Review: Schooled by Lorelei James – The Mastered Series – Book 3

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Schooled 

The Mastered Series- Novella- Book 3

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By Lorelei James

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling “master of erotic romance”* and author of Unraveled, Bound and Unwound comes the all-new novella in the Mastered series.
When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn’t ready for the primal urges his sensual rope artistry released in her. As it turned out Amery and Ronin were made for each other. But when they head to Japan for a delayed honeymoon and Ronin’s annual training with his sensei, Amery struggles to adapt to the foreign customs as well as running her burgeoning business from afar. But culture shock is the least of her worries when faced with the changes in Ronin—it feels as if she’s married a stranger. Caught between his sensei’s demands and pleasing his wife, Ronin is at war with himself over choosing advancement in his jujitsu training, or staying at home with the woman who owns his heart and soul. As the limits of their relationship are tested once again, Ronin and Amery discover that they both have a lot to learn about each other….and what it takes to build a love that’ll pass all life’s little tests.
Includes a preview of the new Mastered series novel, Unraveled.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

5 star

Michel’s Review

Schooled was the perfect addition to the Mastered Series.  This novella picks up months after Unwound takes place.  Ronin and Amery are now married.  Due to his previous injuries and new endeavors at the Dojo, they did not get to take a honeymoon.

Ronin is going to Japan for his yearly training with his sensei.  He has decided to incorporate his honeymoon with Amery into his training schedule.  Amery will also have a chance to meet his grandfather and get a chance to see his family background.

Once they get to Japan, Ronin and Amery will experience many different lessons.  This trip will strengthen their already strong relationship.  It will give them a better understanding of each other as individuals as well as a couple.  Both of them will learn new lesson’s from Ronin’s sensei training.  They will also earn the respect from Ronin’s family.

Ronin and Amery have been schooled.  They have learned their lessons well.  Now they can truly become masters of their lives.

I absolutely loved this novella as much as I loved the two full length novels in the Mastered Series.  Lorelei James is a very talented writer that brings her couples to life.  She isn’t afraid to take them past their initial happily ever after.  She makes them work to keep their hearts pure towards one another.  She allows them to grow as individuals and as a couple. She makes the reader love the couple even more.

I highly recommend the Mastered Series.  I would not recommend reading Schooled as a stand alone book.  Amery and Ronin have experienced too much to have their relationship  summed up in one novella.  Their experience will capture the heart.

mastered_series_banner

 

The Mastered Series

91YucSAukOL._SL1500_Bound

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession….

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

91hDJEN1rIL._SL1500_Unwound

n the continuation to the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for…

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

lorelei-james-230x322Lorelei James is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author of erotic westerns: the Rough Riders series, the Blacktop Cowboys series, and the erotic romances in the Mastered series. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

Giveaway

A Martial Arts Pack

 a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Review: Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey

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Presently Perfect

The Perfect Series- Book 3

By Alison G. Bailey

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Synopsis

Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose.
She was my…everything.
Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there.
The one constant… our love and friendship.
There are two sides to every story and I wouldn’t trade our sides for anything in the world.

Buy: Amazon 

4.5 star

Robin’s Review

***If you have not read Present Perfect, this review will contain spoilers. ***

Back in August of 2013, I read Present Perfect after noticing it available for purchase on Amazon. This debut novel from Alison G. Bailey was so special for me that I named it one of my two favorite stand-alone novels of 2013. At the time, I was unaware the author would be expanding this novel into a series. Present Perfect is full of angst. It’s a friends to lovers story about Amanda Kelly (Tweet) and Noah Stewart. Bailey followed up Present Perfect with Past Imperfect, a novel about Brad Johnson, a secondary character from Present Perfect. Much to my surprise, earlier this year, I discovered Bailey was writing an alternate point of view novel about Noah and Tweet to finish out her Perfect series!

