tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15074111992404480962024-03-09T21:45:58.854-05:00Krista's Dust JacketWhere our heroine writes honest reviews, offers fun giveaways and drinks copious amounts of coffeeKristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.comBlogger1488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-81178967892197021862018-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:002018-05-22T00:00:12.388-04:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Fighting for Everything (Warrior Fight Club #1)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe9O2ua98tzbIicMME2Ea3ttCI3N2lFO17NioteTWVCabN-j20WxTPH9sPcP1vebYEsdiy1WiLGZSo-Ec3j_7sQWykvZQgpxFXgId7_KpJ7BJacvLQZdkDQIr6H4Pd56Ul2IDNiG-uHE/s1600/25441028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe9O2ua98tzbIicMME2Ea3ttCI3N2lFO17NioteTWVCabN-j20WxTPH9sPcP1vebYEsdiy1WiLGZSo-Ec3j_7sQWykvZQgpxFXgId7_KpJ7BJacvLQZdkDQIr6H4Pd56Ul2IDNiG-uHE/s320/25441028.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25441028-fighting-for-everything">Fighting for Everything (Warrior Fight Club #1)</a>, by Laura Kaye</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> May 22, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Everything-Warrior-Fight-Club-ebook/dp/B07889DH4X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526953602&sr=8-1&keywords=fighting+for+everything+laura+kaye">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-for-everything-laura-kaye/1127645020?ean=2940154991008">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Loving her is the biggest fight of his life…</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Home from the Marines, Noah Cortez has a secret he doesn’t want his oldest friend, Kristina Moore, to know. It kills him to push her away, especially when he’s noticing just how sexy and confident she’s become in his absence. But, angry and full of fight, he’s not the same man anymore either. Which is why Warrior Fight Club sounds so good.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Kristina loves teaching, but she wants more out of life. She wants Noah—the boy she’s crushed on and waited for. Except Noah is all man now—in ways both oh so good and troubling, too. Still, she wants who he’s become—every war-hardened inch. And when they finally stop fighting their attraction, it’s everything Kristina never dared hope for.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But Noah is secretly spiraling, and when he lashes out, it threatens what he and Kristina have found. The brotherhood of the fight club helps him confront his demons, but only Noah can convince the woman he loves that he’s finally ready to fight for everything.</i></b></blockquote>
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What an outstanding start to a new series by one of my favorite authors...<br />
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Noah is a veteran who has come home not quite whole. His time served has left him with a loss of hearing, sight and equilibrium, along with a boat load of PTSD. Noah is approaching rock bottom, and rock bottom is a dark and dangerous place for him to be. <br />
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His only light is his best friend Kristina. They've been friends since they were kids, but since Noah has come home, he doesn't want to taint her with his darkness, so he's trying to shut her out and protect her from what he's become. But, Kris is not a fair weather friend, and she's determined to help him in any way she can. <br />
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Like most friends-to-lovers stories, once things turn physical between Noah and Kris, there's a lot of stop and start between them as they try and decide whether continuing their relationship in that way would damage the solid foundation on which their friendship is built. In this case, the struggle is particularly difficult for Noah because, in addition to worrying about hurting the best relationship with a girl he's ever had, he also doesn't see himself as worthy of Kris' love and attention. <br />
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Out of all the books I've read by Laura Kaye (and there's a lot of them), Fighting for Everything was, by far, the most emotional. Noah's demons are very real and incredibly heartbreaking. He's a hero who sees himself as a failure. He's worthy of so much love from so many people, and the fact that he doesn't see that made me want to yell at him and hug the crap out of him all at the same time. I was reduced to tears more than once while reading this book. <br />
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I expected more of this book to be about the Warrior Fight Club, but in actuality, the Club was only introduced around 60% in to the book. Initially, I found that to be strange, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Fighting for Everything was a book that set the backstory for the rest of the series. Noah gave us a perfect example of someone who desperately needed the kind of therapy offered by the WFC. I would imagine that the other people in the Club would have similar reasons for being there. And, despite our limited time spent in the Club, we did get to meet other members and see the kernels of their stories taking seed. <br />
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Laura Kaye is doing all the right things with Fighting for Everything. She brings attention and sensitivity to a very real problem concerning our veterans, but still manages to weave in her stellar storytelling and super hot sexy scenes. I'm really excited to get the stories of the other members of the WFC and to spend more time there now that the setting has been established. This is going to be a great series.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-15729787628257745022018-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:002018-05-08T00:00:02.210-04:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Passion Rising (Original Sin #4)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN_PP64qaZQ02A_Ik5ziUxGvByF3PQw_xpckmRX7rI0CAmr4UENA6MnF5yRVJhZ9BoVJp6EnjXC7SOhzmwk0xrP5gVowoTMJ5gX8Rx5S-yilf34R1PD9bFeO6lYOddLMQGEiL7TN7aek/s1600/38605802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN_PP64qaZQ02A_Ik5ziUxGvByF3PQw_xpckmRX7rI0CAmr4UENA6MnF5yRVJhZ9BoVJp6EnjXC7SOhzmwk0xrP5gVowoTMJ5gX8Rx5S-yilf34R1PD9bFeO6lYOddLMQGEiL7TN7aek/s320/38605802.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38605802-passion-rising?from_search=true">Passion Rising (Original Sin #4)</a>, by J.A. Huss and Johnathan McClain</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> May 8, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the authors<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=x_gr_w_bb?keywords=9781944475444&index=books&linkCode=qs&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passion-rising-johnathan-mcclain/1127967859?ean=2940158641244">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Old demons are back.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Maddie’s dealing with the fallout of her choices. Safety and happiness are relative, elusive things she’s desperate to have. But they will forever remain out of reach until the demons of her past are laid to rest.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Tyler’s mistakes resurface to haunt him and he’s just beginning to understand that money can’t fix a broken relationship. He must open his heart and search for answers he’d rather not find.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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She wants peace in a world made of chaos.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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He wants to rid himself of a lifetime of guilt.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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They’re soul mates, but that’s no guarantee.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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They’ll need to rely on each other to find their happily ever after.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Because the fight never ends—it just gets easier with someone at your side.</i></b></blockquote>
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Passion Rising punctuated the fact that, as a whole, the Original Sin series is really more of an experience than just a series of books for you to read. These four books are not just a story of a boy getting a second chance with a girl and, after some drama and some bad stuff happening, living happily ever after. It's not nearly as cut-and-dry and "tropey" as all that. <br />
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Once again, I have to be super cagey, because so much of what happens in Passion Rising is a culmination of things that have been happening and building throughout the first three books in this series. I CAN say that this final book is about self-reflection on both Tyler and Maddie's parts. After everything that has happened to them, they are both left saying, "Okay, so now what?" Them being a couple isn't in question - of COURSE they are a couple. But, the health of their coupledom depends largely on how they now see themselves.<br />
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If you'll recall, in my review for Sin With Me (Original Sin #1), I said, "Truthfully, these two are some of the saddest and most despondent people I've ever read about." And it was true. The circumstances of Maddie's and Tyler's lives up to this point had lead them to their own versions of hell on earth. They were treading water with no forward movement and no hope. <br />
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You would think that with all the crazy stuff that happened to them over the three books prior to Passion Rising, that we would now see a woman and a man broken beyond repair. But, instead, we see the opposite. The events leading up to book 4 forced them to work together, to wade through their past hurts, to face their current fears and to lean on each other.<br />
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I love the way these two love each other. They would give their lives for each other and are looking forward to what comes next in their lives. Their banter is adorable, their sex is hot and their love is lasting. It's everything you could want in a romance book. Plus, you get angels, devils (figurative, not literal), action, closure and a really good death scene.<br />
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I think JA Huss considers her first collaborative writing effort a success. I know I do. And I'm already looking ahead to what's next from my new favorite writing duo. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-50782819119389282992018-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:002018-04-17T06:00:23.730-04:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Flesh Into Fire (Original Sin #3)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd_bGVRF8lzPyMgznUqNPpHYy6ZiUxHxmz9oFfP2hFLee4aiimCL4_VdFfRmFrD_-HMvQwHSA8YUyleO6aFheNDHXH8OJIYbExAyuVRBkRuVwwiKYnYFyIifuzS_4V8fUOJPvn05zD_A/s1600/38605823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd_bGVRF8lzPyMgznUqNPpHYy6ZiUxHxmz9oFfP2hFLee4aiimCL4_VdFfRmFrD_-HMvQwHSA8YUyleO6aFheNDHXH8OJIYbExAyuVRBkRuVwwiKYnYFyIifuzS_4V8fUOJPvn05zD_A/s320/38605823.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38605823-flesh-into-fire?from_search=true">Flesh Into Fire (Original Sin #3)</a>, by J.A. Huss and Johnathan McClain</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>April 17, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the authors<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flesh-Into-Fire-Original-Book-ebook/dp/B079TKGPS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523928468&sr=8-1&keywords=flesh+into+fire">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flesh-into-fire-johnathan-mcclain/1127956765?ean=2940158611209">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Payback is owed.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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And Maddie Clayton is going to collect. This time Carlos and Logan have gone too far. People are dead, lives have been changed, and she’s had enough. Plus, she’s got the Devil on her side, so when an enemy turns into a friend with an idea of how to take Carlos down, she’s in.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Tyler Morgan has been fighting back his whole adult life. He’s ready for anything when it comes to payback. But endangering Maddie can’t be part of the deal. Unfortunately for him, once Maddie gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Her debt has been paid in blood and she wants revenge.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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His fight is still there, but now he’s got more at stake than himself.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The end is coming.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But even if they win against Carlos, they can still lose each other.</i></b></blockquote>
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Only these two - only Maddie and Tyler - could find themselves up to their ears in this much crazy. </div>
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Things have come to a head with Mexican drug lord Carlos and his menace of a nephew Logan, and Maddie is finished hiding away from the problem, working herself and her soul to the bone for what she knows is a futile effort. Her happiness is going to be hard fought and hard won, and it's going to happen with Tyler by her side. </div>
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For the first time in the Original Sin series, the main thrust of the story is not Tyler and Maddie figuring out their relationship. They're there. Maddie has given up the fight and recognized what Tyler knew all along - that they were made to be together. And that no matter what, he's never leaving her again. </div>
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Unfortunately, that makes Maddie's desire to go undercover in Carlos' compound not Tyler's favorite plan.</div>
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Both Tyler and Maddie are trying desperately to hold on to the slice of happiness that they've found in each other. Both of them were without that kind of happy for so very long. They were both at the bottom of the barrel, and now they've clawed to the top, found a partner, and are ready to take a break from the bad. </div>
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<b><i>It's weird to be on such equal ground with someone. Someone's... partner, I guess. But it's completely awesome at the same time.</i></b></blockquote>
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But, their methods of finding that new life together are very different. While Tyler is the brawler who has never backed down from a fight, he is the one who would be perfectly content to fly to a deserted island somewhere and never come home. Maddie, on the other hand, wants to be able to look at herself in the mirror every day. She wants to actively fight for the life she wants, and if that means she might die in the process, well then, at least she went down fighting the good fight. </div>
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Seeing this dynamic shift between them was really interesting, and I thought it showed an enormous amount of growth in their relationship. They haven't even been together for very long (although, they knew each other for years growing up), and while they spent the first few weeks fighting their attraction - at least Maddie did - now that they know in their souls that this is it, it's like everything has changed for them. And I love that. </div>
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<b><i>Some people search their whole life looking for that one place they belong. For that one person who gets them. Who brings them into their world, lets them fall easily into the pull of their gravity, and lets them just... be. Just exist. Quietly. Naturally. Freely. This is Tyler for me. The center of my universe. The man around whom I now orbit.</i></b></blockquote>
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I mentioned craziness - there's plenty of that in Flesh on Fire too. Maddie's in a ton of danger nearly from the very beginning of the book as she enters Carlos' compound under false pretenses. There are fights and explosions and near misses and - once again - fires. And, although this book does come to more of a definite close than the first two books in this series, there's some pretty big loose ends left flapping around that I'm sure will lead us into the final book in the series. </div>
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I can't wait to see what insane thing Maddie and Tyler will do to punctuate this fun, sexy and exciting series. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-18307813352796782072018-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:002018-04-17T00:00:28.529-04:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Fallen Ink (Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #1)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw6QpGbSKmsCz2ck15ZZ_m3Ua3DJv1udG30AfjXeP0tGr2qFDX7LgVg41jJUFReCh-m5fL8UGqr22foCHO9sBBvGBjuLwsNybH0X2odZI79VHTG1SMqTpCOLxJU5Ot5OgCTLh5hC_JME/s1600/34872094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw6QpGbSKmsCz2ck15ZZ_m3Ua3DJv1udG30AfjXeP0tGr2qFDX7LgVg41jJUFReCh-m5fL8UGqr22foCHO9sBBvGBjuLwsNybH0X2odZI79VHTG1SMqTpCOLxJU5Ot5OgCTLh5hC_JME/s320/34872094.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34872094-fallen-ink?ac=1&from_search=true">Fallen Ink (Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #1)</a>, by Carrie Ann Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>April 17, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format: </b>e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Ink-Montgomery-Colorado-Springs-ebook/dp/B06ZZX1CB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523926836&sr=8-1&keywords=fallen+ink+carrie+ann+ryan">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fallen-ink-carrie-ann-ryan/1127243026?ean=9781943123810">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) The Montgomery Ink series continues with a spin-off in Colorado Springs, where a familiar Montgomery finds her place in a new tattoo shop, and in the arms of her best friend.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Adrienne Montgomery is finally living her dreams. She’s opened a tattoo shop with her brother, Shep, and two of her cousins from Denver and she’s ready to take the city by storm with her art—as long as she can handle the pressure. When her new neighbors decide her shop isn’t a great fit for the community, however, she’ll have to lean on the one person she didn’t expect to fall for along the way… her best friend.</i></b><b><i><br />
Mace Knight takes pride in two things: his art and his daughter. He knows he’s taking a risk by starting over in a new shop with the Montgomerys, but the stakes are even higher when he finds himself wanting Adrienne more than he thought possible.</i></b><b><i><br />
The two fall fast and hard but they know the rules; they can’t risk their friendship, no matter how hot it is between the sheets and how many people try to stand in their way.</i></b></blockquote>
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The Montgomery cousins are open for business at Montgomery Ink Too, which is nothing but awesome for we readers, since that means that the well of stories based around this amazingly close-knit family hasn't even come close to running dry. </div>
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The first book in the Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs spin-off series, Fallen Ink, centers around Adrienne Montgomery, one of the two new owners of the satellite tattoo shop (she owns it with her older brother Shep). Adrienne and Shep only have a small staff right now which includes tattoo artists Ryan and Mace. Mace happens to be Adrienne's best friend, and after some opening day stress and a rainy night, things between these two escalate to seriously hot heights. </div>
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It seemed as if Mace and Adrienne were poised to take that next step, even if both of them were in total denial about it. No one was surprised when it finally happened. It reminded me so much of Maya Montgomery and Jake Gallagher's relationship (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26129498-ink-enduring">Ink Enduring</a>). It is a good thing they have that strong basis as friends, because stress is coming at them from all sides, and it makes starting a new relationship with your best friend all that more challenging. </div>
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First, the new shop is targeted relentlessly by someone who doesn't appreciate people with tattoos in their otherwise idyllic white bread neighborhood. The vandals become increasingly violent and hateful, and it's difficult to find out who's behind it all. </div>
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On top of that, Mace suddenly has to care for his daughter on a more permanent basis, so he has to balance work hours, quality time with his daughter and personal time with Adrienne - who also happens to technically be his boss. It's crazy and dangerous and the whole time I was reading I kept thinking that, if anyone can make it, a Montgomery can. </div>
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The one hold-over from the original Montgomery Ink series is the presence and importance of family - both by blood and by heart. It's my favorite part of this series. I love how close the Montgomery siblings are and how they're always there to watch each other's backs and to meddle when necessary. </div>
