ARC Review + 2014 Favorite : The Pact by Karina Halle

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The Pact

Contemporary Romance

By Karina Halle

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Synopsis

***SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICING – $0.99 UNTIL JANUARY 1st***

*The Pact is a FULL-LENGTH
*STANDALONE (not part of a series)
*”FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS” CONTEMPORARY ADULT ROMANCE

It all started with a pinky swear…

Linden McGregor is tall, rugged, and gunslinger handsome; a helicopter pilot with a Scottish brogue and charm to spare. He’s also one of Stephanie Robson’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as she’s known him.

Beautiful, funny and an ambitious businesswoman (with one hell of an ass), Stephanie Robson is one of Linden McGregor’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as he’s known her.

But some relationships can’t be boxed, can’t be classified, can’t be tamed.

Back in their mid-twenties and tired of the competitive hit-or-miss dating scene of San Francisco, Steph and Linden made a pact to marry each other if neither one of them were in a serious relationship by the time they hit thirty.

It sounded like fun and games at the time but as the years to thirty tick past and lovers come and go out of their lives, the pact becomes larger than life.

Sex is inevitable. Friendships are tested. Hearts are on the line.

The pact is about to change everything.

Note: due to the dirty talk and sexy times, The Pact is not meant for anyone under the age of 18. All characters in THE PACT are in their thirties, therefore this is NOT a new adult book…even though love can mess you up at any age.

Buy: Amazon 

5 star

2014 Favorite

Robin’s Review

In her acknowledgements, Karina Halle mentioned she had no plans to write The Pact. She had other novels planned – novels that had been planned for some time. But inspiration can strike at the oddest times, and this time it struck when Halle was reading a magazine as she was waiting to board a plane to whisk her away to Hawaii. In just three short weeks – on her vacation, no less! – Karina Halle wrote The Pact. She wrote every single day while she was in Hawaii, sharing “….it all came so easily, I just couldn’t stop. It was a hell of a lot of fun.” Sometimes you just have to take an idea and run with it.

Stephanie Robson calls him Cowboy. Linden McGregor calls her Baby Blue. Linden has a Scottish brogue accent and beard. Steph has newly dyed jet-black hair and blue eyes. Linden is self-assured, handsome, ambitious and intense. He has a BA in business and is close to getting his helicopter pilot’s license. Steph is beautiful and smart. She runs a clothing store in San Francisco, but aspires to open her own clothing boutique. Linden has hair the color of mahogany and dark blue eyes. He’s a womanizer and self-centered. Together Linden and Steph are best friends.

Linden has a proposition for Stephanie. It’s her birthday, and they are both perched on barstools at The Burgundy Lion in San Francisco. Both of them are now in their twenty-fifth year. They have each struggled with dead-end relationships for years. Linden tells Steph they are good for each other. Compatible. They make sense together. He proposes that the two of them should agree to marry each other if neither are in a serious relationship by the time they turn thirty. Certain that Linden is joking around, Steph agrees to his proposal with a pinky swear and the pact is born!

We were told The Pact would be a different type of novel for Karina Halle. Her usual repertoire consists of gritty, dark romance, horror romance, and new adult contemporary romance. The Pact is classified as adult contemporary romance and is narrated from dual points of view. It’s sexy and fun and has a lighter feel to it. Many of you who follow my reviews know that I absolutely love reading stories about friends who become lovers. There was the perfect amount of sweetness and angst in The Pact. All of these features combined to put a huge smile on my face after finishing the story!

Before I end this review, I need to mention the writing. I truly appreciate and respect the talented writing of this author. How many authors are capable of writing an unplanned full-length novel in three weeks? Of this quality? During their spare time while on vacation? And it’s not just the story, itself. It’s the attention to detail. Pay close attention to the adjectives, adverbs, and descriptions Halle weaves into her writing. She appeals to the senses of her readers. Her attention to detail results in bringing the scenes she is writing to life. Karina Halle is very diverse in her writing. It’s true. The Pact is unlike any of her previous novels, and I think this 5-star novel will appeal to many new readers who love the adult contemporary romance genre!
Author Bio:

Halle HeadshotWith her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiancé and rescue pup.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Review: Curtains- Sexual Awakenings Vol. 4 by Angelica Chase – Sexual Awakenings Series- Final Book

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Curtains

Sexual Awakenings Series -Book 4

By Angelica Chase

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Synopsis

It’s not him, it’s her.

