EARLY REVIEW: Daring Fate (Silver Tip Pack #1)

Daring Fate (Silver Tip Pack #1), by Megan Erickson
Publish Date: November 14, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult m/m paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) I wake up chained to the wall of a dark cell aware of two things: I failed my sister, and I smell my enemy.

When I’m taken to meet Dare, the alpha of the Silver Tip pack, I’m sure I’m about to lose my throat. The last thing I expect is for the Alpha to recognize me as his fated mate. No way is he going to let me go now, and I still have to find a way to rescue my sister.

As I plot my escape to save her, I find that if I leave, Dare could be killed by power-hungry members of his pack. And now he’s more to me than my fated mate—my heart is involved. With time ticking by on my sister’s life, I have to make a choice I never thought I’d face—my sister’s life or my mate’s? That’s if I can survive the undead shifters intent on killing me first...

In honor of Halloween, I wanted to post a review of a paranormal book. Only fitting, right? When I think of the paranormal books that I've read lately, one sticks out in my mind more than others. 

Daring Fate is Megan Erickson's first trip into the world of the paranormal, and what's awesome is that you can tell she fully embraced this new series and made these shifters her own. I promise this is nothing like any other shifter book you've read before. The mythology is unique and it's set in a dystopian world, so it's like the best of both genres. 

Set in a version of future Earth where all humans were wiped out by a deadly virus, and shifters are all that are left, Daring Fate asks us to consider that there are actually two types of shifters - werewolves and Weres. Werewolves wander the Earth in either human or wolf form. Weres, however, have three forms - human, wolf and a huge, scary half-wolf/half-human. Think Lupin from Harry Potter. 

The two species have a common enemy - nasty, undead Weres called Noweres (such an awesome name for the bad guys, right?). The Weres and werewolves usually keep to themselves in walled cities, safe from the Noweres, never interacting since they kind of hate each other. So, imagine Reese's surprise and horror when he discovers his True Mate is the alpha of the Silver Tip Were pack. 

I'd never expected to find my True Mate. The odds of finding one were incredibly slim in this day and age where we locked ourselves away behind fortified walls. True Mates were mostly an urban myth nowadays, but the deep recesses of my shifter brain knew the scent on instinct. And now that I smelled him - a minty, sweet smell - I understood why the True Mate bond was so coveted. I craved him, and my blood rushed through my veins like fucking fire.

Dare is powerful and commanding and confident. He bears the weight of his entire pack on his shoulders and he does it willingly and proudly. He didn't earn his position easily, but he is the best suited for the position. It's a big burden, and he's never been able to share that with anyone. Until Reese comes along. 

Reese and Dare are forced to navigate the choppy waters of a new relationship amid distrust from some members of Dare's pack, as well as some secrets that both men are keeping from the other.  Reese's secrets, especially, have the power to cause real problems for Dare, and the closer they get to each other, the harder it is for Reese to come clean. 

I love shifters. I love how protective they are of the people they care for. I love the sense of community you always get with the pack. And, I love what fierce warriors they are. Despite the uniqueness of Megan Erickson's shifter world, these hallmarks - the things that draw me to this genre the most - are still there in spades. 

There's plenty of action and danger in Daring Fate. The Noweres are no joke. And a nearby werewolf pack, as well as some members of Dare's own pack give Dare and his closest allies reasons to fight. There's lots of action in Dare's bedroom too (and the garden, and the cave, and...). The hotness starts very quickly and doesn't let up. 

Reese and Dare have a special kind of chemistry. At first, you know that part of it is biology - the things about them that make them mates and draw them to each other. But, as time goes on, I loved watching them learn about each other, make sacrifices for each other, and fall in love with each other. 

Even if you've never given shifter books a go before, you should really try this one. This is not a cookie-cutter book - the world is unique, the romance is hot, and the action is plentiful. The guys just happen to turn into wolves from time to time. Which, really, is pretty freaking cool.

REVIEW: Forsaken (Deep Connection #1)

Forsaken (Deep Connection #1), by Sierra Kincade
Publish Date: October 18, 2016
Publisher: Intermix
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary/suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Marsella Talent has been on the run for two years, ever since her father thrust a ledger into her hands and told her to run from the police swarming their family restaurant. Now, with the cops and her father’s men desperate to get their hands on the book, she knows she can never go home.

Jake never thought he’d see Marsella again, not after he helped her escape the night of the sting operation targeting her father, August Talent. So when he stumbles upon a mysterious woman named Cassie, the spitting image of Marsella, he knows he has to gain her trust to finally make up for the mistake he made years ago.

Only the closer he gets to her, the more irresistible he finds her. And soon he realizes he’ll have to make a choice—prove his loyalty by getting back the ledger, or save the woman that he’s growing to love...

Sierra Kincade is back doing what she does best - writing sexy, suspenseful stories that leave you on the edge of your seat and hot under the collar. 

Forsaken was dark and dangerous and, of course, incredibly sexy and romantic. How could it not be with a hero like Jake at the helm? A series of bad decisions and years of research have finally led him to a diner in the middle of nowhere where he has, at long last, found the elusive Marsella Talent, daughter of crime lord August Talent, and owner of a ledger that details her father's sketchy business deals. Jake's plan is simple (yeah, right) - grab the ledger by any means necessary and hand it over to the right people so he can start feeling a little good about himself again. And he has to do it before other super bad men get to it - and Marsella - first.