Present Perfect is told from Amanda’s point of view. In Present Perfect, we learn Amanda is consumed by feelings of worthlessness. Because she is obsessed with being perfect, she struggles to control every aspect of her life. Although Amanda is constantly plagued by insecurity and self-doubt, the one thing she is absolutely sure of is her love for Noah. Noah has always been a part of her life. He is her best friend, and she can’t imagine a life without him. But her feelings for Noah are changing. If she begins a romantic relationship with Noah, she fears that she will lose him. What if it ends badly? She questions how they could possibly remain in each other’s lives.

With Presently Perfect, we are now able to experience their story from Noah’s point of view. Presently Perfect is the ideal blend of new written material and scenes from Present Perfect that have now been written from an alternate point of view. Although we essentially have the same story, the content of this new novel adds so much depth to Tweet’s perception of events.

I remember when I read Present Perfect. I struggled to understand Noah’s motivations for his actions. What was he thinking when Tweet was pushing him away? Did he truly understand her struggle? Why did Noah make the choices that he did in Present Perfect? Was Noah considering Tweet’s feelings while he was dating other girls? I found it very interesting to learn the truth behind his relationships with Brittani in high school and Brooke in college.

The very best part of Presently Perfect is the new material found towards the end of the novel. There is now so much more to Noah and Tweet’s story. I cried tears while I was reading what happens between Noah and Tweet (beyond the end of the first novel). And I think Alison Bailey wrote the perfect epilogue for her series! I love this couple’s story. I really do. I have anticipated the release of Presently Perfect for several months, and I am excited to say this novel met my expectations! I am giving Presently Perfect a 4.5 star rating!

Author Bio:

 

ALisonAlison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school she began writing one-act plays, which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon’s Best Seller List and appeared on many “Best Reads of 2013” Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. The second book from The Perfect series, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and hit many Top 100 category lists on Amazon

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

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

tracy wolff series

The Play Me Series 

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hard – Book 3

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

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

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

 AmazonBarnes and Noble / ITunes

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

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

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

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

I am really enjoying the Play Me Series.

Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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

tracy wolff series

The Play Me Series 

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hot – Book 2

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

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

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

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

Buy: AmazonBarnes and Noble / ITunes

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

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

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

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

playme2

Release Blitz: Schooled by Lorelei James – The Mastered Series- Book 3

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Schooled 

The Mastered Series- Novella- Book 3

57761-addtogoodreads

By Lorelei James

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling “master of erotic romance”* and author of Unraveled, Bound and Unwound comes the all-new novella in the Mastered series.
When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn’t ready for the primal urges his sensual rope artistry released in her. As it turned out Amery and Ronin were made for each other. But when they head to Japan for a delayed honeymoon and Ronin’s annual training with his sensei, Amery struggles to adapt to the foreign customs as well as running her burgeoning business from afar. But culture shock is the least of her worries when faced with the changes in Ronin—it feels as if she’s married a stranger. Caught between his sensei’s demands and pleasing his wife, Ronin is at war with himself over choosing advancement in his jujitsu training, or staying at home with the woman who owns his heart and soul. As the limits of their relationship are tested once again, Ronin and Amery discover that they both have a lot to learn about each other….and what it takes to build a love that’ll pass all life’s little tests.
Includes a preview of the new Mastered series novel, Unraveled.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Amery loved watching Ronin get dressed as much as she loved watching him get undressed.

Maybe it was a power thing; he wasn’t comfortable showing skin in public. The only time he let down his hair, so to speak, was around her. Only she knew what a powerful, muscular, hot body was hidden beneath his gi or his clothing.

He emitted a growl and she glanced up at him. “What?”

“You know what. Stop looking at me and licking your chops or we won’t get off this plane for another hour.”

She kept her gaze fastened to Ronin as she buttoned the bottom half of her pale pink sweater, leaving the gray lace of her silk camisole peeking through the top. “Might I remind you we’ve joined the mile-high club twice in the past however many hours?”

“That’s the only way to fly, baby.”

