Book Review of Grizzly by Bonnie Bliss

One Alpha shape-shifting bear.

Plus one geeky computer girl.
Equals an explosive mated pairing.
Living her life as a reclusive computer programmer, Sorscha never expected much out of life. That was until the man who had not only ignored her for her whole life—but was hired as her bodyguard—suddenly shifts into a huge, hulking—bear.
Watching over Sorscha has been a pain, right in Tethur’s big, fat—well, you get the point. Suddenly Sorscha’s life is threatened, their deep mutual sexual attraction is exposed, and Tethur reveals he’s a shape-shifting hunk from a world right out of one of Sorscha’s favorite movies.
The unlikely pair are thrust into a world of fantasy, sexual hunger, and mysterious powers. Join Sorscha as she discovers that she is not quite the no body she thought she was, and after years of trying to get in the Grumpy ole’ bear’s pants—she is going to have to start ‘trying’ to keep him out of hers.

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As the first book in a new series entitled The Realms there's a lot going on in this book.  There are numerous characters, lots of action-packed sequences, and a mythology that is multi-layered and mostly takes place in a vividly depicted world of fantasy.  Not to mention the intensely erotic overtones and sensual haze hanging over the entire story from start to finish.  Considering all that you end up with a story that will appeal to readers of every genre.

Sorscha has lived a very solitary life being cosseted by loving parents and guarded by a man who she's always been drawn to but who's kept her at arms length.  Her loneliness drew her to the world of fantasy where The Hobbit, Doctor Who, and Sherlock became her comfort.  Everything changed for her though on Valentine's Day and life will never be the same again as she discovers that fantasy is sometimes real and everything she thought she knew about herself is turned on end.  The man she thought hated her is now claiming she's his mate, she discovers a whole new family of faes and otherworldly creatures after jumping through a mirror, and just like Alice her life is now in jeopardy and she'll have to rely on powers she's just discovering to save her.  She's also battling her hormones as Tethur's constantly taunting her with his dirty words and sensual promises which keeps her constantly on edge and struggling to find her place in this new world.  Sorscha is a likable character for all her imperfections.  She's not svelte or worldly and she's a self-confessed geek but she longs to live a life of excitement.  Being with Tethur in his world brings her unexpected excitement and is just the beginning of a battle for power courtesy of a jealous woman who enjoys pain and employs drastic methods to create an army.  There are times though where Sorscha becomes a bit too hysterical in demanding her independence, a bit too shrew-like.  Her ignorance puts her in jeopardy and though she should be happy with such a strong guardian angel she still fights him at every turn.  Their relationship looks to be one of a constant push and pull which will keep readers entertained for a long time to come.

Tethur is a Celt Warrior, one of a small band of brothers who can shift into various creatures, and is an immortal of massive strength and size.  He was promised Sorscha when she was very young and it took all his strength not to claim her before now.  With their enemies at their doorstep he's forced into showing her the truth of their existence before he planned on it with her introduction being a bit overwhelming.  He's constantly on edge keeping others away from what he considers his and it brings out his aggressive Alpha tendencies which causes friction between him and Sorscha.  His bear side constantly emerges to warn off those who try to use their sexual prowess to overwhelm her and he was left being overbearing and smothering because of it.  His and Sorscha's relationship boils down to sex, they're drawn to each other every moment as seen by the numerous sexual interludes they partake in at the most inopportune moments sometimes.  We don't get deep insight into who Tethur is beyond his strength and sexual prowess.  He's loyal though and willing to do whatever it takes to keep Sorscha safe even if it makes her mad.  He's a super sexy beast who loves to fight and has a talent for talking dirty which made me blush while also making him an even more drool-worthy warrior.

