Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Posted on 08/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Ugly Love

By Colleen Hoover

Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with a new heart-wrenching love story.

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn’t think it’s love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.

Promises get broken.

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Wow! Ugly Love is one of those books that steps outside of the usual expectations in the romance genre. The entire formula in this contemporary romance is remixed, tossed around, broken down, and is put back together with a whole new shape and form. But the end result is beyond words. It is worth the emotional journey and in the end I think the characters learn that there is more than one definition of love and that each definition should be treasured.

Colleen Hoover creates extraordinary characters out of ordinary people that are just doing what they can to manage their own lives. She allows them to experience the good and the bad. She allows them to react to their lives in a very realistic way. She gives them strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and an individuality that makes them unique. She breathes life into these characters and they jump off the pages screaming for us readers accept them, love them, cheer them on, value their thoughts, and embrace their story. Ugly Love will do that and more. Miles Archer and Tate Collins will grab your hearts and not let go.

I cannot say too much about the overall story because it would give away too many spoilers. I will say that the title of this book is absolutely perfect for this story. The reader will find many hidden messages in the passages that will render them speechless. These passages will also make the reader appreciate the loves in their lives and the relationships they have experienced.

Miles Archer has seen the ugly side of love. He has been emotionally paralyzed because of that ugliness.

Tate Collins has experienced love but not in a deep and meaningful capacity. She thinks she can handle Miles Archer and his relationship issues. What she doesn’t realize is that she can’t handle her own heart.

Hearts will be broken, hearts will be shattered, and love will rear its ugly head. Eyes will be opened and the view will change. In the end it will be up to Tate and Miles to decide whether to stop and enjoy the view or to move past it without a glance.

With that said the only analogy I can come up with for this book is that we are all gardeners in life. We can plant the seed, watch evolve from a seedling to a bud. We will witness this bud open into a beautiful bloom. This bloom is so beautiful we will want to pick it and keep it close to us. But like most beautiful things, once it is picked the beauty will only be fleeting even though we have put it in water to keep it’s beauty. We will watch this beautiful bloom wilt, begin to fade, and eventually decay. But because this blooms’ beauty touched our hearts we want to preserve it’s memory by pressing it in a book. The memory of its beauty has been preserved but the actual bloom we were so taken with is in fact an ugly dead flower.

But if we learn from this experience we can plant a new garden. We can plant the seed, nourish it, tend to it, let it pollenate, allow it to bloom into it’s full beauty, and let it go through it’s cycle in life. It’s okay to allow the weeds in the garden. It is okay to let nature take its course.

Ugly Love is that garden in Miles Archer and Tate Collins lives. It will be up to them how they chose to tend their garden.

I highly recommend Ugly Love.

Author Bio:

Colleen Hoover’s love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled “Mystery Bob” and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest. Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, “Slammed.” She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT’s bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT’s bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term “author” still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn’t work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting. Colleen’s newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.

You can follow Colleen on Instagram and Twitter @colleenhoover. You can also find her on her blog at http://www.colleenhoover.com where she holds a daily book-a-day giveaway, or on her very active Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover where she loves to give away more free stuff when her husband isn’t looking.

Colleen also wants the world to know that writing short biographies in third person is incredibly awkward.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Rogue by Katy Evans- The Real Series- Book 4

Posted on 08/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Rogue

The Real Series – Book 4

By Katy Evans

Synopsis:

The fourth story in the new adult series that began with the New York Times bestseller Real, featuring Brooke’s best friend, Melanie, and the ROGUE she can’t resist.

Greyson King…

My boyfriend. My friend. My protector. He’s the reason I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, and the reason I fall asleep limp, worn out, and aching for his warm arms around me. When we make love, he says my name like it means something. Like I mean something.

His name is Greyson King, but his alias is Zero.

There’s zero trace of him, he has zero past, and now I know that with him, I will have zero future.

He may leave no trace of him anywhere, but his imprint is in me, in my very soul–and I hate that a mere look at him commands the beat of my heart. The temperature of my body.

I’ve looked for love my entire life. I’ve waited for the butterflies, the rainbows…

Instead I’m in a free fall of emotions and there’s no one to catch me but the one man I should be running away from. The one man I thought was my prince charming.

Except this prince charming went rogue.

Greyson will stop at nothing to make me be with him. He’ll let no one stand in our way, will allow no one to threaten me, and maybe this is what scares me most of all…

What will my rogue do to keep me?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Lis’ Review

She is color, he is blackness. She is light, he is dark. She parties to hide her fears. He built walls to hide his broken life. They are total opposites. And perfect for each other.

In Real, Katy Evans introduced us to Brooke and her friend Melanie, the bold one, the loud one, the life of the party. Melanie’s the one who shouted out to Remy when she took Brooke to see the fight. Melanie’s the one who gave Remy Brooke’s phone number. She wants everyone to be happy, she exudes that happiness, a happiness she’s created for herself and those around her. But Melanie has fears and a deep dark secret or two that no one knows. Until Greyson comes along.

Greyson King is Zero.. so emotionless he’s nothing. A stone cold enforcer for the Underground who has Melanie in his sights. She’s on his list, and it’s not like Santa’s list of good little boys and girls. He goes through this list, hitting his marks one by one in an effort to find out the one thing he’s searched for all these years. Yet with number five, with Melanie, he finds so much more. And in the end, the list becomes meaningless when they uncover each other’s secrets, nearly losing everything they both want in the process.

Katy Evans’ writing is amazing. Every word, every sentence opens a well of emotions. She doesn’t just describe the characters’ feelings, she paints them in a three dimensional way that envelops the reader inside them until you are living and breathing them, laughing and crying them, holding your breath and then gasping them right along with Melanie and Greyson. Her style leaps off the page and you live each and every passionate embrace, cry every tear, tremble with every fear and suffer every heartbreak. It’s gut-wrenching yet so artistic in its creation of unforgettable characters.

This story of the happy go lucky best friend and the dark and mysterious bad boy (and he is soooo bad in every way) is a definite must read. You get both points of view in one book, a complete story that will only make you realize, as Melanie does, that you just can’t live without the Rogue.

Author Bio:

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Katy Evans is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Real series.

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz and Review: Blurred by Kim Karr -The Connections Series-Book 3.5

Posted on 08/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Blurred

Novella-Prequel to Frayed

The Connections Series- Book 3.5

By Kim Karr

Synopsis

A Connection Series Novella featuring Ben Covington

The story before the love story….

