one minute and crying with sadness the next.
These twins are hysterical, yet tragic.
This is a suspense type read, yet it is a romance, oh and could even be a comedy.
These are books of contradictions.


“So, a kiss is an RSVP to your vagina that says: I. Will. Be. There.”


It is really hard to say anything about these books without giving too much away so this is going to be one of those vague reviews, but I will say that these books are as equally thrilling as they are emotional and equally serious as they are funny. As you know I love my emotional reads and these two books definitely quenched that thirst, but in equal measures my thirst for fantastic dialogue was also met.

Jackson and Jillian Knight are twins that have had to relocate because of their past and have left their real identities of Jude and Jessica Day way behind in their wake. The powers that be have set them up in an ageing district called Peaceful Woods. Mostly surrounded by people twice their age you just knew that life for these residents was about to change when these two rolled into town, peaceful would probably be a distant memory. With a past that needs to be read to be believed these two have a chance at a new life, whether they want it or not. Sometimes though the past has a habit of coming back to bite you on the bum and really, when you think about it, you can never really forget.


“I apologize for being too sexy for this neighbourhood.”


With a past that haunts and has left emotional as well as physical scars Jillian struggles to adapt to their new life. Missing her soul mate and her anchor Dr Luke she really has to dig deep to find the motivation to do anything. With a past that is eked out throughout the books you are slowly treated to glimpses of her past and this gives you a better understanding of the reasons the way Jillian is the way she is.


“I went from trusting to fearing to an unavoidable distrust. Now I trust very few people and the person I fear the most is myself.”


Jillian was an amazing character; she was incredibly strong, not only mentally but physically and could put the biggest of men on their asses. She was badass, she was sassy, she was witty, but she was also vulnerable in her own way. She was plagued by night terrors that made relationships an impossibility and to be torn away from the only man that understood her and loved her was extremely hard on her.


“They made me love him…then they made me leave him.”


Jackson, like Jillian was also badass, these two would fight each other for shits and giggles and stress relief. But the bond that these two had was impenetrable. The only people they trusted were each other, they loved each other intensely but the need to protect was even fiercer. They were inseparable. But on the other hand their banter, humour and intense teasing of each other will have you laughing out loud and really brings a lighter element to what is otherwise an intense, serious read.


“Love is reckless because true emotions are immune to logic. The most beautiful love stories are often the most tragic.”


Jackson was a computer geek as Jude, but he was no geek in the looks department and was a total manwhore.  Jackson is intent on taking this opportunity to reinvent himself and the first thing he wants to stop is his manwhoring ways. Jackson wants to find “the one.” With a penchant for the older ladies, he is certainly in the right community but will he be tempted or stick to his guns?

The way this book was written was genius, we have the present as Jackson and Jillian and then flashbacks to the past as Jude and Jessica and it is through these that we get to understand the predicament that they find themselves in today. You really get to understand the sacrifices that they have had to make, especially Jillian, who left her biggest one at her gravesite. The pain was portrayed fantastically and Jillian really embedded herself into my heart and head.


“I’ve had too many opportunities to contemplate death. I think it’s different for everyone, but for me… when my time comes, I won’t ask any questions. I’ll simply say thank you.”


Jillian captures the attention of the cantankerous sergeant major next door and it seems that she may be able to find someone to make her forget, but it soon becomes obvious that they have a lot more in common than they first realised. I loved AJ, for all his belligerent ways he had a heart of gold and as much as he was unwilling to admit, he had feelings for our Jillian.


“Beneath your hardened exterior and need for self-preservation, I saw a painful vulnerability – one that you would never show. Some days when I look at you if feels like I am seeing my reflection.”


I also have to mention Dr Luke; while we are only treated to this man in the past flashbacks this man helped bring Jillian back to life. While his argyle sock wearing, OCD ways will also have you in stitches, this man had a heart of gold and loved Jessica/Jillian with everything he had. Jessica and Luke were chalk and cheese but their bond was incredible. I felt their love for each other radiate off the page and I could totally understand Jillian’s pain at having to leave him behind. I was distraught myself.


“She hated Luke for making her love him. She hated Jackson for making her live. She hated AJ for making her care.”


I loved the writing style and the author’s voice really captured Jackson and Jillian’s story. With an air of mystery, thriller and suspense these books could also be a romantic comedy and it is this mix that makes these books perfectly balanced and a totally captivating read. While I felt in the beginning this story was a little slow, once the momentum builds these books really come into their own and will hold you hostage until the very end.


“God gave you a gift of 84,600 seconds today. Have you used one of them to say thank you? ~ William Arthur Ward”


Throughout these books I found myself on the edge of my seat frantically trying to read between the lines for any morsel of information that could help me piece together this almighty puzzle. This is a book that demands your undivided attention as you tiptoe your way through some intricate plot lines but will ease that pain of concentration with that ever present wit and banter. I cannot wait for book three, like seriously cannot wait.

Friday 30 October 2015

Review ~ Baking and Babies (Chocoholics #3) by Tara Sivec


Book Description:

"I’m pregnant."

Molly Gilmore had a good life before she uttered those two stupid words. While preparing to graduate from culinary school and building up the courage to make a move on her hot, sugar-cookie-smelling pastry instructor Marco, she can't wait to finally have the GREAT life she’s always dreamed about, instead of just the good one she’s been living.

Always known as the quiet ninja, she fully intends to stay hidden in the shadows with her nut-job family, so they have no chance to embarrass her around the man she's crushed on for two years. Unfortunately, her family has other plans. When they yank her straight out of her comfort zone, she finds herself starring in the craziest train wreck she's ever witnessed.

Molly ultimately gets a more exciting life that doesn't revolve around school, but she's pretty sure the man of her dreams won't be sticking around long after her family gets ahold of him. There aren't too many guys who can handle smelling like pee, having the whole world know how he masturbates, and being forced to eat an entire bag of dicks.

Join the Chocolate Lovers and Chocoholics gang for one final story about love, baked goods, making poor life choices, and remembering how important family is—even if they drive you insane.

Mostly because it's illegal to kill them.

Buy Links:
 
 
Other Books in this Series:
 
(Chocolate Lovers)
 
Seduction and Snacks #1
Futures and Frosting #2
Troubles and Treats #3
Hearts and Llamas (bonus novella)
 
Complete series (3 full size novels & a novella) ~ $8.99
 
(Chocoholics)
 
Love and Lists #1 ~ 99c
 
Passion and Ponies #2 ~ $2.99
 
Baking and Babies #3 ~ $3.99
 
 
Our Review:
 
Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“Even if you plan it all out and follow everything to a T, life will fuck you right up the ass. Without lube.”


