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ARC Review: Drawing The Devil by Jon Keys

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Drawing The Devil

By Jon Keys

Genre: LGBT, M/M Romance

Synopsis

A heart can live a lifetime in eight seconds.

Ever since his father caught him with another boy and threw him out at the tender age of sixteen, Dustin Lewis has been fighting his way up the national bull-riding rankings. He’s on the brink of qualifying for the National Finals when he draws Diablo, a notoriously rank bull—and the ride goes bad.

When bullfighter Shane Rees frees Dustin from the rigging of the same bull that nearly destroyed his face, he comes dangerously close to dropping his guard. Shane knows the potential consequences of being gay in a sport loaded with testosterone-overdosed cowboys, and the resulting scars of mind and body have left him with little self-worth.

Their near-death-by-bull first meeting sparks an attraction that awakens every last one of their personal demons. Yet as the National Finals draws closer, so do they. But they’ll have to overcome emotional highs, near-tragic lows, and bone-crushing danger before love can bust out of the chute.

Warning: Contains man-on-man boot knocking, rawhide and raw emotions, badass cowboys and even badder-ass bulls. This ain’t your old man’s rodeo.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4 star read

Tina’s Review

The story starts off a little roughly written with short, choppy and stiff narration. Although the plot describes an exciting moment, the elementary style of writing detracted from the enjoyment. Thankfully, it starts to smooth out a little after only 10-15 %. Shane seems like a pretty solid character, if a bit insecure. Dustin is written in a way that more often than not, he comes off as a kid in his mid-teens as opposed to a young man starting his twenties. Maybe it’s his supposed ADHD, but I don’t buy that, being the parent of an ADHD pre-teen. Worse, I had to continually remind myself that Dustin is over twenty years old because, too often, the dynamics between him and Shane felt more like older man and early high school kid. The few secondary characters add good dimension. Dialogue and interaction are passable most of the time. The plot’s synopsis caught my attention immediately as I am a huge fan of bull riding and it sounded intriguing. I have to state that reading that Bushwhacker was some aggressive beast kind of threw me for a loop because the reality of it is quite the opposite, whereas Modified Clyde or David’s Dream would have been a more likely candidate. The plot, in writing, was pretty good and it flows a little better than average. There were numerous conflicts throughout the book, most of which were resolved well. It does, sadly, bring light to the fact that gay men face hate crimes still to this day. Predictability was not too much of an issue. The ending was concluded in a way where all the loose ends were tied and tucked away, but there was enough vagueness in it that there could later be a follow-up book or one featuring Todd and his barrel-racer crush.

Author Bio

My earliest memories revolve around books; with the first ones I can recall reading being “The Warlord of Mars” and anything with Tarzan. (The local library wasn’t particularly up to date.) But as puberty set in I started sneaking my mother’s romance magazines and added the world of romance and erotica to the mix of science fiction, fantasy and comic books.

A voracious reader for almost half a century, I’ve only recently begun creating my own flights of fiction for the entertainment of others. Born in the Southwest and now living in the Midwest, I’ve worked as a ranch hand, teacher, computer tech, roughneck, designer, retail clerk, welder, artist, and, yes, pool boy; with interests ranging from kayaking and hunting to painting and cooking, I draw from a wide range of life experiences to create written works that draw the reader in and wrap them in a good story.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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ARC Review: Rescue Me by Catherine Mann – Second Chance Ranch Series – Book 2

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Rescue Me

Second Chance Ranch Series – Book 2

By Catherine Mann

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Synopsis

Detective AJ Parker left undercover work in Atlanta to join a small-town Tennessee police force, hoping for an easier workload and the solitude of his cabin. But the scars left by AJ’s previous work are more difficult to escape than he thought…

 

Mary Hannah Gallo works with the Second Chance Ranch Animal Rescue to train therapy dogs for traumatized patients. It isn’t easy, but her life is under control—until she meets the broodingly sensual AJ, who rattles her composure all the way to her toes.