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Fallen Ink is a well-thought out spin-off of a beloved series and is rife with tons of plot bunnies just waiting to take off and make the Colorado Springs series just as amazing as the original. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-63962459202926050422018-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:002018-04-16T00:00:30.995-04:00REVIEW: Pecker Briefs (Legal Affairs #7)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD3jexxbM4TkPpIGQIra9e5c9w7uamMwE4-pgX2YKILCvszlMLN4uTk6o8JL4KZctW8_tDNUDXaxkdb5TaeHVzGaymBLvpYcpUC773d7LX4USG1ih2heCx7TbHsGLIG8n71BExXQi3F0/s1600/38455849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD3jexxbM4TkPpIGQIra9e5c9w7uamMwE4-pgX2YKILCvszlMLN4uTk6o8JL4KZctW8_tDNUDXaxkdb5TaeHVzGaymBLvpYcpUC773d7LX4USG1ih2heCx7TbHsGLIG8n71BExXQi3F0/s320/38455849.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38455849-the-pecker-briefs">Pecker Briefs (Legal Affairs #7)</a>, by Sawyer Bennett</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> April 17, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format: </b>e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pecker-Briefs-Legal-Affairs-Standalone-ebook/dp/B079PP3HSX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523841718&sr=8-1&keywords=Pecker+Briefs">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pecker-briefs-sawyer-bennett/1127942496?ean=2940158899492">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) I never thought a pecker would get me in so much trouble.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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I mean, sure… if you’re talking about a certain anatomical feature of mine that the ladies just love. Given my bachelor status and appreciation for all things curvy and feminine, I could absolutely see that. But a different pecker is making my life much harder than it needs to be.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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My name is Ford Daniels, partner at the law firm of Knight & Payne, and my latest case has me wading through the finer points of peckers—woodpeckers that is. Specifically, the red-cockaded woodpecker. I swear, I can’t make this stuff up but that’s what the sexy-as-hell blonde chained to a tree told me this morning.</i></b><b><i><br />
Her name is Viveka Jones and she is so much more than a pretty face. She’s got wit, charm, and razor-sharp smarts. Turns out my client is looking to bulldoze the red-cockaded woodpecker’s natural habitat in favor of a multimillion-dollar subdivision and the sexy attorney with legs for days (and days), just happens to be counsel for an animal rights group looking to put a halt to construction.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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My client’s pissed, but all I can think about is getting Viveka across the table from me. And then on the table underneath me. Perhaps up against the wall. And then—</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Well, let’s just say when it’s all said and done, I’m hoping the red-cockaded woodpecker isn’t the only pecker that gets some attention from Miss Viveka Jones. </i></b></blockquote>
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Sawyer Bennett has finally brought us back to the law firm of Knight & Payne with Pecker Briefs. Sawyer's legal romances are some of the absolute best out there because they're so... <i>legal</i>. You can tell that she used to be a lawyer, because her expertise in this field shines brightly and lends a sense of realism to the story that other books set in law firms just don't have. </div>
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We were introduced to Knight & Payne two-and-a-half years ago when we met Leary Michaels and Reeve Holloway and watched them fall in love as they stood on opposite sides in a heated court case. Pecker Briefs is similar in that Viveka Jones and Ford Daniels are arguing opposite sides of an animal rights case about woodpeckers. We met Ford in Friction as he was Leary's on-again off-again friend with benefits. Nowadays, since Leary and Reeve are married and expecting a baby, Ford is just the BFF - no benefits. </div>
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But, the moment he meets Viv, he feels the instant connection and knows her presence in his case is going to be problematic. Viveka too feels what's between them, and although she tries to fight it for the good of her case, she knows that giving in is inevitable. </div>
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You would think that Viv and Ford's relationship would be the big drama point of the story, but it's really not. And I kinda loved that about this book. There were no games, no push and pull, no dramatic misunderstandings - none of the usual plot devices designed to rip budding couples apart. And what a marvelous thing that was. No - the real drama came from the increasing danger Viv finds herself in due to a disgruntled opponent and how she's supposed to stay safe and do her job at the same time. </div>
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Ford and Viv are a great couple with a ton of chemistry. Viv, especially, really impressed me. She's a great example of a strong female character. She's intelligent, brave and confident, yet she's not afraid to ask for help or to be upset when the situation warrants it. </div>
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The set-up of The Pecker Briefs might somewhat mimic Friction, but it's definitely got a lighter feel to it. A lot of that has to do with the subject matter. Viv is defending the red-cockaded woodpecker, so you can imagine all the word puns that came into play. Viv and Ford are electric between the sheets and incredibly sweet and adorable when in public. </div>
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As expected, I loved The Pecker Briefs. I certainly hope that this is not the last story we see come out of Knight & Payne. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-62141778204370392072018-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:002018-04-11T00:00:19.621-04:00RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16)<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35063399-close-cover?ac=1&from_search=true">Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16)</a>, by Lexi Blake</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> April 10, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Evil Eye Concepts<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult suspense/contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YTN89Y/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071YTN89Y&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future. </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Lisa Daley’s life is finally going in the right direction. She has finally graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive. </i></b></blockquote>
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A few books ago in the Masters and Mercenaries series, McKay Taggert set up a bodyguard - a.k.a. close cover - division and staffed it with several talented, sexy men. We've met all these men, peripherally at least, in previous books and novellas in the series. This was all a well-planned set-up for Lexi's Masters and Mercenaries crossover collection that she worked on with Larissa Ione, Corinne Michaels, J. Kenner, Carly Phillips and Susan Stoker. Each author took a guy (and a McKay Taggert admin) and wrote an awesome book about them. Close Cover is Lexi's contribution and follows team leader Remy Guidry.<br />
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Remy is hired by the Daley siblings (whom we've met in several different novellas) to protect their youngest sister Lisa from a mob boss whose crimes she discovered while working as an accountant for his company. Lisa and Remy have a history - she propositioned him at Sanctum and he flat out turned her down. Remy's attraction to Lisa is off the charts, which is why he rebuffed her - he's not planning on staying in Dallas, and he knew she might make him want to.<br />
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Close Cover is an awesome second chance story. While Lisa is, at first, not happy that Remy is her new neighbor, he quickly convinces her that they can use their proximity to burn off this chemistry between them before he leaves in a month.<br />
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When will these boys learn? I know girls get together and talk about all the details in their relationships, but honestly - the men could do with some of the same. Because, if they did, perhaps Remy would've known that lying to Lisa about the reason he is suddenly front and center in her life again - especially after sleeping together - was absolutely not the correct course of action. As many of his counterparts have discovered in the past. </div>
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Close Cover features all the delicious danger and espionage that we have come to expect from a M & M book. When it's clear that Lisa is in grave danger, Remy's cover is blown and he's forced to take her with him to his hometown in the Louisiana bayou. The tension between Lisa and Remy - both sexual and anger-fueled - that carries on for quite awhile added the perfect amount of angst to the story. I also loved the change in scenery for part of the book. Remy's hometown is full of colorful and interesting characters, and watching Remy and Lisa settle in there was fun.<br />
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The prologue and the epilogue prove that the other stories in this crossover collection have been happening simultaneously, which means there's no real order in which to read them. I think you'll be able to appreciate each one individually and together as a group. While Close Cover is the only one in the collection that I've read so far, it's most definitely not going to stay that way. </div>
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Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-13335507754454256352018-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:002018-04-10T00:00:01.679-04:00REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: The World's Worst Boyfriend (Bad Boyfriend #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1NNWLdFfL1TDWklNhanyi_FhsMITWagKlfMP98DTn1DAcORQ1RWPqtmCSposYdvaILGt0CO0O3lY6RzVmk-I73jlfXCqEJg7Sz29L_T0b7aQfVz6YSecHrlC4t7baU-H2JLAsci2Ko/s1600/WorstBoyfriend-banner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX1NNWLdFfL1TDWklNhanyi_FhsMITWagKlfMP98DTn1DAcORQ1RWPqtmCSposYdvaILGt0CO0O3lY6RzVmk-I73jlfXCqEJg7Sz29L_T0b7aQfVz6YSecHrlC4t7baU-H2JLAsci2Ko/s400/WorstBoyfriend-banner1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erika Kelly kicks off a brand new series about four brothers who are rich, talented, athletic and total idiots when it comes to love. Check out my review and an excerpt from THE WORLD'S WORST BOYFRIEND.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuZBdPr7CUYY5uaTmkoyatPp_L2U2Q_lm7TETGUdtUd5KRyg-CC2GpNNqTFMXgD9iKme_ZC4gmzeO72WXbuu4bah8YIaqHHwkei4YYn5Uifn-haJCr_0XnPGWEnDetz-yYrUF6CHt4ws/s1600/35618459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuZBdPr7CUYY5uaTmkoyatPp_L2U2Q_lm7TETGUdtUd5KRyg-CC2GpNNqTFMXgD9iKme_ZC4gmzeO72WXbuu4bah8YIaqHHwkei4YYn5Uifn-haJCr_0XnPGWEnDetz-yYrUF6CHt4ws/s320/35618459.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35618459-the-world-s-worst-boyfriend?ac=1&from_search=true">The World's Worst Boyfriend (Bad Boyfriend #1)</a>, by Erika Kelly</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>April 3, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2FRGvD4">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2ENVdvH">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Six years ago Fin Bowie made a decision that cost him the love of his life. Now his ex is coming back to town for her brother’s wedding, and he can finally make things right. Except, right before the event, a text he sent goes viral. Overnight, he becomes an international meme. And it’s hard to win your woman back when the whole world’s calling you The World’s Worst Boyfriend.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The last thing on Calliope Bell’s mind is getting back with Fin. Not when her life’s just gone sideways, forcing her to spend the summer in her hometown. She can’t be away from the New York art world this long, so she comes up with the idea to turn the hottest pop culture event of the moment into a museum exhibition.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The two have every intention of avoiding each other—until the county judge sentences Fin to community service…helping her exploit the meme he's trying to make go away.</i></b></blockquote>
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Quite awhile ago, Erika teased me on Twitter, telling me that she was working on a new series about four brothers who would knock my socks off. </div>
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She was right.</div>
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The World's Worst Boyfriend kicks off her new Bad Boyfriend series, and it does, indeed, provide a good introduction to the Bowie brothers, each of whom are beautiful, athletic, and totally stupid when it comes to women and priorities. But, it's not their fault. They were raised by their loving father who doted on them and provided for their every need and want with his billions of dollars. He taught them the importance of family. Apparently, youngest brother Fin took that lesson a bit too far. </div>
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Because many years earlier, he proved to the love of his young life that she would never come first. His priority has always been and will always be to his brothers. And, she couldn't live with that (rightfully so). So, Callie left him - and not only him. To escape the devastating hurt she felt, she left her town, her family, her friends - everything that was tied to him - behind as she pursued her own dreams. </div>
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Now, Callie is back in town for her brother's wedding and forced to see Fin for the first time in more than six years. But, before Fin arrives, a text to a friend goes viral, the meaning is interpreted all wrong, and Fin becomes a living breathing embodiment of douchebag exes everywhere. </div>
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Both Callie and Fin have to learn how to embrace things you can't change and move on from them in healthy ways. That's something they haven't been able to do. In her effort to escape her heartbreak, she cut herself off from everyone who loved her. She transformed herself into someone she's not. It took her longer than it should have for her to realize how much she cost herself by doing that. But, she did eventually figure it out and set out to make amends. I loved the growth I saw in her and appreciated how difficult it must've been. </div>
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Fin can't change how the meme snowballed or how it might affect his career. He also can't change the bad choices he made. But, he is determined from the very beginning to do better now. Especially since he never stopped loving Callie. But this man is clueless. He might say and feel totally devoted to Callie this time around, but it's impossible to change 25 years of conditioning overnight. His first instinct is to be with his brothers, and Fin has to learn the hard way that he can't do that and be with Callie the way she needs at the same time. It's about balance, and that's something Fin has always struggled with. And, as a result, as much as I loved Fin, I struggled with my desire to yell at him to stop being a dumbass. </div>
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None of the remaining Bowie brothers seems to be much better at organizing priorities correctly - particularly in regards to the bomb that's dropped at the end of this book, which will undoubtedly lead us into the next book and the next brother's story. Can't wait to see what's in store for these boys next.</div>
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<i>“Guess what, Callie? Love isn’t safe. It’s messed up and crazy and it hurts like hell. But why would you want anything less than what we had? Jesus, what we had—it was more than love. It was…Dammit. Why do I have to explain this to you? I’m empty without you, and no other woman, no friend or brother—no one can take your place. You’re part of me. And I’m sorry but I’m not buying that you’ve moved on. We screwed up, and we got lost, but I will be damned if I accept that you’d rather have some boring, bland relationship than me.” He reached for her, pulling her hard against him, gaze focused on her mouth.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Slowly, he leaned in, overwhelming her with his masculine scent. He pressed a soft, gentle kiss that sent an alarming rush of desire through her body. A lick of his tongue across her lips had her mouth opening to him, welcoming him, and then it happened.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Fin kissed her. Kissed her the way he always had—hungry, desperate, a barely contained expression of carnal need.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He kept his hands to himself, their mouths the only point of connection. His kiss tasted sweet like love, hot like passion, like everything beautiful in the world grew out of this, the tender intimacy of two souls finally, finally rejoining.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The moment she reached for him, restless for the press of his hard body against hers, he tore his mouth away. “You wanna settle for less than that?”</i></blockquote>
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<strong>Award-winning author Erika Kelly</strong> has been spinning romantic tales all her life--she just didn't know it. Raised on the classics, she didn't discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she's been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she's written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women's fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she's lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-62764357801590181412018-03-29T08:44:00.000-04:002018-03-29T08:44:25.084-04:00REVIEW: Angels Fall (Original Sin #2)<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38521449-angels-fall?ac=1&from_search=true">Angels Fall (Original Sin #2)</a>, by JA Huss and Johnathan McClain</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> March 27, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the authors<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Fall-Original-Sin-Book/dp/1944475427/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522327290&sr=8-1&keywords=angels+fall+ja+huss">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-fall-ja-huss/1127948567?ean=2940158960017">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Sometimes angels fall. </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Maddie doesn’t really owe drug lord, Carlos Castillo, money. So she hadn’t taken his threats seriously. Until now. He wants it, whether she owes it or not. And if she doesn’t have it in six weeks he’s gonna take her as payment instead.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Tyler would save the world if he could. That’s a fight that lasts forever. And if there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s fighting. So if Maddie thinks she’s gonna deal with an insane drug lord on her own, she’s crazier than he is.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>She’s got a debt she can’t pay. He’s got more money than he needs.</i></b><b><i>She’s not gonna fall for his charm. He’s gonna make sure that happens.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>They’re destined to be together. Even if Maddie doesn’t know it yet.</i></b><b><i><br />
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Sometimes your soul mate isn’t who you’d choose, it’s who you need.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Good thing you don’t get to choose.</i></b></blockquote>
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Two books in to the Original Sin series, I'm totally on board with this brand new writing duo. I've been a big fan of Julie Huss' for years now, but this series is her first foray into co-authoring, so I didn't know how it would go. You know? I think I can safely say at this point that I love the work that she's putting out in partnership with actor and audiobook narrator Johnathan McClain. It feels like a JA Huss book, but yet it has a slightly different flavor and voice, which, I think, really is enhancing this reading experience. </div>
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Since this is the second book in a four-book series, and a lot of the events in book two are a continuation of things that started in book one, I can't go into a lot of detail about what happened. However, here's what I CAN say...</div>
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<b>#RelationshipGoals</b></div>
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In the beginning of Angels Fall, Maddie and Tyler had an insurmountable gulf to overcome if they were to have any sort of relationship. They were also in two very different places as to their future goals - Tyler was all in. He was going after Maddie full boar and was not going to take no for an answer. Maddie, however, wanted nothing to do with Tyler and was sure she could never get over her anger and disappointment in him. However, Tyler's persistence and Maddie's acceptance of things that can't be changed made huge strides, and toward the end of this book, we saw them finally moving in the right direction, which made my heart so freaking happy.<br />
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<b>Angry Sex (... and Make-up Sex... and Kinky Sex... and Tunnel Sex... and...)</b><br />
Maddie hating Tyler for a period of time during this book didn't put any damper on their sex. Like, AT ALL. I was cool with that, because it proved that, even though they were not in a good place, there was still all this passion between them, and that's a start. Even the super angry sex signified hope to me, because if Maddie truly didn't want anything to do with Tyler, I have every confidence, she would've put him in his place and moved on. Instead, they took out their frustrations and their sadness and their love and their anger on each other, and it made for some incredibly awesome reading.<br />
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<b>Revisiting the Past</b><br />
The big focal point of Angels Fall is rehashing what happened to Scotty and how it affected Maddie and Tyler, both individually, and now as a couple. We heard Tyler's account of the events in book 1, and in book 2, we get Maddie's perspective. We get to see the healing affect it has on both of them. Even before Maddie talks to Tyler about it all, we see her taking steps to get past the tragedy - steps she should've taken a long time ago. But, it's in these actions that we can see that, even though she's still incredibly mad at Tyler, his influence in her life now is a positive one. The character growth that the authors have injected into Maddie and Tyler is incredibly satisfying and very well done.<br />
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<b>Hope in the Face of Tragedy</b><br />
