The Warriors take to the ice again in Charlene Groome’s sensational series about hockey players and the women who love them. But the team’s new addition may have to work for a warm welcome…
Defenseman Devin Miller has bounced from team to team and city to city, but he’s finally ready to settle down—professionally and personally. The Warriors seems like the perfect fit. Now all he needs is the right woman to start a family with—and he’s willing to put in the practice to find her.
Sports anchor Carla Sinclair already doesn’t like Vancouver’s hot new acquisition. So when she’s persuaded to interview him, she’s not prepared for the chemistry between them. But though Devin seems eager to show Carla his moves—on and off the ice—he keeps his personal life off-limits. Frustrated by him in more ways than one, Carla decides to track down Devin’s secrets on her own—and soon must decide if their attraction is worth the hit to her fragile heart…
Excerpt
“So, Devin, what do you want from me?”
He glances down at his almost empty beer. “If you want an interview, I want a night out
with you. Show me the city.”
She burst out laughing. “You have teammates for that,” she says, staring at his prickly
chin. “Ask one of the guys.”
“I plan to stay here for a while. I need to know about the city I’m playing in.”
“Do you do this in every city you play in? Get a chaperone to show you around?”
“No, this is the first.” He looks up at her and their eyes meet. For a second, Carla can
barely breathe, mesmerized by his seductive eyes, so dark they make her heartbeat carry on with double rhythm.
She swallows hard. “For some reason I don’t believe that.”
“Believe it! Do you have a hard time meeting friends?”
“No.”
“Then it shouldn’t be a problem if we get to know each other.”
She stares at him, contemplating. “That can’t happen.”
“Why not?”
“Because…” She’s stumped. “Because it can’t.”
“You don’t think I’m good enough for the team, do you?”
“I didn’t say that!”
“You implied.” He looks at his glass and then at her. “I know how you feel about me.”
“I don’t know what I said.” She tries to recall her last newscast.
“It’s not what you said, it’s what you want.”
Meet Charlene Groome
I write contemporary romance that are modern -sexy heroes and strong minded heroines- with satisfying endings.
I have combined my love of ice hockey with romantic stories.
I live on the west coast of British Columbia with my husband, three children and our Yellow Lab.
Return 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.
__________________________________________________________________________
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.
Play 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 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.
Anna Kirby went to New York to escape heartbreak and have some fun. She wasn’t meant to meet someone . . . someone like Ethan. Now, back in London, she’s faced with another man to get over.
Ethan Scott broke every one of his rules during his week with Anna and now he can’t seem to go back to life before her. A business trip to London gives him the opportunity to change his rules for good. Will he take it?
Autumn in London is the second part of TheEmpire State Series, a series of three novellas.
Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Tracey’s Review
Life post-Ethan Scott is less than perfect for Anna Kirby. Their week in New York was supposed to be about just sex, but became much more. Scared by her past failed relationships, Anna has made sure that she wouldn’t be able to prolong her experience with Ethan, and stepped right back into business as usual at home in London, doing her best to forget him.
Headed to London to spearhead the takeover of a rival law firm, all Ethan can think about is that he and Anna will be in the same city once again. He’s been unable to forget her or the way that she made him feel during their week together, and it’s been a game-changer for him. But, in a city of eight million people, with no way to contact her, what are the chances that their paths will cross again?
My first experience of Louise’s writing was her book HOPEFUL, and I have been a fan ever since. I have been waiting for AUTUMN IN LONDON since absolutely devouring A WEEK IN NEW YORK when it came out, and have to admit to being completely enamored by Anna and Ethan. These two characters, with pasts that spell relationship failure, are defying odds all around, capturing each others’ hearts, as well as mine. Watching them figure out that some rules are meant to be broken, and that taking a leap of faith is sometimes all that it takes (well, that and some super-HOT sexy time!) made this second book in the series a wonderful continuation of the story. Louise’s great dialogue and her mastery of the art of the supporting characters (I love the repartee between Ethan and his sister Jessica), are the icing on the cake, making her books all the more enjoyable. Now, the hard part: waiting until January to see how this story plays out. Five-plus stars for this hot, sexy, and romantic read.