This was a fast-paced story teeming with sexual tension and out right sensuality.  Every creature in this fantasy world oozed sex appeal, even the villains.  There was equal amounts of sex on display as there was blood dripping on the battlefield.  There were numerous characters introduced which made it hard to keep track of everyone as well as their purposes.  The goal of the villain is obvious and we're just getting a hint as to what she's willing to do to reach that goal, which doesn't bode well for the heroes as one of their own is in dire straits due to her machinations.  Sorscha is the first of four daughters to re-enter their homeland which sets up the books yet to come as other warriors will be as aggressive as Tethur in keeping their mates safe.  Fans of erotica will find this a tantalizing read but have paper nearby to keep all the characters straight as it's a crowded cast and hold on tight as the journey to stopping the villain will be a rocky one both physically and mentally as all the sisters adjust to a world without Netflix and Starbucks!

My rating for this is a B-

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Tour for For Her Protection by Amber A. Bardan (Review & GIVEAWAY)

To end the weekend on a hot note I'm bringing you For Her Protection by Amber A. Bardan, a steamy and suspenseful read.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book along with my impressions of it.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win  a $100 Amazon Gift Card, Romantic Swag, and 3 e-copies of this book too.

You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.
Yet pleasure seems to be the one and only thing on Charlize’s mind the moment Connor steamrolls into her life. Desperate to save her family company, prove she’s more than a pretty face and worthy of being CEO, pleasure is a distraction she can’t afford.
She doesn’t want a bodyguard, especially not one whose caveman heroics kick her libido into hyperdrive. But surrounded by enemies and an attacker on the loose, there’s only one man she can trust with her life.
Connor knows better than to get personal with clients. Yet there couldn’t be anything more personal about his feelings forCharlize. From the moment he clapped eyes on her he wanted nothing more than to throw her over his shoulder and really give her something to scream about. He’ll get his uptight she-cat to unwind, preferably one orgasm at a time.
With Connor in her office, her home, driving her to sweet, merciless distraction, there’s only so long Charlize can resist his sexy, dominant brand of protection.

EXCERPT:

Connor gave her his caveman glare. “I’m not going anywhere, kitten. Your well-being is my responsibility so you may as well do as you’re told.”
“Do as I’m told?” she spat then picked up a mug from her desk and hurled it at him.
Connor ducked and the mug flew over his head and bounced on the carpet. He rose, rolling up slowly, his gaze taking on the predatory gleam from the first time she’d seen him. Shit. She’d gone too far again. He stalked toward her. Charlize backed away from her desk.
“You’re out of control, Charlize,” he growled, his head lowered, his strides long and smooth.
Her heart spurted frantic energy through her system. He reached her but she didn’t give him a chance to do whatever he planned to do. She slammed her palms against his chest and pushed then darted around him for the door.
She didn’t make it a step. He seized her around the middle and took her down. She hit the ground on her back. Connor shifted over her, scooping her wrists in one clean movement and pressing them above her head. The back of her hands sank into the carpet.
He panted above her, gazing into her face. She twisted against him but her movements only made her breasts brush against the solid wall of his chest. Damn him. Maybe, just maybe if he hadn’t done what he had to her that morning, she might’ve had a chance to resist him.
Charlize stilled and looked at him. A muscle pulled under the skin of his temple. She ran her gaze over his face, the deep blue of his eyes, the strong bridge of his nose, his wide lips.
Lips that drove her crazy with all the arrogant, bossy shit they said. Lips that made her want to run her tongue over them, see if maybe there was a shred of softness in this hard man. She groaned and raised her head, planting her mouth on his.
His stillness dissolved. His mouth opened, capturing her tongue and sucking deeply before pushing his own between her lips. Her body hummed, the neediness tormenting her all day racked her. He moved, his knees nudging hers apart. He settled between her thighs and she wrapped her legs around his hips, arching when his hardness ground against her.
He pressed her hands deeper into the carpet and sank his tongue farther into her mouth, leaving no crevice untasted.
She opened to him—melting—arching—desperate. She squeezed him closer with her legs, needing that hard cock against her.
Then, in one sudden movement, the heat and hardness against her were gone. Connor had leaped off her as if her panties were on fire. Charlize scrambled to her feet, tugging her skirt down, then leaned against her desk for support. Her head swam, words escaped her. She wasn’t sure what just happened. He still looked at her as if he were about to eat her alive. His gaze stalked her, stripping her, penetrating through her skin.
He cornered her against her desk, his eyes darker than she’d ever seen them.
“Let’s get something clear—if losing your shit at me is code for fuck-me-now, just say so. Then the next time you hit me I’ll have my cock buried in you before you can finish the request.”