Violet

Rhys had just torn my heart apart with his admission. A common
bond—one that had completely ruined my former life and forever altered his—was once again threatening to destroy my world. I hate our pasts, and right now, I hate him for his.

Rhys

She blames me for the truth—a truth I had no idea existed.
I’ve tried to protect her from the ugliness that came with loving me. I don’t know if she will ever move on from what I never saw coming.
This is book four of a four part serial.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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5 star

Tracey’s Review

‘The term “curtain call” is used to describe a sequence at the end of a performance, featuring each main character, which results in a similar individual recognition of each actor by the audience as would occur in a stage curtain call.’

The first three installments of the Sexual Awakenings series by Angelica Chase have focused on the evolving relationship between Rhys and Violet. The tempo of the dance between the two of them has steadily increased, reached its crescendo, and brought them here, to their grand finale. In CURTAINS, we, as readers, get to see things from both Rhys’ and Violet’s point of view, gaining some insight as to what has led them both to this point in their lives and their relationship with each other. I enjoyed finally getting a glimpse into what had shaped Rhys, what had led to his relationship with Sandra, and, ultimately, to his desire to be with Violet. Violet, for her part, is finally able to put her past with Alex behind her, and to be comfortable and secure in what she’s found with Rhys. Both Rhys and Violet are able to take their final positions on the stage of their performance, and to bring down the curtain on past events once and for all.

Angelica Chase did a great job of writing a fast-paced and engaging series that had me hooked from page one. I have looked forward to each next book, watching both Rhys and Violet change in ways that ultimately brought them to exactly where they needed to be. Their interactions are always intense and almost always hot and sexy. Having read each book and waited impatiently for the next, I am completely happy with how things were wrapped up. The epilogue in this book lends the perfect touch, closing things out with a bang, which is nothing less than I’ve come to expect and enjoy from Angelica. Once again, 5 steam, sexy, and extremely satisfying stars.

The Sexual Awakening Series

cover The waltzSexual Awakenings

Volume One: The Waltz

By Angelica Chase

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Synopsis

You know what they say… One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

After sacrificing years of my life on a cheating husband, I’d had enough. I set out to quench a thirst I had ignored for years. I gave myself one year to explore my sexuality—to delve into my deepest, darkest desires. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I would have my sexual revolution. I would have my … awakening.

Unsure of where to start, I took a risk to make myself seen. Little did I know, the man who saw me would give me everything I ever wanted, one sweet orgasm at a time.

Diving into the world of both pleasure and pain, I was sure with Rhys I had found what I’d been missing … until he took it away.

Filthy Erotic Romance. For Mature Audiences only. Extremely Explicit Sex. Strong Language.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Tango cover

Sexual Awakenings Vol. 2

The Tango

By Angelica Chase

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Synopsis

Weeks passed without hearing from Rhys; then I received a text that shook me to my core.

The Barracks. One hour. RED

I lied, he’s angry, and I’m about to pay for my lie with a pound of flesh.

RED.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. He blurred the lines and I stepped right over. Now I was facing his wrath, and my undeniable feelings for him. I had to find a way to make things right.

RED.

Rhys felt threatened by my secret, but little did I know, he was hiding one of his own.

FILTHY EROTIC ROMANCE. EXTREMELY EXPLICIT SEX. STRONG LANGUAGE

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble 


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Sexual Awakenings Vol. 3

The Last Dance

By Angelica Chase

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Synopsis

Rhys

I was on my way out of the life when she came barging in with her new appetite and unrealistic expectations of what a Dom should be. All I had left to do to break free was sell the club and walk away. Now I found I had something to walk toward. And for the first time in my life, I hoped I’d be enough for a woman.

