Blog Tour - Book Review and Guest Post: Fierce and Fabulous (Sassy Boyz #1) by Elizabeth Varlet @kismetbt

About the Author:

Elizabeth Varlet is a nerd at heart and spends way too many hours binging on episodes of her favorite television shows. If you love Doctor Who, Supernatural, Stargate, Star Trek, Sherlock, or Firefly you are already her best friend.

She started writing stories in high school and hasn’t stopped. Now, her characters like to get frisky under the covers – or the stars, they’re not picky. She’s a thirty-something, newly married, world traveler who devours books like they were candy.

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How long did it take you to write Fierce and Fabulous? Did you have any stumbling or writer's block while writing?

Hello! And thank you for having me here on Read My Mind. I’m thrilled to tell you about my writing process and how long Fierce & Fabulous took from conception to finished product.

Fierce & Fabulous was actually my 2014 NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) novel so I managed to write most of it in one month (November). Though, I admit, the last few chapters took me longer mostly because I struggled with the deep emotions that the characters needed to work through towards the end of the novel.

I wouldn’t say I had writer’s block with this book. Ansel’s voice and motivations were so strong I always knew what was going to happen, but because of this I wanted to get his character right. It’s sometimes difficult to translate those imaginings & visceral emotions into text. In contrast, Dark & Dazzling was much more difficult for me to write and I did have a few instances where I stumbled because Z is quite mysterious and brooding.

I had a finished and polished draft of Fierce & Fabulous at the end of January 2015.

After that, I sent it to a handful of writer friends for critique. They gave me a lot of wonderful notes and I spent another several months editing. By March of 2015 I was ready to send the MS to agents. Anyone familiar with this process knows it’s basically a lot of waiting around and handling disappointment. This was no different. None of the agents I queried were prepared to sign me, so I moved on and began querying publishers directly.

This is where my luck changed. I got several offers, but the first and most enthusiastic was from Carina Press so I eventually signed with them for the first two books in the Sassy Boyz series and I could not be happier.







My Thoughts:

It took me a while to really like this book because I'm not a big fan of insta-lust/love, but what turned it around were the characters and their individual development, as well as the pacing and ending of the story. While I really couldn't say for sure if the characters were authentic or not, since I'm not a gay or bisexual man, they read as realistic and I could commiserate with their situations, despite not having experienced it personally. Both Ansel and Fitch had their flaws, which certainly makes it easier for me as a reader to empathize with who they are and why they do what they do. I really dislike reading about perfect characters with no problems because they aren't someone I can identify with, regardless of gender.

There's plenty of sex scenes in this book and author Varlet has managed to make them hot and sexy without going overboard. I liked how, even though Fitch was the one who was inexperienced in gay sex, he brought about a change in how Ansel connected with him during intimate moments, as compared to Ansel's past encounters with other men.

My only con with Fierce and Fabulous is the Gay For You (GFY) element because I'm not sure that I believe in GFY. I think that most people establish relationships with people based on attraction, and that Fitch clearly had just never encountered a male he was attracted to. But this doesn't equate to GFY, he's just a bisexual male who had only had relationships with women in the past. Fitch also seemed to adapt to having gay sex very easily for someone who had never participated in it before. I found that a little unbelievable, regardless of how attracted to Ansel he was.

Overall though, I enjoyed reading Fierce and Fabulous. This is a definite recommendation to readers who enjoy gay romance! The characters have an intense connection to each other despite their struggles and conflict.

Fierce and Fabulous has a Happy For Now (HFN) ending for Ansel and Fitch and I am eager to see how Varlet continues the series in book two. I'm hoping Ansel and Fitch are the focus of the second book as well because I'm interested in reading more about the progression of their relationship and to see more character development as their relationship proceeds.



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Fierce and Fabulous (Sassy Boyz #1)
New Adult Contemporary LGBTQ Romance
Expected Publication: 27 June 2016 by Carina Press

Fans of Heidi Cullinan will devour this scorching new male/male series by Elizabeth Varlet. Behind the Sassy Boyz's seductive smiles and sinful dance moves are desires that will leave readers breathless.

Fitch Donovan never thought a lap dance could change his life, but from the moment the gorgeous dancer's lips touch his, his world comes screeching to a halt. No matter how hard he tries, he can't shake the desire that rocks him to his core. He's longed for this passion all his life—he just never dreamed he'd find it with another man.

Sharing a soul-shaking kiss with a straight boy is the kind of drama Ansel Becke just doesn't need. Spotlights aren't made for two and Ansel prefers to keep things on a one-night-only basis. So when Fitch shows up asking for an encore, Ansel knows he should send his gorgeous ass packing.

