Release Day Blitz: “Easy Little Lick” (The Copperline Series #3) by Sibylla Matilde

*** Mature Content; Strong Language; Strong Sexual Content***

“Life is like an easy little lick, a signature flourish of my drumsticks to make a song my own. Something I can do in my sleep. Effortless and smooth. No drama… until I met her.”

Cody Driscoll cruises through life with a constant, steady beat. Mechanic by day, he’s the drummer for the Bangin’ Mofos at the Copperline Bar by night. Tearing it up on the drums provides an outlet, a release that soothes the stress of the world around him.

But when the withdrawn and reticent Ilsa starts working at the Copperline, Cody catches a glimpse of something nobody else seems to see – a beautiful, tenuous heart. Someone to shelter and shield. Her loneliness strikes a chord that resonates through his soul, no matter how much she tries to push him away.

As her past comes to light, the promise of their love unravels. Cody realizes the extent of her tangled and tumultuous fear. Her secrets test his conscience, and he stumbles, unsure how to make sense of his stubborn honor in a world that isn’t always black and white.

The pulse of life can shift in the blink of an eye, and ugly fallout can bring a man to his knees. But can the lies that break him make him stronger?

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Sibylla Matilde grew up in the mountain valleys of Southwest Montana exploring the dusty Old West gold country on the back of a horse. She attended a two-room schoolhouse beginning in 1st grade & had the same teacher until she changed schools after 7th. Beginning at about age 12, Sibylla discovered historical romance, feeding off of work of Jude Deveraux & Lisa Kleypas. She loves a book that can make the reader run the gamut of emotions, from the sweet glow of new love to gut-wrenching heartache. She is a true romantic & always has stories floating around in her head, living in a fantasyland until she writes them down to free them.

Music is her emotional trigger. Growing up with a Wagnarian-loving mother, Sibylla was raised to treasure music that digs deep into the psyche, drawing out elation, sorrow, grief, desire. The soundtrack to her life includes many genres spanning centuries. She looooooooves Thirty Seconds to Mars (rather obsessively, actually… but, really, how can you NOT be crazy about this guy!? Jared Leto. Shhh. ) & pimps them out to all her friends through Spotify. She also delights in Met Opera HD broadcasts at her local movie theater & hopes (listening Met?) to someday see Diana Damrau reprise her role as Mozart’s Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. Sibylla lives with her husband and hero who saved her from her own calamitous, young-adult self. He makes her laugh daily, even when things are tough. He’s proved to her that love really can heal a shattered soul. In 18 years, they have never had a fight, although argue regularly with their two teenage kids who have, unfortunately, inherited their father’s quick wit (unfortunate as it is a quick wit that Sibylla, herself, definitely does not possess – there is a reason she is a writer & not a stand-up comedian). They live a quiet life with their two weird little rescued Chiweenies. Wait… teenagers & little yap-dogs? OK, maybe not so quiet.

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Blog Tour: “City Beautiful” by C. M. Foss – My Review, Book Trailer & Teasers

Title: City Beautiful

Author: CM Foss

Release Date: June 29, 2015

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Patrick Thompson is all city, all the time. A young doctor, once full of passion, now disillusioned by the practice, he sets off across the country, intent on a small breather before a fresh start.

Ivy Lang loves the country way. So much so that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. The life is perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.

He’s waiting for something to inspire him.

She finds inspiration all around her.

But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?

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My Review

Complimentary copy received by the author in exchange for an honest review

It is no secret that I adore C. M. Foss. Both of her previous novels were – and still are – 5 star reads for me, and “City Beautiful” surpassed my expectations tremendously, leaving me with the meanest book hangover I have not experienced for a long time. But it is the kind of hangover that I crave, and I am so thrilled about it, actually.

Now, as usual, there is no reason to recap the story for you, and this review may also be slightly shorter than others because there are so many twists and turns that I do not wish to unearth for you. You all know how much I loathe spoilers – but here are my thoughts.

The way Ivy has moved forward after having experienced one traumatic event after the other is admirable; she is a fighter, plain and simple, and how she has chosen to lead her life is actually quite fascinating. Has she completely overcome her past heartaches? No, of course not, and I was a bit sad with the way she held herself back from truly living her life to the fullest in the beginning…But it is understandable.

And then Patrick comes along…What. A. Guy. At a crossroads in his life, I absolutely loved seeing how he became infatuated with Ivy, and how spending only 24 hours with her made him take stock of his life; he may not have changed the course of his path right away, but I loved reading how he developed throughout his and Ivy’s journey in life. That is the beauty of this story, in my opinion: the way one meeting with another person has the ability to change you in some way or another.

Miss Foss possesses a knack of writing romance novels that are so realistic: her characters could be your neighbours – the cool ones 😉 – that you would like to spend an evening or two with, and her ability to paint a vivid scene in colours with her words is just beautiful. She has a no-nonsense, no-filter type of writing that I hope you will see as well once you read her books. Finally, I love how she manages to make me both cry and laugh within the span of one scene, because that shows so much talent.  

All the characters in “City Beautiful” have an important role to play, and I am glad to see Lissa and Ethan in particular – the main characters of “Shiver” – and Ivy’s friend, Ginnie, was such a joy to get to know as well.

If you are looking for a romance novel with quirky, loveable characters…one that provides humour mingled with the heartache…If you want some swoony scenes mixed with the sexy…and if you long to lose yourself in a book that will both surprise and astonish you: this is the book for you. I highly recommend it to all romance lovers, and I know that I will read this book over and over again in the years to come.

Miss Foss: thank you, again, for causing a major book hangover. I am one happy bookaholic. ❤

CM Foss is a hopeless romantic with a love for the written word. When she was little, her mom would ration her books so she wouldn’t go through them too quickly. It didn’t matter, she would just re-read. She’s always been an avid equestrian, competing in the top levels of Three Day Eventing by age seventeen. CM now resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and kids where they own and operate their own equestrian business, as well as raising grass-fed, sustainable meats. She doesn’t have this thing people call “free time”, but she does spent a weird amount of time writing, reading, playing with her kids, milking goats, and drinking wine, while avoiding bananas at all costs. Other books by CM Foss include Shiver and Swoon.

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Blog Tour: “Beautiful Liar” by Tara Bond

SYNOPSIS

Reliable
Nina Baxter has her life all mapped out. She wants to work hard, take care of her younger sister and not end up like her drunk of a mother. Most of all, she plans to stay away from bad influences.

Reckless
Alexander Noble doesn’t give a damn about anything or anyone. The heir to an unimaginable fortune, he’s never had to do a day’s work in his life, and devotes himself to pleasure and partying.

