RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16)

Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: April 10, 2018
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult suspense/contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 5 STARS

(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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Nobody Does It Better (Masters and Mercenaries #15)

Nobody Does It Better (Masters & Mercenaries #15), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: February 20, 2018
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) A spy who specializes in seduction 
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.

A leading man who doesn’t do romance

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.

An ending neither could have expected

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

RE-RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Away From Me

Away From Me, by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(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.

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.

On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect husband for his defiant love.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

“Hello, Cal,” she said evenly. “How are you?”

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?”

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.

“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.

“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.”

“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.

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.”

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.

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.”

“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.”

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.”

“I’m sure Heather talks enough.”

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.

“I can’t control Heather’s mouth. That’s supposed to be Greg’s job. He’s her husband, after all.”

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.

“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?”

Her hand unconsciously went to her breast, thinking of the pain that centered there. “This and that.”

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.”

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.”

He shrugged. “I just wondered what you did all day.”

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.

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.”

She knew the difference now.

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.

“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?”

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.

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.

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?

Yeah, her girl parts were super stupid and they were firmly in control.

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.

She could handle it. Hell, after what she’d been through, she could handle anything.

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.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

RE-RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Siren in the City (Texas Sirens #2)

Siren in the City (Texas Sirens #2), by Lexi Ryan
Publish Date: January 23, 2018
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment LLC
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(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?

Sometimes all it takes to find the way home is a little love and a lot of mischief.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

RE-RELEASE REVIEW: Small Town Siren (Texas Sirens #1)

Small Town Siren (Texas Sirens #1), by Lexi Ryan
Publish Date: January 9, 2018
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment LLC
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Two cowboys looking for love… 

Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood met in foster care. Over the years, they’ve become best friends and partners. They share a business as cattle ranchers and a house. There’s only one thing missing: a woman to share. The men are sure they’ve found that woman when Abigail Moore arrives in their small town, Willow Fork, TX.

A woman trying to find her place in the world…

Abby left her hometown twenty years before under a cloud of scandal. She’s raised a daughter, forged a new life for herself, and is ready for the next phase when she meets the handsome cowboys.

One small town that’s ready to explode…

They’re a dream come true—Jack is the sexy Dom, and Sam the playful lover. It’s everything she’s ever fantasized about. There’s only one problem. She’s still not welcome in Willow Fork, and someone is willing to kill to keep her away.

Did you know that Lexi Ryan hasn't always written under the name Lexi Ryan? She wrote two full (completely awesome) series as Sophie Oak before Alex McKay and Ian Taggert ever even existed to start McKay-Taggart and the Masters & Mercenaries series. 

Recently, Lexi Ryan was able to re-tool the series she wrote as Sophie Oak and incorporate elements from the Masters & Mercenaries series to bring them all into the same world. The first book she's re-releasing with a brand new cover and added elements is Small Town Siren, and if you've never experienced Lexi Ryan in all her menage glory, this is a perfect place to start.

In Small Town Siren, Abby comes back to Willow Fork, Texas 20 years after being run out of town by the town's rich mayor. She's coming back to care for her sick mother, but as soon as she's better, Abby intends to leave again. The rich people in the town still label her and her mother as trash, and no amount of time will change that. 

However, there have been some new people to move into town who aren't aware of all the drama that happened twenty years earlier. The most notable are Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood, wealthy ranch owners that have spent the past ten years building up their business and wealth so that even the worst people in town can't touch them. Therefore, they don't care one bit about Abby's past or how her reputation could blow back on them - they want her, so they will do what it takes to have her.

I liked that Sam was so eager and Jack so reluctant when it came to her. It was a nice dynamic to start things off - and very satisfying once Jack got on board. And it reminded me very much of another popular Lexi Blake triad that came a few years later in her Masters & Mercenaries series.

Let's face it - a triad relationship is not exactly traditional, and although Abby is a little reluctant at first to take on both men, they quickly are able to convince her it would be worth her while to give it a shot. VERY worth her while. Now - come on. This is Lexi Blake. Even her earlier works were full of so much sexiness and heat - Small Town Siren was absolutely no different and not lacking in the hotness. For the most part, the relationship remains m/f/m for the majority of the book, however, toward the end, the guys finally cross those lines and we start to see some delicious m/m/f dynamics.