Tara went back to her roots with Baking and Babies and while I have absolutely loved her “serious” writing, while reading this book I had forgotten just how much I missed her comedic voice. This book had me in stitches, I had tears of laughter and I have not had that for a very, very, very long time.

Who knew a fake foetus, a hidden pregnancy, a pornographic cock cook book and sticky socks could be so darn funny but have Tara Sivec as the master manipulator and anything and I mean ANYTHING is possible. I would love to live in the Sivec household, I bet there is never a dull moment.


“Did I say experts? I meant mental patients.”


Molly a.k.a. The Ninja is Liz & Jim’s daughter, she is currently at the end of a two year course in culinary school and is hopelessly in lust with her teacher. He has made the past two years so much more bearable and with only stiff peaks between them, Marco more than makes his presence felt…but is this lust reciprocated?


“I almost smothered the three of you when you were toddlers and couldn’t get along. Then, I tried to sell you on eBay when all three of you had your periods at the same time and almost killed each other.”


Marco’s family are just as mental as the rest of this crazy gang so he is in great company. Coming from Italian’s and surrounded by women, Marco has had an oestrogen filled life. With a mum, sisters and a niece his life has never been dull and he is well versed in all things female. But he has another side, a side that he wants to keep hidden and this and his alter ego had me in stitches.

Molly’s sister Charlotte is a few weeks away from her wedding and is verging on being a bridezilla, one-day Molly hears screams coming from Charlotte and begrudgingly goes to find out what all the fuss is about and it is then that Molly is dragged into this hilarious mess. Molly has never felt one of the gang, she was always the quiet one, lurking in the shadows and firmly on the platform waiting for the crazy train to go past that contained her family and their friends. She was grounded, knew what she wanted and worked and studied hard. She could help Charlotte out, just this once…after all it came at a price.


“There’s nothing quite like the love between two sisters.”


As Molly graduates, Marco makes his move and he too gets drawn into Molly and Charlotte’s mess…let the shenanigans begin. I have to say that Molly and Marco are so well suited, they were adorable together and for Marco to put himself out there like that proved just how into Molly he actually was. He had been in lust with her for years too, but being the good teacher he was he never crossed those professional boundaries. Now with graduation out the way it was his turn to shine and he shone like a star.


“Jesus Christ. They hit people with cancer? I’m a dead man.”


I could never grow tired reading about this group of friends and now their kids. That is why this is one of those bittersweet reads when you realise that they will not be a part of your life anymore. We have seen them all “grow up” and I use that in the loosest of terms because really, all of them are still big kids at heart and with parents such as these…life would never be dull, it also isn’t too safe either, but where is the fun in normal?


“I’ll have you know I got carded buying wine the other day. The cashier told me he thought for sure I was only twenty.”

 Claire snorts. “Yeah, maybe in dog years.”



The things that they get up to in this book never disappoint, it makes me wonder about the type of company that Tara Sivec keeps to garner this much “material.” I mean it has to have been experienced at some point…right? With side splitting humour Tara Sivec really delivers on the grand finale and for anyone that needs a really good belly laugh you cannot go wrong with this series. After a plethora of suspense and emotional type reads this was just what the doctor ordered.


“This is really the end. Hug it out Bitches.”

Friday Frights ~ PNR Review ~ Blood of the Maple (Maggie's Grove #1) by Dana Marie Bell


Book Description:

A seduction-gone-wrong leaves vampire Parker Hollis with a new vegetarian lifestyle and on the run from a vengeful witch. Moving to small-town Maggie's Grove, Parker meets a redheaded dryad with green, leafy blood that draws him in a way he hasn't experienced in decades. His new neighbor smells divine, and it isn't long before craving gives in to need.

In a unique community of supernaturals, tree-loving outcast Amara Schwedler has never quite fit in. She's scarred by a traumatic incident and feared by the local townsfolk. She's convinced Parker will look elsewhere for a mate once he discovers she's not one of the O-positive set, and can't believe it when Parker finds her irresistible.

When the witch who's been plaguing Parker's life discovers the newfound attraction between Parker and Amara, she takes out her anger on the town. Can the supernaturals of Maggie's Grove accept Amara and band together in time to withstand the assaults of the enraged witch?

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 4.5 stars


This book is one very sexy read, with a whole lot of things going on in it. It has something for everyone. There are vampires, dryads, a ghost, werewolves, witches, elementals, a few humans and one especially psychotic witch. You name it, it is in this book and what a read it is. You never know what's going to happen next. It sure makes you keep turning the pages. It has humour a touch of sadness, everything that warrants for a great paranormal read.

The town is called Maggie's Grove and the two main characters in this book are Parker Hollis and Amara Schwedler. Now Parker is a vampire with a difference, through no fault of his own except for bad judgement on who he chose to sleep with one hippy sixties night. Instead of craving normal blood he has been cursed and all his body can now tolerate to survive is blood from plants. If that's not bad enough the witch who cursed him is determined to claim him as her rightful mate. Which makes Parker run as fast as he can away from her. If it wasn't for the fateful meeting with Greg West another witch all would have been lost, but through their friendship and later as roommates, through trial and error with some hilarious results, they had hit on the right recipe to sustain Parker and keep him healthy. While all this was going on because of his affliction he decided to learn everything about plants and he took his PhD and now was a Professor of Botany.

The other character is Amara, a dryad. Amara had been taken in by the kindly Glinda, a witch with a love of all plant life. A very caring woman with an undoubtable gift, very green fingered, with a garden to behold and it was while she was working in her garden that she first found Amara, newly awakened with no knowledge of how she got there and who she was. Glinda took her in and became Amaras guardian.

Life had not been easy for Amara growing up in Maggie's Grove. The children in her school years which had reached into her adult life wanted nothing to do with Amara and went out of their way to avoid her. Amara had a few people who had become loyal friends over the years which had made life more bearable.

The story begins with Parker moving to Maggie's Grove on the advice of his friend Greg. He finds himself moving into the next house to Amara and on first meeting with her it was lust at first sight.


“Something about her scent tantalized him, teased him. For the first time in decades his mouth watered over a person rather than a salad.”


He couldn't remember ever having such a reaction to any woman before and Amara was also affected by the meeting with Parker. When she looked into his rich brown eyes she could see heat burning and she could not help having the feeling that he wanted her.

