RELEASE DAY BLOG TOUR: Wicked Need (The Wicked Horse #3)

This series... I am so in love with this series. And the best part is, today is release day for the third book in Sawyer Bennett's Wicked Horse series, WICKED NEED! Read on for my review and go order it!

Wicked Need (The Wicked Horse #3), by Sawyer Bennett
Publish Date: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult erotic romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) Rand Bishop’s dreams of Olympic gold were shattered years ago but he’s left that all behind, settling into a new career and lifestyle that would make any man jealous. While he may not be competitively racing down the ski slopes anymore, he’s just as happy getting his rocks off as a Fantasy Maker for The Silo.

He’s good at what he does.
Damn good.

But while life couldn’t be better for Rand, it seems to be falling apart for Catherine Lyons Vaughn, the dark haired, brown-eyed beauty that has captivated an entire sex club.

Having spent years degrading herself on her husband’s whim and now left destitute after his death, Catherine has hit rock bottom. With nothing but her body to peddle, Catherine is merely trying to figure out how to survive in a harsh, cruel world. Lucky for her, Rand has taken her under his tattooed wing, and he’s determined to give her a safe life where she can be the woman she was always meant to be.

Now all Catherine has to do is believe she deserves the chance.

I was super excited when I saw that Rand’s story was going to feature in Sawyer Bennett’s third Wicked Horse series book. I’ve been intrigued by him and Logan since the beginning. They seemed to be big time players at the super hot sex club, The Silo, and they usually played together. So, would Rand’s story involve Logan at all? Would his HEA feature just one woman, or would it be more of a triad-type relationship? All questions were answered in Wicked Need.

Rand actually surprised the hell out of me. For someone so obviously free spirited and into anything goes kink, I didn’t take him for the kind to want to settle down permanently with just one woman. But, I think it was BECAUSE he has this incredibly nurturing, compassionate soul that he was able to be such a popular guy at The Silo. Women and men alike loved to play with him, and Rand was happy with that arrangement while he searched for The One.

Rand was able to put his hero complex through a vigorous workout when it came to Cat. Not only had she just gotten out of a very damaging marriage, but she was now left destitute with only her clothing, her car and her membership at The Silo. It was so telling that Rand immediately offered to help her out, despite the potential awkwardness that might ensue due to the fact that they’d played together at the club. He didn’t even care about that - just saw a woman in desperate need, and offered her a roof, food and his help.

Cat is a smart woman. She doesn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when said gift horse comes in the form of former Olympian and stud in the sack Rand. She very quickly learns, though, that Rand is so much more than the person he is at The Silo. Unfortunately, she constantly feels the taint of her former relationship, and that makes her feel less than worthy of Rand’s sweetness, light and tenderness.

Cat was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I felt absolutely awful for her. I wanted to cry along with her at the situation in which she was dropped. But, at the same time, I loved everything about her, because this woman was STRONG. She’s been dealt a crappy hand, but she’s still independent and has kept her pride. Honestly, she and Rand were so well suited.

Surprisingly, Logan’s name wasn’t even mentioned until more than 50% into Wicked Need. That surprised me. I thought Rand and Logan were sort of a team - Rand’s ying to Logan’s yang. But, seriously - when Logan does enter the picture, it’s for exactly the reason you would suspect, and the resulting scene is the hottest one I’ve read in all three of these books to date. It. Was. AWESOME.

Once more, we’re told at the end of Wicked Need who will be featured in book four, and it looks like it will be Logan’s turn. I’m both happy and disappointed. Happy because I do like Logan, and it looks like his story will be a doozy. Disappointed because I’m STILL waiting for Bridger’s book. I just KNOW that one will be amazing. He is my favorite character of all of them. He seems to be the best friend a man could ask for, and has been so far to Woolf, Cain and Rand. And yet, he seems very alone in the world. He absolutely fascinates me.

Sawyer Bennett’s Wicked Horse series is one of my favorite sexy adult series ever. The characters are interesting, the setting is brilliant and the sex is absolutely ridiculous. I can’t wait to keep reading!