When he lost the only woman he’d ever loved, it seemed there was nothing left to live for.

Even as a boy, all Ben Covington ever wanted was to spend forever with Dahlia London, the beautiful girl next door…then one life-altering decision tore them apart and he was forced to leave her.

Now, despite having returned to win her back, he’s still alone. She’s with someone else—someone she’s never going to leave.

Resigned to a future without his former girlfriend, Ben numbs his broken heart in a haze of liquor and women. But then the only woman who ever even turned his head while he was with his girl reappears unexpectedly. And he’s never forgotten their one incredible night together. But will Ben’s destructive behavior destroy his future with her before it even begins?

Includes a preview of Kim Karr’s Connections novel, Frayed.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Blurred and Frayed by Kim Karr are most likely the most anticipated books in The Connections series. Blurred is the novella that leads the readers down a new path in Ben Covington’s life. The readers will get to meet the real Ben Covington. They will get a chance to experience his actions, indiscretions, his betrayal, his resurrection from death, and his heartbreak.

Ben Covington has arisen from the dead. After faking his death three years earlier to protect the ones he loved when he exposed a high profile criminal network, Ben is anxious to return to his real life. When returns everything, and I mean everything has changed. His fiancé has moved forward in life and is now marrying another man. His family has fallen apart. His mother died suddenly from a fatal stroke. His career is in the pits. His life is hanging in limbo until he testifies against those that destroyed his life.

Ben Covington is lost. He no longer knows who he is, how to find a new direction in life, and how to move forward. He is wrapped up in guilt and self disgust. He will struggle daily trying to find his way. Drinking soothes the pain. Countless women help pass the time. He will hit rock bottom and that will be his only salvation.

Once he hits rock bottom he will take a long hard look at his life. He will strive to make changes. He will face the betrayals he inflicted on others. He will open his eyes to new opportunities, new friends, and new career goals. He will strengthen his relationships with family and friends. He will reunite with the one indiscretion that he has never forgot. This may be the one bright thing in his new life that will motivate him to move forward and let go of what should have been.

Blurred is an emotional story that will give the readers a new opinion of Ben Covington. It the previous books Ben Covington did not look so good. He hurt the people he loved the most. He betrayed his fiancé. He seemed like an egotistical, self centered man with a drive to reach the top. But as the old saying goes, there are two sides to every coin. Personally I loved this side of the coin. Ben Covington is a complex man with a very good soul.

Blurred will let us see the true Ben Covington. I look forward to Frayed, the full length novel, releasing on September 2, 2014. Ben Covington is moving forward and conquering his new life.

The Connections Series

Connected – Book 1 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Torn – Book 2 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Dazed– Book 2.5 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Mended – Book 3 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Blurred – Book 3.5 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Frayed– Book 4 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Author Bio

Kim Karr lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and recently decided to embrace one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read. One of her favorite family outings was taking her kids when they were little to the bookstore or the library. Today, Kim’s oldest child is seventeen and no longer goes with her on these, now rare and infrequent, outings. She finds that she doesn’t need to go on them anymore because she has the greatest device ever invented–a Kindle.

Kim likes to believe in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

** Giveaway**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/dda4dfec167/

ARC Review: Bound To Danger by Katie Reus- Deadly Ops-Book 2

Posted on 08/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Bound To Danger

Deadly Ops- Book 2

By Katie Reus

Synopsis

At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Looking for excitement, danger, suspense, and steamy hot romance? Bound to Danger by Katie Reus is the ticket. Bound to Danger is the second book in the Deadly Ops series. It can be read as a stand alone novel.

The way Katie Reus writes makes it easy for the reader to jump right into the novel and become absorbed until the very last word. She builds the story with escalating suspense, blazing sexual tension, and a well paced plot. Katie Reus writes with passion and excitement.

Bound to Danger opens with Maria Cervantes attending an elite party to network and get donations for the community youth program she runs. She accidentally overhears a terrorist plot right before an explosion kills several people and leaves her injured with a memory loss. Maria is the only witness alive .The agencies in charge are not sure if she is a victim or a terrorist.

When Cade O’Reilly, NSA operative, ex marine discovers Maria’s name on the list of survivors, he insists on being assigned to the case. He had served with Maria’s brother before his death. He had a strong friendship with Maria before Riel’s death. After Riel died, Cade cut all ties with Maria due to guilt.

Maria is shocked when Cade walks back into her life. Between the conflicted feelings of attraction and feelings of betrayal, Maria is not sure how to deal with Cade. Top off the escalating danger, the hunt for the terrorists, and the multiple enemies, she is living in fear every moment. Cade is well trained, lethal, and quick on his feet. He gives her a sense of safety and reassurance that she will survive this ordeal. But will her heart survive Cade?

Between the suspense, the complex web of enemies, the sexual tension, and sizzling romance, Bound to Danger will not disappoint.

Katie Reus creates memorable characters, a complex plot, and a romantic story. No matter what genre she is writing, she always delivers a powerful book. She has become one of my favorite writers. I highly recommend Bound to Danger.

Author Bio

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, & IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz and ARC Review: Indiscretion Volume 1 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial Romance

Posted on 08/04/2014 by shellbellereads

INDISCRETION: Volume One

Synopsis

F*ck and chuck. Pump and dump. Hit it and quit it. One night stand. Didn’t matter how I branded it—that’s all she had wanted it to be. That much was clear when she left me with my pants down and my dick still out.

What she hadn’t counted on was fate intervening and our worlds colliding—again.

The day I showed back up in the life of Chloe Griffins, I knew I had to have her again. My body was hungry for another taste. Like an addict, I’d been craving another hit for months, and there she was—flesh and bone, tits and ass.

The fact that she worked for the competition should’ve been reason enough for me to leave her alone. I had a job to do that summer and f*cking Chloe wasn’t part of it. But I was like a man possessed.

I’d do whatever it took to have her again.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / ITunes

Excerpt:

“You do not need to bring that up.” Her eyes narrowed and I could tell she was pissed.

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do you react this way to every man who gives you an orgasm? Or just the ones you choose to hit and run?”

“I, what? I did not…” she stammered.

Good. I had her off-kilter. At least now I knew the feeling was mutual. “Look, it’s fine.” I shrugged and grinned, showing her I wasn’t all that bad. “Why did you take off that night?”

