BOOK REVIEW ~ HARD AS YOU CAN BY LAURA KAYE

Title: Hard As You Can (Hard Ink, Book Two)
Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Paperback, 384 pages

ARC provided by Edelweiss

Book Blurb

Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.

Book Review 

Laura Kaye has done it again and penned a brilliant romantic suspense with Hard As You Can--the second book in the Hard Ink series.

In fact, I enjoyed this book more than the first.

I think that is due to the on-going story ARC as well as understanding the characters that make up this series. As each fascinating trait or quirk is revealed, I fall more in love with the men of Hard Ink.

Shane McCallan won my vote as all-time favorite with his tenderness and huge heart. His desire to protect Sara (aka Crystal) and her sister was palpable. And the way he holds himself responsible for his own sister's kidnapping broke my heart.

After literally running into Crystal in a strip club during a mission to rescue Charlie, Shane cannot get her out of his mind. And he's determined to find out more about this mysterious woman. When their current mission leads them back to Confessions, Shane reaches out to Crystal for information. When Shane realizes just how dangerous Crystal's current situation is, he can't help but want to reach out and help her. And just maybe, his guilt for not being able to help his little sister years ago will somehow be lessened.

Crystal is waiting for a chance to escape the hell her life has become.For the moment, she is left with no other choice but to work at Confessions as a waitress. And her boyfriend, Bruno Ashe, is paying for the expensive medication her sister needs to help control her seizures. Crystal knows that the club is the devil's playground--one that deals with drugs and the selling of women as slaves. But she puts on a smile and plays the role, praying for the day when she and her sister can escape.

When Shane asks for information that will help bring him and his friends closer to discovering who is behind their dishonorable discharge, Crystal decides to take the risk and helps him out. Used to being treated like a possession, Shane's behavior toward her is a welcome surprise. And Crystal starts to yearn for something that isn't possible, especially when she has no plans to stay in Baltimore.

Hard As You Can is action-oriented and filled with a twisty plot to keep you reading until the last page. And once you're there...you'll be begging for book three.

BOOK REVIEW ~ THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY BY KATJA MILLAY

Title: The Sea of Tranquility

Author: Katja Millay

Release Date: November 13, 2012

ARC provided by NetGalley

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

Book Review

Katja Millay does a brilliant job in creating a very dark, compelling story that hooks you in immediately and doesn't let go until the last page. 

Nastya Kashnikov has started her senior year at a new school. She is different from her classmates, choosing black clothing, skirts that border on too-inappropriate-for-school, dark mascara. Vastly different from the girl she was two years ago. But she does it to separate herself from others. It is a blatant statement for people to stay the hell away. 

And she chooses not to talk.

She hasn't uttered a word to anyone in over four hundred days. Instead, she stores them up in her head, only to write them down in a notebook--three and half pages that give vivid detail to the tragedy that befell upon her two years ago. Horrific memories that at one time, she didn't remember. It is the only way she can keep her nightmares at bay. 

Josh Bennett is a force to be reckoned with--the kids stay away from him at school. He pretty much runs the shop class, building shelving and other projects for the drama department--as well as  the teacher's pet. He sits alone on a bench in the school courtyard during lunch--alone, silent, and no one dares approach him.

Nastya can't help but notice the mysterious kid who keeps to himself at lunch. It's like has has some protective force field around him, and she wonders where she can get one of her own. But she keeps her distance. She is seeking her own isolation--hiding in bathrooms, in the shadows, praying no one will approach her, too.

But all of that is shattered the day Josh speaks up to defend her from the catty girls during lunch. One word. And all goes quiet. Everyone listens. Nastya is left angry, stunned, and very curious. Why do the kids listen to him? What has he done to earn that kind of respect? 

Nastya hates daylight--things can happen in the afternoon just as easily as those that happen at night. Evil things. Things that include blood and dirt. And things that will change your life forever. Running is the only thing that gives Nastya any kind of relief. She runs to escape--running so hard until she pukes, until she is numb, until she exhausts herself. 

