Dangerous Pleasure (Bound Hearts #12) by Lora Leigh

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Abram and Paige have been fighting their mutual attraction for years, but for different reasons. Abram is concerned for her safety and preserving his relationship with his half brother Khalid. The issues that Paige faces are close the the same given that Khalid is also her half brother who doesn't approve of the relationship. Paige has no idea the potential danger she will truly be in if they act on the fire that is consuming them both. What neither of them realize, is that it is already too late in so many different ways.

The beginning starts off with a real bang, then kind of looses steam towards the middle, and finishes with a very rushed ending. I wish that the rest would have kept up, because it could have been really great! The few and far between love scenes are quite steamy, and although the characters don't show much romance outwardly towards each other, I'm glad we get to know what is really in their hearts. The action was good, when it happened... I did love the ending though!

Sadly what it boils down to, is that this just didn't have the same feel as the others in this series. Usually her series books build so well from one to the next, and this just felt disjointed and rushed.  Even though the beginning starts off great, I hated that it lost its steam. As for the characters, I really wanted to like Abram but I also felt like we barely got to know him. This quote bugged me in the book summary: "With Shane Connor working at his side, he must convince his father of his loyalty, a terrorist commander of his unconcern, and a woman that she's not the center of his heart." Ummmm the only time Shane is even referenced in the book, was to mention his special relationship with Khalid & Marty and its depravity. What the heck was up with including that in the blurb?

Anyway... overall a decent read, but I expected it to be built more like the other books.  Hopefully we get to hear more because I don't think the story is finished.  So with that said, I'm still looking forward to where she takes it with the next book.

If you'd like to check out more about this series or other books by Lora, please head over to her website.

http://www.loraleigh.com

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Playing His Game (Reynolds Brothers #2) by Justine Elvira

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I was so excited to get my hands on this new book from Justine Elivira after reading the first book in this series. I think that she has a unique voice, and that she also uses refreshingly new material for her books as well. Playing His Game was a good follow up, and I have to say that I enjoyed reading Scott and Winnie’s story.

Winnie has managed to get herself in a tangled mess when it comes to her feelings about her now brother-in-law Scott. What started off as an intense sexual connection has now developed into a relationship that neither one of them were expecting. They go in with the idea that they were supposed to have a friends with benefits relationship, but as they got to know one another other feelings started to arise. When Scott finds himself in a massive amount of trouble of his own making, Winnie basically throws her life away in order to save him and basically gets bitch slapped for her efforts.

On the one hand, I adored the way that these two started out their non-relationship and how things progressed. Scott showed signs that he cared more about her, but then he was an unbelievable asshat of epic proportions to Winnie too. Scott believes himself incapable of love, but I was kind of bugged that we never really find out exactly why. I also couldn’t believe what he allowed Winnie to do to save him, and his subsequent actions were nearly unforgivable in my opinion. He really didn’t grovel near enough for me, and I did find that one other aspect of the story was left unresolved as well in regards to that whole event.

The heat and chemistry between these two will leave you fanning yourself, so it was one unbelievably sexy read. Both characters had their own flaws, but I enjoyed that those flaws complimented their relationship too. I knew going into this story that Winnie was going to be a great character, so I’m happy to say that she definitely lived up to my expectations. Scott on the other hand…not so much. I kind of wanted Winnie to drop Scott and move on when we got to the end, but that wouldn’t make a romance book complete if they didn’t have their HEA. Now despite those feelings, I have to say that overall this was another good read from Justine. I don’t know which brother is next, but I’m looking forward to where she takes the Reynolds Brothers series from this point. 

If you'd like to check out more about this series or other books by Justine, please head over to her website.

http://justineelvira.blogspot.com
 

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Take (Temptation #2) by Ella Frank

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Reviewed by Tabatha

I don't know that anything I can say will really do this book enough justice, but I'm going to try. (grin) Ella Frank has taken two characters and made me fall absolutely head over heels in love with them, and the Temptation series is so beautifully written that I challenge you to not do the same.