The Empire State Trilogy
A Week In New York – Book 1
Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.
A week’s vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.
Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.
It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.
A Week in New York is the first part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.
Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.
I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
What happens when your head and heart contradict each other
regarding the one person you’ve always wanted?
Growing up, Luke Johnson and Libby Hayes thought they would
be best friends forever.
One kiss changed everything.
Fearing his love for Libby could cost him their friendship,
Luke chooses to listen to his head—instead of his heart.
Will the regrets of denying the one person Luke wants to
give himself to, end up leaving him lost and alone? Or will Libby be able to
save him with her love?
Saving You is book 2 in the Love Wanted In Texas Series.
Excerpt
Colt:
“What do you mean Colt is moving in here?” Lauren asked as
everyone looked at her. The smile that spread across Colt’s face for a brief
second was caught only by me. He looked back down and sent someone a text.
Alex looked at Lauren and then Colt. “Marie James told me
you took her out and y’all had a great time. She seemed to be taken with you.”
“Huh, interesting,” Colt said as Lauren looked at him.
“Wait, you’re moving in here?”
Nodding his head, Colt answered Lauren without looking at
her. “Yeah, Lauren I am.”
He stood and pushed the stool back. Taking in a deep breath
he blew it out. “Speaking of Marie, I’ve got plans with her so I guess I’ll see
y’all around.”
Colt started to head to the door when Lauren got up and
turned toward him. She began to follow Colt and it appeared she wanted to say
something. Finally she was going to talk to him. Lauren was about to say
something when she stopped walking. Looking away from Colt, she turned and sat
back down.
Kelly Elliott is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has
a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and
dreams for some unknown reason…he claims it’s because he loves her!
She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly
asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone
sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.
In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner
overlooking the Texas hill country and write.
One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her
property with Gus….her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose,
her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush,
move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find
her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.
Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the love of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.
Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will.
In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .
“Let’s make a pact.” Chase put his hand on my shoulder.
“A pact?” I sniffled and turned to him. “What kind of pact?”
“One that’s forever. One that protects people rather than hurts them.”
“How do we do that?” I was suddenly interested. What if I could make all the hurt go away? What if I could save everyone!
“We do this.” Chase pulled out his pocketknife and cut open his hand, then nodded to me to do the same thing. Without pausing I cut open my hand and handed back the knife. “Blood brothers. We’re never gonna hurt each other and we’re gonna save those like your ma, Nixon. Ones who can’t save themselves. We’re going to protect them.”
“How?” I watched as the blood dripped from my open palm.
“Rules.” Chase shrugged. “They keep people safe, right? At least that’s what my mom says.” He smiled. “We make rules and we start our own club. That way, we don’t have to listen to anyone but us.”
I liked it. I chewed on my lower lip. “What do we call ourselves?”
“The chosen?” Chase offered.
“No, that sounds lame. We have to sound… more powerful than that.”
My eyes flickered to the road, and a sign poked into the ground. It said election. “Elect.” I pointed. “Let’s call ourselves The Elect.” It made sense; after all, the president was elected, wasn’t he? We weren’t exactly chosen, but we were making the choice, we were electing ourselves protectors. That’s what we were.
“Who else can join?” Chase asked.
“Tex and Phoenix. They’ll want to.” A weight suddenly felt like it was being lifted off my twelve-year-old shoulders. “Should we shake on it?”
“Yeah.” Chase smashed his hand against mine as our blood mixed. “No going back, Nixon.”
“No.” I shook my head. “No going back.”
I pressed my fingers to my temples and watched, replaying that moment over and over again in my head as the outline of Chase and Tracey flickered in the moonlight. Would he really do this to me? After all the shit we’d been through?
