Abbi Glines – Under the Lights

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REVIEW

It is amazing how easily I can get sucked into one of Abbi Glines’ stories.  No matter how busy my schedule, I know that once I start one of her books, I’m sure to finish it that day.

The best part of Abbi Glines’ characters are how they act true to their age.  The high school kids are a bit reckless, reasonably immature, reactionary, and struggle to do what is right.  There is always an underlying hope that they will make the right decisions, but there is always the distinct possibility that they will not be able to prevent themselves from making wrong choices.  All of this made the love triangle in this story very suspenseful.  Throughout the story, it was never clear how the three would end up in the end.  Unpredictability makes for a great romance.

Truly enjoyed the story.

BLURB

In the follow-up to Abbi Glines’s #1 New York Times bestseller Until Friday Night—which bestselling author Kami Garcia called “tender, honest, and achingly real”—three teens from a small southern town are stuck in a dramatic love triangle.

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.

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Abbi Glines – Until Friday Night

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Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 7 – More Sweet than Sensual)

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Week 7 – More Sweet than Sensual

Karen Bedore – The Bard

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REVIEW

I decided to take a step outside my normal contemporary romance genre and read a little historical romance.  I was drawn in by the science verses religion aspect of the story.  The story fell short on any in depth discussion of the motivations of both organizations.  There were a few points in the book where the author tersely touches these issues in a profound manner.  But what the author failed to state made think about how life must have been during that time when science was coming to fruition.  In this case, it was not necessarily the words that were written that made me enjoy the book but the overall schematics.

This book is part one of The Bard Trilogy.  Perhaps, there is a more in depth approach taken in books 2 and 3.

Additionally, as a romance, it was very simplistic and predictable.

Overall, I rated this book 3 stars.

BLURB

After losing her mother and fiancé, Alcinia and her father travel west to Turin in the Duchy of Savoy to begin a new life. Getting adjusted to a new way of living in Renaissance Italy, Alcinia falls in love with a mysterious bard, and through their secret rendezvous is beginning to find happiness once again. Until…she finds out that her small-town father isn’t who she thought he was. Alcinia gets caught in a web of intrigue, and sets out to save her father from a scientific organization bent on using a biological weapon to destroy all men of the cloth. Her father’s life might be the only way to stop it… When she discovers the truth, it will change her life forever, for better and for worse.

Thank You Arc to Karen Bedore!

Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 6 – Spicy Stories to Savor)

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Week 6 – Spicy Stories to Savor

Elisa Adams

For Your Pleasure – Hot single female shall covet thy sexy single male neighbor.  They share a lot more than just a cup of sugar.  It is a lot more spicy than sweet.

Maya Banks

Surrender Trilogy – What does having a dominant lover really mean?  Here’s a few different perspectives.  Each story is great.

Unspoken Series – Okay, I accidentally read the 2nd and 3rd stories first.  The first is in my queue.  I have no doubt that the first will be good, as well. Have to appreciate Maya Banks for sneaking in a little menage in many stories. “Understood” was an unexpectedly good read.  I accidentally read the second in the series, “Overheard” first, which was outstanding.  (Maya Banks is the queen of writing menage stories) I was worried that “Understood” would not compare to “Overheard.”  Looking back, what a preposterous notion!  Maya Banks does not fail to disappoint in either book.  “Understood” gets right into the heart of the romance story between Jake and Ellie.  I was pleased that the book did not harp on the details of Ellie’s abusive past, but simply made it an element of her character.  The entire trilogy is now offered in one book, Unbroken (Unspoken #1-3).

Shayla Black as Shelley Bradley

Sexy Capers – Criminal investigation with sexual interludes.  Well balanced mix of the two.

Eden Cole

What He Wants – Doesn’t everyone want what they want?  Sometimes it is painfully awkward, difficult, and scary to admit what you want.  Is it worth taking a risk to get what you want?  Oh yeah. (M/M)

Lauren Dane

Chase Series – Small town, close family, and four wickedly passionate brothers.  These books have all the ingredients for great stories.   The beautiful stories unfold where the men find themselves wanting deeper committed relationships.  Their reform is moving. The abundant secondary characters in “Making Chase” richly add to the development of Matt and Tate’s relationship. What I liked most was the off the cuff, little addition at the end.  It was so much better than a wrap-it-in-a-bow, cookie-cutter HEA.  Wow!  Perfect ending to a book and series.