We were left off in Try with the lustful relationship between Tate and Logan coming to light when Tate's ex and sister walk in on an intensely heated moment between the two. Now they each have to come to terms with their budding relationship and see where they are heading, but they also have a lot to overcome emotionally and not everyone is as accepting of their relationship as they should.

I loved the real struggle that these two have, and the natural emotions swirling through them both. Logan has never had nor desired love, or so he thinks, and he is fighting with himself in allowing Tate to break down his carefully constructed walls around his heart. Tate on the other hand, is not only struggling with his new found feelings for another man, but his family is providing to be a huge obstacle for him as well. When he has always thought that had their unquestionable love and support, he is devastated to find that it does have its limitations.

Take is filled with complex emotions weaved in with the achingly sexy moments that these two share, and this all definitely combined to create one hell of a great read in my honest opinion. I don't know that I've ever connected with two characters more than I have with these two, and hands down Ella did a fantastic job with this follow up to Try. Now I will caution that we are left with a slight cliffhanger, but please don't let that deter you. I promise that it is done in a way that just leaves you wanting more, and not in a way that makes you want to scream. Seriously...I promise! If you haven't read the Temptation series, then it is definitely one I would suggest to everyone. Go on...give it a try and I promise you will enjoy it!

For more information about this series or Ella's other books, please check out her website.

http://www.ellafrank.com

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Dirty Angels (Dirty Angels #1) by Karina Halle

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Reviewed by Tabatha

Just when you think that Javier couldn’t be any more bad ass than he already was in the Artist Trilogy, Karina Halle completely blows all your expectations out of the water with Dirty Angels.  I love Javier.  Hands down, he is the only “bad guy” that I’ve ever loved.  You seriously can’t help but love this wicked man despite how dirty, malicious, and appalling he can be.  Honestly, Dirty Angels managed to defy all of my preconceived notions of how evil Javier could truly be, but it also showed a side of this complex man that we caught a brief glimpse of right before Ellie broke his cold heart.  To say that I completely enjoyed this wild ride would be a gross understatement.   I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish and I crave more.

 In this story, Javier sets out to destroy his enemy Salvador Reyes by capturing the cartel leader’s new bride, Luisa.  For Luisa, she never had a choice in her marriage to the depraved man, but she gives up her freedom and body to protect her family from the poor existence they have been struggling to survive.  In her attempt to escape, she is captured by Javier’s men and used as ransom.  You may call it Stockholm syndrome, but Luisa and Javier find themselves increasingly attracted to one another no matter what evil deed he enacts upon her body, mind, and soul.   

I have to hand it to Karina Halle for her ability to always exceed my expectations.  I’ve said it before and I will continue to as well, but she is such an incredibly talented writer.  I’m amazed at her ability to craft her stories, and even more so that she has me never wanting them to end.  I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out, because I eagerly anticipate what is going to happen with Javier’s sister and mercenary Derek Conway. Thank you Karina for another fantastic and wild ride!

If you'd like to check out more about this series or other books by Karina, please head over to her website.

http://www.authorkarinahalle.com 

 

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Ricochet (Renegades #3) by Skye Jordan

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

In the short time that Rachel has been working with the Renegades team, she has become the glue that keeps the business and the guys together.  She is scary efficient to the point where Jax would be lost without her, so the one rule the guys abide by is that she is off limits.  Well that is until Ryker joins the team…

With her personal life falling apart, Rachel has decided that commitments are just not for her anymore.  After a failed attempt to pick up Troy’s friend Ryker from the airport, she meets a guy at the airport bar that sets her on fire and enacts her plan for a one night stand of nothing but pleasure.  Little does she know that this seemingly random man is none other than the man she was supposed to be picking up.

Ryker is on leave for a forced two months of recovery time after a mission gone completely wrong that resulted in the loss of his buddies under his command.  Although he has always embraced his love them and leave them way of life, Rachel sets off his desire for more than just a fling even if he feels like he is a broken man unworthy of her.