Caring for a woman was easy for me. I had always cared for different women for different reasons. Loving a woman had always been quite a bit harder.

Doms don’t have to say I love you.

 

Violet

The last two months of my life had altered me in ways I could never have imagined. When I set out to discover myself sexually, I never expected to fall in love with the only man who calmed my world and both tortured and soothed my senses. I’d been snapped out of my fantasy by the latest slap of reality.

Little did I know … reality wasn’t finished with me yet.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

 

9085278Connect With Angelica Chase

 

Facebook ~ Goodreads ~Twitter – TSU

 

 

 

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Review: Glitter and Grit by Jessie Evans- Lonesome Point, Texas Series- Book 4

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Glitter and Grit

Lonesome Point, Texas Series – Book 4

By Jessie Evans

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Synopsis

A sexy small town romance from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans

This ride is going to last a lot longer than eight seconds…

Female professional bull rider, Reece Hearst, graduated from the school of hard knocks. With honors. Because life is like bull riding–when it sends you to the dirt, you do whatever it takes to get on your feet, even if you have to crawl. Like when officials stripped her of her rodeo queen title on the basis of vicious gossip years ago and not even her father would believe her side of the story. Reece could have stayed in the dust, wallowing. Instead, she fixed Lonesome Point in her rearview, joined the pro circuit, and never looked back. But now a serious injury threatens to end her career and she’s back in Lonesome Point, living next door to the family that once made her life a living hell.

After multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and his father’s death, all Grayson Parker wants is to get his family’s cattle business back in the black and live a quiet life. But the return of Reece Hearst opens old wounds, throwing his ordered world into chaos. Grayson was serving overseas when Reece was a teenager and can’t believe the girl he once knew has grown into a heartbreaker as hardened as she is beautiful.

Grayson finds a kindred spirit in wounded Reece and soon longs to be the man to show her that there is life after pain and loss. But can two people as damaged as Reece and Grayson find their way to happily ever after? Or will the scars on their hearts forever keep them apart?

Lonesome Point Texas Series:
LEATHER AND LACE
SADDLES AND SIN
DIAMONDS AND DUST
Twelve Dates of Christmas: The Ballad of Lula Jo
GLITTER AND GRIT
CHAPS AND CHANCE (2015)
ROPES AND REVENGE (2015)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 star

Tracey’s Review

Grayson Parker’s return home to Lonesome Point isn’t exactly a happy homecoming. Not only is he having to work to rebuild his family ranch, he’s also taking care of his sister, Layla, who has come back home to escape an abusive marriage. Reece Hearst, hometown girl and rodeo star, is hiding from some things herself, and hopes that a quick trip back to the town she couldn’t wait to leave will give her the respite that she’s looking for. When Reece approaches him in a bar on Christmas Eve looking for some no-strings fun (the kind that he hasn’t been interested in for a very long time), Grayson can’t help but be intrigued. Reece is like no woman he’s ever met, and the sparks are flying like crazy in no time.

Each time I read the newest book in the Lonesome Point, TX, series by Jessie Evans, I think it’s the best one yet. Every single time. And, whichever book it is, it IS the best, every single time. I have fallen in love with each of her strong and sexy cowboys, with each spunky heroine, that inhabit this little town in Texas. Jessie has created characters that touch the heart, that draw me, as a reader, in, and keep me turning the pages until I’ve taken in every word. GLITTER AND GRIT, Jessie’s latest Lonesome Point book, continues the trend, in such a wonderful way. Grayson is probably one of my favorite of Jessie’s men to date. He’s honorable, strong, committed to those that he loves, and not afraid to go after what he wants. Reece, too, is her own person. She’s gone through a lot, and is afraid to form deep bonds because of it. Seeing her evolve into a woman willing to take on her demons and emerge not only victorious, but free to grow into a woman able to forgive and love, is absolutely heartwarming. Grayson and Reece both have baggage, and some heavy stuff at that. Uncomfortable issues are raised in this book, things that are all too present in the real world, but, in typical Jessie fashion, the darkness is conquered with love. There is humor, seriously hot sexy times, witty banter, and the kind of love that makes my toes tingle because it’s just SO wonderful. Talk about ‘feels,’ this book is full of them.

