BIG News From Laura Kaye

       

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden… 

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

Laura Kaye’s first two books in the Blasphemy series are FREE on all retailers through July 4! And with the third book, EYES ON YOU, releasing on July 18, it's the perfect time to dive into a sexy new series and meet the Masters of Blasphemy, a world of infinite fantasies just for you! 

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

About Bound to Submit (Blasphemy #1):

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Grab your FREE eBook copy of Bound to Submit today!

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About MASTERING HER SENSES (Blasphemy #2):

He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

Grab your FREE eBook copy of Mastering Her Senses today!

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And pre-order you copy of EYES ON YOU, coming July 18th, today!

About EYES ON YOU (Blasphemy #3):

She wants to explore her true desires, and he wants to watch… When a sexy stranger asks Wolf Henrikson to rescue her from a bad date, he never expected to want the woman for himself. But their playful conversation turns into a scorching one-night stand that reveals the shy beauty gets off on the idea of being seen, even if she’s a little scared of it, too. And Wolf loves to watch.

In the wake of discovering her fiancé’s infidelity, florist Olivia Foster never expected to find someone who not only understood her wildest, darkest fantasies, but would bring them to life. As Wolf introduces her to his world at the play club, Blasphemy, Liv finds herself tempted to explore submission and exhibitionism with the hard-bodied Dom even as she’s scared to trust again.

But Wolf is a master of getting what he wants—and he’s got his eyes set on her…

Amazon

Other retailers coming 10/18!

About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and 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. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
 
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BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Oversight (The Community #2)

Oversight (The Community #2), by Santino Hassell
Publish Date: June 26, 2017
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and A Novel Take PR
Genre: adult m/m paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Holden Payne has it all . . . or so he thinks. As heir to the founder of the Community—an organization that finds, protects, and manages psychics—he’s rich, powerful, and treated like royalty. But after a series of disappearances and murders rock the Community, he’s branded the fall guy for the scandal and saddled with a babysitter.

Sixtus Rossi is a broad-shouldered, tattooed lumbersexual with a man-bun and a steely gaze. He’s also an Invulnerable—supposedly impervious to both psychic abilities and Holden’s charms. It’s a claim Holden takes as a challenge. Especially if sleeping with Six may help him learn whether the Community had more to do with the disappearances than they claimed.

As Holden uncovers the truth, he also finds himself getting in deep with the man sent to watch him. His plan to seduce Six for information leads to a connection so intense that some of Six’s shields come crashing down. And with that comes a frightening realization: Holden has to either stand by the Community that has given him everything, or abandon his old life to protect the people he loves.

I really loved book two in Santino Hassell's The Community series, not only because of Holden and Six (I'll get to them in a minute), but because Santino chose this book to crack this paranormal world he's created wide open. Now, we all know that Santino Hassell can write contemporary romance like a boss. But, let me tell how how brilliant he also is at writing paranormal. 

In Oversight, we meet a lot more people with psychic abilities than we did in Insight. Better yet - we get to see them use their powers in pretty awesome ways. We also get a greater scope and understanding of The Community. We take a trip to the infamous Farm. And we learn of the widespread revolutionaries that are just waiting for the catalyst to start fighting back against those who have been using, mistreating and killing them. 

Who knew that in the middle of all this, the son of the big bad guy could find truth and love?

 Six is a man that Holden saw only briefly as a boy, but that one instance made a big impression. Years later, Six is sent to be the new bouncer/babysitter at Holden's nightclub. He's socially inept, scary, broody, and frustrating. And he has this really cool ability - he is immune to all other psychics. Their powers don't work on him because his shield is that impenetrable - a fact that Holden finds incredibly annoying at first, but soon realizes what a wonderful blessing it is. 

Holden's empathic abilities have always made relationships hard. He doesn't have to worry about that with Six. He feels calm and peaceful around Six. That is, until Six shatters everything Holden has ever known about his life, his parents and The Community as a whole. 

In Oversight, I felt this overwhelming sense of camaraderie and togetherness, as we see old friends (yes - Nate and Trent are back) join with new ones to finally start to take back their lives and claim them for their own. It's an upward battle though - a handful of determined and talented men and women are fighting against an establishment with hundreds of brainwashed minions. Not every move they make carries a positive result. Good thing there's another book coming. 

The buildup to the last book in this series is crazy. It started in Insight, and built in Oversight. I'm about jumping out of my skin to get my grabby hands on Sightlines to see what happens to the final couple in the series and how all of them will manage to accomplish what seems to be the impossible.