To Do List – Working diligently toward career minded goals is commendable but not always fulfilling.  Some of the best things can come unexpectedly, like a love interest that is strong enough to derail even the best laid plans.

Sylvia Day

All Revved Up – If you love someone, set them free.  So the saying goes.  What if, they come back?  What happens then?  I’m not sure if there will be a sequel to this story, but if there is one then I’ld would read it.

Wish List – Oh come all ye faithful, a sexual Christmas miracle.  Stephanie must have been just the right combination of naughty and nice to get her Christmas wish fulfilled.  A book that makes you sing, Fa La La La La La La La La!

Abbi Glines

Sea Breeze Series – Beware – totally additive reading!  The characters are young, mature, fun, sensual, and I cannot get enough of them.  Each book is excellent, but I suggest trying to read the series in order.  I still have a couple to read in the series – I’m only holding off because I dread the series being over.

Kari Gregg

You Melted Me – When you finally find the right one, it is worth it to work through the complications.  Sometimes, you just need a wake-up call to get the right motivation. (M/M)

Megan Hart

Broken – Monthly dates sharing explicit details of sexual conquests.  Is talking about sex a form of cheating in a marriage?  Tragic love story at its best.

Dan and Elle (Dirty, Reason Enough) – The simplicity of a intimate relationship is not always enough.  Sometimes you need to reconcile it with the difficulties of real life problems.  If you can manage that, the rewards can be tremendous.

Stranger – Paying for sex is one way to avoid true intimacy.  So what happens when someone accidentally gets under your skin?

Beth Kery

Explosive – Not your normal straight forward romance.  A lustful tale told in the most thought provoking order that I have ever read.  The way the character faces his revelations is brilliant.

Paradise Rules – I’ld like to order some sex on the beach.  This book had me blushing a deep shade of crimson.  The book is hotter than a summer day in Hawaii, where the story happens takes place.

Release – Things get really complicated after a threesome.  Murder mystery and passion all in one.

Wicked Burn – Sexual healing is just what the doctor ordered.  Well, at least it is sometimes a great way to forget about a seriously sad and complicated life.  Unfortunately, the two sides of life cannot remain compartmentalized forever.

Christina Lauren

Wild Seasons Series (Sweet Filthy Boy) – Running off to France with a man that can whisper sweet nothings in your ear with a French accent, who could say no to that?  Sounds like the best kind of summer.

M. Leighton

Wild Ones Series: Life on the wild side is always more fun.  Tired of boring?  Live vicariously through the characters.  All four books are lively.

Bad Boys Series: Awesome twist in the first book.  Love a book that can surprise me.  Then, it gets even better because there are two books that follow in the series.

Wendy S. Marcus 

Craving Her Soldier’s Touch, Secrets of a Shy Socialite –  I’m new to this subsection of romance novels known as medical romance.  While the medical elements exist, they do not detract from the romance elements and turn the story into a melodrama.  Pleasing romance!

Raine Miller

Blackstone Affaire – Warning – must have copy of the 2nd book, All In, in possession when reading the first in the series, Naked.  Naked has one of the funniest, best endings of a book I have ever read.  Plan to start reading All In IMMEDIATELY when you finish the first.  More books in the series, but I haven’t gotten to them yet.

Tiffany Reisz

The Original Sinners Series – Jesus H. Christ! and Holy Mary, Mother of God!  Sorry if these phrases offend you, but if they do – don’t read this series. If not, HOLY BDSM on crack!  Want a book that doesn’t just cross the lines, but goes so far past it that the line does’t even exist?  MUST READ this series (in order).  I’m so excited to read the next one coming out, The King. Check out her website, too.

Alegra Verde – 

Taking Her Boss – Sex in and out of the office.  Best of both worlds!  Who dominates where?

Natalie Wild  

Endless LoveShort fun read.  Great if you only have a small bit of time and need a quick fix of romance.

Nicole Williams 

Crash Series – Prepare to fall in love with Jude Ryder.  Both Jude and Lucy have a complicated past but also have a tight loving connection.  Just as the fans in the football stadium cheer on Jude, I feel the urge to champion Jude and Lucy’s relationship.

Laura Wright  

Wicked Ink Chronicles  – Awesome quick read!  It’s got all the ingredients for a great bedtime read – (1) Hot, muscled, talented tattoo artist that rides a motorcycle; (2) long-lost teenage love; (3) hot love scenes.  I would definitely recommend this book.  I’m looking forward to the next in the series: Shattered Ink, and Rebel Ink.