 

After an assignment confiscating dogs from a backyard breeder reveals a dangerous drug operation, AJ must work with sexy perfectionist Mary Hannah to train an abused rescue dog—a dog now named Holly. While Holly proves to these two very different people that opposites can, in fact, attract, she also knows more than a few explosive secrets that could heal—or divide—the entire town.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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Michel’s Review

Rescue Me is the second book in the Second Chance Ranch series by Catherine Mann. This series has a unique flavor too it and grips the readers heart. This series focuses on the battered souls of both humans and animals. It allows these wounded souls to take the journey of healing and becoming whole individuals together. It showcases the importance of love and acceptance all beings need to thrive in life.

What makes this series exceptional is Catherine Mann’s incredible writing talent. These books have been portrayed through the animal’s POV. She clearly shows the generosity and simplicity of the pure hearts these animals possess. She shows how the companionship between animal and man makes the soul thrive.

The formula for this book is quite simple. The emotional content is bountiful. The story is delightful.

Take one woman that is a reformed drug addict. That woman is trying to earn redemption and forgiveness for her past. Take a man, a burned out cop, trying to run from his demons. Add a nasty drug dealer/ meth producer that is a menace to society as well as abusive to animals. His heartless disregard for life  endangers all those he comes in contact with. Rescue a dog from that abusive dealer and give her a second chance at life. Her pure heart and gift of love will change both the woman and burned out man. She will bring these two people together and find a home for herself that is overflowing with love. The bad drug dealer will get what’s coming to him. Karma can be real vindictive.

Everything about Rescue Me worked. It is a story of healing. It is a story of many kinds of different love. It is a story of hope.

As an animal lover and owner of five rescue pets, this book touched my soul. I loved how Catherine Mann showed the world how animals can make a difference in our lives.

Author Bio:

Catherine MannUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, and Sourcebooks, with her work reprinted in more than twenty countries. She lives on the Florida coast where she and her military flyboy husband have brought up four children. An active volunteer with her local Humane Society, Catherine enjoys writing while foster puppies nap on her feet. FMI: http://catherinemann.com

 Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Excerpt Reveal + Giveaway : Forbidden Nights by Lauren Blakely – Seductive Nights Series – Book 5

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Forbidden Nights

By Lauren Blakely

Release Date : February 17, 2015

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ABOUT FORBIDDEN NIGHTS:

A smoldering and sensual standalone romance novel in the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Seductive Nights Series by Lauren Blakely…

Sinfully sexy hotel CEO Nate Harper knows exactly how to please a woman. He’s equally skilled in keeping his heart safe from the kind of hurt his ex inflicted on him years ago. But one thing he’s not so good at what-so-ever is getting his mind and all his dirty thoughts off the gorgeous, outgoing, and absolutely captivating Casey Sullivan, the new head of the Joy Delivered company.

They’ve been friends for years now, and Casey trusts Nate completely. So it makes perfect sense to her to ask him for hands-on guidance when she finds herself in need of some of his romantic expertise.

The trouble is, his heart may be signing up for more than it bargained for when he agrees to help her learn to abandon her need for control in the bedroom. Because as she experiences what it means to let go, he’ll start to experience what it means to feel again…

But what happens when all those forbidden nights turn into a deeper connection that’s much more than either bargained for?

*FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is a standalone full-length novel in the bestselling SEDUCTIVE NIGHTS series following the love affair of Nate and Casey. You can read it on its own, but you would likely enjoy the other books too.*

 

Pre-Order Your Copy Of FORBIDDEN NIGHTS coming February 17th Now!

Amazon ** Amazon UK ** iBooks US ** iBooks UK ** Kobo

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Excerpt

           He stood in the hallway wearing charcoal slacks, a crisp white shirt, and the navy tie. Her fingers itched to unknot that tie. He was rolling up the cuffs on one of the sleeves. A businessman at the end of the workday—that’s what she would’ve named this photograph of him that she took in her mind’s eye.

“Did you open the box?”

She shook her head. He entered her apartment and she let the door fall shut behind them with a click.

He strolled casually to her kitchen, leaned against the counter, and tapped the wood.

She understood. The game was on. They were playing their parts. Joining him in the kitchen, she grabbed the bottle of whiskey and poured him a glass, doing her best to keep her hands steady. She watched his every move as he knocked back the amber liquid. She imagined the burn in his throat. He set the glass down. It was nearly empty.

She stood near him, keenly aware that it was his move next.