When opposites attract…
From their very first meeting, Nina knows Alex is bad news, and vows to stay away from him. But as their paths continue to cross, she can’t help being drawn to him – especially when he makes no secret of his interest in her.

Can they resist the pull?
For the first time ever, Nina is on the brink of following her heart. But can she believe Alex when he tells her to trust him? Or is he just another beautiful liar?

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I would like to begin this review by stating that this is not your typical “good-girl-meets-millionaire-bad-boy” if that is what you are thinking after having read the blurb. Obviously, I will not spoil the plot for you, but I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by how the story of Nina and Alex progressed, and that I was fully invested in it until the very end.

Nina Baxter is young, responsible…and desperate. Her life with an alcoholic mother is, to say the least, less than stabile, and the way Nina struggles to make ends meet while upholding some sort of normalcy of the life of her sister, Alice, felt very realistic to me. And when Nina finds her situation to become worse than it already is, she is forced to make a decision that she does not want to. But is that not always the way when we are at the lowest point in our lives?

Nina turns to the one person she is reluctant to meet which puts her in the footpath of Alexander Noble: a very rich, high society playboy, who she, quite clearly, should steer away from. However, certain events occur that force her to become better acquainted with him, and a budding attraction between them forms between them and grows by each encounter. Eventually, this makes Nina long to toss her control and rules away for once. To stop being the responsible daughter and merely live. The trouble is if she can trust Alex with her heart…or not?

There is no doubt about the fact that Nina and Alex are complete opposites, but as you read the book, you learn that they may not be that different from each other where it truly matters. And while I applauded Nina for being so good at taking care of her younger sister, for doing her utmost to keep them together, I was also happy to see that she, in some ways, is just like any nineteen-year-old girl: that things can become too much for her. The fact that even she yearns to be selfish from time to time instead of the grown-up only adds credibility to her character, in my opinion.

Alex is an interesting character; and one that is a bit difficult to get a handle on in the beginning. He has secrets – or that is what it seems like to Nina – and he leads a life that is so far away from her own. But I have to say that the more I got to know him, the more I was able to empathise with the person he truly is, and what I saw made him rather endearing to me. Yes, he does have the “bad-boy” persona, but he is still different from other BBFs I have come across lately, and I like that.

Miss Bond manages to convey the differences between poverty and wealth very well in her book; her imagery is very vivid, and her vocabulary is vast. Her writing is engaging, easy, and emotional, and I was fully immersed in ‘Beautiful Liar’ until the very end. Granted, there are also a lot of steamy scenes which is part of the reason I read romance novels – why beat about the bush? – and I liked that I did not get all the answers handed over to me on a plate right away. There are a few twists and turns that I did not see coming but which I believe only heightened my reading experience, and I liked the pace and setting of it very much as well. I do wish, however, that the ending had not seemed so rushed as it did, but that is just my personal opinion, of course.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to seeing more of Miss Bond’s work in the future.

 

 

UK PURCHASE LINKS:

EBOOK

Kindle / iBooks / Nook

PAPERBACK

Waterstones

Amazon

Foyles

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Bond grew up in Surrey, England. She read History at Cambridge University, before working in various sensible office jobs. She lives in London with her husband, and loves reading and writing, as well as watching movies and TV box sets. Her guilty pleasures are cocktails and chocolate desserts.

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Book Tour: “Silver Bastard” (Silver Valley #1) by Joanna Wylde – My Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

SYNOPSIS

First in the new Silver Valley series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club Novels

Fourteen months. For fourteen months, Puck Redhouse sat in a cell and kept his mouth shut, protecting the Silver Bastards MC from their enemies. Then he was free and it was time for his reward–full membership in the club, along with a party to celebrate. That’s when he saw Becca Jones for the first time and set everything in motion. Before the night ended he’d violated his parole and stolen her away from everything she knew.

Five years. It was five years ago that Puck destroyed Becca and saved her all in one night. She’s been terrified of him ever since, but she’s even more terrified of the monsters he still protects her from… But Becca refuses to let fear control her. She’s living her life and moving forward, until she gets a phone call from the past she can’t ignore. She has to go back, and there’s only one man she can trust to go with her–the ex-con biker who rescued her once before.

Puck will help her again, but this time it’ll be on his terms. No more lies, no more tears, and no more holding back what he really wants…

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

MC books are one of my favourite genres to read even though they are rarely about all the “hearts and flowers” stuff; if written well, they are raw, gritty, incredibly sexy and with some heavy issues to address. Not having firsthand knowledge about MC clubs and their dealings, I cannot say that I know much about that lifestyle; however I would venture a guess and say that the way Miss Wylde writes her stories seems to be very realistic. At least, that is the opinion of this bookaholic.

The story about Becca and Puck is absolutely not an easy one to read: and you will come to realise that very early on in “Silver Bastard”. Having said that, theirs has already become one of my favourites, and I will try to explain why – and not provide any spoilers, of course.

To say that their love story is a tumultuous one would be an understatement. Becca comes from a very violent background, and although Puck’s is similar, he has the advantage of being a man and not a woman. Whereas he has always embraced this lifestyle, Becca shies away from it – and you most definitely cannot blame her for wanting nothing to do with it. So how will these two be able to come to an understanding while, at the same time, able to form a deep connection and remain it?

I really came to like Becca as I read this book: she knows that she has issues, yet she does everything in her power to work through them and get to a healthy place. She can be rather funny, and her inner musings made me laugh a lot. But my heart also bled for her so many times. I admire her strength and her determination to reach her goals in life. On some occasions, perhaps, she also managed to frustrate me a bit, but when I reminded myself of her age – and thought about her upbringing – her stubbornness and unwillingness to let go at times were quickly forgiven. Because they are valid and understandable.

Puck is most definitely a rather terrifying man – but his job description demands that of him. He has to be scary in order to be a biker, and he makes no excuses for it. And I do not believe he should. He is absolutely an alpha male, one who goes after what he wants; and despite keeping his distance from Becca for years, he reaches a breaking point and gives in to his need for her. I admire him for that; yet he can also be sweet in his own way, thus causing this romantic to swoon a bit from time to time. There is an edginess – a fierceness – to this man that drew me in from the very beginning, and, in the end, I found him to be perfect for Becca.

Miss Wylde has a particular writing style that I have come to enjoy very much. I like her no-nonsense sense of telling her stories while, at the same time, bringing a bit of dry humour into it. As a reader, I could really feel the passion she harbours towards her characters, and I always enjoy getting to know her secondary characters as well. In this particular story, Danielle and Blake – and their own drama – were very interesting and funny, but they do not take the focus away from Becca and Puck at all.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this MC romance. Yes, it was unpleasant at times. Yes, it could be difficult to read certain parts of it. But when all is said and done, it was also a fantastic love story, and I will absolutely read it again in the future. And when I feel this way about a book? That I want to come back to visit the characters and become lost in their story all over again? That is the best feeling ever! And the reason I call it a favourite book of mine. ❤

It’s Live!

