Tell Me to Stop (Tell Me #1) by Charlotte Byrd

2.5 Stars | All That Build-Up… FOR WHAT?!

Tell Me to Stop (Tell Me #1) by Charlotte Byrd

I went into Tell Me to Stop genuinely excited. The premise had me intrigued, Nick had that mysterious, potentially dangerous energy, and I was fully prepared for secrets, obsession, morally gray decisions, and some serious “girl, RUN…but also tell me what happens first” behavior.

And then…

The book ended.

Excuse me?! 😭😂

The story was progressing, things were being set up, questions were piling up, and I kept waiting for that moment when everything would finally hit.

It never did.

My biggest issue is that Book One feels less like a complete first installment and more like the opening section of a longer novel that suddenly stopped. It was way too short for the number of questions it introduced, especially considering how few answers we actually received.

And can we talk about Nick?

Sir. WHO ARE YOU?!

Nick is clearly supposed to be this mysterious enigma, and I was waiting for the layers to start peeling back. Give me the morally gray man. Give me the complicated motivations. Give me the darker, dominant edge the story seems to tease. Give me some emotional depth that explains why I should be fascinated by this man beyond the fact that he’s mysterious.

Instead, I finished Book One still waiting to really know him.

Then there’s Olive.

OLIVE?! GIRL?! 😩

I have soooo many questions about her, her choices, her circumstances, her motivations, and where exactly this story is taking her. Some mystery is great because it keeps me turning pages. But there’s a difference between leaving breadcrumbs for the next book and leaving me standing in the bakery wondering where the whole damn loaf went.

The frustrating part is that I actually think there’s an interesting story buried here. The setup has potential, the characters have room to become much more complex, and there are enough unanswered questions that, yes, I’m curious about what happens next.

But Book Two is going to have some WORK to do.

I need more character depth, more plot advancement, more development between Nick and Olive, and ANSWERS. Not every mystery needs to be solved immediately, but Book One needed to give me something substantial before asking me to invest in another installment.

Final verdict: ⭐⭐½
Interesting premise. Plenty of potential. Not nearly enough payoff.

And yes, I’m hella pissed that I’m probably going to read Book Two anyway because now I need to know what the hell is going on. 😂📚

August 2026 Reading Challenge Update

August Reading Update:

Today is August 20, 2026.
I have read 40 books toward my goal of 100 for 2026. I’m a little behind in read count,  but 1-Click adding to my “TBR List” is going to get me in trouble. Not that I care.

Currently Reading:

I’ve been reading novel, after novel, after novel…..lol. However, here is what is occupying my spare time this week:

  • Hard Pass (Lone Star Rebels Book 2) by K. Bromberg —
  • Tell Me To Stop: Forced Proximity Fake Relationship Mafia Romance (Tell Me Trilogy, Book 1) by  Charlotte Byrd —
  • Reel by Kennedy Ryan —
  • Death By Breathing by Arianniah Rain —

 

ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW: THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL by R.L. Williams

THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL – Book 1

by R.L. Williams

Live on 7/20/26

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://a.co/d/0aCeJumO

📖 Kobo – Coming Soon

📖 Barnes & Noble – Coming Soon

📖 Google Play Books – Coming Soon

📖 Apple Books – Coming Soon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

I had the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of The Bloodline Protocol – Book 1, and let me just say this: I was not prepared for how ambitious this story was going to be.

If you enjoy international conspiracies, powerful family legacies, secret societies, morally gray characters, hidden identities, and enough twists to make you question everyone in the room, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

Story Flow – 4.5/5

This isn’t a “read it in one sitting while folding laundry” kind of book. It’s layered, intricate, and asks you to pay attention. The plot constantly evolves, revealing new pieces of a decades-old puzzle without feeling repetitive. There are moments where I found myself rereading a paragraph simply because I didn’t want to miss a clue. The pacing builds intentionally, and once it picks up, it doesn’t let go.

Characters – 5/5

The characters are where this book really shines. No one feels one-dimensional. Heroes have secrets. Villains have motives. Even secondary characters have enough depth that you’re invested in their stories. You’ll likely change your opinion of certain characters several times throughout the book, which I actually loved. Stormy is intelligent, resilient, and far more connected to the mystery than she realizes. And let’s just say there are a few characters whose names alone will have you questioning their loyalties long after you’ve put the book down.

Writing Style – 5/5

R.L. Williams has a cinematic writing style. Several scenes felt like they belonged in a Netflix thriller series or on the big screen. The dialogue is natural, the descriptions are vivid without being overdone, and the author does an excellent job of balancing action, emotion, and suspense. There are moments of humor sprinkled throughout that provide welcome relief when the tension starts climbing.

Themes – 5/5

At its core, The Bloodline Protocol isn’t just about secrets and conspiracies. It’s about legacy. Family. Identity. The choices we’re willing to make to protect the people we love. It asks an interesting question throughout the novel: Are we defined by the blood we inherit or by the choices we make?

Without giving away spoilers, there are multiple generations of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and each revelation raises the stakes in unexpected ways.

Overall – Is It Worth Your Time?

Absolutely!!!!!

This book won’t hold your hand, and that’s one of the things I appreciated most about it. It rewards readers who love unraveling mysteries, paying attention to details, and becoming emotionally invested in complex characters and sprawling family dynamics.