Though Ansel tries to pretend that what's between him and Fitch is far from fabulous, there's something about the big, burly contractor that makes Ansel's world sparkle in a way no amount of glitter ever could. And Fitch will do whatever it takes to convince Ansel that when the thing you need most in the world falls right into your lap, you'd be a fool to let it go.

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Fierce and Fabulous (Sassy Boyz #1) Blog Tour Arranged By Kismet Book Tours.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Falling Under You (Fixed #4.5) by Laurelin Paige @InkSlingerPR @LaurelinPaige

About the Author:

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She's also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn't do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.

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My Thoughts:

This is the first book that I've read in the Fixed series and although I didn't love it, I thought it was a good story and I liked the dynamic between Norma and Boyd. I will admit that I liked Boyd's character more than Norma, but the two of them together were hot and steamy.

While I didn't take to Norma as much as I would have liked, I did appreciate the fact that she was a successful, independent woman who had a lot of influence at Pierce Industries and also garnered a lot of trust from her boss, Hudson Pierce. This story appealed to me because of this, as well as the fact that it was an opposite May-December romance. It was nice to read about a powerful woman who was in charge at the office, but had enough confidence in herself (and ultimately Boyd) to submit to a man at home.

The one thing that really bothered me was that I didn't like that Norma and Boyd had to hide their relationship for so long. I agree that neither should have had to give up their job in favor of the other, just so that they would be complying with company policy, but I also feel that the two of them should have gone to Pierce sooner to work out a compromise, seeing as their personal relationship was not negatively affecting their work one.

Overall, I thought this was a sweet book about a man and woman trying to find a balance between a romantic relationship and a working relationship. It also piqued my interest in this series and I am excited to check out the rest of the books, to read about the other characters and relationships, in the Fixed world.



Note: The following excerpt is appropriate for readers 18 years and older


Excerpt from Falling Under You:

“Why is it,” he asked, reaching for the stamp, “do you think, that you mixed up your days in the first place?”

I shrugged, not sure where he was going with the question. “I don’t know. Got absorbed in work, I guess. Sometimes it’s hard to remember there’s a world outside of that.” I realized why he’d asked as I spoke my answer. “Oh.”

“But there’s a lot of world outside your office.” He pressed the stamp against my inner thigh, leaving a red rectangular mark on my skin. He moved it up higher and stamped me again. And again. Then several times on the inside of my other thigh.

I didn’t move to look at what the stamp said. It was too dark to see easily, and, anyway, I was transfixed by him—his mouth as he spoke, his hands as they moved with his task.

“There’s a lot of world I’d like to show you outside that room, Norma.” He set the stamp down so he could unbutton my blouse. Then he placed several more marks along my belly and along the top of my breasts.

Still, I kept my eyes on him.

He set the stamp down and reached for the roll of tape. “Give me your hands, please.”

I held them out, not surprised when he bound my wrists together with several layers of tape, the sticky part facing away from my skin. Next he moved to my legs, wrapping my ankle to the handle on a cupboard below me, then my other ankle to another handle so my legs were spread wide.

When he was finished, I pulled against them, testing their strength, and found all of them secure.

“Too tight?”

I shook my head.

“Good.” He nodded at me, his expression clouded with want. “All day long you sit at that desk, this is how I see you.”

“Half-naked?”

Falling Under You (Fixed 4.5)
Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 10 May 2016 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

Norma Anders has always prided herself on her intelligence and determination. She climbed out of poverty, put herself through school and is now a chief financial advisor at Pierce Industries. She’s certainly a woman who won’t be topped. Not in business anyway.

But she’s pretty sure she’d like to be topped in the bedroom.

Unfortunately most men see independence and ambition in a woman and they run. Even her dominant boss, Hudson Pierce has turned down her advances, leaving her to fear that she will never find the lover she’s longing for.

Then the most unlikely candidate steps up. Boyd, her much-too-young and oh-so-hot assistant surprises her one night with bold suggestions and an authoritative demeanor he’s never shown her in the office.

It’s a bad idea…such a deliciously bad idea…but when Boyd takes the reins and leads her to sensual bliss she’s never known, the headstrong Norma can’t help but fall under his command.

Goodreads | Amazon

Check out the rest of the Fixed series on Goodreads HERE.
Check out the rest of the 1001 Dark Nights series HERE.

Falling Under You (Fixed #4.5) Blog Tour Arranged by InkSlinger PR.

Book Review: My Sweet Demise (Demise #1) by Shana Vanterpool

About the Author:

My name is Shana Vanterpool and I create these wonderfully fantastic things called books. If you’re here you probably already know that, but the writer in me wants to make sure the details are not lost.

A little bit about me?

I’m 27. I drink too much coffee. And I have a book buying addiction I refuse to heal.

I love reading. Duh right? But it’s the truth. I love words, beautiful words. The best stories make me yearn for the characters to be real. Books take me away and suck me in.