Although the drama created in Small Town Siren is wrapped up in an exciting and satisfying way, it's clear that Abby, Sam and Jack's story isn't done yet. Sam and Jack are just starting to explore their physical relationship with each other, and their triad relationship is still so new.

As for this remastered version of this seven year old book, I am SO in love with it. Knowing that Lexi has added elements from her other series, I was on the lookout for them, and that was so much fun. It was like searching for Easter eggs. And these new cover designs are so awesome too.

Everything that I love about Lexi Blake's books are in Small Town Siren. There's danger and drama and even some humor. There's tons of heat and those BDSM elements that she does so well. I loved all three main characters so much and was rooting for them to figure out how to successfully be together. I am so looking forward to the rest of her Texas Sirens series to be rereleased so that I can rediscover them all over again.

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: At Your Service (Masters & Mercenaries #14.5)

At Your Service (Masters & Mercenaries #14.5), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: November 14, 2017
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Juliana O’Neil’s promising future was burned away in the heat of battle. She had been an officer with a bright future in the military, but now she is struggling to survive. Her husband gone and her career in shambles, she finds a job at Top as a hostess and tries to put together the pieces of her life. The last thing she needs is any kind of male attention, but she can’t help but be amused at her neighbor and coworker’s lothario antics. Not that she would have anything to do with him, at least not for more than one night. 

Javier Leones doesn’t understand monogamy. No woman could ever be enough for his endless libido, but he has to admit Juliana has his attention. For reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he can’t seem to get the gorgeous redhead with the sad eyes out of his head. After one scorching night together, he realizes he’ll never be able to get her out of his system. But with his reputation, he fears she’ll never see him as more than a one-night stand.

When their passions collide, these new lovers will be forced to confront Juliana’s past and come to terms with Javier’s present. Will they find their way or will this reservation be canceled at the last minute?

Sweet, talented, manwhore Javier has been on the periphery of the McKay Taggart clan for awhile now. He's Sean Taggart's right hand chef at Top and a new Master at Sanctum. But, recent events have him wanting to become a one-woman man. Only problem is, you spend so long bouncing from one casual fling to the next, and it's hard to find anyone to take you seriously. 

And then there's Juliana. Once upon a time she had it all, and then she joined the military and lost her hand. Now, she is divorced, alienated from the only family she has and unable to do the one thing she loves the most. 

I think Javier's fall from womanizerdom came from a few places. He's seen three of his besties at Top fall in love in recent months, and he gets to see the great relationship that Sean and Grace have all the time. Javier is ready for his turn to find a woman to share his happiness and his burdens with. And taking care of his brother is a new and frustrating burden in his life. 

It was so nice to witness Javier in a vulnerable position for a change. He's always been so confident and charming every other time we've seen him. But, watching his older brother hit rock bottom and realizing he's missing out on a meaningful relationship has turned him into this contemplative guy that's a little out of character. I really liked it on him, though. His vulnerability goes through the roof when he sets his sights on his neighbor Juliana and she tries to turn him into a one-night stand.

Seeing the tables turn on Javier was fun for a minute, but it quickly became pretty frustrating. It was clear he was serious about Juliana and wanted her to take him seriously too, and when she didn't, I felt really badly for Javier and really angry at this girl who was obviously making a huge mistake. 

As Javier and Juliana navigate the choppy relationship waters, we still get some time in with some of our favorite MT and Top couples. And, of course, there's a play party or two that happen. 

Topped is such a fun spin-off addition to the MT world. I love that these relationships happen amid the backdrop of a working restaurant. It doesn't hold the same intrigue, suspense and danger as the M&M series, but there's enough of it to let you know that you're still in the same world. And, of course, the sexy times don't quit. Lexi Blake is so, SO good at writing about relationships with big hurdles, so when the couples overcome them, it's incredibly satisfying. 