Teasers_Schooled4

mastered_series_banner

 

The Mastered Series

91YucSAukOL._SL1500_Bound

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession….

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

91hDJEN1rIL._SL1500_Unwound

n the continuation to the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man’s need for control is tested by the one woman he’ll risk everything for…

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

lorelei-james-230x322Lorelei James is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author of erotic westerns: the Rough Riders series, the Blacktop Cowboys series, and the erotic romances in the Mastered series. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

Giveaway

A Martial Arts Pack

 a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Release Blitz + Review: Third Position by Melody Grace- Dirty Dancing Series – Book 3

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Third Position

Dirty Dancing Series – Book 3

By Melody Grace

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Synopsis

He taught me a dance beyond passion. He showed me the pleasure my body was made to create.
Now I have to choose.
Raphael or my future?
My passion or my one true love?
There’s no hiding from the truth any longer.
Everything changes tonight.

*The third and final part of the sexy, seductive romance serial*

Buy: Amazon

Listen

4 star

Tracey’s Review

THIRD POSITION by Melody Grace picks up directly following SECOND POSITION. This is the last installment in Melody’s DIRTY DANCING series, and, oh, my goodness, it is HOT. Melody has definitely saved the best for last, and ended the series with a panty-melting, swoon-inducing, feel-good finale.

Raised to follow in her mother’s prima ballerina footsteps, perfecting her craft has been the focus of Annalise’s whole life. But Raphael brings out Annalise’s inner passion, awakening desires in her that she didn’t even know she had, and making her question her dedication to the troupe and to a life centered solely around ballet. Her mother’s unexpected arrival in Rome, coupled with the jealousy of Raphael’s former partner, threaten the new relationship developing between Annalise and Raphael, forcing her to make a decision about how she will live her life.

I enjoyed this whole series very much, but this third book really cemented my feelings. Seeing Annalise come into her own, and become the person that SHE wants to be made for a nice wrap-up, and the hotness factor in the relationship between her and Raphael was off the charts. Melody does sexy time excellently, and she absolutely delivered here; the heat between these two was sizzling, and had me fanning myself and blushing at the same time.

The fact that these books are serial-length should not keep anyone from reading them, because, when put together, they add up to one big thumbs-up, and definite additions to my ‘recommends’ list.

Author Bio
melody grace

 

Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk.

 

Website  / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Review: Diamonds and Dust by Jessie Evans- Lonesome Point, Texas Series- Book 3

 

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Diamonds and Dust

Lonesome Point, Texas Series- Book 3

By Jessie Evans

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Synopsis

A sexy second chance romance from NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans

The home run neither of them expected…

Pike Sherman is a legend in Lonesome Point, a hometown boy who made it to the big leagues. Literally. Professional baseball acquired one hell of a pitching arm and its latest celebrity bad boy when the gifted Pike was drafted seven years ago. Pike’s broken heart came along for the ride, too, but he kept that private, and since leaving Lonesome Point has kept his distance from his hometown. But when Pike’s little sister, Mia, begs him to be the Dude of Honor at her wedding, he can’t refuse. He takes advantage of a break in the season and returns home to find himself thrown together with the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Tulsi Hearst is on the verge of losing her Equine Therapy business, and letting down all the kids she’s come to love. After a mix-up with the grant board, she needs to concentrate on finding more funding, not dealing with Pike Sherman, the boy she sacrificed so much for, and the one person she’s ever lied to. And what a lie it is… Pike would hate her if he found out. She knows she should stay far away from the brooding man her summer love has become, but Tulsi can’t resist a slow dance with the only boy who ever made her blood rush.