She looked at me, contemplating her answer. “I was embarrassed. I’ve never done anything like that before. I had a little too much to drink and let’s just say I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

I took a step closer, my gaze locking on hers. My hand moved to her face and cupped her jaw. I couldn’t resist. “Oh, I’d say you were clear enough with me about what you wanted.” I grinned and inched closer to her. The heat between us was palpable. I enjoyed making her uncomfortable. Maybe it was payback for her having left me in the dust that night.

Who am I kidding? It was the attraction that still pulsed between us, even months later, in the light of day and stone-cold sober.

Her mouth dropped open. “Please, you were the one who kissed me first!”

“True, but you were the one who straddled me like you were gearing up to ride bronco,” I said with a pretend laisse-faire tone.

Ah, there was that adorable flush in her cheeks again, when it had just started to subside.

Coming Soon….

Indiscretion Volume 2- August 18, 2014

Indiscretion Volume 3- September 1, 2014

Indiscretion Volume 4- September 15, 2014

Michel’s Review

Indiscretion by Elisabeth Grace is a fantastic start to a new serial romance.

It starts out with a bang. We meet Chloe, an independent and professional woman out to score a one night stand while in NYC city celebrating her best friend’s upcoming wedding. That one night stand may be completely out of Chloe’s character but when she lays eyes on Max, it makes it quite easy.

Max is hotter than sex on a stick. The man oozes sex appeal. It’s not hard for Chloe to drop her panties. After all, it is a one night stand, they will never have to see one another again.

Fast forward to two months later. Chloe is hustling to make her numbers in her real estate career. She has an opportunity to buy into the brokerage if her numbers are at the right point. She is determined to focus on her goals and career. She can’t let anything stand in her way. That is until she runs into Max again. Now she is doing everything to try to keep her focus off of Max and on her career.

Max has come to the small town in Maine on business. He works for a competitor developer. It is his job to make sure the site is off the ground, sales are coming in, and making a huge profit for his company. The company is owned by his father , so that puts more pressure on him to perform his job perfectly. He intends to do just that until he runs into the beautiful, mysterious Chloe. He wants more.

As these two begin to get to know one another the sexual tension escalates. They find they want more than just a one night stand.

This was a great start for the new serial. It introduced the readers to the characters. It showcased their sexual chemistry and lit the match under the burner. This volume ended with Max and Chloe beginning to ignite until danger threatens their very existence.

I can’t wait to read Indiscretion Volume 2.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance.

I’d been an avid reader my entire life, but when I discovered romance novels during my first pregnancy I was hooked! Not sure if it was the hormones or the lack of a life that was headed my way once my daughter was born, but since then I’ve been devouring several romance books a week. I love nothing more than reading about some serious alpha males and a happily ever after.

Things you should know about me…

I live outside Toronto, Canada…eh. (Yes, it’s true. We Canadians say ‘eh’ A LOT.)

I’m a wife and mommy to two small children which I refer to as Little Miss and Mr. Magoo.

I own one cat spawned by the devil. Seriously. He’s as cute as they come but you’ve never met a meaner feline. In retrospect we should have named him, Lucifer. I have the scars to prove it.

I believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Or popcorn. Or bread. Or potatoes. Yes, you guessed it…I’m a sugar and carb addict.

I hate running. Always have, always will. Unless David Gandy’s in the vicinity you won’t find me doing it. Ever. Not sure who David Gandy is and think you might want to become a Gandy Girl like me? Google him. You can thank me later.

I’m a LOVER of all music. The 1200+ songs on my IPod can attest to the variety of my musical tastes. Hubby and I try to travel to a different music festival every year and are regular concert goers.

My name is Elisabeth and I like reality TV. There I admitted it and that’s the first step, right? Yes, I’m a writer and I see the need for scripted shows, but sometimes there’s just something so entertaining about watching one Real Housewife lose it on another one. I could listen to Cochran’s diatribe on his fellow castaways for hours.

Of the four of us that make up my family, three of us are Leo’s. Let’s say it together…DRAMA!

I may be the world’s worst cook. My poor children. Unless Daddy’s cooking they know not to expect much.

I write every night after my kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that I have always been an early-bird-catches-the-worm kind-of girl, so 5:00am comes early. Sleep is over-rated, I say.

If you are a lover of romance novels, steamy bedroom scenes and alpha males than you may enjoy my stories! 🙂

I LOVE talking with fellow readers about books! There’s nothing better than discovering your next favorite read because someone recommended it to you! If you’re the same I’d encourage you to reach out to me via one of my social media links so we can chat!

Happy Reading!

Best, El

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

If you’re US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!

Review: Six Of Hearts by L. H. Cosway

Posted on 08/03/2014 by shellbellereads

Six Of Hearts

By L. H. Cosway

Synopsis

Step right up and meet Jay Fields: Illusionist. Mentalist. Trickster.

I think in triangles. You think in straight lines.

I show you a table and make you believe it’s a chair.

Smoke and mirrors, sleight of hand, misdirection. I trick and deceive.

But most of all, I put on a good show.

The world thinks I killed a man, but I didn’t. Bear with me. It’s all a part of the plan.

Revenge is what I want. I want it for me and I want it for her.

I want it for all six of us.

She doesn’t remember me, but she’s the reason for everything. She’ll be my prize at the end of all this – if I can hold onto my willpower, that is. Maybe I’ll slip up a little, have a taste, just a small one.

So go ahead and pick a card. Come inside and see the show. Look at my hands, look so closely that you can’t see what’s happening while you’re so focused on looking. I’ll be destroying your world from right here in the spotlight.

You’ll never see me coming until it’s too late.

I’ve only got one heart, and after I’ve pulled off my grand deception I’ll hand it right to her.

So, sit back, relax, and let my girl tell you our story. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

**Suitable for readers 18 years and over. Contains sex scenes and adult language.**

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

What is magic? Merriam-Webster defines magic as “tricks that seem to be impossible and that are done by a performer to entertain people.” The best magicians use the concept of illusion to dazzle their audiences. Sleight of hand. Smoke and mirrors. Deception. Author L. H. Cosway has created her own brand of magic in her newest novel titled Six of Hearts, where the charismatic and sexy Jay Fields dazzles his fans with his magical illusions. You might even feel you are a participating in his audience as you experience each of his illusions through the eyes and the narration of the protagonist, Matilda Brandon.