My only “complaint” is that Book 1 leaves you desperately wanting Book 2. There were several moments when I actually said, “Wait…WHAT?!” out loud, and by the final chapters I was already mentally preparing to hunt down the sequel.

Final Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

✔️ International intrigue

✔️ Family secrets spanning decades

✔️ Strong and intelligent female leads

✔️ Action and suspense

✔️ Emotional depth and complex relationships

✔️ Plot twists you won’t see coming

✔️ A cliffhanger that will have you demanding Book 2 immediately

If The Da Vinci Code, National Treasure, The Bourne Identity, and a multi-generational family saga had a literary love child, The Bloodline Protocol would be it.

Trust me when I say you’ll finish this book with more questions than answers… and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.

Thank you to the author for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

#newrelease#newreleasebooks#NewReleasesComingSoon#booklovers#booknerd#ilovebooks#truleevsspot

BOOK TOUR STOP: THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL – BOOK 1

BOOK TOUR STOP: THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL – BOOK 1 ⚜️🖤

Some secrets are worth billions. Others are worth killing for.

Romantic suspense readers, dark family saga lovers, and anyone obsessed with powerful dynasties, dangerous men, hidden legacies, and enemies-to-lovers tension, this one was written for you.

What if everything you’ve ever known about yourself was a lie?

For twenty-five years, Dr. Stormy St. Claire believed she was exactly who she claimed to be: a trauma specialist dedicated to helping others heal while quietly surviving her own fractured past.

Then one text message changes everything.

Her brother has been marked for death by one of the most powerful families in the world.

Suddenly, Stormy is pulled into a world of:

Ancient bloodline contracts

Billion-dollar family secrets

International conspiracies

Old-money dynasties and hidden empires

Ruthless billionaire heirs

Forbidden alliances

Powerful women protecting dangerous legacies

Enemies-to-lovers tension that could change history

And waiting for her is Nikias Valentini.

Ruthless. Calculating. Untouchable.

A man who has spent decades preparing for the return of a woman he’s never met… and would burn kingdoms to protect.

“You protect her like she belongs to you.”

“She belongs to no one.”

If you love:

Dark family sagas

Romantic suspense

Mafia and old-money intrigue

Multi-generational secrets

Strong female protagonists

Billionaire antiheroes

International conspiracies

Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance

Cinematic storytelling

Hidden identities and shocking twists

then THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL deserves a spot on your TBR.

BOOK DETAILS

Title: THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL – Book 1

Subtitle: Some secrets are worth billions. Others are worth killing for.

Author: R.L. Williams

PURCHASE LINKS

📖 Amazon (Available Now!) – LIVE NOW!

📖 Kobo – LIVE NOW!

📖 Barnes & Noble – Coming Soon

📖 Google Play Books – Coming Soon

📖 Apple Books – Coming Soon

BLURB

Some families inherit wealth. Others inherit wars.

Stormy was never supposed to discover the truth.

She isn’t simply connected to one of history’s greatest secrets.

She is the secret.

As ancient loyalties collide with modern empires and centuries-old bloodlines prepare for war, Stormy must decide whether destiny is written in blood or forged through the choices we make.

Because some secrets were never meant to survive the bloodline.

ABOUT THE SERIES

The Bloodline Protocol is an epic multi-generational romantic suspense thriller exploring:

Family

Identity

Legacy

Power

Loyalty

Love

Resilience

The price of uncovering the truth

This is only the beginning.

The blood remembers everything.

Drop a 🖤 in the comments if you’re adding THE BLOODLINE PROTOCOL to your reading list!

#TheBloodlineProtocol#RLWilliams#BookTour#NewRelease#RomanticSuspense#DarkFamilySaga#EnemiesToLovers#BillionaireRomance#DarkRomanceReaders#SuspenseReaders#ThrillerBooks#Bookstagram#BookTokMadeMeReadIt#IndieAuthor#WomenWhoWrite#FamilySecrets#MafiaRomance#OldMoneyAesthetic#ReadersOfInstagram#KindleBooks#AmazonBooks#MustReadBooks#BookLovers#RomanticThriller#CinematicStorytelling#DarkAcademiaBooks#HiddenLegacies#PowerLoyaltyLies#SupportIndieAuthors#CurrentlyReading

T.V.S. Blog Tour Stop & Giveaway: Salvage he Heart by Shelly Pratt

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Salvage her heart

Title: Salvage Her Heart

Author: Shelly Pratt

Release Date: February 17, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions

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Synopsis

This is a contemporary/erotic adult romance. It has darker themes, non-consensual sex, BDSM themes and adult sex scenes.

Evie is living a life with a man who she no longer knows.

He’s taken every single aspect of their love and turned it into a dirty, sordid mess that she can’t escape.

His controlling, arrogant manner cares for no one, not even her. The only problem is, if she were to try and leave he’d just as soon kill her.

Life seems an interminable hell that she can’t escape, but all that changes the day she meets Grayson Glines.

He’s the kind of man that might be able to give her a second chance, but Evie wonders at what cost to both of them will she be free of her husband’s dark clutches.