This was a chess game, and she barely knew how to play. She swallowed dryly. Waiting. Uncertain.

She wanted a burn in her throat too. That would be better than all these nerves. She grabbed his glass and finished it.

“Do you want to open the box now?”

She nodded, grateful to have been given his direction. “Yes. I do.”

He tipped his forehead to the L-shaped couch in the living room.

She nodded briefly, and walked over to the couch. She sank down into the soft material, stretching her legs out in front of her on the lounge section, crossing them at the ankles. He joined her in the living room, choosing to sit on an ottoman, his knees spread, his hands resting on his thighs. “Open it now, Casey.”

Leaning forward, she reached for the black box and untied the bow, letting it fall to the floor. Gingerly, with nervous fingers, she lifted the top, shimmying it off. In seconds, she’d know what he’d planned, and a ribbon of excitement unfurled inside her from the possibilities. She wanted to say something, but words escaped her at that moment. She wasn’t sure how to vocalize all these unsteady feelings thrumming through her body.

Or if he would even respond.

Nate had always been easy to talk to. He’d always been chatty. But the man was wearing steely silence like a new coat. All his moves were measured, chosen carefully, designed to keep her guessing as to what he had in store for the evening.

She put the top of the box on the table, and the guessing game ended when she dipped her hands inside the box and withdrew a long, silky scrap of fabric—a blindfold. Next, she reached for a soft object, retrieving a feather tickler from his collection of goodies. Finally, there was a small riding crop, as if it had been made in miniature. Perhaps, so it didn’t seem so scary. She glanced up at him. His eyes seemed dark brown tonight. Gone was that warm golden color, replaced with a heat, a sensuality and blazing desire for her.

She trembled. “What do you want to use first?”

He didn’t answer her question. Instead, he issued an instruction. “Lie back. Close your eyes.”

She did as told, scooting into the couch. She hadn’t even turned on music, so she was keenly aware of every sound. Of the low hum from the refrigerator, of the far-off din of traffic, of the stirrings of a breeze. But there were no words from him. The silence vibrated between them as she waited, the world dark behind her eyelids.

His fingers found their way to the top of her stockings. Gently, he rolled them down, one by one, removing them, along with her shoes. “Don’t get me wrong. These are unbearably sexy, but I need your bare skin.”

Her world went pitch black. He had pressed the silk blindfold over her eyes. “This is about you. About all the things you can feel if you let go. With this on, all you can do is feel,” he said, low and husky, near her ear. Oh God, she was feeling everything. She was feeling the tight coil of desire deep inside her, and the fervent hope that he’d take her to the far edge of pleasure. That’s what she was feeling.

She drew a quick breath at the soft fluttery touch from a feather running along the inside of her calves. The feather brushed across her knee. Goosebumps rose on her flesh. Her skin felt electric as the feather travelled across her body, visiting her belly, teasing her breasts, trailing along her sides. When the sensations stopped briefly she wanted to ask what happened, until she felt the feather once more.

He was tracing the shell of her ear, and she gasped.

Warmth spread inside her body. She had no idea that being touched on her ear would be such a turn on. She had no notion either that she’d arch her back, seeking closeness, willing him to touch more, when he ran the feather down her arm, inside her elbow and across her wrist. “Your whole body is a playground,” he instructed. “For now, until you learn to thoroughly give up control, it will be my playground. Isn’t that right, Casey?”

She nodded and moaned her agreement in a voice she didn’t even recognize as her own.

“Then hike up your skirt for me,” he told her.

Instantly, she responded to his request. She reached for the hem, pulling it up. Her skirt was now bunched at her waist. He stopped, and hissed in his breath. His audible reaction to her body drove her arousal. They were a feedback loop of desire. She’d move; he’d admire. He’d say a dirty word; she’d heat up. They fed each other with this fevered kind of lust. She pictured him drinking her in, memorizing the way she looked half-undressed on her couch.

Then, she was alone again as she heard him rustling through the box. She knew what was in the box: three things. She was wearing one of them. The other one he had already used. That left only the one she feared. She tensed, waiting for soft to change to hard. For tenderness to turn to a sting.