The story continues with Parker getting used to his new job and life in Maggie's Grove. It has humorous interactions especially between Parker and Greg which gave me a good giggle. There's also the unlikely romance between Greg and Brian which makes the mind boggle.

The romance between Parker and Amara has it funny moments but the lust dial is turned up to full notch the more they get together.


“He shoved the dress farther up until it was above her breasts, exposing them to his greedy gaze. He moved his hand to hold her steady while he fucked her, his palm on her stomach. He stroked her breasts with his free hand, finally giving them the attention she craved. He plucked and twisted her aching nipples. She cried out, the mix of pleasure and pain driving her closer to the edge.”


I won’t say anything more about this book as I don't want to spoil it for you but be assured you will not be bored. I hope you love it as much as I did but just a tip look out for the psycho witch ha ha. Great book and read.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Review ~ Brando (Brando #1) by JD Hawkins


Book Description:

I know what you want, and I know exactly how to give it to you...

It's why I've got a row of platinum records on my wall and girls lining up for a shot at fame. I'm the best. Now I just need to prove it.

The bet is simple: take a nobody and make her a star. I just didn't bet on HER.

She's not some wannabe, she's the real deal.

But fuck it, I want her. And I always come out on top.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars


“I’m gonna make you a star…whoever you are.”


This is the first book of a duet and is a really quick read at 139 pages; book 2 comes out on November 12th.

I have to say, I love JD Hawkins style of writing, when he first came on to the scene I picked up his first book and have never looked back. As much as female authors can nail a male POV, there is something about a male writing a male POV that just resonates even deeper. I love getting that insight into the male psyche, that first hand cockiness and the male thought processes that make such entertaining reading.

Having worked in the music industry for a few years I was already interested by the synopsis and Brando being an A&R manager for a record company was already tantalising my taste buds. These managers go all out in getting what they want so I was anticipating a bumpy ride.

Brando came across as the cocky, arrogant womaniser but under that playboy façade was a man that had been burned badly. He was passionate about his music, he lived and breathed it, he was fiercely competitive and determined and of course, hot as hell. Brando had broken rule 101 in A&R…don’t fall in love with someone you sign. He had worked tirelessly to get her known and once she hit the big time, she upped and left, Brando was devastated and heart broken and vowed never to put himself in that position again.


“I hate the phrase “push it to the limit” – because for me there are none. I see life as a series of barriers, and behind each one is the thing you want. Some people use their brains to get past, some people bang their heads against them until they break, most people tend to give up and head in another direction entirely – me, I pick up speed and try to break through the first time. No second thoughts, no doubts and no slowing down. The trouble is that when you live like that, you tend to make a mess.”


Haley was a quiet, introverted musician, but her heart and soul bled through the music and lyrics that she wrote. She wanted to make it big in the music industry but on her terms. She was uncompromising with her craft, she didn’t want any flashy gimmicks, pop hooks or such like, she wanted her music to speak for itself.

Open mic night, a blast from the past and a bet lead to Brando and Haley’s paths cross. Brando never backs down, but as these two learn more about each other is history going to repeat itself?


“…but it’s just a prelude, a slow-building overture. I lose myself in a flurry of sensations, so many it’s like there are a dozen of him, kissing and touching and biting at my body with beautiful timing.”


I adored Brando and Haley; these two were both so passionate about music and especially its roots. They had so much in common and once they go to know each other properly you could see where this was going to end up. Sometimes people just click and these two did just that. Brando puts himself out there once again and while I felt his hesitance when this guy goes in, he goes all in. I loved that Haley wasn’t a push over, she was confident and head strong and had no qualms in standing up for herself.


“It’s always about the music, right?”


I can’t wait to see what happens to these two, November cannot come quick enough!!




Wednesday 28 October 2015

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review ~ The Weight of Rain by Mariah Dietz


Title: The Weight Of Rain
Author: Mariah Dietz
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: October 27, 2015

Book Description:

One night changed my life—one that I barely remember. 

When I close my eyes, my mind paints a picture of his smile and shades the contours of his hands, the deep scar around his bicep. 

I'm an artist, yet my hands are unsteady. With his presence, he has unknowingly broken that something inside of me that makes me who I am. 

Being around him is like standing in a rainstorm. First the drops tickle my skin, and then they coat me, refusing to be ignored. Finally, they soak into me, reaching parts of me I don’t think anyone has ever touched.

When dreams turn into reality, will the picture in my mind transfer to paper?


Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25604762-the-weight-of-rain

Buy Links:


Excerpt:
 
“Why are you fidgeting again?” Allie’s scolding is in the form of a whisper but still reaches my ears as a yell because I know by the sharp look in her eye that she’s ready to stab me with a pin if I don’t stop.
“Sorry,” I whisper. I work to ignore an itch on the back of my neck and another on my shoulder. As I think about how much I hate standing still and why I didn’t see King at all today though he always works in the home office on Fridays, I feel several more tickles across my skin that arise because I know I can’t move.
My eyes scan over the large space that we’re filling. There are at least two hundred other students in here, each with a model who, like me, is standing atop a crate, making a select few of us even more uncomfortably tall. Several people look perfectly relaxed as they stand completely still, their shoulders back and chins raised as though they’re already on stage. My eyes trace over each of them, noticing their poise, boldness, and beauty.

“She’s really pretty.”

Allie’s looks up at me with minimal interest. “Who?”

“The girl over there with the dark blond hair.” I nod in the direction of where she’s standing.

“You’re an artist, Lo. She’s definitely pretty, but her confidence is what makes her stand out so much.”
Allie’s comment makes me stare longer at the girl, noticing her eyes are a little too close together, and her forehead too short to be what is believed to be the definition of attractive. It brings me to hate those ignorant facts even more because she is beautiful, and I’m grateful she seems to believe so without meeting the dictated standards.

“Lo,” Allie hisses in warning, making my hand drop from where it’s rubbing across my mostly bare thigh.

“You should really consider asking Kenzie.”

“I would have if I had known you have ADHD. What’s with you?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because you can’t draw, huh?” My attention drops to Allie as she places another pin along the hemline.
“That’s definitely not helping.”

“When do you think you’ll be able to hold a pencil again? Are your professors freaking out?”

“I don’t know. I’m hoping by the end of this week so I can draw while I’m home for Christmas.”
“Are you excited?”

Her gaze remains fixed on the dress as I raise my eyebrows, her question sinking into my thoughts. “I guess. I don’t know.”

“You don’t talk about your family much.” Allie’s eyes dart to mine for just a fraction of a second, but I’m sure it’s long enough to notice mine working to evade contact.
“There’s not a whole lot to say.”