I gauged her reaction, hoping that I would be wrong. Praying to God that Trace would just this once listen to me. Her eyes flickered with interest for a few brief seconds before she looked down at the ground.
“Shit.” I waited in the shadows. A part of me knew this would happen. The part that told me to damn my feelings to hell and ignore all the warning signs that I’d been seeing. But now it seemed like it was too late. I stayed, planted where I was, watching, waiting.
“Chase, you can’t…” Trace shook her head. “You can’t be like this. We can’t do this!”
“We aren’t doing anything,” Chase said in low tones, reaching for Trace’s hand. “Don’t you?” He looked directly at me, although all he saw was a shadow. I knew I was well hidden. “Don’t you feel the same way?”
Trace jerked her hand away from Chase’s. “It doesn’t matter what I feel. It’s not about me, Chase.”
“But it is.” Chase reached for her again. This time her hand grasped his in such an intimate embrace I thought I was going to vomit all over the ground. The outside air was cold as hell as little pieces of ice tried to find their way into my wool coat.
“It isn’t.” Trace sighed. “It never was.”
Chase jerked her toward him. She fell against his chest and looked up into his eyes. “What are you doing?”
Chase sighed. “What I should have done a long time ago.” He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss. Their lips touched.
I had to look away.
The only sound in the night was that of my soft footsteps as I walked away… leaving my heart in broken pieces where I’d last stood. She was lost to me; it wasn’t even the Sicilians that had taken her, but my best friend.
A gunshot rang out loud and clear in the night air. I turned back around just in time to see Trace collapse into Chase’s arms.
Michel’s Review
The Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken is one of the most intense and riveting series I have read. This series portrays the life in the Mafia hierarchy. The new generation is taking over. They are determined to carry on the family legacy but also change the way things are done. It is their time to rule. Their legacy is about Family. Family always comes first no matter what. This new generation will pay the costs, sacrifice their own happiness, and turn their backs on the possibility of that once in a lifetime love. Family comes first.
Elect is the sequel to Elite. It is not a stand alone novel. I can guarantee once you have read Elite you will be opening Elect to find out what happens next. This intense story of Nixon Abandonato’s rise to power. He has taken over the Abandonato’s leadership over the five families. He has inherited his father’s enemies. He has made enemies of his own. He has fallen in love with his family’s number one rival. The granddaughter on one of the most powerful families.
Nixon inherited an old family rivalry that somehow does not add up. He has fallen in love with the enemy’s golden princess, Tracey Rooks. The corruption and struggle for power among the families has made Tracey a target. He will have to sacrifice their relationship to appease his enemies and keep her safe. He willingly hands her over to his most trusted confidant, his best friend and cousin. He trusts Chase Winters to keep Tracey safe and take care of her as he would. He wants him to pretend to be in a romantic relationship with her. He purposely pushes Tracey into Chase’s arms.
Chase Winters has been secretly in love with Tracey since the moment he met her. When Nixon hands her over on a silver platter he tries to honor Nixon’s feelings. Chase has always made sacrifices for his family. He has always been second in the family. Now that he has Tracey in his care, he may take this opportunity to finally be the one who comes first. He may betray the man he loves like a brother for the woman that makes him feel alive.
Nixon plans to get to the bottom of this treachery and punish his enemies. It may cost him his life. It has already cost him the woman he loves. It’s the price he will have to pay because family comes first. He will destroy his enemies but he may make some new ones in the process. He may lose his most trusted friend. He may lose the woman he loves. He may have to kill them both.
Elect is steamy, heart wrenching, and intense. It keeps the reader’s on the edge of their seats. The Eagle Elite series is one of my all time favorite series. How can one not like men who have guns with their Wheaties, women that can throw a knife as fast as they can find a sale in Nordstroms, and love with an intensity that is just as gentle as it is fierce ? This series is hot and I highly recommend these books.
