Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Book Tour for Spin by Sherilee Gray (Review & GIVEAWAY)


As a reader who loves tatted-up bad boys who skirt the law I found myself quickly consumed by this scorching, adrenaline-fueled romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Spin by Sherilee Gray, and its tale of two people trying to find moments of happiness in lives controlled by others, along with my impressions of it.  Learn even more about this engaging read with flashes of humor by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this second installment in the Boosted Hearts series fill out the form below for the chance to win a $30 Amazon GC along with a signed print copy of the first book in this series too!

He never planned on falling for the enemy...
Indebted to a local crime boss thanks to their father’s gambling debts, mechanic Joe Colton and his brother have been forced to steal cars for three soul-killing years. But when Joe saves the man’s niece from police – the same deliciously hot-blooded woman sabotaging their efforts to clear the debt – it’s time to negotiate new terms. And discover why, that one night, she burned him with a kiss then ran...
Darcey Connors will do anything to get her baby brother away from the criminals in her family – even screw up a good man’s life. Yet in the midst of tailing Joe, she somehow falls hard for the sexy tattooed car thief. Nothing can happen between them, but she owes him big time, and if he’s going it alone, she is going to help. As long as no one ever finds out – not Joe, her family, the police – or she could lose everything.

EXCERPT:

“If I’d known this was what you had in mind…” Darcey grunted when Joe’s hands cupped her ass and gave her a boost.
It was no good; her dress was too tight around her thighs.
Her face heated, which pissed her the hell off. She turned back, trying to see him in the shadows. “Shove my dress higher. I can’t get my leg over."
The hands on her butt slid down her legs then up, taking her dress with them. He made a rough, guttural kind of sound that lifted the hair on the back of her neck, and her face got so much freaking hotter it wasn’t funny. Excellent. She was wearing a goddamn G-string, which meant her abundant, lily white ass was hanging out, and at the height of this fence—her cheeks were definitely at Joe’s eye level.
She started wriggling frantically, desperate to get her butt out of his face, when those hands went back to her ass, her bare ass, and he propelled her over the fence—with a hell of a lot more force than was warranted. She squealed, nose-diving into a bushy shrub.
Her hair was tangled in the branches, but the bush had broken her fall, and she’d managed to land on her feet. She was spitting a leaf out of her mouth when her shoes, gripped in Joe’s hand, clattered against the fence before he hoisted himself over in a single bound like freaking superman.
He grinned wide at her. “You mooned me."
“Don’t say another goddamn word."
His hands went to her hips, and he tugged her dress down on a sigh. “Seems a shame to cover it back up."
“Give me my shoes.” She snatched them from his hand, brushing her feet clean on the back of Joe’s pants, while ignoring his protests, before sliding them back on. “How’s my hair?"
“Ah… Well.” He tilted his head to the side. “You have that…sexy, tussled thing going on."
Scowling at him, she tried to finger comb it smooth, dragging out leaves and twigs as she went. “You didn’t have to shove me over quite so goddamn hard."
His nostrils flared. “Yeah, sorry about that.” He stepped closer and plucked a leaf from her hair. “But your ass was right there, offered up like a gift from the moon Gods, all round and smooth and bitable..."
She slapped a hand over his mouth. “Stop it.” Her eyes narrowed. “And there’s no such thing as a moon God, dumbass."
A grin lifted his delectable mouth. It was wicked and far too damn sexy. “You just keep calling me names because you’re totally into me.” He tweaked her nose.
“What…are you seven?” She shoved his hand away.
“I’m into you, too, Darcey.” He winked, which should have been cheesy, but on him, it somehow wasn’t. “Right. Let’s do our thing, sweet cheeks."
“Get your hand off my ass."
“Oops, sorry. It’s dark."
“Not that dark.” She glanced over at him. “I’m starting to see a pattern here."
He arched a brow. “What kind of pattern?"
“Goofy Joe and high-pressure situations."
“Don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m always this charming.” His hand slid up to her bare back, which was worse. The rough heat of his skin burned into hers. It rattled her. He rattled her. A shiver slid across her shoulders and down to where they touched.
“Cold?” he murmured.
“I’m fine.” Not fine. Soooo not fine.


FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AMAZON (PRINT)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  BN  |  KOBO  |  iBOOKS

PLAYLIST FOR THIS BOOK:
Reignwolf - Are you Satisfied
Flume - Never Be Like You
Zayn - Pillowtalk
ZZ Ward - Blue Eyes Blind
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a reader who loves bad boys with hearts of gold I found myself drawn to this book from the first page to the last, taken on an exhilarating thrill ride as two people try to find happiness as events beyond their control start spiraling.  It's a scorching journey these two undertake making sacrifices along the way to show the other just how much they care.  It's a journey that captivates and has me highly recommending it to all lovers of romance as I turned the final page.

