Some of the books I read are for pure enjoyment with storylines that are quickly forgotten, but with Lethal Temptations by Janine Infante Bosco I discovered a book with a powerful theme that's still in my head. Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of this tale of addiction and mental illness that binds two lost souls amidst a war between feuding MCs, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf. You'll also learn a bit about this book's gorgeous cover model, as well as the two organizations that have a deep connection to this unforgettable story, and learn even more by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this fifth installment in the Tempted series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a print copy of this book signed by the author and cover model (to US readers) along with a $25 Amazon GC too!
BLACKIE
My name is Blackie, I’m the vice president of the Satan’s Knights MC and I’m an addict.
I’ve been trading one addiction for another for as long as I can remember.
I make no apologies for my addictions, nor do I try to hide them.
Until my latest addiction threatens to destroy not just me but her.
For the first time I want to fight the need and not gravitate towards it. I try to deny it and not succumb to it but I’m a prisoner to her purity.
I’m Satan’s soldier, a demon dressed in leather.
She’s an angel, innocent and full of light, she’s my lace.
Leather.
Lace.
Me.
Her.
A temptation so lethal neither of us may survive but, every demon craves an angel.
Guide me to the light.
Take me from the dark.
Give me back my life.
Let me share yours.
They are the selfish words of an addict and they are my truth.
LACEY PARRISH
My name is Lacey Parrish and I have a secret, one I’ve tried to deny for a long time, one I’ve tried to spare the world from.
I am a manic-depressive.
Just like my dad.
Some days I’m high on life.
Most days I try to escape it.
People think they know me, they think they see me but the truth is no one knows who I really am. No one sees the real me… a broken girl with a mind that betrays her.
Except Blackie.
He’s my savior, the man who silences my maker.
He’s my knight in shining armor, the man who puts my life before his.
He’s my leather and I’m his lace.
Two broken souls that have the power to heal one another.
This is our story, an unapologetic tale full of temptations.
A love story called Leather and Lace.
EXCERPT:
Leather.
Lace.
Me.
Her.
A temptation so lethal, neither of us would survive.
Maybe I had a death wish after all.
I stumbled into the bathroom, locking the door behind me, before I turned around and glanced at myself in the dirty mirror. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I wonder why she ever looked at me in the first place. Someone as innocent and pure as her doesn’t belong with a poisonous bastard like me.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out a plastic baggie filled with five Xanax pills and slapped the bag onto the counter. I diverted my eyes back to the mirror, glaring at the piece of shit staring back at me.
“Fuck you,” I growled, hanging onto the feeling of self-loathing, welcoming it and encouraging it to overcome me as I slammed my fist against the baggie on the counter. I pounded it over and over again, crushing the pills until they turned to dust. Then I emptied the contents onto the counter, not giving a fuck how dirty and disgusting the bathroom was because, all that mattered was getting my fix.
I was in the zone, anxious for the high that hopefully will come and wash away my thoughts of her.
She is my savior and my assassin.
The one that keeps me from ending it.
And yet, right now I’m slowly killing myself trying to escape the thoughts of her.
Lacey Parrish. Jack’s daughter. His fucking nineteen-year-old daughter who wasn’t even legally allowed to order a fucking drink so why the fuck was she in some bar.
I fought long and hard not to see her as a fucking woman, not to take what I so badly wanted. But like everything else in my life…I take and I take until there is nothing left.
She was so innocent, so pure, so untouchable and untainted.
I’m the filth that took her innocence, who touched her and tainted her.
But it wasn’t enough.
I kept going back for more.
I rolled the twenty-dollar bill, leaned over the counter dragging the bill across the powder and snorted the drugs up my fucking nose.
One rip.
Another.
Three rips later, I licked my finger tips and swiped them across the counter top, before popping my fingers into my mouth and sucking any residue of the pills from my skin.
No waste.
A true junkie.
I sniffled, wiping the excess powder from my nose before I turned around and unlocked the door, waiting for the numbness to inebriate me as I stepped out of the bathroom, colliding with the soft body I used to worship and called mine.
I stared into her sad eyes, knowing I was the reason she looked broken, just a shell of the girl she was before I touched her.
I ruined her just like I ruined Christine.
Everything I touch I destroy.