 

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Amazon UK

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Enjoy the excerpt!

Ignoring him, I settled back on my stool and surveyed the room. We sat in Becca’s section, and what I saw wasn’t making me happy. I knew she was a good waitress, but she’d just started here and it showed. Not only had she fucked up several orders, she didn’t quite seem to get the rhythm of the bar. That wasn’t my problem, though.

My problem was that despite these fuckups, nobody seemed to mind. I had a nasty suspicion this was due to her perky tits, friendly smile, and tight little ass that seriously just needed a bite taken right out of it.

She really, really needed to get a new job—every man in the place wanted her. Including me. Especially me. I hated them. All of them. I shifted uncomfortably, because just like every time I shared a room with her, my pants had gotten tight.

Torture. Becca was just so fucking fine on every level, and not just her looks. There was something about the way she carried herself . . . I couldn’t put my finger on it. Like she was dancing through life to some song nobody else could hear. Never met another woman like her—she wasn’t just sexy, she was a survivor and I admired that.

She’d grown up so much since the first time I’d met her. Bigger boobs, a nice fullness to her ass that was nowhere close to fat but would be perfect to hold tight while I fucked her. Her lips had plumped, too, and over the years she’d gained a sparkle in her eyes that turned her from pretty to 100 percent spectacular.

Not to mention how she’d tasted.

Nearly blew in my pants when I’d taken that mouth. Just the memory got me hard. Make that harder. Fucking basket case.

When I’d pulled up to find her sitting outside with Collins, a thousand murder scenarios ran through my mind. And yeah, I know I covered that already, but if anything ever deserved empha- sis, this was it. Collins needed to die. I didn’t care how nice he was. After that I’d throw Becca on the back of my bike and make a run for the hills . . .

Okay, so there were a few problems with the plan, the top one being she hated me. Or she should—I’d certainly given her cause. Boonie nudged me.

“Did I mention you’re pathetic? You want her, take her. Other- wise let it go because you’re an embarrassment to all men in general and to the Silver Bastards in particular.”

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Goodreads | Rock Star

GIVEAWAY

Signed Paperback of Silver Bastard (3 copies)

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Cover Reveal: “Sweet Sinful Nights” (Sinful Nights #1) by Lauren Blakely – Preorder Links, Author Message, Excerpt & Giveaway

We are beyond excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Lauren Blakely’s SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first title in Lauren’s new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights! Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories — one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. You can expect nothing different from her upcoming Sinful Nights series! Starting with Brent and Shannon, SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is sure to give you thrilling and sexy moments alike!

Available June 30th!!!

 

Cover designed by Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Preorder Links – Coming June 30

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ Amazon Paperback ✦ iBooks US ✦ iBooks UK ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo

 

Message from Lauren:

Dear Readers:

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Many of you have been patiently waiting for SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the story of Brent Nichols and the woman he loves. Many of you already know Brent since he’s the younger brother of Clay Nichols, from NIGHT AFTER NIGHT….The good news is this-SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is Book One in a new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights, written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets.

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS kicks off this new series with a fiery, passionate, and suspenseful story of two lovers reuniting after ten years. Each book in this series follow a new couple and will be set against the backdrop of sin, money, sex, greed, passion and love in the city of Las Vegas. Brent’s love interest is Shannon Paige, and she has three brothers. Yep, you guessed it – each of her brothers will be getting a book! And while each book in the Sinful Nights series follows a new couple, get ready for a storyline that will carry across the entire series — a story of danger, risk and high-stakes suspense.

Q&A about the Sinful Nights series:

Does this take place after the events in the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes. This story begins one year after the final Seductive Nights book.

Can I read this if I haven’t read the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes! You won’t miss a beat if you start with SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS. That’s why it’s Book One!

Brent is Clay’s brother. Does this mean Clay will be in SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS?

A: Why yes! He will indeed appear in a handful of scenes!

Is this series similar to the Seductive Nights series?

A: Absolutely. The hero in book one is a Nichols man! Nichols men are known for being dirty, passionate and fiercely loyal! You can also expect scorching hot sex scenes, dirty talk, high-class and glamorous settings, and passionate love. Have I mentioned the heat :)?

 

 

EXCERPT from SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS:

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, Book One in a brand new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights! In the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series…

She turned around and pushed hard on the ladies room door. But she felt his hand around her wrist, and he yanked her back, spinning her in one quick move, so she was chest to chest with him. She felt his breath on her.

“It did work out well for me. I’m also not the same person I was ten years ago,” he said, then did that thing again — that thing where he undressed her with his eyes, where he fucked her completely with his hot, dirty stare. “And you obviously have become a different person too.”

He tugged her, pulled her closer. His heart pounded against her breasts. His hand gripped her lower back.

He felt so good that she didn’t resist because her stupid body was stuck in the past, was living ten years ago when he alone was the one who could help her, who could free her, who could take away all the pain in one touch.

But he hadn’t, had he?

He’d caused more in his wake.

In his cruel exit.

She jammed a hand against his chest. His strong, firm chest that she knew intimately. The fucker. “I had reasons. Real reasons. Life and death reasons,” she said in a low hiss.

He shut his eyes briefly, looking pained. He sighed heavily, then somehow his arms were around her, and this time his touch wasn’t sexual. It wasn’t lustful. It was an embrace. From someone who knew nearly everything about her.

“Are you okay? Are you safe?” he asked in a whisper into her hair.

A tear had the audacity to slip out of her eye. To slide down her cheek, and fall onto his shoulder. It was a Pavlovian reaction. Too many tears had fallen on that shoulder.

“Yes,” she said quietly, with a nod. “I am. It’s fine. It’s all fine.”

He pulled back, tucked a hand under her chin, and lifted her face. She was so close to him she could trace the outline of his jaw, could run the pad of her finger over his stubble, his unbearably sexy eight-o-’clock shadow. She could drag her fingernails through his hair, soft, thick strands that simply had belonged between her hands. She could look in his eyes as he moved in her, those deep, soulful eyes that understood her. Somehow, he was rough and gentle, he was charming and fierce, he was funny and dirty. He was the man she’d wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

“Are you sure?” he asked, so much tenderness and worry in his tone.

She gathered herself, and willed that obstinate organ in her chest to stop beating in double time. She informed her traitorous body to stop trembling just from being near him. “Yes. I’m sure.”