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Love Another Day (Masters and Mercenaries #14)

Love Another Day (Masters and Mercenaries #14), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: August 22, 2017
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and InkslingerPR
Genre: adult crime/suspense romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) A man born to protect 

After a major loss, Brody Carter found a home with the London office of McKay-Taggart. A former soldier, he believes his job is to take the bullets and follow orders. He’s happy to take on the job of protecting Dr. Stephanie Gibson while the team uses her clinic in Sierra Leone to bring down an international criminal. What he never expected was that the young doctor would prove to be the woman of his dreams. She’s beautiful, smart, and reckless. Over and over he watches her risk her life to save others. One night of pure passion leads him to realize that he can’t risk his heart again. When the mission ends, Brody walks away, unwilling to lose another person he loves.

A woman driven to heal

Stephanie’s tragic past taught her to live for today. Everything she’s done in the last fifteen years has been to make up for her mistakes. Offering medical care in war-torn regions gives her the purpose she needs to carry on. When she meets her gorgeous Aussie protector, she knows she’s in too deep, but nothing can stop her from falling head over heels in love. But after one amazing night together, Brody walks away and never looks back. Stephanie is left behind…but not alone.

A secret that will change both their lives

A year later, Stephanie runs afoul of an evil mercenary who vows to kill her for failing to save his son. She runs to the only people she trusts, Liam and Avery O’Donnell. She hasn’t come alone and her secret will bring her former lover across the world to protect her. From Liberia to Dallas to Australia’s outback, Brody will do whatever it takes to protect Stephanie from the man who wants to kill her, but it might be her own personal demons that could destroy them both.

I was really looking forward to reading Love Another Day, because Brody has always tripped my trigger. Steph was a bit tiresome at times, but on the whole, this was a fantastic addition to this dangerously sexy series.

At the beginning of the book, I was totally on Team Steph. Brody did what she asked and gave her one amazing night together. But, when she became pregnant and tried calling and emailing and texting him, Brody never responded. It wasn't that he didn't get her messages - he did. He just chose to ignore them for... reasons. But, he never stopped thinking about her. 

So, when word gets to him that Steph is in danger and has asked McKay-Taggert for help protecting her, he immediately leaves London and comes to Texas to take on the task personally. And, of course, he discovers a surprise in the form of his infant son Nate when he arrives. 

I love how, in the M&M series, Lexi Blake always finds a way to weave in levity into the constant dangerous situations and the seriously heavy sexual tension. The grief that Adam, Ian and the rest of the team give Brody over Steph's new "companion" is absolutely hilarious and perfectly timed. And Ian's unique way of dealing with both his employees and his enemies is always good for a smile and a laugh. And all of that is much needed. Because outside of those moments, it is literally one dangerous or lusty moment after another. 

Although Brody wasn't my favorite person in the beginning, the way he was with his son and the way he constantly tried to make up for his mistakes with Steph very quickly won me to his side. But, it's like, the more awesome Brody because, the more irritating Steph got. Because of a tragic event in her past, she's always felt this overwhelming need to atone, but it's never enough. She has a seriously huge martyr complex, and now that she has a son and a man who loves her, that made me ridiculously angry. And not just me. 

Brody and Steph have this great connection. I felt like Love Another Day brought us back to the series' BDSM roots. There was a lot more of that type of exploration and play in here that seems to have been missing from recent books. And Brody was a great master. But, despite that, Brody still gets angry with Steph when all she wants to do is sacrifice herself in some noble way. It's got to be exhausting for him to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't do something stupid. It's not good for trust-building in a new relationship, for sure. So, while the sex is phenomenal, everything else is constantly up in the air.

The new recruits that Ian has brought on board will surely give us plenty of new fodder for the M&M series. After all - there are 26 Bond movies, so there are lots more titles out there to choose from. 

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

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

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

Rating: 4 STARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She wanted him.

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

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

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: Arranged (Masters & Mercenaries #13.5)

Check out my review and an excerpt for ARRANGED, a Masters & Mercenaries novella by Lexi Blake!

Arranged (Masters and Mercenaries #13.5), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

I love a good royal story. Throw in a second-chance angle and some time spent in a sex club, and, well, there's no way you can lose with a story like that. Especially when it's penned by Lexi Blake. 