“How long are you going to pretend I don’t exist?” She finally asked, her voice just an octave above a whisper.
Pretend she doesn’t exist? She’s the only fucking thing that exists in my head. She’s the face I see when I wake, when I lay my head down and when I pass the fuck out from whatever poison I consume trying to forget that she does exist.
I shoved my hands into my pockets, took a step closer to her, the scent of her worked its way through my raw nostrils, more intoxicating than any drug I could ever snort or shoot through my veins. I leaned closer, closing my eyes and got high off her.
My sweet Lace.
So damn pretty.
So fucking innocent in all this.
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A LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR....
Dear Readers,
Blackie and Lacey’s love is not an easy story. It’s not about fluff and if you’re looking to escape the reality of the world, this book is not for you. Lethal Temptations is true to its title and while there is a love story between the hero and heroine there is an individual story being told about each character.
Blackie is a drug addict.
Lacey is mentally ill.
They each suffer with the demons that haunt them.
Both issues are very much alive in our world and most of us will experience the torment of addiction and, or, mental illness. If not in ourselves than possibly through the people we love.
The smiling person beside you who appears perfect may be suffering in silence, afraid of what society will say or more than that, afraid of admitting their truth.
If you or someone you love suffers from addiction or mental illness, it’s never too late to find your voice and seek help.
My wish for those in need is that they find hope within the pages of Lethal Temptations because, you’re temptations are only lethal if you allow them to be.
Be heard.
Your voice is your weapon against the things that drag you down.
May is mental health awareness month, let’s turn society around and make it our bitch and save the fractured souls that struggle on a daily basis.
Below you will find links on both addiction and mental health.
Thank you for reading.
Janine
Dear Readers,
Blackie and Lacey’s love is not an easy story. It’s not about fluff and if you’re looking to escape the reality of the world, this book is not for you. Lethal Temptations is true to its title and while there is a love story between the hero and heroine there is an individual story being told about each character.
Blackie is a drug addict.
Lacey is mentally ill.
They each suffer with the demons that haunt them.
Both issues are very much alive in our world and most of us will experience the torment of addiction and, or, mental illness. If not in ourselves than possibly through the people we love.
The smiling person beside you who appears perfect may be suffering in silence, afraid of what society will say or more than that, afraid of admitting their truth.
If you or someone you love suffers from addiction or mental illness, it’s never too late to find your voice and seek help.
My wish for those in need is that they find hope within the pages of Lethal Temptations because, you’re temptations are only lethal if you allow them to be.
Be heard.
Your voice is your weapon against the things that drag you down.
May is mental health awareness month, let’s turn society around and make it our bitch and save the fractured souls that struggle on a daily basis.
Below you will find links on both addiction and mental health.
Thank you for reading.
Janine
The Keith Milano Memorial Fund was established to help raise awareness about the devastating and deadly disease that is mental illness. Keith’s spirit and laughter is kept alive through our efforts to increase awareness about mental illness and to raise money for education and imperative research. Keith often struggled with society’s perception of mental illness. Our hope is that by having the strength to say that Keith was “Bipolar” we can strip away the stigma and help others to be more open about their disease.
Keith Milano Memorial Fund....140 Adams Ave Suite B-12
Hauppauge NY 11788
www.keithmilano.org
www.kamauction.org
https://www.facebook.com/keithamilano
@MilanoFund
Direct Donation: http://bit.ly/MilanoFund
Hauppauge NY 11788
www.keithmilano.org
www.kamauction.org
https://www.facebook.com/keithamilano
@MilanoFund
Direct Donation: http://bit.ly/MilanoFund
ADDICTION ANGEL HOTLINE FOR HELP CALL OR CHECK THEM OUT ON FACEBOOK. THEY ARE THERE TO HELP .YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR STRUGGLE WITH ADDICTION.