Despite Maddie and Tyler getting to a hesitantly good place together by the end of Angels Fall, there's no doubt that there's still plenty of bad stuff swirling around them - particularly Maddie. Drug lord Carlos Castillo still wants his money, and his henchman Logan is wanting a little extra punishment on the side. Both Maddie and Tyler have been so despondent in their lives lately, to the point of each of them contemplating suicide. But, the reconnecting that Maddie starts and the healing that Tyler starts gives them the desire to finally start fighting back. There are some events at the end of Angels Fall that dramatically affect them, and now there is a fire lit beneath them that will carry into book 3. Carlos and Logan better watch out...</div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-67522729483777427972018-03-20T11:28:00.001-04:002018-03-20T11:28:33.928-04:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Tempting Little Tease (Forbidden Desires #4)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2l__ucpd2LTvsRCretf1vu9xsOBu5uziheof1mkxInmWwQXI15WksOsmFU97Ib9zUxxtVsMo6a9qaY_ywAj3t3dkJqrRsgjRUKM39Uqh_knbjx5j1esfNwsJto3rs0b1GueO6m1hv-w/s1600/34948648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2l__ucpd2LTvsRCretf1vu9xsOBu5uziheof1mkxInmWwQXI15WksOsmFU97Ib9zUxxtVsMo6a9qaY_ywAj3t3dkJqrRsgjRUKM39Uqh_knbjx5j1esfNwsJto3rs0b1GueO6m1hv-w/s320/34948648.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34948648-tempting-little-tease">Tempting Little Tease (Forbidden Desires #4)</a>, by Kendall Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> March 20, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre: </b>adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tempting-Little-Tease-Forbidden-Desires/dp/1979339511/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521559389&sr=8-3&keywords=Tempting+Little+Tease">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempting-little-tease-kendall-ryan/1127355497?ean=2940158973635">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) She's the tutor I hired to teach me Italian.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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She's way too young for me, but she's also gorgeous, bright and filled with a curiosity about life that I find incredibly refreshing.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>It's fucking adorable.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>I’m old enough to know better, but this pretty young thing tempts me beyond belief. And for the first time in my life, I can see myself falling.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>***</i></b><b><i>
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Is this what it's like to be pursued by an older man? The complete confidence, the lack of expectations, the sincerity?</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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My God, it's exhilarating.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Quinn Kinglsey is totally unexpected. I'm moving to Italy in three weeks to teach English, and while I never expected something so real to develop between us so quickly, our chemistry is explosive.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>There's something so sexy about this back and forth he and I share. Flirting with this man is like playing with fire, and I'm bound to get burned.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Io sono attratto da te I'm attracted to you, he tells me.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But is our attraction enough to get us through the complications of a massive age gap and an international love affair? Only one way to find out… </i></b></blockquote>
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Tempting Little Tease spells the end of the Forbidden Desires series... or is it? Each of the books has followed one of the three Kingsley brothers (books 1 and 2 were both about middle brother Gavin), but Kendall Ryan threw us a delightful twist in this book that opens the door just a bit for at least one more book in this sexy series. I'm TOTALLY down for that. </div>
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While the first three books in the series were angsty and emotional and very much a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, Tempting Little Tease was much more steady and sure. It's really only right that it's like that, since oldest brother Quinn has always been the calm in the Kingsley storm. He's been Switzerland while Gavin and Cooper went through their problems with each other, never picking sides, and always trying to play the peacemaker. </div>
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Quinn has stood by and watched Gavin and Cooper find the loves of their lives. He's seen them settled and his business taken into a good place after a bit of scandal. It's now his time to find love, and it just so happens to be with a woman who is quite a bit younger than him. I wouldn't exactly classify this relationship as a true May/December, but there's definitely enough of a gap to give both Quinn and Alessandra pause. </div>
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To be fair, they didn't pause long. They knew immediately when she walked into his office to help continue his Italian lessons that there was a big connection there. I was so glad they didn't make their ages a big deal. Quinn is 38 and Alessandra is 22 - both are completely legal and able to decide who they want. </div>
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The biggest roadblock to them being together is the fact that Alessandra has a one-way ticket to Rome that leaves in three weeks. She intends to move there permanently to live and teach in a new country. Again - there wasn't a ton of over-amplified drama around her impending move, which I also appreciated. There was more of a quiet determination on Quinn's part to squeeze as much substance out of their time together as possible, and maybe she will fall so hard for him, she'll decide to stay. It's a solid plan - much better than any games or hyped up angst that you see in some books. </div>
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The only thing I felt was missing from Tempting Little Tease was Forbidden Desires. While Gavin and Cooper's romances developed at work, and as such, we saw a lot of the inner workings of the company, Quinn and Alessandra fell in love outside of work. I missed the workplace banter between the brothers and I missed some of the drama a business like theirs comes with.</div>
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Although there is a door that was opened to a possible fifth book in this series, but even if there isn't one, the ending of Tempting Little Tease - and the Forbidden Desires series - was completely satisfying. I really loved Quinn and Alessandra as a couple, and I loved the catch-ups with Gavin and Emma and Cooper and Corinne. It was a sexy, sweet romance from the amazing Kendall Ryan.</div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-39635032523166464572018-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-19T00:00:07.565-04:00RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: The Prophecy (Titans #4)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHRfrOS7iqbMFnubzNs0lWnuxMJn9FvuamygUrwi0dWACI7lRnmyKqQnYSuqNMuyYdmYwxdlttXwDoPNz67V4H24lKD7X5mp1gPHz9XQfxKg8MeCfJitTptV6R3tP_Xi5G-abWttPf7o/s1600/31193698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHRfrOS7iqbMFnubzNs0lWnuxMJn9FvuamygUrwi0dWACI7lRnmyKqQnYSuqNMuyYdmYwxdlttXwDoPNz67V4H24lKD7X5mp1gPHz9XQfxKg8MeCfJitTptV6R3tP_Xi5G-abWttPf7o/s320/31193698.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31193698-the-prophecy?ac=1&from_search=true">The Prophecy (Titans #4)</a>, by Jennifer L. Armentrout</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>March 20, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> new adult paranormal romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Titan-Novel-4/dp/194759172X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521395164&sr=8-2&keywords=the+prophecy+jennifer+l.+armentrout">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prophecy-jennifer-l-armentrout/1127954584?ean=9781947591721">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) History is on repeat…</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Seth never thought he’d have a future. But now he’s on the brink of having it all with Josie: A tomorrow. A family. A forever. And all that's standing between him and that forever is the Titans. If he helps Josie entomb them -- without killing them, a nearly impossible task for him -- everything he could ever want will be in reach. But he soon realizes that as a god, every little choice he makes can reshape the world for the better… or worse. And in meddling with the Titans, Seth may have just set into motion catastrophic consequences that will force the Olympians to enter the mortal realm and reshape the delicate balance of power that keeps the world from total collapse.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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A price must be paid…</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Entombing the Titans is Josie’s top priority. After all, it was what she was born to do. But the plans her father put into play to help her are no longer an option, and the odds she and Seth face in forging their own path are grim. The escalating violence between halfs and pures only increases the danger closing in on them and their friends. Josie knows their chances of succeeding in their task are slim at best -- and if they fail, they might lose everything. But she also knows she's not fighting just for herself -- she's fighting for the man she loves, for their future, for the world. Together with the Army of Awesome, Josie and Seth will face the unthinkable. And to win this war, the ultimate sacrifice must be made.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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For the end is here and the Prophecy will be fulfilled…. </i></b></blockquote>
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The end of this series - and these characters - has been a long time coming. Nearly seven years ago, Jennifer Armentrout introduced us all to The Covenant world, which is full of the best heroes, the worst villains, and the most shocking events. And now, nine full-length books and a hand full of novellas later, we have to say goodbye. But, Jen Armentrout has given us the perfect send-off to these beloved characters in The Prophecy. </div>
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I can't tell you a lot about what happens in The Prophecy without giving away major spoilers from the first three books in The Titans series. I can tell you that revelations at the end of the third book have definitely changed Josie's frame of mind. She's a different person in The Prophecy - more confident, more determined and definitely more careful and calculating. She still wants to help save the world, but she isn't going to be going in guns blazing anymore. </div>
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<b><i>"I could never give up on you. Not just because I love you, but because you're worth fighting for, Seth. You're worth loving, and if it takes a hundred years to prove that to you, I will."</i></b></blockquote>
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Seth, too, is different, although not in the same way. He's still headstrong and foul-tempered most of the time. But, he's also now looking ahead to the future, and learning that his actions have consequences. He's trying to protect the woman he loves and save the world alongside her, without too many irreparable repercussions. That shows a ton of maturity in this character that has never been known for being a grown-up. </div>
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<b><i>Truth was, I still wasn't worthy of her, but I was working on it.</i></b></blockquote>
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If you like a lot of emotion in your books, then this one is definitely going to rank high on your list. I expected some feels - it IS the end of a series, after all. The heroes need to work and suffer a bit for their HEA. But, peoples... I needed SEVEN TISSUES to get me through the end of this five-star book. There's a lot of angst leading up to the events at the end of the book, and most of it centers around Josie's intense need for her dad. Things look so hopeless for her future, that, at one point, she cries out desperately for her father to come to her and help her. Or maybe just talk to her and give her his shoulder to cry on. She needs a father figure so badly, and yet, he continues to hide himself from her. My heart broke over and over for Josie in that regard. </div>
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Since this is the end of the series, we see all of our favorite characters from the original Covenant series, as well as our new favorites from The Titans. Alex, Aiden, Luke, Deacon, Alexander, Laadan, Marcus, Erin and Colin all make appearances. I am amazed at Jen Armentrout's ability to bring things full circle. Events from The Covenant series came into play in remarkable ways in The Prophecy, and the result was a perfect feeling of satisfaction and closure at the end. </div>
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<b><i>"What I feel for you increases every waking moment and sometimes that scares the hell out of me, but I love you. Yesterday. Today. A thousand tomorrows from now, I will be in love with you."</i></b></blockquote>
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Over the years, I've read about so many epic romances, but none equal the two from this world. First Jen gave us Aiden and Alex and then she gave us Seth and Josie. She created flawed, but brave men of integrity and passion. She wrote about badass women who love fiercely, fight courageously and screw up... well, quite a bit, actually. They might be fictional characters with crazy powers that can't possibly exist in our world, but they have never seemed more real. I appreciate that so much. I'll miss this amazing world, but The Prophecy has ensured that I will most definitely remember it fondly. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-27427662212368200572018-03-06T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-06T00:00:46.167-05:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Sin With Me (Original Sin #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzLK_K1LzNxQH0L3dxd7iFUVN2tpVhl2twtk0SaguOFbC7VqWUSVY3CDDTKdVy03mxapgGW6K945P8hqmxLbEPqTtjo7aV1w5Dvkw7gS7g5FQ_9sPStVwejuGCYkbhAJclcJpj26_Sgk/s1600/SinWithMeBlitzBanner-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzLK_K1LzNxQH0L3dxd7iFUVN2tpVhl2twtk0SaguOFbC7VqWUSVY3CDDTKdVy03mxapgGW6K945P8hqmxLbEPqTtjo7aV1w5Dvkw7gS7g5FQ_9sPStVwejuGCYkbhAJclcJpj26_Sgk/s320/SinWithMeBlitzBanner-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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SIN WITH ME is a crazy awesome start to a series I can't wait to continue. Check out my review and enter the giveaway...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCwT8QJJpGPctOxEaztRyYlERCUduGe5zdwL1LQp3Sh04Ywptl59VUrgXsPmaYQoasB7Xgg9-ZI7mUJkYbYg_dwpfQSWQh4HwshC2NfBIVuPiyvSlM_S5j7MKgpp5f0N77uKxGwriAgM/s1600/37030228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCwT8QJJpGPctOxEaztRyYlERCUduGe5zdwL1LQp3Sh04Ywptl59VUrgXsPmaYQoasB7Xgg9-ZI7mUJkYbYg_dwpfQSWQh4HwshC2NfBIVuPiyvSlM_S5j7MKgpp5f0N77uKxGwriAgM/s320/37030228.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37030228-sin-with-me">Sin With Me (Original Sin #1)</a>, by J.A. Huss and Johnathan McClain</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>March 6, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Science Future Press<br />
<b>Format: </b>e-ARC, provided by the authors<br />
<b>Genre: </b>adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785V7VPW">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sin-with-me-ja-huss/1127586232">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Two broken people in a city fueled by sin.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Maddie isn’t looking to be saved. She knows the only person you can count on is yourself. Her moral compass might not point true North these days—but at least she’s still standing.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The Military taught Tyler about loyalty. Being there for your brothers is the only thing that matters—but when it mattered most, he wasn’t.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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She’s got a ticket straight to Hell. He’s already been there and back.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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She needs to win. He just needs to stop fighting.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Some sins scar your soul so deeply, you'll never be the same.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But this Devil in disguise might just be the angel he needs to forgive himself. </i></b></blockquote>
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One of my favorite authors, Julie Huss, has teamed up with audiobook narrator and actor Johnathan McClain to write a series of romance books. Between a best-selling romance author and a romance audiobook narrator, I'd say they have the credentials to give us something good. </div>
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And, based on book 1 in their Original Sin series, it's not just going to be good - it's going to be great. </div>
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Maddie's and Tyler's lives have taken two different paths to the same place - rock bottom. When Sin With Me begins, that's where both of them are, even though rock bottom looks slightly different for each of them. </div>
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Maddie is more than broke. After a string of failed business ventures, she's not only in debt, but she owes a very bad man a big sum of money. With a college degree and yet no professional prospects on the horizon, Maddie is forced to strip to pay her bills, and every time she does it, it sucks a little more of her soul away.<br />
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<b><i>"...at eighteen, bad things, one after another, just kept delivering themselves to me, and now, seven years later, here we both sit. It makes me want to cry. Or scream, or run away. Or all three. But I can't. It's not who I am. I can't quit, I can't lose it and give in to weakness. I have to just knuckle down and keep going. Sometimes... sometimes I wish I was a quitter. It would be easier."</i></b></blockquote>
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Tyler has more money than he can spend, but he hates how it came into his possession. His time as an explosives expert in the military is over, and now that he's home in Las Vegas, he doesn't know what to do next. His experiences while deployed and the fates that have befallen his friends are haunting him, and no amount of women or booze is helping him to move on. </div>
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Both Maddie and Tyler need something to live for, because neither of them have that now. At various times in the book, both of them contemplate ending things for good. Truthfully, these two are some of the saddest and most despondent people I've ever read about. And yet...</div>
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When they are together, despite them both being total and complete hot messes, I actually have some hope that they could be okay eventually. It's this underlying hope that keeps the book from being utterly depressing. They are good for each other, even though I don't think they know that yet. They certainly are hot together, and they both definitely know that, even though Maddie continues to fight it every step of the way.<br />
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<b><i>I just... want to listen to him. Hear his voice and see his smile. I want to feel his bare chest under my fingertips and know that we're in this night together. Whatever pain we have. Whatever regrets and bullshit are haunting us. We're in this night together.</i></b></blockquote>
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There's something that ties Tyler and Maddie together, and while the reader is clued into this thing pretty early on, our main characters don't find out until the very end. And, that big reveal provides the backdrop for a jaw dropping ending. </div>
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There's a lot of stuff for Maddie and Tyler to work out over the next three books. Maddie's still being chased by very bad, murderous men. Tyler is also in a bit of hot water by the very end. And they are definitely not at a good place in their relationship. I promise, you're going to want to read the next book in the series right away - I know I do. But, most of all, I just can't wait for Maddie and Tyler to find some freaking happiness. I have faith in Julie and Johnathan that eventually they'll get there. But, the journey looks like it's going to be quite a bit bumpy. </div>
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Two accomplished writers come together to create unforgettable sexy romance. JA Huss is the New York Times bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today bestsellers list eighteen times. Johnathan McClain is a veteran actor and writer whose work, either performed or written, is probably airing on at least one of the channels on your television right now. You can contact them on their website <a href="http://www.hussmcclain.com/">www.hussmcclain.com</a> or find them at their social links below.<br />
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STALK JULIE<br />
FACEBOOK: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss</a><br />
TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/JAHuss">https://twitter.com/JAHuss</a><br />
INSTAGRAM: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jahuss/">https://www.instagram.com/jahuss/</a><br />
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STALK JOHNATHAN<br />
FACEBOOK: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/misterjmcclain">https://www.facebook.com/misterjmcclain</a><br />
TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/misterjmcclain">https://twitter.com/misterjmcclain</a><br />
INSTAGRAM: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/misterjmcclain/">https://www.instagram.com/misterjmcclain/</a><br />
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JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK FAN GROUP: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shrikebikes/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/shrikebikes/</a><br />