He let her go. He tipped his forehead back to the bar. “I should get back out there. They’ll start wondering. See you in a few.”

And he walked away.

Just like the last time she’d seen him.

She pressed her lips together, and breathed out hard. She pushed open the ladies room door, walked to the sink, dropped her hands onto the cool tile and let out the longest, hardest breath. She hoped to hell this was the only time she’d have to deal with Brent Nichols.

When she was near to him like that, she couldn’t think straight. She could only feel. And that was far too dangerous for her heart.

 

 

SINFUL NIGHTS Series

About SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS:

A sexy, suspenseful new romance novel from Lauren Blakely, author of the New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series….

She was the one who got away…

Ten years ago, Brent Nichols let the love of his life slip through his fingers. It’s his greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. But when the gorgeous and captivating woman walks into his life unexpectedly, he’s determined to win her back. Whatever it takes, he won’t make the same mistake twice.

Easier said than done…

Shannon Paige has hardened her heart to the man she was once engaged to be married to. After the way he left, and after the hell she’s been through with her checkered family, there’s no way she’s letting him into her life again. The problem is, the second she sees him, he’s more handsome and charming than before. And she’s torn between wanting to fight with him and wanting to sleep with him – maybe both. Soon they fall into each other’s arms, consumed with a desire that burns through the years.

But if these two fiery lovers are going to have a real second chance at this kind of intense, passionate, bone-deep love, he’ll have to give her his whole heart, and she’ll have to give up all the secrets from her messy past.

And that messy past is about to spill over into her carefully constructed present…

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is book one in SINFUL NIGHTS, a four-book series. Each book will follow a new couple.

 

And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

 

SINFUL DESIRE – Sept 29

http://apple.co/1JqMPNe

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384172-sinful-desire

SINFUL LONGING – Jan 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384178-sinful-longing

SINFUL LOVE – March 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384184-sinful-love

 

About Lauren Blakely:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she

thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, No Regrets and Fighting Fire. She recently released Forbidden Nights, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book is 21 Stolen Kisses, a new adult romance filled with angst and romantic tension, releasing in May. This summer she’ll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love, and Sweet Sinful Nights, the first book in her new series Sinful Nights. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Goodreads | Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Blog Your: “Come To Me Recklessly” (Closer To You #3) by A.L. Jackson – My Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB

From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Softly comes another irresistible new adult romance in the Closer to You series.
His heart was turned off…
Until she turned him on…
Christopher Moore gave up on the idea of love years ago. Now, his life is an endless string of parties and an even longer string of girls. Enjoying the physical perks with none of the emotional mess, he’s convinced everyone that he’s satisfied—everyone but himself.

Samantha Schultz has moved on with her life. Finishing her student teaching and living with her boyfriend, she’s deluded herself into believing she’s content. But there is one boy she never forgot—her first love—and she keeps the memory of him locked up tight. She will never allow any man to break her the way Christopher did.

When Christopher’s sister and her family move into a new neighborhood, Christopher is completely unprepared to find Samantha living at the end of the street. Memories and unspent desires send them on collision course of sex, lies, and lust. But when guilt and fear send Samantha running, Christopher will have to fight for what has always been his.

“No one tells a story about “The One” with as much beauty and tragedy as AL Jackson does. You can’t read her words without having them sink deep inside of you and sticking around like a favorite memory.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

A.L. Jackson is without a doubt one of my all-time favourite authors. On every page, you can feel the love she has to her characters, but she is also kind of an evil author due to all the things she makes them suffer. But that is alright, you know: it simply means that her stories are realistic. Nothing comes easy in life, so why should we expect that in books?

Samantha and Christopher’s love story, however, is perhaps particularly cruel, and I sometimes found it difficult to keep reading this book. But I have to confess that I do love my angsty romance novels, and this one definitely fits into that category.

Samantha has settled in life. It is not easy going after one’s dreams, and she has, quite frankly, given up on many things. Is she content in life? On many levels, yes. But where is the passion? The zest for life she used to possess? Well, it disappeared when Christopher did – and I do not consider this reveal to be a spoiler, everyone: if you read the blurb, you will know that this is a book about second chances and how to overcome past hurts.

Christopher is equally merely drifting through life, leading one that consists of plenty of parties and hook-ups, but there is more to him than just a player, of course. But he hides his pain from the outside world, and he is very good at it. (Deceiving people from your real emotions is easy to do, after all.)

One day, Samantha runts into Ally, Christopher’s younger sister, and her husband, Jared, and this chance encounter sets a ball in motion that leads to Samantha and Christopher meeting again. Will they both have the courage to face up to their pasts? Or will they run away from the heartache that is bound to be reopened? Will they find it in their hearts to trust again?

You will have to read the book in order to get the answers to these questions, of course? 😉

One of the things that mesmerised me in CTMR is the fact that the story is told from dual POVs, AND the chapters change from past and present as well. Miss Jackson never made me feel lost or confused, and I want to applaud her for her clever writing. More importantly, though, it gave me the sense that I was there, inside the book, acting as a spectator, as if I was standing on the sidelines in every scene, to Samantha and Christopher’s romance, and that shows true talent: when an author manages to make me experience the story unfolding, thereby making me forget the real world for hours on end.

There were times I wanted to slap Christopher for his cruel words to Samantha – in turn, I wanted to shake some sense into her as well every now and then. But I also believe that their personalities fit the overall conflict very well, and I would not change them in any way. Also, Miss Jackson’s poetic and passionate storytelling skills made me forgive her characters and their sometimes unnecessary indecisiveness about certain matters.

I do really love this book. It is filled with angst, as per usual in this author’s stories, and there is plenty of pain and heartache – yet also hope and laughter. Not forgetting romance, of course, and steaminess.

Miss Jackson, thank you for giving us Samantha and Christopher tumultuous love story. I have been waiting for it for a long time, and my romantic heart applauds you for having written, yet again, a book where the characters are flawed and real and where you, on every page, feel all the emotions – the good and the bad – I am sure you want us, your readers, to experience. ❤

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Enjoy the excerpt!

By the waist, he lifted me, pinning me to the wall with the hard planes of his body. I could do nothing but wrap my legs around his hips. He rocked against me, the friction of his jeans igniting that fire, the threat of Ben fueling those flames. He buried his face in my neck as if he didn’t want to see, his bite aggressive as he turned to nip at my jaw, at my chin, moving to my lips. “Told you I wouldn’t let you go. Not ever again.”

His frenzied voice ached with regret.

“Never,” I told him, grinding myself on his erection that was pressed tight between my thighs. I felt desperate to erase the distance Ben had tried to wedge between us.

Christopher seemed even more fractured over it, unable to fathom the idea of what Ben had tried to force on me.