But, when faced with Marsella again for the first time in two years, Jake's plans go a bit awry. He wasn't prepared for how strong she was or how beautiful or how smart and resilient. Or how much she desperately needed a connection with someone again. And, luckily, Jake isn't a man too proud to admit when it's time for him to alter his plan a bit if it means protecting a woman who quickly comes to mean more to him than his reputation.

"If you need something, I'll do it. If you tell me to stop, we're done. Just because you give me some power, doesn't mean I'm going to use it against you. I'm just going to hold it until you take it back."

I can't imagine what kind of person I'd be if I had gone through what Marsella had. From the first chapter, I wanted nothing but the worst punishment for nearly all her family. Her father and sister are awful human beings, and they both treat Marsella like such crap. It's obvious that Marsella is the "good girl" in the family - the one who trusts too easily and loves too much. And she's taken advantage of because of that. Her family has ruined her ability to trust others, so be assured that Jake has to work very, very hard to gain it for himself. 

Then, Marsella spends years running, hiding and keeping to herself. She's afraid of going back because she doesn't want to be implicated in her father's crimes. But, she doesn't want to stay put because she's only living half a life in the shadows. She's stuck, and it takes Jake all but forcing her hand to get her to make a move in one direction or the other. 

Two things I can count on when it comes to Sierra Kincade - a good, suspenseful mystery and lots of steamy, sexy times. Forsaken does not disappoint in either area. Jake and Marsella are great together, with tons of chemistry and history and tension that make for crazy hot times together. And the mystery is pretty awesome too, with twists and turns that will blow your mind. 

Although Jake's and Marsella's story isn't quite over, book 2 - Forgotten - will cut from them to Marsella's brother Cole to tell the events of what happens next. I love this approach, and the fact that it involves two of the most intriguing side characters in Forsaken - Cole and MacKenzie. Bring it on. 

EARLY REVIEW: Looking Inside

Looking Inside, by Beth Kery
Publish Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) Are you just going to stand there and watch? 

Eleanor Briggs just can’t help herself. Every night, the sight of the man in the high-rise across the street is driving her wild. She longs to feel his touch up close and personal. To win him over, she’ll need to shake off her wallflower sensibilities and become the seductress she never imagined she could be. The only trouble will be finding the perfect way to meet him…

Or are you going to join in?

Sex is easy for millionaire entrepreneur Trey Riordan. Finding something of substance, however, seems impossible. That is until a simple night of reading at a local coffee shop becomes something far steamier when a beautiful brunette comes by and leaves a note telling him to look out his bedroom window at midnight. But when the time comes, neither of them will be truly ready for what follows…

It was the concept of this book that did it for me. The execution was pretty spot on too. The moment when the peeping tom invites the hottie she's been spying on to return the favor, her life got turned upside down, and it was so entertaining to read. 

After the loss of her sister, Eleanor is feeling an even stronger desire to break out of what she sees as a hum-drum life as an archivist at the local library. The best days are when she sees her neighbor enjoying sexy times when he forgets to close his bedroom curtain. She wants that passion for herself so badly. So, when she knows he'll be at the library, she drops him a note, asking him to look into HER window. And she gives him a show he can't forget. 

I can appreciate Eleanor's position. The only time she feels brave enough to say and do the things she really wants to is when she's not forced to look her crush in the eyes. How many times have we thought of the best comebacks hours later when we're laying in bed? Or only had the guts to tell someone off over the phone? Or to ask a boy out via a note passed in the hall? That's totally me. Eleanor figures, she can wow Trey from the next building over, and if he isn't as wowed as she hoped, she can hope to never run into him in the street. No harm, no foul.

Except, what man would NOT be entertained and intrigued by a woman who does this? Trey actively seeks her out, wanting to learn more about her and her motivations. And, he likes what he sees, despite Eleanor's attempts to hide her true self from him. 

The title of this book is perfect. It's more than just Eleanor and Trey looking inside each other's windows for a thrill. It's about each of them looking inside each other to figure out what really makes them happy. Trey has just been going through the motions with very few meaningful relationships in his life. Eleanor sees her sister as this larger-than-life woman who she could never hope to be, even though she's trying very hard. She just can't see that she's good enough already without pretending to be someone else. 

Looking Inside was a great book full of hot and sexy times and a bit of a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Even better - it's a standalone, so the commitment is pretty low for this one. With a cover and a description like this, why would you not want to spend a few hours being a voyeur into these peoples' lives? 

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Interborough (Five Boroughs #4)

Interborough (Five Boroughs #4), by Santino Hassell
Publish Date: October 24, 2016
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Format: ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult m/m contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) The Raymond Rodriguez from a few years ago wouldn’t recognize the guy he is today. He’s left his slacker ways far behind him and is now juggling two jobs and school. But the balancing act doesn’t allow much time for the man he loves.

David is doing his best to be supportive, but problems at work and his own insecurity leave him frustrated—in more ways than the obvious—whenever he goes to bed before Raymond gets home. The heat and affection between them is still there, but they barely have the time or energy to enjoy it. And it doesn’t help that Raymond is still hiding David from his colleagues.

The stress mounts so high that a vacation in paradise is filled with turmoil instead of harmony, and culminates on their return to the five boroughs with broken promises and heartache. They have to figure out how to stop allowing their differences to overshadow their love. It’s the only way they’ll make it to forever.