She emitted a small cry at the first smack. He had flicked the crop once against the flesh of her outer thigh. He shifted to the other, flicking her there. She let out a tiny yelp. Reflexively, she closed her legs. She wasn’t sure if she liked the crop. She parted her lips to speak, but then his fingertip pressed softly against her mouth. “Shhh,” he said. “I can tell you don’t like it.”

In a second, he was trailing the crop down her chest, underneath her bra, and along her rib cage.

Then it was gone.

He must have lifted it in the air again, and she waited nervously for him to swat her. But instead, she felt something hard against the wet panel of her panties. He was using the riding crop against her clit, like a toy, turning something she hadn’t liked into something she enjoyed immensely now. He rubbed one end across her throbbing bundle of nerves, stroking her, sending the temperature inside of her through the roof. She sought more friction, more contact, lifting her hips closer. When he stopped, she heard a whooshing sound in the air, then a smack against the hardwood floors. He’d tossed it away.

Next was the weight of his body on hers, his soft voice in her ear, him whispering, “I never ever want to do something to you that you don’t like. Do you understand that?”

“Yes.”

“You should only feel pleasure with me. You should never feel anything less than desire,” he said, and he was Nate now, the man she trusted inside and out.

The next thing she knew the blindfold was falling loose, dropping to her nose, giving her sight again. There he was, raised on his arms above her, and smelling like sex.

Tonight. God, she hoped he’d take her tonight. Reaching behind her head, he untied the blindfold all the way, then brought it to her wrists, wrapping it around them in a circle, and binding them together in a tight knot.

“I’m going to undress you now.”

He laced his hands around her back, unhooked her bra, and freed her breasts. Then he unsnapped her skirt, tugged it down her hips, to her knees, and over her ankles, laying it neatly on the couch.

His eyes roamed her body, drinking her in from head to toe.

“The panties must go,” he said, a clear command, now back into character.

She held up her bound wrists as if to say you’re going to need to be the one to take them off.

In one swift move, his hands were on her hips, practically tearing them off, like a hungry, greedy man eager for the prize.

He stood and stepped away from her. He crossed his arms over his chest. “I want to watch you spread your legs for me. Do it nice and slow. Like a tease. Make me so fucking hard, harder than I already am, from the way you open your legs.”

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Author PhotoAbout 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, and Fighting Fire. She recently released Nights With Him, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book in that series is Forbidden Nights, releasing in early 2015. 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 ** Goodreads ** Novel Goodreads

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WIN AND CREATE YOUR FORBIDDEN GETAWAY!

Lauren Blakely does it again and brings readers more smoldering, sexy nights in her Seductive Nights Series with her newest novel, FORBIDDEN NIGHTS.

In Lauren Blakely’s newest Seductive Nights novel, Nate Harper knows exactly how to please a woman. And Casey Sullivan is convinced Nate is the one to give her some hands-on guidance. Lauren wants to deliver with some pleasure for her readers too — so she’s offering an extra special Forbidden Getaway GIVEAWAY with this novel!

Back by popular demand, Lauren Blakely has put together an extra special Forbidden Giveaway for her readers-The chance to win your very own Forbidden Night, Seductive Nights Style! This is your chance to create your own Forbidden Getaway! You’ll have the opportunity to win a night at your favorite hotel and dinner at your favorite restaurant, and all you have to do to enter is take the Be Seduced Trivia Quiz about the Seductive Nights Series in the back of the novel! This is your chance to discover a Forbidden Night of your own!* Readers can access the quiz in the eBook version of FORBIDDEN NIGHTS, and will have until February 21st to enter the quiz. To be clear, the back of the FORBIDDEN NIGHTS eBook is the ONLY location with the link to the quiz.**

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is the next novel in the Seductive Nights Series and can be read as a standalone.

*Forbidden Getaway giveaway is for a value of up to $500 only.