Jessie has raised the bar with each new book, so I’m waiting to see what’s next for Lonesome Point. I’m really hoping that Layla and Cole get their book next, because the seeds were sown in GLITTER AND GRIT, and I’m definitely ready to see where those two go. No matter which book is next, though, it can’t come soon enough. 5+ ‘get this book and read it now’ stars.

About Jessie Evans

7302050New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Before Ryan Was Mine by Kahlen Aymes- A Prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy

before Ryan Was Mine coverBefore Ryan Was Mine

Prequel to The Remembrance Trilogy

By Kahlen Aymes

Release Date: December 16, 2014

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Synopsis

When Ryan Matthews meets Julia Abbott for the first time at Stanford University, he immediately knows she will change his life. They have an instant, unbreakable connection that goes beyond partying and palpable attraction. Although his intelligence and good looks land him any girl he wants, Ryan hesitates to cross that line with Julia because she quickly becomes the best friend he’s ever had.

Both secretly in love, Ryan and Julia are terrified to take the chance that could mean the loss of the very person they don’t want to lose. As the bond between them grows stronger, they are both miserable as they are forced to watch as they each date other people. But will Ryan’s all-consuming jealousy and Julia’s deeply broken heart torment them enough to make one or both walk away?

Join Ryan and Julia on the beginning of the journey that has made Kahlen Aymes’ Remembrance Trilogy an international bestselling favorite among her readers. This book was written after The Trilogy was finished due to an abundance of reader requests for more of Ryan and Julia’s story.

And so…

The Mad, Mad Love Begins…

Buy:  Amazon /Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

before ryan was mine

Excerpt

~Ryan

The biggest moment of my life found me unexpectedly. It crept up softly, and settled around me like a fuzzy blanket. A mere whisper; it hit me like a sledgehammer. At the time, I knew it was significant, but I didn’t realize just how those few seconds would change absolutely everything: how one brief glance could leave such an indelible stamp on the remainder of my life. It would become a contradiction; an unstoppable force that would send me reeling out of my control, churning and shredding my emotions, but create the most incredible contentment I’d ever feel. Contentment that could wrap me up in a warm, safe place or devastate me to the core and leave my heart in shambles. It would become years of want and pain, lust and love… It would hurt like the deepest hell, but become the most euphoric and precious ecstasy I’d ever know. I’d never forget that day, that moment; that glance.

It would wreck me. It would make me.

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5 star

Michel’s Review

Before Ryan Was Mine is the prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy. To those who have read the Remembrance Trilogy, this book is special treat. To those who have not read the Remembrance Trilogy, it is a delicious appetizer of what is to come.

The Remembrance Trilogy is an epic love story that spans over a decade. The love that Ryan and Julia share will touch your heart in so many ways. They will experience friendship, passion, heartbreak, confusion, trauma, and an unending dedication to one another. The highs and lows in their lives are what makes them a strong couple. The title of this series, The Remembrance Trilogy, is perfect because Ryan and Julia’s love story is unforgettable.

The prequel was published after the series released. It is a great way for fans of the series to experience Ryan and Julia meeting and building a friendship. For newbies to this series, it will get them hooked because of the friendship that Ryan and Julia share.

Kahlen Aymes reached deep when she created these characters. Their story is beautifully written.

This series is a must read. It is unforgettable. Ryan and Julia will capture your heart.

Kahlen collage

The Remembrance Trilogy

The Future Of Our Past

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Don’t Forget To Remember Me

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

A Love Like This

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Remembrance Trilogy -Books 1-3

Barnes and Noble / ITunes

 

Author Bio:

kahlen bioI’m a single mother of one daughter, Olivia. She’s amazing in every way.