The man who walked into the office did not remotely resemble the teen boy who'd just strolled through his memories. Adult Sixtus was Holden’s height but corded with about thirty more pounds of muscle. His biceps were nearly bursting from the sleeves and his pecs were clearly visible beneath the tight black polo he wore, making the typically conservative style— look like the prequel to a stripping routine in Magic Mike. He also wore khaki pants so tight his thighs looked like they were being strangled. He'd paired the two articles of clothing with scuffed motorcycle boots with steel toes.

Holden didn't make an attempt to hide his slow ogle, and dragged his eyes from boot to crotch to clavicle before taking in Six's face. His fathomless black eyes were the only familiar feature in that olive complexed face. He had a full beard and mustache, thick black hair tied up in a bun, and wide lips that Holden wanted to suck on. Why did his sociopathic handler have to be a disgustingly sexy lumberjack hipster?

"Huh," Holden said. "He's filled out."

Richard went back to pursing his lips but Sixtus didn't even blink. He didn't scan Holden or react to the intense eyefuck he'd just received. There seemed to be nothing behind those dark eyes. The effect was more disturbing when Holden, by default, reached out with his gift to get an impression. He'd expected a hint of impatience or irritation even if it was muted by the mental shield that was apparently always in place.

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

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COVER REVEAL: The Wright Mistake

I am LOVING the Wright series by K.A. Linde! And, tortured Austin's story is coming up in a few short weeks! Check out the cover of THE WRIGHT MISTAKE (I think it's my favorite one yet!)...

The Wright Mistake, by K.A. Linde
Publish Date: August 8, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) I spent six weeks screwing Austin Wright’s brains out and all I got was this broken heart.

He can’t be trusted. Not with my body or my heart. Yet, two years have passed and I still crave him like an addict needing a fix.

The last time we tried this, it nearly ruined me. I know I should run and never look back. But his dark haunted eyes and razor blade smile speak to my soul. His touch sets my body on fire. And we all know what happens when you light gasoline. Someone is bound to get burned.

A second chance might destroy us both.

Because everyone knows two wrongs don’t make a Wright.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Dropout (Bad Boy Homecoming #1)

The Bad Boy Homecoming series is here with five brand new romances from five killer romance authors. Check out my review of DROPOUT by Carrie Ann Ryan!

Dropout (Bad Boy Homecoming #1), by Carrie Ann Ryan
Publish Date: June 27, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) A high school reunion is about to get down and dirty and a whole lot more complicated in this new erotic romance from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

Grayson Cleary left town before graduation day and never looked back. Most people back home pegged him as a dropout. Over time, he’s worked to make something of his life and leave his past behind, so when his ten-year reunion comes up, he has no intention of attending. When his best friend begs him to go, Grayson finds himself confronted with a past he’d rather forget and the one woman he’s always craved.

Kate St. Dalton had everything when she left her hometown. Not only was she Valedictorian with a full scholarship, but she was also engaged to the boy of her dreams. Then, life threw a wrench in her plans, and she had to find a way to live the new life fate handed her. The last thing she needs is the hot boy from high school returning to town as the sexy man of her dreams.

When the two take a chance and use the reunion week to burn up the sheets, they’ll have to remember that it’s only for a few nights—not for a lifetime. And decide if what they have is just a fling…or something far more than a mere reunion.

I love the Bad Boy Homecoming premise - five authors take 10 different people from the same high school and write their story as they all come back to their 10 year reunion and pair up. Each book features a "bad boy" of sorts - of course they all have good hearts that end up beating for one special girl by the end. 

Dropout, by Carrie Ann Ryan, is labeled as the first book in this series. It centers around the kid that everyone thought of as poor white trash in their Texas high school. Before he could graduate, he abruptly left town with his family, and settled in Denver. He had no intentions of ever going back, but Gray's best friend drags him along with her. Once there, he realizes not a lot has changed in ten years - the stuck-up jerks are still stuck-up jerks, people still think he's nothing, and Kate St. Dalton is still beautiful and nice to him. 

Kate was the one everyone thought would amount to something. But, poor life choices have landed her back in her tiny town with two kids, a horrible ex-husband and no college degree. She's just biding her time until she can get out with her babies, when Gray Cleary re-enters her life.

At its heart, Dropout is a great second chance love story. Although these two never were a couple before - in fact, I wouldn't even say they were friends, per se - they each admired the other from afar. And, their high school reunion has given them a second chance to act on those feelings that seem to have only grown.