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON US  |  AMAZON UK  |  BN  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

When a woman trying to succeed in the boy's club has her life threatened, the man sent to guard her takes his job very seriously which causes sparks to fly both in and out of the bedroom in this suspenseful and super steamy read.  Fans of erotica will find this a tantalizing read with a surprisingly captivating mystery and a hero to die for.  From the first page to the last it's easy to get caught up in this rocky road to HEA as you're kept on the edge of your seat trying to decipher whodunit.

Charlize is desperate to prove herself after taking over her father's company.  To be seen as capable she tries to bury her femininity and set herself apart from others so the lines aren't blurred as to who's the boss.  With her company in jeopardy unpopular decisions must be made which increases the number of her enemies and after a violent physical attack she's forced into admitting she's not as capable as she thought.  The moment Connor enters her life everything she thought about herself and what she needs are put in doubt.  To find happiness at both work and home she must realize that accepting help isn't a weakness and that having someone beside you makes you stronger....but is it too late to discover this before a killer, who's killed before, has her in their hands?  Charlize is tightly wound at the start of the story, affected by numerous panic attacks.  She's a bit arrogant thinking she can handle everything herself and it's truly crushing to her to discover that's not the case.  She has a tendency to think the worst of men as her previous relationship was abusive and ended badly.  She perpetually doubts Connor though everything he's done has been to keep her safe.  I appreciated how she stood up for herself but was frustrated by her doubts towards Connor.

Connor is a truly drool-worthy hero who desperately wants to save the girl this time around.  As a former cop his hands were often tied and he got frustrated by always following the rules...now he makes the rules.  He sees how stressed-out Charlize is and wants to help her any way he can.  Not only will he protect her body but he'll protect her heart by reminding her what it means to live again.  He brings moments of carefree sensual fun to her life along with the joys of flaunting her womanly side.  He gives her the tools to protect herself and goes in search of those seeking to harm her which causes friction in their relationship.  Connor was the one to first admit his feelings in a very tender scene balanced with numerous erotic encounters with him her guide.  I loved Connor's dominant side as well as his sweetly endearing side and was often annoyed by Charlize for doubting his feelings and actions as he was the quintessential hero.

The erotic interludes in this story were numerous and scorching in their intensity.  They allowed the heroine to unwind and embrace her feminine side.  The mystery is surprisingly engaging with the possible criminal hard to determine as the possibilities are numerous.  The mystery was pulse-pounding and kept me on the edge of my seat with the heroine's life in jeopardy until the very end.  This was my first time reading Ms. Bardan but won't be my last as I enjoyed many aspects of this story and highly recommend it to fans of erotica as the HOT factor is off the charts!

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

After spending years imagining fictional adventures, Amber finally found a way to turn daydreaming into a productive habit. She now spends her days as a graphic designer but her nights writing sizzling tales about heroes with tough exteriors who are warm inside.

She lives with her husband and children in semi-rural Australia, where if she peers outside at the right moment she might just see a kangaroo bounce by.

WEBSITE:  http://amberabardan.com

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-A-Bardan/524949987538196

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/amberabardan

GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19300339-for-her-protection

PINTEREST:  http://www.pinterest.com/amberabardan/

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Book Review of The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath

A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.

Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been hunting: his next mark.
But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?

********************

Lorraine Heath is my go-to author for western reads full of heartwarming moments and The Gunslinger once again solidifies my beliefs.  When a tarnished hero with a hidden heart of gold comes to town on a mission to force a woman from her land he does the unexpected and changes his future irrevocably.  Chance has been living a lonely existance since a tragic event befell his brother and set him on a path of self-destruction.  His reputation as a master gun-for-hire has him always looking over his shoulder and only able to dream of settling down and having a family.  That dream taunts him even more when he comes to the rescue of Lillian, the woman he's being paid to drive from her property.  As she nurses him back to health he comes to realize that love is the only thing worth fighting for, and dying for, but when another gunslinger comes to finish what Chance started the future he hoped to have with Lillian might be over before it starts.  Chance was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes.  He was thought to be a badass but he was a kind man who had a strong moral code.  My heart ached for what happened to him when he was young and the years of self-loathing he heaped upon himself that led to his solitary existence.  Being with Lillian and her brother brought out flashes of humor and a few carefree moments that were endearing and had me cheering him on to take a chance at making a life with them.