I write because I have to. It’s who I am, who I want to be, and everything I imagine. I write about love, fear, pasts, pain, growth, sex, futures, magic-everything. Writing is a gift and I’m thankful for the ability to do so and the success and love it brings me every SINGLE day.

I have a dog I adore. Unimportant to most, but I’m sure she’d resent that. Her name is Bella and she owns my heart.

And last but not least I love my family, chocolate, book boyfriends, and COFFEE! Lots and lots of COFFEE!

Did I mention that already?

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My Thoughts:

Desperate Raina and manwhore Kent develop a tumultuous relationship that’s a train wreck of a ride full of drama with a capital D.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. The concept seemed interesting and I liked the story itself, but I could not connect with the characters at all. Kent was a complete tool and I couldn't imagine why Raina would want to be involved with him. He didn't seem to have any redeeming qualities that would make a woman like Raina want to fall in love with him, especially considering her past experiences. Kent's character does get fleshed out and developed more as the story goes on, but even learning why he acted the way he did didn't make him easier to like or relate to.

The one character I did like in My Sweet Demise was James. His character seemed complex and I wanted to read more about him, then Raina and Kent, as the story progressed. I was interested in learning more about why he stuck by Kent and what made him the character he was. I was excited to learn that he had his own story. Despite my less than stellar view of My Sweet Demise, I am looking forward to reading about James in his follow up story, My Vicious Demise.

While I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it either. I don't regret reading it, but I feel as if it wasn't as good as I was expecting or hoping it to be based on the synopsis.



My Sweet Demise (Demise #1)
New Adult Contemporary Romantic Realistic Fiction
Published: 5 January 2016 by Limitless Publishing

Desperation makes a girl do crazy things…

When twenty-one year old Raina O’Connor is kicked out of her room on short notice, she’s thrown into a frantic search for a new place to stay. As the situation becomes more urgent, her choices have dwindled to her least favorite option—ladies’ man, Kent Nicholson.

Kent Nicholson loves women, just not as a roommate…

When a gorgeous blonde with big hazel eyes answers Kent’s ad for a roommate, his red flags start flying. He’s looking for a wingman, not a chick who will put a damper on his game or drench his apartment in pink. It’s clear she’s in a bind, and something about her makes him break his own rules. But when he reluctantly accepts, it’s with four concrete conditions.

Be his wingman. Don’t get in his way with other girls. No bitchy attitudes. And most importantly, she can’t fall for him.

Pretty sure this was the world’s worst idea—ever…

Trust is something earned. Raina learned that the hard way when her father broke her heart as a child, making it easy to steer clear of relationships. But living with Kent somehow stirs emotions Raina has always forbidden herself to have. Plus, he’s everything she never wanted—untrustworthy, pigheaded…and gorgeous. Something tells her Kent isn’t free of his own secret scars…

Love can drag you down and spit you out, and be worth every second.!

Goodreads | Amazon

Check out the second book in the Demise series, My Vicious Demise, on Goodreads HERE.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Summer At Sea by Beth Labonte

About the Author:

Beth Labonte was born in Salem, Massachusetts and received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2001. Currently working as an Administrative Assistant, she has taken to writing as her creative outlet in an excruciatingly mundane corporate world. Beth resides outside of Worcester, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and two cats.

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My Thoughts:

If you like a laugh out loud, funny, romantic story, then Summer At Sea is the book for you! I really liked reading about Summer and her quest to find a man, as well as her interactions with Graham and her parents, during the cruise. Her encounters with her parents (and their rampant hypochondria) never failed to draw a laugh from me. I won't spoil anything, but the night club scene is one of the funniest of the book and I could just imagine how mortified Summer was!

I loved the connection Graham, Summer's brother's best friend and cabin mate during the cruise, had with Summer's parents. He had a way with them, especially her mother, that seemed to calm them down and make them less crazy and frantic. I also loved the dynamic between Summer and Graham. His advice on how to handle her parents helps Summer out and I liked experiencing the development of their relationship from long time acquaintances to romance.

Summer At Sea is a humorous novel about a girl trying to find romance while living under the thumb of her very overprotective parents. It's a fun read, perfect for the summer, while relaxing on the beach or by the pool, or even in the winter, to chase the blues away. I couldn't stop laughing while reading and I highly recommend this hidden gem. I'm so glad I signed up for this tour because I doubt I would I read Summer At Sea otherwise and that would have been a shame. I'm happy I didn't miss out on reading such an enjoyable book!



Summer At Sea
Adult Contemporary Romance
Published: 24 April 2015

Four jackets of varying weights, enough socks for the entire Confederate Army, three umbrellas, most of the antacid aisle from the local pharmacy, and six pairs of old people sneakers that all look exactly the same.