“I just got you back and he’s trying to take you away.”

“I’m here…I’m here.”

“Here,” he said as if a demand, tearing at my clothes, overwrought as he rushed to palm every inch of exposed skin. My shoulders were pressed to the wall, my chest heaving with harsh breaths. He pushed up my shirt and dragged off the cups of my bra. My breasts felt heavy and full as he looked on them with a stuttered groan. He splayed his hands across my back, dragging me forward, and his mouth was there, drawing my nipple into his hot mouth, sucking hard before he turned to the other.

I bucked, my hands fists in his hair.

He wrapped an arm low around my waist, his body leaving mine for a fraction of a second, and without setting me down, he dragged my shorts and panties from my legs. Fumbling, he pushed his jeans and underwear down around his thighs.

Without warning, he thrust into me.

I cried out from the perfect invasion.

No condom.

No heed.

Christopher took me completely.

Recklessly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, If Forever Comes, Come to Me Quietly, and Come to Me Softly.
She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.
Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement; this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

To stay up to date with important news on A.L. Jackson, including new releases, sales, and exclusive specials and excerpts, text “jackson” to 96000 to subscribe!
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Blog Tour: “Love M.D.” by Rebecca Rohman – My Review, Excerpt, Playlist & Giveaway

Title: Love M.D.

Author: Rebecca Rohman

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance with Elements of Suspense

Release Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

SYNOPSIS

As an accomplished interior designer in San Francisco’s Bay Area, Zoe Jenkins is used to transforming empty spaces into masterpieces. She leaves little square footage in her personal life for anything outside of her thriving business and a renewed relationship with her twin brother. After a decade spent ripped apart by circumstance and an entire ocean’s distance she depends on no one but him. Until a sexy surgeon walks into her life.

Although Zoe can’t deny her attraction to the charming and benevolent Morgan Drake, he’s on her mental list of everything she should avoid. Past experience taught Zoe that dating clients compromises business. Add a not-yet-dissolved marriage to the mix and Doctor Hottie is definitely Doctor Off-limits.

Dr. Morgan Drake is surprised at the undeniable chemistry he feels when he’s in the same room as Zoe. The strikingly beautiful and introverted designer he hired to fill his new-start, new-city home makes it abundantly clear there will never be anything between them. But twelve years of medical school breeds persistence. He sets out to pursue the pants off Zoe Jenkins and show her what her empty spaces are missing.

But intense passion and amazing sex have a way of masking secrets—secrets that unravel a dangerous web of drugs, fraud and corruption that turn Zoe’s empty, quiet spaces into a world where nothing is as it seems. With her life on the line, the good doctor responsible for her fiercest betrayal might just be the only one worthy of her finest interior masterpiece—this time, of her heart.

 ADD TO GOODREADS

MY REVIEW

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

I have been a fan of Rebecca Rohman’s ever since I read “Love, Lies & The D.A.” last year, thus making me very eager to get my hands on her latest book, “Love, M.D.”. So when it became available, you can imagine how happy that made me feel.

Seeing as this is a romantic suspense novel, I can only imagine the care with which the author has to take when writing it: the plot must be believable, yet the author has to take great care in not revealing what it is until the very end (or close to the end, anyway). I have mentioned this is previous reviews I have written, but I will do so again: I really do believe that this is one of the hardest genres to write, however fascinating it must be at the same time.

And because of this novel being a romantic suspense, this review will not be as long as my others because I fear that I will end up revealing too much; and that would be a great disservice to you, and to the author, of course.

Zoe Jenkins is a very successful businesswoman who does not let much get in the way of her success. The relationship with her twin brother, Zach, is one that is truly strong, and I loved the particular banter only siblings know how to make while in each other’s company – the author truly manages to convey the tight bond and love they share for one another in a fun and realistic way. But back to Zoe: early on in the book, I came to like her a great deal, actually, despite her stubborn streak as far as the delectable Doc Morgan Drake goes. 😉 Her reluctance to allow people to see beneath her skin is understandable, given her background and past heartaches, and I enjoyed seeing how she, bit by bit, opened up for the possibility of a different future. All in all, she became a character that I grew to love.

As for the delicious doctor, Morgan: he is passionate about his work – which, by the way, really is admirable – and the many facets to his personality were very intriguing, always making me eager to learn more about him. Just like Zoe, he can be stubborn, and the approach he takes as to making her see that he is one of the good guys made my romantic heart go all soft. He is quite the alpha in the ways that count – 😉 – but his vulnerabilities also shine through in Miss Rohman’s words. This is a man who has scars, just like Zoe, but he is less reluctant to let go of the past than she is, and I do like that he is not afraid to admit that he wants to explore things with her. Yes, he make mistakes, but that only makes him human in my eyes.

These two characters are far from perfect – but when do we want characters to seem that way? No, we have two people who both have to learn to trust, to let go of their pasts completely in order to find happiness. True, their road is far from smooth, but I dare say that is never the case in the real world, either, and I, for one, love stories when the author manages to make me believe that they could happen in the real world. I am very happy to say that Miss Rohman made me believe completely in this one.

The plot…well, I will not say that much about it. It made me cry. It made me angry. It made me rather scared, too. There are many twists and turns that I never saw coming, and I loved it!

To sum up my review: if you are looking for your next romantic suspense, I would definitely recommend that you choose this one. Do not be alarmed about the length of this book – honestly, that never bothers me – because the pace and flow of the story is rather fast, but not too hasty, in my opinion. There is plenty of romance and steamy scenes that, I believe, will make you swoon, and, lastly, there is a cast of very colourful and interesting secondary characters which only compliment the story without taking the focus away from Zoë and Morgan.

Miss Rohman, this was an amazing read for me! I truly enjoyed it, and it is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. ❤

EXCERPT

The next morning, I wake to an empty bed. I slip on some panties and one of Morgan’s shirts and head downstairs in search of him. Peaches and Pixie bask in the sun by the pool, watching him as he swims.

He’s already made a pot of coffee, so I pour myself a cup and sit outside on one of the Adirondack chairs facing the pool. My crew comes to greet me, but Morgan is engrossed in his swimming and does not appear to notice me. I suspect this might be part of his daily routine—his body contours tell me that. He looks up, and a broad smile stretches across his face when he sees me. His hair lies all back as he propels his body out of the water by his palms.

“Good Morning,” I say.

“Good morning to you, too.” He kisses me and wraps a nearby towel around his hips. “Hungry? I was going to make you some breakfast.”

“Maybe a little,” I respond.

“Good, because I prepared everything already,” he says, stretching out his hands to help me up. “I just need to fix the eggs.”