Kash is king. No really - Kash is the ruler of a small island and his mother is putting her foot down. He must marry or dissolve the monarchy. And his mother even hand-picked his bride. She is Dayita Samar, a girl Kash used to have a major thing for ten years earlier. But, she faded from his life in a haze of grief and duty and meaningless sex. This is Kash's second chance with her, and this time, it's guaranteed to be forever. It can even be happy, so long as they get on the same page and stay alive. 

There are so many wonderful things going on in this brief novella set in Lexi Blake's Masters & Mercenaries world. First, we have royalty. Kash is rich and he's the king and there's a royal wedding - I love those stories. There's something awesome about someone with so much power giving it up to someone he loves. 

And that's the other awesome thing going on here. Day has spent the past ten years getting to know her sexual side. And that side is a Domme with a capital 'D'. She senses Kash's inner submissive nature, and knows that they could be amazing together. She's never stopped caring about him, nor he about her. As far as arranged marriages go, both could've done far worse. They have a chance at a real happily ever after. But, first Kash needs to understand and accept his submissive nature in the bedroom. And for a man who is a powerful ruler, that is not an easy thing. 

Certainly, both Day and Kash make some big mistakes. And those mistakes broke my heart. I could tell they truly cared for one another. But, Kash's adamant refusal to acknowledge his inner nature, and then his instinct to lash out at Day for wanting to bring it out in him, is very damaging to their relationship. Add in the fact that someone is trying to kill him, and the stress for this newlywed couple is overwhelming. 

We get to see many of our favorite Masters & Mercenaries couples as Day and Kash make their way to Texas for protection from extremists. And in the club where many of them have found love, Day and Kash get one last chance to find out if they can make it together. 

Arranged was an awesome addition to the M & M lineup. The story went super fast for me - I could've read about Day and Kash for much longer. I hope we get to see them in future books. 

“Are we a happy couple?”

“I don’t think we’ve had time enough to be sure of that yet, but I know we were once.” She’d thought it through in a way she never had before. She had a much different view of those months with Kash in England. “You were courting me back then, weren’t you? You wanted me to be your girlfriend.”

He sat down in the plush chair that dominated the sitting area portion of his bedroom. Normally they stayed in the living room, but he’d wanted more privacy. This was the only place in his suite that wasn’t covered by CCTV, the only place where they could truly be alone. Everything about the space was masculine and decadent, including the man himself. With his hair disheveled and his chest on display, it wasn’t hard at all to see him as a primal male.

One she’d dearly enjoy taming.

“I don’t think you realized it at the time.”

She was willing to admit her faults. “I didn’t. I had my nose in a book most of the time back then and I had little experience with men. No, I had no idea you were interested in me beyond copying my notes from class when you slept in.”

“It would surprise you to know that I often thought about sleeping in with you.” His voice had gone low and gentle. “I was crazy about you back then, Day. I find myself in the same position today, but I don’t want to scare you. I know you think we should take this slow and I will honor your wishes, but I want this marriage to work. You see me as a playboy, but I don’t want to be some forty-plus player who trades on his money to keep young girls around him. I think it might be time for me to find out if I can be the king my father would have wanted me to be.”

It was all she needed to hear. If he wanted to try, she was ready. Despite his reputation, she’d fallen right back into a peaceful friendship with him. He’d been the old Kash, supporting her when she needed it. He’d asked her questions about her work with the education department and then gave her ideas on how to handle the parliament. He hadn’t told her what she should do. He’d suggested, debated.

“I think you’ll find me less averse to giving this marriage a real try than you think. I was planning on talking to you about using the Palm Ceremony to begin to explore what we could be as a couple.”

He frowned. “I’m not sure what that means. You want to talk? Or have counseling? Because that sounds terrible.”

“I was talking about sex, Kashmir. I thought we could use this time to see if we’re sexually compatible.”

He popped up out of his chair like an eager puppy. “Yes. I think that is a brilliant idea. We should start now. Don’t worry. I intend to be gentle with you.”

She didn’t move at all. “Like you are with your lovely flowers?”

“Women deserve a man’s care,” he said quietly. “Day, I can’t erase my past.”

“I don’t want you to.” He misunderstood her problems with his statement. “But I do need you to understand that I’m not one of those flowers. I’m not here to sit at your side and bat my eyelashes in the hopes that you’ll buy something for me. I don’t work like that. I don’t care about your money.”