I like that the physical attraction is there, but that it's the mutual respect for where each of them has been the past ten years and how it has made them who they are now that turns out to be the biggest turn on for Gray and Kate. I also loved that neither of the are done trying to better themselves. They both have big plans for the future, and for both of them, their plans will take them away from their tiny Texas town once again.

Dropout, as the official first book in this series, introduces most of the other characters in the other four books in the series. I saw places where I know Gray and Kate's story will intersect with the others in different ways. This must've taken some crazy coordination on the part of the five authors involved, so major props to them for pulling it off in a big way. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series now!

Find out more about the other four books in the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series on the website here: http://badboyhomecoming.com/.

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

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RELEASE DAY REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Easy Nights (Boudreaux #6)

EASY NIGHTS is finally here, which means VAN and BEN are finally here. Check out my review and an excerpt!

Easy Nights (Boudreaux #6), by Kristen Proby
Publish Date: June 27, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Savannah Boudreaux knows what it is to hurt. To bleed. To be afraid that the man she’s promised to be true to until “death do us part” might in fact separate them far sooner than anyone had ever anticipated. But Van also knows what it is to survive. To move on. To live life to the fullest. With five brothers and sisters and a loving mother as her constant source of strength during the pain and the healing, Van realizes there is little else she needs.

But some things never change…

Benjamin Preston sat on the sidelines of the Boudreaux family for years, in love with a woman he couldn’t have. As the best friend of the Boudreaux brothers since childhood, Ben has seen both tragedies and joys in the family. And as a former MMA fighter and Krav Maga expert, Ben’s used to fighting for what he wants—and winning. His hands were tied when Savannah married her high school sweetheart not long after graduation, but now two years have passed since Ben found Savannah broken in her own home.

Sometimes what you need most has been right in front of you the whole time…

Van’s convinced that happiness isn’t in the cards for her, no matter how right it feels to be in Ben’s strong arms—and his bed. Ben is determined to win her heart and fight for her trust. He’s promised to protect her, to be her friend. But more than anything, he wants to finally make her his, and this is one fight he’s not willing to lose.

My goodness, it seems like I've been waiting forever for Savannah and Ben to get together. They've been dancing around each other for a few years now, but it's just never been the right time for them. But, their time has come - finally.

Savannah is in a good place now after getting help for her husband's horrible torture and some time passing. Her family has been incredible. And, that includes Ben. Ben's always been like family to all the Boudreauxs - except for Van. And now that she's in a better frame of mind, Ben and Van can finally give things a try. 

Van and Ben together was even better than I had imagined. Ben was protective and sweet and perfect for her. And Van was independent and sassy and with Ben she was the best version of herself. The journey of Van has been pretty amazing. Kristen Proby didn't rush her healing. It's been two years. As much as it killed all of us to wait until the last book to see Van's HEA play out, it really did have to be this way. If it had come sooner, it would've felt rushed. This way, it really was perfect. 

Of course, true love never runs smooth (one of my grandma's favorite sayings), and as perfect as Van and Ben are together, they still have a few more bumps in the road to get over. I'm glad, though. If they were too perfect, or if they went from the friend zone to practically married over night, it would've not been realistic at all. Once they gave each other permission to be together, things did pick up steam pretty quickly, but it definitely wasn't perfect. It was perfect for them, though.

I loved that Van's siblings were cheering them on the whole time. There was none of the "we need to keep this relationship a secret since you're my brothers' BFF and they'd kill you if they found out" business. Van's brothers know Ben. They trust him. So, they know she couldn't do any better than him. Their friendship is awesome. 

I'm sad to say goodbye to New Orleans and the Boudreaux family. Their stories and those of the people around them have been fun and sexy and amid the backdrop of the deep south, it's been even more interesting. Easy Nights finished things off pretty perfectly.

“Van.”

I spin at the sound of Ben’s voice, and silently cringe. I look horrible. I’m sweating like an ice cold drink without a coaster, and the clothes I wear here are skin tight, making it easier to move.

“You’re not usually here at this time,” I say and dab a towel on my face. “What’s up?”

“I had a meeting with another instructor,” he says with a smile. “Thought I’d say hi.”

“Hi.” I smile and readjust my ponytail. It’s much smaller now, but I can still pull it back. “How was your day?”

“Busy,” he replies and surprises me by letting his eyes travel up and down my body. “I like the new hair. You look great.”

“I’m a mess.” I chuckle and hook my towel around my shoulders. “You, however, do look great.”

That’s a fucking understatement. He’s in cargo shorts and a black tank top, showing off his tattoos and his muscles.