The whole town thinks Lillian's a whore after Mr. Ward dies in her bed so they stand by as she's endlessly harassed by the man's son who wants to run her off his family's land.  The truth is drastically different but the opportunity to reveal that truth never seems possible until an unexpected savior arrives in the guise of an enemy.  Olivia is a kindhearted woman who just wants to live in peace with her younger brother Toby but soon ends up making a deal with the devil to save her home.  She abhors violence and at first it colors her impression of Chance.  While tending his wounds she soon discovers he's an angel in disguise, a man with a painful past she longs to soothe.  With time running out and with his enemies always on his doorstep a future with him seems unlikely, but unexpected events occur that changes both of their futures.  Olivia is an immensely likable heroine who's sweet yet has a fiery spirit when those she loves are in jeopardy.  She wants only the best for her brother as their past was a painful one and it's left her his sole caretaker with the farm being their dream and the lone bright spot amidst years of loneliness and struggle.  As she gets to know Chance though she finds a new dream and to save him she'll sacrifice everything.

Along with two strong main characters there's the delightfully endearing and sweetly humorous Toby.  He's a ball of energy and a breath of fresh air that brings out a sweet side to Chance and is the catalyst to Chance and Lillian coming together.  His presence brought a smile to my face and he'll make a wonderful hero of his own one day.  The sexual tension was obvious from the moment Chance swooped in to save Lillian and slowly evolved into more.  The lone sexual encounter was a bit rushed and not too finely detailed but still satisfying.  These two lonely souls are clearly a match made in heaven and their love story was one that kept me on the edge of my seat with danger coming from every direction.  Ms. Heath beautifully balanced that tension with a sweet and sensual romance that was wrapped up with a heartwarming bow and once again shows her to be the Queen of Western Romances!

My rating for this is an A-

*I got this book from Edelweiss for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Tour for the Ladies of the Seals of Summer (GIVEAWAY)

The SEALs of Summer Military Super-bundle of ten novellas and novels hit both the New York Times and the USA Today bestseller lists… now read the next books from authors Anne Marsh, Cora Seton, Zoe York, Kimberley Troutte, S.M. Butler, and Jennifer Lowery........

Celebrate with these ladies their newest releases with glimpses of their new books and through a great giveaway where you can win a $25 Amazon GC along with books too!  So let's get the party started......

SWEET BURN by Anne Marsh:

It’s supposed to be a quick wedding hook-up. She’s lonely. He’s available. After seeing Rio Donovan and Gia Jackson down the aisle, the sizzling sexual chemistry between Mimi Hart and Mack Landry has this pair burning up the sheets in a night of no-holds fantasies. One night. No regrets. And no promises. As Strong’s resident bad girl and bartender, Mimi has earned every inch of her reputation. Tattoos, motorcycles and dancing on the bar—Mimi’s all in. She’s fun and she’s tough, a hot sex-on-the-pool-table woman—not a sunset-and-kisses sweetheart. Until her wedding hook-up, Mack Landry, turns into a man on a sensual mission…and threatens to send her heart into free fall even as her own past threatens to catch up with her.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iTUNES  |  PRINT COPY

To learn more about Anne Marsh and her books, visit her website:
http://annemarsh.wordpress.com/

THE SOLDIER’S E-MAIL ORDER BRIDE by Cora Seton:

When a damaged soldier and a disgraced Hollywood actress agree to marry for a year, can they remember that it's only supposed to be an act?