In the kitchen, as he scrambles eggs on the stovetop, I circle my arms around his almost naked body from behind.

He switches off the stove and turns to face me. “Did you sleep well?”

“A little. It was more than the last few weeks, so I guess that’s a step in the right direction.”

He raises my body and places me on the island, pecking me softly on the lips.

“I could prescribe something to help you get some rest, or I can recommend something herbal. You hardly sleep anymore.”

“I know. Maybe in a few days if things don’t improve.”

“Let’s go on a trip somewhere. It’ll take your mind off things.”

“We’ll see. Jada invited us to go on a getaway with their family. I don’t know the specifics yet, but I think it might be a good idea.”

“Let me know as soon as you have the details so I can make sure my shifts are covered. It’s easier to change things around at the clinic. I want to see you smile again.”

He kisses me softly on my neck and my lips, and I’m surprised when I feel the need for more than just his sweet caress. Circling him in my arms, I slowly part my lips, and feel his tongue gently graze mine. I pull him closer by the towel that surrounds his hips and slip my hands over his groin.

“I miss you,” I whisper.

“I miss you too, baby.”

I’ve woken him and as I massage his arousal, I take pleasure at the feel of his hands roaming over my body. He lifts his shirt over my head before slipping his tongue into my mouth. I pull the towel away and push his trunks down as far as I can stretch. With my foot, I shove them further until they drop to the floor. He kicks them away while I glide my hands over his rock-hard erection.

“How do you want it?” he asks.

“Go down on me,” I reply, deepening our kiss. “Then I want you to screw me from behind.”

He places one of my legs on the countertop and slips the fabric of my thong to the side. I welcome the feel of his fingers slipping between my folds as he circles them above and inside me.

As he devours my lips, I relish the feel of his firm body against my palms. He lowers his head, planting soft kisses on my neck, then he circles my breasts. Moments later, he pulls my panties away.

He lowers his head and teases me with kisses circling my core. With his tongue, he starts a pleasurable onslaught of licking and sucking my clit, intermittently and forcefully moving his fingers over me. The heat rises between my thighs but I pull away, reserving my release.

“Oh God, babe. I need you inside me.”

He pulls me off the counter and turns me around so my back is to his front. He places one of my thighs on the surface, pinning it in place with his arm then he slowly enters me from behind. Slowly, slowly moving in and out of me.

“Zoë, you feel incredible,” he whispers, nibbling my ear. With his fingers, he begins an endless assault on my front.

“Oh Jesus, Morgan…harder,” I cry as my body becomes submerged in pure sexual pleasure.

Bending me over the counter, he gives me what I crave, what I so desperately desire.

“Oh yes, Morgan.” My knees go weak. I know I’m close to losing all control.

“No way, not yet,” he says, slipping out of me. Holding my hand, he walks me to the living room sofa. He sits, centering his body in the middle, leaning back. I’m about to straddle him when he stops me.

“Come here, baby. I want to taste you all over again.”

He raises my leg above his shoulder, and places it on the back of the couch. He sits up, and with two fingers, repeatedly penetrates me and unleashes his tongue over me again.

Tingling sensations exude through my thighs. “Oh God, yes, babe.” I tighten my grip on his hair, basking in the pleasure that he is so eager to give me.

Finally, he relents, and I lower my body over his erection. I move slowly and sensually over his arousal, grinding my hips into his. He sits up and clasps his hands in mine as I rotate my body over his. Sounds of raw sex fills the room—the continuous sounds of his reentry, the sexual cries that escape my lips, his labored breathing and groans as I bury him inside me.

“Yes, Zoë, yes,” he says, holding me by my hips, slamming me firmly above him and taking over my lips once more. Sitting back, I repeatedly pound my hips into his, while circling my core with my fingers.

“Oh fuck, Zoë,” he shouts then pulls me close in his arms, boring inside me. I feel him continuously spasm, and as I rapidly continue to circle my pleats, I join him in his prolonged release.

I lay with my head against his chest, breathing heavily. We relax while he folds me in his arms and kisses me tenderly on my lips. I can’t help but get distracted and erupt in laughter when Peaches sits watching me, slowly twisting her head as if she’s utterly confused.

“What’s so funny?”

“We have an audience,” I laugh. Now Pixie has joined her, too.

He sits up, “What? They never saw you have sex before?”

“No, they’re virgins. We’re corrupting my poor animals.”

“That must have been quite the show.”

I coil on top of him, and it is while I’m there that I realize today, for the first time in almost three weeks, I laughed.

“I’ve missed hearing you laugh.”

I kiss him again. I don’t want to think about why I’ve not been able to laugh.

LOVE M.D. SOUNDTRACK

1. OneRepublic, Counting Stars
2. Lenny Kravitz, Fly Away
3. Au Clair de la Lune
4. Sarah McLachlan, Angel
5. Chris Isaacs, Wicked Game
6. Claude Debussys, Clair de Lune
7. Jason Mraz, I Won’t Give Up
8. Ella Fitzgerald, What are you doing this New Year’s Eve
9. Regina Spektor, My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)

BUY LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Amazon IN | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

Amazon NL | Amazon JP | Amazon BR | Amazon MX

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Rohman, is a wife and designer currently living in the Northeastern United States. She was a former Sales Manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she first did Marketing for a jewelry company, and later a fine wine distributor.

About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel, Uncorked just to purely entertain herself. It was not until early in 2012 when she decided to complete it, and share it with the world. The story was published in February of 2013. Her second novel Love, Lies & The D.A. was released in February, 2014. Love M.D. is her third novel.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

www.RebeccaRohman.com

Facebook Rebecca Rohman | Facebook Love M.D.

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Review Tour: “Swoon” by CM Foss – My Review, Teasers & Excerpt

Title: Swoon

Author: CM Foss

Release Date: April 2, 2015

Find on Goodreads

Steph

I’ve never been your typical girl. I didn’t grow up in a warm fuzzy family, and emotions weren’t something I needed now. Love has never been something I could wrap my mind around, so why bother? I know what I’m good at. I’m a great friend, have a passion for healing others, and a way with horses. I can be all those things at the same time without ever discussing my own feelings.

Until him.

Lawrence

I’ve always been told I have a way with words. It’s one reason I manage the family business so well. I can wine and dine with the best of them, selling bloodlines and high-priced stallion services over a five-course dinner. I’m able to talk myself into or out of just about anything and anyone.

Until her.

****

Young and carefree, living worlds apart, they indulged in what seemed like the perfect fling.

Until Lawrence decided he wanted more.

Until Steph’s careful world fell apart.

Until they had to decide if love was worth the fight.