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com
Anna Kirby went to New York to escape heartbreak and have some fun. She wasn’t meant to meet someone . . . someone like Ethan. Now, back in London, she’s faced with another man to get over.
Ethan Scott broke every one of his rules during his week with Anna and now he can’t seem to go back to life before her. A business trip to London gives him the opportunity to change his rules for good. Will he take it?
Autumn in London is the second part of TheEmpire State Series, a series of three novellas.
Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Playlist
Good Morning Heartache
Ella Fitzgerald
I Wish You Would
Taylor Swift
Don’t You Remember
Adele
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Diana Krall
King of Wishful Thinking
Go West
Life is Good
Brittini Black
Quitter
Carrie Underwood
The Empire State Trilogy
A Week In New York – Book 1
Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.
A week’s vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.
Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.
It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.
A Week in New York is the first part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.
Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.
I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
He should’ve put a bullet in her head when he had the chance.
When Luc ”Lucifer” Bontrager wakes up to Lilith—the satanic, sociopath bitch he left for dead in the desert—holding a gun to his head, his first thought is the girl in the club’s basement. That’s how he knows he’s screwed.
He’s lived his life training women for Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club to take over the border and use for profit. Now he’s caught up in the innocent, young girl he’s supposed to hand over to a Mexican cartel boss in a few days. There’s no way in hell he’s letting her go.
But Luc can’t save her if he’s dead, so this time Lilith won’t get away from him alive.
NOMAD is the second installment in the Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club series and continues Luc’s story from LILITH.
Excerpt
She takes the sunglasses off. I rip them from her pretty fuckin’ fingers and toss them aside. She takes the bandana off. Her hair falls against her cheeks, hidin’ a few scrapes and bruises. I take the bandana away and tuck it in my back pocket. “Keep goin’,” I tell her.
She grabs the bottom of the sweatshirt and lifts it up. Her t-shirt rides up with it, showin’ me her pale stomach, skin like fuckin’ silk. My fuckin’ lips burn to feel every fuckin’ inch. The sweatshirt drops to the floor with her t-shirt, and she’s fuckin’ bare from the waist up. Those fuckin’ tits make my cock ache. I rub my palm over my dick through my jeans. I’m fuckin’ granite already, needin’ to come on this bitch.
She works her pants down over her hips, takin’ her underwear with them. “I want that pussy on my face,” I say, pulling her to the bed. I lie down and lead her onto her knees beside me. “Get on, so I can taste you when I make you come.”
I grab her leg and pull it over me, putting her knees by my ears. “Hold on to the headboard,” I tell her, gripping her thighs and pulling her down onto me, thumbing her pussy lips apart.
I run my fingers through her pink folds, breathing hot breath on her skin, but not licking or sucking—no contact until she’s writhing above me, shoving her fuckin’ pussy in my face. I inhale through my nose, smelling her ripe pussy. Fuck, there’s nothing better than a musky pussy that’s been on the back of my bike all day.
I reach down and unzip my pants. My stiff-ass cock has to be set free. I stroke it a few times as I smell her cunt and run my eyes over her red, delicate lips, that hole waiting for my tongue to fill it.
I touch her clit and her hole squeezes. Angel wants to come for me.
I turn my head and run my tongue up her thigh, stopping right before her pussy. I plant my lips in the crease of her bikini line and suck hard, pushing a finger inside her.
I don’t know what the fuck I’m doin’, ‘cuz this ain’t trainin’. All I know is I fuckin’ want to lick and suck every inch of her, and she ain’t gonna tell me not to. Fuck, from the way her body reacts, sometimes I think she might want me to. But, there’s no fuckin’ way she does. I kidnapped the bitch and forced her to do this shit, but fuck, she doesn’t fight it. “Why don’t you fight me?” I say, because my fuckin’ tongue is an asshole today and says every fuckin’ thing in my head.
“You won’t be nice to me if I fight,” she whispers.
“Am I nice to you?” I ask, rollin’ my thumb over her clit and strokin’ her inside with my finger.