Samantha Young

On Dublin Street Series – Blimey! Undeniably great romance stories that revolve around different family members and friends in Scotland.  Each story is fantastic and can be read alone, but I suggest reading in order.

Captivated

Letting Go by Megan Hart – This story is invigorating in the sense that it leaves the reader feeling the empowerment of Colleen.  It is all about embracing your own sexuality, which is the best way to find fulfillment.  Colleen finds herself realizing that it is okay to want and need and still be dominant all the same time.  It’s a big message for such a short story.

Seize the Night by Tiffany Reisz – A story with the recipe for the hottest first time ever.  Starts with a perfect kiss.  Add four years to allow your mind to dream, anticipate, and envision.  Sprinkle in a little explicit guidance.  Finally, add the woman of your dreams and the ideal opportunity.  What do you get?  The ultimate way to lose your virginity.  Besides, Julien and Remi’s amazing affaire, Merrick was an entertaining character.  His explicit mouth and presence adds comedy and spice to the story.

Harlequin Blaze August 2013 Bundle

Vicki Lewis Thompson – The Heart Won’t Lie Here, the main character is an author of westerns with romance.  This is a perfect set-up for a story because if he can write romance then he should be great in bed.  (Tee Hee!)  In fact, Michael ends up being so motivated from his relationship with Keri, he writes an additional heated love scene.  The chemistry between the characters works well because of the threads of commonalities that they share and the direction that their lives are moving.

Jo Leigh – To the Limit This is a great story to read if you ever had a Top Gun, Tom Cruise fantasy.  Does it get any better than a fighter pilot?  Answer, yes it does.  A fighter pilot that has wanted a girl for years and is grounded from flying due to an eye injury.  That’s a whole lot of frustration and energy to get out between the sheets.  The ultimate question is what is the measure of love: what are you willing to give up for it?

Isabel Sharpe – Half-Hitched  Love is in the air at a friend’s wedding.  Two friends each find the person they’re meant to be with.  You know it is hot, when after having sex a number of times, one couple realizes that they have never been together in an actual bed.  Sometimes loves comes at you quickly and knocks you over the head.  Other times it takes years.  Both, can be just as real and astounding.  All relationships can be risky.  If you really love someone, then they are worth the risk.

Meg Maguire – Taking Him Down Imagine a perfectly sculpted champion MMA fighter with sweat pouring over his tan latin skin.  Now, imagine that same man with a heart so big that he puts his family, mom and sister, first.  He’s sexy and has his priorities in order.  Absolutely HOT!

Sneak Peak (Shelley Bradley – Watch Me; Jaci Burton – Show Me)

Exhibitionism at its best!

Some Like It Rough (Kate Pearce – Some Like it Rough; Susan Lyons – Private Eyes; Anne Rainey – Cherry On Top)

This is a grand slam, bases-loaded, home run book.  All three authors knock it out of the park.

SEE ALL SUGGESTED BOOKS – SPICY STORIES TO SAVOR

BEST EPILOGUE in the final book of a series

BEST EPILOGUE in a series.  I don’t offer up the title of being best lightly.  I have a lot of series that I love and I could never choose one series as my one and only favorite.  But as far as Epilogues go, Jay Crownover wrote the most perfect Epilogue in the final book of the series, Asa.

Here’s why:

  1. All the characters are mentioned.  I love that I get to remember all the characters.
  2. Every character reaches a happily ever after.  I’m very picky about this part.  This is key to a good Epilogue.  While I love my HEAs, I don’t want something that is over done.  Not every couple has to get married and have a baby to make it an HEA.  HEA doesn’t mean the characters need to win the lottery, per se.  Not everything needs to be perfect.
  3. The time span of an epilogue shouldn’t go too far into the future.  I can’t specify the exact amount of time that should go between the final page and the epilogue.  Each series is different.  Often times when the time span is too long the author falls into the trap of making everything work out.
  4. Jay Crownover offered a fantastic recap of how the characters related and why the series was entitled Marked Men.

I loved the Marked Men series and I highly recommend reading it.  

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See Related Post:

How to end a book series?

 

 

 

S. Valentine – Her Confession

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REVIEW

This is a MUST READ book for anyone that enjoys a very naughty, kinky bad boy.  He’ll take her anywhere or anytime he pleases, which amounts to a lot of pleasing scenes throughout the book.  The desperation between Gabi and Darion make the scenes luring and provocative.