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iTUNES  |  KOBO  |  ARe  |  GOOGLEPLAY

To learn more about Cora Seton and her books, visit her website:
http://www.coraseton.com/

THE MAZE by Jennifer Lowery:

Former Navy SEAL, Noah Kincaid, bears the responsibility of fellow counterterrorist operative, Atalanta Devayne’s, imprisonment, torture and retirement. Now the drug lord has resurfaced and set up an elaborate plan to exact his revenge on Attie. Noah and Attie must face challenges to overcome the past and accept their feelings for each other before the danger that tore them apart separates them forever.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  KOBO  |  iTUNES

To learn more about Jennifer Lowery and her books, visit her website:
http://jenniferloweryauthor.com/

LOCK AND LOAD by Kimberley Troutte:

When a Chinese gaming company tricks Amber Fitz into hacking the U.S. Department of Defense to extract weaponry secrets, can she trust Charlie Handly and his newly-formed SEAL team to get her out of China and protect the secrets in her hands?

BUY AT AMAZON here.

To learn more about Kimberley Troutte and her books, visit her website:
http://www.kimberleytroutte.com/

WOUNDED COURAGE by S.M. Butler:

Addison Hardy kept Navy SEAL Eamon Murphy twisted in knots growing up, with her vivacious smile and her gorgeous curves. He thought he was over his best friend’s sister. But finding her at the wrong end of his weapon three years later is only the beginning, and Murphy just might have to break all his rules to keep her safe.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iTUNES  |  BN  |  KOBO 

To learn more about S.M. Butler and her books, visit her website:
http://suzanbutler.com/

BEYOND LOVE AND HATE by Zoe York:

Beth Stewart is ready to find a nice guy and settle down. But the only man who makes her tingle also drives her crazy in the non-sexy, work-related way. When her bosses hire Finn Howard as a marketing consultant for their growing winery, Beth is sure working together is going to be a complete disaster. Finn knows he can't give Beth what she wants--and a nice guy would walk away. But when a long day of work turns into a private night, fueled by wine and pent-up desire, he gives in to his baser instincts. Damn the consequences. Latest in the sexy small townWardham series!

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iTUNES  |  KOBO  |  BN  |  ARe  |  GOOGLEPLAY

To learn more about Zoe York and her books, visit her website:
http://zoeyork.com/

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Tour for Demon of Envy by Jennifer Lynne (Review & GIVEAWAY)

Jennifer Lynne returns today with the next installment in her Gods of Love series, a super sexy paranormal collection.  Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of Demon of Envy, along with my impressions of it, and learn even more by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC, signed print copies of the first three books in the Gods of Love series, and postcards of the covers too!

Phthonos, god of envy and jealousy, has been given a second chance at life and love in the mortal realm. He is desperate to make up for the mistakes of his past. But is Thon more demon than god? And if the demon Envy wins out, how will this lonely god ever find room in his heart for love?

Olivia is an ordinary woman living an ordered life, but at thirty-two true romance appears to have eluded her. Everywhere she looks people are in relationships or falling in love, but her career as an administrator and her charity work are enough to keep the demon of envy at bay.

Or so she thinks…until the moment he turns up on her doorstep with a demand that rips her life and her heart wide open and leaves her at risk of eternal torment.

EXCERPT:

The need to engulf her with everything raging inside flooded over him with such force he went super-still. Get it under control. The darkness was too all-consuming, and she couldn't withstand him if he lost it. She was so delicate and easy to break, despite that elusive core of inner strength, and he had to remember at all times to hold himself back.
She was human. She was fragile. And she was about to become his if he could only control his demon long enough to keep her safe.
He shucked off his T-shirt and threw it to one side, before moving forward to take over from her fumbling fingers. "With pleasure." Remember. Do it slowly. He managed to release two more of the tiny buttons before a waft of her perfume teased his nostrils. It was a musky scent that reminded him of hot nights and seductive need, so long-forgotten that its sudden effect on his senses blasted his self-control to pieces. With a groan that rattled his throat on the way out he grabbed the two sides of her blouse and yanked them apart, the remaining three buttons flying off in all directions with a ripping pop, pop, pop.
"Oh!" Her gorgeous mouth formed into a round of surprise. He clutched at her wrists before she could cover her breasts, then released them slowly when he felt her peak of embarrassment begin to subside.
"No! Don't ever cover yourself when you are with me. I must look at you." She was solidly proportioned, with more flesh than was the current fashion, judging by what he'd seen in his brief time back here. But he liked it better when there was something substantial to hold onto.
His fingers trembled as he traced around first one large globe then the other. Her skin was so white he could see the blue network of veins peeking through from beneath. Her life force, so close to the surface. So tantalizing.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON US  |  AMAZON UK  |  AMAZON AUS  |  ARe