Buy Links

Amazon

About The Author

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Shelly Pratt is an Amazon, word-of-mouth, bestselling, self-published author who is also traditionally published with Pegasus under the Vanguard imprint in the UK, and, with a small publishing house in the United States of America.
Only starting her writing career in 2012, she has achieved exceptional reception selling e-books in the USA, publishing over seven books, all in different genres.
Shelly lives with her husband, two children and Labrador Scooby Doo in northern New South Wales in Australia. Snow skiing is her other passion.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Prologue

**Please note – the following is unedited and remains subject to change. Worldwide copyright laws are observed.**

If women tell you they don’t like power, they’re fucking lying. They do like it, and do you know how I know this? They’ve all become a little too obsessed with books and movies that make masochistic males out to be the good guys. So as I tell you my side of the story, remember, I’m the good guy. Well, at the very least, I’m good-looking.

People say I’m arrogant and rude, which is laughable when that is what has drawn them to me in the first place. I would prefer to think of myself as a confident, self-assured man who knows what he wants. And I most definitely knew what I wanted when it came to Evie.

That girl wasn’t like the others, which is probably why I took the whole game to another level and had to put a ring on her finger. I wanted her as my property. She needed to be mine to do what I wanted with; mine to control. She was a challenge. Even now I can see it in her eyes as she’s gagging on my cock. Now don’t go and get all soft on me. You think she really doesn’t want this? Bullshit. She’s a great actress, the theatrics all being part of the game. It makes it more exciting for me and her if she puts up a little resistance.

Do you know what I like best about Evie? Her mouth. She’s got these luscious lips that are full and plump. I’m preferable to her painting them with a red glossy lipstick because it gets me off to see the bright stain around my cock as she gives me head. Like the clothes she wears and the way she acts, I control everything down to her make-up. I have her wear the kind of make-up that I’m preferable to. Don’t judge. I told you, I like control.

It’s been a long day. I’ve had conferences with clients and dinner with business partners. We’ve only just returned to our apartment in the city but my night is far from over. There will always be more work, it’s the nature of the beast. I didn’t get to being CEO of my own company by slacking off. Labouring jobs are for losers. Sure, I had a privileged upbringing and was born with the proverbial silver spoon in my mouth, but I still believe in good work ethics. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and if I want to continue on my path of wealth and success then I’m damn well going to put my work before absolutely everything.

First things first, though. Despite the lateness of the evening, I wanted a little release. I wanted those red lips on my cock, sucking me until my balls cease to ache with lust. I’m not going to stop until I’ve squirted my seed into her throat and made her swallow the whole damn lot.

Nights like these, I prefer to sit in my leather chair that faces out of the panorama glass windows that afford views over the Brisbane River. The lights of the Story Bridge twinkle back at me and the water looks dark, murky and mysterious under the night sky. I bought this apartment as a wedding gift for Evie, but for the most part I don’t think she likes it. Ungrateful springs to mind, although it could just be the company. I’m seriously laughing as I tell you that, because to be honest, I don’t give a fuck whether she likes me or not. She’s mine and that’s all that matters.

While downing my fifth scotch for the evening, I beckon her to me. She says nothing, but she knows what I want. Forget the elephant in the room; it’s a bit hard to hide my bulging erection that I’ve freed from my pants. Most people would be worried about getting their four hundred dollar trousers dirty. Not me. That kind of money is pocket change in my world. Despite her eagerness to oblige me, there is a reason behind her willing to please. I mean come on, if you haven’t figured it out already you’re not as smart as I thought you were. Okay, I’ll spell it out for you any way. I get a little rough. Not all the time, but if you don’t give me what I want, well, let’s just say there are consequences.

‘On your knees’. There was no need for the command, but fuck, I’ve got to say I like the sound of my own voice. It’s rich, deep, commanding and powerful. It speaks of a man who has always gotten what he wants. Evie is no exception. I wanted her then and I want her now. She obliges me by sliding to her knees, her silk stockings making it slippery on the tiles for her. She grabs my knees to steady herself before leaning forward to take me in her mouth, all the while not making eye contact with me. I let her get away with it for the minute, but my patience has limits.

Her mouth is hot and wet. It is utter delight as her lips start to move back and forth over my shaft, messily leaving behind her lipstick as she does. As she goes to work on me, I down the last of my drink before taking her carefully done braid in my grasp. Evie is definitely in my league as far as looks go. She’s got long, blonde hair that has never seen the inside of a salon. All the streaks and highlights are from time spent outdoors. Sometimes she likes to challenge me on my rule of her keeping it natural. I think her opposing opinions are merely to rile me up so that I put her in her place. Yes, I do think she secretly likes me smacking her arse. It may belittle her at the time but you can be rest assured it makes her think twice before raising the subject again. I refuse to have my wife look like some fake, tarted-up bimbo. I want her looking natural – well, except for the red lippy. The red lipstick stays.

I’m not going to give it up easily. I’m going to make her work for it. Hell, I even zone out for a while, taking in the city that is my playground. Living and working in a town that is fast becoming a place that doesn’t sleep is like a drug. The more I immerse myself in it, the more I want to be king of this empire. Slowly but surely I’m putting other companies out of business. Pretty soon I’m going to have everything I ever dreamed of.