Thus far, each of Santino Hassell's Five Boroughs books have introduced a new couple - Michael and Nunzio, David and Raymond, Oliver and Caleb. In a departure from this pattern, Santino uses the fourth book in this series to revisit David and Raymond more than a year after they got together. If you're not familiar with the series, you might think this weird, but if you actually read Sunset Park, you'd know that their story never felt quite as finished as the others did. And, it wasn't. There were still some things these two had to work out. And that time has come. 

So many times in romance books, we read about these larger than life problems that couples have to endure - a billionaire with experience gets together with a regular person, an abusive stalker ex is out for revenge, a boss/employee forbidden situation. In Interborough, the problems that plague David and Raymond, however, are much more serious than any of those. 

Lack of time and insecurity.

These problems plaguing David and Raymond seemed so much more jarring to me because they're REAL. In most people's lives, we don't have to worry about stalkers or forbidden romances. But, busyness is something we all can relate to. In Interborough, Raymond's motivations are pure - he's going to school to get a degree, plus working two jobs in order to pay bills. But, the long hours are preventing him from spending quality time with David. This then causes David to feel less important to Ray. David's insecurities mount when faced with Ray's hot co-worker and the fact that Ray doesn't want to tell anyone he works with that he's bi. 

On top of all that, David's dealing with stuff at his own job and Ray has problems with his parents' old house that he and Michael are renting out. It's a perfect storm of land mines ripe for relationship destruction. And as each of those explosions detonated, I felt them. 

In the past, when stressed, I'd think of Raymond. His smile. How warm his body was when he spooned against me at night. Our lips together. The first time he told me he loved me. Now, some of those things were gone or happened infrequently, and all I had were memories. Memories were dangerous. They tricked you into thinking happy times were an achievable goal instead of long-gone ghosts of the past. 

Santino Hassell is an incredible writer. His words are evocative and raw and they take you right to the heart of the matter. I knew from reading Sunset Park that David and Ray love each other. That seems even more true now with more than a year of living together under their belts. It made their troubles that much harder to read about. You want nothing more than for these two guys to have their happy. They DESERVE their happy. So, when it eludes them again and again, I found myself shedding tears right along with them. 

"As much as I love being in love, I know that the existence of it isn't a magic ticket to a happy ending. And I know that as much as two people love each other, relationships don't always work, and then people split up and find other people to give it a go again. It's a horrible cycle, and I'm afraid that we're becoming part of it."

Interborough includes dual POVs, but my favorite place to be is inside Raymond's head. David wears his heart on his sleeve. It's never hard to tell how he's feeling or what he's thinking. Raymond is shrouded in a lot more mystery. He broods and internalizes things and bears his problems silently. He's not demonstrative and doesn't delight in extreme PDA like David does. So, the benefit of being privy to Raymond's thoughts about David and the pressure he was constantly under to do everything himself was my favorite part of the book. And, it confirmed what I already knew - Raymond is an amazing, wonderful man who loves David fiercely. 

I wanted to touch him. Pull him close and hold him tight the way he'd done for me back when I'd needed it so bad. Before I'd even known what the hell I'd needed. 

Despite the tears and gnashing of teeth, I made it through to the other side relatively unscathed. Honestly, the epilogue took a lot of the sting out of the earlier pain in the book. It's fantastic, and will leave you with such an incredible sense of satisfaction and contentment. I didn't want it to end. Instead, I went back and re-read my favorite parts. Certainly the sexy times - because why wouldn't you want to relive those?? They might be many months into their relationship, but the sizzle hasn't stopped even a little. 

If you haven't experienced Santino Hassell for yourself yet, I implore you - PLEASE. Check out one of his books. I promise you won't regret it. 

REVIEW: Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1)

Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1), by J. Daniels
Publish Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.

Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .

Four Letter Word was fun book. Don't get me wrong - it deals with some heavy emotional stuff at varying points during the story. But, what better way to meet your soul mate than through a wrong number phone call? It's like a scene from a movie. I can see it all play out in my head. Girl calls BFF's lying, cheating boyfriend and delivers some truly stellar insults (really - they were fantastic), only to discover that she did all that to a total stranger. 

Sydney is dealing with her own relationship meltdown when she incorrectly dials up Brian and rips him a new one. The next day, she's surprised when he sends her a text. And for the next few weeks, they talk and text for hours, becoming each other's lifeboat in the storms that are their lives right now. Brian is dealing with his own personal issues, and trust me when I say that the way he's currently handling them is not healthy. Like, AT ALL. But, his conversations with Sydney are the one thing he has to look forward to - the only time he smiles. 

My world was one miserable mistake-shaping second after another, except for the breaks in my misery that belonged to her.

The in-person near misses between them had me smiling. And then their first real in-person meet was seriously so perfect. J. Daniels couldn't have done it better. I really loved Brian. He's raw and edgy and blunt. But with Sydney, he's incredibly sweet and romantic and heart-stoppingly sexy. He also insists on continuing to keep his secrets, so you just KNOW that decision is going to come back to bite him at the worst possible time. 

The premise of the book is what encouraged me to read it - the whole wrong number thing was brilliant, I thought. This is my first J. Daniels book, so I have no prior experience with this author on which to draw from. But, upon finishing Four Letter Word, I went and added a few more J. Daniels books to my TBR. I really liked her writing style - it, at times, reminded me a bit of Kristen Ashley and her Chaos series. The clipped dialog and no-nonsense characters were very reminiscent of Ashley's series, but Daniels definitely had her own style that shined through.