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Jennifer Lynne's Gods of Love series continues to enthrall and excite in this fifth installment in the series.  This installment has the trademark eroticism and steamy sexual encounters prevalent throughout the series but amps up the emotional intensity as these two individuals have pasts that they're fighting against in order to make a future.  It's a rocky journey for these two, one that made my heart ache, but one that was well worth the ticket.

Thon is the God of envy and deals with this emotion at every turn which makes him the quintessential tortured hero as he fights to keep his demon side at bay.  He's been sent to the mortal realm for redemption but he just wants to be happy.  His introduction to the equally tortured Olivia changes his future irrevocably as his love for her leads him astray and very well might send him back to Hell.  It will take a higher power to save both of them though and kept me on the edge of my seat willing their HEA to fruition.  I adored Thon and his desperation in simply wanting to be loved.  He was supportive of Olivia and accepted her completely, issues and all, as a kindred soul.  Not to mention he's super sexy too!

Olivia's past is mired in pain and abuse and an event she'd like to forget completely.  Unfortunately, the pain won't go away and leads to panic attacks which she keeps at bay with an orderly life surrounding home and her charity work.  It's a lonely existence that welcomes her nightly dreams of a sexy stranger.  When the dream becomes reality her life turns exciting and no longer allows her to hide.  Her love is the only thing that can save Thon but also puts him and their future in jeopardy.  It will take all her strength to bring him back to her in an ending that kept me on the edge of my seat.  Olivia is a character that's easy to relate to as she's not glamorous and has lots of emotional baggage.  Though her healing isn't fully achieved by story's end there's a sense of hopefulness for these two in their mutual support that was heartwarming.

Ms. Lynne has crafted a series that's intriguing in its premise and its compelling main characters.  She deals with the heavy emotional issues in a believable and thoughtful way, never giving easy answers.  The Gods that inhabit this world are multi-faceted and their interactions with others engaging.  The sexual interludes are super steamy and nicely spaced throughout the story.  Though this is the fifth installment it's not necessary to have read the others to enjoy and become fully immersed in this one.  But with a series this wonderfully crafted, why wouldn't you want to read the entire series!?!

My rating for this is an A-

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Jennifer Lynne lives in Melbourne, Australia, and writes short contemporary erotic romance, mostly with paranormal/fantasy elements. When she’s not writing what her family and friends call “porn for chicks” and what she prefers to call “super-hot romance for intelligent readers”, she is working in the admin day job, running around after two teenage daughters and trying to find time for her lovely new husband.
Jennifer is published with Red Sage and Breathless Press. Over the past two years she has also embarked on an indie journey with the publication of her GODS OF LOVE romance series featuring erotic Greek gods and modern-day mortals in need of sexual healing.

WEBSITE/BLOG:  http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Lynne-Romance-Author/297504180262670
TWITTER:  http://www.twitter.com/JenniLynnAuthor
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Lynne/e/B004VUPGDG

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Book Blast for The Mating Game by Melissa Snark (GIVEAWAY)

Fans of the paranormal will be drawn to this steamy shifter story, The Mating Game by Melissa Snark.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this erotic story and learn even more about this book by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a beautiful dolphin pendant and print copies of the book to US readers too!

Two males…two friends…a competition for the right to claim The Heart of the Iron Stone Pack.

An alpha female at her core, Theresa Sanchez struggles to protect her young daughter, but rivalries and politics create volatility in the pack. As Theresa comes into heat, lust and need rule her body. Her pack demands only the most virile male have her. How can she choose only one mate when her body craves two—the virile beta and the man she loves?

Zachary Hunter will do anything to take Theresa as his mate, even if it means killing his best friend. However, Robert Blane is just as determined to ascend to Alpha. Both their beasts howl to mark her flesh, but only one can survive to claim her.