“What happened to your mom this week?” I feel her briefly glance up again before moving her hands to a new spot where she begins measuring the fabric for the next pin.

“Something came up. I’m sure I’ll see her after the holidays. You know how this time of year is.”

She places a white chalk pencil between her teeth and nods slowly as if debating that it’s the correct response. She frees it again, intently focusing on the fabric, and places a careful mark. “You aren’t mad?”

I shrug, earning a glare from her that I return with a frown. Her lips fall open into a laugh. “You just need to focus on someone and mentally draw them; otherwise, you’re never going to make it out of here tonight, at least not without a thousand pinholes.”
My neck twists as I look around the room again. There are so many people in here. So much beauty, anticipation, desire, and passion: things I seek for my own inspiration, yet when I close my eyes and start sketching lines across my imagination, they don’t make up anyone that’s in here. I think I’d be surprised at this point if they ever do again. 

There are times like yesterday when I genuinely wish I hated him. Hell, he’s been a jackass to me enough that I could justifiably say I do, and anyone would be able to understand where I’m coming from. Then again, that would also require having someone to discuss my feelings for and interactions with him.
I wish I hadn’t been exposed to the kinder sides of him.

I wish I didn’t see how he acts around Mercedes to witness his unconditional love for her.

I wish my memories of that night were fading rather than becoming clearer.

I wish I wasn’t falling for this asshole.

I wish he’d fall for me.
 
Play List:
 
 
Our Review:
 
Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“You’re so afraid to be in the spotlight, you just sit in everyone else’s shadow.”


Mariah Dietz is one of those authors that I “discovered” in the very beginning and I have read and devoured her books one by one. She is one of those authors that never fails to deliver and once again she has taken me on another emotional rollercoaster. While this one is not as emotional as her previous stories what this book does have is some great dialogue, great banter, BMX stunt riders, a really cute kid and some fantastic side characters that really made this book the complete package.

Lo was a quiet, studious woman. She had fought to be where she was and was determined to make it work. Having come from a family of ranchers she was expected to follow in the family footsteps, but Lo had an incredible talent and huge aspirations. She didn’t want to be a rancher; she wanted to be an artist. Her work was insanely amazing, but she was coy about it all, she couldn’t see just how good she was, her self-esteem and confidence were at an all-time low. Lo had such a huge heart though, but it had been trampled on by those that should have loved her, as you see her heart slowly start to beat again, you cannot help but champion her along. Her relationship with King’s niece was fantastic and these two really got under each-others skin, but in a good way…a much needed way.


“People who say that blood is thicker than friendship have never known what it’s like to have an asshole as a parent.”


Lo’s roommate drags her to a party, trying to get Lo to lighten up and enjoy herself rather than stay in her room painting or working. Lo meets a guy, she has had a few drinks, but she is in control and she sleeps with him, totally out of character. This guy spoke to her, called out to her, she couldn’t resist and it was such an alien feeling that she had to explore it. They exchanged numbers…he lost his phone and his number rubbed off her hand. After months of trying to find out the identity of the other fate has other ideas, their paths cross once again.

 
“I wish I wasn’t falling for this asshole. I wish he’d fall for me.”


I’m not going to say any more as you need to read it for yourself, but after months of thinking the other didn’t care it was always going to be tricky. Mariah Dietz always brings these characters to life as if they were your friends and family, not only do you get a story but you get a life. Her books are more about emotional connections, thoughts and feelings rather than just the sex. She always manages to instil her characters into your heart and they take such a tight grip that you just don’t want to let them go.

                         
“Conveniences build pain and resentment. Love is only made to bend so far.”


King was adorable, he had his bad boy persona but underneath he was teddy bear. He too had never felt a connection like he had that night; he had a hard time believing that Lo never made contact again. His pride is wounded; his machismo dented, but once they set eyes on each other again, that night just comes back into sharp, vivid focus in all its technicolour glory. Of course we have the angst and the misunderstandings, no book would be complete without but when this man loves, he loves hard and his relationship with his niece was adorable and only makes you love him all the more.

I was totally immersed into the world of the Knight’s, BMXing is not a sport that is commonly featured and I thought that this was a great diversion away from the emotional side and really balanced this book out. As I said above the dialogue was fantastic and really brought these characters to life. Dialogue can either make or break a book and it definitely made this one. Once again, another fab read from Mariah Dietz and I’m hoping that some of the other characters in this book get their own story too, you never know, hopefully this won’t be the last I see of this family.

 About the Author:
 
Mariah Dietz lives in Eastern Washington with her husband and two sons that are the axis of her crazy and wonderful world.

Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent the majority of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.  

She has a love for all things that include her sons, good coffee, books, travel, and dark chocolate. She also has a deep passion for the stories she writes, and hopes readers enjoy the journeys she takes them on, as much as she loves creating them. 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.mariahdietz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mariah-Dietz-317058868472780/timeline/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariahDietz
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8474696.Mariah_Dietz

Release Day Blitz & Mini Review ~ Lux (The Nocte Trilogy #3) by Courtney Cole


Book Description:

My name is Calla Price and I’m broken.

My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them.

Who is dead? Alive? Insane?

What is the truth?

I don’t know.

I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie.

My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered.

All will be revealed.

Every answer to every question.

It’s all been leading to this.

Don’t be afraid.
Be terrified.

Add it to Goodreads: http://smarturl.it/LuxGoodreads



Buy Links:



Series Reading Order:
 
Nocte #1 ~ 99c
 
 
Verum #2 ~ 99c
 
 
Initium #2.5 ~ $2.99
 
 
Lux #3 ~ $3.99


Mini Review:

I only finished this book yesterday and my mind is still running a mile a minute and I am still formulating my review...so for now...

Down the rabbit hole we must go.
Where we'll end up nobody knows.
Who is good, who is bad?
Secrets and lies will make you mad.

A total mind fuck of tales of woe.
Of De-Ja-Vu, Kismet and status quo.
What is real, what is not?
A crazy tale that I've now forgot.

But not forgot, an alternate story.
Mind bending writing in all it's glory.
A book so twisted, so out of control.
Courtney Cole you sadistic soul.
 



About the Author:

Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who would rather write than eat chocolate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, but no amount of working in the corporate world could quell her urge to write.

Courtney was born and raised in Kansas, home of incredibly friendly people and the most horrendous weather on the planet. Because summer days were so hot, she grew up reading stacks of books... and when she didn't like the ending, she wrote her own. 