Good lord, the muscles.

“Can I show you a few things?” he asks, breaking my concentration on his muscles.

“Sure,” I frown as I follow him back into the empty classroom. “Am I doing something wrong?”

“No, I just want to go over some form things.” He leads me to the center of the room and stands behind me, looking into my eyes through the mirror.

Oh God. This is way sexier than it probably should be.

“Assume the stance.”

I follow his directions and work very hard to not react to his strong hands on my sides as he walks me through punches, kicks, and better ways to keep my center of gravity.

“You’re small,” he murmurs and pushes my legs just a little closer together. “I want you to keep your feet just a little closer together. You’ll have better balance.”

I nod. “It feels better.”

He smiles at me. I can’t keep my eyes off of him in the mirror. The way he moves, his facial expressions.

Ben has always been attractive to me, but holy shit, did he get hotter? Or was I just too broken before to see it?

Because holy shit, he’s hot.

“Van?”

“Yeah?”

“I just asked you to do the spin/elbow move.”

“Oh.” I bite my lip and will myself to stop ogling his arms.

“Are you okay?”

“Of course.” I do as he asks and spin, attempting to ram my elbow in his nose, the way I’ve been taught, but he blocks and sends me onto my ass. “Damn it.”

“You’re not spinning quickly enough.”

“I’m as clumsy as they get,” I remind him. “If I spin too fast, I’ll fall on my ass. I’ll be helping my attacker more than anything.”

“It’ll actually feel easier,” he says, helping me to my feet. “You can do this. I’ve seen it.”

“You’re taller than anyone else I’ve ever sparred with.”

“Good,” he says and narrows his eyes. “Chances are, if you ever have to defend yourself, your attacker won’t be shorter than you.”
“True.” I nod thoughtfully.

“But if you’re still not comfortable doing this with me, that’s fine. I can make suggestions for Shelly to work on next week.”

“I’m okay,” I reply, and am surprised to realize that it’s true. It wasn’t long ago that I couldn’t stand for any man to touch me, not even my brothers. But I don’t mind so much now.

In fact, I’m utterly shocked to realize that his touch is turning me on. I don’t remember the last time I had sexual thoughts toward a man. Even Ben. Which was one more thing that made me sad.

But hello, long lost hormones.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: The Knocked Up Plan

The Knocked Up Plan, by Lauren Blakely
Publish Date: June 23, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) This single gal has had enough of the games, the BS and the endless chase. I know what I want most, and it’s not true love. It’s a bun in the oven, and I’m not afraid to hit up my sex-on-a-stick co-worker to do the job. Ryder is gorgeous, witty and charming — and he’s also a notorious commitment-phobe. That makes him the perfect candidate to make a deposit in the bank of me.

I won’t fall for him, he won’t fall for me, and there’s no way baby will make three.
Right?

****
There are four words every guy wants to hear on the first date — “your place or mine?”

When my hot-as-sin co-worker makes me a no-strings-attached offer that involves her place, my place, any place — as well as any position — I can’t refuse. After all, my job is like a coach and my latest assignment for the good of mankind is to create a fail-safe, battle-tested, proven guide of what to do or say to get a woman to fall into your bed — I mean, fall for you. So when Nicole says she’s game to work through my list in a hands-on way, I take her up on her deal even with her one BIG condition.

There’s no way I’ll want more from one woman than any position, any where, any night? Except . . . what if I do?

Oh, my exploding ovaries. The Knocked Up Plan was absolutely everything a swoony romance loving mother could want (and I guarantee you'll love it even if you don't have any kids!). It's sweet and romantic and so sexy (of course it is - it's by Lauren Blakely!). 

Nicole wants a baby, and the fact that she has no boyfriend and no plans for one doesn't make an iota of difference to her. She's willing to troll the sperm back offerings and pick the perfect specimen to father her child. Except, she realizes the perfect specimen works down the hall from her every day. Luckily, Ryder is willing to help her with her problem, but he doesn't want to make a deposit in the bank. He wants to do things the old fashioned way. Cue the swoony sighs. 

Anyone who thinks that Nicole's and Ryder's well-laid plans wouldn't go awry is so dead wrong. It cracks me up that either one of them could think they would share something so intimate as not only having lots and lots of sex, but making a BABY together, and not end up having some feelings for each other in the end. Ryder was especially in denial after getting burned in the worst way by his ex-wife. Neither of them thought that they'd get both a relationship and a baby out of the arrangement.