But with enemies circling, they must fight…for the pack, for Theresa, and for a future together.

EXCERPT:

“Zach, about what I said to Isabel,” Theresa said in a voice riddled with pain. “What you overheard—I never meant to imply that you’re unattractive.”
A quick grin crossed his face, and he bit back a laugh. So, she thought his ego was that fragile, eh? Ever the ham, he adopted an expression of patent relief. “Thank goodness for that. I was starting to feel like an ugly duckling.”
Her cheeks reddened. “I-I…I just don’t want Isabel getting her hopes up or getting the notion that something might happen…”
Zach surged to his feet. He used their joined hands to pull Theresa upright and toward him. He leaned across the small table. Just before their lips met, he felt the gasp of her breath, and then the heat of her skin. He captured her mouth in a kiss. She yielded and opened to him, and his tongue feathered across her upper lip before encountering the smoothness of her front teeth.
Zach settled both of his hands onto Theresa’s shoulders, caressing the smooth bare skin with a circular motion. His sensitive hearing tracked the racing beat of her heart and the accelerated rate of her breathing. He scented perspiration and arousal, and he ached to taste more than just her delicious mouth. He wanted to peel the neckline of her sundress down to expose her full breasts to his heated gaze. He imagined the silk of her thighs and the honeyed flesh between her legs, swollen and sensitive and ready for him.
He kept the pressure of his mouth upon hers light, seductive rather than assertive, because he had to be careful not to frighten her. Under the coaxing stroke of his tongue, her lips parted wider, welcoming his advances, and her tongue stroked his lips and then his teeth with increasing confidence. She tasted smoky and spicy, like peppercorns and paprika, not as he had imagined but so much better. Heavenly. She whimpered and then moaned, and her tongue met his with a bold thrust. Her small hands clung to his shirt, fingers knotted about the soft cotton.
“Mama! I want to watch a movie.”
Isabel’s voice from the other room hit Zach like a bucket of ice water. He released Theresa and moved back. They stared at each other. Her eyes were huge and her skin flushed. Her tongue crept out to wet her swollen lips, which moved as if to speak, until his name emerged as a strangled plea. “Zach?”
Zach looked straight into her eyes, and he saw her fear, uncertainty, and desire. “Don’t count me out so easily, love.”

BUY LINKS:  Amazon Paperback  |  Amazon Kindle  |  ARe  |  BN  |  iTunes  |  The Wild Rose Press Paperback  |  The Wild Rose Press ebook

AUTHOR INFO:

Melissa Snark is published with The Wild Rose Press and as an Indie author with five unique titles: A CAT'S TALE, THE MATING GAME, LEARNING TO FLY, THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON.
Her Loki's Wolves series includes THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON AND BATTLE CRY (to be released in 2014).
She lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children and a glaring of cats.
She is a professional cat herder and unrepentant satirist who blogs about books and writing on The Snarkology.

WEBSITE:  http://www.melissasnark.com/
BLOG:  http://www.melissasnark.blogspot.com/
EMAIL:  melissasnark@gmail.com
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/melissasnark.author
TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/MelissaSnark
GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/MelissaSnark
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0076EEQIU

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Book Tour for Read To Me by Nona Raines (Review & GIVEAWAY)

Fans of the older woman/younger man theme will find Read to Me by Nona Raines a nice addition to the field as it successfully blends sweet and sexy.  Keep reading to get a taste of this delightfully decadent book along with my impressions of it and then make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $50 bookstore GC too!

At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.