“That is easy for you to say. You’re about to have access to all of it, aren’t you?”

He had a point. “Even if I wasn’t, that wouldn’t be why I would want you, Kash. Sit down. We have some things to talk about before we get started. Come here close to me.”

He moved to the chaise she was sitting on, lowering himself down with a sullen frown. “I knew there would be talking.”

She was fairly certain his lovely flowers did very little talking, but he would get used to it. “Why did you want me back then?”

“I liked you. I liked talking to you. I liked being around you. I rather liked who I was when I was around you.” His expression softened. “I don’t think you knew how alluring you were to someone like me. You didn’t understand how beautiful you were, so you didn’t use it against me. Most women do.”

“Well, that happens when you surround yourself with women who are mostly valued for their looks. I don’t blame them. They’ve been told their beauty is the only thing worthy about them. If you want to meet women who don’t feel that way, you should probably expand out of models and actresses.”

“Well, you would be surprised how many gorgeous, sexy physicists turn me down because I’m not smart enough for them.”

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

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

EARLY REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Satisfaction (Lawless #2)

Satisfaction (Lawless #2), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: January 3, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Brandon Lawless is a man on a mission: obtain the information that will clear his father’s name. He’s willing to do whatever it takes—even seduce his enemy’s personal assistant, the beautiful and innocent Carly Hendricks. But with her beguiling smile and captivating intelligence, Brandon soon realizes he doesn’t want to deceive Carly, he wants to win her over—both in the boardroom and the bedroom. 

Then a twisted crime leaves Carly vulnerable and Brandon finds himself reeling. The stakes of his mission are now life or death—Carly’s life. And Brandon realizes he’s lost his heart to an amazing woman and his plan must succeed, because the stakes are no longer just revenge, but a once in a lifetime love.

OMG, this book was CRAZY! I love where Lexi Blake is going with this story and these siblings, and based on what I've seen so far, I'm guessing the final book is going to blow my mind. 

Satisfaction focuses on the youngest Lawless sibling. There's no doubt that Brandon got the short end of the stick when his parents were murdered and the four kids ended up in the system. Being the youngest, he spent the most time in foster care. It was a long time until his oldest brother Drew came for him, and Brandon's been harboring a lot of feels over that. 

After seeing how Ellie felt after everyone lied to her in Ruthless, Brandon was determined to not go down the same path, even if that meant giving up the vendetta they all have been nursing for the past decade. When Drew set his sights on the assistant to their next target, Carly Hendricks, Brandon steps in and takes over. And tells her the truth. He trusts a stranger to do what's right. 

Carly doesn't know what to think when Brandon comes to her and lays his cards on the table. She knew her boss was a horrific person, but she had no idea the depth her sins go. And now she has even more incentive to take her down. She wants to help Brandon and his siblings right the wrongs done to them when they were kids. And if Brandon can help her out of a jam created by her horrible ex-husband, then that's even better for her.

Although Carly is determined to resist Brandon's charms and focus on what needs to be done, he proves impossible to ignore. She doesn't get it - doesn't understand why he finds her so special or interesting. But, she knows there's definitely something about him that compels her to help him, despite his claim that he can't love anyone or that he's too damaged by what happened to him when he was young.

Like in Ruthless, there's a lot revealed regarding what happened to their parents, and it's far more interesting than you ever imagined. The ending was incredible and fulfilling and completely shocking. I love Lexi Blake's writing and how it builds upon events in each chapter and each book. The wait for the final book will be so hard, based on the new revelations and the fact that stoic Drew will finally get the girl. I can't wait.

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APOLLYCON 2017 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak

An author I discovered in 2016 and who quickly became a one-click author for me is none other than the amazing...

Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak

...and she's going to be at Apollycon 2017 (along with another 70 or so incredible authors)! Best. News. EVER. One thing Lexi Blake does so SO well is ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. And she's also super good at the crazy hot sexy times. Okay, so that's two things. But, they kinda go together. Because while our heroes and heroines are figuring out dastardly plots and getting into car chases and getting shot at, they're making sweet, dirty love. And really - what more could you want than that explosive (sometimes literally) combo?