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Enter below to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards or one of 25 copies of Sin With Me signed by both authors (INTL).</div>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-79809604095098250042018-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-28T00:00:22.561-05:00REVIEW: Baby Daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36151824-baby-daddy?from_search=true">Baby Daddy</a>, by Kendall Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 27, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre: </b>adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Daddy-Kendall-Ryan-ebook/dp/B07734F4JZ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519785049&sr=8-4&keywords=Baby+Daddy">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-daddy-kendall-ryan/1127785342?ean=9781978132849">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) We met in a trapped elevator.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Emmett was on his way to work, sophisticated and handsome in his tailored suit and tie.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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I was on my way to the sperm bank. Awkward, right?</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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At thirty-five, my life hadn’t taken the path I thought it would and I was tired of waiting—I wanted a baby. And I was ready to take matters into my own hands to make it happen.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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After our ill-fated elevator encounter, Emmett insisted on taking me to dinner—he also insisted on something else—that I ditch my plan involving a turkey baster and let him do the job. He would be my baby daddy. He was a wealthy and powerful CEO with little interest in diapers or playdates. And since he didn’t want kids, I’d be on my own once his bun was in my oven, free to go my own way.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But once his baby was inside me, it was like a switch had been flipped, and I got a whole lot more than I ever bargained for. </i></b></blockquote>
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*dreamy sigh*<br />
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Could Kendall Ryan make a more perfect man than Emmett Baxter? No. No, she could not. I mean, this guy is a sweet alpha male - a unicorn! He's rich, commanding, gorgeous, sexy humanitarian - he's willing to endure the pain and suffering of having tons of sex with a fascinating woman who desperately wants a baby. He's willing to give up all rights to the child and give her what she wants while getting what he wants - a hell of a good time. What a giving man. You know what they say about the best laid plans...<br />
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While I instantly fell in love with Emmett's charm, Jenna Porter was a character that I took a bit more time to warm up to. She's a business woman who has learned the hard way that men will disappoint you. Every. Time. She's 35 and wants a baby, so she's going to do it all by herself at the sperm bank. But, when the elevator malfunctions with her and Emmett in it, those plans are blown to pieces. Although she accepts his offer to put a bun in her oven, she acts very cold toward him for a very long time. She tries so hard to keep this situation strictly a business transaction, and in the face of Emmett's sweetness, that was frustrating. <br />
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Emmett's transformation over the course of the book was my favorite part. He starts out as this island of a man - one who doesn't really do close relationships, especially with women. He always treats them with respect, but he never, ever gets close. This brilliant man thinks he can make a woman pregnant and not get close to her. As he learns, that's completely impossible. And through his interactions with Jenna - both in bed and out of it - and the possibility of a future he never even thought of, he changes his priorities and his own dreams. <br />
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Jenna took a little longer to follow in his footsteps. And as a reader knowing that these two had an additional, professional connection that was bound to blow up in their faces, and not knowing precisely when that would happen, you knew that things weren't going to go smoothly for these two for awhile. And that was okay. Because watching them fall in love and prepare for a new baby while trying to remain "friends" was a ton of fun. <br />
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Baby Daddy was a fantastic read with a dreamy hero that you won't soon forget. Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-32400253321513609142018-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-22T00:00:20.715-05:00PRE-ORDER INCENTIVE & CHAPTER REVEAL: Moonlight Seduction (de Vincents #2)Recently, <a href="http://kristasdustjacket.blogspot.com/2018/01/release-day-review-moonlight-sins-de.html">I raved</a> about how much I loved MOONLIGHT SINS, the first in Jennifer L. Armentrout's new de Vincent series. Book 2 in the series - MOONLIGHT SEDUCTION - is on its way, but you'll have to wait until June to get it. I know! I hate the wait too.<br />
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But, here are two things to help ease the blow.<br />
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First, I have the first chapter for you to sink your teeth into. And then, since I know you'll love it so much that you won't want to forget to own it the day it comes out, I have an awesome Moonlight Seduction pre-order campaign for you!<br />
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Read on for the deets...<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301030-moonlight-seduction?from_search=true">Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent #2)</a>, by Jennifer L. Armentrout</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> June 26, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Avon Books<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="http://amzn.to/2BycJEF">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/MoonlightSeductionJLA-BN">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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(Synopsis) Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.</i></b></blockquote>
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<i>CHAPTER 1</i><i><br /></i><i>Six years later . . .<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>It took every ounce of self-control for Gabriel de Vincent to stand back and do nothing. Just stand there and watch him being led away, but that’s what he had to do, because that’s what he’d promised and Gabe tried to be a man of his word.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Sometimes he failed at that. Failed at that in ways that haunted him late at night, but he wouldn’t go back on this.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He’d promised them three uninterrupted months.</i><i> That’s what he was going to give them.</i><i> His jaw ached from how hard he was clenching it as the Rothchilds walked back into the restaurant. He didn’t take his eyes off them, not until he couldn’t see them anymore. Only then did he look at the slip of paper.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Looking down at the drawing of puppy on a piece of blue construction paper, he felt the worst mix of emotions. Sadness. Pride. Helplessness. Hope. Fury that he’d never tasted before. He had no idea how one person could feel all of that at once, but he did.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>A wry smile tugged at his lips. There was definitely talent in the drawing. Real skill. The de Vincent knack for the arts was still kicking around it seemed.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>His gaze flickered over what was written in a blockish handwriting. He’d already read in three times, but couldn’t bear to read it a fourth time. Not right now. He didn’t want to fold the paper and created creases in it, so he was careful as he carried it back to where he was parked.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Gabriel de Vincent.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Frowning at the vaguely familiar voice, he turned around. A man stepped out from behind a truck. Dark, square sunglasses shielded half the man’s face, but Gabe recognized him.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He sighed. “Ross Haid. To what do I owe the honor of seeing you in Baton Rouge?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The reporter for the Advocate gave one of what Gabe assumed was a trademark half grin; the kind that probably got him into a places and events he sure as hell didn’t belong in. “Headquarters are here. You know that.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Yeah, but you work out of the New Orleans office, Ross.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He shrugged a shoulder as he neared Gabe. “I had to come up to headquarters. Heard through the grapevine that a de Vincent was in town.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Uh-huh.” Not for one second did Gabe believe that. “And you just happen to hear that I was at this restaurant?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The smile kicked up a notch as he ran a hand over his blond hair. “Nah. Seeing you here was just luck.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Bullshit. Ross had been sniffing after his family for about two months now, trying to get to one of them when they were out at dinner or at an event, showing up at nearly every damn function one of them was attending. But back home, in New Orleans, Ross had trouble getting near them. Well, he had troubled getting to the one he really wanted to talk to which was Gabe’s older brother.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Didn’t require any leap of logic to figure out what was going on. Somehow Ross had heard that Gabe was here, and that’s why Ross conveniently ended up here. Normally he could tolerate Ross’ incessant questioning. Hell, he sort of liked the guy, appreciated his determination, but not when Ross was here and something he didn’t want a reporter finding out mere feet away.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Lowering his sunglasses, Ross eyed Gabe’s ride. “Nice car. Is it one of the new Porsche 911s?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Gabe raised his brows.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Family business must be going well. Then again, the family business is always going strong, isn’t it? The de Vincents are old money. The one percent of the one percent.” Gabe’s family was one of the oldest, linked all the way back to the days the great state of Louisiana was being created. Now they owned the most profitable oil refineries in the Gulf, coveted real estate all around the world, tech firms, and once his older brother married, they’d be in control of the one of the largest shipping industries in the world. So, yeah, the de Vincents were wealthy, but the car and nearly everything Gabe owned, he bought it with the money he worked for. Not the money he was born with.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Some say that your family has so much money, that the de Vincents are above the law.” Ross straightened his sunglasses. “Seems that way.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Gabe really didn’t have time for this. “Whatever you want to say, can you stop beating around the damn bush and get to it? I’m planning to head home sometime in the next year.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The reporter’s smile faded. “Since you’re here and I’m here, and it’s damn hard to talk to you all any other time. I want to chat about your father’s death.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I’m sure you do.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I don’t believe it was a suicide,” Ross continued. “And I find it also convenient that Chief Cobbs, who openly and publicly wanted your father’s death investigated as a homicide ended up dead in a freak car accident.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Is that right?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Frustration hummed off Ross about as loud as the damn locusts. “Is that all you got to say to me about this?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Pretty much.” Gabe grinned then. “That and you have an overactive imagination, but I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I don’t think my imagination is nearly vast enough to compete with all the things the de Vincents have had their hands in.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Probably not.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Okay, I won’t ask you about your father or the chief.” Ross shifted his weight as Gabe opened his driver’s door. “Also heard some interesting rumors about some of the staff at the de Vincent compound.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I’m started to feel like you might be stalking us.” Gabe placed the drawing facedown on the passenger’s seat. “If you want to talk about staffing, then you need to have a chat with Dev.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Devlin won’t make time to talk to me.”</i><i> “That doesn’t sound like my problem.”</i><i> “It seems like it is now.”</i><i> Gabe laughed, but the sound was without humor as he reached inside, grabbing his sunglasses off the visor. “Trust me, Ross, this isn’t my problem.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“You may not think so now, but that’ll change.” A muscle twitched along the man’s jaw. “I plan to blow the roof of every single damn secret the de Vincents have been keeping for years. I’m going to do a story that not even your family can pay to keep quiet.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Shaking his head, Gabe slipped his sunglasses on. “I like you, Ross. You know I’ve never had a problem with you. So, I just want to get that out of the way. But you have got to come up with some better material, because that was cliché as shit.” He rested his hand on the frame of the car door. “You’ve got to know you’re not the first reporter to come around thinking they’re somehow going to dig some skeletons out of our closets and expose us for whatever the hell you think we are. You’re not going to be the last to fail.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I don’t fail,” Ross said. “Not ever.”</i><i> “Everyone fails.” Gabe climbed in behind the wheel.</i><i> “Except the de Vincents?”</i><i> “You said it, not me.” Gabe looked up at the reporter. “Some unasked for advice? I’d find another story to investigate.”</i><i> “Is there where you’re going to tell me to be careful?” He sounded oddly gleeful by the prospect. “Warn me off? Because people who mess with the de Vincents end up missing or worse?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Gabe smirked as he hit the ignition key. “Doesn’t sound like I need to tell you that. Seems like you already know what happens.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki stood in the center of the quiet and sterile kitchen of the de Vincent mansion, telling herself that she was not the same little idiot that almost drowned herself out in the pool six years ago.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She sure as hell wasn’t the same idiot who had spent years making an utter fool out of herself, chasing after a grown man. An act, which resulted in one of the worst ideas she’d ever had in the history of bad ideas.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And Nikki had a remarkable history of making not the brightest of all decisions. Her dad said she had a bit of wild streak in her, taking after Pappy, but Nikki liked to blame the de Vincents for the recklessness. They had this really bizarre talent of making everyone around them stick one toe into Recklessville.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her mother claimed that most of Nikki’s bad decisions came from having a good heart.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki had the habit of picking up strays—stray cats, dogs, a lizard here and there, even a snake, and humans, too. She was a bleeding heart, hating to see anyone she cared about in pain and she was oftentimes a bit overly affected by the troubles of strangers.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>It was why she avoided the TV around the holidays, because they always played those heart-wrenching videos of freezing animals or children left to starve in war-torn countries. She hated everything about New Year’s Eve because of that and spent the week between Christmas and the first of January moping around.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>There was a lot of Nikki that was the same as she was the last time she walked through this house. She still got emotionally invested in animals that didn’t belong to her—that was why she volunteered at the local animal shelter. She still couldn’t turn away from someone who needed help, and she still found herself in weird situations but reckless? Wild?<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Not anymore.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Not since the last time she’d been in the house, right before she left for college. That had been four years ago and now she was back, and nothing and everything had changed.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“You okay, hon?” her father asked.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Turning to find her father standing just inside the large kitchen, she pulled herself out of her thoughts and smiled widely for him. Goodness, her dad was starting to look his age, and that scared her—truly terrified her. Her parents had her late in life, but she was only twenty-two, and she wanted another fifty years or so with them.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki knew that wasn’t going to happen.</i><i> Especially now.</i><i> She forced those thoughts from her head. “Yes. I’m just . . . it’s weird being in here after being gone so long. The kitchen is different.”</i><i> “It was remodeled a few years back,” he replied. The mansion was constantly being remodeled it seemed. After all, how many times had this place caught fire since it was built? Nikki had lost count. Her father drew in a deep breath, and the lines around his mouth became more pronounced. He looked so tired. “I don’t know if I’ve said this to you or not, but thank you.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She waved him off. “You don’t need to thank me, Dad.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Yeah, I do.” He walked over to where she stood. “You went away to college to do something better than this—better than cooking dinners and running a household. To become something better.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Offended on his behalf, she crossed her arms and met his weary gaze. “There’s nothing wrong with cooking dinners and running a household. It’s good, honest work. Wok that put me through college. Right, Dad?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“We take great pride in our job. Don’t get me wrong, but what your mother and I did all these years was so you could do something else.” He sighed. “So, it means a lot that you would come home to help us out, Nicolette.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Only her dad and mom called her by her full name. Everyone else called her Nikki. Everyone except a certain de Vincent who shall remained nameless. He and only he called her Nic.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her parents had worked for the de Vincents, one of the wealthiest families in the States and possibly the world, since long before she was born. It was weird growing up in this house, being privy to a lot of strange stuff—things the public has no idea about and would probably pay a large sum of money to learn. And personally? It was like she had a foot in two different worlds, one absurdly wealthy and the other middle working class.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her father was basically a butler, except she always had a small suspicion that her father had . . . taken care of things for the de Vincents that no normal butler did. Her mother ran the day-to-day functions of the house and prepared the dinners. Both her parents loved working for the family and she knew both had planned to continue to the day they died, but her mom . . . .<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki’s chest squeezed painfully. Her mom was not well and it had happened so fast, coming out of nowhere. The dreaded C word.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Honestly, this is perfect. I got my degree and this will give me time to figure things out.” In other words, figure out what the hell she wanted to really do with her life. Get to work or go for her master’s? She wasn’t sure yet. “And I want to be here while Mom is going through everything.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I know.” His smile wobbled a little as he brushed a strand of blondish-brown hair out of her face.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“We could’ve hired someone else to step in while your mother—”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“No, you couldn’t have.” She laughed at the mere thought of that. “I know how weird the de Vincents are. I know how protective you two are of them. I know how to keep my mouth shut and not see what I’m not supposed to. And you two don’t have to worry about someone new not keeping their mouth shut and not seeing what they’re not supposed to.” </i><i><br /></i><i>Her dad arched a brow. “A lot of things have changed, honey.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She snorted as she took in the white marble countertops with gray veining. Mom had filled her in on some of those changes during one of her chemo treatments. After all, what else did they have to talk about while she was being pumped full of poison that would hopefully kill only the cancer cells building in her lung?<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Things in the de Vincent mansion that had changed.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>For starters, the patriarch of the family, one Lawrence de Vincent, had hung himself a few months back. An act that had shocked her because she figured that man would’ve outlived a nuclear bomb. And Lucian de Vincent apparently had a live-in girlfriend and they were about to move into their own place. That was even more insane, the idea of Lucian settling down.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The Lucian she remembered put the play in player. He’d been an incorrigible flirt, leaving a string of broken hearts across the state of Louisiana and beyond.