**Paperback only readers can contact Lauren Blakely directly about how to enter the contest.

forbidden nights coming soon
Giveaway
Signed Paperbacks of the Seductive Nights Series (One Winner – 3 books)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS by Lauren Blakely for cover reveal

Happy Release + Giveaway : Smoke Screen by Ahren Sanders

Title: Smokescreen
Author: Ahren Sanders 
Genre: Adult, Romance
Release Date: February 5, 2015
Stella Sullivan
Bright. Dedicated. Loyal.
The day I walked into his boardroom, I had no idea my life was about to change forever. It was supposed to be a simple proposal that would catapult my career. The chance to help Hurst & McCoy save one of their flailing business lines seemed simple enough. However, I never expected that one look at Maxwell McCoy would have me grasping for control. He’s demanding, charming, powerful; most of all he’s beautiful, inside and out. As hard as I fought against the attraction, he broke down my defenses. But he’s hiding things. Even when secrets, lies, and greed threaten everything I have worked so hard for, I couldn’t walk away. There’s no denying, the moment my eyes landed on Maxwell McCoy was the moment I became his.
Maxwell McCoy
Rich. Brilliant. Powerful.
People only see me as CEO of Hurst & McCoy. The ruthless businessman whose mere presence demands respect. People don’t know I chose to leave a life I loved in order to protect my father’s legacy and reputation. When my company’s future was threatened, I had no choice but to seek assistance. The day Stella Sullivan walked into my boardroom was the day my heart started beating again. One business proposal, from the topaz-eyed beauty, changed my life. She tried to deny our unyielding chemistry, but I wouldn’t. I should let her go, but I didn’t.
The smokescreen I created soon comes crashing down, forcing me to fight for everything I love.

Stella groans lightly and rolls over. I’ve been watching her from my desk for half an hour, trying not to wake her. But as soon as she realizes my side of the bed is empty, she sits up dazed. Her head turns toward the bathroom and then turns to me.

“What are you doing?” she asks sleepily.

“Working a bit.”

“What time is it?”

“A little after seven.”

“Why the hell are you up? Do you ever sleep?” She falls back onto my bed and the sheets slip down her naked body.

I jump to my feet and make my way to her side of the bed in a second. “Yeah, I slept, then I worked out, showered, and decided to work until you woke up.”

“You worked out? Showered? What the hell is wrong with you? I thought we weren’t going anywhere this morning.”

She throws an arm over her eyes and I take the opportunity to kiss the skin up to her elbow, then pull her arm down so she has no choice but to look at me.

“I didn’t go anywhere. I have a home gym down the hall. I showered because I was gross, and we are staying here this morning. We have a meeting at ten, but until then, it’s us.”

“You have a home gym? Where?”

“Yeah, babe, there’s about two thousand square feet you’ve not seen yet. Two more rooms and a gym.”

“What?”

“Babe, you’ve only been here a few times, I haven’t had time to show you.”

“This is a whole lot of information for me this early, without coffee. Remember I’m not a morning person.”

“So you keep saying, but I love proving you wrong.” I kiss her softly and slide my hand under the sheets and down until it reaches her pelvic bone.

My fingertips run lightly back and forth from hipbone to hipbone until her breath catches. Every time I hear that small sound, I know she’s getting turned on. Then my hand slinks lower to her slick heat and I press one finger in, sliding her wetness back and forth. “You are the best morning person I know.”

“That’s because you give me orgasms before my coffee.”

Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing. They have one amazing daughter.
Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand. I started writing my Surrender Series, in the spring of 2013 and have received incredible support from the Indie community. Throughout this year, I have been privileged to meet some amazing people that I am thankful to have in my life.
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Cover Reveal : Stone Walls by A. M. Madden

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Stone Walls ebook cover

Title: Stone Walls

Author: A.M. Madden

Anticipated Release Date: March 2015

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Benjamin Stone has an unrealistic determination to rid the streets of New York from any and all drug dealing scum. That determination quickly moves him and his partner, Rob Withers, up the ranks to Senior Narcotics Agents within their precinct. A new case assisting the FBI has Ben facing the ghosts of his past. Those same ghosts are the very reason he moved to New York to become a cop.

Ella Parker is bright, beautiful, kind, and severely damaged as a result of one tragic night in her past. Having lived an idealistic life, that horrific night sent her pretty castle of cards crumbling down. Forced to start over, she leans on her best friend, Andrea Hensen, to help her move on. With Andrea’s help, Ella quickly settles into her new life in New York City. It’s a safe and comfortable existence, albeit very boring.

Their paths may have never crossed, if it hadn’t been for their meddling best friends. Rob and Andrea believe that Ben and Ella are soul mates that were meant to be together, a perfect match. There’s one slight problem. Ben and Ella want no part of this matchmaking scheme. Funny thing about fate, it’s inevitable.