646-404-0637 (24/7) – Dedication to helping addicts kick their addiction...
https://www.facebook.com/AddictionAngelRN
I AM ON A MISSION... Education and knowledge is key... Most families and loved ones need guidance and I am here... if you or your loved one is struggling don't hesitate to call Addiction Angel...Licensed and professional volunteers 646-404-0637 (24/7)
https://www.facebook.com/AddictionAngelRN
I AM ON A MISSION... Education and knowledge is key... Most families and loved ones need guidance and I am here... if you or your loved one is struggling don't hesitate to call Addiction Angel...Licensed and professional volunteers 646-404-0637 (24/7)
Professional interventions
Guidance
NARCAN training
Resources to treatment
Inpatient / outpatient
Detox, Therapy
Education
Support groups for families and sibling groups
Educational drug awareness forum "SCARED STRAIGHT"
Drug awareness presentation for schools/ parents
"Blackie” (model Nick Bennett) will be signing at The Tempted and Tantalizing Author Event in Staten Island, NY on 9-30-2017.
Stay tuned for more information on ticket sales, attending authors, VIP offers and much more.
Like the #TNTNYC17 Facebook page to keep up on the current information about the event.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
It takes a very talented author to pull a reader into their world, captivate them so wholeheartedly that each pain becomes their own, but Ms. Bosco has done just that and in an immensely powerful way. From the first page to the last Ms. Bosco wove an emotionally intense web that held nothing back, put readers through as much pain as the two characters with painful pasts that have left them riddled with guilt. It's a journey to HEA that's hard fought with lots of tears and unexpected detours that all culminated in a triumphant conclusion that left me cheering. It's ultimately the kind of read that changes you, that shows you the true power of love, and is a story you don't want to miss.
Blackie has devoted his whole life to his Club. For better and worse he always put his Brothers first which has culminated in loneliness and guilt over the choices he's made and the sins he's committed. To bury the pain he chose drugs and alcohol even though he knew he'd find more meaningful solace in the young woman he's always tried to protect. Lacey was like forbidden fruit as he didn't want to deflower his Prez's daughter, but her sweetness and acceptance of all that he is became too much of a temptation and set them on a path that tests their love for each other and their own inner-strength. With others using their love against them it soon becomes a bloody battlefield where words become blades and the future becomes even murkier as no one is safe. Blackie is a sexy beast, a master at dirty talk and romantic words, who's willing to do whatever to keep the woman he loves safe. He's a compelling man who's desperate to do right but often makes decisions he regrets. He's supportive and loyal and it's his kind heart that leaves him vulnerable and weighed down with guilt. To cope with his destructive feelings he chooses drugs which soon become an even bigger nemesis. His is a struggle that Ms. Bosco vividly depicts. The self-loathing and self-hatred jumps off the page, grabbing the reader and pulling them down into his darkness. The war he wages to get clean is empowering and uplifting and had me rooting for him every step of the way. It's a true hero who can rise above all the negativity and one that deserves his HEA.
Lacey has her own struggles with her father being President of an MC, witnessing her young brother's death, and living with the fear of acquiring her father's mental illness. Life was carefree at one time as her father tried to shelter her from his world, but meeting Blackie set her young heart racing and slowly pulled her in to the chaos. That's not the only chaos surrounding her though as she senses the turmoil in her mind, growing and flooding her with negative thoughts. The connection she's always felt for Blackie was at once the thing that made her feel sane, but it was also tearing her apart and ultimately led to her hitting bottom. Lacey was an immensely likable young woman who once dreamed of fairytales but chose the reality of being with Blackie, no matter how much heartbreak it put her through. She was loyal and supportive and showed Blackie the goodness and light hiding behind all his guilt and anger. The issues she went through were terrifying and the negative feelings her mind fed her were destructive and palpable and it showed true strength in admitting she needed help. The demons she fought were just as insidious as those Blackie fought and her triumph was just as inspiring.