If you haven't started it yet, you need to check out the Perfect Gentlemen series that Lexi Blake is writing with Shayla Black...

I am so in love with this series about a mystery surrounding five childhood friends who all grew up to be rich and powerful - but lonely - men. 

Lexi's newest series is a spin-off from her Masters and Mercenaries series and follows three brothers as they try to solve the mystery of their parents' murders. 

The Lawless series has been amazing so far. I just finished up Satisfaction a few days ago (check out my review tomorrow - it comes with a giveaway of the paperback ARC copy I have!), and WOW. Revenge doesn't come out until June, and I'm telling you, the struggle is REAL waiting for it. 

I would guess that Lexi Blake's most well known series is her Masters and Mercenaries series, and although that's one I haven't yet tried, I've already pegged Apollycon as the place for me to start my collection. 

Some of you may know Lexi Blake by her alter ego, Sophie Oak, author of the erotic series Nights in Bliss, Colorado and Texas Sirens. I've read her standalone Away From Me, and holy hotness, Batman. So good. 

Check out the entire Apollycon Author Spotlight schedule and learn about all the authors and vendors that will be there. And today, learn more about Lexi Blake and get ready to meet her - I know I am!

New York 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 that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

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RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: Ruthless (Lawless #1)

Ruthless (Lawless #1), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: August 9, 2016
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence... 

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without...

What a fantastic start to a brand new series from Lexi Blake. Ruthless has it all - corporate wranglings, a hot and sexy romance and family wrongs that need righted. 

I have a confession to make. I started Ruthless a few months ago, and around 10% in, I had to take a break. And it was mostly because I really liked both Riley and Ellie, but I hated what Riley was planning on doing to her. I understood WHY he felt he had to do it. But, that didn't mean I was happy about it. And, that discomfort over his planned actions gave me a bit of pause. I knew I would get back to the story eventually - I just needed some time to digest the beginning of the book before I continued. 

When I came back to the story, though, I was immediately thrust back into it as Riley continues lying to Ellie in order to gain access to her company so that he can take it down from the inside. Now, that's simplifying things greatly - there's no way I can go into all the corporate subterfuge that is going on on all sides, but that's essentially it. Ellie's father and her father' best friend conspired to kill Riley's parents, and he and his siblings have dedicated their lives to exacting revenge. And no one will stand in their way - not even sweet and innocent Ellie.

Except, as is usually the case, there comes a point where Riley's priorities shift. And that comes after a few super hot nights and meaningful conversations with Ellie. Now, Riley wants it all - to take down the company and protect Ellie in the process. Why did he not think she might have a problem with his initial intentions or his final goals??? 

I'm a very character-driven reader, and, despite Riley's initial plan to use Ellie and then get rid of her, I still loved him. I loved how he started to question big brother Drew's plan when it started not feeling right to him. I loved how he started planning to protect Ellie when he developed feelings for her. And Ellie was the perfect blend of strength and sweetness. She had a ton of heart, but when it mattered, she wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. And, when Riley betrayed her, she didn't make it easy for him - not one bit.  

I enjoyed getting to know Riley's three siblings. Drew wasn't always my favorite person, but I loved Mia and Bran. It was interesting how each of them have processed the death of their parents, and how that event, and the immediately follow-up events in their lives have shaped how they have chosen to handle their roles in this revenge plot. 

Ruthless kept me guessing as twists and turns I didn't see coming changed my thoughts on what would happen next. I love being surprised, and Ruthless surprised me more than once. I can't wait to read the next book in this series now - I'm expecting big things. 

GIVEAWAY: Ruthless (Lawless #1)

It's time for another giveaway featuring a book by an Apollycon 2017 author! In case you need another refresher on what Apollycon is, check out the Facebook page. And, in case you need to see all the amazing Apollycon authors, check out this awesomeness...

This week, I have an ARC copy of Lexi Blake's upcoming release, RUTHLESS. I just finished this book yesterday, and it was INCREDIBLE. It's coming on August 9, and trust me - you don't want to miss this one. Here's all the info:

Ruthless (Lawless #1), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: August 9, 2016
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Genre: adult contemporary suspense romance

(Synopsis) The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence...

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without...

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