But, what I loved about these two was that, before all the baby making shenanigans started, they were real friends. They genuinely liked one another and hung out together and knew a little about each other. Even when they started sleeping over and getting naked, they still acted like friends. They had this adorably playful banter, and Ryder's work assignment was to write a book and do segments on his dating radio show about the ten best places to take a date in NYC. So, he did these things with Nicole. And it was brilliant. It gave the couple a chance to get some depth to their relationship, which only helped with the connection I felt with them. 

I absolutely adored this book. It takes place in the Big Rock world that Lauren has set up for us, and we do see a few recurring characters in it, but not many. It can definitely be read as a standalone with absolutely no problems. The Knocked Up Plan is told in dual POV, and it was a very easy read for me. I can sit down with a Lauren Blakely book and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. This book was no different. I loved it.

Yanking open the door, I head inside. I stride to the small cafe where Ryder said he’d wait for me.

My chest falls. The man is known for punctuality. I scan the white bakery case and the five round iron tables, but he’s not here. When I spin around and survey the bookshelves, my heart nearly leaps from my chest.

He’s in the . . .

Oh my fucking God, he’s waiting for me in the . . .

I bring my hand to my mouth, and I want to run, to leap into his arms. When he sees me, his blue eyes twinkle with mischief.

I am a teapot about to whistle. I am a dog dancing before dinnertime.

He taps the shelves and holds up a book.

A pregnancy guide.

He’s ten feet from me. But I sprint anyway, and I grin like a fool. I stop two inches from him and clamp my hands on his broad shoulders. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes—”

I tackle-hug him before he can say anything more. I knock the breath from him in an oomph as I rope my arms around his neck and crash into him.

“But I have one condition,” he says, embracing me back.

I’m crying tears of happiness, so I don’t care. “Anything. Name it.”

“You better hear it before you agree.”

The moment screeches to a halt. He’s going to want visitation rights. He’ll want lots of money. He’ll want summers, or weekends, or evenings out.

I unwrap myself from the warmth of his strong chest and swallow. “What’s your condition?”

“I thought it would be best to present it in the form of a column.”

“A column?”

“Top five list and everything.”

I groan inside. He has five conditions? Maybe my mother was right. Maybe asking for baby-mix from someone you know is a big mistake. Anonymous donors request nothing but greenbacks.

I steel myself as he fishes in the back pocket of his jeans. The paper is square, folded in quarters. He hands it to me. “Open it.”

I unfold it then read the headline out loud. “‘Top Five Positions for Getting a Woman Pregnant’?”

I blink and stare at him. The cogs turn slowly in my brain. I part my lips to speak.

He raises a hand to silence me. “Hear me out. You explained how it worked. The room, the cup, the magazines, the videos. The whacking off in a fucking public place. The cost. But most of all . . . the wait.

You’d have to wait for an appointment for me, for the testing, for the jerking off, then for your special date with the turkey baster.” He cups my cheek. His hand is big and warm. “What if we did it theold-fashioned way?”

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she's sold more than 2 million books. In June she'll release THE KNOCKED UP PLAN, a standalone contemporary romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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✮✮✮Enter to win this amazing THE KNOCKED UP PLAN GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮

Lauren’s Bundle of Joy Special Delivery Giveaway! This bundle is valued at $200 and includes the most delicious cupcakes delivered to your door from Wicked Cupcakes, a $50 gift certificate for luxurious bath products to make your skin baby soft from The Body Shop, and comes wrapped up with a beautiful sterling silver bow bangle bracelet from Pandora ($125 value).

http://laurenblakely.com/knocked-plan-giveaway/

COVER REVEAL: Dear Bridget, I Want You

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have teamed up again to bring us, what is sure to be, another incredible book. Well... with a cover like this, it's hard to imagine how it could be anything BUT amazing...

Dear Bridget, I Want You, by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland
Publish Date: September 18, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon

(Synopsis) Dear Bridget,

I’m writing this letter because it’s highly doubtful I’ll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.

So, here goes.

We’re totally wrong for each other. You’re the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I’m just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.

But here’s the thing… for some bloody reason, I can’t stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.

I want you.

The only reason I’m even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don’t believe it’s one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we’re joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.

So, what’s the purpose of this note? I guess it’s a reminder that we’re adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it’s to let you know that I’m leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you’d like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.

No questions asked.

Think about it.

Or don’t.

Whatever you choose.

It’s doubtful I’ll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.

--Simon

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of thirteen novels. With over a million books sold, her titles have placed on the New York Times Bestseller list fifteen times. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 12-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 10-year-old boy. Penelope, her husband, and kids reside in Rhode Island.