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

I finished reading “Swoon” by CM Foss a couple of days ago, and I cannot stop thinking about it! This book…well, I hardly know where to begin. It is romance at its finest…it is funny, heart-warming, a bit sad, and just have this feel-good vibe I love to be left with after I have reached The End.

The love story of Steph and Lawrence is one filled with a few bumps, and one that leaves a few bruises as well, but that is exactly why I love it: it feels so incredibly believable to me. Because life is not an easy road – for any of us, in my opinion – so why do we sometimes expect that of the characters in the books that we read? I, for one, do not.

Steph comes from a rather loveless family which forced her to become very independent at a young age. Lawrence’s background is entirely opposite, so when these two meet and find that they have an incredible chemistry, it is only to be expected that their journey is not an easy one.

What really endeared me to Steph is the fact that she finds herself in a situation she cannot seem to get out of, and instead of facing it head-on, she is in denial. For a long time, actually. And that, my dear readers, is so realistic when we are dealing with people in their early twenties. Because it is not always easy to just shrug everything off and move on. Sometimes, you need a person to come along and push you in the right direction – but once Steph gets that push, she is a force to be reckoned with. I loved how she only becomes stronger and more determined the older she gets, but she is also a truly quirky, funny, and loveable character. All in all, I can now say that I have such a girl crush on her, and that I also wish she was real – because I want her to be my new best friend. 😉

Lawrence…oh be still, my beating heart! What a truly fantastic person he is! Yes, he made me swoon – over and over again, in fact – and just like Steph, he seems so real to me now. Can he be annoying? Yes. Does he have the ability to push the wrong buttons? Oh, indeed. But here is the thing: he is a guy – which, you know, kind of says it all – and just like all men, he has to learn patience and perseverance when it concerns dealing with women. Or, well, just one woman: Steph. 😉 Lawrence is not one to back down from a challenge, however, and once his mind is made up about certain matters, he goes after what he desires. And you have to admire and appreciate that kind of stubbornness in a man.

The passion with which Miss Foss writes is clear on every page. You can just feel how much she cares for her characters; the equestrian world is, once again, evident in “Swoon” as is the case with her previous novel, “Shiver” (also a favourite book of mine). I do not believe that you have to be a horse lover to enjoy her writing, though, because, overall, this is a love story, and that is what you are looking for, is it not?

Technically, this is a standalone novel, but I strongly recommend that you read “Shiver” first because it will give you a better understanding of the background stories of all the characters. Lissa and Ethan – the main characters from Miss Foss’ previous book – play a prominent role in “Swoon”, but we are also introduced to some new – and rather interesting – secondary characters.

Before I let my words run away with me, I will end my review here by simply asking you a few questions:

Do you love romance novels?

Do you like a bit of drama?

Do you want to laugh when you read?

Do you like steamy sex scenes? 😉

If your answer to these questions is a big, fat YES, then buy this book – do not wait, do it today. I am certain that you will not regret it.

Miss Foss: thank you for making me swoon! This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favourite novels, and I hope that we will get to meet Lawrence and Steph – as well as Lissa and Ethan – again in the future. ❤

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Ten minutes later, I had to walk back through the kitchen to get some laundry from the dryer in the mudroom. I had a towel wrapped around my waist and that was it. Steph’s eyes followed me, her eyebrows raised as she sipped on a glass of wine and lazily stirred whatever was in the pan. I winked as I passed by.

I returned a minute later dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. 

She was still in the same position. “That was indecent.”

“What? The towel?”

She pursed her lips and nodded.

“Sweetheart, you’ve seen me in less. And what we’ve done together could never be considered decent. You’re lucky I was covered at all.”

She laughed loudly, taking another long sip from her glass and turning back to the stove. 

I reached into the fridge for a beer and popped it open. “Sure you don’t need me to help?”

She responded without turning around. “Nope. Why don’t you find something on TV to watch and I’ll bring dinner in just a sec.”

I nodded as I walked to the living room, really just to myself since she wouldn’t look at me. Sighing heavily, I sank down on the couch and closed my eyes for a moment. I’d lied earlier. I was tired. Not only was I pulling long hours in the saddle, but I’d been spending most of my free time on the phone with clients from home. A couple of them were causing problems, and my dad needed me to talk them off the ledge. It’s what I excelled at.

I was startled awake by the sound of a plate being set on the table in front of me and the feel of the couch dipping as Steph sat down, smirking.

“Gosh, you need to get in better shape.”

“Shut up,” I muttered as I sat up, rubbing my hands over my face. At least now she seemed infinitely more comfortable in her own skin since she had something to tease me about. “I was just resting my eyes.”

“You were snoring.”

“I was not.” I started to laugh.

“Totally snoring.”

“I don’t snore,” I insisted. 

“How would you know? You’re sleeping.”

“Someone would have told me.”

“No girlfriend would ever mention it,” she pointed out.

I shook my head. “I wasn’t talking about a girlfriend.”

“No one-night stand would ever mention it.”

“You just did!”

There was a moment of silence after I blurted that out. Steph’s eyes were wide, but when they met mine, we both erupted into laughter, doubling over, shoulders shaking. My stomach actually hurt by the time we were finished. Steph wiped under her eyes and I took a deep breath, relaxing back into the couch with a sigh.

“Let’s face it,” she said. “I’m more than just a one-night stand.”

I live in beautiful Northern Virginia with my incredible husband, two awesome kids, three dogs, and two budgies. My husband and I both grew up riding and competing horses and have our own equestrian operation that we run together. In my spare time, I read through the hundreds of stories awaiting me on my e-reader.

My love of books started early, and my mom used to ration my reading time so I didn’t go through them too quickly. I love all things romantic, whether it’s dark or light or silly or dirty, but I really love a happy ending!

In my small moments of quiet time, you’ll find me sipping on wine and reading while any movie where people randomly burst into song or dance plays in the background.

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Blog Tour: “Deep” (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott – My Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: “Deep” (Stage Dive #4)

Author: Kylie Scott

Genre: Nev Adult / Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 31st March, 2015

SYNOPSIS

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the Heart?

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott has been one of my favourite series from the very beginning, and I have been eagerly anticipating the final book, “Deep”, ever since I learned it would focus on Ben, the sexy bass player, and Lizzy, the younger sister to Anne.

The thing most college students dread happens to Lizzy, and I enjoyed the way Miss Scott managed to convey all the different and conflicting emotions Lizzsy goes through once she learns that she is pregnant. I have to confess that I was a bit sceptical at first, but the more I read this book, the more I came to admire Lizzy for the way she chooses to handle her situation. Furthermore, she is a very witty and strong character who had me chuckling quite a bit, and I really appreciate that fact in the books I read. It was easy to understand why she fell for Ben, and even more so to cheer her on whenever she seemed confused and sad about certain aspects of his character.