Courtney has relocated to Florida where she writes beneath palm trees. To learn more about her, please visit her website, www.courtneycolewrites.com. To sign up for her newsletter and receive exclusive sneak peeks and super-fan perks, go here: http://smarturl.it/CourtneyColeEmail.



Tuesday 27 October 2015

Review ~ The Queen (The Original Sinners #8) by Tiffany Reisz


Book Description:

Once upon a time, Nora and Søren made a fateful deal—if he gave her everything, she would give him forever.

The time has finally come to keep their promises.


Out of money and out of options after her year-long exile, Eleanor Schreiber agrees to join forces with Kingsley Edge, the king of kink. After her first taste of power as a Dominant, Eleanor buries her old submissive self and transforms into Mistress Nora, the Red Queen. With the help of a mysterious young man with a job even more illicit than her own, Nora squares off against a cunning rival in her quest to become the most respected, the most feared Dominatrix in the Underground.

While new lovers and the sweet taste of freedom intoxicate Nora, she is tempted time and time again by Søren, her only love and the one man who refuses to bow to her. But when Søren accepts a new church assignment in a dangerous country, she must make an agonizing choice—will the queen keep her throne and let her lover go, or trade in her crown for Søren's collar?

With a shattering final confession, the last link in the chain is forged in The Original Sinners saga. It's the closing chapter in a story of salvation, sacrifice and the multitude of scars we collect in the name of ecstasy—and love.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***



“God said ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ He never said ‘Love is easy.’”


This was one bittersweet read and I have been dreading this day for such a long time. I have been reading this series for years and these characters have wheedled their way into my heart and soul and to think that I may never read about them again is heart breaking. As dysfunctional as these characters are, they are endearing in their own right. This bunch of misfits have made themselves a family and they are such a strong unit, protective of their own and would literally put their life on the line to save that of another.

Tiffany Reisz really delivers with this book, Soren, Nora and Kingsley are explored in depth, we are treated to a lot more from their past and I especially loved how Nora Sutherlin and The Queen was born. We learn so much more about Soren and of course Kingsley and while some scenes were heart breaking, they were all so incredibly uplifting too.


“There is one person stronger than the queen or the king combined…”

“Who?”

“The man who moves the pieces.”


To say I had tears would be an understatement, Tiffany Reisz has been a master at toying with my emotions throughout this series and who would think that a sadistic priest, a dominatrix and the King of Kink would be able to elicit such emotional pain and anguish as well as a lot of smiles, laughs and love.


“If Jane Austen had set eyes on Kingsley, she would never have written her genteel comedies of manner. She would have written porn.”


I remember when I first started this series and was so reticent about buying, but something spoke to me and thank god I took that leap of faith and trusted my reading instinct. This was so far outside my box it was unreal, yet from the first to last book I have been held emotionally captive, every word, every sentence, every paragraph and every chapter. I can honestly say that this has been my favourite series EVER and kudos to Tiffany Reisz for being different, for taking that direction and for being a master at the written word. The woman is a genius.

This book centres around the time when Nora came back and how she became Mistress Nora. After a year in the convent Nora goes to the only person that she can trust, the only other person that she loves…Kingsley. She has no home and no money but as we know Nora is fiercely independent and to take advantage of Kingsley’s hospitality is not at the top of her agenda. Kingsley knows that Nora will not accept money from him so his only other alternative is for her to work it off and earn her own money and so training begins, this little waif of a woman trains and trains hard.


“I’ve created a monster.”

“You didn’t create a monster…you just let her off her leash.”


Nora is really on a voyage of self-discovery in this book, her flair and penchant as a domme and her realisation that she is a switch. Her realisations with regards to her relationship with Soren and the fact that even though she wants and needs her freedom, she cannot live without him, or Kingsley.


“…I will walk again, and I won’t come back this time.”

“You will walk the circumference of the entire globe and find yourself right where you started. Here.”


Soren still features heavily within these pages and he too has realisations of his own. Even though he has always been so mature and ahead of his years, when it comes to Nora he seems to regress. He has always had the “sensible” head and as much as he tries to take the right path, he knows that there is no Soren without Nora. We have compromises and that is something that I never thought would be said in the same sentence as Soren and Nora. We really see a tender side to Soren too and it is this that really gets the tear ducts secreting. However, I will say that there was one scene with Nora and Kingsley and this literally decimated me. My heart stopped, the tears flowed, my soul ached, and I was emotionally spent. Tiffany Reisz literally ripped out my heart…stomped on it and chopped it up for good measure and for those people that witnessed my emotional breakdown in the supermarket when I hit this scene…I apologise.


“How much pain do you want?”

“Hurt me until I forget how much I hurt.”


This truly is one unforgettable series and one that I will be reading time and time again. I cannot see a book life without these characters so will have to revisit this motley crew frequently. As much as I am sad and upset that this series is over though I am also excited…what does Tiffany Reisz have in store for us next? I for one will be at the front of the queue waiting.




Release Day Blitz & Excerpt ~ The Weight of Rain by Mariah Dietz


Title: The Weight Of Rain
Author: Mariah Dietz
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: October 27, 2015

Book Description:

One night changed my life—one that I barely remember. 

When I close my eyes, my mind paints a picture of his smile and shades the contours of his hands, the deep scar around his bicep. 

I'm an artist, yet my hands are unsteady. With his presence, he has unknowingly broken that something inside of me that makes me who I am. 

Being around him is like standing in a rainstorm. First the drops tickle my skin, and then they coat me, refusing to be ignored. Finally, they soak into me, reaching parts of me I don’t think anyone has ever touched.

When dreams turn into reality, will the picture in my mind transfer to paper?


Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25604762-the-weight-of-rain

Buy Links:


Excerpt:

 
“Why do you pretend that I don’t mean anything to you when clearly I do?”

My charcoal presses hard against the paper as my neck snaps up. He’s fully dressed, his usual baseball hat still on, flipped backward, and wearing a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. Flannel is growing on me, but I won’t tell him that. His face shows no signs of humor or teasing. If anything, he looks almost pained.

“Did you just get home?”
“Why did you pretend you wanted to know me? Why not just call it what it was?” His eyes narrow as his chin drops.

“Have you been drinking?” I know the answer before I ask the question. I can smell it.

“I liked you, Lo.”

My heart races with too many possibilities and hopes, and not enough validation.

“You spend so much time trying to convince yourself that what happened that night wasn’t real.”