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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. With more than a million books sold, her titles have appeared in over fifty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in fourteen languages. She lives in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: Revenge (Lawless #3)

The Lawless series is now complete with REVENGE, and what an incredible story it turned out to be. Check out my review of Revenge and an excerpt from the book!

Revenge (Lawless #3), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: June 20, 2017
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) When Drew Lawless discovers a fatal flaw in his plan to avenge his parents’ deaths, he turns to the one woman he'd promised he wouldn't touch. He offers her a deal, one that will bring her into his investigation, his life, and his bed. 

Investigative reporter Shelby Gates never dreamed how twisted the case would become—or how fascinated she would be with Drew. Every day they spend together binds them. And every night brings her closer to realizing he might be the man for her.

As Drew's feelings for Shelby grow, so does the danger. From the streets of Dallas to Austin’s high-tech business world, Drew and Shelby play a game begun twenty years before—a game they will win, or die trying.

We've been leading up to the conclusion and resolution of the Lawless siblings' story for three books now. Each book has brought about a new surprise and a new twist that has led up to this. And it's fitting that Drew - the glue that has held his family together all these years - is the one who has held out the longest in their fight for... revenge. 

Drew and Shelby have clashed in previous books due to her profession as an investigative reporter and her penchant to dig up the secrets about his family that he'd rather stay buried. Now, Drew has decided he needs her to do her investigative thing to help him finish things once and for all, but to get her to agree to help him requires him to lie, lie, lie. And he wants her to lie a little too. 

If Drew wants to keep his investigating in the dark from his siblings, he needs Shelby's presence in his life to be explained in some other way. Why not pretend they're dating? Because that has never gone wrong before (reference Riley's attempts to do the same thing in Ruthless). 

My feelings about Drew were very conflicted. He genuinely likes Shelby. He's hoping to keep her as his after everything is all said and done, but he acknowledges that his underhanded techniques may turn her against him for good. But, Drew is so singularly focused on bringing down the person who killed his dad, he's willing to take the risk. It's infuriating because Shelby quickly grows to trust him, and Drew keeps hiding things from her. 

Although a huge surprise and game changer was revealed at the end of Satisfaction (Lawless #2), there's still room for more of them. The hits keep coming, and when everything is finally revealed, it's a crazy picture. Drew's quest for justice and revenge leaves some debris in his wake, and as one would expect, his house of cards he built around Shelby come crashing down because of it. 

There were parts of Revenge that were a little slower than I would've liked, but those parts were short and sparse. As in the other books in this series, Revenge is told in dual POV and comes complete with lots of heat and heart. I'm sad to say goodbye to the Lawless siblings, but the epilogue in Revenge made it a little easier to do so. It's been a crazy, dangerous, awesome trip.  

Shelby brushed her lips against his, her whole body seeming to come to life. His lips were soft, his hands tight. He was enveloping her and she was completely defenseless against him.

She wrapped her arms around him as the kiss deepened, and suddenly she didn’t want to play it safe anymore. She’d been in her shell for so long and she wanted to come out of it, wanted to feel again. She dragged her tongue over his lower lip, and it seemed to awaken the beast in Drew.

He took over, the kiss going from sweet to carnal in an instant. His mouth opened, tongue sliding over hers and dominating with strength and a sensuality she’d never come across before. He kissed her long and hard, his hands molding to the curves of her body. Over and over again his tongue danced with hers. Never before had a kiss seemed so effortless. It was like they’d been kissing forever.

For a man who claimed he was socially awkward, he sure could kiss like a god.

It was getting out of hand, but she didn’t care. Nothing mattered except getting more of him. She could feel his cock under her, hardening, lengthening, getting ready for what it was meant to do. He could ease her back against the table, pull off her jeans and panties. It would be incendiary, like a rocket going off, an explosion she couldn’t contain. She could feel herself getting soft and wet and ready for him, as though her body had recognized its natural mate and wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“See, I told you we have chemistry.” His words rumbled along her lips.

She couldn’t argue with him. The world around them seemed hazy and unreal. There was nothing except his touch and scent and the sight of his eyes looking at her like he could eat her up. She knew she should stop him, knew it was getting out of control, but she couldn’t find the will. It had been so damn long since she wanted something she could actually have.

She wanted him.