Evie is sucking greedily now. Not because she’s into it, because she’s not. Oh let’s be honest! She just wants me to give it up so she can get the job over and done with. I know she doesn’t mind me fucking her vanilla, but blowjobs have never been her thing. She tried to pull off me once just as I was about to come. What a mistake. She’s never tried to pull that shit again, although she still gags, the reflex an unbreakable trait. Like now, for example; even in the darkly lit living room I can see her eyes beginning to water as my dick swells against the back of her throat. I’m sure she can taste my pre-come – the salty, bitter fluid already affording her a taste of what’s to come.

I slide a little lower in my leather seat, thrusting just that little bit more inside of her mouth. She tries to back off, although there’s no escape. Her braid that is wound tightly around my fist is tugged ever so slightly, a reminder that I have control of her head. I’m close and she knows it. I can feel her reposition my dick towards the back corner of her mouth where her molars are so she doesn’t have to taste my semen on her taste buds. If I was any kind of man, which I am, I should be rather insulted by this – which I am. And when I’m insulted, I’m not very forgiving.

When I come, I come hard. And no, it’s not aimed at the back of her mouth like she’d have liked. Pulling her hair makes her wince and she loses some of the suction on my shaft, her lips making sucking and slurping noises as she tries to reposition me back to where she’d like me. Unfortunately for her, she’s too late. Her perfectly positioned tongue is only lapping at the eye of my cock when I blow in her mouth. I’ve got to give her credit for her spunk because she does try to pull away. Unsuccessfully, I might add. My grip on her hair forces her to remain right where she is. I keep her there until I’m licked clean. Getting a blow job is not as good as fucking her pussy, but it sure comes a close second. I never give her the satisfaction of pleasurable sounds coming from my mouth, though, because that would be giving her the green light that she has in some way pleased me. And with the knowledge that she has pleased me would give her power. Power I don’t want her to have.

There may, or may not be tears in her eyes tonight. They have no effect on me whatsoever. I dismiss her to bathe before bed while I pour myself a refill of scotch. Twenty-two stories below, people are still walking the boardwalk that runs along the river’s edge. Some are alone, others huddled together like love birds. It’s a sentiment I’m not familiar with. My whole life is lived like a business transaction. I know I like having Evie in my life and I know I like the status of being a married man. But love, well, it’s not for me.

In the beginning I know Evie foolishly thought that it could be that way between us. Like her parents, she was lured into the deception I was selling. Trust me when I say, no one sells lies like I do. I showed them what they wanted to see; revealed the parts of me and my life that would be desirable by a family like theirs. Each and every one of them fell hook, line and sinker. It’s laughable, really, that one family could be so gullible. I’m sure over the last three years they’ve all tried to think a way out of the Alex Stratford contract, but all I can say is, ‘Over my dead body,’ or more likely, over theirs.

©Copyright 2013/2014 Shelly Pratt

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Book Review: Deviant by Callie Hart

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4.5 Stars

 BLURB: 

Sloane

I’m not proud of the things I’ve done.

The things I’ve had to do.

The things I’ve given away.

but I’d give it all over again to find her.

Even if i die trying,

I have to find Alexis.

Zeth

She wants me to help her,

But I won’t.

She wants me to save her sister,

But I can’t.

She wants me to be her hero,

But I’m not a good man.

I am her damnation.

V’S REVIEW:

ARC kindly provided by “Callie Hart” in exchange for an honest review (Thank you for this arc ;-) )

What are you willing to do for someone you love? For someone who was taken from you and you have no idea where to look for them? What are you willing to sacrifice?

Sloane enters into an arrangement to have sex with a man she’s never met, just to gain information that she so desperately wants. The only instructions she was given was to wear a mask, black lace lingerie and to meet at a particular hotel room and wait. Sloane was terrified, but her sister has gone missing and to get the information she needs all she needs to do is sleep with this mystery man. She’s prepared to do anything to get her sister back, and because of desperation, she places herself in a dangerous situation prepared to make an ultimate sacrifice of herself. Though her fear is heightened when this mysterious man arrives, Sloane finds herself in unchartered territory as she gets a shock of a lifetime. How can she be fearful and turned on all at the same time? She had no clue what to expect from the mystery man, but Sloane was even more baffled that her body betrayed her and turned into a wiling participant. As it’s dark in the room and she’s wearing a mask, Sloane never gets to see this man. So how is it that a total stranger has caused every nerve in her body to tremble, every coherent thought in her head to disappear, and nothing has ever felt more electrifying, EVER!! All she knows of him is the feel of his body, his scars, and most of all his deep, rumbling, sexy and commanding voice. The voice that will haunt her for years to come, as well as his touch. Though this arrangement was only meant as a one time encounter, it was a night not to be forgotten, and it was the start of a chain of events for both Zeth and Sloane.

Deviant was an awesome debut novel. The Blurb did nothing but enhance my curiosity as to why it was so vague, and I want to thank Callie for doing so (this was absolute genius). There is so much more to this book and that little passage did exactly what it was supposed to do which was entice the readers to want to find out what was going on. This is a novel that you won’t want to put down, as sexual awakening meets, organized crime syndicates; that will have you turning page after page. Author Callie Hart does a remarkable job of pulling you into the story from the very beginning. The first chapter alone sucks you in as it was mysterious, seductive and terrifyingly exciting all at the same time. Hart’s debut novel gives you jaw dropping kinky sex scenes, intensity, wit, and a sensational plot that has you wanting to know more about Zeth and Sloane.