“You don’t hurt me,” she says.
“No, babe. I don’t hurt you.” The cartel boss will.
Lucifer’s Legion Series
Lilith- Book 1
Lilith
Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club Series-Book 1
By Kelli Maine
Synopsis
Who am I?
I’m every woman’s worst nightmare.
A taker of lives.
A trainer of slaves.
You can call me Lucifer.
Luc “Lucifer” Bontrager is a nomad in Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club. Traveling chapter to chapter, he brings in big money kidnapping women, training them and selling them as sex slaves. He’s heartless, brutal and all business.
And then he meets his match.
Lilith. Every man’s worst nightmare. A taker of lives. A sociopath on the run.
Inked up with satanic symbols and verses, she’s fearless and completely insane. Luc can’t train her, he sure as hell can’t sell her, and—for the first time in his life—he can’t bring himself to put a bullet in the bitch’s head either.
She’s his worst regret.
Her words and cold, calculating eyes haunt him. She’s the devil on his shoulder, reminding him of all his sins. He should’ve killed her when he had the chance, because when the unthinkable happens and Luc falls for the young, innocent girl he’s training, Lilith seeks her revenge, targeting the only girl he’s ever wanted to keep as his own.
Kelli Maine is the erotic romance author of USA Today Bestseller and #1 Nook book, Taken, and the Give & Take series, along with the Dolls & Doms novellas and Chains. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, Kelli enjoys watching reality T.V., getting lost in random Wikipedia pages and searching online ads for vintage muscle cars.
Favorite Author: Diana Gabaldon
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Superhero: Spiderman
Favorite Place I’ve Been: Yucatan Peninsula
Writing Must Haves: Coffee and chocolate
Plotter or Pantser: Proud Pantser
Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. The team’s battling a losing streak, but the season’s biggest game changer is one player’s second chance with the one who got away…
Yoga instructor Marlena Brodie is always up for a challenge, and her new job of snapping Bomb Squad out of their rut is definitely that, even though it means being in close contact with Liam McAllister, her high school crush gone bad. She can feel the damage pouring off of him—but also a wild and sexy strength that calls to her.
The Army turned Liam McAllister into a man, but as a combat medic, he saw far too much to ever be whole again. He’s not interested in the civilian world beyond his job as a carpenter, but he never stopped wondering what might have been with Marlena—and it isn’t long before she’s crashed through his carefully constructed walls. He longs for a new beginning with her, but to be the man she deserves, he’ll have to step out of his defensive zone and score the most important play of his life…
When I chose the ARC copy of Undefeated, I thought I was getting a light hearted sports romance with the typical story line. I love any kind of book that is based upon a hockey team and their players. What I didn’t count on was getting a deep, emotional book that dealt with some heavy issues. Needless to say, this book was a rewarding surprise. I enjoyed every single word, the complex characters, and the emotional angst they experienced.
Liam McAllister has come back from the war with a severe case of PTSD. He served as medic for three tours in Afghanistan. He is haunted by the memories of soldiers he couldn’t save, the soldiers that were maimed for life, and the atrocities committed against innocent civilians. He can’t get these horrific memories out of his head and it is affecting his life. He has become anti social, aggressive, withdrawn, and very uncomfortable around crowds. He is not assimilating back into civilian life very well. He is struggling to survive his daily life and routines. The one thing that is helping him is being a member of the Bomb Squad Hockey Team.
The Bomb Squad Hockey team is a recreational community team compiled of wounded veterans. Some are missing limbs, some are suffering from PTSD, and all of them have some kind of issue. Their former war experiences have bonded them together. They are more than teammates. They are brothers. Hockey is more than a sport for them. It is an outlet that allows them to vent their aggression, pent up hostilities, and antsy feelings on the ice rather than in their personal lives. It is their therapy.