I was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

I’ve always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. I decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of my stories and my overwhelming desire to find out where my characters would take me, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than I. When readers began nominating my work for online awards, it took my breath away and only made me love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, my focus.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff- Review- Play Me Real – Book 4

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The Play Me Series 

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Real – Book 4

91GnOG1-0RL._SL1500_How do you know when something’s real? In the steamy fourth installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, a devastating betrayal unravels a fierce yet tender connection.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Aria has learned to play Sebastian’s game. She’s given him control, taken it back, and let him push her farther than she ever imagined she could go. But when Sebastian’s past comes to light, Aria receives a glimpse behind the facade—a revelation that disturbs her even as it makes her feel closer to this simmering, complicated man. Finally she comes to understand the real reason why Sebastian feels the need to dominate everything in his path. But Aria has a tortured history, too. And together they’re a dangerous combination. Now she’s the one pushing Sebastian to the breaking point . . . and if one of them burns up, they’ll both go down together.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story concludes in Play Me: Right.

AmazonBarnes and Noble / ITunes

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The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series.  This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas.  There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length.  Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued.  Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more.  The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book.  The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal.  Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot.  Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves.  Their story is thrilling in so many ways.  From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014.  Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out.  The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market.  The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses.  It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

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5 starPlay Me Real is the fourth volume in the Play Me series.

This book is where readers are given a real insight to the secrets that both Aria and Sebastian are hiding.

Aria has kept her family background a secret.  We know that she has a sister that she will do anything for.  We know her parents betrayed her in an unspeakable way.  We also know she ran from her family and refuses to look back.  When she finally faces her father it will send her reeling into Sebastian’s arms.  But is she ready to divulge her secret to him.

Sebastian is haunted by his past in Vegas.  He should be the Vegas golden child.  He resents and hates every bit of his legacy as well as his past.  He has hated his father with a passion.  Now faced with some of the truths from the past, he will have to figure out how to deal with these truths.

Ethan Frost and his fiancé, Chloe enter into this book.  They are staying at Sebastian’s hotel to celebrate their engagement.  Ethan is also there to dig up some information on his dangerous enemy he plans to take down.  Once he tells Sebastian about the enemy he is out to destroy, Sebastian is on board.  He has hated the same man for most of his life.  That man is responsible for his haunted in past in many ways.

Sebastian and Aria need to come clean with one another and reveal all their hidden secrets.  Play Me Real will end on another cliffhanger that will have the readers biting on the bits for the final book, Play Me Right.

Author Bio:

tracy wolffTracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

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The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride

A Holiday Romance

Heroes of Chance Creek Series – Book 4

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Synopsis

It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style!

Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five!

The Navy SEAL’s Christmas Bride is a Heroes of Chance Creek novella, and has also been featured in the SEALs of Winter box set.

Pre Order: Amazon

Also Available

Seals of Winter Boxed Set

Amazon

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5

Michel’s Review

Want to spend the holidays with some very hot military men and military woman?  Spend it with the Heroes of Chance Creek.

Dan Hemmins is retiring his Navy Seal career.  He is hoping to start up a new business.  He wants to build a camp where civilians can go and do some of the training exercises that Navy Seals and military special ops have to go through in order to serve.  He is hoping to get some of his friends at Crescent Hall to come on board in this new endeavor.  What a great way to spend the holidays, reconnecting with friends and finding a new team in civilian life.  What he didn’t count on was Sarah Metlin.  Sarah has the potential to become his partner in every way.  That is if he can drop his caveman attitude and give Sarah the respect she has hard earned and deserves.

Sarah has served in the Army for years.  She has trained hard and is disappointed that they will not allow women in the special forces.  She has reached her limit as to be told what women can and can’t do.  Maybe it’s time for a career change.  Maybe it’s time for some life changes.  When she goes to spend the holiday with her friends in Montana she meets another man that has that same kind of attitude.  A Navy Seal that thinks he’s superior to a mere enlisted soldier.  He has another thing coming.  She is going to show him what a woman soldier can do.

The bets are on.  It’s a battle of the sexes.  It’s a battle of the different armed forces.  Little do Dan and Sarah realize is that it is a battle of the heart.  They are going to get the best Christmas gift of all.  Love.  That is if they can stop competing with one another.