Four Letter Word is written in dual POV, which was great since the two main characters don't even meet each other in person until nearly 50% through the book. So, at least we had that connection to both of them to keep the story moving well. Another positive? J. Daniels writes some super hot dialog. Syd and Brian had great chemistry when they were only talking on the phone, but when they finally get together - off the hotness scale. 

The side characters were developed really well, too, and I'm looking forward already to a story between Tori and Jamie, Shay and Stitch and Jenna and Cole. Now that J. Daniels is on my radar, I'm not planning on missing any of these stories. 

EXCERPT REVEAL: Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2)

Being the Laura Kaye fangirl that I am, I'm super excited to bring you an excerpt from her upcoming second Raven Riders novel, RIDE ROUGH. Check out this note from Laura herself, and then check out this smokin' excerpt from the book...

OMG you guys! I’m so excited! Because the first book in my new Raven Riders series is on sale for the first time AND I’ve got an advance excerpt from the second book here for you to enjoy! The Raven Riders is a new sexy contemporary romance series, and a spin-off from my Hard Ink world, about a different kind of a motorcycle club with a protective mission. Ride Hard tells the story of a naïve woman on the run who’s been rescued by the jaded and tormented president of the Raven Riders, who learns that she’s strong enough to save herself and the man she loves, too. Ride Rough is a second-chance love story that is so hot and emotional that I absolutely adored writing it! I hope you’ll check both out!

Now, enjoy this delicious tease from Ride Rough, coming 4/25/17, and grab your copies of BOTH! Thanks for reading! ~ Laura Kaye

It was one of Maverick’s favorite dreams.

He and Alexa had gone up to Swallow Falls in Western Maryland for a weekend getaway and were staying in one of the mini cabins at the state park. After a day of hiking and swimming and picnicking outside, they’d come back to their cabin tired and ready to crash, but getting naked for showers had sidetracked them for hours. And even once they finally fell asleep, Maverick was hard and ready every time he woke up, and he took her again and again, falling asleep still buried inside her . . .

And fuck if he wasn’t ready right now.

He burrowed his face in Alexa’s soft hair and banded his arm around her stomach. His hand filled with the soft mound of her breast. He pulled her back against his chest and ground his erection against the swell of her ass.

“Maverick,” she moaned.

Hell, yeah. He nuzzled her neck, kissed her there, tasting and nipping and sucking. God, he needed in her. “Fuck, Alexa,” he whispered.

Her hand gripped his. “Maverick.”

He rolled her under him and crawled on top of her, his body falling into the cradle of her spread thighs.

“Uh, Maverick.”

He frowned and kissed her jaw, her cheek, her mouth.

It was the kiss that did it. Something wasn’t right. The memory playing out in his sleep-fogged mind didn’t feel like the reality confronting his physical senses. His eyes blinked open.

And he found himself lying on top of Alexa. Not in the cabin at Swallow Falls years before. In the gray morning light of his house. Her wide hazel eyes stared up at him.

He reared off of her in an instant. “Fuck,” he said, coming to stand by the couch. Alexa looked stunned—and so fucking sexy that Maverick barely resisted crawling back on top of her. She lay on her back in his clothes, on his couch, her knees drawn up and falling out, her hair sleep-mussed and sexy. Jesus. He adjusted himself, unable to hide his raging hard-on, and scrubbed at his face. “Goddamn dream. I’m sorry, Alexa. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“You . . . you were dreaming. Of me?” she whispered.

His gaze narrowed. “Don’t ask a question you don’t want the answer to.”

She swallowed and licked her lips. “What if I do want it? The answer,” she added.

Years of need and longing roared through Maverick like a drug he’d mainlined. His thoughts spilled out unfiltered. “Damnit, Al. You’re laying there in my clothes in my house with your thighs spread after I’ve just woken up holding you. My skin smells like you. And I’m sporting an erection because of you. Don’t fuck with me.” The words came out harsher than he intended, but she couldn’t play with him. Not on this. Not when he cared so much. Not when he wanted so much.

Her mouth dropped open and her chest rose and fell a little quicker. “I’m not playing a game. I want to know.”

Planting his hands on his hips, Maverick studied her. Her beautiful, languid body. Her pretty, open face. Her eyes, honest and free of pretense. He felt pulled in a million directions. Between wrong and right, between taking advantage and taking care, between giving in and opening himself up to a world of hurt. “I was dreaming of you. Of us. Up at Swallow Falls.”

“That night we—”

“Yes,” he growled.

“Maverick—”

“Fuck.” He dropped his chin to his chest and closed his eyes. Trying to be bigger than his base needs. Trying to put her before himself. “Whatever is about to come out of your mouth is not a good idea.”

“Mav—”

“I mean it, Al—”

“Maverick!” she nearly yelled. “Listen to me.”

His gaze cut up to hers in time to see her sit up a little and take off her shirt. Well, his shirt. Then she laid back again, her eyes on him, drinking him in, inviting him in. “What if I do want it?” she whispered.

Something inside him snapped.

He was on her in a second. Body covering hers. Hands going to her warm skin. Mouth tasting her everywhere—her shoulder, her throat, her cheek. His chest pressed against her breasts, her hard nipples evident, her excitement palpable. And then his mouth found hers. On a triumphant groan, he claimed her, his lips sucking, his tongue penetrating. His big hand found her breast and kneaded at the soft mound.