“I was drunk.”
“You weren’t drunk. I wouldn’t have slept with you if you were drunk! I don’t do shit like that. It’s disgusting!”
“I don’t remember large parts of that night.”

“You remember more of that night than you’re willing to admit.” His eyes land on my drawing where he studies the image for several long seconds. I should have covered it as soon as I realized he was here, but it was too late from the beginning. It’s of him—of course it’s of him. And to make matters worse, he’s shirtless. The scars he mentioned me knowing about are there, as well as the few tattoos most of the world is deprived of seeing. “Obviously you remember.”

His words make my cheeks burn with embarrassment. He’s right, but hearing that he’s aware of this fact is both strangely relieving and move-to-Australia-tomorrow worthy. 

“You left an impression,” I admit before moving my attention so I don’t have to see his reaction.

“Lo, I haven’t been able to forget that night either. I think about it all. The. Damn. Time.” His words are punctuated, driving his message much further than just my thoughts. “I spent weeks trying to figure out who you were.” I feel slightly guilty that his admission makes me so happy. For so long I have thought he avoided me, lied about his name and identity so that I wouldn’t find out who he truly was.

“Why did we wait so long to be honest with each other?”

His breath is a snicker. “We’re only admitting a fraction of anything.”

His words run through my head, lacing into several variations of what he actually means, still, I nod. “This conversation needs to happen. We need to figure shit out because I’m tired of trying to avoid you, and I’m really tired of you ignoring me.”

“Aren’t we kind of doing that now?”

He shakes his head as he closes the distance between us, then grips the table with his left hand and bends so his face is level with mine. “If I stay in here any longer I’m going to do something that would probably make me deserve getting slapped, so I am going to say this and then leave.” He pauses. I can smell the scent of beer and peppermint on his breath, along with the warmth of his skin as his shoulders roll forward. His eyes are wide and bright, demanding me to pay close attention to his words. “I know you’re tough. I know you can draw better than any damn person I’ve ever met in my life and most likely ever will. I know you love Mercedes and would never risk changing that relationship. But we like each other, and I don’t know what in the hell that means exactly, but I know I want to find out. The question you need to ask yourself is, do you?”

His throat moves, swallowing words we both know he’s fighting with. Ones that would make things both better and worse. He reaches forward, his chest grazing my shoulder. I hate that I don’t want to move. That I want to absorb the feel of his warmth and convince him to admit truths we both know and bury on a daily basis in a sea of general politeness and attempts to avoid one another. But the truths are laid open with the innuendos, silent stares, and capitalized when we go out of the way to cross the other’s path. He has become an exhausting and thrilling addiction that I don’t know how to consider stopping or even changing at this point.

A long breath runs through my nose as his dark eyes meet mine, exposing he’s fighting his own battle: silently pleading with me to bring things up by making a cutting remark or joke about our night. I know he wants it because it’s the only way we can both talk about it and relive it. It’s apparent by the way his jaw locks and his eyes waver from mine that he also doesn’t want me to respond. He’s waiting for me to consider his words and come back. His arm flexes as he holds the table even tighter. Then he stands and stalks out of the room, leaving my heart racing.

Holy shit.

About The Author:


Mariah Dietz lives in Eastern Washington with her husband and two sons that are the axis of her crazy and wonderful world.

Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent the majority of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created. 

She has a love for all things that include her sons, good coffee, books, travel, and dark chocolate. She also has a deep passion for the stories she writes, and hopes readers enjoy the journeys she takes them on, as much as she loves creating them.

Author Links:

Cover Reveal & Excerpt ~ Not The One by Amy Daws


Book Description:

My name is Reyna Miracle.
Even though a part of my name is Miracle, there’s nothing miraculous about me.
My body portrays the tales of my life.
Every feeling, every heartbreak, every emotion.
Marked. Inked. Stained.
A walking canvas of my messed up truth.
But there’s one confession I can’t put in a tattoo.
A confession that will kill me to tell, but my best friend died before I had the chance.
Now I’m left with him.
The only one who can hold me in the night and squeeze that spot on my neck that feels like my lifeline between sanity and chaos.
But we don’t work together.
We’re absolute poison for each other.
We’re a stifling, suffocating, sickness of darkness.
But I feel safe...because I’ve made an art of pushing people away.
Now he’s pushing back…
And making me believe...
Making me wonder...
Maybe, just maybe...
I could be the one.
~Not The One is connected to the London Lovers Series but will be released as a complete standalone.

Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26099751-not-the-one?from_search=true&search_version=service

Pre-Order Links:


 Excerpt:

He begins to stalk slowly toward me—his tall, wiry build gliding silently across the white tile floor. I back up until I hit the half wall beside the fridge. “We said we weren’t going to do this anymore, Hayden.” I hold my hand out, pressing it to his firm stomach to stop him from coming any closer. I want to walk away, but a larger part of me wants to stop thinking about Liam. And there’s only one way to do that.
Hayden sighs and grabs a piece of my hair. He brings it to his lips. “You look sexy as fuck, Rey. I like your hair like this.” He rubs the silky, dark strand against his lips.
“Nice key change Hay. But you should take those bedroom eyes elsewhere.”
He hunches over and nuzzles his mouth into my neck, licking and kissing a trail up to my ear. “Now why would I want to do that?” he whispers, his voice husky.
Goose pimples flare out on my neck beneath his warm breath. I ball up a chunk of his T-shirt into my fist for some semblance of control. His hands move to grip tightly around my waist and I could scream at my body as it arches into his embrace.
This is exactly what Hayden does to me. He makes me lose all sense of thought and purpose. It’s part of the draw. He’s a freaking mess just like me and I ache for the pleasure I know he can grant me.
“We say a lot of words,” he mumbles against my neck. “Let’s do less saying. And more fucking.”
His words have an instant shock to all my erogenous zones. Suddenly, he shifts his head and swipes his lips against mine in a painful, biting kiss. The taste of red wine passes back and forth between our lips and tongues and my eyes roll to the back of my head as I let his assault intoxicate me.
His tall frame is at an awkward angle, so he slides his hands down my butt and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around his waist and he slams me back against the fridge. The cozy press of his hard on against my center instantly has my groin thrusting into his.
“God I fucking love your legs,” Hayden growls and nips my collar bone with his teeth as he carries me over to my rumpled mattress on the floor in my living room.
This is what Hayden and I do best. We fuck to forget. We’re a mess of dysfunctional, codependent, sex-starved garbage together. And it is hot as hell.