One night, while out running, she spots a light coming from a garage. There is Josh, the stranger at school who defended her. She watches him. 

Josh's garage is his sanctuary, the place he goes to escape. He is stunned when the new girl shows up. But she looks different. Her eyes aren't black, her face free of make-up. Her hair pulled away from her face. She pulls at him and no matter how he tries to push her away...

Nastya keeps coming back.

Until one night...she speaks to him.

Amazing. This book is just simply amazing. Great characters that will make you cry with a heart-wrenching story. Nastya and Josh will remain with the reader long after the last page is finished.   

Note: Although I would classify this as a young adult book, it contains very mature themes: sex, drugs, and alcohol are very present in this book. 

SEXY SNIPPETS ~ ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND (DREW + FABLE)

Tuesdays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky over at RBtW's blog post so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!

Title: One Week Girlfriend

Author: Monica Murphy

Release Date: January 10th, 2013

"I was losing you." He knows me so well. "And I didn't want you to forget who you're with. Who's about to make you come." His voice is deep, so deep, as his cock, and I shudder all around him. Excited by his possessive tone, thrilled by his sweet words. Drew completely undoes me, with a look, with a thrust of his body, with a lick of his tongue. Every single thing he does to me devastates. Intoxicates. Renews.Every single thing inside of me. 

WOW--Just, W-freaking-O-amazing-W.

I fell hard for Drew. Like a brick out a twenty story building. Hard. 

And he is such a great character-dark, secretive, tortured. SEXY AS HELL.

And Fable is strong, fierce, loving, loyal, and his perfect match. 

Great read. 

And Francesca: If you keep rec'ing such great reads, I'm gonna have to come to Brooklyn and smooch your lovely face. You rock it, sista!

So now it's your turn to show me your sexy. Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~ THE PRELUDE BY KASONNDRAH LEIGH

Author: KaSonndra Leigh

Published: March 31, 2013

Format: E-book

Buy Links: Barnes and Noble / Amazon

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.

Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.

Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.

Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

WARNING: This novel contains sexual situations and 
mature language. It is intended for an audience at 17+ years of age.

About the author:

Meet your word sculptress...

Author of the Lost Immortals Saga and the Path Seekers Series. I’m also a mother, blogger, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. I believe in karma, coffee, and seriously wish that the producers of Xena would bring my favorite show ever back.

Strange things about me: Everything. I am weird, odd, unusual, and generally tend to make people think I swooped down from another planet. I don’t know. Maybe I did. Who knows? I’m also a member of the #zombiesurvivalcrew on twitter. So if you need protection from the upcoming apocalypse, don’t hesitate to call on us.

I was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when I’m not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals). Most of my characters are based on people that I’ve met throughout my travels and adventures. People tend to stop and start conversations with me as if I’ve known them my entire life. Does this freak me out? Not really. My mom says that one day I’ll get kidnapped by one of them. I told her that if it weren’t for these lovely people then I wouldn’t be able to create the stories that I do.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Author's Amazon page

Book Excerpt:

Alek’s POV

Erin Meets the Ex

 “So, your mother was born in Dallas? That means you’re all mixed up, like me. Interesting,” Erin says and shakes her head as though she’s in deep thought.

She takes a bite of her focaccia, a type of yeast roll covered in garlic. Since we’re still well into the aperitivo, Milan’s happy hour, this is about all we’re going to be served for the time being. “It all makes sense now. I was wondering why Adriana doesn’t have a Russian sounding name. And how you got those…nevermind.”

“Don’t do that stopping mid-sentence thing. It drives me insane, yes. Finish. What do I have?” I lean over on the table, so I’m closer to her face. A rush of pink spreads through her cheeks. She blushes so easily. I enjoy watching it happen.

She shrugs and stabs at her food until I’m ready to snatch the plate away and eat the bread myself. I place my hand over hers. “Erin, you were going to tell me something, yes?” Our gazes meet, and she stares deep into my eyes.

“Your eyes. They’re not blue like a lot of Russians. That’s all. You don’t need me to be telling you things you’ve heard all your life, I’m sure.” She glances down at her plate and then over at my hand massaging the skin on top of hers.