And Alexa was right there with him. Moaning, kissing him, clutching on to him. Her thighs wrapped around his hips and her fingers twisted in his hair.

Bad idea bad idea such a fucking bad idea.

Why did bad ideas have to feel so good?

Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2), by Laura Kaye
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

Ride Hard (The Raven Riders #1), by Laura Kaye
Publish Date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) Brotherhood. Club. Family.

They live and ride by their own rules.

These are the Raven Riders . . .

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before . . .

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Learn more about Laura --> Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

TOP TEN TUESDAY

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This is one meme I can get on board with - I LOVE lists! I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

Top Ten Eight Characters I'd Name a Pet After

1. Salem from Jay Crownover's Rowdy - What a great name for a cat. Right??

2. Nyx from Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series - Nyx is the Greek goddess of night. What a perfect name for a black cat or dog. 

3. Rix from Meghan March's Beneath These Lies - I think I like names ending in 'x'. 

4. Tinker from Joanna Wylde's Reaper's Fire - The biker names from Joanna Wylde's Reaper's MC series are perfect for pets. And, as it turns out, so are their old ladies' names. 

5. Calla from J.D. Tyler's Wolf's Fall - I've always loved naming pets after flowers. 

6. Katniss from Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy - I've seen several people who think this is the perfect name for a kitty. 

7. Kestrel from Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Trilogy - I love the idea of naming a pet after a bird of prey.

8. Dare from Laura Kaye's Ride Hard - If I got brother and sister dogs or cats, I always thought it would be fun to name one Truth and the other one Dare. 

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: The Sexy One

Lauren Blakely does it again! Check out my review of THE SEXY ONE, and an excerpt from the book too. It's available now, so go get it!

The Sexy One, by Lauren Blakely
Publish Date: October 17, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move...1. She works with me every single day.
Did I mention she's gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?
2. She works in my home.Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means...
3. She's the nanny.And that makes her completely off-limits... But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.

***

The other nannies in this city don't call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around.

The Sexy One was a fantastic read that was over too fast for me. I could've read about Abby and Simon for a week, but in the end, it only lasted a day. I couldn't take my eyes away from their story. 

Simon is an ovaries-exploding single dad who has been secretly lusting after his nanny for months. Abby is nanny to a sweet 5-year-old little girl, and has been secretly having sexy daydreams about her charge's dad for months. The whole employer/employee hook-up scenario isn't ideal for either of them, so they fight it as long as they can. But, it's like trying to stop up a geyser. Eventually... it explodes anyway. 

The best way to describe The Sexy One is... charming. This story put a huge grin on my face from start to finish. Abby and Simon have this undeniable connection that was evident from the first time we saw them together in Well Hung. (We actually met Simon in Mister O when he hired Harper for his daughter' birthday party.) They have this fun banter back and forth that softens them and makes them lovable. 

Abby is a language expert and teaches and translates as her second job. Simon is an investor looking into a high-profile restaurant. And an incredible, amazing, wonderful father. Abby needs the additional income as a nanny to make her bills. Simon needs someone he trusts to watch the most precious person on Earth to him. They can't really afford to screw this up once it starts. I give them an A+ for trying to stay away from one another. 

But, I get why they were hesitant. With a small child involved, things get infinitely more complicated. But this attraction was undeniable. And I loved that about them.

This woman has burrowed her way into my heart, simply by being herself. I don't honestly know if I can let her go.

Other things I loved about The Sexy One were the low drama and the high heat. I love that I got an easy read with no angst or major issues from either side. Finally, a couple that can communicate fairly well! And of course the steaminess is not to be ignored. It's something Lauren Blakely excels at. 

You don't have to have read any of Lauren Blakely's other recently published rom-com books to read The Sexy One. You just have to love romance, witty banter, and a sweet boss/employee relationship story that is bound to put you in a good mood.

“I want to talk to you about the other day.” He sounds so serious.

All of a sudden, the weight of my mistake crashes down. “Are you firing me?” I blurt out.

His jaw drops. “What?”

“I’m sorry,” I say, and the wild anxieties consume me once more. “I love this job, and I love working with Hayden, and I didn’t mean to jeopardize it by . . .”

By making out with you? By touching you? By murmuring your name when you kissed me senseless in the cab, and would you please just do it again?

He steps closer. My stomach makes like a skydiver.
“You did not jeopardize a thing. I’m not firing you. I promise.” His blue eyes are locked to mine. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. And I hope I didn’t lose you, either. You’re so good at what you do, and I value your skills so much. You’re great with Hayden, and I don’t want to mess that up. I’m sorry for crossing the line.”
I shake my head. “It’s okay. I crossed it, too.”

He licks his lips. “And I really appreciated you inviting me out with your friends. I wanted to go, but I didn’t want to mess up your night. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

A grin threatens to take over my face because my heart soars. I thought he was turning me down. Instead, he was thinking of me. “You wouldn’t have messed it up.”

“I wouldn’t have?”

“No.” I latch onto Harper’s advice. Talk to him. “I wanted you there.”

My breath comes fast, and the hairs on my arms stand on end. We’re so near to each other—our words, our voices, our bodies. Everything in me reaches for him.

“I’m glad,” he whispers.

“And you don’t make me uncomfortable. I promise.”

He doesn’t say anything in response. Just nods. I press my teeth into my lips. My back is against the sink, and he’s standing so close I can smell him. The faint scent of his soap intoxicates me. He must have gone to the gym after work and taken a shower, and oh God, now I’m imagining him naked in the shower, soaping up his strong body. I go up in flames.