If I had to choose a genre for Six of Hearts, I would classify it as contemporary romantic suspense. But there is definitely an air of mystery throughout the entire story. In the prologue, readers are given a small glimpse of Jason Fields during his childhood, where he witnesses a traumatic event that will forever shape his future. The prologue is narrated from a third person limited point of view. Readers are given just enough information to keep them scratching their head throughout the entire novel. The narration is then turned over to quirky Matilda Brandon for the remainder of the novel. We are left to wonder how the events in the prologue tie in to the story.

Jay Fields shows up at Brandon Solicitors under the premise of filing a lawsuit against The Daily Post and newspaper journalist Una Harris for defamation of character. He wants to hire Matilda’s father, Hugh Brandon, to represent him as his attorney. Jay wastes no time embedding himself into their lives. Through the course of events, readers are quickly able to come to the conclusion that Jay has an agenda that goes much deeper than the typical lawsuit. And then there is the attraction between Matilda and Jay. One minute Jay is hot and intense with emotion. He definitely shows strong affection for Matilda, and she is very much drawn to the charming illusionist. Crazy sexual chemistry forms between the two of them. Jay then backs off, relegating himself to the “friends” category. One of the things that I really loved about Six of Hearts is the slow-building romance between the two main characters.

Six of Hearts has the entire package. Clever and mysterious plot. Intrigue. Enjoyable secondary characters – including friends Jessie and Michelle. Suspenseful climax. Bad guys with secrets. Humor. Revenge. Slow-building romance. Great writing. And magic tricks that pique your imagination. In fact, Jay’s illusions were one of the best parts of Six of Hearts! Reading Six of Hearts was enjoyable, something I very much looked forward to at the end of my workday. L. H. Cosway has earned a 5-star rating from me for this distinctive novel – one which I highly recommend!

Author Bio:

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Her latest romance, Six of Hearts, is out now.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + 5-Star Review + Giveaway: Claiming Kara by Caitlyn O’Leary

Posted on 08/01/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Synopsis

Five years ago, Kara Johansen met and fell in love with brothers Ben and Quinn Shotbrook while on vacation with her fire fighter brothers in Sitka, Alaska.They planned to marry, when tragedy struck the Shotbrook family, leaving the brothers to care for their mother and younger brothers again. They sent Kara back home to Fate Harbor, Washington, promising that one day they would reunite. Years later, Kara has made the decision that she wants to marry and start a family of her own. She has put away her dreams of ever being with Ben and Quinn and instead focuses on men who are available to her here and now. Her meddling brothers inform Ben and Quinn of her plans. The brothers Shotbrook rush to Fate Harbor to do whatever it takes to reclaim the woman they never stopped loving. Has too much changed between them to save their love?

Buy Claiming Kara on Amazon!

Excerpt

“No, she needs to listen to me. You both do.” Quinn’s voice was implacable. He pushed Kara’s thighs up so that her knees were almost on either side of her breasts. “Hold her,” he commanded his brother. Ben reached down and grasped her legs behind the knees, keeping her open for Quinn’s perusal. She gasped as she looked down, seeing the top of her sex splayed wide with Quinn so big and imposing leaning over her, looking directly into her eyes. “You will listen to me, little one. I refuse to hurt you.” He set the condom to the side and swiped his fingers through her wet sex, pulsing with need even more than when Ben’s cock was deep in her mouth. Then she felt him enter her, and it was much more than before. Where before he had used maybe two of his sizeable fingers to stroke inside her, he now had to be using three, and she arched up in welcome. Then he pulled them out, taking more of her silky essence with him. Then he pushed more fingers in again, and she winced at the burn.

“It hurts, doesn’t it, Kara?” He demanded an answer. All she could do was nod her head yes.

Finally she gasped out, “It hurts good, Quinn.” She saw his relieved smile. He continued to pump in and out, until finally she was pushing upward to meet the rhythm of his entry, glorying in the sense of fullness, in the connection with this man. She saw his amber eyes glitter as they watched her intently, assessing her body’s reaction. He took his fingers out to suck them in his mouth, and she shuddered, watching him relish her flavor as his face flushed.

They’d been right to blindfold her. She was now experiencing every sense, and it was amazing. She watched as he picked up the condom, and ripped it open with his intensely white teeth. As he sheathed his cock, she tried to reach forward to touch him, but Ben’s grip kept her in place.

“Next time, Kara,” Ben soothed. “We want to make you feel good. Let Quinn do this.” She watched and felt as the broad head of his cock, so much more than his fingers, snuggled at her needy entrance.

“Oh, my God, can you see this, Ben?” Quinn looked up with a stunned expression, including his brother in this most intimate moment. Ben bent forward over her head, getting a better view. She gave a huff of dissatisfaction that she couldn’t see what they were seeing.

“She’s incredible, brother,” Ben said in a strained voice. Then Kara felt the liquid push just trying to breach the tight muscle of her opening, and she couldn’t help but flinch at the discomfort. Quinn looked deep into her eyes. He felt the resistance of her body, and knew that his girth had to be causing some pain.

“Help her, Ben,” Quinn instructed, while he held still. Ben kept hold of her left leg but gently lowered her right leg, and then his fingers were hovering over her engorged clit, and just one touch had her gasping in reaction. As if he understood that anything more than a featherlike touch would be too much for her swollen bud, he softly caressed her, causing sparks to emanate from that one spot to her entrance, relaxing her and allowing Quinn to slide deeper, until the head was buried inside her, filling her. It was wonderful. She felt the heat and power of the man, and she thrust up, needing him deeper. Again, he looked carefully into her eyes, gauging her ability to accept more. When he determined that with Ben’s ministrations, and her own longing, he could continue, he sank further, until she felt him nestle against her womb.

“Yes, Quinn,” she wailed. “Nothing has ever felt this good.” Ben took his fingers away and she grabbed his wrist, trying to hold him, but he easily moved his fingers to his mouth and sucked them clean, savoring her essence and wetting the digits even further. Then he put them back to where she so desperately needed them and pressed and circled even harder, and that’s when Quinn started a slow pull out, followed by a faster thrust in, once again tapping softly against the mouth of her womb, causing her to spasm in delight. He continued, faster and faster.