Have you ever helped your parents pack for a weeklong cruise?

No? I didn't think so. So shut it.

So begins vacation for Summer Hartwell - twenty-six years old, living with her anxiety-ridden parents, and unwillingly booked by her brother on a weeklong cruise to Bermuda. Despite the nightmare of being trapped aboard a cruise ship with Mom and Dad, Summer sees a rare opportunity to fulfill The Prophecy – her mother’s declaration that she will live at home until she gets married. With two thousand passengers onboard, at least one of them must be husband material, right?

The only problem is Graham Blenderman – her brother’s best friend who is joining them for the week, in all of his tall, blonde, extroverted glory. Graham doesn’t believe Summer needs a husband in order to break free from her parents. He thinks she just needs a little bit of nerve. And to Summer’s introverted horror, he’s willing to spend the entire week proving that he’s right.

Goodreads

Summer At Sea is available for FREE to Kindle Unlimited customers! Click HERE to borrow.

Summer At Sea Blog Tour Arranged By CLP Blog Tours.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Identity Crisis by Rochelle Paige

About the Author:

I absolutely adore reading - always have and always will. My friends growing up used to tease me when I would trail after them, trying to read and walk at the same time. If I have downtime, odds are you will find me reading or writing.

I am the mother of two wonderful sons who have inspired me to chase my dream of being an author. I want them to learn from me that you can live your dream as long as you are willing to work for it.

When I told my mom that my new year's resolution was to self-publish a book in 2013, she pretty much told me "About time!"

Website | Facebook



My Thoughts:

If you combine a sexy alpha hero with mistaken identity, steamy romance, and a bit of humor, you'd get Rochelle Paige's newest release, Identity Crisis.

It took me a bit to really get in to Identity Crisis, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it turned out to be an enjoyable read. Blaine is the typical hero, rough around the edges, but willing to do anything to keep Delia safe. He's protective and possessive - like he walked straight out of one of the books Delia writes. Even thought their relationship is hot and I loved the chemistry between the two characters, it was a little disconcerting to know that Delia looked so much like Blaine's ex, whom he was looking for. It seemed as if Delia might have been introduced to become a replacement for Serena, but as the story proceeded, it seemed as if Blaine liked Delia in her own right and not for who she looked like. He definitely had a very protective streak when it came to Delia!

I also really liked the character of Brody. He's almost like a secondary hero in Identity Crisi and I'm hoping this leads in to Paige writing a story on it's own for him. His character was developed well and I would love to read more.

Identity Crisis is a fast paced, easy read, but worth picking up and checking out. If you're a fan of Rochelle Paige, you'll like this newest release of her's.



Excerpt from Identity Crisis

The sound of the garage door going up startled me, setting me into motion. It was a good thing I had been trained to make split second decisions with limited information because that skill set was being put to the test right now. I moved toward the kitchen as I ran the possible scenarios through my head. If it was Serena using a friend’s place to lay low, then I was in the clear. If it was a boyfriend or family member of the dead author, I was probably screwed. A cleaning person or friend, I might be okay. The bottom line was, I had no way of knowing which scenario I was about to face, but it didn’t matter. There wasn’t a chance in hell I was going out the back without knowing if the person walking through that door was Serena.

Right as my decision was made, I heard the sound of the garage door lowering, quickly followed by the door connecting the garage to the house opening and closing. A deep feminine sigh resonated, but I stayed in position, on the other side of the refrigerator and out of sight. The sound of footsteps got closer and then a woman entered the kitchen. I hadn’t meant to make a noise, but I shifted as soon as I realized who was standing in front of me. I moved toward her so I could cover her mouth and get her under control before she screamed and one of the neighbors came to see what was wrong. And holy fuck, there was plenty wrong with this situation since the woman was supposed to be dead.


Identity Crisis
Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Published: 24 June 2015

A reclusive author...
Delia Sinclair is desperate to hit a looming deadline. With only two weeks to go before her manuscript is due, she heads to a remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains with no internet or cell service.

An ex-military security specialist...
Blaine West is halfway around the world when he gets a frantic message from his childhood sweetheart. She needs to lay low for awhile so he puts her in touch with someone who can help her until he can get back to town.

A dead body...
When Blaine arrives at the hotel where they were supposed to meet, he learns the body of a local author was discovered that morning but there's no sign of his old flame.

And a case of mistaken identity...
Delia returns home completely unaware that the police believe she's been murdered. With Delia alive and his ex still missing, Blaine has the skills and connections to find out exactly what happened and keep Delia safe.

Lead to a passion that burns out of control.

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Amazon

Identity Crisis Blog Tour Arranged By Panty Dropping Book Blog.