Joe's life has always been one of chaos with a gambling addicted father who did nothing but disappoint his family and leave his sons with a debt that's left them one step ahead of the law with each car they steal.  After a heist gone wrong Joe's taken on the debt as his own, to allow his brother to have a HEA, but he's now left with a seductive shadow following him around.  With each night that passes Darcey becomes a temptation he can no longer ignore in a combustible connection that catches both of them off guard.  As her secrets come to light, and with threats to her getting more vile, their relationship takes on a more desperate feel that has him doing everything he can to keep her safe and by his side. Through it all Joe proves his protectiveness of Darcey in many subtle and overt ways that charmed me completely.  He's the only one in her life that she can lean on and he goes out of his way to earn that right.  Joe's the kind of man who makes everyone around him happy by making jokes, which have some seeing him as not taking things seriously, but it's the opposite as he cares too much.  He puts his heart on the line repeatedly to make Darcey happy to have her use him and turn his love away when fear has her running.  When they're together theirs is a formidable pairing full of scorching encounters with dashes of humor to leave me blushing but with a smile on my face.  Joe was the quintessential hero as he always put Darcey first, understanding her needs better than she did, and quickly forgave her every transgression.  Long after the final page was turned I'm still dreaming of him as he balanced the sexy and supportive hero with the funny and charming friend.

Darcey's life went awry on the day her mother died and she and her brother Noah were left in the care of their step-father Len.  She quickly found herself caught up in his criminal family and doing what she was ordered to be able to be with her brother.  Her love for her brother is strong and others aren't afraid to use that love against her.  Her attraction to Joe is becoming just as strong though and she's quickly grabbing every moment of happiness she can once their crackling connection can no longer be denied.  As she and Joe grow closer through heartfelt talks and sharing secrets, Len's obsession for her becomes even more dangerous and puts Noah and her HEA in jeopardy.  Just when it looks like she'll be alone forever a twist of fate has Joe riding to her rescue once again in an ending that leaves readers saying awww.  Darcey's a strong-willed young woman who would sacrifice everything for her brother.  She's a good and kind soul who feels guilty for her role in Joe's debt and makes it her mission to watch over him.  It's the first step in a relationship based on protectiveness that takes readers on an emotionally intense journey to HEA full of highs and lows, push and pull, scorching interludes and laugh out loud moments.  From the first page to the last Darcey's an unforgettable and admirable heroine who puts everyone else first while longing for those carefree moments where someone else does the comforting.

This was an enjoyable and endearing story with two memorable and immensely likable people.  Their connection is crackling from the moment they meet and quickly morphs into a relationship fueled by Joe's protectiveness and Darcey's secret desire to find comfort from all the trouble that has befallen her.  Their sexual interactions are delightfully decadent, scorching with witty banter, and are nicely balanced with fun and flirty moments in their actions outside the bedroom.  Joe's the perfect hero for all the care and support he gives Darcey, while she's a wonderful heroine for her quiet strength and kind heart.  Along with this wonderful main couple comes glimpses of characters from the previous book which brings readers up-to-date on the previous coupling while providing fodder for the next installment in the Bleeding Hearts series.  It's a future stemming from a big event that changed things for the brothers here and has me intrigued to see the crackling connection between the sexy and snarky Adam and Lucy, the sister of his best friends, to finally combust.  For the most part this is my ideal kind of read as I love bad boys who aren't afraid to show their softer side.  Add in a kick ass heroine and I'm in heaven, despite the quickly resolved conclusion to the issue of Len and Darcey's path to claiming Noah. Though these are cheer-inducing moments they came about a bit too easily and were wrapped up a bit too neatly.  Barring that small quibble I highly recommend this sexy thrill ride that stands nicely on its own as a wonderful addition to the series that will leave pulses pounding and readers drooling over its delicious hero.

My rating for this is an A-

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

GET A GLIMPSE OF THE PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE BOOSTED HEARTS SERIES...