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She hadn’t met his girlfriend yet since they were away on some kind of trip; the rich rarely seemed to have much of a schedule. She just hoped whoever his girlfriend was, she was nice and nothing like Devlin’s fiancé.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki might not have been around the de Vincents in four years, but she remembered Sabrina Harrington and her brother Parker.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Sabrina had just begun seeing Devlin the year before Nikki had left for college and that had been a year’s worth of snide comments and rather impressive disdainful looks. Nikki could deal with Sabrina though. If she was the same woman as she was before, she could be as mean as a cornered rattlesnake, but Nikki normally didn’t even register on her scale of people to pay attention to.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Parker though?<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki suppressed a shudder, not wanting to worry her father who was watching her like a hawk.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Parker had often stared at her the way she’d wanted Gabe to look at her, especially when she had grown brave enough to move from a one-piece bathing suit to a two-piece.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And Parker . . . he had done more than look.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She drew in a deep breath. She wasn’t going to think about Parker. He wasn’t worth a single thought.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>What happened to Lawrence, and Lucian’s new romance weren’t the only things her mom had told her. She filled Nikki in on the whole sister reappearing and then disappearing again thing. Something that she knew the general public had no idea had even happened. She didn’t know the details around it, but Nikki knew that in typical de Vincent fashion, it had to the most drama-llama-est thing possible.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And she also knew better than to ask questions about it.</i><i> Her father stepped back. “The boys are all out.”</i><i> Thank God and baby Jesus.</i><i> “Devlin should be back this evening for dinner. He likes dinner to be ready at six. I believe Ms. Harrington will be joining him.”</i><i> Well, thanking God and baby Jesus lasted all of five seconds. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and make a gagging sound. “Okay.”</i><i> “Gabriel is still in Baton Rouge, or at least, that’s the last I heard,” her father continued, ticking off the brothers’ schedules while she wondered what Gabe was doing in Baton Rouge. Not that she cared. She totally didn’t care whatsoever, but she wondered if it had anything to do with his woodworking business.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The man was talented with his hands.</i><i> Really talented.</i><i> Her cheeks flushed as an unwanted memory of how his calloused palms felt pierced her straight through the chest. Nope. Not going there. Absolutely not.</i><i> There were examples of Gabe’s skill all around the house—the furniture, chair rails, and trim, even in the kitchen. All of the woodwork was designed and created by Gabe. As a little girl, she’d been fascinated with the idea of picking up a piece of wood and turning it into something that was truly a work of art. That fascination had turned into quite the hobby for Nikki.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>It had started one long, fall afternoon when she was ten and she’d found Gabe outside, whittling away on a piece of wood. Out of boredom, she’d asked him to show her how he did it. Instead of shooing her off, Gabe had given her small scrapes of wood and showed her how to use a chisel.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She’d gotten pretty good at it, but she hadn’t picked up a chisel in over four years. Nikki refocused on what her dad was telling her.</i><i> “We’re a little understaffed right now,” her dad continued. “So there’s a lot of dusting in your near future. Devlin is very much like his father.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Great.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>That was not a compliment in her book.</i><i> “Is it the ghosts?” She half joked. “Scaring off the staff?”</i><i> Her father shot her a look, but she knew damn well that her parents believed this<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>house was haunted. Hell, they wouldn’t even come here at night unless it was a dire emergency. None of the staff would and everyone in town knew the legends about the land the de Vincent mansion sat on. And who hadn’t heard about the de Vincent curse more than a time or two?<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Being in this house as much as she had been in the past, she had seen some weird things and heard some stuff that couldn’t be explained. Plus she grew up within minutes of New Orleans. She was a believer, but unlike her friend Rosie, whom she met in college, she wasn’t obsessed with all things paranormal. Nikki operated on the whole if- you-don’t-acknowledge-ghosts-they-can’t-bother-you theory and so far it had worked so far wonderfully.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Then again, Nikki had only come here at night once in her life, and that had not turned out well at all. So maybe ignoring ghosts didn’t work, because she liked to think<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>she was possessed by one of ghosts that supposedly wandered the halls, and that was what provoked her to do what she’d done that night.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki was well aware of how the house was run because she’d spent most of her summer vacations in the house watching her mom, so she got to work pretty quickly once her father left her.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>First thing first was tracking down what staff they did have at the house. Understaffed her butt! The only staff they had left was her dad; the landscaper who was constantly mowing grass it seemed or re-mulching; the de Vincent driver; and Mrs. Kneely, an older woman who’d done the laundry services since Nikki was a little girl.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Beverly Kneely actually owed her own laundry business and only came to the house three times a week to take care of the linens and clothing.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>According to Bev, whom she found in the large mudroom at the back of the house, packing up clothing that needed to be dry-cleaned, over the last couple of months, nearly everyone had quit.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“So, let me get this straight.” Nikki smoothed back a few strands that had escaped the knot she’d pulled her hair up in. “The waiters are gone, as are the maids?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Bev’s buxom chest heaved as she nodded. “It’s just been your parents for the last three months. I think all that work was wearing poor Livie down.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Anger flashed through Nikki. Hadn’t the de Vincents noticed how thin and tired her mom had been getting? How quickly she got out of breath? “Why didn’t the de Vincents hire someone to help?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Your father tried, but no one around here wants to come close to this place, not after what happened.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She frowned. “You’re talking about Lawrence? What he did?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Bev tied up the bags. “Not like that wasn’t bad enough, but that wasn’t the straw the broke the camel’s back around here.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Nikki had no idea what she was talking about. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ve been updated on all the crazy. What else happened?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Looking around the room, Bev arched her brows as she headed toward the side door. “Walls got ears. You know that. You want to know what’s been going on here, you ask your father or one of the boys.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her lips pursed. She was so not asking the boys.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Bev stopped at the door and looked back. “I don’t think Devlin is going to be happy when he sees what you’re wearing.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” It was jeans and a black tee shirt. No way was she going to dress like her mom or her dad. Her willingness to help her parents did not extend to wearing uniforms.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She looked down at herself and saw the hole just below the knee.</i><i> Nikki sighed.</i><i> Devlin was probably going to have a problem with the hole, but what Nikki wanted to<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>know was what the hell had happened in this house to drive almost all the staff away?</i><i> It had to be something.</i><i> Not just because the de Vincents paid extraordinarily well, but also because her father hadn’t told her.</i><i> And that meant it was something really bad.</i></blockquote>
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# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.<br />
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Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. <br />
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She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.<br />
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She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over a hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more. She is also the creator and sole financier of the annual Write Your Way To RT Book Convention, a contest that gives aspiring authors a chance to win a fully paid trip to RT Book Reviews.</div>
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Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-20974746515283053602018-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-21T00:00:43.074-05:00BLOG TOUR EXCERPT & REVIEW: Rough Ride (Chaos #5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have missed my bad ass Chaos bikers.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36324717-rough-ride">Rough Ride (Chaos #5)</a>, by Kristen Ashley</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 13, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Evil Eye Concepts<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2yd5hhs">Amazon</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Rosalie Holloway put it all on the line for the Chaos Motorcycle Club.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Informing to Chaos on their rival club—her man’s club, Bounty—Rosalie knows the stakes. And she pays them when her man, who she was hoping to scare straight, finds out she’s betrayed him and he delivers her to his brothers to mete out their form of justice.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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But really, Rosie has long been denying that, as she drifted away from her Bounty, she’s been falling in love with Everett “Snapper” Kavanagh, a Chaos brother. Snap is the biker-boy-next door with the snowy blue eyes, quiet confidence and sweet disposition who was supposed to keep her safe... and fell down on that job.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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For Snapper, it’s always been Rosalie, from the first time he saw her at the Chaos Compound. He’s just been waiting for a clear shot. But he didn’t want to get it after his Rosie was left bleeding, beat down and broken by Bounty on a cement warehouse floor.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>With Rosalie a casualty of an ongoing war, Snapper has to guide her to trust him, take a shot with him, build a them...</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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And fold his woman firmly in the family that is Chaos.</i></b></blockquote>
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This book - this whole series - is so spectacular. It's everything I've come to love about the MC trope. It highlights family and loyalty and dedication. It is a little dangerous and a lot sexy and romantic. These Chaos men know how to treat their women like queens and their women in turn support their men in all they do. It's easy to love these characters, especially with the way Kristen Ashley writes them. </div>
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In Rough Ride, we swing back around to Rosalie, who we met in the very first Chaos book. When Rough Ride opens, we see that things have gone horribly wrong for Rosalie, and she's in very desperate trouble. She turns to Chaos - and Snapper in particular - for help. And once they deliver that help (as they should, since she found herself in that situation because of Chaos), she is ready to get out of the MC world for good since it's caused her nothing but both literal and figurative pain. </div>
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But, Snap is there to remind her of all the wonderful parts of MC life that she'd be turning away from. No - it's not perfect. But, no way of living is. Plus, MC life comes with him, and he's spent a very long time loving Rosalie from afar while she belonged to someone else. He's done with that, and he's now dedicated to winning her over. </div>
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I don't know any woman that would be able to withstand Snapper when he really pours on the charm. He treats her like gold, even when she swears she hates him and his club. He puts her needs and safety above his own. And when she starts to break down, he shows her his best moves. It was all over from there. </div>
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Now - I'm going to warn you. Rough Ride ends in a somewhat confusing cliffhanger. If I were you, I would read all of it except for the last page. Seriously - just ignore it for now. Then, this summer, when Wild Like The Wind (Chaos #6) comes out, go back and read that last page then. You will thank me for this advice. Because I'm going out of my mind for that sixth book. And not reading the last page of Rough Ride will not affect your enjoyment or grasp of Snapper and Rosalie's story in the slightest. </div>
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Kristen Ashley has put one more incredible book under her belt, and I'm one step closer to thinking she can't do anything wrong. </div>
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<i>An old-style flip phone.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>A burner.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>We’d joked about it, Snap and me. He’d called me Scully. He had a burner too, so there’d be no caller ID when he phoned me. So I’d called him Mulder.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I was going to call him.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Not because I was working for Chaos anymore. I wasn’t. That officially ended on that cement. Definitely not because I was protecting Bounty. I’d tell the police. Absolutely, I’d tell the police my boyfriend’s motorcycle club beat the snot out of me. It didn’t matter that I broke the code, and knew it. It didn’t matter that I’d betrayed my man, and done it deliberately.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I was trying to save him. Save his brothers. Save his club. Save everyone.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I closed my eyes tight, my thumb moving over the phone from memory, knowing the way on its own, I called him so often. That was why I was calling him now rather than 911. I knew how to get to him. To Snapper. And the effort would be less. I could dial the digits to get him up on speed dial in my sleep, so I could do it lying on a cement floor, beat to hell and practically unable to move.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I couldn’t lift the phone to my ear so I just shoved it across the floor closer to my face, listening to it ring.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Rosie?” Snap answered.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I closed my eyes tighter as understanding hit me with a blow almost as brutal as every strike I’d just taken.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>God.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I hadn’t done it to save Beck. To save his brothers, his club…everybody.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>At first, I’d done it to make Beck into Shy.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And then I’d done it to make him be Snapper.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And last, I’d done it to make his club Chaos.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Rosie?” Snap’s Eddie Vedder baritone got sharper.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Oh no.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>No.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The black was creeping in again.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Sss…” was all I could get out.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Rosalie,” he bit out, curt, alert, alarmed.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Hurt,” I whispered.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>And then, again, I blacked out.</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQde0meEmgO7uy4xg0mUdrSq5q8vDMzdmuoHEyZIrmndl_YLitnogF-KHl5i-lh6bDfoOUnmx032nH1yu4ieqC7E7FldaKFi8FRxaBSsjM1d98JMPNEwgC16b53SmYFdxoWEVFqR5nv0Q/s1600/Kristen+Ashley+-+1001DarkNightsheadshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQde0meEmgO7uy4xg0mUdrSq5q8vDMzdmuoHEyZIrmndl_YLitnogF-KHl5i-lh6bDfoOUnmx032nH1yu4ieqC7E7FldaKFi8FRxaBSsjM1d98JMPNEwgC16b53SmYFdxoWEVFqR5nv0Q/s1600/Kristen+Ashley+-+1001DarkNightsheadshot.png" /></a></div>
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. <br />
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Nothing's changed. <br />
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Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched). <br />
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Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. <br />
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And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-6512810808028228082018-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-20T00:01:08.886-05:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Nobody Does It Better (Masters and Mercenaries #15)<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35901771-nobody-does-it-better?from_search=true">Nobody Does It Better (Masters & Mercenaries #15)</a>, by Lexi Blake</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 20, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult suspense romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Does-Better-Masters-Mercenaries-ebook/dp/B074G36KYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518750699&sr=8-1&keywords=nobody+does+it+better+lexi+blake">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nobody-does-it-better-masters-and-mercenaries-book-15-lexi-blake/1127133652?ean=2940158736902">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) A spy who specializes in seduction </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>A leading man who doesn’t do romance<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>An ending neither could have expected<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life. </i></b></blockquote>
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Nobody Does It Better spells the end of an era. The Masters & Mercenaries series is officially over with this book, so Lexi Blake is sending it off in style - with a Hollywood star, bold and brash Kayla Summers and several series crossovers. </div>
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Kayla is sent to California to be the bodyguard for movie star Joshua Hunt. She's also going to be his submissive - talk about perks of the job. But, someone is gunning for Josh, and it's Kayla's job to make sure they can't get to him. In addition to Kay's commitment to McKay Taggart, she's also being used by the CIA to try and get to the bottom of Josh's seeming ties to a Mexican drug lord. </div>
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Kay's cool with her job until she starts to have real feelings for the reclusive and private actor. He's surprisingly deep and sensitive, and incredibly good in bed. He's harboring a painful past and is not used to trusting another soul, but yet he seems to trust Kayla. And she's lying to him. </div>
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I have to be honest - Kayla Summers hasn't always been my most favorite member of the team. She's super bubbly and seriously goofy - almost too much so. She's never seemed to have a very deep or serious moment, so it was hard to take her character seriously. All that changed in Nobody Does It Better. We get a glimpse into Kay's complicated past and how she came to be in the spy business. It's a sad and tragic story, and after hearing it, you think that perhaps most of the time, she's overcompensating. </div>
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Josh's story is even worse though. It's impossible to not feel for this man who seems to have no one in his life he can truly love and trust. How lonely he must be. Truthfully, he and Kay make a great couple. He seems to temper her wild side and she seems to bring him out of his shell a bit. And, of course, their D/s relationship is one of perfection. They're perfectly suited. </div>
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There's two main stories going on in Josh's world - his blackmailer and the Mexican drug lord. Kay has to protect him from both threats while keeping the fact that she's working an angle with the CIA a secret. It's a tough job, and one she starts to question as the days go by. </div>
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Nobody Does It Better included almost every element that I love most about the Masters and Mercenaries series. There was tons of danger and mystery and intrigue. There's a lot of spy games and subterfuge. There's super hot kinky sex between two compelling characters. The only part that was missing for me was Sanctum. Or even The Garden. There's mention of Josh's club, The Reef, but he and Kayla never really play there. </div>
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I also missed the usual team - Ian, Liam, Alex, Adam, Jake... a few of them make brief appearances, but Kayla was kinda on her own in this book. It's mainly because, Lexi is leading us into a few new spin-offs that will feature characters we really got a chance to know better in this book (but aren't totally new to us). And I do get that. It was done well, and I'm definitely looking forward to their stories. But, I still missed my MT crew. </div>