“Harder and faster, both of you, harder and faster.” She was thrashing her head. She felt the slight flicker of childhood firework sparklers, and they were building to firecrackers popping off as she whimpered with excitement. Then she felt a roman candle going off, and finally she screamed as the deafening grand finale came and the night sky exploded into showers of color.

Kelley’s Review

Have you ever gone too far to protect someone that you love?

Claiming Kara is a heartwrenchingly beautiufl love story that is sinfully sexy. Kara is a brilliant character in that she is smart, tough, and goes all in with her heart when she truly loves someone. Ben and Quinn should have been thanking their lucky stars to have a woman like Kara even consider being the tip of their triad. Instead Quinn pushes her away in order to keep her safe and Ben lets him do it. They seriously underestimate how strong Kara is and what she can handle. These men are strong fishermen. It is what they do and Kara knew that their jobs were dangerous when she entered a relationship with them.

The men in this story are scorching hot alpha manly men with rough hands and soft hearts. I fell in love with Ben first becasue he really loves Kara for who she is. I really enjoyed seeing Quinn fall hard and fast and being scared to death. Caitlyn really did an excellent job of developing the characters and making them stronger as the story progresses.

I consider myself an avid reader of menage romance and for the most part in my experience with menage stories sometimes the plot is weak and the story is alll about the sex. Caitlyn O’Leary knocked my socks off with this read. This story takes you on many twists and turns and I find myself really identifying with Kara. Where some heroines flip flop about their feelings, Kara puts her foot down and I appreciated that. I would have stood beside her as friend because she had every right to be angry with her men.

If you like Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak menage romance you will find that Caitlyn O’Leary is a writer that you will really enjoy. I can’t wait to see what Caitlyn has in store for us next.

Author Interview

DID I ALWAYS WANT TO BE A WRITER?

The idea of being an author has always been a something too out of reach. I focused on climbing the corporate ladder instead. When I got this job doing project management where I could telecommute….Well, why not take that time I would normally be in the car and see if I had what it takes to actually be a writer. After all, reading 500 books a year costs quite a pretty penny!!! LOL 😉

WHY WRITE A SERIES? WHY WRITE FATE HARBOR?

Out of all the books that I read, I love it when an author will give me a series. When a really good book ends, but then I realize I will have an opportunity to dip back into that world, I am SO happy. So that’s what made me decide to write a series. As to why I wanted to base my series in Fate Harbor, Washington, well I LOVE the Pacific Northwest. The people and landscape are so diverse and welcoming. I grew up there, and I’m always so happy to be welcomed home when I go for visits. The only two things I might not accurately portray in my books is just how many MFM relationships there are, and how often it DOESN’T rain. LOL (People, to be as green and pretty as it is, it rains….A LOT!)

WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE BOOK TO WRITE?

I love them all. Claiming Kara has a lot of my family in it. I’m the oldest of five children, and we meddle in one another’s lives a lot. So it is definitely near and dear to my heart. Trusting Chance is nearest and dearest because it is the first book I have ever written. Part of the reason I wrote Trusting Chance was to show that you could build a family even if it isn’t through blood. That people care for one another, that they really can support and love one another. Also, I wanted to show that even if bad things happen in childhood, that you can heal and grow from it, and become a strong person because of it.

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO WRITE EROTICA?

Erotica is sensuality. It is something that makes me squirm in my seat and get hot and bothered. It revs me up so that when I see my husband I’m ready to grab him and rip his clothes off. My readers often tell me the same thing. They definitely enjoy my stories and they relate to the characters. When they think about the characters, they agonize over the situations that they go through and in some cases readers have actually been moved to tears on their behalf. But when it comes to the sex scenes, many claim that that a good “hot flash” would provide them with blessed relief from the steam generated by my characters channeling their passions.

I used to read the old style romances. You remember—the ones where the sex scenes were done behind closed doors, and the reader was not privy to them. But to tell you the truth, I wasn’t satisfied with them. I’m a caring, empathetic person, so I wanted to know that the heroine was sexually satisfied. After all, she’d usually gone through hell and back to be with her lover. Was he worth it? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

As a writer, however, one of the things I want to do is show my readers how my characters could learn and grow to overcome personal obstacles and become better people. I wanted to show real life situations in which people solved their problems to claim real life rewards. Why wouldn’t I want to discuss how a woman could bring pleasure to a man performing oral sex? Why wouldn’t I want to I want to say it was healthy and right for a woman to expect a man to return the favor? Sex is a wonderful part of life and should be celebrated. I want to show that to women. That said,it also wouldn’t hurt if the men in our lives read these books.

GOOFY STUFF ABOUT CAITLYN THAT PEOPLE HAVE ASKED AND I’VE ACTUALLY ANSWERED.

Boxers or briefs? Well, I like the boxer briefs, but my husband goes commando, so I’ve found I like that best.

Tall, Blonde and Muscular or Taller, Dark and Handsome…..Hubby is number #2, so I need version #1 for a good menage….Hubby keeps saying no.

What’s your favorite sport? Love watching basketball, these days my favorite game to play is probably golf. Sometimes I graduate from putt putt to an actual course.

What’s your favorite swear word? “The Eff Word” it has many uses, it can be used as a noun, a pronoun, an adjective, a verb, an adverb, etc., etc. etc.

What’s your favorite food? Froot Loops, like the Eff Word it has many uses, it can be used as breakfast, lunch, dinner, an afternoon snack, a midnightsnack, etc. etc.

What was your worst vacation? A 9 day family road trip, five kids ages 5-14, over 100 degree heat, no air conditioning in the family station wagon. The highlight was visiting a copper mine in Utah.

What was your best job? My company sent me over to Brussels for almost a year to help set up Belgacom Yellow Pages. It was great!

What has been your best inspiration lately? Navy Seals from San Diego have actually commandeered the swimming pool at my community complex a couple of Saturdays, so I couldn’t swim my laps. I was initially pissed off. HOW STUPID WAS THAT?! I then sat down and enjoyed the show.

From my 3 books, one of my favorite excerpt is really one between Chance Reynolds and Sam Booth. So often the men have to help one another and depend on one another. Their friendship is critical to this kind of story.

Chance leaned back on the dock, admiring how clear the day was now that the clouds had disbursed. “Did you ever consider the possibility that you might have an inferiority complex? That somehow your parents fucked you over into believing you weren’t worthy of anything good? So whenever something bad happens, you blow it out of proportion and let it justify your underlying belief system?”