“What happened in the cab was”—he pauses, as if he’s searching for the right word—“crazy.” But the way he says it in a voice full of longing doesn’t sound like crazy-bad. It sounds like . . .

“Crazy-good,” I supply.

He nods. “So good,” he whispers, and inches closer.

“It was so good,” I echo, my voice breathy, full of this potent need for him.

He stares at me, his eyes brimming with heat. I exhale, and my lips part slightly. He’s looking at my mouth now, and I’m burning all over.

We collide.

His hands are in my hair, and his lips crush mine. My fingers race up his shirt and around his neck. I pull him against me, his strong, hard body aligned with mine. His erection presses against my belly, and the realization that he’s already hard thrills me. Sparks fly through me as I register how hard he is, and my God, I want him. I want to feel him slide into me, I want to take him deep into my body. I want him to know what he does to me, too—that I’m as turned on as he is, and I can’t stop kissing him.

His big hands curl around my head, and I moan into his mouth. I love how much bigger he is than I am—taller, broader, stronger. He meets every primal desire I have to be taken. I want this man to consume me. I want to be under him, I want to be pinned by him—I want the full weight of him moving over me.

His lips are demanding, coaxing out more and more kisses from me. More murmurs, more sighs. As I arch into him, he groans, rough and husky.

Then, he breaks the kiss.

“This is bad,” he says firmly, his breath coming heavily. But then, he’s not so certain at all. “Is this bad?”

“Yes,” I answer quickly. “It’s bad. But it’s so good.”

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With eleven New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than sixty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK, MISTER O and WELL HUNG, which were instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she'll release THE SEXY ONE, a swoony contemporary romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter at laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Learn more about Lauren --> Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

COVER REVEAL: Sweet Cheeks

OMG! Kristy Bromberg is writing a new book, and with a title and a cover like this, how can it be bad?? Speaking of the cover...

Sweet Cheeks, by K. Bromberg
Publish Date: November 14, 2016
Publisher: JKB Publishing, Inc.
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
(Synopsis) It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it. Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear of him. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Honor (The Breaking Point #1)

Welcome to my tour stop for Jay Crownover's HONOR, due out next Tuesday. Check out my review and an excerpt from the book - I'm so excited for you to read this incredible book!

Honor (The Breaking Point #1), by Jay Crownover
Publish Date: October 18, 2016Publisher: William Morrow
Format: ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Don't be fooled.

Don't make excuses for me.

I am not a good man.

I've seen things no one should, done things no one should talk about. Honor and conscience have no place in my life. But I've fought and I've survived. I've had to.

The first time I saw her dancing on that seedy stage in that second rate club, I felt my heart pulse for the first time. Keelyn Foster was too young, too vibrant for this place, and I knew in an instant that I would make her mine. But first I had to climb my way to the top. I had to have something more to offer her.

I'm here now, money is no object and I have no equal. Except for her. She's disappeared. But don't worry, I will find her and claim her. She will be mine.

Like I said, don't be fooled. I am not the devil in disguise… I'm the one front and center.

Nassir Gates is a bad boy. I'm not talking the figurative bad boy we see in romance novels - he's legit a bad dude. He's the biggest, baddest crime boss The Point has ever seen, but not in the same way the previous bossman, Novak, was. Nassir's control and power is absolute and his word is law. But, he does have a code. He does have a heart. And it belongs to Keelyn Foster.

I think I loved Honor so much because Nassir is the best kind of contradiction. It's true that he's not a good guy. He's violent and ruthless to those who cross him. He has killed many people. He is super rich, and he's made his money running strip clubs and sex clubs. He's certainly not above blackmail to get what he wants from the upper echelon of society. He is not normally a man I would love. 

But the way he is with Key - I swooned HARD every single time they were in each other's orbit. From the very first chapter when they run into each other after six months apart until the very last chapter after they both go through some rough situations, Nassir is completely and utterly devoted to this one woman. The way he loves her and takes care of her makes it easy for me to forgive everything else that he does. 

I wanted all of her, and once I had her, I was keeping her forever, but for that to happen she needed to give herself to me for safekeeping. She didn't have to trust me, but she did have to love me.

Most of the characters seen in Honor have previously appeared in Jay's Welcome to the Point series. We get appearances and mentions from Bax and Dovie, Race and Brysen and Titus and Reeve, as well as some other peripheral characters. Certainly Nassir and Key were mentioned in Better When He's Brave, and it was clear even then that they had a connection that was anything but usual. 

I was strong on my own but even stronger with him by my side. I walked my own path but I never would have been able to take those steps if he hadn't been ahead of me clearing the way. I would rather have Nassir for a heartbeat than never have him at all, all the while spending however long either of us had left fighting an unseen future. I would rather fight with him and make up over and over again than keep fighting against the inevitable impact he was going to have on my life and the forever place he had in my heart.

Nassir knows who he is. He has not delusioned himself into thinking he's some good guy. But, he knows that Key gives him a measure of peace. Key herself is no angel - half the town has seen her naked as she danced on a pole for years. But, she is incredibly confident and after so long, she knows what and who she wants. And she won't let any situation or any person stand in her way. It took her awhile to get there - she was worried that, in giving her her whole self over to Nassir, she would lose it. But now that she's by Nassir's side, she's determined to not let anything else remove her from that place. 