Book Review: Taming Cross (Love Inc. #2) by Ella James

About the Author:

Ella James is a USA Today bestselling author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone's parents go to war over the placement of a comma.

Ella's books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon's Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012.

Ella is represented by Rebecca Friedman of the Hill Nadell Literary Agency.

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My Thoughts

Taming Cross was a much deeper story than I thought it was going to be. I expected the focal point to be about the development of Cross and Merri's relationship, but instead it was more about Cross himself and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to right a wrong and rescue a woman he didn't even know personally. I ended up enjoying the story more than I expected and this twist gave the plot more intensity and engaged me as a reader.

Merri's part of the story was just as intriguing as Cross' search for redemption. She has skeletons of her own and was trying to make right things she regretted from the past. I loved how strong Merri's character was, even when she didn't believe it about herself. She overcame a lot (and granted, it could have been worse), to get to the place she was in when she met Cross. She was willing to sacrifice herself to protect others, just as Cross was willing to go to any lengths to help her out.

I also really liked the fact that this wasn't a story of instalove. There was, of course, immediate attraction between Merri and Cross, but their actual physical relationship was slowly developed and based on building trust. This is based partly on their circumstances, but it was nice to see that the author didn't have them in bed together right from the beginning. Their relationship evolves from two people being forced to build trust in each other in order to survive and make it to safety.

I haven't read the first book in the Love Inc Series, Selling Scarlett, so I didn't have the full background on the characters when I started Taming Cross. But, Ella James does a great job of incorporating the main facts from Selling Scarlett into Taming Cross, so that readers can understand the gist of what happened, without it being the dreaded info dump. I had no problem reading Taming Cross as a stand alone, however I am now very interested in reading Selling Scarlett, so that I can get the full story and find out more about the rest of the characters mentioned.


Taming Cross (Love Inc. #2)
New Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Published: 19 August 2013 by Barkley's Books

For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.

Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.

If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.

What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really?

Goodreads | Kobo

Check out the rest of the Love Inc. Series on Goodreads HERE.

Taming Cross Review Copy Provided By Mark My Words Book Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour - Book Review and Excerpt: Adored (Masters and Mercenaries #8.5) by Lexi Blake (@InkSlingerPR @authorlexiblake)

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

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My Thoughts

The Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake is one of my favorite and I was excited to be able to participate in this review tour. Although Adored is only a novella, it read like a complete story, and because the characters had been introduced in previous books, I neither felt that I was missing out on part of the story line or that the story itself was rushed.

I really liked Mitch's character in Adored. In fact, I felt that I empathized more with him than with Laurel, the heroine. While I did feel that he didn't give Laurel enough credit for being a different woman from his exes, and, in the beginning, he wasn't even willing to try to have a "real" relationship with Laurel, I could completely understand, from his past experiences, why he was so gun shy. This flaw in his character was one of the reasons I kept reading Adored - I wanted to see what would happen with Mitch and Laurel. Obviously, I knew there would most likely be a HEA, but I was rooting for the two to be able to overcome their insecurities without too much struggle.

My one complaint about Adored is that there was so much going on in the story, considering it was a novella. I don't want to give out any spoilers, but there were two subplots besides the relationship aspect and I was concerned the ending would be too rushed, or that the the subplots would become confusing and not end satisfactorily. However, in the end, this didn't happen and I thought Lexi Blake did a good job of tying up all the loose ends and giving her characters a happy ending.

Excerpt from Adored:

"I won’t stop this time. I won’t play the gentleman again,” he whispered before his mouth descended on hers.

Thank god. Six months. They’d passed and every night she dreamed about what they could have had if he hadn’t played the damn gentleman that night in Hawaii. They’d wasted six months. Six months when she could have felt him against her, when she could have had the heat of his body to warm her own. They could have been sleeping together, sharing a life beyond the confines of this office.

His lips found hers and he was ravenous. He slanted over her mouth again and again, dominating and taking what he wanted. His tongue surged in and she could feel that slow slide in her womb.

Just like that she was wet and ready. Her body felt malleable, as though it knew this man was the one who could mold her and bring her to fruition. Every inch of her body felt primed. Her nipples rasped against the fabric of her bra, her breasts heavy and wanting. Her clothes were suddenly too tight and she wanted nothing more than to throw them off. She didn’t need clothes around him.

A sudden vision of what it would be like now that Mitch was finally claiming her stamped itself in her brain. She could hear him commanding her to be naked when they were alone. She would curl up at his feet as they relaxed. It would be the two of them and they wouldn’t have to argue. They would be together.

His hands found her backside, squeezing. A low groan ground out of his mouth as he explored her. She could feel herself softening, offering herself up for his slow exploration. This was the man who would finally teach her what all the fuss was about.