“Jesus, Chance, are you planning on putting out a shingle? I already have a shrink.” Sam took a long pull from his beer and reached for another.

“Nope. I just figure it’s time I said my piece, because this is important, and I want it to work. You and Josie fit because you both come from the same fucked-up childhoods. You can really relate to one another, and help one another. I fit, because I can lighten the mood. You both need me. Not to mention the fact that neither of us is going to let the other one have her to himself.”

“There is that. You try to take her away from me, and they’ll never find your body,” Sam said in a pretty serious tone that made Chance laugh.

“You could try, brother. You could try,” he said, still laughing.

Sam looked over at him, and realized it might not be as easy to take down Chance as he would like to think. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve thought about why I have a glass-half-empty outlook,” Sam admitted.

“No, you don’t have that at all. You always see the good in others. You see the good in a lot of different situations. But when it comes to yourself, you have a broken mirror. You, son, don’t think you are good, nor do you think you deserve anything good.” Chance paused, letting his words sink in. “Do you want Josie?”

“I’ve had Josie,” Sam said with a great deal of satisfaction.

“Do you want Josie for the long haul?” Chance asked. Sam took another swig from his beer, trying to picture his very long life without Josie in it.

“Yeah, I want her. But I don’t know how I can do it.”

Author Bio

I write the Fate Harbor series for Siren. Fate Harbor is based on the Pacific Northwest town where I grew up, and filled with the same kind of quirky, loving people I remember.

My books are filled with men and women who aren’t perfect. They have problems, issues, angst, but every single one of them are good people who are deserving of love, (and steamy ménage sex.)

On May 23rd 2014, USA Today Recommended “Protecting Olivia” in their Hot New Romance Books. “Protecting Olivia” is book number two in the Fate Harbor Series.
I hope you’ll take your time to explore the site, check out the books and excerpts and sign up for the newsletter. You can also send me comments. I would LOVE to hear whose story your think should be next.

Facebook ~ E-mail ~ Twitter ~ Website

Giveaway

Caitlyn is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card

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Blog Tour: The Break-In by Aidee Ladnier

Posted on 08/01/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

The Break-in by Aidee Ladnier
Busted Labs: Book Two

Synopsis

Ten years ago, roboticist Forbes Pohle received a visit from time-traveler Oliver Lennox. “Wait for me,” Oliver said. Now a decade has come and gone, and Oliver has returned. However, Forbes never dreamed Oliver would reappear as the point man for a gang of technology thieves breaking into his lab. He finds the younger Oliver just as sexy and even more annoying; still, he must convince him their happily-ever-after is meant to be—but he only has the time it takes his robotic cat Jeepers to thwart the thieves to do it. After waiting so long, he could lose everything in the span of seconds.

The Break-In is a stand alone HEA

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Dreamspinner

5 Quirky Things About Aidee

by Aidee Ladnier

I write about quirky characters because that’s what I know. I’m a pretty quirky individual myself. Here are a few things you might not know about me.

I’ve designed my own shoes

I really, really like shoes–not high heels—flats. A friend made the mistake of telling me about a company that lets you design your own shoes. Sure enough, they had lots of heels and one template for flats. I immediately started tinkering and then ordered my “author” shoes. Here they are! Words are so pretty, aren’t they?

I’ve sent a ping pong ball into space.

JP Aerospace, a volunteer DIY space program was raising funds to send ping pong ball sized science projects by elementary school children up to the edge of space in 2012. As a lover of all things science and science fiction, I gave money to the cause. In thanks, they let me put a ping pong ball in with those of the children. I ran my own ping pong ball sized experiment and got the thrill of seeing the video that included my experiment coasting in space among the stars. Here’s a picture of my ping pong ball before it went up to space. Which leads to my next quirky fact…

I fold so many origami cranes that I use them as packing material when I mail boxes

It all started when my computer began running slow at work. I would have to reboot often and I found I could make two origami cranes in the time it took my computer to restart. Then I began folding cranes in meetings to keep my hands busy so my brain could stay engaged (think of it like doodling with folded paper). Now it’s a crutch. Whenever I’m stressed, I fold a bird.

Whenever I’m worried, another crane appears. I have to say, my Christmas gifts to my family are enjoyed as much for the crane packing material as they are for the gifts.

One of my poems inspired an indie pop song by the band Correatown

As a thank you for supporting her album on Kickstarter, Angela Correa offered to write a song for me. She asked what I’d like to provide as inspiration and I gave her a love poem that I wrote for my husband. The song that resulted was beautiful and I gave it to him as an anniversary gift that year. If you’d like to hear Distillery by Correatown, you can do so by going here: http://aideemoi.tumblr.com/post/26007891265/you-know-several-years-ago-i-was-divorced-over-a

I have an extensive collection of silly socks

There’s really no excuse for the socks I own. They are all colors of the rainbow, some have animals on them, some have strange shapes, all are fun. It’s wonderful to wake up not sure you’re ready to face the day and then put on some goofy socks. It changes everything around.

Of course there are other quirky things about me that didn’t make it into this list–several of them are listed in my bio, in fact. I’m of the opinion that adventures are everywhere. You just have to recognize them. So may the quirk be with you and remember, have fun today.

Aidee’s Love of Robots 10 Minute Video (she really loves robots)

The Forbes and Oliver Playlist for The Break-in

I have to admit when I’m looking for songs to fill a playlist for a story, they have to meet one of two criteria:

The lyrics have to match what a character is feeling

The song has to capture the mood of a scene

That said, here are the songs I chose for this story and why. If you’re interested, I created the playlist on YouTube so you can listen to the whole set here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaf-IXveR9pUKgijDcluQcrnjwxiYpGz2

Moving On by Needtobreathe

I think this song captures Forbes at the start of the story. He’s waiting for his lover to reappear when their stars align but is contemplating moving on. It encompasses that kind of sad but inevitable feeling that you might be waiting for nothing.

Mission Impossible Theme

Okay, I know this is a pretty cheesy pick, but I am dead certain that Wilson, the self-appointed leader of the technology thieves, insisted that this music be played in the van on the way over to Forbes’s lab. Oliver was lucky he drove his own motorcycle to the scene, because they would have come to blows over the endless repetition of this song.

99 Problems by Hugo

I know the Jay-z version is more famous, but I love the almost folky sound of this song. This is Oliver’s song as things start to go south. He’s suddenly on the wrong side of both Forbes and the gang of thieves he’s working for.