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Stay tuned for lots more coming from the M&M world. I'm so happy that I don't have to say goodbye to Kayla, Ian and the rest of them for good. I have a feeling they'll continue popping up in Lexi's other series and in the upcoming spin-offs. Until then, I can say that this was a great send-off to an absolutely amazing series. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-90194555413567771282018-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-19T00:00:01.897-05:00AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Wanderlust<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36600275-wanderlust">Wanderlust</a>, by Lauren Blakely</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 6, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Audible Studios<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wanderlust-Lauren-Blakely/dp/1977566618/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518836809&sr=1-1&keywords=Wanderlust&dpID=51QiHozWBYL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wanderlust-lauren-blakely/1127242600?ean=2940158883170">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) The first time I met him, his sexy British accent almost talked me into giving him my number on the spot. The second time, he nearly charmed the panties off me with his wit. Then I learned he's the key to success in my new job in Paris. The man who tempts me into fling-worthy dirty daydreams has turned out to be my personal translator, and his accent is the hottest thing I've ever heard.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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My mantra is simple -- Don't mix business with pleasure. I do my best to resist him as he teaches me how to converse with my co-workers, navigate the metro and order the perfect bottle of wine at dinner. But I also figure out how to tell the charming and clever man what I most want to say -- that I want him to take me back to his flat -- tonight.</i></b><b><i>
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Except there's a catch...</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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***</i></b><b><i>
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One more assignment before I take off on my big adventure...</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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And it involves the toughest work ever -- resisting the fetching American woman I spend all my days with. But you know what they say about best intentions. Soon, we're spending our nights tangled together, and I don’t want to let her go. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and before we know it I'll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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What could possibly go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nothing...unless one of you is leaving.</i></b></blockquote>
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Wanderlust has only been available in audio these last two weeks (the paperback releases tomorrow!), and for that, I'm so glad. It forced me to experience the magic that is this book as told by two perfectly chosen narrators, and I think that made me fall in love with this book just a little bit more. </div>
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Wanderlust is about an American woman and a British man that meet in Paris and fall in love - at precisely the worst time in both of their lives. For him, Griffin is only in the city for another three months before he leaves for a world trek. For her, Joy has just gotten out of a toxic relationship and is looking to assert her independence at her new job in Paris. Neither of them are looking for a new relationship, but listening to them try to resist each other was so much fun.</div>
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Both these characters are fantastic. There's nothing not to love about them. Joy is quirky and independent and brave. I loved that she took the job in Paris because it's a city she always wanted to visit. She doesn't speak the language, but she doesn't let that stand in her way. And what a fun job she has! She gets to mix scents to make perfumes and body lotions that smell yummy. It sounds like the best use of an organic chemistry degree. </div>
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Griffin is fluent in French and works as a translator - Joy's translator, to be exact. How they met was hilarious and it truly set the stage for how magical their connection was. Since Joy is his assignment, and he's leaving Paris to travel the world and fulfill his late brother's last wishes, Griffin tries so hard to resist Joy's charm. And Joy tries so hard to resist Griffin's sweetness. As a result, you get this crazy awesome tension that keeps building and building for what seems like forever. </div>
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When it bursts, it's so perfect. These two are such a great couple. You will adore Griffin and how he thinks about Joy. But, the road block continues to be his brother's bucket list that threatens to take Griffin away from the little love nest these two make in the City of Lights. </div>
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The audio version of this book is wonderful. Richard Armitage voices Griffin, and I just don't think they could've chosen anyone better. His accent is yummy, and his delivery is spot-on. Grace Grant narrated Joy's chapters, and she really captured the sweet quirkiness that Joy embodies. If you've been on the fence about trying a romance audio book, please give this one a try. I'm sure it will sway you to the YAY side. </div>
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There's plenty of humor and sexiness in Wanderlust. It's also incredibly romantic. I loved it so much. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-71194827157560485562018-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:002018-02-13T06:00:12.605-05:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: On His Knees (Blasphemy #4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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ON HIS KNEES is now available!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36636644-on-his-knees?from_search=true">On His Knees (Blasphemy #4)</a>, by Laura Kaye</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 13, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult erotic m/m romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077MJ1JKS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=laukay-20&linkId=79b7441520a4a67f95a3cc1459b76b62">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-his-knees-laura-kaye/1127522620?ean=2940154976470">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Getting on his knees makes him question everything…and want even more…</i></b><b><i><br />
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Another failed relationship has lawyer Jamie Fielding confronting the truth—he’ll never be satisfied with any woman until he admits what he needs…to submit and to be used—hard. When a friend invites him to the exclusive Blasphemy club, Jamie is stunned to find everything he ever wanted—in the fierce, ruthless hands of a man.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Psychiatrist Alex McGarry will play with anyone who craves his rough brand of domination, but what he really wants is to settle down. Which makes the submissive male he meets at his club a bad idea—the man might be hot as hell but he’s also new to everything Alex has to offer. Except that doesn’t keep them from coming together again and again, sating every one of their darkest desires.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Master Alex sets Jamie’s whole world on fire and makes him question everything—and that’s good. Because Alex won’t tolerate hiding what they have for long and he wants much more than just having Jamie on his knees...</i></b></blockquote>
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There is a lid for every pot. On His Knees opens with both Alex and Jamie struggling with this, but Jamie especially. He's endured yet another failed relationship, and he just can't figure out what's missing. Until an offhanded comment (by a Hard Ink favorite) sparks something inside him, and he starts out on a journey to find out who he is so that he can find his perfect match. </div>
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What I loved most about this book is Jamie's exuberant enthusiasm about his journey. When he realizes that he's been seeking out all the wrong sort of relationships his entire life, he's almost unfazed. He just knows he needs to make a course correction, and he embraces that wholeheartedly. He does research, talks to experts, and when the opportunity comes up to take it to the next level at Blasphemy, he doesn't hesitate. </div>
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Alex, however, is all about caution. Some bad experiences on his part as well have made him skeptical and a little gun shy, especially when it comes to a lifestyle newbie. But, Jamie's obvious need for his guidance coupled with the perfect alignment of their personalities, needs and wants convinces Alex to throw caution to the wind and start a relationship with this fascinating man. </div>
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On His Knees plays host to some more extreme forms of BDSM, so if things like breath play and force scenes aren't your bag, you might want to give this book a pass. But, Alex and Jamie are so super hot together - their scenes are sexy and incredible. But, even outside of their scenes, they are so obviously perfect for each other, I loved everything about them. </div>
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On His Knees, like the other books in the Blasphemy series, is on the short side. I would've loved more meat on their backstories and more follow-up on Jamie's relationship with his parents. I want to know how their relationship and lifestyle affects their jobs, if at all, and what the other submissives think of Jamie. But, the length didn't affect my enjoyment of this story. I did love it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHFX9_6YypCqX-Z4Uez5_fXETIKsZ3oLy_kSJnlXiujc6dykpNgss0Uc091ZJCM2SAMZzddy8fxDy-4SPF7A0pppYAJCnlQ1WKzQ_F8kKiuf6qCxW3UaTeI3BrmqefAkPpbndeLelZVE/s1600/laurakaye-34+crop+2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="917" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHFX9_6YypCqX-Z4Uez5_fXETIKsZ3oLy_kSJnlXiujc6dykpNgss0Uc091ZJCM2SAMZzddy8fxDy-4SPF7A0pppYAJCnlQ1WKzQ_F8kKiuf6qCxW3UaTeI3BrmqefAkPpbndeLelZVE/s200/laurakaye-34+crop+2-2.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 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.<br />
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<a href="http://www.laurakayeauthor.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LauraKayeWrites">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/laurakayeauthor">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://smarturl.it/subscribeLauraKaye">Newsletter Sign Up</a><br />
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-34318111921302247132018-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-13T00:00:00.225-05:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Eternal Mourning (Talon Pack #7)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5haIz6nF0btYrr76pkww0jpjvlwMCtRCJ9hzRx_QaitlzTQpjlWKe2RV0FJxw0mg0YagFxycLvNhuss1qsAQTSOMiuM0nIVwg9HLNxER_hyphenhyphenWSXeF-w8EidITWapyKjQurW8G0lbDtHdQ/s1600/34308717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5haIz6nF0btYrr76pkww0jpjvlwMCtRCJ9hzRx_QaitlzTQpjlWKe2RV0FJxw0mg0YagFxycLvNhuss1qsAQTSOMiuM0nIVwg9HLNxER_hyphenhyphenWSXeF-w8EidITWapyKjQurW8G0lbDtHdQ/s320/34308717.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34308717-eternal-mourning?ac=1&from_search=true">Eternal Mourning (Talon Pack #7)</a>, by Carrie Ann Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 13, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult paranormal romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Mourning-Talon-Pack-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y1YD1HK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518491642&sr=8-1&keywords=eternal+mourning+carrie+ann+ryan">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eternal-mourning-carrie-ann-ryan/1126974853?ean=9781943123797">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) In the seventh book of the Talon Pack series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan, a Healer is forced to come to grips with the idea that he can’t save everyone…including the woman he loves.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Walker Brentwood vowed to the moon goddess that he’d protect his Pack and Heal with every last ounce of his power. He’s watched his siblings and cousin battle the worst circumstances to find love and is now afraid that the one woman who could be his might not have much time left. The rules of mating have changed, and Walker will do what he has to in order to protect the bonds that have eluded him for so long.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Aimee Reagan knows there’s something wrong with her. She’s known since the first time she found out shifters were real and magic existed. When the Talon Pack’s enemy sets his sights on her, her battle to survive becomes even harder.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Walker and Aimee must turn to each other when the powers around them change and the paths that had been laid before them are no longer clear. But when their passion threatens a curse far older than anyone dreamed, they’ll only have one chance to save something worth more than a mating bond. Their future.</i></b></blockquote>
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OMG, I love where Carrie Ann Ryan is going with the Talon Pack series. In the last book, she introduced a new game-changer element to the Talon Pack's on-going challenges, and that was expounded upon and made a key element in Eternal Mourning.</div>
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I've been dying to get Walker's story. He's the Talon Pack's Healer, and has been a stalwart presence in every book. He's a calming presence and has an amazing and very useful ability to heal most wounds for those in his pack. He's seen his brothers and cousins find their mates, and he wants that for himself so much. He finally finds that in Aimee, but there's a big problem - she's dying. </div>
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Aimee knows she's dying, but she has no idea why or what to do about it. When she meets Walker and has this instant connection to him, she wants so much to explore that, but her limited time complicates matters. Walker can't heal her since she's a human and not a part of the pack. And she doesn't want him to mate with her just so he can heal her. It's an impossibly difficult situation for both of them, and I can't imagine all the hard decisions they had to make. </div>
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Meanwhile, the threats from another new enemy are escalating, which adds yet another complication to Walker's and Aimee's potential HEA. These two certainly have the deck stacked against them.</div>
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I don't want to say too much about the new elements that Carrie Ann Ryan has thrown into the mix or about the new enemy that the Talons and Redwoods are facing - it's better if you experience it yourself without me giving away the surprise. I'll just say that the ways that she is keeping this series fresh and exciting are awesome. I'm with her 100% as we explore them more in coming books. In fact, if I had one complaint about Eternal Mourning, it would be that I wanted more of these exciting changes than what we got. But, there's still two books left in the series, so I'm hoping I'll get more details soon.</div>
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Walker and Aimee are a great couple, and I loved their story. Walker is one of the sweetest Talons, and the way he cared for Aimee made my heart flutter. He might be super sweet, but when he needs to turn on the sexiness, he's on fire. This is a great addition to the Talon Pack series, and a great set-up to the final two books that are yet to come. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-81091632314397127762018-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:002018-02-06T06:00:48.774-05:00RE-RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Away From Me<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37859330-away-from-me">Away From Me</a>, by Lexi Blake</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> February 6, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult erotic romance<br />
<b>To Buy: </b><a href="http://amzn.to/2E9oKhR">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2mM5mB2">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Shattered by the loss of his wife, Callum Reed is a man surrounded by rules designed to protect him. He rebuilds his life with careful discipline, but can’t deny what he feels when he meets the lovely Gabrielle Sullivan. She’s everything he wants in a woman, but he views all relationships as contractual. Despite her misgivings, Gaby signs his contract and becomes his perfect partner. Until the night she breaks his cardinal rule.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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After three years of perfect obedience, Gaby declares she wants love and she isn’t settling for less. Love isn’t in their contract, so Cal lets her go. But Gaby has a secret reason for leaving. When Cal discovers the truth, nothing will stop him from following her.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect husband for his defiant love.</i></b></blockquote>
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Away From Me was one Sophie Oak (which is the other name under which Lexi Blake used to write) book that I read awhile ago. Although it had been two years since I had experienced it for the first time, I was ready for a re-read of the reimagined version, because I remembered how much I loved it the first time around. I was sure to love it even more now with some of my favorite M & M characters popping in for a cameo. </div>
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Away From Me is an emotional and sexy read. Callum is our damaged hero who has never really gotten over losing his wife, even though he's spent the past three years in a relationship with Gaby. One night, Gaby breaks things off with him, and he lets her go with very little fight. Nearly a year later, he's not over her even though he hasn't seen her during that time. When Callum runs into Gaby at a party thrown by mutual friends, he finds out what she's been doing during their time apart, and he is completely thrown for a loop. He resolves to get her back, no matter the cost, and to right the many wrongs that were between them.</div>
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My opinion of Callum shifted like a pendulum. In the beginning I was not his biggest fan. After the party and that fateful gazebo scene, I really hated him. And then, as he started to work through his own issues while at the same time work through his issues with Gaby, he slowly won me over, until at the end I was rooting for this couple hard. </div>
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Gaby was an awesome heroine. She made hard choices in the name of her own happiness and mental health. She tried valiantly to restart her life and to be happy. And despite how much Callum upset that attempt at happiness, she was also willing to see her time with him as an opportunity to clear the air and get some closure. However, Callum saw it as a chance to start again.</div>
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This book is small, but mighty. At only 124 pages, it's slightly longer than novella length, but Lexi Blake has packed a lot into those pages. There's a very defined story arc. We witness the fall of Callum and Gaby's relationship, and then the rebuilding of it. There's loving and fighting and hot sex at the BDSM resort Gaby works at. And there's even a sighting by a certain hot Irishman. </div>
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Away From Me is the perfect introduction to the wonder that is Lexi Blake. If you've never read anything by her before, give this one a try. I promise you'll want to read more. </div>