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Connect with Sawyer --> Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads * Newsletter
 

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in Janu

ary 2013, Sawyer Bennett

has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA To

day and New York Times

bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create rel

atable, sexy

stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic cont

emporary romance, Sawyer

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in Janu

ary 2013, Sawyer Bennett

has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA To

day and New York Times

bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create rel

atable, sexy

stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic cont

emporary romance, Sawyer

NEW ADULT MONDAYS: The Mistake (Off-Campus #2)

The New Adult genre - their bad boys and big problems and epic loves make them engrossing tales that are so easy to lose yourself in. What's not to love about that? And, now, thanks to the cool chicks at Bewitched Bookworms, we can show these books the love they deserve in a weekly feature - New Adult Mondays.

The Mistake (Off-Campus #2), by Elle Kennedy
Publish Date: May 6, 2015
Publisher: Self-published
Format: e-book, purchased
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

And the awesomeness continues...

Before I was even finished reading The Deal (Off-Campus #1), I had already bought The Mistake. It was really a pretty easy decision. These Briar University hockey players have completely stolen my heart. 

The Mistake follows John Logan - or, just Logan to most everyone who knows him - who is struggling to beat down his feelings for his BFF Garrett's new girlfriend Hannah Wells (the couple from The Deal). Like any good friend, he feels incredibly guilty for wanting her for himself. Since Logan is a viral young male, he tries to screw away his feelings. Ha. 

The Mistake is your classic jock meets wallflower trope. Although at first glance, Grace doesn't seem like the type to be able to bring Logan to his knees and make him forget about Hannah, she does just that. For a few hours. Aaaaaanddddd then Logan screws it up. Of course. 

They spend the summer apart, and while Logan spends that time trying not to think about how he won't be able to do what he wants after graduation, as well as the mousy girl who sort of blew his mind for a night. Grace spends that time shoring up her walls so that when she gets back to school, she can resist the charms of the hot hockey player who seriously hurt her feelings. 

I loved Grace. Like, A LOT. She's shy and a little off the wall. But, she is determined. I felt so badly for her when Logan hurt her feelings, and I have to give her credit for making strides to ensure that it didn't happen again. She makes Logan work for her affections, and as it turns out, that was exactly what he needed in order to prove to both Grace and himself that this was for real. 

For Logan's part, this is a kid who is being pulled in more directions than he should. He's trying to deal with his feelings for Hannah, plus the fact that, even if he's drafted by the NHL, he can't play for them. Grace is the one bright spot in his life. And I loved that about them. 

Elle Kennedy is a master at creating characters who seem to be one thing on the surface, but once you dig a little deeper, you discover they are something completely different. Her characters and her stories have many layers, and while you're peeling away those layers, you don't want to stop reading. You know there's more there than what you think, and that when you get there, it's going to be good. Oh, and did I mention that her books are sexy as hell? Because they are. And that's just the icing on top. 

So, this is now two out of the four roommates' stories told - two more to go. 

REVIEW & EXCERPT: Models on Top - Danny

Models on Top - Danny, by S. L. Scott
Publish Date: April 11, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) Everything you’ve heard about modeling is true, and you haven’t heard the half of it.It’s glamorous.

It’s sexy.
And yes, the line between work and reality often blurs.

We’re not just prototypes of perfection. Models have feelings and desires, too. We may be genetically gifted, but we’re still human.

I’m only human. Yes, an extraordinary specimen that earns more in a day than most make in a year, but this eight pack didn’t create itself. I spend hours working on this body. The good looks just come natural. *Winks* Thanks, Mom and Dad.
I’m Danny Weston, Supermodel.

But one path was traded for another when I chose this career. Ten years later, I would trade my career to have it back. To have her back.
Reese Carmichael is the one woman I would give it all up for, and the only one I can’t have. Yet.

I've got to be honest - Models on Top - Danny was a huge surprise. I started the book expecting a fun romp - a humorous, light-hearted read about a sexy, cocky model who meets his match in his childhood sweetheart. 

This is not that book. 

This is a story about a couple very much in love, but due to life choices and ambitions and misunderstandings, they separated. The separation was painful and heartbreaking and affected them for the next ten years as they tried to move on. But, moving on from the love of your life is sometimes impossible, as they discover when work brings them back together again. 

My heart broke again and again for Danny and Reese. It broke for them as young college seniors, who were desperately trying to make a go of their long distance relationship. It broke for them again when they saw each other ten years later and realized how much they had missed in that time. And it broke again when they rediscovered their connection, only to realize that new circumstances were going to once again prevent them from being together. 