Sloane is the heroine of this story and though she has inner scars, she is still a sexy, smart and secretly kinky seductive woman, who is hell-bent on finding her sister, but also exploring this sensual side that she didn’t know existed. As for Zeth, here we have another tall, dark hair, dark eyes, tattooed, and kinky as hell bad boy. Let’s not forget somewhat cocky and sure of himself, and YES, definitely my type of BFF.  Just read this and let it sink in……

“I’m very particular about what I want. You need to do what I ask you without question

and this will go nicely for both of us, okay?”

 Ummmm  okay?? Abso-fu*king-lutly Zeth!!!! If his voice is anything like I imagine………*sighs* I’m a goner. I’ll do whatever he says, when he says and how. Talk about conceitedness!!! That’s and understatement here with Zeth. This is a bad boy who knows exactly what he wants and is going to make sure you like it as well. Any complaints???……..NOPE, none here?

“That’s not the game we’re playing, here. Own me, or I’ll own you. And trust me … you don’t want that.” 

This entire first encounter that Sloane has with the mystery man (Zeth) screams “Run as far and as quick as you can”, and “Get out now”, but she’s totally turned on. Hell so was I. I think I said yes when I read this statement…….Yes, Zeth you can own me…lol. Trust me when I say that the things he says and does will have your panties wet ladies so you might want to read this one without them.

“She doesn’t know it yet, but she is perfect for me and my dark and nasty desires.”

You want to hear more of what Zeth says? Sorry ladies get the book. :-)

I truly enjoyed this debut novel, the only downfall for me is that it was too short. I wanted more, much, much more. Though the ending isn’t technically a cliffhanger, it will leave you with a WTF!!!!!! As in you can’t end it there, I need to know more. This novel was also like a sea-saw to me, where Hart gave you just enough of the kinkiness of Zeth and Sloane that you were in this erotic haze but then teetering on the edge of all this mysterious organized crime going on in the background.  The pace of this book is fast and hard ;-) and as you read the intensity gets stronger. The one thing I know for sure is that I want more…….Callie Hart I’m looking forward to a second book.

Book Review: The Agreement (Unrestrained #1) by S.E. Lund

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BLURB:

“A letter to my sub:

You trust me completely to know what you need. And I do know what you need. I know what to whisper in your ear to make you need me even more. I know how to touch, where to touch, when to touch.

I know you.

You can relax completely with me. You can feel everything possible with me. You can respond with total abandon with me. 

That is what I most desire.”

So begins an enticing letter from an anonymous Dominant to his new submissive.

While graduate student Kate McDermott waits in a Manhattan cafe to meet the Dom who will help with her research on BDSM, she reads the letter again, telling herself her interest is strictly academic. If she’s honest, Kate must admit it’s more than that – it’s a deeper need she can’t deny.

When Drake Morgan, MD, neurosurgeon, bass player, philanthropist walks through the cafe door to talk to her about the lifestyle, Kate is mortified. The son of her father’s oldest and best friend, Drake is far too desirable and too much a part of her social circle for comfort. If she decides to go through with this, can the carefully-worded agreement she draws up restrain their undeniable desire for each other?

Unable to resist his determined seduction, Kate begins an intense relationship with Drake that pushes all of her, and Drake’s, boundaries. Highly erotic, The Agreement is a love story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

MY REVIEW:

I still haven’t been able to determine what I really feel about this book. I came into it with an expectation that a curious graduate student was interested in more than just researching the BDSM lifestyle, and more that she wanted her real curiosity quenched. Kate has a very interesting upbringing and some dark things that she tries to hide. When she sets a goal to enter the BDSM community using research as her catalyst, she never expected to run into someone so close to her societal circle.

Drake Morgan, MD is a very private guy, so when he agrees to help a grad student with her research on BDSM, he never expected it to be someone so close and someone he really wanted to meet. At the risk of his private life being exposed, Dr. Drake Morgan sets himself on a path that blurs the lines of Master and Submissive, but little does Kate know what she’s getting herself into.

Throughout this book I did struggle with how the D/s relationship evolved. As I’m used to more alpha doms and compliant subs, this D/s relationship was laughable to me. So here is where I’m up in the air. I’m still not sure if this lighthearted D/s relationship was what the author was going for or not. I picture Dr. Morgan as a complete hottie so I’m struggling to see how he was not able to take complete control. Then again Kate is this on again off again sub, who seems to want things her way….so instead of giving herself over completely I sort of felt this watered down D/s relationship. It was baffling that Dr. Morgan is supposed to be this awesome master, but I never really got a chance to experience that with him in this book.

Some scenes felt rushed and the secrets weren’t as deep as I was expecting but rather surface things that were brushed over once revealed. I really would have enjoyed more suspense around the past that Kate and Drake semi shared together. Now I’m not saying that this book was horrible, on average it was on alright book, there were just somethings that didn’t all the way click for me. I did get the second book in this series to see if perhaps more of the suspense in the story comes out and I get a chance to see the real Dominant Dr. Morgan.

Book Review: Keep Me by Faith Andrews

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KeepMe__JessicaFaith-high 4 Stars

BLURB:

Sexy, tatted up, underwear model Marcus Grayson is every girl’s dream—or more likely worst nightmare. He’s a player, a self-proclaimed bachelor for life, and he’s got no problem living up to his man-whore status. But when his older sister’s friend comes back from the past, he may just have the chance to turn some of his adolescent fantasies into reality.