Shelby let her fingers sink into his hair, drawing him back down. Breakfast could wait. She needed more of him.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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REVIEW: Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6)

Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6), by Suzanne Wright
Publish Date: June 13, 2017
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) When raven shifter Riley Porter was given sanctuary by the Phoenix Pack, she let them believe she had left her flock. Reluctant to divulge the secrets of her past, she was still embraced as family. Only Tao Lukas, the protective and passionate Head Enforcer of the pack, was resistant to the enigmatic shifter. Until Riley started to arouse in him something other than suspicion.

Tao doesn’t trust lone shifters, especially ones so guarded—and tempting. But the sexual tension between them is making them both come undone, and vulnerable to more than desire. All Tao wants is for Riley to stay with him and to trust him with the truth of her past.

As Riley’s mysteries come to light, so does a danger that threatens not only her life but the safety of the entire pack. For Tao, keeping Riley safe means keeping her close—forever—as his mate.

Suzanne Wright has added another awesome Phoenix Pack book to the series, and this one is one I've been wanting for awhile. Because scowly-faced, stoic Tao finally has fallen in love. And it was so much fun to read about. 

One of my favorite parts about this paranormal shifter world that Suzanne has create is that we're not just talking about wolves here. Although the series centers around a wolf shifter pack, the author has very cleverly and slowly woven other types of shifters into the mix. Not only are they there, but these other types of shifters are now falling in love with the wolves that we've known from day one. 

Riley entered the story a few books ago when we learned of the sanctuary that helps lone shifters of all types. She was a sort of surrogate mother to several of the shifter children there - namely a cheetah shifter boy and a viper shifter girl. When the Phoenix Pack took in the children, Riley came as a package deal. Riley is a raven shifter, and although not technically a lone shifter - she has a home flock and family - she hasn't lived with them for four years due to a rift with some of the other members of the flock. 

Tao has been dancing around Riley in his own way ever since her first saw her, and he has finally decided to make his move. As you can imagine, when Tao decides to act, nothing can deter him. Not even a stubborn, independent raven. When Riley has to return to her home for a family engagement, Tao goes with her. And it's a good thing too, because members of the flock are turning up dead, and Riley appears to be a link to the murders. 

Although it's clear she has a definite connection to Tao, I loved that Riley didn't automatically fall at his feet. Quite the opposite. She has no problem acknowledging their attraction and acting on it. But, she required a bit more from Tao before conceding to be his mate. She needed to trust him. To get to know him. And vice versa. I really like Riley and how strong she was. I loved how protective she was of the children and how she cared for them. 

Despite half the book taking place at Riley's flock, there was still plenty of time spent at the Phoenix Pack compound too. We saw all the pack members we know and love and got to see them interact together. It's really one of my favorite parts. Now with Tao paired up, one of the last ones I can't wait to see find a mate is Dominic. Hopefully his turn is coming soon!

COVER REVEAL: The Soul Mate (Roommates #4)

I'm currently working my way through the audio versions of Kendall Ryan's Roommates series (I'm halfway through The Play Mate), and am absolutely in love with it. So, I'm super excited to bring you the cover of the fourth book - THE SOUL MATE.

The Soul Mate (Roommates #4), by Kendall Ryan
Publish Date: August 14, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) The smoking-hot one-night stand I was never supposed to see again?

Yeah, well, I might be pregnant, and he’s my OB-GYN.

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.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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RELEASE DAY REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Roar (Stormheart #1)

I can't believe it's finally time for ROAR to be put out on the shelves! Check out my review and an excerpt from this amazing book!

Roar (Stormheart #1), by Cora Carmack
Publish Date: June 13, 2017
Publisher: Tor Teen
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: young adult fantasy
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

It takes a lot these days for a young adult book to wow me. They used to be all I read, but as I've gotten older, my tastes have changed, and now I am much more choosy about the YA books I spend my time with. ROAR was sort of an easy choice. I mean, Cora Carmack wrote it. I've read everything else she's written, and sure - none of it is YA. But, all of it has been incredible. But, I have to say...

NONE of it has been as incredible as Roar. 

Cora has knit together this epic, sprawling fantasy about a world ravaged by sentient storms and a race of special people - the Stormlings - who are the only ones that can defeat them. As if that awesome concept wasn't enough, she went ahead and added a knee-weakening, swoon-worthy romance to sweeten the pot. 

Storms in this world have hearts in the form of beautiful stones. The storms destroy and kill, so society has elevated Stormlings to royalty and positions of high power since they are the ones to reach inside storms, take their hearts and cause them to dissipate. The stormhearts are their treasure to keep. Aurora Pavan is heir to the throne and is supposed to be a powerful Stormling. But, she's not. She has no power. No magic. And no one can know. 