Take On Me by A-ha

Shameless 80s guilty pleasure music. THE BREAK-IN is set in the near future, so I’m going to say Forbes has it in his music library because his parents listened to it.

Ruler of My Heart by Irma Thomas

I love the soulful sound of Irma Thomas. This is definitely a Forbes song. He’s waited so long for his lover to return and when he does, it’s not at all in the way he expects.

Jeepers Creepers by Frank Sinatra

I had to include this song. It’s Jeepers’s song! The little cat robot embodies this quirky little ditty. He probably plays it in the house whenever Forbes leaves—which could explain why he was so grumpy that Forbes blew off the blind date at the beginning of the story.

Do It Alone by Sugarcult

Forbes would understand this song. He doesn’t want to be alone anymore. He’s willing to beg Oliver to stay.

With you by Natalie Walker

The lyric “Love takes time and time is on our side” is perfect for THE BREAK-IN. Forbes definitely found his life changed by Oliver and as a result his love didn’t fade despite time and circumstance. It’s a sappy song but those are okay sometimes.

Life Less Ordinary by Carbon Leaf

This song embodies Forbes and Oliver’s relationship. They are somehow a lot less ordinary together and together they will have an extraordinary life.

Little Wonders by Rob Thomas

This song is for the end of the story. The hardest part is over for both Forbes and Oliver. The twist and turns of fate have left them exhausted and time has fallen away. It’s definitely the heart that really matters in the end.

All Will Be Well by Gabe Dixon

This song is my song. As the author, I want to tell my characters that “all will be well” but only time will tell. There are a few more Forbes and Oliver stories to come.

Kelley’s Review

Aidee Ladnier captured my heart with this little novella. The love that Forbes shows for Oliver is breathtakingly beautiful.

Forbes met Oliver once upon a time and fell in love. When Oliver left him it would have destroyed him except that, Oliver promised to return to him in the future. Forbes knew that when Oliver returned he would be a younger version of the man he fell in love with, but never in his wildest dreams would he have expected the young man who broke into his lab.

“I’ve got to make a living. I’ve got other people who depend on me, and a part-time job at the Quickie Mart isn’t gonna cut it.” – Oliver

Oliver is young and scared but he has a job to do. His mission is to steal Forbes’s most recent invention and he has to complete his mission no matter what the cost so he can get paid. He desperately needs the money to keep him and those that rely on him alive. When Forbes starts talking about meeting him in the past Oliver does not believe him.

This is the point in the story when I cried. Oliver just had to believe Forbes. He could not just walk away could he?

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Great job Aidee. You had me at m2.

Author Bio

Aidee Ladnier began writing fiction at twelve years old but took a hiatus to be a magician’s assistant, ride in hot air balloons, produce independent movies, collect interesting shoes, and amass a secret file with the CIA. A lover of genre fiction, it has been a lifelong dream of Aidee’s to write both romance and erotica with a little science fiction, fantasy, mystery, or the paranormal thrown in to add a zing.
Visit her at http://aideeladnier.com or on some of her favorite social media sites:

Twitter ~ Tumblr ~ Pinterest ~ Facebook

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Review: Olivia by Lori L. Otto -Choisie Series- Book 2

Posted on 07/31/2014 by shellbellereads

Olivia

Choisie Series- Book 2

By Lori L. Otto

Synopsis

When devastating news brings an abrupt end to a romantic rendezvous, Livvy Holland struggles to accept the death of one of her closest mentors. Livvy’s artwork has always been an expression of her emotions, and avoiding the pain she feels from her recent loss makes painting seem impossible. Her inspiration gone, she devotes her attention to the future she’s planning with Jon Scott.   Blissfully happy in her own denial, all of Livvy’s free time has been given to the boy she’s always loved. Facing grown up decisions, she finds it hard to live up to her parents’ expectations of her as a daughter and an artist. Under her father’s constant scrutiny and persistent surveillance from curious paparazzi, Livvy finds it difficult to maintain the adult relationship she’s begun with Jon.   The changes in Livvy are evident to those closest to her, and a few that were once her allies begin to interfere with her personal life. This newfound attention – along with distractions that take Jon’s attention elsewhere – cause Livvy to question all the choices she’s made: what college she’ll attend, what man she should be with, and what she thought was her life’s purpose.   Livvy faces her greatest challenge when Jon’s unanticipated plans derail her own. Overwhelmed, confused, and longing to satisfy her own wants and needs, Livvy must endure more heartache before finding herself.   This book is intended for mature teens and adults.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

Lori Otto is best known for her Emi Lost & Found series – a series about the life of Emi Hennigan, including a prequel and three of the most beloved and heartbreaking novels that I have ever read. If you have not yet read the Emi Lost & Found series, I highly recommend it! Be sure to read Not Today, But Someday, Lost & Found, Time Stands Still and Never Look Back – in that order – before beginning the spin-off Choisie series.

Lori Otto introduces her readers to a charming young lady named Olivia Sophia Holland in the Emi Lost & Found series. The novels of the Choisie series center on the life of Olivia Holland. They are titled Contessa, Olivia and Livvy. I would like to express my appreciation to Lori Otto for the opportunity to review an advanced reader copy of the second novel of her series – Olivia – in exchange for my honest review.

Olivia Holland is a sixteen year-old high school senior at the beginning of Olivia, having skipped a year ahead in high school. We are told that her Granna (Donna) passed away while Olivia was out of the country. Olivia was commissioned to paint a portrait of Donna prior to her death. The portrait was to hang next to the portrait Olivia had already painted of Donna’s son, Nate. Donna was always a positive force for Olivia. She was her teacher and mentor, encouraging Olivia to discover her creativity and to grow as an artist. Olivia knows that she disappointed her Granna because she had not finished her portrait prior to her death. She feels incredible grief and guilt, which results in her loss of direction and incentive to paint. Olivia also does not want to move on to other projects until she has finished Donna’s portrait. She loses sight of many things that are important to her – her artwork, education and the relationship she has with her father and family.

Olivia’s artwork has always defined a part of who she is. Without her art, she becomes absorbed in her relationship with Jon. He becomes the primary focus of her spare time. At the beginning of the novel, Jon is eighteen and beginning his freshman year of college at Columbia. He has his own struggles in Olivia. His mother and brothers are extremely important to him. Jon has accepted a role as a father-figure to his brothers because they have no father in the picture. Jon attends college classes and attempts to maintain his grades, while also hoping to give his brothers some stability at home. Their mother is an alcoholic. When she loses custody of his younger brothers, the boys are eventually placed in the custody of their aunt in Utah.