Tessa Bradley is a self-sufficient, take-no-bull, single mother—well, now she is. Finally rid of her abusive, alcoholic ex, she’s making a new life for herself and catching up with old friends; the ones she was forced to break ties with because of her controlling husband. When she runs into Marcus, her friend Riley’s once-adorable turned smoking-hot little brother, she has no idea how he’s about to rock her world.

You wanted me then, now you can have me. Just promise you’ll Keep Me…

MY REVIEW: 

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Marcus Grayson is your typical everyday man-whore. He likes all women, and with his looks, he doesn’t have to work for it. He especially likes his older sister Riley’s friends and seems to have a little trouble saying “no” to their advances though he has not desire to. It all fun and games and comes with the territory of being a male underwear model.  With his face and body plastered in magazines and on billboards, he has a history of one night stands and his future looks just the same, that is until one fantasy from the past walks back into his life.

Tessa Bradley is a young, sexy mother of one adorable little boy.   Her ex husband is a complete jerk, who treated her so horribly and deflated her self image and self worth, that when the opportunity to get rid of this scum bag presented itself, Tessa took it and ran all the way to the court house. Looking to start over after a failed marriage and a new baby, Tessa reenters the workforce in hopes for a positive future and leave the past, in the past.

Well, as luck would have it, Tessa runs into Marcus at Starbucks one day. What’s interesting is that Tessa and Riley were close friends back in the day and Marcus was the little brother always hanging around and making her laugh. With a dramatic shock to her libido, Tessa realizes Marcus isn’t so little anymore as her body responds not only to his handsome face, but awesome body. Making her “weak in the knees” and thinking some serious dirty thoughts was only the beginning of this roller-coaster ride.

The intent is to rekindle the friendship, but the connection between them is so hot, the lines are blurring. All it took was a steamy motorcycle ride to break the shield Tessa tried to keep in place. When they get their hands on one another all resistance fails and they plunder into unchartered territory.

“I want you naked. Beneath me. So I can show you what I’ve fantasized about doing to you since I was thirteen f*cking years old….First I want to see all of you. Then I’m going to taste all of you. And then I’m going to f*ck you until you make more of those delicious sounds.”

With words like this how can you keep dry panties?? OMG!!!!!! It’s ok, you can take a minute to freshen up…….lol.

But the problem arises when Marcus history with his older sister’s friends rears it’s ugly head. Riley loves her brother but she doesn’t want to loose another friendship due to his male-whorish ways. And as a good friend and sister she’s oppositional to this love/lust connection. Marcus and Tessa attempt to hide their friends with benefits relationship from Riley, but as their intensity and feelings grow will they continue to deny what’s happening? Tessa is focused on getting back to her old self, but is a relationship with Marcus a good idea. Can she trust him after what she went through in the past? Can Marcus be a one woman man? Can Tessa let go of the past in order to move on and protect her and her son? Just when you think things may work out, Tessa’s past comes full force into her present and threatens everyones future.

Wow!!! I could not put this book down. Then again I can’t pass up a new bad boy, alpha male that’s a jerk, but also swoon worthy. Marcus is an amazing, hot, sexy, dirty talkin, tattoo wearing underwear model that will piss you off and wet your panties all at the same time. Get ready ladies………there’s a new BBF on the market and his name is Marcus Grayson. This is a definite must read!!!!!

Book Review: Hidden Magic by Melanie Crouse

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hiddenmagiccover 3.5 Stars

 BLURB:

When Jenny has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister, a small slice of freedom is all she’s really hoping for when she has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister. Instead she finds something else altogether: electricity.

That’s what Jenny feels when she looks at Arram. She knows he’s drawn to her too, but the mage-in-training does his best to hide it.

Stung, Jenny turns to Arram’s former best friend, Jack. But Arram and Jack’s rivalry is much darker than Jenny suspects, and so are Jack’s intentions. Soon she’s caught in a mystery of old murder, ancient prophecies, and magic hidden where no one has thought to look.

When Jenny uncovers a secret magic, she is offered two choices. Arram wants her to do the safe thing. Jack wants to show her the easy way out. Whatever Jenny decides, her life will irrevocably change.

Either way, freedom may be the one thing Jenny can never have.

Excerpt

Jack put his finger to his lips and motioned toward an empty bedroom across the hall. Not knowing what else to do, she went in, her heart thudding against her ribs. “Jack,” she whispered. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“What? No welcome home kiss?” His voice was mocking.

Trying to keep her voice steady, she said, “So Arram was right. You do want to kidnap me after all.”

“Kidnap you?” Jack looked horrified. Underneath the horror though, Jenny could see that his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “I should have known Arram would fill your head with something stupid like that. No, you wonderful, impossible girl, I’m here to rescue you.”

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Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW: 

I received an ARC of this book for a honest review. This book was a major surprise to me. From the beginning, I was drawn in trying to figure out WTH was going on. Now if a paranormal book does this from the first page, then I’m hooked.

Innocent Jenny, just likes excitement and adventure in her life and you see that from the beginning. She’s an undercover rebel in a family who chooses to shelter and treat her like a child when she is no longer one. Jenny has a naive vulnerability that grabs at your heart and you can see that she has a big heart but is also very curious. Living in a world where paranormal beings exist, Jenny’s upbringing tells her to steer clear of these individuals, however she feels drawn to them.