“Look at me, Erin.”

“No. I mean, I’d rather not.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s—”

“What have we here? The two of you look cozy,” a familiar female’s voice says, ripping through our bonding moment. Nadya. I sit back and give her a hard look. She’s wearing fur in July, the same thing Mother likes to do. And she looks ridiculous.

“Nadya. You look warm today,” I say, smiling.

“I am. These Milan nights can get a little chilly. Especially when a girl sits at home alone more often than not,” she replies.

“I’m sure a woman of your means can easily find male companionship,” I say with a smirking grin. She turns to Erin.

“Hi there. I’m Nadya, Alek’s ex-girlfriend.” She holds out her hand for Erin to shake.

“I’m Erin. And I’m not the new girlfriend.” Shaking her hand, Erin passes a quick glance in my direction.

“Erin Angelo, the student designer who wooed and won the hearts of all three Martuccio brothers? I’m in awe. Tell me, what kind of sexual favors did you do in order to convince them to take you in and spend all that money for you?”

“Nadya. This isn’t the time or place for that shit,” I warn.

“Oh, Alek, this is girl talk. Obviously, Erin has what it takes to survive in the fashion capital of the world. I simply want pointers on how she managed to snag yet another successful man so very quickly. Has he taken you to the waterfall yet?” Nadya gushes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I stand up and face her.

“I’m warning you, Nadya,” I repeat.

“No, Alek, it’s okay, really. I don’t mind helping Nadya out,” Erin says, a devious gleam in her gorgeous eyes. Easing back down to my seat, I get the feeling that Nadya is in for a surprise.

“First, I signed up for design school. This meant I actually had to use intelligence over sex,” Erin begins, using the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard on a female. “And then, my instructors noticed I had a sharp eye for identifying trends. You know what I mean, right? Real. Raw. Talent. Now, this doesn’t include shopping sprees and matching up the designer labels in all my outfits. I’m one of the people who actually sat down and created the design for that acrylic, also known as, fake fur vest you’re wearing.”

Erin beams a smile at Nadya and then glances at me just before she says, “Men can’t help but to notice someone who does this kind of thing. Right, Alek?”

“Damn right. I couldn’t help it, anyway,” I add, feeling more turned on by Erin than I’ll ever care to admit. She removes her shawl and exposes the way her dress dips low enough to show off her generous cleavage. I lower my head so neither one of them will catch me laughing.

“In fact, Alek told me that my ambitious nature outside of the bedroom turns him on so much that he can’t wait to get back and make mad, passionate love to me tonight,” Erin says with a smile. I almost choke on my saliva.

“Obviously. Have a nice dinner,” Nadya says in a flat voice and walks off toward a man standing near the bar.

“I cannot believe I just said those shitty things to her,” Erin says, shaking her head and gasping.

“She opened the door wide,” I answer.

“Can we have a subject-change moment, please?” she asks and moves on without questioning me about the waterfall statement Nadya made. I appreciate that she doesn’t question or judge me. Not yet.

ARC BOOK REVIEW ~ MIDNIGHT SECRETS BY ELLA GRACE

Title:  Midnight Secrets (Wildefire, Book One)

Author:  Ella Grace

Expected Release Date: April 30, 2013

ARC provided by NetGalley

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.


Book Review

The plot recipe of Midnight Secrets is not very different and lacks some originality. Small southern town with a mysterious killer who has gotten away with murder for years. Rich family with three orphaned sisters raised by a loving grandfather. Add a sexy bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks who has a thing for one of the beautiful sisters, and you have yourself a story. 

But the pacing of Midnight Secrets keeps me reading. And I become attached to the loving relationship between the sisters and the budding relationship between Zach and Savannah when they were only teenagers. Ella Grace does a stellar job portraying young love--those that can be filled with illusions and disappointments and heartbreak. And the hope of second chances and the healing that family can give us when we need a shoulder to cry on. 