This story tugged at my heartstrings from both sides, and I couldn’t put it down.  On the one side you have Rachel, who has been unbelievably hurt by the one person she thought she could trust most in life.  Even though she takes Ruby’s advice to just have fun, deep inside she knows she isn’t going to be able to hold up the pretense of a girl just out to have fun.  Now on the other side you have Ryker, who has had to deal with unimaginable things happening in his 16 years of military service.  When his last mission results in the death of his teammates, Ryker feels such immense responsibility and pain that he is a shell of a man.  I cried so much when he visited his friend and when he talked about his experiences.  It was all just so very emotional, and I think the author did a fantastic job. Now on to a lighter note, these two have such incredible chemistry and they heat up the pages with so much intensity that I thought I was going to be scorched!  I loved the sexy times, but the sweet things he would do for her really endeared him to me.   I’m so glad that these two were able to work past both their issues and come together, and I just loved their story.

Overall, I think that this was another great read from Skye Jordan.  Personally I think that with each book in this series she just keeps getting better, so I’m definitely looking forward to the next member of the team to fall in love.

If you'd like to check out more about this series, please head over to Skye's website. 

http://skyejordanauthor.com/

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Hard Knocks (Ultimate #.5) by Lori Foster

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Hard Knocks is a great introduction into Lori's new Ultimate series, and I've been eagerly awaiting it for some time now. I just love her world of MMA fighters and if this preview is any indication, then we are definitely in for a real treat from Mrs. Foster!

When Gage had to leave home for his chance at being in the ring, he also had to leave behind his budding relationship with Harper as he tried to stay focused on his goal. What he didn't realize, was that she was unaware of his feelings towards her. He was also unaware of how deeply she felt about him as well. When he is injured in a practice sparring match right before his fight, he is sidelined and heads back to his hometown and back to Harper.

Harper let him go once with the knowledge and understanding that this is what he had been training for, but it didn't stop her from being miserable in the wake of his absence either. Now that Gage is back, she is determined to take the initiative to get him in her life and in her bed for good if he will have her.

Now I loved that we had a back story going on for these two, and we pick up at the point in their story where their relationship is just about to take an important turn. The play by play with the secondary characters was a lot of fun to read, and I am definitely looking forward to their stories as well. Harper and Gage definitely heat up the pages in this short preview into Lori's new series, and I hope we get to see more of them in the books to come. I so excited to get started on Cannon's book next!  

*Review copy was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to check out more about this series or Lori's books, please head over to her website. 

http://www.lorifoster.com/

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Cover Reveal and #Giveaway: The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

Description:

One October morning, high school junior Bryan Dennison wakes up a different person—helpful, generous, and chivalrous—a person whose new admirable qualities he doesn’t recognize. Stranger still is the urge to tie a red sheet around his neck like a cape.
Bryan soon realizes this compulsion to wear a red cape is accompanied by more unusual behavior. He can’t hold back from retrieving kittens from tall trees, helping little old ladies cross busy streets, and defending innocence anywhere he finds it.

Shockingly, at school, he realizes he used to be a bully. He’s attracted to the former victim of his bullying, Scott Beckett, though he has no memory of Scott from before “the change.” Where he’d been lazy in academics, overly aggressive in sports, and socially insecure, he’s a new person. And although he can recall behaving egotistically, he cannot remember his motivations.

Everyone, from his mother to his teachers to his “superjock” former pals, is shocked by his dramatic transformation. However, Scott Beckett is not impressed by Bryan’s newfound virtue. And convincing Scott he’s genuinely changed and improved, hopefully gaining Scott’s trust and maybe even his love, becomes Bryan’s obsession.

Excerpt:

AT LUNCH, I plunked my tray down at the table where Scott sat alone. I didn’t ask if he minded if I sat with him, because, as he had reminded me yesterday, it was a free country and I could, in fact, sit wherever I wanted. But, yeah, it was damned quiet at our table.