There are so many twists and turns in this book and all of them are very exciting; many I didn’t see coming. But I did feel like the romance between Jenny and Arram was rushed. It seemed like he was there then not, and all of the romance and relationship blossoming didn’t take place. I had a better feel of the relationship between Jenny and Jack as you could read and feel the attraction and mutual connection to “courting” taking place. However once you read the book you will better understand the disconnect. Both Jack and Arram were complete jerks at many points through the book, but there were traits about each that you would like.

The magic that happens in this book was great, and no I’m not talking about sex. It’s a paranormal book so magic  should appear somewhere, and when it did, it was at the right time. From shapeshifting, to manipulating fire, dragons, magic stones  and so much more; this book will keep your attention. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Book Review: Crash Into Me (Heart of Stone #1) by K.M. Scott

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crash into me cover  4 stars

Blurb: 

What would you give up for everything?

Tristan Stone was powerful, commanding, sex incarnate. And he wore it all so well. From the moment his mesmerizing gaze met mine, I had no choice but surrender to everything he was. His power. His decadence. His passion. He was all I never knew I needed.

He wanted to possess me, and I wanted to be his everything. All I had to do was accept what he offered. But everything has a price.

The world he gave me fulfilled my wildest dreams, but would that be enough when the past crashed into the present?

MY REVIEW:

This is one of those books where you are saying to yourself along with the main female character, “This is too good to be true.” So just from that you can tell how frustrated I was with one alpha male named Tristan Stone. A man of very few words, but willing to give one lady the world…..What’s the catch???

I’m trying to give the goods of this book without giving spoilers and for this book this is a challenge for me. Tristan is a powerful, wealthy man who walks into Nina’s life one evening while she was working and she instantly knew that she was attracted to him. Considering she was at work, and he’s surrounded with a female entourage, she knew he was way out of her league. Once her shift was completed and she was ready to head home, Nina found herself in the dark alley startled by that same man who appeared to be waiting on her. With quick decisions to make, Nina found herself on the ride of her life, but when she thought it had ended, it had only just began.

This book has lots of secrets, and it’s those secrets that keep you so drawn into the book. Nina is unsure of her relationship status as lines have been blurred and Tristan is definitely hiding something. The frustration I felt toward Tristan is unbelievable as I could feel that he was hiding something, and for the life of me I didn’t understand why to me it appeared that Nina ignored this small detail, choosing to focus on other surface issues. You will definitely get some hot body action, but the vulnerability that stands out for both Nina and Tristan you can’t sweep under the rug. They both have some things to work through and a past that intertwines like no other. Can love overlook some of Nina’s worst fears of her past, and can Tristan hold onto something he never thought he would find????

You will certainly enjoy the ride that K.M. Scott takes you on with this couple but if I could offer any advice………….pay attention to details in this book. You know those nagging little questions that pop up when you read a scene and have that WTF moment, or the raised eyebrow indicting you’re not buying it. I was pissed at the end of this book, because I did not see the ending unfold as it did in this novel. This book does have a cliffhanger so you might want to grab book two when you get this one so that its waiting.  It’s a must read so grab it and add it to your TBR list.

Blog Tour & Book Review: Sparks by RS MCcoy

 Big Fish Blog

sparkscoverart

3 Stars

 Sparks by RS McCoy

 New Adult Paranormal Fantasy Romance

 Blurb:

“Everyone
in the world has a spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”
Myxini
School for Children specializes in training young men and women who have
powerful sparks. Strikers are taught to manipulate fire. Trackers learn to find
animals in the most formidable terrains. Handlers are instructed in
communication with large predators. But forty years have passed since the last
time they had a Reader – a student with the ability to read minds.
When Lark
Davies enrolls at Myxini, he knows there aren’t many like him, but he doesn’t
realize just how rare his abilities really are. He thinks nothing of being
asked to keep his spark a secret; after all, he can barely control it. Thoughts
and emotions flood unbidden into his mind until he can scarcely walk or hold a
conversation. But just when he needs it most, his ability fails him.
Larks meets
Khea, a small frightened girl who mysteriously insights his protective nature.
He has no explanation for the curious strength of their relationship, and it
doesn’t help that she is one of the few people in the world whose thoughts
can’t be read. As he struggles to get to the root of their unique bond, Lark
begins to unravel more power than even his mentor expected, but in the process
makes himself a target to political leaders eager to take control.

Buy Sparks on Amazon for $3.99:

Teaser:

Wearing only my loose brown pants, I crawled into the most
comfortable bed I had ever known and sank into the soft down pillows. I had just
started to drift off when I heard a knock at the door. I’m going to kill Avis.
“What do you-“ I started until I realized it wasn’t Avis. It
was a stunning blonde with blue eyes. Khea.
 