Mitch pushed her to be better than she was, to think more clearly about points of law and to challenge herself to greater heights. She’d always known it would be the same in the bedroom. She’d had lovers before, but sex had been something to do, a way to show affection. Sex with Mitch was a force of freaking nature.

He pressed her against the door. His mouth was a marauder, plunging in and taking what he wanted. His hands gripped her hips and suddenly she felt her feet leave the ground. Mitch had a good half a foot on her, but it didn’t seem to matter. He simply lifted her to where he wanted her to be.


Adored (Masters and Mercenaries #8.5)
Adult Contemporary Erotic BDSM Romance
Published: 12 May 2015 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

A man who gave up on love
Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.

A woman who always gets what she wants
Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.

A killer lurking in the shadows
When an unexpected turn of events throws the two together, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.

Goodreads | Amazon

Adored Review and Excerpt Blog Tour Arranged By InkSlinger PR.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Game of Love by Ara Grigorian (@InkSlingerPR)

About the Author:

Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…

He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).

But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.

Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.

Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.

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My Thoughts

I really liked Game of Love because it was interesting and engaging. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. I'm not big into tennis, but I signed up for a review copy because the story itself seemed interesting and I was intrigued enough to want to read it. Although it's a typical opposites attract tale, author Ara Grigorian kept the plot fresh and had well developed characters.

Despite not really having an interest in tennis itself, I enjoyed the athletic aspect of the story. Gemma is a driven woman, choosing to focus on tennis, to the exclusion of other pursuits. I thought this was admirable and I appreciated what she was giving up in order to succeed. However, it was nice to see her be able to relax around Andre and be herself, without all the pressure to be the best.

Ara Grigorian did a great job of portraying what it is like to be a celebrity and all that comes along with it. The average person might think it's cool to be well known and have people always wanting to meet you and get your autograph (among other things), but it reality it is very intrusive on a celebrity's personal life and it's hard to live like that - always looking over your shoulder and having to censor every little thing you do or say because it might show up on the internet the next day.

Game of Love combines sports and romance in a entertaining novel that I recommend to anyone who likes a good love story full of passion.



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Game of Love
New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance
Published: 4 May 2015 by Curiosity Quill Press

Game of Love is set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis where fortune and fame can be decided by a single point.

Gemma Lennon has spent nearly all of her 21 years focused on one thing: Winning a Grand Slam. After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning - until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.

Breaking her own rules, Gemma begins a whirlwind romance with Andre who shows her that love and a life off the court might be the real prize. With him, she learns to trust and love… at precisely the worst time in her career. The pressure from her home country, fans, and even the Prime Minister to be the first British woman to win in nearly four decades weighs heavily.

As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within… even lovers and even friends.

In the Game of Love, winner takes all.

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Game of Love Blog Tour Arranged by InkSlinger PR.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Taking What's His (Shillings Agency #4) by Diane Alberts

About the Author:

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She’s hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

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My Thoughts:

Whether she's writing under the name Diane Alberts or Jen McLaughlin, Alberts knows how to write an engrossing story that pulls readers into the lives of her characters and makes a person not want to put her book down.

Taking What's His is probably my favorite book in the Shillings Agency series to date. I loved Holt's character and his chemistry with Lydia was red-hot!

Alberts created a lot of character depth in writing Holt. His conflict with trying to appear as if nothing was wrong with him, while struggling with side effects from an IED injury added intensity to the story line itself, as well as his growing relationship with Lydia. Holt ticked all the right boxes for me - nerdy, but good looking, dominant, but respectful, and he was in the military. Plus, let's not forget he wears glasses and is a Doctor Who fan. I loved how Alberts incorporated the Doctor Who fandom into Taking What's His.

I also liked how Alberts incorporated some of the other characters from her previous Shillings Agency books into Taking What's His. Of course Cooper was mentioned since Holt works at the agency, but also Gordon from book #3 shows up. This series seems to get better with each book and I'm hoping there is more to come!

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Taking What's His (Shillings Agency #4)
Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 28 April 2015 by Entangled Brazen

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

Some lines are meant to be crossed...

One explosive device was all it took to turn Holt Cunningham from ass-kicking Marine to IT technician. Hell, he's still not over it. So when the cute little strawberry blonde at the bar asks him to kiss her, Holt can't resist the temptation of a sexy distraction. Before he knows it, she's blown his mind...and then skipped out the next morning.

Lydia Thomas never expected things with Holt to go quite that far, but oh, it was worth it. After being far too good for way too long, she was ready to be bad. Except that there's that tiny detail that Lydia kept to herself-Holt just spent the night doing naughty things...with his best friend's little sister.

One night isn't nearly enough. But with his friendship on the line, how far will Holt go in order to claim what's his?

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Check out the rest of the Shillings Agency Series on Goodreads HERE.