The self realization and transformation that goes on for both Gabi and Darion make this book complete.  Sure, the steamy scenes are awesome, but the overall story is what made me keep turning the pages.

There is a lot of alcohol drinking in this story, which I found to be a bit concerning.  Also, Darion’s penchant for smoking I found to be unsavory.  Neither of these issues was distasteful enough to keep me from awarding this book 5 stars, because I would most certainly read this book again and gift it to a friend.

I didn’t realize that this book was a part of a trilogy when I read it.  I should have looked more closely at the cover – my bad.  So my when I reached the end of the book my reaction was –  You’ve got to be f*ing kidding me!  It ends with a serious cliffhanger.  After my frustration waned, I realized that it was a good thing, because it meant there will be another in the serious to read.  Somehow, I’ll have to conjure the patience to wait for the next in the series.

BLURB

Gabriella Woods is adapting to Darion Milano’s daring world…

As Gabi tries to break down Darion’s defenses and help him move on from his damaged past, she hopes he can offer her the love and security she desperately requires.

Darion likes that Gabi is pushing her boundaries, but he has his own dilemmas…

With his outrageous ex-wife in the picture, a constant threat, Gabi finds herself agreeing to Darion’s open-minded adventurous fantasies. The bond they share appears stronger than ever.

Until her confession changes everything.

Is Darion pushing Gabi to her limits—and further away from him?

Or is Gabi in too deep to give Darion up, regardless of her identity that he’s slowly stripping away?

PURCHASE LINKS

The Amazon links are below:

AMAZON UK http://amzn.to/2bckJMO

AMAZON US  http://amzn.to/2bFppdD

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S. Valentine – His Confession

 

Thank You Arc to S. Valentine!

AUTHOR

 

Dani René – Shattered by Love

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REVIEW

The best part of romance books (besides the hot sex scenes) is getting to know the characters.  The way this book is written allows the reader to really understand the character’s frame of mind and feelings.  The story oscillates from various characters in both in future and past tense.  Many books are told from dual perspectives, but this books goes way beyond that.  The way in which the total story enfolds makes it impossible to put the book down. (Don’t worry – I did manage to feed my kids while reading)

Jayce’s dirty mouth made me so hot that my iPad accidentally slipped out of my sweaty hands.  He cracks me up in how easily he gets distracted by his own thoughts and is constantly thinking about being with his woman.

I liked and came to respect the female characters.  It takes a bit longer time throughout the book to get to know them, but well worth it.

I won’t provide spoilers, but I’ll say that one of the twists made me smile immensely.  It was one of the moments while reading the book where I knew with complete certainty that I would never forget the story.

BLURB

The boy from the wrong side of town.
The girl who stole his heart.

Jayce

For five years, I’ve lived with my choice.
Pain. Regret. Heartache.
A shattered soul.

She was my salvation. My love. My world.
Until I let her walk away.

Ivy

For five years, I’ve lived with my secret.
Hurt. Remorse. Sorrow.
A shattered soul.

He was my life. My love. My world.
Until he let me walk away.

Broken hearts, shattered by love.
Secrets. Deception. Lies.

Can shattered love be mended?

18+ For mature audiences only. Can be read as a stand alone, but the characters are introduced in Broken by Desire.

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ONLY $0.99 until August 28! FREE ON KU

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AU: http://amzn.to/2b5zSz5

SEE RELATED POSTS

Dani René – Ace of Harts

Dani René – Between Love and Fire

Dani René – Broken by Desire

 

Thank You Arc to Dani René!

Author Links

Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Group  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

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Dallas Coryell – Melody’s Key

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REVIEW

A clean romance set in a small town in England.  The writing is a unique blend of contemporary dialog with narrative that has a much more soulful description.  The feel of the words perfectly parallels the English countryside.  The verses paint a remarkable layered depth that is rarely seen in contemporary romance books.

The plot and romance reveals itself in a great fashion that provides angst, heartache, and wonderful twists.

The story contains many song lyrics.  Here’s one of the songs performed by the author …

For more songs from Dallas Coryell see https://www.youtube.com/user/DallasCoryell1

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“His eyes settled on her…piercing green embers of flame that revealed the ferocity of his pain and passion, yet still shrouded him under veils of ever deepening mystery that made every ounce of her ache to unravel him.” Tegan Lockwood’s dreams were dead, sacrificed on the noble altar of duty before they ever had a chance to live. Her entire existence was disappearing into the abyss of apathy as she labored her days away keeping her family’s struggling business alive. There would be no emotion, no color, no beauty in her life. That is, until a mysterious visitor begins to draw her out of the darkness of her past towards something that will challenge the boundaries of her world, and unlock the most deeply held secrets of her heart.