After just a few days back in Lonesome Point, Pike can’t imagine life without the girl he left behind, but when Tulsi’s secret is revealed, his heart is broken all over again. The only thing worse than losing Tulsi, is losing six years with the daughter he didn’t know he had.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble  | iBooks

5 star

Tracey’s Review

With Pike Sherman back in town for his sister Mia’s wedding, it’s all Tulsi Hearst can do to keep it together. Not only was Pike Tulsi’s first and only love, she’s hiding one heck of a big secret that Pike absolutely cannot find out. She’ll just pretend like he didn’t break her heart seven years ago, smile for the wedding pictures, and then life can go back to normal. The best laid plans, and all that…

Pike is Lonesome Point’s golden boy, the one that made it big. When he left home, he was sure that he’d never be back. But life has a funny way of throwing us for a loop, and it takes all of a day or two to completely change Pike’s mind about things. Because in those couple of days, he sees Tulsi again, and realizes that it’s not as easy as he’d thought to leave the past behind.

Jessie Evans just keeps writing stories that I cannot help but fall absolutely in love with, and each one makes me say, ‘Oh, this is the best one yet!’ Her characters resonate because they are just so real, so like all of us. They’re not perfect, they make mistakes, they’re living normal lives as best they can. I think that one of my favorite things about reading DIAMONDS AND DUST, or any any book by Jessie, really, is that it feels like coming home. It is impossible to finish these books without a smile on my face, and to want to be part of a community like the one in Lonesome Point. Her heroes are always hot and sexy (and I think that Pike may well be my favorite so far!), which is really nice, but it’s their hearts that make them so special. These are men that are willing to admit when they’re wrong, to go after what they want, and to grab life by the horns and set things right. The women are written wonderfully as well; full of spunk and sass, these ladies don’t take any guff from anybody. Every one of them, from Tulsi, Mia, and Marisol, right down to Clementine and Mia’s Gram, are spitfires, and just make this a read that is immensely enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of books that bring old lovers together again, DIAMONDS AND DUST is a must-read, and is guaranteed to leave you wanting to read more by Jessie.

About Jessie Evans

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

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

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

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

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Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye- Hard Ink Series – Book 3

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We are beyond thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO COME BY! HARD TO COME BY is the third full length novel in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. As a special treat, through December 2, pre-order Hard to Come By or purchase it during release week, and receive exclusive bonus content! Just fill out the quick form here!

 

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Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

Excerpt:

Marz was playing with fire. He damn well knew he was. But that didn’t make him want to pull away.

He just wanted more of the heat.

Marz nuzzled the side of Emilie’s face with his nose, his lips. She turned her face toward him and offered her lips. He couldn’t refuse.

Capturing her mouth on a tortured groan, Marz poured every ounce of his longing and confusion and desire into the kiss. They grasped at each other and Emilie turned in his arms. He pinned her against the railing and planted his hands in her hair. She opened to him and accepted his tongue, sucking him in until Marz’s blood ran hot and his hard-on ached. He ground himself against her and devoured every little moan and whimper and gasp she spilled.

Trailing kisses from her mouth to her jaw to her ear, Marz dragged a hand down her body and grasped her breast in his palm. She cried out and her head dropped back, drawing his mouth to her neck, where he licked and sucked and nipped as he kneaded her soft flesh. “You are so damn sexy.”

Her hand flew to his hair and grasped the back of his head. “Touch me,” she said. “Don’t stop touching me.”

Marz pulled away long enough to do a three-sixty scan. The lighthouse cast a dark shadow over them, and the pier was otherwise empty. His heart raced and his pulse hammered. He dove back in, trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, which he traced with his tongue. Her nails scratched deliciously at his scalp and her grip urged him down.

Through the thin material of her blouse and bra, he mouthed and flicked at her nipple. He shifted the deep vee of the neckline to reveal a lacy royal blue bra. He tongued her through the lace until she was panting and moaning and writhing against the railing.

“Oh, my God,” she rasped as he shifted her shirt and moved to her other breast. This time, he tugged the lace down to bare the deep pink of her nipple. She tasted and smelled like something fruity and sweet, and it made Marz hunger for more. “Derek,” she gasped. “Yes, yes, yes.”