Taking What's His Blog Tour Arranged By InkSlinger PR. Click HERE to follow the rest of the tour.

Blog Tour - Book Review: The Australian (Crime Royalty Romance #2) by Lesley Young

Author Bio:

Lesley Young is an award-winning journalist by day and a compulsive romance novelist by night. Her most recent series—Crime Royalty Romance—features unforgettable heroines who fall in love with dangerous men while on adventures abroad. Her fast-paced novels are rich with intricate plots, sizzling romance and gripping character development. You'll root for her characters from page one!

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My Thoughts

I loved the main character, Charlie! She is a no nonsense, literal, takes everything at face value woman. But even though she says what she means, she is also a little naive and innocent. Prior to moving to Australia, she used being caretaker to her mother, and having the inability to read social cues correctly, as a way to avoid almost all types of relationships, with the exception of having one close friend, named B.

But Charlie's sheltered life takes a sharp turn to the opposite when she goes to interview for a personal assistant position for Jace Knight. Although Charlie seems to get off on the wrong foot with Jace, he still hires her for the job because her attitude and straight talk seem to intrigue him. Soon after, Charlie finds herself in a completely different world than she had ever imagined when she moved to Australia, which includes international spies and fast paced adventures across the continent.

I liked how Charlie's character was different from most female characters in romance novels. She didn't have some shady past that prevented her from forming relationships with men, so even though the result was the same due to other personality issues, the uniqueness of the storyline made The Australian stand out from the crowd.

The Australian has a little bit of everything to engage all genre readers - romance, intrigue, adventure, and a foreign locale (for US readers). Lesley Young not only captivated me with her characters, but also the descriptions of Australia itself.


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The Australian (Crime Royalty Romance #2)
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Published: 27 March 2015

Charlie Sykes takes everything and everyone at face value—and believes life would be a lot easier if everyone else did, too. Aussie Jace Knight, international hotelier and purported playboy, has never met anyone like the absurdly literal and obliviously beautiful American who applies for his personal assistant position. The trouble is, how do you pursue a woman whose definition of flirting comes straight out of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary? That, and he’s not the only one after Charlie. Seems Mr. Knight might not be a reformed criminal after all.

Soon, Charlie’s immersed in a whirlwind of international espionage that takes her from the hip streets of Sydney to the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the wild, desolate outback. A dangerous trap’s being set, but how will Charlie protect herself and prevent a tragic betrayal, when she can’t even sort out what her heart’s telling her?

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Check out the rest of the Crime Royalty Romance Series on Goodreads HERE.

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Blog Tour - Book Review and Excerpt: Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella) by Cherise Sinclair @InkSlingerPR @CheriseSinclair

About the Author:

Having to wear glasses in elementary school can scar a person for life. Dubbed a nerd at an early age, Cherise Sinclair has been trying to live up to the stereotype ever since. And what better way than being an author?

Known for writing deeply emotional stories, the USA Today Bestselling Author has penned sixteen erotic romance novels, most with a BDSM theme. (Please do not mention the phrase mommy porn in her presence.) Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a GoodReads BDSM group award for best author of the year. Called an “ascendant erotica queen” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Cherise spends her days writing, supervised by a sadistic calico cat.

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My Thoughts
Cherise Sinclair has been one of my favorite authors since I was introduced into the BDSM genre and she doesn't disappoint with Master of Freedom, her seventh foray into the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven worlds.

Master of Freedom is probably one of my favorite Cherise Sinclair books to date. I really liked the progression of Atticus and Gin's relationship, as well as the steamy attraction that each felt for the other. I also liked how there was resistance on both sides in terms of either character wanting to get involved in a long term relationship.It always seems as if there is one character that gets in their own way and manages to hinder a developing relationship, but in the case of Master of Freedom, both Atticus and Gin had past issues and relationship baggage that needed to be dealt with.

Sinclair not only has a way with words, but she seamlessly mixed seamy hot sex scenes, romance, and every day life, as well as dramatic and suspenseful tension, into Master of Freedom. I loved reading Atticus and Gin's story, as well as catching up with the lives of characters from previous books in the series. I'm hoping Sinclair will write a story (full length or novella) about Atticus' brother Sawyer. He was one of my favorite characters in Master of Freedom and I would love to see him have a storyline of his own.


Note: The following excerpt is meant for readers 18 years and older.

Excerpt from Master of Freedom:

Yes, this man was special.

And she wanted him more than she’d wanted anyone before. She frowned into her drink, and when she looked up, he was watching her, sipping his wine, and waiting.

With some of her dates, she’d felt their impatience, as if they tired of wading through the getting-to-know-you phase before they could get some. Atticus displayed no urgency, just the quiet patience of a very experienced man.

The knowledge increased her low-key arousal.

Far, far sooner than she should have finished, she drank the last of her wine.