Thank You Arc to Dallas Coryell!

About The Author

Dallas Coryell is a musician and author residing deep in the untamed wilds of Michigan, USA, where he desperately attempts to assign meaning to his world through bouts of maniacal creative catharsis and pitifully doomed hopeless romantic fantasies. All of the songs written by the characters in this novel are real and can be viewed on the author’s fledgling YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DallasCoryell1 Selfies and other assorted randomness can be found on the author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallascoryell

Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 5 – Three or More Galore)

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Week 5 – Three or More Galore

Maya Banks

Be With Me – One woman with three men that have varying expectations in bed.  Life gets even more complicated by the fact that someone is out to kill her.  Hot and suspenseful!

Brazen (Brazen, Reckless) – Another threesome from Maya Banks.  Really enjoyed the 2-book combination, which allowed for the continuation of the story.  Let’s you see beyond one night of super sexcapades.

Colters’ Legacy Series – Like fathers like sons.  Menage a Quatre (I actually had to look up the term). Polygamy in a family setting.

For Her Pleasure – All good things should come in threes.  Three good stories in one anthology.  Nobody wants to be the third wheel in a threesome.

Linger (Stay With Me and Songbird)  – Men should never take a woman’s love and openness for granted.  Two books where the men need to fight to regain something that is right because they let it slip through their fingers.

Shayla Black

Masters of Menage (Their Virgin Captive) – No hiding with this title!  Quick easy read.

Wicked Ties – Should a Dominant male give his Submissive a three-way for a night, even if he really doesn’t want to share?

Decadent – What happens when 2 of the 3 in a relationship fall in love with each other?  Not all threesomes last a lifetime, but can make for some great reading.

Jaci Burton

Unwrapped – Having a secret sexual fantasy fulfilled – BEST Christmas present ever.

Lauren Dane

Federation Chronicles (Undercover) –  Science Fiction mixed with some trio sex.  When fighting the universe, it is always important to get some sexual relief, in triplicate.

Laurell Hamilton  

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series – Bold female vampire hunter that enjoys her MANY vampires and shifters.  Brings the concept of polyamorous relationships to whole new level!  Can’t wait to find out who she is going to marry.  I unfortunately missed out on a short release of a short story – Shutdown.  Hopefully it will be available again.

Megan Hart

Alex Kennedy (Tempted, Everything Changes, Naked) Husband – Wife plus one.  This isn’t actually a trilogy, but three different books that are linked.  Loved getting to know more about the characters by reading all three books.

Kelly Jamieson

Wicked One Night – Ten years is a long time to wait for the best sex of your life, but some things are worth the wait.  Enjoyed the drama.  Laughed aloud.  Great ending.  A must read.

Lora Leigh

Nauti Boy – Fun romp on a boat.  There are other books in the series.

Trista Ann Michaels

Leave Me Breathless – What’s better than a Navy Seal?  Two Navy Seals.  They are trained to protect Tessa from the threats on her life and offer her a deal she cannot say no to as well.

Anne Rainey

Body Rush – A fabulous night with 3 hot owners of a sex club.  What happens if one wants more than just sex?

Saskia Walker

Her Fantasy – Only 42 pages, but packed with a lot of heat.  Just the right dose for fantastic foreplay.

Three To Tango

Lauren Dane – Dirty/Bad/Wrong; Megan Hart – Just For One Night; Emma Holly – Flipping for Chelsea; Bethany Kane – On the Job

I choose to read this because of Lauren Dane and Megan Hart’s contributions, but I was riveted by a new-to-me author, Emma Holly.

Cherished

Maya Banks – Exiled; Lauren Dane – Sway

Two great authors in one great book.

Four Play

Shayla Black – Her Fantasy Men; Maya Banks – Pillow Talk

I have gifted this book on several occasions.  It is always a highly appreciated present.

Three’s Company

Jess Dee – A Question of Trust; Jayne Rylon – Nice and Naughty; Lorelei James – Wicked Garden

Hot. Hot. Hot.  Three hot stories in a single book.  Yes!

SEE ALL SUGGESTED BOOKS – THREE OR MORE GALORE