About the Author:
Amy Daws is a commercial producer and lives in South Dakota with her husband and daughter. The long-awaited birth of Lorelei is what inspired her passion for writing. Amy is a lover of all things British and her award-nominated romantic comedy series, The London Lovers Series, is centered around Americans in London. It's emotional and self-deprecating with lots of humor sprinkled in. On most nights, you can find Amy and her family dancing to Strawberry Shortcake’s theme song or stuffing themselves inside children’s-sized playhouses because there is nothing they wouldn’t do for their little miracle. For more of Amy’s work, visit: www.amydawsauthor.com
  

Release Week Round Up


We have a massive release week ahead, so I have summarised the past few days as well as the new releases to Sunday, I will repost this list as and when new ones arise. There is such a wide variety that there has to be something for everyone...so here goes!!

25th October


Taking Connor by BN Toler

There’s a stereotype for how a convicted felon appears to the public. 

Connor Stevens fit that bill. 

His reputation preceded him. With a hard body and vivid tattoos dispersed across his flesh, he certainly drew the judgmental eyes of conservative tight-asses. Even I had those same thoughts…regardless of how highly Blake spoke of him. 

But those opinions were about to be challenged. 

I’d promised to pick Connor up from prison—where he’d served eight years for manslaughter. When Blake passed away, I had every intention of honoring our agreement. Taking Connor home would be my ultimate show of gratitude. Blake never disclosed why Connor killed a man, and I never had the guts to ask. Ever daunted, and against my better judgment, I soon grew to feel close to Connor, in spite of how perverse it was. Still, I vowed to brush off those feelings at all costs. 

At least I thought I would. Until all hell broke loose… 

Diving head-first, I relished in the time spent in Connor’s damnation. But when he was thrust into hell, it didn’t matter how wrong it was to love him. It was immaterial what he’d done…or why. I came out swinging and clawing, and submerged into the inferno with him, refusing to leave until we both walked out hand in hand. My instinct was to fight. 

Connor wouldn’t burn alone. 

I would save him. 

Or turn to ash right beside him.



Buy Links:




26th October


Pucked Up by Helena Hunting


Miller “Buck” Butterson has been banging his way through life ever since a puck to the face fixed his messed up front teeth, and he was drafted into the NHL during his first year of college. After five years of deflecting goals on the ice and scoring them with puck bunnies across the Continental US and parts of Canada, Miller is ready for a girlfriend. A real girlfriend of the non-bunny variety. One he takes on dates and doesn’t jump into bed with after five seconds of conversation.

Miller thinks he’s found that woman in his teammate’s sister. Except, unlike Alex Waters, center, team captain and all round nice guy—who happens to be dating his step-sister—Miller’s manwhore reputation is well earned, and not blown out of proportion by the media. Beyond that minor detail, Miller doesn’t know the first thing about having a girlfriend. But he’s determined to make it happen. 

What he doesn’t take into account is the amount of time and effort relationships require, or that constantly letting bunnies take selfies with him to post all over social media isn’t going to win him any points in the boyfriend department. Miller learns—not so quickly—that if he wants to make Sunshine “Sunny” Waters fall for him, he going to have to do a whole lot more than show her his stick skills in the bedroom

Buy Links:




The Other Game by J Sterling


From NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author J. Sterling, we dive headfirst back into the epic love story that started it all, The Perfect Game, but this time from Dean Carter’s point of view. 

Freshman Dean Carter is the younger brother of campus hotshot Jack. Abandoned by their parents when they were young, Dean and Jack have a bond that most brothers only wish for. As Jack follows his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, he falls in love along the way with aspiring photographer Cassie Andrews. We see Jack get the girl—then lose the girl—and we follow his painful journey through it all via the eyes of his adoring younger brother, Dean. 

With never-before-seen scenes and fresh new dialogue, Dean’s point of view is an emotional journey through relationships and the trials that test them. This isn’t the same old love story…but you will still fall. Let the gang steal your heart all over again in The Other Game.

Buy Links:



The Fall Up by Aly Martinez

I wanted to jump. 
He made me fall.

As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.

Until he found me.

Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.

But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.

Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?

Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.


Buy Links:



Blindsight by Adriane Leigh

{blind·sight: the ability to see without knowing it}

Sometimes a single touch is all it takes to spark a wildfire.
Erin Warner learned that the day she bumped into the dashing, tattooed stranger on a busy Chicago street corner. She’s captivated from the moment his mystifying green eyes find hers, and it isn’t long before she finds herself flying to exotic locales to assist him, the award-winning erotic photographer Hunter Ellis, on location. What she didn’t bargain for was the way he makes her blood bubble and churn with lust and thinly-veiled promises of unfathomable erotic pleasure with every click of his camera. 
But there is more to Hunter than meets the eye, including the intricately etched tattoos decorating his body that disguise horrific scars from a past he refuses to revisit. As she peels away the layers, Erin realizes that what she thought was true, never really was at all, for both of them. 
Now she can only hope that blind adoration for the dashing stranger didn’t sign her death warrant. 

The first in a thrilling new erotic serial intended for mature audiences.


Buy Links:



Roommates by Erin Leigh (Tara Brown)

Life is full of expectations. 
For Brady Coldwell it’s always been about the game. 
Hockey is and always will be, his life. 
His family sacrificed everything to get him here and he won’t let them down. 
He knows what’s expected of him. 
Natalie Banks is no different. 
She too knows what it means to have everyone sacrifice for you. 
She knows about the debt that’s left owing in the end and the price you pay for making up your own mind. 
But when an innocent mistake lands them as roommates, neither of them is prepared for the feelings they have or the consequences of their actions. 
How do you negotiate matters of the heart? 
How do you say no when it simply feels so right?

Buy Links:



Ugly by Margaret McHeyzer

**2.99 on pre-order and 3.99 on release date**

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to see.
If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to feel.
If I were dead, he'd never raise his hand to me again.
If I were dead, his words wouldn't cut as deep as they do.
If I were dead, I'd be beautiful and I wouldn't be so...ugly.
I'm not dead...but I wish I was.

*This is a dark YA/NA stand-alone, full-length novel. Contains violence.


Buy Links:



Brando by JD Hawkins

I know what you want, and I know exactly how to give it to you...

It's why I've got a row of platinum records on my wall and girls lining up for a shot at fame. I'm the best. Now I just need to prove it.

The bet is simple: take a nobody and make her a star. I just didn't bet on HER.

She's not some wannabe, she's the real deal. 

But fuck it, I want her. And I always come out on top. 