She runs away on the eve of her marriage to a fellow Stormling (Cassius, who is hard to figure out. Is he good? Is he bad? That is still to be determined...), and joins up with a band of storm chasers. This group of misfits is also able to defeat storms, and Aurora is determined to learn from them how to do it. She wouldn't mind private lessons from Locke, a storm chaser who has a soft heart when it comes to her. But, she has to keep her identity a secret. 

Aurora's time with the storm chasers is amazing in so many ways. I loved watching her come into her own. She started out so timid and afraid of everything. But, getting to know all the members of her new quasi-family - and especially Locke - gave her perspective she didn't have before as princess.

It's hard to tell which one I loved more - Aurora or Locke. Locke is a swashbuckling roguish guy who is handsome and charming and so smart. He's just what Aurora needs to teach her about herself and about her world. And although they fight and fight their attraction to each other, it eventually spills over, and that's where Cora Carmack's special hand at romance comes into play. 

Roar is an amazing beginning to what I'm sure will be an incredibly sweeping story. There are revelations in Roar that will surprise you. Times you will want to cry. Other times you will cheer out loud. And there is the introduction of a villain that sounds like will be a crazy bad guy. I can't wait for everyone to read this book. 

“This life is not glamorous,” Duke told her. “We travel constantly. We sleep on the ground most nights. When we’re not in danger from storms, we’re in danger in cities where we are considered criminals. This life is not for the faint of heart.”

“There are things I do not know, things I will have to learn. But I am capable. I am familiar with sacrifice. I know what it is to make hard choices.”

“Tell me you’re not considering this,” Locke said to Duke.

The old man was silent for a long moment, both Locke and Roar looking to him for support. Duke rubbed at his mustache, a habit of his when he was thinking deeply. “Let’s think about this, Locke. She’s smart. And determined.”

“She’s a child.”

Roar’s shoulders hunched in Locke’s peripheral vision, and he swallowed back the guilt. He could apologize later. For now, it was imperative that he won this argument.

“You were a child when I brought you into the fold,” Duke said. “She’s a young woman with a good head on her shoulders. And if this is what she wants, I’m inclined to at least hear her out.”

Just like that, Roar’s shoulders straightened, and Locke turned to watch a devastating smile bloom across her mouth. His weakness when it came to her only made him more cross.

“What skills do you have?” he snapped at Roar.

“Skills?”

“Yes, skills. What can you do? Or do you just plan to tag along for the ride?”

A flush spread over her cheeks, and her voice was tentative when she answered, “I’m good on a horse. Very good.”

Where in the world would she have learned to ride? He quickly hardened his expression. “Horses are fine for travel, but they don’t do well in storms. They, unlike you, have good survival instincts.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Locke could have sworn he felt an updraft—the first sign that bad weather could occur—and he knew that this time he had pushed too far.

Roar marched toward him, spearing a finger into his chest and said, “I can read and write. I can speak Taraanese, Finlaghi, and Odilarian. I can read maps. I know enough about grassland vegetation and wildlife to survive without a market to buy food and drink. I’m good with knives and a bow. I learn quickly, and I’m not afraid of hard work. And I’ve spent my entire life reading as much about storms as I could get my hands on.” For a moment, her voice cracked under the weight of her anger, but she took a huffing breath and continued: “I’m good with numbers. It’s been a while, but I think I can probably still draw the constellations from memory, which should make me decent at navigation. I can—“

“Enough.” Locke’s voice came out in a deep rasp. He captured her long, delicate finger in his fist before she could continue poking him. He felt short of breath at the sight of her—livid and lovely. “Enough.”

The old Locke might have kept arguing, and Roar would have met him toe-to-toe. But if becoming a storm hunter had taught him anything, it was that fighting head-on wasn’t always the way to win. Sometimes strategy was required. He met Duke’s eyes over her shoulder, and if he had thought Roar looked smug before, she had nothing on his mentor. The man raised his eyebrows in a challenge and asked, “You?”

He hated the idea of bringing someone into this dangerous life, but if it was going to happen regardless, he sure as hell wouldn’t hand her safety over to anyone else, not even Ransom. And at the very least, it would give him the opportunity to change her mind. He gritted his teeth and nodded his acceptance.

Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Since she was a teenager, her favorite genre to read has been fantasy, and now she’s thrilled to bring her usual compelling characters and swoon-worthy romance into worlds of magic and intrigue with her debut YA fantasy, Roar. Her previous adult romance titles include the Losing It, Rusk University, and Muse series. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora splits her time between Austin, TX and New York City, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website www.coracarmack.com.

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