After the death of her grandfather, Savannah arrives to pack up his home. The place where she had long ago given away her heart to Zach Tanner--the boy who left town without a word and always felt he wasn't good enough for the likes of Savannah Wilde. 

But during her stay, Savannah's suspects that something isn't quite right regarding her parents murder-suicide that happened over a decade ago. When she starts asking questions, it's blatantly obvious that someone wants those secrets to remain buried. 

Zach has also returned to Midnight, Alabama and is now the town's sheriff. Both are thrown together to figure out the secrets of the past and their combustible sexual chemistry is hard to deny. But time is running out as a killer stalks the streets to protect his or her identity and the bloody truth about Savannah's parents death. 

Fans who love their books filled with suspense and enjoy a side of steamy romance will fall for the southern charm of Zach Tanner and the twisty turn of events at the story's climax. 

I can see myself returning back to Midnight, Alabama to see what happens to the other Wilde sisters in this new series. 

ARC BOOK REVIEW ~ SLOW BURN BY ANNE MARSH

Title: Slow Burn (Smoke Jumpers, Book Two)

Author: Anne Marsh

Expected Release Date: March 26, 2013

ARC provided by NetGalley

The second in Anne Marsh’s pulse-pounding Smoke Jumpers series ripples with nail-biting suspense and sensuality, giving an inside look at a special brand of hero and the kind of woman it takes to win him.

It’s not every man who’ll risk his life jumping into the flames of a woodland inferno. Then again, Evan Donovan isn’t like other men. No matter how great or how treacherous the challenge, he gets the job done. But when he agrees to look in on a friend’s ex-wife after a suspicious brush fire, Evan learns that some jobs are too hot to handle…

Faye Duncan is a photographer on a mission, shooting fires for a magazine. Her first encounter with a wildfire isn’t nearly as wild as her first night with Evan Donovan. Things really heat up when Evan learns she may have taken a photo of the arsonist setting the fires. Evan is determined to keep Faye safe—but first, he’ll have to open up his heart…

Book Review 

This is my first book by author, Anne Marsh, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I will scour the bookstores for more of her work, as she writes strong, believable characters with great sexual chemistry. 

Although this is the second book in a series, this can be read separately and not leave the reader confused with the story's plot. And trust me ~ I WILL be purchasing book one, BURNING UP,  to read later. 

Nestled in the California hills is the small town of Strong. Three brothers --  Jack, Evan, and Rio --  work together as smoke jumpers, parachuting from a DC-3 to battle hotter-than-hell blazes that threaten to consume acres of wildlife. 

Faye Duncan, photographer extraordinaire, has left L.A. shortly after her divorce has been finalized. Cashing in her 401k and with very little money left to her name, she heads to Strong to take pictures of the small town fire department. Along the way, Faye runs through the beginnings of a bush fire--literally. Pulling over, she snaps photos of a mysterious man near the fire, unaware that he is the arsonist who has started the blaze.

Evan Donovan is a  smoke jumper--a man of few words, protective of his men and his brothers, as well as the woman who took him in at age ten to raise him. The small town of Strong is his home, his life, and fighting the fire will always come first in his life. 

Evan has been asked to look after his friend's ex-wife, who is on her way to Strong. And guess what? She is the photographer assigned to taking photos of the to-be-renovated firehouse. Small world and all that, lol. 

Faye isn't looking for another serious relationship, but she thinks that Evan can provide her with some serious fun-time. When Evan realizes that she has seen and photographed a possible arsonist who is a part of his team, the two strike a bargain --Faye will hold off sending her pictures to her editor until Evan can find the person responsible for setting the fire. 

But something happens during the small amount of time Evan and Faye are together. The two grow closer, opening up to one another, and what was once a summer fling could be something more...

Overall, Slow Burn is an enjoyable romantic read with a tinge of suspense and an endearing secondary romance between Ben and Nonna. I look forward to reading Rio's book (?). Hopefully Anne Marsh has plans to continue this series to include the last of the brothers. 

BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~ IN MY SIGHTS BY LJ.GARLAND AND DEBBIE GOULD

Title: In My Sights

A 1Night Stand Story

Pararescuemen Series – Book 2

Author: LJ Garland and Debbie Gould

BLURB:

Six months ago, Siobhan Cantrell’s world was changed forever by a sniper’s bullet. The incident transformed her from a secure confident woman to a recluse, afraid to leave her own home. When her friends urge her to re-enter the world of the living, they suggest Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service. Nervous, she signs up and learns the company is renown for in-depth background checks and safe encounters. So, how dangerous could it be?

Sergeant Bobby Martin has witnessed Madame Eve’s magic firsthand. His teammate found true love through her service. Still a skeptic but giving in to peer pressure, the Air Force Pararescueman signs himself up. When he meets Siobhan, his doubts fly out the window—unfortunately bullets start flying in them. Determined to protect her from a sniper that won’t give up, Bobby vows to keep her safe. As their chemistry ramps up, so does the sniper’s attempts.

Can Bobby keep Siobhan alive, or will the killer catch them in his sights?

Genre: Contemporary, Military Romance, Erotic Romance, Suspense/Thriller

Heat level: 4

Word count – 16k

Cover art by Fantasia Frog Designs

BUY:

Amazon | ARe | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

Siobhan entered the large suite and glanced around. She’d used every ounce of strength she possessed to walk through the front doors of the hotel and into the dining room. But with Bobby standing behind her, the fine hairs on the back of her neck that had irritated her all evening, eased. 

She strode through the room, flipping on lights, checking the bathroom. When she slid the shower curtain back, she stopped herself. What the hell am I doing? 

Turning, she caught her reflection in the mirror, the scar on her temple a permanent reminder of everything she’d lost. The sniper had taken so much from her. But did that mean she had to lose her future, too? 

By talking her into contacting Madame Eve, her friends had given her a second chance at getting some semblance of control again. And what am I doing? Looking over my shoulder, watching the balcony for shooters, and checking the bathtub for the damn bogeyman while a hot-blooded, gorgeous man is waiting in the bedroom. 

And damn it, she wanted to quit hiding in the shadows. If she could survive that day six months ago, then she was damn well done cowering in fear. Hadn’t the bastard taken enough from her? In the past, she’d never shied away from her sexual side. She’d embraced it. 

The past six months had been damn lonely. Time to take control again. Starting with the sexy Bobby Martin. 

She turned to leave the bathroom and came smack up against a hard male body. He reached out to steady her as she stumbled. 

“You okay?” 

She pressed her palms on his chest in an attempt to recover her equilibrium—and what a chest. All hard, sculpted muscle. “Uh, yeah, I was just––” 

“Looking for the bad guy?” He chuckled. 

Heat rushed up her neck and claimed her face. “That obvious, huh?” 

Taking her hands in his, he led her into the bedroom. “It’s what I do. If I can’t recognize someone clearing a room, I have no business in Special Ops.”

He tugged her against him, and she had to stop herself from swooning. The men she used to date were nothing close to Bobby. Sure, they’d been fit, but not like this man. He radiated strength and unadulterated male. Something that couldn’t be bottled if you tried. Pure down-and-dirty sex—she tilted her head and eyed him—yet something more. 

He gave the impression he actually cared. After listening to her story downstairs, he’d understood immediately how uncomfortable she’d been, sitting in the open dining room, and had gotten her the heck out of there. 

She could get used to a man like him. Except tonight would be a one-night stand—something she intended to take full advantage of. Slipping her hands under his shirt, she let her fingers glide up the rock hard abs and sculpted chest until her fingers brushed over his nipples. 

His grip tightened on her arms, and his gaze darkened with lust. “Damn.” 

A thrill shot through her at the reaction she’d produced, and as she stared up at him, desire coiled low in her body. 

“Look, I’m not gonna lie to you.” He loosened his hold on her while he perused her face, settling on her mouth. “I wasn’t sure about this one-night thing to start with, but after seeing you…well, I can definitely follow through. No problem.” He shifted his attention to her eyes, the naked heat swirling in his baby blues causing her breath to catch. “But after what all you told me, I want you to know I get it. We can play this thing any way you want. Fast. Slow. Or I can just hold you.” He trailed his fingers up and down her arms, sending delicious tingles along her skin. “Though I’ll admit, that’s not my first choice.” 