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<i>“Hello, Cal,” she said evenly. “How are you?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He looked her up and down, his dark blue eyes showing absolutely no expression. Those eyes assessed her, roaming every inch of her body in a decidedly clinical fashion. “I’ve been perfectly fine, Gabrielle. How have you been?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>His hand was suddenly on her elbow. Her skin tingled where he touched her. He didn’t pull at her, merely squeezed gently, and she let him lead her. Yes, that was a force of habit, too, but perhaps her Irish friend was right. If they had any hopes of being comfortable around each other, they had to talk. They began walking slowly away from the pool.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I’m well.” That could have come out a little stronger. She sounded like a scared rabbit and that wasn’t at all the impression she wanted to make on Cal.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“That’s nice.” Naturally, his voice sounded perfectly even. He could be negotiating a deal rather than talking to an old lover. “From the evil glances I’m getting from some very old friends, I would think I had tried to kill you.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I’m sorry, what?” This wasn’t the way she’d expected their first meeting to go. She’d kind of avoided thinking about it.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>His jaw went tight. “I’m talking about all my friends looking at me like I’m some kind of criminal. I’ll admit I haven’t exactly been social lately, but I didn’t expect to walk into a party and find myself completely unwelcome. The only thing that’s changed is the status of our relationship, so I’m wondering what’s been said about me.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Damn Heather and her big mouth. It was supposed to be a secret. She smiled brightly and slipped her arm through Cal’s. Yes, she needed to handle this. She’d never intended to make anyone hate Cal. He simply hadn’t been able to love her.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She had no interest in the two of them becoming a focus of gossip. If she seemed comfortable with her ex-lover, perhaps the other guests wouldn’t talk about them. She tried to look nonchalant. “I have no idea why. I haven’t seen any of these people since I left town ten months ago. Maybe it’s me they’re wary of.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I doubt that, pet,” Cal said, all silky and smooth. His voice had a direct line to her soft parts. “Even my oldest friend seems to have turned on me. Greg barely spoke to me this evening. His friendliest words were to tell me to leave you alone. I swear, Gabrielle, if he didn’t need me to broker his deals, he might not talk to me at all. Now I wonder why that is.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Gaby flushed, guilt flooding her system. She truly hadn’t meant to hurt him, but she didn’t want to rehash the end of their relationship. She’d kept the secret this long. There was no reason he should know about it now. “I don’t know. I have never spoken to Greg about us.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I’m sure Heather talks enough.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Gaby felt her heels sink into the grass as they left the deck. The evening grew darker as the lights from the torches got further away. The gazebo in the distance seemed to be Cal’s destination. She followed willingly. If they were going to talk, it was best to do it in private.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“I can’t control Heather’s mouth. That’s supposed to be Greg’s job. He’s her husband, after all.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Cal helped her up the gazebo’s steps. He was always solicitous. It was one of the first things to attract her. He was a Dom of the first order. Gaby had been looking for someone like Callum since the day she realized there was a whole world out there for people like her. She’d gone through a couple of men who claimed to be Doms but really just used it as an excuse to be selfish. A real Dominant was someone like Cal, who always took care of her, even if he didn’t love her.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“Well, as it was pointed out to me recently, a Dom only has as much control as his sub allows him.” His deep blue eyes were almost black in the moonlight and there were lines around them that hadn’t been there before. There was a weariness to his frame that called to her. She fought the urge to smooth down his tie and snuggle in his arms. He wasn’t hers to take care of anymore. He turned to her. “So what have you been up to since you left?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her hand unconsciously went to her breast, thinking of the pain that centered there. “This and that.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He leaned back, staring at her as though trying to decide something. “I never could figure you out, Gabrielle. I didn’t know if you were simply content to be kept or if there was some ambition lurking under the placid surface.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>The darkness was a welcome ally as she felt herself flush. If they’d been under even the soft lights of the party, he would have known how much that hurt. “Well, you weren’t interested in my ambitions.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>He shrugged. “I just wondered what you did all day.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Her laugh was bitter and without an ounce of humor. “I ate bonbons and watched soaps. I counted the hours until you got home.” She turned away from him and looked out over the yard. In the distance, her friends mingled and laughed. She still seemed so far away from them. Maybe she would always seem far away now.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Distance had given her some perspective, especially when it came to her old Dom. “You weren’t interested in who I was as a person, Callum. You were interested in who I was as a sub. My submissive self was docile and sweet. That was what mattered to you. I didn’t ask questions or make demands. It was a D/s relationship. It wasn’t a love affair.”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She knew the difference now.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>His fingers ran across the exposed skin of her shoulders and she held on to the railing of the gazebo. The spaghetti straps that held her dress up offered little protection against his gentle assault. She shivered at the touch.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“And you don’t want that anymore, do you? You don’t want a man to dominate you? You don’t want a man to take charge?”<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Oh, there were certainly parts of her that did. His hands ran down to her waist, settling on her hips. Push him away. Do it now or this is going to go poorly. You are not capable of handling this.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>But she’d waited too long. When he pressed his groin against her backside, she could feel the hard ridge of his erection, and she knew she wasn’t going to walk away.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>It was only sex. Sex with Callum had been mind-blowingly good. There wasn’t any reason she couldn’t enjoy it again as long as she held herself apart. It had been so long. And tomorrow morning, she would be on a flight back to her island, where she was surrounded by gorgeous men she couldn’t fuck because they were either an employee or a guest. She was starting over. Shouldn’t she honor her past with one last nice night?<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Yeah, her girl parts were super stupid and they were firmly in control.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Cal pressed his hard dick against her and her brain no longer mattered. That dick had been the best she’d ever had and her whole body reacted. It was like her body knew what it had been through in the last ten months and was demanding payment. That big, hard dick was payment for all the pain.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>She could handle it. Hell, after what she’d been through, she could handle anything.</i></blockquote>
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NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the 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. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorlexiblake/">FACEBOOK</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/authorlexiblake">TWITTER</a> / <a href="http://www.lexiblake.net/">WEBSITE</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lexi-Blake/e/B005JVSDJ0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450204047&sr=8-2-ent">AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE</a>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-45982870002581288952018-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-06T00:01:37.267-05:00AUDIBLE RELEASE DAY: Wanderlust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Available exclusively in audio for the first six weeks - and narrated by Richard Armitage and Grace Grant - comes a breathtaking new romance from #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely that will sweep you away! Get an exclusive interview with Lauren with your Audible purchase! Grab your copy of this swoony and romantic Audible Original today!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ABOUT WANDERLUST: </span></b></div>
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They say Paris is always a good idea...</div>
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You know what I say? Paris would be a much better idea if I spoke the dang language. I can't even board the metro to visit the Louvre without ending up at the Moulin Rouge, and let's not even mention how I'll ever make it through a day at my new office.</div>
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Fortunately my company hooks me up with my own personal translator. Ooh la la. Or should I say bloody hell? Because he's charming, witty, and British, and he brings the city to life for me. Soon, I can order a croque monsieur hold the ham, discuss perfume with my co-workers, and barter at the outdoor market. I can also tell the sexy Brit by my side how much I want him to kiss me under the streetlamps.</div>
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Except there's a catch - Paris might be all we have. </div>
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One more assignment before I can take off on my big adventure...</div>
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And it's a good farewell gig too since my newest client is a fetching American who loves to explore the cafes and cobbled streets while I teach her the language of love. We fall into a fast and flirty friendship, but Paris has a way of making lovers out of friends, and soon we're spending our nights together too - très risqué. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and soon I'll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.</div>
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What could possibly go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nothing...unless one of you is leaving. </div>
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*Includes a special bonus interview with the author!*</div>
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GRAB YOUR AUDIBLE COPY HERE!</div>
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✦Audible ➜<a href="http://adbl.co/Wanderlust">http://adbl.co/Wanderlust</a></div>
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✦Amazon Audio ➜<a href="http://amzn.to/2zSNgFQ">http://amzn.to/2zSNgFQ</a></div>
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PRE-ORDER YOUR EBOOK AND PRINT COPIES HERE!</div>
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✦iBooks ➜<a href="http://apple.co/2y8czTK">http://apple.co/2y8czTK</a></div>
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✦Kobo ➜<a href="http://bit.ly/2iCTK4c">http://bit.ly/2iCTK4c</a></div>
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✦Nook ➜<a href="http://bit.ly/2yvQhIH">http://bit.ly/2yvQhIH</a></div>
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✦Google Play ➜ <a href="http://bit.ly/2yNanka">http://bit.ly/2yNanka</a></div>
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✦Amazon PB ➜<a href="http://amzn.to/2k077Mk">http://amzn.to/2k077Mk</a></div>
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✦Kindle Preorder alert (via Lauren's newsletter)➜<a href="http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/">http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Don’t miss this message from Richard Armitage about Wanderlust!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36457848-wanderlust">ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!</a></div>
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<strong>About Lauren Blakely:</strong>
A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal 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 85 times, and in March she'll release WANDERLUST, a breathtaking new romance that will sweep you away. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! <a href="http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">laurenblakely.com/newsletter</a>
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<a href="http://www.laurenblakely.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Website</strong></a><strong> ** </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong> ** </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Twitter</strong></a><strong> ** </strong><a href="http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Newsletter</strong></a><strong> ** </strong><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Goodreads</strong></a></h3>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36480886-escape?ac=1&from_search=true">Escape (Getaway #3)</a>, by Jay Crownover</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> January 30, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2ymcqrP">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2mhnSDM">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4.5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Everything inside of him is screaming that he needs to run, he needs to go, he needs to escape.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Lane Warner is used to being overshadowed and overlooked.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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After all, he’s the youngest brother and the most laid back one in the family. He’s the one known for going with the flow and not making waves, even when things seem to be at their worst.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Very few things in life have had the ability to rile Lane up and get under his skin. At the top of that list is his childhood friend Brynn Fox…no…Brynn Warner. The fact that they share a last name was the one thing that has the power to light him up and spin him out of control like no other. There was no calm, cool and collected when it comes to all the reasons why Brynn had to become part of his family.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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It’s slowly killing him to keep wanting what he can’t have, so Lane sees only one way to stop himself from doing something they’ll both regret…he has to leave.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Everything inside of her is calling out to find him, to follow, to bring him home.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Brynn Warner is used to being stuck between a rock and a hard place.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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After all, she’s the daughter of an unrepentant gold-digger who never once blinked at being the cause of her daughter’s pain and suffering.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Very few things in her life have ever brought happiness and a sense of security. At the very top of that list is Lane Warner. She has unwaveringly loved the youngest Warner since the first minute she laid eyes on him. He was everything Brynn ever wanted and everything she knew she could never have.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Sometimes the right choice is the one that hurts the most and Brynn’s had to make a few that felt like they might be the end of her.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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When Lane takes off, one thing is clear, the only choice Brynn has is to go after him.She’s going to bring her wayward cowboy home….whatever it takes.</i></b></blockquote>
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I'm not ready to leave the Warner Ranch! Witnessing Cy, Sutton and Lane battle the elements and bad guys and sordid pasts to come out on the other side with their other halves and their HEAs has been awesome. While Cy and Sutton had to battle literal bad men in order to be together, Lane and Brynn's barriers to their HEA were much more complicated and difficult to overcome. </div>
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Lane and Brynn were once as close as BFFs could be until her home life forced her, Lane and Lane's father to make drastic choices and decisions. The result of those decisions destroyed their friendship and complicated their feelings for each other. Ten years passed, and things between them have finally come to a head. They either need to sort out their pasts and get over old hurts or call it quits for good. </div>
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This has been a long time coming. Its been clear since book 1 that Lane and Brynn had something strong and complicated between them. The great thing is, we find out in Escape that Lane and Brynn have never even kissed each other, much less done anything else. Their feelings are so strong, and are based solely on experiences, proximity and affection. I loved that about them. There was no lust or physicality getting in the way - it was pure love between them. Which made how far apart they were in the beginning so much sadder. </div>
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About three-quarters of Escape doesn't take place on the Warner Ranch. Lane and Brynn decide to take a road trip from California back to Wyoming, and they definitely take the long way. Being alone in Lane's truck for that long, meant they had tons of time to talk. And that was what they needed so badly. Those conversations were difficult and sad, but also cathartic and therapeutic. It gave them time to reset and clear up the past. </div>
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Of course, Lane and Brynn can't have an easy time to rediscover their love for one another. Like both his brothers before him, Lane ends up thrust in the middle of a seriously bad situation headed up by some seriously bad guys. It just wouldn't be a Getaway book without that, now would it? Lane and Brynn, along with the help of some of their friends, go from Sacramento to Las Vegas to Denver and along the way have to dodge bullets and run for their lives. They also meet someone new who desperately needs help only they can provide.</div>
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Through it all, though, Lane and Brynn finally cut through all the BS that has plagued them for so long. When these two are together, they are TIGHT. I love this couple so much. Brynn never wanted to settle for anything less than the best, and because she held out for the best, that's what she's expecting from Lane. And Lane is finally in a place to give it to her. And Lane's best is impressive. </div>
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Jay Crownover included a few little surprises from some of her other series in Escape. When the gang hits Denver, they meet up with a character from her Marked Men series. And the new character that comes into play early in the book happens to be from The Point. It was awesome how she wove those other two series into this one so seamlessly. </div>
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Although that appears to be the end of the Getaway series for now, the very end of Escape created a huge loose end that I, for one, very desperately want to see tied up. So, hopefully Jay will feel compelled to write at least one more book in this awesome world. Because I would love another chance to check in with the three Warner brothers and their women. </div>
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<i><b>Brynn</b></i><i><br /></i><i>
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For the first time in days, it felt like my world was set back to rights.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>Everything was crooked and off center the minute Lane walked out of the house in Wyoming and disappeared. I couldn’t think straight. Every step I took was wobbly and unsteady. From the moment I opened my eyes, to the second I fell into a fitful sleep at night, it was like I saw things through a grainy black and white filter. There was no color in any of my days when Lane was gone. There was no joy or light. There was only a massive void where I knew I should be able to feel my heart hurting and my soul suffering, the way they always did when it came to the youngest Warner, but when he left there was nothing.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>I thought I knew what it felt like to have everything inside of me freeze and shatter. When word came that Lane had been shot while trying to protect his niece from a madman hell-bent on destroying everything that was important to Sutton, I was sure I would never be able to breathe or feel again. That icy pain, that frigid fear had nothing on the numbness that followed when Lane walked out the door seconds after Jack dropped to his knee. At that moment, I knew I was supposed to focus on the man asking me to share his life with him, the one who wanted me for me, and not because he was driven by some chivalrous need to save me from my messed up family and tumultuous home life.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>But I hadn’t been focused on Jack. All I could see was the resignation and regret flashing through Lane’s pale blue eyes. We were both reliving the moment another man had asked me to marry him. Only that time, Lane hadn’t been able to escape the outcome. He’d been reminded of it for years, every waking moment when I’d technically held the title of his stepmom. I was something neither one of us could get away from no matter how hard we tried. It was amazing how much one little yes could change everything.</i><i><br /></i><i>
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Now that he was standing in front of me, looking much thinner and more haggard than he had even when he came home from the hospital, I finally felt like I could inhale again. Everything that was fuzzy and blurred around the edges pulled back into sharp focus. I could look at the sky behind his tousled head and see that it was the same stormy blue as his eyes. I could also focus on the lines of tension and stress radiating out of the corners of those eyes and the bruised, dark hollows underneath them. Without him, nothing felt like it mattered. There was no home. There was no peace of mind. There was no safety and security.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>When he was close, the littlest things felt hugely important and essential. The twitch of his lips into a wry grin spread warmth that chased away the emptiness for the first time in what felt like forever. The heat radiating off of his long, lean body made my heart kick back to life. When his arms wrapped around me for a seriously overdue hug, I finally felt alive. Finally felt something other than the echoing loneliness and hollowness that consumed me the minute he turned his back on me. Even with Daye trapped between us, I still felt a tingle at every single spot where his body touched mine.<br /> </i><i><br /></i><i>“It’s so good to see you.” I meant it with every fiber of my being. Looking at him, even as worn and as drawn as he appeared, settled something deep inside of me.</i></blockquote>