Jay has this uncanny ability to write about truly bad guys and bad girls that you can't help but love. Nassir and Key are excellent examples of this. Nassir especially has done some bad things, but his humanity shone through, and that made him so incredibly likable. I can't wait to see what else comes out of The Point. 

NASSIR

She harrumphed and slid off the desk so she was towering over me in those killer heels. I was glad she was back in her right skin.

“Business only?”

I nodded solemnly and ran a tired hand over my face. It was a deal with the devil, but we both knew she was going to make it anyway.

“Very lucrative and profitable business only, and if for some reason the cops shut me down, I’ll return your investment plus fifty percent of my own.”

“How much did you sink into this place? And how much do you expect me to buy in for?”

I shrugged. “I spent enough to make it what I wanted and you can pay in the same Race did. Two hundred K. I’m the primary backer, so my word is law, but if you see something now working or a way I missed to bring more money in, we can have a discussion.” Race had actually put in double that amount, but I wasn’t about to tell her that, and no one had ever accused me of being honest.

She whistled. “That’s a lot of money.”

“You have it.” She would hate to know that I knew exactly what her bank balance was. It paid to have a computer hacker on the payroll. There wasn’t much about her I didn’t know, both inside and out.

“I do have it. I just don’t know if I want to give it to you.” It sounded like she was taking about a lot more than money.

“We open this weekend, so you don’t have much time to decide.”

“I feel like I never had a choice. The second you showed up in Denver, this was all bound to happen because you always get your way.”

I shook my head slightly. “Not always.” We both knew that.

Her eyes sparked with charcoal flecks and she took a step closer so that she could bend down and put her hands on the arms of my chair. She leaned closer and closer until her mouth was hovering a mere millimeter away from mine. When she spoke, the words danced across my lips and tasted like victory and fate.

“No, not always.” Her lips pressed into mine and I had to curl my hands around the arms of the chair to keep from grabbing at her.

She teased the clamped seam of my lips with her tongue and lightly scraped her teeth across my bottom lip. I wanted to toss her backward on the desk and bury myself inside her with no finesse, just pure, animalistic lust. She brushed her lips back and forth and laughed lightly as I bit down on my already injured tongue to keep from reacting. If I mauled her now, it would undo any progress I might have made with her.

She pulled back and reached out to run her finger over each of the high arches of my eyebrows. It was the softest, gentlest touch I had ever felt from another human being and it made my focus on her pulse even more heavily in my veins.

“Fine. I’m in. I’ll write you a check.”

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website: http://www.jaycrownover.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover?ref=hl
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JayCrownover
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Crownover

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: The Fix Up

Sterling was everything I knew he would be. I loved The Fix Up and can't wait for you to read it too! Check out my review and an excerpt from the book...

The Fix Up, by Kendall Ryan
Publish Date: October 11, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) My tempting and very alpha friend Sterling Quinn is someone I consider off-limits.

It's not just that we're friends, he's also cocky, confident, and British, which means he's a walking aphrodisiac.

But lately he's been giving me the look. You know the one. When he thinks I'm not paying attention, and his gaze lingers for too long.

When we start working together, that's when the sexual tension between us gets so thick, I want to hack through it with a machete. I want to make all these deep feelings I've harbored for him disappear, because there's no way this can end well.
The lines between business and pleasure become irrevocably blurred, and I'm stuck between a rock, and Sterling's very, very hard place.

Rather than keep a level head about our growing attraction, Sterling wants to go all in, showing me just how explosive we can be together.

But I've been around long enough to know that this British bad boy is more than my heart can handle. I'm not about to be cast aside like yesterday's underwear when he's done having fun.

Sterling’s never been told no, and he's not about to put his ego aside and play by my rules. But I never thought he'd fight so dirty.

The Fix Up is a spin-off from Kendall Ryan's Hitched series, but even if you didn't read that one, you can still enjoy all the sexy British goodness that is Sterling Quinn with absolutely no problems. None. 

Sterling is a happy manwhore. He knows his accent gets him lots of action, and he's cool with that. He's a successful divorce attorney who puts absolutely no stock in love and commitment. The only woman he loves and trusts is his mother, who sadly is in a home with severe dementia. So, when he's informed that he stands to inherit $50 million from a distant relative, it seems his wildest dreams are coming true. Except, in order to claim the cash, he has to get married, and he has six months to find Mrs. Sterling Quinn. 

Camryn Palmer is the PR rep hired to help Sterling find a wife. It helps that they are already acquainted since their respective BFFs recently were married (check out Hitched for that story). Although she's always been wildly attracted to him, Sterling put her squarely in the friend zone soon after their meeting, and she's stayed there ever since. Now she has to work closely with him, which only amps up her attraction tenfold. Except, she has to find him a wife. 

I just knew that Sterling was going to be awesome. I love the reformed manwhore trope, and it's even better that Sterling is so likable. He's confident, but not cocky. He has slept with lots of girls, but not so many that he's gross. He's sweet and attentive and the first one to admit when what he's doing just isn't working anymore. 

Sterling and Camryn have a great connection. Their efforts at being just friends include hilarious banter, fun dinners and delicious sexually charged moments. And when they finally give in to the inevitable, it's even better between the two of them. As it turns out, Sterling is just what Camryn needed to get out of her dating slump and Camryn is just what Sterling needed to settle down and realize what he needs.