EXCERPT:

A waitress appeared at their table. "What can I get you?"
"Do you have any Krupnik?" Blaise asked.
The young server's brow crinkled. "I don't…"
"It's a honey flavored drink," Guy told her.
She shook her head. "I don't think we have that." Then a smile stole across her face. "But maybe I can come up with something."
She left, and the two of them sat without speaking. The silence was a comfortable cocoon enveloping them, connecting them. There was no need for speech.
A bit later, the waitress returned with two rocks glasses half-filled with an amber liquid. "Honey flavored Kentucky bourbon," she explained as she served them.
Guy paid the woman then lifted his glass in a toast.
Blaise followed suit. "What shall we toast?"
"To happy accidents," he proposed.
"That works for me." They clinked their glasses, and Blaise took a sip. Though unusually sweet, the drink had the familiar burn of whiskey. Heat spread down her throat to her belly and below.
He touched the book. "Shall we continue?"
She nodded, and Guy opened to the page and began to read. People around them chatted and laughed, going about their business, but she and Guy were in a bubble. No one lookedtheir way. No one paid them any mind. They were in a tiny universe all their own.
Blaise sipped her drink, sliding closer to him in the circular booth. He was so big, so warm. Just being near him made her body heat rise. Perspiration bloomed, and her blouse clung to her skin. Her nipples, hard and achy, poked against her bra. A few words penetrated the haze—something about the Hummingbird's Kiss—but it wasn't the story line or the whiskey making her woozy. She was getting drunk on the low, sensual timbre of Guy's voice.
Soon the words blurred into an incomprehensible buzz in her ears. Her breath slowed as she watched his lips move. She pictured herself kissing them, licking the sweetness from them. Lowering her gaze to his hands, she imagined them touching her. He'd skim the pads of his fingers along her torso, fasten those succulent lips of his on her nipple and pull…
Her pussy responded to the fantasy with an answering pull. She shifted slightly to ease the throb between her thighs. Her movement must have distracted him. His gaze flickered from the page to light on her face and his voice trailed off.
Guy nodded to her empty glass. "Another?"
She'd finished it? When had that happened? "No." Her tongue felt thick.
"Would you like something else, then?" he asked.
Yes. She knew what exactly she wanted. The question was, did she have the guts to ask?
It's your last chance. Your last adventure before you become the boring old mother of the bride. Take it. Take it!
Gathering her courage, she took the leap. "Yes." She placed her hand on his thigh. Underneath her fingers, his muscles tensed. His eyebrows lowered and his gaze sharpened.
"Yes." She squeezed his thigh. "I want to get a room. Let's go upstairs."

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  ARe  |  WILD ROSE PRESS  |  iTUNES

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

In just a few pages Nona Raines has given us older women a decadently delightful way to spend the afternoon.  From its realistic heroine, to the fantasy-like feel that permeates most of the story before reality rudely enters the picture, this story sucks you in and leaves you wishing for your own afternoon delight.

Blaise is a woman in her early forties who found her life comfortable, if a bit unexciting.  She likes order and routine and the small family she's surrounded herself with through this routine bring her comfort.  With her daughter's upcoming nuptials though she sees a future of loneliness where she'll be firmly on the spinster shelf and seeks one last moment of craziness.  Seeing a sexy younger man on the bus lights her fire and fate contrives to bring them together in a bookstore over their mutual love of erotica which leads to a night of sensual delights.  This encounter is extremely empowering to her and has her fully embracing the moment.  She'd love more than this one night but self-doubts have her walking away.  Like any good romance though fate once again intervenes in an unexpected way.....

This story is told from Blaise's POV and her self-esteem issues are easy to relate to.  She's self-deprecating and brutally honest at times but that made her even more likable.  It was refreshing seeing an older woman take control and I hope to see more stories like this.  My only issue with Blaise is her tendency to assume the worst when it comes to men and fidelity, but considering her background it's understandable but still a bit frustrating.  We don't get to know the hero quite as much unfortunately.  We learn some tidbits about Guy but it's not until late in the story that his background is fully disclosed in a surprising twist of events.  He's definitely sexy and charming and just what Blaise needs at this point in her life.

This was ultimately a story of female empowerment that I enjoyed.  The character was one to admire and her journey to HEA both steamy and believable.  Ms. Raines crafted a story that was like chocolate in that this small package was a decadent delight that leaves me craving more from her in the future.

My rating for this is a B+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series (One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romanceHis Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Booksreview blogs.

WEBSITE:  www.nonaraines.com
FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.author
TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/nonaraines
BLOG:  http://divasofdesire.blogspot.com/
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/author/nonaraines

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