Or is it?

Can a truth cause the possibility of a happily ever after to crash and burn? Ben and Ella learn that sometimes truth isn’t the best answer. Sometimes ignorance is most definitely bliss.

Stone Walls full cover

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About the Author

AM Madden

Amazon Best Selling Author ~ A.M. Madden’s debut series is The Back-Up Series, which includes Back-Up, Front & Center, Encore, Backstage, and The Devil’s Lair. They are all available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In The Back-Up Series she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally. A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She also uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ tsu

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Purchase Her Other Books Today

The Back-Up Series

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

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ARC Review: Quarterback Draw by Jaci Burton – Play By Play Series- Book 9

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Quarterback Draw

Play By Play Series – Book 9

By Jaci Burton

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Synopsis

Playing For Keeps

Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.

Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn’t have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.

Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 Star Read

Michel’s Review

Most people say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. The cover for Quarterback Draw is one of the hottest covers I have seen. It definitely draws a reader to pick up this book. In this case, the book is just a yummy as the cover.

Quarterback Draw is another sexy addition to the Play By Play series by Jaci Burton. This is the ninth book in this successful erotic sports romance series. Jaci Burton has added another hot professional athlete to the roster of all stars.

Grant Cassidy is one of the hottest quarterbacks on and off the field. He takes the meaning of player to a whole new level until he meets Katrina Koslova. She’s a whole new game that he intends to win. This time there is more at stake than scoring. His heart has been engaged in the game.

Katrina is unlike all the other women Grant has encountered. She has more than her super model looks going for her. The one thing that sets her apart is the fact that even though she is attracted to him, she has flat out turned him down. The game is on.

Patience and persistence are the latest strategies in Grant’s game plan. Utilizing all the players in the game, namely Katrina’s brother and sister, to help him get his foot in the door is a brilliant game plan.

Although Katrina is extremely attracted to Grant, she can’t indulge in having a relationship. She has family responsibilities that come first. She is determined to raise her brother and sister and give them a better life than she was given.

As Grant and Katrina fumble around in the game of love the readers will be their number one fans. These two people are amazing. If Katrina can let her defenses down she will have the opportunity of winning the ultimate prize. She will win the love of a lifetime.

Quarterback Draw is hands down one of my favorite books in this series. Grant and Katrina were remarkable characters that were easy to relate to and easy to fall in love with. Their families added that extra something special that makes a book stand out. Their charm and dedication to Grant and Katrina was heartwarming.

One of the best parts of this book was the first Annual Cassidy Football Game. It was a riot and had me rolling with laughter.

Everything about the Quarterback Draw worked! I loved it!

Quarterback Draw can be read as a stand alone novel. It does not have to be read in series order.

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Author Bio:

51hqRDKx5VL._UX250_Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline, she can usually be found trying to convince her husband to remodel some room or another in their house (she blames HGTV for this). She loves gardening, sports, casinos and getting lost in a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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ARC Review: Rock Solid by Samantha Hunter

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By Samantha Hunter

Synopsis

Opposites ignite…

Champion stock car driver Brody Palmer’s bad-boy reputation has forced him into early retirement. What no one knows is that his “retirement” is actually a publicity stunt. All Brody has to do is clean up his act and settle down. Unfortunately, every single woman with a pulse is now gunning to become the new Mrs. Palmer.

Hannah Morgan needs to shake things up, and Brody is the best way to do just that. So they strike a deal—a fake relationship…with all of the sexy strings included! Brody gets his improved image, and Hannah gets a whole lot more of Brody’s unpredictable wildness. Hot days, hotter nights—it’s the perfect plan! Provided, of course, they don’t do something to wreck it, like fall for each other…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4 star read