He'll risk it all for one more night...
When Hugh Colton’s father ran off, leaving him with a pile of gambling debts and a crime boss demanding repayment in stolen cars, his options were limited. Now his life’s on hold, and the last thing he needs to be worrying about is a distressed redhead in a Poison Ivy costume. He sure as hell shouldn’t be rescuing her in the car he’s just boosted—or asking her to come home with him. But a thief like him can’t offer more, no matter how much he wants to.
Everyone either leaves or is taken away, at least that’s all graphics designer Shay Freestone has ever known. And after a confidence shattering, career destroying break-up, she’s sworn off relationships forever. So it’s a good thing this raw, bearded, mountain of a man isn’t her type. Yet as one reckless hot night leads to another, their casual, no-strings affair starts to feel like so much more.
Can two hearts with too many secrets dare for a future?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AMAZON (PRINT)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  BN  |  KOBO  |  iBOOKS

AUTHOR INFO:

Sherilee Gray writes sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance. Stories full of heat and high emotion, following stubborn characters as they fight against the odds… and their happily ever after. She’s a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful NZ with her husband and their two children. When not writing or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.


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Book Blast for Night Magic by Kathleen Ann Gallagher (GIVEAWAY)


Fans of paranormal romances will find themselves drawn to this unique tale of witchcraft in the modern age with bits of steaminess and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seat.  Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of Night Magic by Kathleen Ann Gallagher, and learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour, then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this first installment in the Moonlight & Jasmine series make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $20 bookstore GC too!

Krista Winter is in need of legal counsel. Several years ago she was forced to flee her life as a teacher in New Jersey after being shunned for practicing witchcraft, and her past is about to catch up with her.
Jon Bartolo is a dedicated attorney. His days are spent helping his clients with their struggles, and his nights are spent in agony, lost in a world between life and death. His mother, who died three years ago, lurks in his house, suffering from a curse for eternity, without a final resting place.
A smoldering fire ignites between Jon and Krista almost immediately, however, he’s sure his secret would frighten any woman away. An afternoon escape brings them closer, but doubts linger between the love-struck couple.
Burning questions about how to fuse their futures together with so much of their past still clouding the future becomes a heavy burden that they’re both trying to bear on their own. It will take a touch of magic if there’s any hope in sight.

EXCERPT:

Steadying herself, Krista stared into his eyes with her heart racing. As Jon moved in again and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth, he caressed her back, and she surrendered mercifully to his touch. Each passion-filled kiss felt as if he was a long lost lover who had reappeared and claimed her heart’s desire. There was no telling what might happen next. Her whole body relaxed as he nuzzled her ear, teasing her with playful nips at her neck. All rules had been broken, but it didn’t matter. His hard shaft rubbed up against her, and she swayed back and forth, unable to break away from temptation. Jon’s breathing sped up as his hands traveled up and down her back. She quietly moaned, lost in another world. Every movement brought her one step closer. Was she lonely enough to have sex with a man she’d just met? Each kiss weakened her guard. Maybe it was fate. As his hand trailed across her back, her body rocked with his. Each flicker of his tongue along the sides of her mouth was electrifying, as if he wanted to devour her, and she found herself in a trance-like state. This was what she’d been missing. Running her hand across his firm bicep, the room spun. The warmth of his body was raising her level of arousal. Here, in the middle of his office, she experienced a passion like no other. Everything seemed right. Lust took control of her senses, and she let herself go with it. With each kiss, he cradled her in his arms, his embrace warm and protective like a warrior of love. How did this happen? Had she found the man she was destined for, or was it all a dream?

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Kathleen writes contemporary and paranormal romance in her home in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband and their two fur babies, Luc and Chaz. She spent years working as a registered nurse in an emergency room. She is also active in Community Theater. She has three children and three lovable grandsons. Her favorite romantic getaway is Cape May, New Jersey. You might find Kathleen on a beach down the Jersey Shore, wearing a straw hat and sipping on an iced tea as she plots her next romance novel.


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Monday, July 25, 2016

Book Review for Reason to Believe by Gina Gordon


Grace Nolan is doing her best to conform to the rigid corporate world and put her history as a paid escort behind her. And even after seeing the worst that men have to offer, she still hasn’t given up on finding love with the right guy. But right now, Grace could use a distraction to take her mind off her nonexistent love life. The trouble is, giving fashion advice to a former fling with rock-hard abs and a bad-boy attitude isn’t exactly what she had in mind.
After working his way up from cameraman to vice president of an adult media company, Ben Lockwood is floundering. While he reevaluates his future, he asks the most poised and polished woman he knows to make him look respectable. Ben even swears off sex, which makes spending time with Grace pure torture. It’s only a matter of time before they give in to the heat—but unless Ben confronts what his heart has been denying, they may both get burned.

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

After reading the first installment in the White Lace series, set in the world of porn production, I was immediately in withdrawal while waiting for this enjoyable story full of inner conflict to hit bookshelves.  The wait was worthwhile though for this story that's full of personal change and preconceived notions in the burgeoning romance between the charming playboy Ben and the emotionally hardened Grace.  While it wasn't as fresh as the previous book I still enjoyed its setting and the non-judgemental way the porn world is presented and hope to see more stories set amidst this compelling and steamy world in the future.