I loved this book.  It was fun and light hearted.  Watching a woman show up the men was downright awesome.  The chemistry between Dan and Sarah is so hot that it could melt one of the glaciers.  Readers …you are in for a very special treat.  Dan and Sarah are going to create their own little special ops task in the bedroom.

I highly recommend this book. I am going to read this entire series. I loved the characters and their own little family unit.

Author Bio:

51fH6sSMLmL._UX250_USA Today and NYT Times bestselling author Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle nine years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia.

Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff-Review- Play Me Hard – Book 3

tracy wolff series

The Play Me Series 

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hard – Book 3

812GMTWuZWL._SL1500_No one ever said love is easy. In the third installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian discover that building trust might be harder than they ever imagined.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Ever since taking Aria under his wing and into his seductive domain, Sebastian hasn’t been able to think straight. Their chemistry is intoxicating. Their power exchange is exhilarating. And the sex leaves them both absolutely exhausted. But if there’s one thing Sebastian does know, it’s that he needs to protect this strong yet vulnerable woman. Because she has depths that are unknown—even to her. Aria has worked hard to establish herself as anything but submissive. That isn’t who she is, or who she wants to be. So why does it feel so sweet to give up control . . . and so intense when Sebastian takes care of needs she doesn’t even realize she has? But he has needs of his own—and secrets that run just as dark and deep as Aria’s.

 AmazonBarnes and Noble / ITunes

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The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series.  This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas.  There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length.  Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued.  Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more.  The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book.  The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal.  Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot.  Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves.  Their story is thrilling in so many ways.  From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014.  Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out.  The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market.  The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses.  It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

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5 starPlay Me Hard is my favorite book in this series so far.  This book picked up where the last book left off.  Sebastian is doing what he was supposed to do after his and Aria’s erotic sexual combustion.  He is taking care of Aria the way a Dom is supposed to.  The way a man should treat a woman that has given him a precious gift.

This book made me fall in love with both Sebastian and Aria.  We got a glimpse of their personalities, odd little quirks, and funky little habits that make them unique individuals. Rather than exploring their sexual attraction, they were taking the time to get to know one another.  It was very endearing and made their characters more human.

Even though Sebastian and Aria are on somewhat good terms.  We discover that Sebastian is hiding some secrets of his own.  The revelation comes at Aria’s apartment building and leaves the readers antsy to find out what he is hiding.  I guess we will have to read the next book to find out!

I am really enjoying the Play Me Series.

Author Bio:

tracy wolffTracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

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Merry Christmas, Baby 

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

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Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

4

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

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All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

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Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

5

Michel’s Review

Wow!  All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch!  I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions.  The story was beautifully written.  Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces.  Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans.  They have chosen a career that serves and protects.  Their jobs are 24/7.  They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives.  There isn’t down time when deployed.  There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind.  Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities.  It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground.  It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment.  Danger is a constant threat.  Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved.  No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple.  They are not married but have been together for years.  They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship.  With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter.  Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation.  Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues.  She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb.  Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves.  He understands what she is dealing with.  Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes.  She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional.  It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live.  The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays.  They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

Read This Book!

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Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff – Review for Play Me Hot – Book 2

tracy wolff series

The Play Me Series 

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hot – Book 2

playme2Return to a world of secrets and desires. In the sultry second installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian turn up the heat. But will they get burned?

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

If getting tangled up with her new boss is wrong, Aria doesn’t want to be right. Powerful men usually have a way of thinking they can take whatever they want while giving nothing back, but Sebastian is different. He’s gentle with her body. Rough in all the right places. And hot enough to make Aria break every last rule she’s set for herself. But with her history, it’ll take more than mind-blowing sex to heal the pain deep inside . . . no matter how good Sebastian’s intentions are. She’s spent her entire life fighting for control of her own life, and no one’s going to take that from her. But the more time she spends in Sebastian’s world, the deeper she’s drawn into his sensual games.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story continues in Play Me: Hard.