At least it was quiet until my childhood friend, Josh Javitt, joined us. He dropped his lunch cooler and two cartons of white milk down on the table, offered us his crooked grin, and sat right down. I couldn’t miss that Scott looked up from his hot dog and tater tots to examine Josh warily, as if he was expecting Javitt to give him shit. But that’s not what happened.

Josh leaned over the table and extended his hand. “You’re Scott Beckett, right? I’m Josh Javitt. You and me are in PE together. You swing a fearsome badminton racquet.”

Scott took his hand and they shook briefly, but he didn’t reply, clearly still sizing up the situation.

“You must play tennis, or at least ping-pong, to have moves like that. Sometimes I pity the birdie, the way you spank it.” Josh opened up his cooler. I looked over to see what gourmet treats his stay-at-home mom had stuck in there today. (Josh’s lunches had long been -a source of great envy at the Superjock Table.)

In place of a reply, Scott took a big bite of his hot dog and nodded.

Josh then lowered his voice. “Look, man, I owe you a huge apology. I’ve been an asshole to you this year and… hey, there’s no excuse for being an asshole.”

Scott’s blue eyes widened as he chewed, but still he said nothing.

“So, I’m sorry, okay?” He pulled out a sandwich wrap that appeared to include shaved meat, chopped avocados, and, it looked like, crumbled feta. Some kind of dressing dripped out the bottom. “Anyways, want to team up with me today in gym class?”

“I guess.” Scott was a tough nut to crack, but, then, he had plenty of reasons.

“See, man, I couldn’t give a crap if you’re gay or straight.” Josh looked over at me and shrugged. “I’ve got seven siblings, and two of my older brothers are rainbow warriors. And, it’s like, I wouldn’t change Dougie and Shawn for anything.”

This was all news to me. Josh had never let me in on this private information. “You never told me that, Javitt.”

Josh glanced back at the Superjocks, all of whom were displaying angry puffed-up chests and menacing glares. “Why would I? We usually hang out over there at ‘Homophobia Central.’” Uh-huh. Javitt was now glaring at me too.

“Point taken.”

“And after Saturday night went down, well, that kind of sealed the deal—I was never gonna tell you about my brothers. Seriously, I felt like shit about what went down.” Javitt looked over at Scott again. “I’m really sorry. Sometimes you think it’ll be easier to just go along with the crowd, but afterwards, you wish you stood up and said something, you hear me?”

“I guess.” Those two words had been the extent of Scott’s contribution to the conversation.

Thankfully, Javitt was something of a chatterbox, and he started in on the Appleton High School golf team’s season, the ups and downs of living in a too-many-kids-for-a-normal-vehicle family, complaining that they had to go around town in one of those big white cargo vans, and then he gave us a detailed description—and finally a very small sample—of his older sister’s specialty blondie brownies.

Nope. Scott didn’t say too much, but he listened and even smiled a couple of times, which was kind of a huge deal because they weren’t the bitter, in-your-face-asshole kinds of smiles I was used to, but the that-was-funny type.

Enter to Win! 

• (2) THE RED SHEET digital copy
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About the Author:

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five non-pedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.

Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

My themes I always write about:

Sweetness. Unconventional love, tortured/damaged heroes - only love can save them.

Author Links:  
Website ● Amazon ● Facebook ● Goodreads 

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N ● Dreamspinner  

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Tangled Bundle by Leah Braemel

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

Texas Tangle

Whew this one is as hot as the Texas heat!

I must admit that I loved this book because of the strong character development. So often with this type of writing, you find more porn than plot, but definitely not the case with this book. With that said, the love scenes are still incredibly steamy!

Brett and Dillon are closer than any best friends could be, but the only thing that has ever come between them has left them at odds yet again. Nicole has come out of her divorce stronger, but has a lot to learn yet on standing up for herself. After having all her possessions stolen, these two handsome guys show her how love can really be, but not without some very tough decisions on all their parts. As tension builds they realize that falling in love is easy, but staying together will take work and compromise for all three.