She stared at him. God, he was such a gentleman. Without hesitating, she lifted onto her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, crushed her mouth against his, and…holy crap, what a kiss! Her pulse jumped, her head spun. A fire sparked deep inside her, and her breath caught at the passion winding through her. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting exactly, but not anything like this. 

Before she melted into a puddle at his feet, she broke the kiss and gazed up at him. “Does that answer your question?” 

A sexy grin curved his lips. “Yes, ma’am.”

BOOK REVIEW ~ THE OPPORTUNIST BY TARRYN FISHER

Title: The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies, Book One)

Author:  Tarryn Fisher

Release Date: November 14, 2011/ August 21, 2012

eBook

Reviewer purchased own copy of eBook

Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Drake, has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid past under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked, new girlfriend; Leah Smith. It is a race to the finish as these two vipers engage in a vicious tug of war to possess a man who no longer remembers them. But, soon enough Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.

Buy Links: 

Amazon / B&N 

I'm not really sure how I found out about this book, but the reviews I have seen have been nothing but stellar. I had to add this to my collection after I read the blurb. This story promised to be dark and filled with harsh realities of the human psyche. I'm so glad that I discovered this author and her book. What an emotional ride--as Tarryn Fisher jumps from past to present and gives a gut-wrenching, highly-addicting read! 

The Opportunist is NOT a hearts-and-flowers romance. And if you are looking for a happy ending, you're not going to get it (at least in this book). This story is about the choices you make and its aftermath.  

Olivia is not looking for a boyfriend or a relationship. And when the star basketball player Caleb asks her out, she doesn't make it easy on him. Olivia cannot accept the fact that this gorgeous guy is actually interested in her. And her insecurities help destroy what could be a start of a really great relationship. Caleb walks away and says he will never bother her again.

Now that Caleb is no longer in Olivia's life, she wants him back. And it's a case of too-little-too-late, as Caleb is now dating someone else and their relationship seems to be pretty serious. 

How desperate would you be to get back the one person you loved and the one person you couldn't live without? This is what Olivia faces and brings her downfall in The Opportunist. 

And when Caleb returns to her life with no memory of her deceit, will she be able to come clean and tell him the truth? Or will she fall back on lies and omissions to get the one man she has ever loved? And is she the only one who is keeping secrets? 

Wow! Just--Un-Freakin-Believe-Able!! I want the next book like yesterday. 

BOOK/AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ~ JOANNE KENRICK -- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY

Title: Bittersweet Symphony

Series: Tales from the Coffin #3

Author: JoAnne Kenrick

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Thriller, Horror, Erotica

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Bookstrand

ARe

B&N

Smashwords

Decadent Publishing

Book Description:

The Bone Cruncher hasn’t visited in a while, and Estella thinks it’s something she did. Misery loves company, but she loves food more. Putting on a smile, she musters up an erotic story. But can she make it to the end of the tale without comfort eating?

To onlookers, Seren lived the high life in London with her orchestra conductor of a husband. She had a major case of unrequited love for her best friend, though, so their relationship was doomed from the beginning. Divorce papers served, it’s time for her to go back to her hometown on the England-Wales border and face the music.

Owen, now a postman of their little market town, is thrilled to see Seren when he shows up at her doorstep with mail. It’s not long before they’re releasing their pent up lust and love for each other. Within that mail, though, are letters addressed to Seren’s parents. They’re from her ex and hold a truth Seren is too fearful to face. Even with Owen by her side.



Adult Excerpt:

Using her tongue, she parted his lips to explore his mouth. His warm, erratic breath and strong hold welcomed her into deeper kisses. Frantic. Desperate. She sank her fingers into the hair curled over his nape and pulled him closer still.

She couldn’t believe it. She was snogging the mud pie-making, tampon-throwing, Spiderman climbing Owen. Judging by his erection prodding at her stomach, he was as thrilled as she.