Buy Links:



27th October


Childstar 1 by JJ McAvoy


Amelia London is America's sweetheart. Noah Sloan is America's bad boy. Both are former child stars and once were lovers. When they are cast as the leads in the upcoming erotic suspense blockbuster—Sinners Like Us—they are forced to come to terms with the issues that tore them apart to begin with. 

As the whole world watches, can they keep their secrets hidden? After all, everybody is a sinner… 

Buy Links:



The Weight of Rain by Mariah Dietz



One night changed my life—one that I barely remember. 

When I close my eyes, my mind paints a picture of his smile and shades the contours of his hands, the deep scar around his bicep. 

I'm an artist, yet my hands are unsteady. With his presence, he has unknowingly broken that something inside of me that makes me who I am. 

Being around him is like standing in a rainstorm. First the drops tickle my skin, and then they coat me, refusing to be ignored. Finally, they soak into me, reaching parts of me I don’t think anyone has ever touched.

When dreams turn into reality, will the picture in my mind transfer to paper?

Buy Links:




The Queen by Tiffany Reisz




Once upon a time, Nora and Søren made a fateful deal—if he gave her everything, she would give him forever. 

The time has finally come to keep their promises. 

Out of money and out of options after her year-long exile, Eleanor Schreiber agrees to join forces with Kingsley Edge, the king of kink. After her first taste of power as a Dominant, Eleanor buries her old submissive self and transforms into Mistress Nora, the Red Queen. With the help of a mysterious young man with a job even more illicit than her own, Nora squares off against a cunning rival in her quest to become the most respected, the most feared Dominatrix in the Underground. 

While new lovers and the sweet taste of freedom intoxicate Nora, she is tempted time and time again by Søren, her only love and the one man who refuses to bow to her. But when Søren accepts a new church assignment in a dangerous country, she must make an agonizing choice—will the queen keep her throne and let her lover go, or trade in her crown for Søren's collar? 

With a shattering final confession, the last link in the chain is forged in The Original Sinners saga. It's the closing chapter in a story of salvation, sacrifice and the multitude of scars we collect in the name of ecstasy—and love.
Buy Links:



Surviving Ice by KA Tucker 

The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense.

Ivy, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is finally looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have found it in San Francisco, but all that changes when she witnesses a terrible crime. She’s ready to pack up her things yet again, when a random encounter with a stranger keeps her in the city, giving her reason to stay after all.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter wasn’t random. Not at all…

Buy Links:




Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley


Millie Cross knows what it's like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn't be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie's chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can't ignore. And this time, she won't let him ride off . . . 

Bad boy Logan "High" Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she's just a ghost of her former self. High's intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn't want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie's betrayal, he'll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man . . .

Buy Links:



Friction by Sawyer Bennett


At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.

Buy Links:



Sacked by Tabatha Vargo

When Sawyer Reed wants something, he gets it.
And I WANT her.
She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already mine.
Her resistance is futile because once I start a play, I always follow through. And I ALWAYS win.
Nothing, not even the deep-seated hate I have for my rival, Jacob Byrd, is going to keep me from my end game.
And my end game is Gretchen Cole.
But I have to keep my head in the game. Everyone knows what happens to a quarterback when he loses focus. He gets SACKED.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: (links to come)
Amazon US: (links to come)

28th October 

Lux by Courtney Cole

LET THERE BE LIGHT. 

My name is Calla Price and I’m broken. 

My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them. 

Who is dead? Alive? Insane?

What is the truth?

I don’t know. 

I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie. 

My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered. 

All will be revealed. 
Every answer to every question. 

It’s all been leading to this. 

Don’t be afraid. 
Be terrified.

Buy Links:


30th October 

Baking & Babies by Tara Sivec 

"I’m pregnant."

Molly Gilmore had a good life before she uttered those two stupid words. While preparing to graduate from culinary school and building up the courage to make a move on her hot, sugar-cookie-smelling pastry instructor Marco, she can't wait to finally have the GREAT life she’s always dreamed about, instead of just the good one she’s been living.

Always known as the quiet ninja, she fully intends to stay hidden in the shadows with her nut-job family, so they have no chance to embarrass her around the man she's crushed on for two years. Unfortunately, her family has other plans. When they yank her straight out of her comfort zone, she finds herself starring in the craziest train wreck she's ever witnessed.

Molly ultimately gets a more exciting life that doesn't revolve around school, but she's pretty sure the man of her dreams won't be sticking around long after her family gets ahold of him. There aren't too many guys who can handle smelling like pee, having the whole world know how he masturbates, and being forced to eat an entire bag of dicks.

Join the Chocolate Lovers and Chocoholics gang for one final story about love, baked goods, making poor life choices, and remembering how important family is—even if they drive you insane.

Mostly because it's illegal to kill them.

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Fusion by Tessa Teevan

Where do babies come from? The question every parent dreads hearing has finally fallen from the lips of six year old Ava Banks, the curious, precocious little girl that you fell in love with in Ignite. Jeremy and Sierra, normally blunt as can be, struggle to find the right words to answer her. So instead, they rewind sixteen years to that one fateful day where a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven inevitably led to life-long romance filled with laughter, love, and many, many mishaps along the way.

Falling in love with your best friend? It's the most incredible thing in the world. Let's just hope it lasts. When the world comes crashing down around you, can even the strongest relationship withstand great tragedy?

Stay tuned for lots of laughs, teenage awkwardness, a few tears, and most of all, mullets. Because what good love story doesn't do business in the front, and party in the back?

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: (link to come)
Amazon US: (link to come)

31st October 

Camouflage by Angelica Chase 

I lived my life by two principles: order and excellence. 
My moral compass steered me out of the slums of backwoods Tennessee and towards the woman I was destined to become, but not without gathering a few skeletons along the way. 

Eventually, I found success, but my restless, relentless nature still left me feeling unsatisfied.

Then I met a ghost.

At first, I was sure Daniello was a figment of my imagination, a beautiful and dangerous apparition with a fat cock and an animalistic hunger. He threatened my control and need for order, and in his absence, I became more haunted by my past.

He wanted me submissive.

I wanted to know him.

Then my ghost met my skeletons. 


This is the first book in a series. 
If you are not a fan of cursing, erotic, extremely explicit sex, immoral behavior, dysfunction, or sexual scenarios that may make you feel uncomfortable, this is not the series for you.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: (link to come)
Amazon US: (link to come)

1st November 

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friend. That ends now. 

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed. 

Dex is looking for a forever girl, but they live vastly different lives in separate cities. Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he's her forever man.

Game On

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