Buy: AmazonBarnes and Noble / ITunes

__________________________________________________________________________
The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series.  This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas.  There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length.  Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued.  Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more.  The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book.  The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal.  Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot.  Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves.  Their story is thrilling in so many ways.  From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014.  Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out.  The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market.  The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses.  It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

_________________________________________________________________________

5 starPlay Me Hot is the second book in the Play Me Series.  Hot is not the right word to describe this book.  It was BLAZING!

Play Me Wild finished on a cliffhanger.  Sebastian and Aria have met for the first time in his office.  He quickly recognized that she was like him.  A person that had to be in control at all times.  He admired her strength and willpower, but he also saw that she needed something else.  He saw that she needed to learn the true meaning of control.  He is a master Dom and has learned to that the true power and absolute contra is totally in the Sub’s hands.  He wants to give her that power.  But before he can properly lead her down that road, his attraction to her gets the best of him.  He takes this attraction between them further than he intended.  He lets his desire take control of him.  Together they are explosive.  Although Sebastian has control over her sexually, he does not have her mental submission.  Their explosive sex was the best he has ever had but he let his duties fall by the wayside.  He took Aria to her subspace but did not take the proper steps in bringing her back to a normal level.  His loss of control and failure to do his duties puts Aria in a very bad way.  Will he recognize his failure in time or will Aria fall apart on the job?

Sebastian is a determined man.  He will take control.  He will take Aria to the place she needs to be and he will rectify his mistakes.  Play Me Hot ends on less of a cliffhanger but dangles enough teasers that the reader wants to get to Play Me Hard, Book 3.

I am hooked on the Play Me Series.  I can’t wait to see where this story is going to lead.

Author Bio:

tracy wolffTracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Holiday Review: Second Chance Holiday by Aurora Rose Reynolds

holiday reviews copy

second chance holiday aurora

Second Chance Holiday

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

57761-addtogoodreads

Synopsis

Mike Rouger isn’t looking for love. He decided long ago that he would rather stay single than get mixed up with a woman again. Then Kathleen Mullings comes back into his life with her teenage son and changes everything. What happens when a man set in his ways meets a sassy woman who knows what she wants? Mix in the Mayson clan and the Christmas season and you’re sure to enjoy the ride of Second Chance Holiday.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5

Michel’s Review

Are you a fan of the Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds?  She has given the readers a very special gift for the holidays.  She gave us Mike Rouger’s story.  Yes, November’s dad is finally going to meet his match and settle down.

Mike has been a die hard bachelor since November’s mother left him when November was a baby.  Being the owner of a strip bar would give the impression that Mike is a player and doesn’t value committed relationships.  That is quite the opposite of the kind of man he really is.  He is a man of honor.  A man with strong family values.  He is a man that has earned respect and given respect to all those who cross his path.  He takes his business seriously and treats his help with the utmost respect.  He is also a very lonely man.  He lives his life quietly.  He spends his time with his daughter and his precious granddaughters.  Who would think that a man pushing his mid forties would find love and happiness.  Who would think that he would be gifted with another chance to have the family he always wanted?  Who would think that he would become a father figure to a very troubled teenage boy.  But there’s more, Mike was granted the ultimate Christmas gift.  He has been given a Christmas miracle.

When Kathleen Mullings runs into her high school crush after twenty years she is still in awe of the man he has become.  He is just as attractive and tempting as he was in high school.  She has moved back to Tennessee after a failed marriage. She never imagined she would want to be in another relationship.  She has a troubled teenage son that needs direction and guidance toward the right paths in life.  He is the reason she returned home.  Can she get involved in a relationship with Mike?  Will he accept her son?  Or will they be casual plus ones?

Mike and Kathleen are in for some big surprises.  They have been given a second chance and they are both determined to make the most of it.  They will be given a Christmas Miracle that will give the Rouger / Mayson clan joy for many years.

I highly recommend this Christmas novella.  It is the perfect holiday romance that will warm your days and make them brighter.  This novella can be read as a stand alone book or in series order.

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

aurora bioAurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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