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Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, the Point Series, the Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.<br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.jaycrownover.com/">http://www.jaycrownover.com/</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover?ref=hl</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/JayCrownover">https://www.twitter.com/JayCrownover</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Crownover">https://www.goodreads.com/Crownover</a>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-12565782357389483962018-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:002018-01-30T10:00:12.281-05:00RELEASE DAY: The Upside of Being Single<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Emma Hart's THE UPSIDE TO BEING SINGLE is live!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37420706-the-upside-to-being-single?ac=1&from_search=true">The Upside to Being Single</a>, by Emma Hart</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> January 30, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>self-published<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2iHcFrv">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2xBTDYB%C2%A0">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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(Synopsis) If anyone asks, I knew better than to flash my boobs for Mardi Gras beads.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />I still don’t know why I did it.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Maybe it was the dare from my two best friends.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Maybe it was the guys on the balcony saying they’d throw Fireball shots with the beads.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Or maybe it was the quiet guy in the corner of that same balcony with piercing gray eyes, wavy dark hair, and a smile so tempting I wanted to climb up there and lick it off his face.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Maybe it was because I never thought I’d see them again.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Not that it matters. Not today.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Because the hotel I manage was finally bought—and the guy who walks in and introduces himself as my new boss is Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br />There are many upsides to being single.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Your new boss knowing what your boobs look like?<br /> </i></b><b><i><br />Not one of them.</i></b></blockquote>
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<i>“I just—I don’t get it.” I threw myself onto the sofa and almost sent the box of donuts flying onto the floor.</i><i><br />Thankfully, Peyton was quicker than the box. She grabbed it and sat back, hugging it to herself. “First, watch the donuts. I got the last two pink sprinkles, and I’m partial to them.” She stroked the top of the box. “Second, what don’t you get? How he doesn’t care about your boobs? I don’t care about them either.”</i><i><br />“You’re not supposed to care about my boobs. You’re a woman, for a start.”</i><i><br />“I care about your boobs,” Chloe interrupted, tucking her blond hair behind her ear. “I think you have great boobs. Bra or no bra.”</i><i><br />“Usually no bra,” Peyton added.</i><i><br />“I’m not afraid to throw something at you,” I warned her. “This is awkward.”</i><i><br />“Ugh! Get over yourself, Melanie!” Peyton snapped her fingers. “You are a grown woman. He is a grown man. He saw your tits. So what? Steven Lawrence saw your tits five times in junior year.”</i><i><br />I snatched a donut from the box. Don’t tell my hips. “We were dating! It’s entirely different!”</i><i><br />Chloe delicately picked up a white-iced donut before saying, “She’s right. It is different, Peyt. They were dating, and Jacob is her boss. You can’t expect her to just get over that. It is partly your fault.”</i><i><br />“It’s just as much your fault,” Peyton reminded her, then looked at me and nodded toward Chloe. “Drunky smurf over here shook her Tic-Tacs like she was in front of a bachelor party leaving a curry house.”</i><i><br />I choked on my laughter. “That’s not the point. You got us drunk. It’s almost entirely your fault.”</i><i><br />“Look, sunshine,” she said, tearing a bite of donut off the ring so her words were muffled. “I didn’t grab your shirt and whip it up like a two-dollar hooker on overtime. You did that, so grow a pair and take responsibility for your actions.”</i><i><br />“You sound like you don’t want to take responsibility for yours.”</i><i><br />“Hey. You’re big girls. You can refuse cocktails.”</i><i><br />Chloe and I shared a glance. “Refuse cocktails?” she said. “I don’t understand.”</i><i><br />“You have us mixed up with your other friends,” I continued. “But, wait. You don’t have other friends.”</i><i><br />“I have plenty of friends,” Peyt said.</i><i><br />“Friends without penises. Or benefits.”</i><i><br />She paused. “We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about your hot boss who knows what your tits look like.”</i><i><br />“You’re not helping.”</i><i><br />“I’m not trying to help. I’m trying to slap your size-eight ass into reality, you idiot.”</i><i><br />“Slap mine into reality and I’m putting yours on a catapult. Right into the middle of the gulf.” I tore my donut in two and gave her boobs a pointed look. “I always wondered if silicone would float.”</i></blockquote>
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By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books. <br />
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Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love. <br />
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She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life. <br />
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Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-89908173274798248182018-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-30T00:00:28.055-05:00RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Moonlight Sins (de Vincent #1)<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068738-moonlight-sins?from_search=true">Moonlight Sins (de Vincent #1)</a>, by Jennifer L. Armentrout</b><b><br />Publish Date:</b> January 30, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> AvonBooks<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Sins-Vincent-Jennifer-Armentrout-ebook/dp/B071YRWGV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517280707&sr=8-1&keywords=Moonlight+Sins">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-sins-jennifer-l-armentrout/1126699096?ean=9780062674555">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent... her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia...</i></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Ten Things You Can Expect From Moonlight Sins</span></b></div>
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<b>1. Three Hot Brothers</b></div>
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Moonlight Sins centers around the de Vincent clan, which admittedly, by the time we join the story, has dwindled to only a handful. But, it does include the three de Vincent brothers - Lucian, Gabriel and Devlin. All three are super hot, super rich, and super complicated. They even have foreboding nicknames - Lucifer, Demon and Devil. Charming, right? Each brother seems to be messed up by their family, and it's manifesting in different ways. But, you can be sure that, if a de Vincent is present, there will be smoldering broodiness. </div>
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<b>2. A Kick Ass Setting</b></div>
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Once again, Jen Armentrout has brought us to NOLA as a setting for one of her books. But, this time, we're not in NOLA proper. We're in the legit bayou. Complete with antebellum house, Spanish moss and humid nights. I love books set in interesting places - it makes them even more intriguing. Speaking of the house... </div>
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<b>3. A Creepy House</b></div>
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The majority of the book takes place in the de Vincent mansion, an old, southern-style home with widow walks, columns and secret passageways. And people use those secret passageways to their advantage many times during Moonlight Sins. </div>
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<b>4. A Brave Girl</b></div>
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Julia is a nurse hired by the de Vincents to take care of their comatose sister. She's out on her own for the first time and is determined to take charge of her own life for a change. The de Vincents are domineering and scary, and Julia is not a bit happy with Lucian who first met her under false pretenses. She does her job well and asks questions when she needs answers. And she's careful, but not afraid to go after what she wants when she recognizes it. </div>
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<b>5. A Mean Girl</b></div>
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Devlin's fiancee is a pretentious, snooty socialite, and I promise you'll get so mad at Devlin for being with her every time she's present. </div>
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<b>6. A Slow Burn</b></div>
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It's clear from the beginning that Lucian and Julia have crazy amounts of chemistry, but thanks to a bad choice made by Lucian in the beginning, Julia fights it for a long time. And good for her, too. I'd be so flaming pissed if I was in her shoes. But, when they're living together and helping to care for the same person, it's inevitable that her walls will fall and they give in to all that heat. </div>
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<b>7. A Hot Romance</b></div>
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Lucian might be a enigmatic, cagy bastard, but when he falls for Julia, he falls HARD. He is so protective of her and so taken with her, it's impossible not to fall in love with him too. There was no hope at all for Julia. Especially when he puts the moves on her. And this man has MOVES.</div>
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<b>8. A Dysfunctional Family with a Mysterious Past</b></div>
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The brothers' family is seriously messed up. There's a "curse" that affects any woman the men in their family fall in love with. Their mother died a tragic death. Their father died under mysterious circumstances, Their sister is catatonic after having been missing for ten years. Their uncle is a controlling jerk. And the brothers themselves aren't super warm and fuzzy with each other. It's a complicated history that has affected their presents. </div>
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<b>9. A Mystery to Solve</b></div>
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Where has Lucian's sister been all this time? Is she really sick? How did the brothers' father die? Is the curse real? There are many mysteries to uncover within the pages of Moonlight Sins, and for the most part, by the end, you have your answers. At least some of them. There's some questions left unanswered, and some new ones created that will take us into Gabe's book next. </div>
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<b>10. An Exciting Beginning to A New Series</b></div>
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Moonlight Sins pulls bits of lots of stuff I love about Jen Armentrout's books and brings them into one book. There's heat and heart and a mystery to solve. There's an epic romance and a complex family. I'm excited to see where it goes next.</div>
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Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-90128840962762270602018-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-24T00:00:12.041-05:00REVIEW: xo, Zach<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDReY8o_hCtCm2sF_XU8mj5N0dHYnc7ngmI-l0QoRgOw2nECzcQUzMr2Bwd02cnpAvE2aP42TWeL_wlAj7ZTSDJHy1ocRhFcOEXLea9ObpRxE7sO7smNPM_rqKnnpP2RxOByZMC9e8K1A/s1600/36297992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDReY8o_hCtCm2sF_XU8mj5N0dHYnc7ngmI-l0QoRgOw2nECzcQUzMr2Bwd02cnpAvE2aP42TWeL_wlAj7ZTSDJHy1ocRhFcOEXLea9ObpRxE7sO7smNPM_rqKnnpP2RxOByZMC9e8K1A/s320/36297992.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36297992-xo-zach">xo, Zach</a>, by Kendall Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>January 23, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> self-published<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author<br />
<b>Genre:</b> adult contemporary romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/xo-Zach-Kendall-Ryan-ebook/dp/B0773HT37S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516653163&sr=8-1&keywords=xo%2C+Zach">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/xo-zach-kendall-ryan/1127406293?ean=9781978132726">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 4 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) The first time we met was at a party. </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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Your ex arrived to show off the person he'd left you for last month, and you asked me to pretend to be your date.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>I was more than happy to help. You were attractive, smart and witty--and that kiss we shared? It left me wanting you for days.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>The second time we met was in my office on campus where we were both surprised to discover you were the new master’s degree student in poetry that I would be working with. You promised to be professional. I did no such thing.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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The late nights and intense study sessions spent alongside you majorly throw me off my game. I want you, and I fight with myself daily over this fact.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>I know I'm crass, that my sexual innuendos and dirty mouth annoy you, but I live for those two bright spots of color in your cheeks. If that's the only reaction I can get out of you, I'll gladly take it.<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>You hate Mondays so every Monday I slip an anonymous poem into your bag and your smile gets me through the week.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>I think I'm falling for you, and I know it's wrong. I know that I'm only supposed to be the adviser to your program and nothing more, but here's the thing. I think you're falling for me too.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>
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xo, Zach</i></b></blockquote>
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Zach may be the perfect man. He's sexy, smart, thoughtful and he writes personal love poems. Swoon. City. Poppy has lady balls of steel, because she resisted this manly package of perfection for far longer than any other warm blooded girl would have. For a while, I found that frustrating. Until it became clear what she was so worried about when it came to him, and then I felt so badly for her, because talk about being between a rock and a hard place. </div>
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See, Zach is Poppy's advisor for her masters class. He's not her professor, but he is the faculty member who is assigned to grad students to help critique their work and to point them down the right career path. Although it's not as bad as if he were her professor, it's still frowned upon for a grad student to be objectifying her advisor. And due to her life circumstances, Poppy has no room for error. </div>
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Zach is equally in a tough spot. He can't stop thinking about Poppy, even when he knows he should. The thing I loved the most about Zach is that he never adopted any pretense with Poppy. No games. Just the truth. From the get-go, Zach told her that he was thinking of her. That he wanted her. For sex AND a relationship. He tried to dial back his attraction, but when it became clear that it was a lost cause, he abandoned it and was determined to find a way for them to be together. So, in addition to being sexy, smart and thoughtful, he's also a straight shooter. See? Perfect man. </div>
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There was a ton of push and pull between these two, and most of it was on Poppy's side. She'd give in a little, then pull back. Give in... pull back. It ramped up the sexual tension between them, that's for sure. It seemed to simmer forever. But, when they finally gave in, it was so incredible. </div>
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Zach's mother threatened to steal the show every time she showed up. She was absolutely hysterical, and the relationship she has with her son is wonderful. Her unfiltered commentary on his sex life was the absolute best. </div>
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xo, Zach was another Kendall Ryan winner with a swoony boy and a bookworm girl who fall into forbidden love. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1507411199240448096.post-5476311003126815402018-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-23T00:00:12.555-05:00RE-RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Siren in the City (Texas Sirens #2)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR-wVG00dCSOGCjWCBtZJATCN2nxMkZjgYyYbv-ADAiiQMiqsmA_GF4LGLZHypk6lhFpdL8Mhjt4mrBVqUeb7Lrj2myEhYVYFoM0AnCF1vTEG9vP5umgtu9h_cNQcGMuNM4clMCrfG7Y/s1600/37487760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR-wVG00dCSOGCjWCBtZJATCN2nxMkZjgYyYbv-ADAiiQMiqsmA_GF4LGLZHypk6lhFpdL8Mhjt4mrBVqUeb7Lrj2myEhYVYFoM0AnCF1vTEG9vP5umgtu9h_cNQcGMuNM4clMCrfG7Y/s320/37487760.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37487760-siren-in-the-city-2nded-texas-sirens">Siren in the City (Texas Sirens #2)</a>, by Lexi Ryan</b><b><br />Publish Date: </b>January 23, 2018<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> DLZ Entertainment LLC<br />
<b>Format:</b> e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR<br />
<b>Genre: </b>adult erotic romance<br />
<b>To Buy:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Siren-City-Texas-Sirens-Book-ebook/dp/B0786X7C53/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516631935&sr=8-1&keywords=Siren+in+the+City">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/siren-in-the-city-texas-sirens-book-2-lexi-blake/1127622513?ean=2940158807541">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
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Rating: 5 STARS</b><br />
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(Synopsis) Jack and Sam married Abby. It was supposed to be for forever, but lately Abby wonders where her alpha male has gone. Jack has retreated and life has become decidedly vanilla. It isn't the true marriage she and Sam wanted. Sam and Abby know the time has come to fight for what they need. A call from his mentor forces Jack to revisit the club where he discovered his sexuality. Jack's half-brother is in the city and interested in a little blackmail. Can Jack handle two defiant subs and a brother in need of some tough love?<br /> </i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Sometimes all it takes to find the way home is a little love and a lot of mischief. </i></b></blockquote>
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Lexi Blake continues with her Sophie Oak re-dos with the second book in her Texas Sirens series, Siren in the City. It's a continuation of the story we saw begin in book 1 in this series, and although this triad saw a happy-for-now end to Small Town Siren, it was clear that there was more story to tell - especially when it came to Sam and Jack. Any dissatisfaction or longing for more that you might have felt at the end of book 1 is most definitely taken care of it Siren in the City. I liked this one better than the first.</div>
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The events at the end of book 1 have affected Jack more than he is letting on to Abby and Sam. As a result, he's taken a much softer, more hands-off approach with them, and that is definitely not what they signed up for. They miss their domineering Master and want him back, so they go to extreme lengths to force his hand. And force it they do. The result is nothing short of explosive and so incredibly satisfying. </div>
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I absolutely loved this sequel to Abby, Jack and Sam's story, not just because of the perfect conclusion to their getting together, but also because we are introduced to new characters that I just know will have starring roles in their own books later in the series. In book 1, BDSM club owner Julian Lodge is mentioned, but we get to spend a significant amount of time with him in book 2, and I am utterly fascinated by this man. He is the main character in book 3 of the Texas Sirens series, so be prepared to want to keep right on reading as soon as you're done with Siren in the City. </div>
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The other new character we are introduced to is Jack's half brother Lucas Cameron. Despite the front he puts up at the beginning, from the moment he came on the scene, I loved this kid. It was clear there was so much more to him than all his blustering at first. I'm a sucker for a broken soul who needs love, and Lucas most definitely fits the bill. Come to think of it - so does Julian. </div>
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Lexi Blake brings her signature sexual fire to this triad, and since 95% of this book takes place in Julian's BDSM club (named The Club), it's even hotter and better than before. And, it wouldn't be complete without a murder plot and some hateful villains, so you get those too. But, there's so much love in this book too. Since Jack, Abby and Sam start out already in love, there's no wooing necessary. This is a book about self-discovery and settling into the roles that make this triad work perfectly and happily. I loved that so much. </div>
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And since Lexi is starting to work these stories into the Masters & Mercenaries world, I thoroughly enjoyed when those familiar characters showed up and stole the show. Ian, Adam and Jake make appearances, and through their dialog, you're able to set a handle on the timeline and how Siren in the City fits into things. But, the absolute best thing is literally watching Sanctum be born right in front of your eyes - in a sense. If you're already a fan of Lexi's Masters & Mercenaries series, this book is an absolute must-read, if only because of that. </div>
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I am completely and totally sold on this series and this world. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time in it, and can't wait to see what other little M&M nuggets Lexi will plant for us to find. </div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16091094462938337416noreply@blogger.com1