Ben's been a part of the Levin family, and their White Lace Productions business, from a very early age as they rescued him from an uncaring mother and nonexistent father.  They bathed him in love and acceptance, introduced him to a best friend who's more like a brother, and made him part of their business by fueling his film-making talents.  For all they've done he feels an obligation which leaves him conflicted as more pressure has been put on him with his recent promotion.  It leaves him feeling lost, full of tension, and with a fear of failure as the story opens and it affects every move he makes from the first page to the last.  His attempts to fulfill his new role and make the fatherly figure of Mr. Levin proud has led him to becoming celibate and beating himself up relentlessly over his fear of not being good enough.  It's an emotional tug of war in his head at a time where temptation's being dangled before him like never before in the form of former escort Grace, who he's been obsessed with since their unforgettable one-time encounter.  His attempts to stay away from her only bring her closer in their burgeoning friends to lovers romance tainted by their pasts and the world he works in which leads to lots of conflict, angst, and winds of change.  Ben's an immensely appealing character going through some understandable life changes stemming from his promotion and his friend's finding love.  He's sexy, snarky, and very charming but quick to assume the worse of women thanks to his mother always reneging on her promises to him.  Since then he's never felt good enough and sees his body and sex as the only thing he can offer a woman.  He never sees himself as any woman's knight in shining armor or HEA which is what keeps him from Grace and readers frustrated.  Through all the highs and lows he learns more about himself, and through Grace's business teachings, he tries things he never thought himself capable of before.  Being with Grace shows him to be a protective man, one who values honesty and loyalty, and even though their relationship has moments of frustration it all leads to a cheer-inducing and romantic ending that shows Ben at his most thoughtful and charming.

Grace came from an average family who made some bad investments that left her with no choice but to turn to the escort business to save her family and herself.  It seemed easy but the reality has taken its toll on her throughout the years.  It had her living a life full of lies that left her alone, as her family turned their backs on her, with only her straight-laced friend Everly and fellow escort Sadie to count on.  For so long she's had to live a life of duality but leaving her Jade persona behind isn't as simple as she'd hoped as there's plenty of men who remember her and aren't afraid to remind her of her past.  It adds to her difficulties in finding success in the business world as she doesn't stay with any one job for long and is scared to make friends and form bonds for fear her past will come to light.  The only person she can count on right now is the one man who keeps pushing her away.  As their burgeoning relationship has them growing closer together on some levels it also has them in a constant push and pull over his trust issues that left me frustrated and a bit disappointed in Ben at times.  Through all the heartache though Grace learns more about herself, her strengths, and what she really needs to make her happy.  For a long time she saw her ideal mate in a business suit with a conventional job, but being with Ben and seeing his hidden heart of gold has her envisioning a more tarnished hero to bring her a HEA.  Grace is an admirable heroine who sacrificed much to save her family and who will forever feel tainted and conflicted by how she made a living.  She's a tough girl most of the time, able to stand up for herself in a cool and commanding way, but when she hurts you hurt with her.  Her attraction to Ben is clear but there were times too where she was using him to forget which added even more conflict to a relationship already on rocky ground.  Grace is a loyal friend too which has her running to Sadie's aid late in the story in an event that led to big changes and eye-opening emotional enlightenments that paved the way to HEA.  All in all she's a memorable character struggling to find herself in a world full of preconceived notions.

This was a quick read featuring two unforgettable characters from the previous book that was full of steamy sexual interludes with bits of angst and moments of frustrating push and pull.  Despite their doubts in making a future together it's clear that Ben and Grace have a crackling connection full of longing looks and banter teeming with sexual tension.  They're both judged by their work in the world of sex which is what brings them together at first and that has them forming a deeper connection throughout the story.  Lots of scorching encounters lead to surprisingly heartfelt talks that show a vulnerable side to them both which goes a long way in explaining Ben's issues and make it a bit easier to forgive those moments where his doubts came to the forefront.  Characters from the previous book show up here to offer more life changes of their own while supporting Ben and Grace through the changes they're trying to make.  College student Cory made an impression as well while interning for Ben, giving him a glimpse of future possibilities while charming readers with his sweetness and subtle support.  Sadie may not have been present for most of the book, but a traumatic event befalls her late in the story that has lasting repercussions for her and causes a big speed bump in Ben and Grace's relationship.  It's a defining moment for her, as well as Ben and Grace as individuals, and is what fuels the memorably romantic and cute conclusion that will leave readers saying awwww.  On a whole I found this to be a satisfying read but not quite as good as the previous installment due to all the frustrating push and pull moments.  While I liked Grace there were still times that left me cold regarding her personality, but it's understandable considering how she's lived her life.  Not only is this a book about personal change but big change comes to White Lace too, changes I didn't see coming and I hope it doesn't take us out of this world as I love the uniqueness of this setting.  I see plenty of opportunities and characters, namely Sadie, to fuel many more scorching stories in the future and I beg the author to revisit this world as it's one I would wholeheartedly miss.  Romance readers looking for a unique setting and a combustible couple who work hard for their HEA will find this this an enjoyable, if slightly flawed, read that gives lots of scorching afternoon delight.