He roamed her bottom over her clothes. At that moment, she resented her mother’s quilted dressing gown. Breasts were next for his attentive touch, and the plump flesh of her tits squished up with the pressure.

Pulling away, he glared down. “This dressing gown has to go.” He tugged at the knotted rope, loosened the tangled mess, and slipped the granny-styled nuisance to the floor to reveal a red number. Why she’d been wearing it, she’d never know. It wasn’t like she thought anyone would see her in it. But there she was, laced to the nines with her hard nipples poking through.

“Much better.” He leaned in and flicked his tongue over her semi-exposed nub, causing the delicate mesh of her negligee to scrape at the sensitive skin. Another lick. Then he puckered his mouth around her...


About the Author:

Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! Find out more about JoAnne’s work by visiting http://www.joannekenrick.com and get exclusive sneak peeks at her upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here. 

Author Links:

Website / Twitter / Facebook





This short story is approximately a little over 20 odd pages and very, very short. It is told from the point of view of Estella, Vampire Queen of the Rejected.
Lucy, Estella's zombie lover, has brought her dinner-YOU, the reader- and before the two ladies feast on your body, Estella tells you a short macabre tale that has no happily ever after.

It is the story of Seren and Owen, two friends who never became lovers and is about how a wrong decision in life carries over to one in death...and lets leave it at that. Because, really with a story this short, spoilers are bound to pop up. And I loathe to spoil it.

That being said, I liked the tale that Estella told, despite its lack of an HEA.  The premise would make a great novel length story and one could get to have a deeper connection to these two characters.  As it is, it is just an erotic quickie that I find lacks a real emotional connection for the reader. It would have a much deeper impact if some raw emotions were penned with it, and make the story stronger.

My overall impression is this--sometimes short can be harmful to the telling of a tale. This could have been better with a little more length, a lot more emotion.

I give it a generous 3 star rating.



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BOOK REVIEW ~ J.D. TYLER'S SAVAGE AWAKENING

Title: Savage Awakening (Alpha Pack, Book Two)

Author: JD Tyler

Publisher: NAL/Signet Eclipse

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Copy of book bought by reviewer

After one of their own is captured, the Alpha Pack must save him. With them is Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase. Her priority is her brother's rescue. What she doesn't bargain for is a scorching affair with a rugged wolf shifter. When his life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she's willing to sacrifice in the name of love.

Links for author:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

 

Links to purchase book:

Amazon / B&N / BAM

 

Other books in the series:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.D. Tyler also writes under the name of Jo Davis---of which I am a huge fan of her book series, Firefighters Station Five--A MUST READ for all romance readers who love a acorching hawt romance with great Alpha heroes.

 

Savage Awakening starts out with our hero, Aric (love that name, btw--very original), chained up and being tortured by his stepsister, Beryl.  He suffers great pain and is at the point where he struggles against the desire to give up...but he discovers that he is not alone in this 'motel of hell'.  Micah, his teammate and Alpha Pack buddy who has been thought dead, lays huddled in a cage beside him at the brink of death.

 

Rowan Chase is hell bent on finding out what exactly happened to her brother, Micah, and a lead finds her standing in front of a pack of wolves...who then turn back to human. Very nekked and Very sexy human men. They are the Alpha Pack and police the paranormal world. 

 

I love this new series by JD Tyler and it has the same sexiness as her Firehouse Series, except revolves around the paranormal world of shifters.

 

These men of the Alpha back are all gorgeous, well-built, and sexy in their own right. I enjoy reading them and learning new things about them with each book. And I can't wait to read the next installment--Black Moon--that is expected to release December 4, 2012. I have a feeling that this book will be a much darker read which I will relish and devour the day it comes out.

 

I also have a feeling that Micah's story will be a painfully emotional one that will bring me to tears. We get to learn a bit about his torture over the last six months, and already my heart clenched at what he went through. His mate will have to be a very strong woman to help him with his emotional scars.

 

I loved the humor, the pacing, and the fact that best is yet to come.



HEAT INDEX: 4