Her palm cupped and squeezed the bulge of his erection through his jeans. His hips jerked into the touch, craving more of her, all of her. He groaned and it seemed to egg her on, because she pressed and rubbed her hand against his trapped cock until he was panting and imagining taking her down to the ground.

“Jesus, Emilie, you’re driving me fucking crazy,” he said as he worked kisses back up her body to her mouth.

“I know just what you mean,” she said. Her molten hot gaze met his. Eyes hooded, lips shiny and swollen, cheeks flushed, she was a freaking goddess standing under the moonlit sky. He felt the force of her beauty every bit as much in his chest as in his cock.

“You sure about that, babe?” he asked as he took her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. “Because my imagination has me stripping you of those fuck-hot jeans.”

“Yeah?” She rubbed his cock in a long stroke with the heel of her hand. “Mine has us getting a room at the hotel back there. So I’m sure,” she said with a smile.

Marz’s heart hammered against his breastbone and his cock jerked, clearly liking her idea, too. Except, if he took her up on it, he was going to end up buried inside her for as long as she’d have him. And so long as this clusterfuck of a situation defined their relationship, he couldn’t take things that far. Could he?

 

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About HARD TO COME BY:

Caught between desire and loyalty…

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team–sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he’s become. Derek’s easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn’t trust.

As the team’s investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away…

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And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Hold On To

Praise for Hard to Come By:

“Rough sex and explosive fights power Kaye’s third Hard Ink novel, a thrilling adventure that feels more like an action movie with a romantic subplot than a typical contemporary romance. New readers will head straight for Kaye’s backlist after powering through this installment.” ~Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

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5 star

Michel’s Review

Laura Kaye has added another superb addition to the Hard Ink series. If you have not read the Hard Ink series or any of Laura’s books, I would highly recommend all of her books. Her writing is flawless. She weaves a tale that is gripping in so many ways. Her books are emotional, witty, and loaded with suspense. Her characters are larger than life and jump off the pages. Readers easily embrace them in their hearts. The books are meticulously plotted and each passage is delivered with great care. Her books flow with ease and each scene is like watching a movie.

Hard To Come By continues the series plot. This special ops team was set up, betrayed, and dishonorably discharged. Their records have been tarnished. Their reputation has ruined. Their personal characters have been destroyed. They are trying to get to the bottom of this betrayal that destroyed their lives. There is more at stake than their personal reputations. The conspiracy runs deep.

Derek DiMarzio, known as Marz, is the techie of the group. He can break any password, find hidden info in the cyber world haystack, and is a data geru. He is also the comedian of the group and has a way of keeping the guys from getting mired down by the crap they have endured. He has sacrificed more than his reputation and career for the army. He has lost part of his leg. He will carry the memories of the Army, good and bad, for the rest of his life.

Intel has led the group to Manny Garza. He is a part of the Church gang that has been giving them trouble. He has connections to the organization that orchestrated the betrayal that led to their discharge from the Army. Intel has also indicated that Garza has a sister, Emilie, living in the area. They have assigned Derek to occupy Emilie so that they can investigate her home for information on Manny’s whereabouts.

Derek performs his duties well. He performs them so well that he ends up head over heals in love with Emilie. He wants to continue seeing her after their mission is accomplished. As you can conclude, his teammates don’t want this to happen. They don’t want Derek to fall for the enemy. We all know the saying, keep your enemies close. That is exactly what Derek intends to do.

Emilie is not blind to her brother’s illegal activities. She doesn’t condone his actions and behaviors. She remembers the brother he once was, caring and protective. She wants him to get help and out of the life he has committed himself to. She has suffered from a bad marriage and has trust issues where men are concerned. When she meets Derek things begin to change.

The relationship between Derek and Emilie is breathtaking. There is more than sexual chemistry that keeps them inflamed. Their openness and honesty about their feelings is one of the things that strengthen the bonds between them.