Models on Top - Danny was a really serious book. It seemed that Danny and Reese were constantly finding themselves in impossible situations, which was really frustrating. I wanted to feel some hope for them to be together, but at every turn, it seemed like there was something that was going to keep them apart - whether it be Danny's manwhore past that Reese now has a hard time seeing past, or it's Reese's douchey ex-boyfriend who seems determined to make her life a living hell. For awhile, it seemed their HEA was out of reach. 

This was my first book by S. L. Scott, and I have to say that I was really impressed. I really liked her writing, and I liked how she explored both sides of the advertising industry - both the ad side and the talent side. She also took us to many different locales in the book - Nebraska, New York, LA, Texas, Paris - we were all over the place, which was wonderful. 

The side character of Vinnie, while not entirely believable, was entirely likable and definitely gave some much-needed levity. He was the comedic relief, and I did really enjoy the scenes that he was in. 

So, don't let the description of this book fool you. Models on Top - Danny is angsty romance at its best. It's sad and frustrating and sexy as hell. And I can't wait to see which model on top will be featured next. 

As if reading my mind, she says, “I want to have sex, and I want you to make me forget about tonight. I want to be blissfully unaware of everything, except for right now, here with you.”

I’m already smirking. How can I not when I have temptation in its truest form begging me to fuck her? It’s a hard job… like rock-hard, but I can handle it.

“Sit up here.” I lift her up and place her on the counter. “I’ll be right back. Be ready for me.”

After turning off the water, I slip out and go for a condom from my suitcase. When I return, she has her arms wrapped around her legs, giving me a peek of her sexy pussy. “Open for me.”

She spreads her legs and waits for further instruction. “Put your hands behind you.” She does. After stroking myself while eyeing her incredible tits, I rip open the package and put the condom on.

Her back is curved, pushing them forward, and I run my hand over her sensitive nipples. “You know how sexy you are?”

“No,” she says, the reply jagged. “Tell me.”

“I’ll show you, but brace yourself.” Just as she firms her palms against the counter, I slam forward, holding her by her hips as I thrust in and out several times, hard and fast.

Her warmth draws my eyes to close, the fuse inside sparking to life. I won’t last, not with her, not like this. I’m getting close to release when she says, “Stop. Danny, stop.”

My whole body is alert to the sound of her voice and I stop. Worried, I back up but keep my hands on her. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

Each breath sends her chest rising and falling to a rapid beating heart. “No, this feels good. It’s too much and not enough.” Her hands cover her tits, teasing herself and me. “I want to see you. I need to see your eyes on me, on mine.”

Her pleasure is mine. Touching her cheek, I let my hand drift down and I smile. “I want to watch you come.” My fingers slip between her legs and I find that spot that makes her purr. “Keep your eyes on mine.”

She looks up, pupils wide as she takes me in. Her hands are holding me to the spot, her back to the mirror. I build her up again, tightening the coil that I want to watch unravel. I run my thumb over her bottom lip, wetting it. Then I kiss her as small circles increase in intensity and her moans are swallowed. When she starts holding on to me, I lean back and our eyes meet again—passion, addiction, obsession reside in the clarity of her deep blues and I don’t want her just to physically feel how strongly I feel for her, but to see it. “I’ve always loved you.”

The back of her head hits the mirror, her eyes close, and her mouth opens. “Oh God, Danny.” She shivers as the force of ecstasy takes over her body.

“Look at me, baby.”

I can see her struggle, but when her eyes open and meet mine, I don’t relent until I see her body coming down.

Sitting upright, she kisses my neck and whispers, “I want you inside me.”

New York Times and USA Bestselling Author, S. L. Scott, was always interested in the arts. She grew up painting, writing poetry and short stories, and wiling her days away lost in a good book and the movies.

With a degree in Journalism, she continued her love of the written word by reading American authors like Salinger and Fitzgerald. She was intrigued by their flawed characters living in picture perfect worlds, but could still debate that the worlds those characters lived in were actually the flawed ones. This dynamic of leaving the reader invested in the words, inspired Scott to start writing journeys with emotion while injecting an underlying passion into her own stories.

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. She dreams of seeing one of her own books made into a movie one day as well as returning to Europe. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.