Tina’s Review

Brody’s latest good deed lands him in a media shitstorm and his sponsors are threatening to pull out. It’s been proposed that he take a one-year retirement, during which time he’s expected to clean up his act and builder a more respectable image. But he’s ordered to keep it to himself, he cannot tell even his friends or family that the retirement is staged. Hannah quit her accounting job when she was once again passed up for a promotion, citing that she was “too safe” and needed to be more of a risk-taker. On that advise, she opts to travel the country and blog about the journey to finding a new job that better suited her. The two met a while back and had a month-long affair. When Hannah sees Brody on TV one night, she decides he may be the story she needs to break into photojounalism. He doesn’t want to lie to Hannah, but he needs a cover “girl” to keep the other women away. Because this story read like a “book 2”, my OCD demanded that I research why it felt like I should already have read and known the mutual friends of Brody and Hannah. Reece and Abby were featured in I’LL BE YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS (Dec.1. 2010).
The characters are well-written, even if Brody comes off as being rather dick-ish at first. Luckily that is squashed rather quickly. The plot is a little used, but it’s written in a way where it’s not old and tired. There’s a smooth flow. The conflicts were plentiful and most were resolved with not too much predictability. The conclusion was satisfying, however I feel this book could have greatly benefited from an epilogue.

Author Bio

261866Samantha Hunter lives in Syracuse, NY, where after working as a university writing instructor for ten years she’s began writing full-time at home. Her first book was a Harlequin Blaze, Virtually Perfect (July 2004), which was the very first book she ever wrote and submitted (so don’t think it can’t happen!). Since, she’s written seven more Blaze books, with more on the horizon.

When she’s not writing, reading about writing, thinking about writing, or talking about writing, Sam enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking with her husband and their dogs (usually picking his brain on plots and character development, or talking about books they are reading at the time), learning to quilt, working in the unruly gardens that surround her house and reading. Her favorite authors are too numerous to list. Growing up back when no one cared if kids watched eight hours of TV a day, she’s still an addict and some favorite TV shows are Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bones, Desperate Housewives, and most fantasy/adventure/comedy that focuses on rich characterization and compelling storylines.

Sam looks at life as a continuous story being played out around us, and writers are people who just happen to be paying attention at the time. She enjoys grasping what she can of those observations and transplanting them in books, weaving them into new tales, and hopes to be writing romance in all its different facets for many years to come.

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ARC Review: Hero by Samantha Young

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Hero

By Samantha Young

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Synopsis

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that her mother and she weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again….

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 Star Read

Tracey’s Review

Since finding out that she is the dirty little secret of the prestigious Holland family of Boston, Alexa Holland has not had the easiest life. Never feeling like she was enough for her father or his wealthy family, Alexa has worked hard to make a place for herself in the world. But Alexa is not the only casualty of Alistair Holland’s poor choices, and when she meets Caine Carraway, who has suffered his own loss at the hands of Alexa’s family, she is determined to make amends. Only Caine is not in the business of forgetting, or forgiving.

I love a book with a hot alpha man. And if the main female character is strong and self-sufficient, even better. I was hooked from the first page of HERO, because Samantha Young has written a story with stong characters, an intriguing plot, and lots and lots of hot and sexy scenes. Alexa is more than a product of her past. She’s been dealt a crummy hand, and has risen above it to make a life for herself that is a far cry from the shame of her childhood. She is smart and successful in her own right, and not afraid to speak her mind, which I love to see, because it makes for a much more interesting story. When Caine realizes who Alexa is, he is determined to exact revenge for his own suffering. But Alexa, being the strong woman that she is, refuses to make it easy for him, intent on helping him whether he wants it or not. With such strong main characters, the chemistry between the two of them was bound to be combustible, and Samantha does not disappoint. The spark between Alexa and Caine is immediate, undeniable, and white-hot. I could not put this book down because I was so invested in seeing how their relationship would play out.

The addition of extremely likable and entertaining supporting characters like Rachel, Effie, and Henry make this read even more enjoyable. As HERO is my first experience with Samantha’s books, I look forward to reading her others, and give this one five hot stars.

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Author Bio:

Samantha YoungSamantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She’s been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in twenty-eight countries.

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ARC Review: In His Keeping by Maya Banks – Slow Burn Series – Book 2

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In His Keeping

Slow Burn Series – Book 2

By Maya Banks

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Synopsis

Abandoned as a baby to a young wealthy couple and raised in a world of privilege, Arial has no hint of her past or who she belonged to. Her only link lies in the one thing that sets her apart from everyone else—telekinetic powers. Protected by her adoptive parents and hidden from the public to keep her gift secret, Ari is raised in the lap of luxury, and isolation. That is, until someone begins threatening her life.

Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. As the head of Deveraux Security, he’s more than familiar with the realities of physic powers. So when a family friend approaches him about protecting his daughter, he’s more than ready to jump on board. What Beau isn’t prepared for is the extent of his attraction to his beautiful and powerful client. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. Even if it costs him his life.

 Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4 star read

Michel’s Review

In His Keeping by Maya Banks is the second book in the Slow Burn series. This addition to the Slow Burn series was a vast improvement over the first book, Keep Me Safe. Maya Banks brought her A Game to this novel and delivered a story that fans have come to expect. This book had suspense, a touch of paranormal, a well executed plot and red hot romance. The characters were well developed. The pacing of the story was fluid and kept the reader engaged throughout the book.

Arial is a young woman with an extraordinary gift. She has telekinetic powers. Her adoptive parents hid her gift and taught her from a young age to hide this gift. They were fearful that the knowledge of this gift could bring harm to Arial if the wrong people found out about it. They kept her sheltered from the world. She has only had to depend on them. Their fears were valid. After a random video showcases Arial’s gift, trouble comes chasing her down. Arial has been attacked. She’s in danger and she needs help. Beau Deveraux from Deveraux Securities is the man she needs to protect her.

Beau Deveraux is the Deveraux brother known for his muscle. He has a military background. His training qualifies him as an expert bodyguard and security agent. He’s the quiet Deveraux brother that stays behind the scenes, observes, and uses force when necessary. He is rough around the edges and has very little tact. He is content with being single and has no desire to engage in any other kind of relationship with a woman unless it is just sex. His opinions change when he meets Arial. He will do anything to protect her and claim her.

When Arial and her parents are kidnapped, secrets begin to unfold about Arial’s past and bloodline. A secret organization wants to get their hands on her and use her gift  for diabolical purposes. Arial’s inner strength kicks in and she becomes a force to be reckoned with. Beau will do everything in his power to rescue and protect the woman he loves.

This story had all the elements the readers have come to expect from a Maya Banks novel. I loved the strong Deveraux family unit, the hot alpha males, the strong but vulnerable heroine, the sizzling sexual chemistry, and fast paced action.

The only thing I struggled with is the insta love between the characters. I like to see a relationship develop between the characters. I want to experience the mental foreplay along with the sexual foreplay. I want to see them grow as a couple.

Overall In His Keeping was a good book. I am looking forward to the next book in the Slow Burn series.

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Author Bio:
&nbsp:maya banksMaya Banks lives in Texas with her husband, three children and assortment of pets. When she’s not writing, she can be found hunting, fishing or playing poker.

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Cover Reveal: Bride In Bloom by J. B. Hartnett

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Bride In Bloom

Release Date: March 12, 2015

By J. B. Hartnett

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Synopsis

For Victoria, it started with the perfect dress and the prefect man…well, she thought he was perfect.

For Cameron, it started with a devoted wife and a bright future…until he discovered devotion was never high on his wife’s list of marital duties.

When trust is tested and faith in the power of true love is lost, there is only way one to restore it:

Give that person everything you’ve got, nurture it, love it…

And watch her bloom.

Teaser

After we listened to his one sided argument, my girlfriends and I sat there stunned.

“Remind me to change my panties,” Dee stage whispered to Kath. When he was off the phone, the petite Dee with her dark brown hair and big blue eyes looked at Cam and said, “I will pay you every dollar in my bank account to talk that way to me.”

He jerked his head toward her. “Excuse me?”

“Your voice is like hot fudge dripping off the end of a spoon.” He did have a terrific voice.

“It’s the beard,” I said to my friends. “It makes me want to just climb up onto his face, grab onto his man-mane and take a ride. Did I just say that out loud?”

 About J. B. Hartnett

j.b. hartnettJulie is a Southern California native, a fan of a really good story (preferably romance with a happily ever after), really good pie (preferably pumpkin) and copious amounts of coffee (preferably Folgers).

She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she could be a singer songwriter…the ‘writer’ part is the one that stuck.

Julie is obsessed with pi…the equation(and the food). She’s allergic to cats and cantaloupe and hates mushrooms…so if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.She currently lives with her own romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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