But of course, as we see so often in books with lots of kissing, communication is not a strong suit. Camryn doesn't want Sterling to marry some random chick that's good for him on paper, and Sterling would rather ditch the fortune, despite his mom, and keep Camryn in his life. And neither of them shares that with the other. 

The Fix Up was a great book - one of my favorites by Kendall Ryan. I wonder if she's got any more up her sleeve from this world?

I twist the doorknob, and finding it unlocked, let myself inside.
Sterling’s place is compact, but modern and classy. It suits him. After a quick glance around the living space, I spot him on the balcony outside, just beyond the glass doors at the far end of the living room. He’s facing away from me, his hands gripping the railing, his head bowed.

My smile from moments ago is gone. Seeing him like this—looking distraught—brings the reality of our situation crashing back.

Sterling suddenly turns and we lock eyes. A thousand emotions are revealed in his eyes, but mostly there’s anger. There’s also a sadness in his gaze that I’ve never seen. It’s haunting.

I swallow a lump in my throat, wondering what’s going on.

“Sterling?” I ask, slowly approaching the balcony.

It’s beautiful—plush pillows and twinkling lights, and a chilled bottle of white wine all nestled together in a romantic picnic for two.

He lets out a heavy sigh and runs one hand through his hair.

“This is beautiful,” I say since he hasn’t spoken, hasn’t even moved from the spot where he’s rooted, and his stony silence is killing me. “Are you okay?”

“Just fine,” he says curtly, his gaze looking past me.

He doesn’t seem fine. He seems off. Why go through all the effort if he’s just going to act sullen and withdrawn?

And what could have possibly changed in the twenty-four hours since we last spoke on the phone? He seemed so excited—like he hadn’t a care in the world. Now it seems he doesn’t want me here.

“If this is a bad time, if tonight doesn’t work . . .” I trail off, my voice suddenly shaky.

“The meal’s already prepared.” He brushes past me, headed toward the kitchen.

Unsure what to do, I follow behind him.

He’s acting like an asshole, and I suddenly feel so stupid for getting all done up tonight. I’m not going to stand around and embarrass myself by begging for his attention.

“You know what? Never mind. This was a bad idea, anyway. I’ll see myself out.” I turn and head for the front door, anger and rejection dueling inside me.

It takes all of three seconds before Sterling’s long strides catch him up to me by the door. His grip around my wrist stops me. “Wait.”

I turn and face him. I’m halfway between wanting to flee and staying to hear his explanation.

He releases a heavy exhale. “I received a phone call just before you arrived.”

With him so near, the combination of his clean soap and his spicy cologne intoxicates me. Memories of our intimate dinner rush back. But apparently tonight is not meant to be a repeat. Waiting to see what he’ll say next, I inhale and hold my breath.

When he doesn’t continue, I ask, “Is everything okay?”

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Sugar Free (Sugar Bowl #3)

What a finale. Sawyer Bennett' Sugar Bowl series comes to an end with Sugar Free's release today. Check out my review, and if you haven't experienced this series for yourself yet, make that the next item on your to read list!

Sugar Free (Sugar Bowl #3), by Sawyer Bennett
Publish Date: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
Format: ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) For years Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?

Beck will do anything to protect what is his—and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela’s mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go—and it might not even be his choice to make.

Sugar Free is an incredible, frustrating, heart-pounding, sexy conclusion to Beck and Sela's story. If you like books where the HEA seems completely elusive, then you'll love this one. For so many chapters, I found myself biting my nails wondering how Beck and Sela were going to get out of the mess in which they both now find themselves. 

Sugar Free picks up moments after the end of Sugar Rush - with a blood-stained Sela standing in front of Beck and his sister after her encounter with JT at his house. Sela has made her bed and is prepared to lie in it, but Beck is not willing to leave her fate to chance. Instead, he puts himself in harm's way, but more and more it seems like there will be no HEA for either of them. 

I knew from the first two books in this series that Beck was a special kind of alpha male. It was clear in Sugar Rush that he had fallen completely in love with Sela and would protect her from JT at all costs. He went to some pretty extreme measures in that book to make that happen. But, as it turns out, we hadn't seen even the tip of the iceberg when it came to Beck's devotion to this woman. 

As frustrating as it was when Beck stood in for Sela in front of the police and lawyers and his family, it was also incredibly sexy. That this man would go that far to protect his woman was incredible to me. He never wavered. Never questioned what he felt he had to do. His loyalty was first and foremost to Sela, and that made him the absolute best kind of hero. 

Don't worry - Sela is not the kind of woman to tolerate anyone taking any sort of punishment that was really meant for her. ESPECIALLY the man she is absolutely devoted to. She is always trying to do the right thing. Beck is telling her that that is to let him handle things. Her heart is telling her that that is to woman up and tell the whole truth. 

Despite all the stress and uncertainty that permeates this book, there was still plenty of time for the sexy times that Beck and Sela do so very well. Their chemistry and depth of emotion with one another makes for some super hot scenes. I just love how open and honest and loving they are with each other. They always seem to know what the other needs, and that makes for a pretty dynamic couple. 

We see a lot more of Beck's sister in Sugar Free, which was nice. And, I don't think it gives anything away to say that, by the very end, all questions are answered and all loose ends are tied up. And the epilogue - WOW. What an incredible conclusion. Thinking about it makes me feel all emotional again - it was SO well done. I can't wait for you to read it.

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks
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