Marlena Brodie is a yoga instructor. She is a very spiritual person. She understands PTSD because she suffers from her own version of it. She was attacked as a child. She has embraced the wholesome new age lifestyle as a means to dealing with her memories. When she meets Liam she recognizes a kindred soul. She understands him more than he understands himself. She can deal with his outbursts, bad attitude, and triggers. She truly sees the real man that he is beneath all of the pain and suffering. She stands by him and helps him deal with the emotional scars he carries.
Liam and Marlena are perfect for one another. Their relationship goes beyond the explosive sexual chemistry. They are both very aware of their own issues but also aware of each other’s pain. They have an unique understanding of each other. They lend each other their strengths. They support their weaknesses. They soothe the pain. They give each other the kind of love that heals the soul. They have learned to set aside their own issues and put the other ones needs first. That is the true meaning of love.
Melissa Cutler wrote a beautiful emotional story. Not only were the main characters compelling, the secondary characters each had a story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. These wounded warrior hockey players have captured my heart.
The Bomb Squad Series
Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad–an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. But the season’s biggest match-up isn’t on the ice as one of their own prepares to go head to head with his new boss…
Allison Whitely’s ex left her with a mountain of debt and Cloud Nine, a struggling boat rental business. With zero job skills, her only hope of getting back in the black lies in a brooding ex-soldier who has her seeing red…
Theo Lacroix’s teammates are counting on their star player to help them win an upcoming high profile hockey game. But when a sexy tornado of a woman sweeps into Destiny Falls and expects him to help her with Cloud Nine, Theo is tempted to skate away from it all.
Theo vowed never again to be someone’s knight in shining armor, but his feelings–and desire–for Allison are becoming harder to ignore. He longs to save her, but to win Allison’s love, he’ll have to throw out his old playbook and take the ultimate risk…playing from the heart.
Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, and Kensington Books.
She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.
In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.
Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.
Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.
*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***
Two years ago, Hayley Scampini inherited her uncle’s Boston vet practice when he chose to retire and since then she’s been handling pint-size critters and ridiculously spoiled show cats. She’s looking forward to taking a break to attend her best friend Kyla’s wedding in Montana under open skies and dealing with larger animals.
When Daniel McKee lost his wife two years ago to cancer, he suddenly needed to learn how to be a single dad to his five-year old twin girls. He desperately needs a partner for his vet practice, but finding a graduate more interested in livestock than domestic has proved impossible. In the meantime, he’s still struggling to balance work with fatherhood.
——————————
Although this is the second book in the Whisper Creek series, it can easily stand on it’s own. The characters are wonderfully written. Daniel and Hayley are extremely enjoyable as primaries. The secondaries are fantastic, however I think the twins kinda steal several scenes. The plot is dynamic and it flows quite smoothly. There are many emotions conveyed nicely and a sweet humor that makes you smile and laugh as you read it. There were several conflicts of various degrees that took some time to resolve, thus creating a world of realism that not many books manage to capture in such a mature way. NO major Cliffhangers, NO “to be continued”. The conclusion was solid, it closed the book nicely with only the slightest hint of other stories that could develop in the future.
Author Bio:
Maggie McGinnis is a USA Today® Bestselling author and Golden Heart® Finalist who writes humorous contemporary romance and cozy mysteries.
Her heroines are smart and sassy, and her heroes are ju-ust right … but only if they find the right gals!
She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, and is agented by the fabulous Courtney Miller-Callihan of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
Maggie’s Whisper Creek series is published by Random House Loveswept®, and her upcoming Echo Lake series will be published by St. Martin’s Press.
“You say I’ll never own you. If I win—you willingly give me that right. You sign not only the debt agreement, but another—one that makes me your master until your last breath is taken. You do that, and I’ll give you this.”
Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Stolen, taken, and bound not by monsters but by an agreement written over six hundred years ago, she has no way out.
She belongs to Jethro as much as she denies it.
Jethro Hawk’s patience is running out. His inheritance gift tests, challenges, and surprises him—and not in good ways. He hasn’t leashed her but he thinks he might’ve found a way to bind her forever.