My rating for this is a B.

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

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Book Blitz for the Curved Lines Box Set (GIVEAWAY)


Romance readers who love tatted-up bad boys and the strong-willed realistic women who love them will find themselves drawn to this box set.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of the Curved Lines box set featuring 10 of today's most exciting authors, then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this steamy collection of works make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $10 Amazon GC and an e-copy of this collection too!

Get k(ink)y with ten sizzling hot book boyfriends! These sexy, curve-loving, tattooed bad boys will steal your hearts and more in this all-new novella collection brought to you by USA Today and bestselling authors.
Acquired Taste - Dee Carney
When celebrity chef August Jaeger mixes it up with a curvy food blogger, they both realize what they want isn’t on any menu.
Dirty Deeds - Allie Cooke
Four days, a million dollars, the performance of a lifetime…but what happens when they stop faking it? Dirty Deeds ain’t always dirt cheap.
Scorched Desire - Lexxie Couper
When a Harley-riding hunk literally sweeps her off her feet, Jilly Parker finds herself transported to a world of dragon shifters, carnal lust, and fated love.
Pretty In Ink - Merryn Dexter
Sexy, sweet Aubrey Jensen is everything a semi-reformed bad boy could want – but sometimes getting what you want doesn’t give you what you need.
Hot Tamale - Tilly Greene
Derek Schrizer is a retired Marine looking to get a new tattoo, not reconnect with his first love, the curvy sexy Cat.
Waking Up - Kathryn Lively
A chance encounter forces a plus-sized woman with dormant dreams to wake up and find her own Happily Ever After.
Marked By Ice - Dawn Montgomery
His only job is to protect her at all costs, but who will protect the big bad wolf’s heart once he gets a taste of her sweet lips?
Like a Boss - Quinn
Proving she’s more than a smart mouth and sexy curves would be a hell of a lot easier if she wasn’t so distracted by her sexy new boss.
Kinky Curves - Jodi Redford
The queen of dirty talk. The king of grind. Love is about to get real filthy.
Another Man's Treasure - Dee Tenorio
A widowed actor and single dad pulls out all the stops to show a single mom just how well a woman can be treasured.


FIND THIS COLLECTION AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO


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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Book Blitz for Legal by Bree Dahlia (GIVEAWAY)


Readers who enjoy edgy storylines with fall for this newly released book and its burgeoning romance brewing between an older woman and younger man.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Legal by Bree Dahlia and its student/teacher romance that blends steaminess, with a bit of humor, then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this fun and flirty read make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

Taboo. Wrong. Off limits.
I know the drill. I know the rules.
But damn, if he doesn’t get under my skin.
And into my bed.

There’s no reason for a woman like me,
Successful, established, independent,
To ever be sleeping with a younger man.
A younger man with a hard, rugged, sculptured body.
A body that can go all night.
All night.

I can’t resist, can’t turn him down.
Can’t walk away.
Because I’ve never known pleasure like this.
Chase Nolan walked into my life and disrupted my perfect little world.
And made it so much better.

Enjoy it while you can, Jillian.
Because there’s no way there’s a future for us.
After all, is he barely even legal?


FIND THIS BOOK AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  KOBO  |  iBOOKS  |  GOOGLE PLAY  |  ARe


AUTHOR INFO:

Bree Dahlia is an unconventional romance junkie. She loves reading it but adores writing it even more. Her stories range from lighthearted to sizzling with that satisfying Happily Ever After ending and a touch of the unexpected. She favors themes of friendship, forgiveness, and unconditional love with alpha characters and eccentric tastes.
She holds degrees that she does nothing with and has experienced a long string of jobs that have left her unfulfilled. Only as an author, has she truly found her passion. When not crafting stories in her small Wisconsin town, she hikes unbeaten trails, watches hockey games, and wishes she didn’t detest cooking so much.
Dahlia is her middle name. Her last name is more suitable for a horror writer.
You can sign up for her new release newsletter at http://eepurl.com/PeU-r

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