Tangled Past

Jackson and Nate share a dangerous passion for one another in a period in history where it is likely to lead to their death. Sarah is found with the men while they were in a compromising position, and she is forced into marriage with Jackson. Coming between the two men who clearly love one another was never her intention, but she finds herself emotionally tangled and fantasizing about being between them. To make the situation work, they must all make compromises, but at what cost?

Loved this glimpse back in time to how Dillon's (Texas Tangle) grandparents came together. All the characters where strong, and you could really feel how emotionally tangled they were in how they were going to solve the situation they found themselves in. I liked how you could feel the emotions building between them all, and the beauty of it when they finally were able to be together. 

If you'd like to check out more of Leah's books, please head over to her website. 

http://leahbraemel.com/

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Down and Dirty Box Set by Rhian Cahill, Lexxie Couper, Jess Dee, & Sami Lee

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

So often with bundle deals, you find that you already read a story in them and likely own some of the others as well or you only plan to read one or two of the lot, but not with this one guys! These four Australian authors sure know how to heat things up for your summer beach reading with four never released stories.

Holy smokes, this was a fantastic little bundle of naughtiness for such a great price, and I will tell you that I enjoyed every single minute of it!  I literally couldn’t put it down. Each book features a sexy as sin ménage relationship that will leave your e-reader up in flames by the time you are done.  Now since I’m a big lover of ménage stories, I already knew this bundle was going to be a hot read, but they even managed to surpass my expectations with this one.  My only complaint is that I never wanted it to end!  I will absolutely be rereading this one in the near future.   

If you haven’t read anything from these very talented ladies, then this bundle is the perfect intro to their writing and I promise you will want to devour everything else they have out as well!

If you'd like to check out more about these authors and their books, please head over to their websites. 

http://www.rhiancahill.com

http://www.lexxiecouper.com 

http://www.jessdee.com

http://www.samilee.com

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Hold Me Close (Purgatory #6) by Eliza Gayle

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

I’ve been an avid fan of Eliza Gayle’s Purgatory series for a while now, and her latest release, Hold Me Close, is without a doubt a fantastic addition. Now just like the others in the Invitation to Eden series, our characters are invited to an exotic resort that caters to whatever your heart desires. 

Now who wouldn’t love that?

You’ll find that even though Hold Me Close is a short read, it is also a very emotional journey. Bonnie is still struggling to move past the loss of her Daddy Dom, and Dex believes he isn’t the right Dom for her needs. These two have such a powerful connection, that I really found it hard to put this book down and I was completely absorbed from start to finish. Although they both think that their expectations are clear as far as wants and needs go, they find that those clear cut lines have blurred so much during their monthly sessions that there is no turning back now.

Hold Me Close is a beautiful story with so intensity that, just like me, I know you won’t be able to put it down. I really cannot seem to get enough of this series, but these characters definitely hold a special place in my heart. I want so much more with this couple, so I really hope we see more of them in the next Purgatory book. Thanks Eliza for yet another wonderful read in this delightfully naughty series!

If you'd like to check out more about this series or other books by Eliza, please head over to her website. 

http://www.elizagayle.net  

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Out of Sight (T-FLAC # 5) by Cherry Adair

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Reviewed by Tabatha

 

AJ is determined to become a great T-FLAC agent, and sets out to prove herself to her hero, the infallible Kane Wright. Coming straight out of the academy and into a highly dangerous mission, she is battling with the ghosts of her past. Kane is working with her despite his desire to keep this a solitary show. He has learned the hard way that it is far easier to only have yourself to be responsible for. He is a master of disguise, but he isn't going to be able to disguise his need for AJ. *winks*

I have to say this was totally an action packed book, and so exciting to read! I'm telling you, the story never slows down and is a non-stop ride the whole way through! I found it so very entertaining, and trust me when I say that it kept me on the edge of my seat right to the very end. OHHH and the love scenes scorch the ink right from the pages! I really can not wait to read the next in the series!

If you'd like to check out more about this series or other books by Cherry, please head over to her website.

http://cherryadair.com/

 

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