Ben is the typical rock star: he revels in his freedom, and in the fact that he can have whatever his heart desires because of his stardom. Having grown up with not much money, it is not difficult to understand why he does things a certain way. He was, however, also a bit of a douche towards Lizzy, but, again, his reasons were valid – at least up to a certain point. Also, the way he reacts when he hears about the “bun in the oven” is not that farfetched: who would not freak out just a little bit when learning about an unplanned pregnancy?

These two characters share a very evident attraction towards one another, but I have to say that the way they become friends first is one of my absolute favourite parts of this story. Ben and Lizzy are perhaps not so different from one another – not deep down, anyway – and I really hoped that things between them would be resolved in a way that it would not ruin the relations they have with the rest of the Stage Dive band members and their girlfriends.

Miss Scott has, as always, a very compelling and engaging way of telling her stories. Her writing always pulls me in from the very beginning, and it was no different with this book. I really love how she is able to incorporate wit and banter even when certain scenes may not exactly call for it, and I also admire her for not taking the easiest route all the time.

The reasons that “Deep” is not given my highest rating is the fact that I sometimes failed to connect completely with Ben; in many ways, I had trouble understanding some of his actions, and I would have loved to have had a few chapters written from his point of view. The other reason is that the ending was a bit rushed to me, but, as usual, please remember that these issues are subjective – thus, mine alone – and I daresay that many of you will disagree with me on these two points. But I have always given you my honest opinions, and it would be wrong of me to ‘change my ways’, if you will, if I did not continue to do so.

I feel a bit sad that this series has come to an end, because it has provided me with many laughs, tears, and swoon-worthy moments; “Deep” is definitely steamy, Lizzy is a truly interesting character, and Ben is incredibly sexy…I firmly believe that you will enjoy this last instalment to this series, and if you have not read any of Miss Scott’s books before, I strongly urge you to read these. I guarantee that they will make your romantic heart go all aflutter.

Enjoy the excerpt!

His laughter, it didn’t really sound the smallest bit amused. “Christ. You’re done here.”

“Ah, no. I’m actually not. Now see, this is where we have a problem.” I folded my arms. Then unfolded them because like fuck I’d look defensive. He was the one in the wrong, not me. “You’re not prepared to take me, or my feelings, seriously. What you want is to hide away in Mr. Too Cool for Commitment land and just play with my affections when it suits you. Okay, I’ve accepted that. But none of that means it’s okay for you to come in here and act like you’re the boss of me. None of it.”

“That so?” he asked, leaning down so that we were almost nose to nose.

“That’s so, baby.” I play-punched him in the shoulder, which it should be noted, I barely came up to. Okay, so maybe the alcohol on a mostly empty stomach had made me slightly/lots braver/sillier. “So why don’t you take your little caveman jealous tantrum bullshit somewhere else. See, I do this funny thing I like to refer to as whatever the fuck I want. Understand?”

He just stared.

“And as pretty as you are with your beard and your muscles, you are too damn tricky and . . . complicated and shit for me.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Are you finally seeing my point here?”

“You bet.”

“Excellent. So take your hotness elsewhere, kind sir. I want no part of it!” Huh. I had so told him. Drunken bravado was the best.

PURCHASE LINKS

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Stage Dive Series Reading Order

“Lick” (Book One)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Play” (Book Two)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Lead” (Book Three)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Deep” (Book Four)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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“There You Stand” (Between Breaths #5) by Christina Lee – My Review

Title: “There You Stand” (Between Breaths #5)

Author: Christina Lee

Genre: New Adult / M/M Romance

Release Date: 21st April, 2015.

Publisher: Penguin/InterMix

SYNOPSIS

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male standalone romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York—so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery—and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him—whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long—and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy received by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I have not really ventured into m/m romance until now, but not for the lack of wanting to. I am a firm believer of ‘love is love’, no matter your gender or race, so please do not misunderstand me. But you know what it is like to remain in your comfort zone instead of trying new things – or, in this case, genres – and taking a leap of faith? Well, most people – including me – are creatures of habit, thus making it difficult to expand our horizon from time to time. This, of course, also manifests itself in the books we choose to read.

But I am thrilled and actually very excited about the fact that I will now be picking up more m/m romance novels because of “There You Stand” by Christina Lee.

Cory and Jude are both young men marked by their pasts, and while their issues stem from different tragic events, the question is if they really are that different from each other? Obviously, I will not ruin the plot for you – that would be cruel – but what I do feel is acceptable to say is that these two men, as well as their connection, are probably some of the most beautiful souls I have come across in a long time.

I adored getting to know Cory, the sexy tattoo artist, and the way he yearns for Jude, the British and secretive skateboarder, made me fall a little bit in love with him myself. I became invested in their story from the very first page, and I love when that happens! And Jude…oh, Jude: what a truly sweet, sensitive man. I wanted to reach into my Kindle, haul him out of it, and hug him so hard! I realise that these are fictional characters, of course, but while reading their story, they felt incredibly real to me.

The mystery surrounding Jude had me very intrigued, and there was never a moment when I felt that the story was unnecessarily drawn out – to put it bluntly: never was there a time when I got bored. Quite the contrary, in fact, because I have been thinking about this book a lot ever since I read The End. Yes, a book hangover set it, and it has not really left me even though it has been weeks since I finished it.

I have been a fan of Miss Lee’s for a while now, and I adore her storytelling skills; she writes with passion, heart, and compassion, and it is always clear to feel all the emotions her characters go through. She also writes some of the most sensual and steamy sex scenes I have ever come across, and I would be lying if I said that is not part of the reason why I pick up her books. 😉 Ultimately, though, the love stories she writes are why I call her one of my all-time favourite  authors, and I want to applaud her for stepping out of her own comfort zone: writing a m/m romance novel and make it realistic. That, to me, is talent.

To sum up my review: if you, like me, are new to m/m romance, I would say that this book is a great starting point. The characters are genuine, the pace of the story is perfect, and the hotness factor is off the charts! The secondary characters compliment the main story as well, there are some pretty laugh-out-loud moments involving a specific dog, and it just gives you that feel-good vibe we all want to experience when reading romance novels.

So why not take a leap of faith and try something new?

Miss Lee: thank you for a fantastic reading experience! I truly love this book, and I just hope it will be available in print someday so that I can put it on my favourite books shelf. ❤

PREORDER LINKS

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(from Goodreads Author Profile)

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys.  She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.  Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK and WHISPER TO ME available now, PROMISE ME THIS on October 7th, 2014.  Also Adult contemporary romance TWO OF HEARTS coming from Peguin/NAL on May 5th 2015.

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