Olivia and Jon have grown up together. They have a very tangible love for each other, but they are both very young. Jon gave Olivia a promise ring in Contessa – they are both extremely young to be involved in the type of emotional and physical relationship they have found themselves in. At times, Olivia can be bratty and self-destructive, whereas, I felt that Jon had matured quite a bit in this novel. Although Jon obviously loves Olivia, his primary focus is on his family and studies. He is willing to sacrifice his teenage freedom to provide for his brothers. Jon realizes that Olivia is still very self-centered and not mature enough to handle the serious type of relationship that they have. I believe he understands that Olivia needs to experience life and grow as an individual before they can make a serious commitment to each other.

I found the character growth in this novel to be brilliantly written. It makes perfect sense that Jon would be more responsible and self-sacrificing; not only is he older, but he has experienced a harder life. Olivia has always had what she needed. She has wonderful parents, but they have micromanaged her life to protect her from the press, paparazzi and people that would take advantage of their family wealth. It is very obvious that Olivia has some growing up to do. I want to commend Lori Otto for writing the perfect ending to Olivia. I have no doubt that great things are ahead for Jon and Olivia in the final novel in the series, Livvy. Five outstanding stars for Lori Otto’s Olivia!

Choise Series:

Contessa – Book 1

Book one of the YA/New Adult Choisie series by the author of Emi Lost & Found!   When she was four, a generous couple welcomed orphan Olivia Sophia into their lives. As she grew up, her parents made good decisions for her, raising “Livvy” to be an intelligent and creative young girl. Now sixteen, three people influence many of her choices: her first love, her second father, and a third man who speaks to her through his artwork.   Livvy’s father is practical and steadfast; even-tempered and quietly observant. She’s an artist who acts on her emotions and thrives on attention. Unhappy with their differences– and misunderstanding her father’s methods– Livvy chooses to focus on the similarities she shares with an enigmatic painter from her mother’s past. Her overactive imagination leads her down an obsessive path– one that only stands to hurt everyone around her.   The distraction of a new boyfriend has the potential to end her search and reunite her family, but his involvement in her life could be just as devastating, taking Livvy away from her father for good.   Mature YA for limited sensual content.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

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ARC Review: Ricochet by Skye Jordan- Renegades Series-Book 3

Posted on 07/30/2014 by shellbellereads

Richochet

Renegades Series- Book 3

Skye Jordan

Synopsis

After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to his first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.

Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Ricochet is my favorite book of the Renegade Series by Skye Jordan. That is saying a lot since I loved the previous books. The Renegades are a company of stunt specialists in Hollywood. Each member has a specific speciality, a unique personality, a huge amount of sex appeal, and embrace their bad boy persona.

In the midst of all of this male testosterone is Rachel Hart. She is the commander, the organizer, the go to girl, the best friend, the little sister, and glue that keeps this company together. Her job title is secretary but she is much more than her job description.

Her latest task is to pick up Troy’s friend that is an explosive specialist at the airport. The Renegades desperately need Ryker’s expertise on a stunt in their current film. She has talked to Ryker on the phone and had a flirty conversation with him but does not know what he looks like. Once she arrives at the airport, late due to a fender bender on the interstate, she cannot find Ryker anywhere. She is beyond annoyed and just wants to end another bad day. She heads to the airport bar to fortify her spirits and shed some of the crappy day. At the bar she meets a smoking hot stranger that fills some of that “fortification” she desperately needs. One hot sexy night with a stranger is the ticket. And what a night it turns out to be. She has found herself a real sex God. Their chemistry is explosive. Their one night together has blown apart every other sexual encounter she has had. But it’s one night only. She does not have the time or the inclination for a relationship. She has dealt with the mess that relationships bring, come out battered, and has sworn never let it happen again.

Nathan Ryker is on mandatory leave from the military to get his head strait. After sixteen years, most in the warzone, he has demons that haunt him. He has trouble sleeping, has triggers that cause him to revert back to the warzone, and has been broken to pieces. When the opportunity to work with an old buddy arises, it seems like a perfect solution to take a reprieve from his destructive path of drinking and screwing. When he meets the sexy secretary Rachel in the airport bar he can’t help but take the one night she is offering. He quickly realized that she was the sexy secretary from the Renegades that he had some fun, flirty conversations with. She has no clue that his first name is Nathan and he’s happy to leave it that way. One explosive night with Rachel will turn Nathan Rykers point of detonation into a new direction.

Once the two face each other at work they know that they are off limits to one another. But now that they have had a taste of each , they want and need more.

Rachel and Nathan’s relationship will build from instant lust to a deep rooted friendship to a devoted loving relationship. Their banter is feisty, fun, emotional, and sexy. Their chemistry is off the charts. Their romance is heart warming.

I loved everything about this book. Nathan and Rachel were dynamic characters. Their stories and emotions were very real. The writing, story flow, and pacing were perfect. Jordan Skye has added another fabulous book to the fabulous Renegade series.

Ricochet can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I recommend reading the complete series. It will not disappoint!

The Renegade Series

“Hotter than hell and a lot more fun. Skye Jordan’s writing sizzles!”

-Elisabeth Naughton, New York Times bestselling author

A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, her years of polish and hard work are finally about to pay off. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker who makes her realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success, one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life.

Jax Chamberlin has been screwed over by gorgeous gold-diggers one too many times. Though he runs his own stunt company, all of America knows his Hollywood face even years after he’s given up acting. Finding a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping stone to success is virtually impossible, so when the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a chance at a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more. Lots more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle. And if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the rest.

Warning: This novel contains uber-hot sexual encounters. For safety’s sake, read along with pitcher of ice-water. Or…wine…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

Sometimes fun. Sometimes naughty. Always romantic.

I am a New York Times Bestselling Author writing under the pseudonym Skye Jordan for my more … sexually heated … works.

My Skye Jordan novels are all about enjoying that little wild streak we all have, but probably don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we usually don’t get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, playing naughty and maybe even acting a little wicked. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.

And, yes, even love. Because even as Skye Jordan I’m just a happily ever after kinda gal.

Thanks for reading!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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