The road for Derek and Emilie is not easy. Can these two find a lasting relationship in the midst of betrayal and wrongdoings? What is Manny’s connection? Will they be able to find Manny and gain the information they are seeking? Or is this going to blow up in their faces just like their careers did? Will Emilie find out Derek was using her to get the information they desperately need? Will the truth destroy their relationship?

Read Hard To Come By. The Hard Ink series is fantastic. I can’t wait for the next book.

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

 

 

 

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ARC Review: The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre – 2B Trilogy- Book 3

81DjCULifEL._SL1500_The Shape of My Heart

2B Trilogy – Book 3

By Ann Aguirre

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Synopsis

Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school—only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney’s social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she’s made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate, Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.

Max knows about feeling lost—he’s been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it’s time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney’s the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything….

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that’s ever been broken, there’s another that can make it complete.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

4 star

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

Courtney’s not your stereotypical heroine. She’s a bisexual, Jewish college student studying business. Max is the resident bad-boy majoring in mechanical engineering. He tried to play himself off as a jokester and partier, but there’s a darker, more intense side to him. Angus is the brightness in the house and gay. They need to fill the fourth roomie spot that just opened when Nadia moves out. Angus suggests his friend, Kia, who’s trying to get out of a controlling relationship. These are the main characters of the story, with a primary focus on Courtney and Max.

Obviously, this is the last book of the trilogy, of which I have NOT read the previous two. I will be commenting and rating the book as if it were a stand-alone novel. These are New Adult characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, none without flaws or drama. The main characters are early-20s college students that co-habitate. Max needs to go back home, for the first time in over five years and asks Courtney to come with him for moral support. During their journey, they experience a shift in their relationship which neither are great at deciphering or communicating. The characters are well written, even though they are kind of angst-y. Drama and trauma seem to run amok among the characters, main and secondary. The plot moves along smoothly, but a little slow in places. Interaction and dialogue are age appropriate, full of snark and sass; emotions are conveyed pretty well. There were numerous conflicts throughout the book, giving it plenty of dimension. Some of the resolutions were well thought out, while others seemed too easy. There was some minor predictability in the later third of the book, but nothing glaringly obvious. The conclusion was solid and was followed up with a nice epilogue.

Author Bio

lowres1Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Doctor Who. She writes all kind of fiction in multiple genres, both YA and for adults.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Heartlines by S. G. Holster- Thirty Seconds To Die Series- Book 3

Today we have the cover reveal for S. G. Holster’s HEARTLINES. I’m so thrilled to be bringing this gorgeous cover to you!!

 

Title: Heartlines

Author: S. G. Holster

Genre: Paranormal romance

Release Date: December 30th

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About Heartlines:

BRETT3
Sometimes in battle surrender is the strongest move of all.

Brett Owen, the son of a Sentori leader, promised himself he’d never do the work of his brotherhood – killing reborn souls. He’d been naive to make such a vow. He’d been naive about a lot of things – such as the bond of family and love.

 

Taunted by a Sentori hunter, Brett does whatever he can to survive, even if it means embracing his dark Sentori side and earning the unwanted attention of the Sentori leaders. His life had never looked so frantic. And all the while, his true family is infecting his heart and mind.

When his heart is tied to an unexpected soul, he finds himself fighting for a future he desperately wants to live to see. It becomes clear that whatever freedoms Brett is hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Fragile lives that had been carefully woven together will be ripped apart swiftly and easily.

Faith is betrayed.

Remorse and innocence intertwine.

Fate and chance collide to mend the tattered strands of Brett’s heart in the shocking conclusion to the Thirty Seconds To Die Series.

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Catch up on the series now!!

Thirty Seconds- To Die Goodread | Amazon | BN

Terrible Lies- Goodreads | Amazon | BN

 

About S. G. Holster

me (1)S.G. HOLSTER lives in California with her husband and their two daughters. She is the author of the THIRTY SECONDS TO DIE series. The third and final book in the series, Heartlines, will be published late in 2014.

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