First Debt by Pepper Winters was another thrilling installment into the Indebted Series. After Debt Inheritance readers were left on the edge of their seats. First Debt adds a new edginess to the Indebted Series. This installment to the series will get into the minds of the characters. The horror of the royal decree will begin…
The Indebted Series is a Dark Erotic Thriller series. It is intended for ADULT READERS.
This book may touch on some of your hardcore limits. There is mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, implications of gang rape, and implications of murder. All of these situations are somewhat graphic. The way Pepper Winters delivers these elements in the story are mostly through the characters POV’s and manipulations. They are integral to the story.
A Family Feud between the Hawks and The Weavers
A Royal Proclamation
A 600 Year Debt
The Debt Will Be Paid In Full
The Families
The Hawks are one of the most influential families in England. Their influence has a strong reach internationally. They are the world’s leading diamond dealers. They are also the leaders of one of the most powerful motorcycle clubs in the world. They are powerful, ruthless, violent, and unyielding. They will come out on top at all costs.
The Weavers are world renowned for their influence in the fashion industry. They have clothed royalty. They are masters at their trade. Unlike the Hawks, they are not a powerful family. They have impeccable lineage that they value. The only mark on that lineage is their debt to the Hawks.
The Characters
Jethro Hawk is the 29 year old, first born son in the Hawk family. At age thirty he will take over the reigns of the Hawk Empire. As part of that legacy, being the first born son, he gets the Indebted Inheritance. He gets the first born daughter of the Weavers. He fully intends to collect his inheritance, carry out his family’s vendetta, and claim the legacy he has been born into. He is cunning, calculating, ruthless, uncaring, controlling, manipulative, and downright terrifying. He is a villain in the darkest way. He will claim his inheritance at all costs.
Nila Weaver is a young, naïve, and innocent 24 year old woman. Like her fore fathers she has taken her place in the fashion industry. Her designs are innovative, sexy, and flawless. She has just made her mark in the Haute couture world. What should have been a celebration has turned into a nightmare. Jethro Hawk has come to collect the debt her family owes. A debt she never knew existed. A debt she will have to pay.
First Debt
Jethro gave Nila the opportunity to try to escape knowing that she would fail. He had to admire her will and strength in character. He had to break that will and break Nila in order to carry out the first debt. What Jethro didn’t count on was Nila testing his strength of will.
As the plot unfolds the readers will get a glimpse of who Jethro Hawk is. He is more than meets the eye. Readers will begin to sympathize with Jethro even though he is a horrific villain that holds Nila’s life in his hands. Her fate has been decreed for over six hundred years. Why does she have to pay for the crimes of her ancestors. Why do the Hawks insist on carrying out a six hundred year old debt?
In First Debt the readers will get more of a history lesson about the sins committed by the Weavers towards the Hawks. The readers will witness Nila carrying out her first debt payment. It is horrific for both Nila and Jethro.
The Hawks are harboring more than a six hundred year resentment towards the Weavers. They see this six hundred year old proclamation as a way of proving their power, defying the common law, and testing the future Hawk Legacy. It doesn’t matter that they are enslaving and murdering innocent young Weaver women. These innocents are nothing but a pawn in the bigger picture of the Hawk Legacy.
As I said, readers will begin to see parts of the complex and troubled Jethro Hawk. We will also get an introduction to some of the other Hawk family members. It will leave readers puzzled about who is good and who is bad.
Enough of the history is revealed to keep readers hooked. The chemistry between Jethro and Nila will fuel a fire that could possibly burn them both. Their fates have been written by royal decree. Can they make their own fate?
Who knows…only the brilliant mind of Pepper Winters. The next book will be out in early 2015. How many more debts will Nila have to pay? Will Jethro be paying the debt with her? How can they defy a six hundred year old decree?
Indebted
Indebted Series
By Pepper Winters
Synopsis
“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”
Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.
She is no longer free.
Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.
Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.
Saucy Southern Readers 