From beginning to end this was an exhausting, yet engaging, read that captivated me with each word and through each action. The world of this MC was a very dark and gritty one where blood was easily shed and it left deep scars inside and out. Each member of the Club leaves a lasting impression with unique personalities and their deep-seated sense of Brotherhood. There are familiar faces along with new ones who left me intrigued and wanting to know more about them. The romance between Blackie and Lacey is intense with encounters that are scorching and empowering to Lacey as it's at that moment that Blackie opens up his heart the most. Their encounters are intense too with a frantic feel to them that hints at the foreboding acts to come and I found my heart pounding right along with theirs. The issues of addiction and mental illness were depicted in a respectful way but definitely not sugar-coated. Ms. Bosco depicted the pain of those that use, as well as those who support them, in a way that reflected the self-hatred and guilt of being an addict that left my heart aching. The fear of feeling as if you're losing your mind was another weighty depiction that aroused my sympathy and kept me on edge right along with them. I applaud Ms. Bosco for all she accomplished here, along with all the feelings she aroused. Though this book is part of a series it stands triumphantly on its own as a testament to the power of love and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Blackie has devoted his whole life to his Club. For better and worse he always put his Brothers first which has culminated in loneliness and guilt over the choices he's made and the sins he's committed. To bury the pain he chose drugs and alcohol even though he knew he'd find more meaningful solace in the young woman he's always tried to protect. Lacey was like forbidden fruit as he didn't want to deflower his Prez's daughter, but her sweetness and acceptance of all that he is became too much of a temptation and set them on a path that tests their love for each other and their own inner-strength. With others using their love against them it soon becomes a bloody battlefield where words become blades and the future becomes even murkier as no one is safe. Blackie is a sexy beast, a master at dirty talk and romantic words, who's willing to do whatever to keep the woman he loves safe. He's a compelling man who's desperate to do right but often makes decisions he regrets. He's supportive and loyal and it's his kind heart that leaves him vulnerable and weighed down with guilt. To cope with his destructive feelings he chooses drugs which soon become an even bigger nemesis. His is a struggle that Ms. Bosco vividly depicts. The self-loathing and self-hatred jumps off the page, grabbing the reader and pulling them down into his darkness. The war he wages to get clean is empowering and uplifting and had me rooting for him every step of the way. It's a true hero who can rise above all the negativity and one that deserves his HEA.
Lacey has her own struggles with her father being President of an MC, witnessing her young brother's death, and living with the fear of acquiring her father's mental illness. Life was carefree at one time as her father tried to shelter her from his world, but meeting Blackie set her young heart racing and slowly pulled her in to the chaos. That's not the only chaos surrounding her though as she senses the turmoil in her mind, growing and flooding her with negative thoughts. The connection she's always felt for Blackie was at once the thing that made her feel sane, but it was also tearing her apart and ultimately led to her hitting bottom. Lacey was an immensely likable young woman who once dreamed of fairytales but chose the reality of being with Blackie, no matter how much heartbreak it put her through. She was loyal and supportive and showed Blackie the goodness and light hiding behind all his guilt and anger. The issues she went through were terrifying and the negative feelings her mind fed her were destructive and palpable and it showed true strength in admitting she needed help. The demons she fought were just as insidious as those Blackie fought and her triumph was just as inspiring.
From beginning to end this was an exhausting, yet engaging, read that captivated me with each word and through each action. The world of this MC was a very dark and gritty one where blood was easily shed and it left deep scars inside and out. Each member of the Club leaves a lasting impression with unique personalities and their deep-seated sense of Brotherhood. There are familiar faces along with new ones who left me intrigued and wanting to know more about them. The romance between Blackie and Lacey is intense with encounters that are scorching and empowering to Lacey as it's at that moment that Blackie opens up his heart the most. Their encounters are intense too with a frantic feel to them that hints at the foreboding acts to come and I found my heart pounding right along with theirs. The issues of addiction and mental illness were depicted in a respectful way but definitely not sugar-coated. Ms. Bosco depicted the pain of those that use, as well as those who support them, in a way that reflected the self-hatred and guilt of being an addict that left my heart aching. The fear of feeling as if you're losing your mind was another weighty depiction that aroused my sympathy and kept me on edge right along with them. I applaud Ms. Bosco for all she accomplished here, along with all the feelings she aroused. Though this book is part of a series it stands triumphantly on its own as a testament to the power of love and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
My rating for this is an A+
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
BUY THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE TEMPTED SERIES AT AMAZON:
AUTHOR INFO:
Janine Infante Bosco lives in New York City, she has always loved reading and writing. When she was thirteen, she began to write her own stories and her passion for writing took off as the years went on. At eighteen, she even wrote a full screenplay with dreams of one day becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Janine writes emotionally charged novels with an emphasis on family bonds, strong willed female characters, and alpha male men who will do anything for the women they love. She loves to interact with fans and fellow avid romance readers like herself.
She is proud of her success as an author and the friendships she’s made in the book community but her greatest accomplishment to date would be her two sons Joseph and Paul.
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