“Nervous, pet?” he asked.

She nodded. Although the air was chilled, her body felt like a heat pump, and her stomach quivered with nerves. She hadn’t had many lovers and no one since meeting Preston. No one after.

He studied her for a moment, eyes narrowed. “Talk about mixed signals,” he said. “I can take you back to your car, sweetling, if you like. Or I can light a fire, and we can sit and talk.”

“Or we can go for the third option.” She set her glass on the island, grasped his hand, and pulled him down the dark hallway. Hopefully his bedroom was at the end of it. “Let’s get this out of the way.”

“You make sex sound like a trip to the dentist.”

“There have been—” Her mouth snapped shut. Blushing, she stopped dead, not believing what she’d started to share.

“I see.” His chuckle was low. “I’ll try to make this feel better than a long, hard drilling.”

The suggestive words delivered in his deep baritone sent tingles over her skin.

With his hand on her stomach, he backed her into a room, even as his mouth covered hers, taking possession. The minute her arms wrapped around his neck, he curved one hand under her ass and pulled her up on her toes. His thick erection pressed against her pelvis.

When he lifted his head, she was breathless.

Her skin simmered with heat. She glanced at the bedroom and saw no interesting kinky shackles or piles of rope or handcuffs. “So we’re going to do this the old-fashioned…um, vanilla…way?”

“Mostly.” He undid her bustier. “I’m not going to tie you down, sweetheart. Not until you know me better.”

“Oh. Okay.” That surely wasn’t disappointment she felt. The sensation of his scarred knuckles brushing each newly bared inch washed the emotion away.

She glanced up at him and saw his half-smile and the comprehension in his expression. He knew…

Flustered, she lifted her hands to undo his shirt. “You’re overdressed.”

Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella
Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 14 April 2015 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body.

Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death. To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him.

Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day?

Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart.

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Check out the rest of the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series on Goodreads HERE.

Master of Freedom (A Mountain Masters Novella) Blog and Excerpt Tour Arranged by InkslingerPR.

Blog Tour - Book Review: The Vigilante's Lover (The Vigilantes #1) by Annie Winters and Tony West

About the Author(s):

Annie Winters is the new romantic suspense pen name for Deanna Roy/JJ Knight, the USA Today bestselling author of romances and serials.

She teamed up with thriller writer Tony West for a new series that combines the best of romance and a heart-stopping action.

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My Thoughts:

The Vigilante's Lover is the first in a new serial that mixes intrigue, adventure, and romance. This first part was a great introduction into the world of The Vigilantes. Technology and criminal enterprise appear to play a big part of the world that is shown so far and I am interested in seeing where this leads.

Jax is a very charismatic character. Although he appears dangerous, he has a soft spot for Mia that avoids the cliche of the typical mobster bad guy. Although he clearly has done wrong in his lifetime, I am rooting for him to be able to figure out who is behind his being sent to jail and subsequently getting blackballed from his former occupation.

Mia is also a well rounded character. At first, I thought that she would be meek and mild, but she clearly has some backbone and is not afraid to defend herself if needed. I like that she calls on her parents' memories, especially her mother, to gather strength to do things that would normally be out of her comfort zone.

My one disappointment was that I felt the beginning was a little rushed. I would have liked to see more of the development of Jax and Mia's relationship via the letters. Although it was a case of mistaken identity, I would have liked to have a read a first hand account of Mia receiving the first letter and responding to it, as well as the progression of Jax getting concerned over his friend based on the letters. I think it would have created more depth in the characters.

I will be looking out for the next book in the series, as the first ended with a major cliffhanger. Normally I don't like that, but I think in this case it adds to the intrigue of the plot line and has definitely made me want to find out what will happen next!


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The Vigilante's Lover (The Vigilantes #1)
Contemporary Erotic Romantic Suspense
Published: 13 January 2015 by Casey Shay Press

Spies, vengeance, and one seriously well-dressed man

"If Bourne dressed like Bond and acted like Grey, you'd have Jax De Luca." An addictive new romantic suspense series from the desk of USA Today bestselling author Deanna Roy/JJ Knight

Mia trembles as she reads the letter that arrives from Ridley Prison.

Seduction. Bondage ropes. Descriptions of things Mia has never experienced or known.

The man’s words are desperately passionate. He longs for a woman who must have given him a fake address. Mia’s address.

She plans to send the letter back. He’s a convicted felon.

But his words gnaw at her. She’s never done anything dangerous. And no man has ever talked to her like this.

So Mia writes him, pretending to be the woman he desires.

It's her one dark thrill in her dull, solitary small-town life.

The man is in prison for another fifteen years.

It's harmless. She is safe enough.

Until he escapes.

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The Vigilante's Lover Blog Tour Arranged by InkSlinger PR.