“I’m sorry to wake you. I just- I had to see you.” Her arms
moved to wrap around my waist and hold me tight as I questioned if I was really
sleeping or not.
“Uh, do you want to come in?” We both knew the rules about being in someone else’s
room after hours, so I pulled her in and sat down on the edge of the bed, still
a little surprised she was there.
In the dim light her hair looked a little darker, but her
face was still sweet and there was no denying that the last two years had done
her well. Who would have thought such a beautiful young woman would come from
that skinny little girl in Lagodon?
“How’d you know I was back?” I asked her, trying to appear
less tired or shocked than I was.
“A friend told me.”
“I didn’t think you-“ Cared? It wasn’t the right word, but I
was beyond amazed that she was interested in my whereabouts. I hadn’t seen her
since that night at the Moonwater and it had changed everything for me since
then. But for her, I wasn’t aware that she had been affected in any way.
“Ride with me tomorrow?”
“Uh, yea, of course.” It was a struggle to cover how little
I wanted to wait. I would have given anything to have her stay.
A wide smile erupted across her sweet lips as she said, “meet
me at the lake at noon.” With a lingering kiss on my cheek, she walked back
through the door and disappeared into the dark stone corridor.
What just happened?
I hadn’t seen her in person in years, and we were hardly close before that. And
now she arrived in my room in the middle of the night and kissed me on the
cheek. Was it a kiss like a friend would give another? Or more? I couldn’t make
any sense of it, but there was only thing I was sure of. I would be at the lake
at noon if it was the last thing I did.

MY REVIEW:

This book was a struggle initially for me as I was trying to get into the story. I didn’t necessarily get the OMG I can’t put this book down, but I did find myself still reading as there were questions in my head that needed to be answered from the beginning. The biggest one was “Where the hell are they going?” lol I know this question seems insignificant, but if you decided to read this novel, you will understand why that was my question. There were points in the book where i wished the author would have spent more time giving details or laying the foundation. Some of the book felt really rushed as though there wasn’t enough time to talk about what was happening and I believe it was because of that notion that someone how I felt cheated as if important points in the story were missing. Lots of the events that happened in the novel all happened so quickly whereas it reduced the probability of the readers truly engaging and enjoying the journey. Overall the story was a decent read and some what easy to follow, and ending was surprisingly better than the beginning of the book. I did enjoy the characters in the story including the bad ones…lol. They had a sort of camaraderie that really help transport the book and made it what it was. Though Lark had my attention, I really liked Khea’s  character. I must say, despite the fact that I did struggle reading this book in the beginning, as I continued to read things became more of an element of surprise.  Remember my question that initially kept me reading?  The author did have a way of making me feel like one of the characters in which I had to take the journey to the school with them, with absolutely no idea of what was going on or what to expect. If you like fantasy then this is a good book to read.

 

Book Review: This Man Trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas

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4 Stars

thisman SYNOPSIS:

This Man (This Man #1)

Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has an appointment for a first consultation at The Manor with the owner, Mr Jesse Ward. She is expecting nothing more than an overweight, cravat wearing, well-to-do countryman, and on arrival, nothing would suggest otherwise. How wrong could she be? This Man is devastatingly handsome, charming and confident. He is also a conceited, hedonistic playboy, who knows no boundaries. Ava desperately does not want to be attracted to him, but she can’t control the overwhelming affect he has on her. Every instinct is telling her to run, so she does, but Jesse Ward is not so willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her. She knows she is heading for heartbreak, but how can she run when he won’t let her?

MY REVIEW: 3….2….1….zero!!

So with all of the year-end polls I just had to figure out who Jesse Ward was. Not to mention one of my favorite authors said that she got her inspiration to write her book after reading this series. In an attempt to enlighten my curiosity, I just had to read this series, and can I say it did not disappoint.

Ava O’Shea goes on what she believes to be a first consultation with the owner of The Manor, and her initial instincts lead her to believe that said Jesse Ward was going to be anything but the man she found herself in the meeting. The sparks were flying all over the place so much to the point where one needs a restroom break just to attempt to gather themselves. (fanning myself) Poor Ava, she didn’t have a chance, but who would with a hottie like Mr. Ward. However, there is one problem, Ava is not looking for a new relationship, especially one with a client, she has just found her independence and working through her past. Jesse on the other hand has no intention on letting Ava get away that easy and the things he does will have you both angry as hell and perhaps a little moist (yup I said it lol). The chemistry is off the charts between the two, but as must as Ava wants to run away, she finds herself in some interesting situations with Mr. Ward. I can’t say that I’m not jealous.

Jesse had it all under control and he was quite accomplished, but what he didn’t know was that his meeting with Ava O’Shea was going to change so much, including the fact that he was now chasing a women, when the norm is that they threw themselves at him. The more Ava ran the more he wanted her, and his actions were at some point outrageous. There were times I was reading and was like WTF!!!!????? Did he really do that? Jesse always seemed to make the situation turn out in his favor, but what Dominant male doesn’t. Yes, I admit some of it is swoon worthy, even to the point where you are perhaps crossing your legs. :-) But there are points that make you want to cry and genuinely hurt for the characters.

The plot of the story draws you in and yes you will be hooked from the first page. The various degrees, and relationship stages will have you on this wild roller coaster that you won’t want to get off….or perhaps you will. I especially loved the innocence of Ava in this novel, though she knew so much, at some things she was very naive and that really helped to develop the novel.

This is definitely a must read. Add it to your TBR list if you haven’t already done so. It’s an intensive, possessive, steamy, addictive read.

beneaththisman SYNOPSIS:

Beneath This Man (Book #2 of the erotic This Man trilogy)

Jesse Ward drowned her with his intensity and blindsided her with his passion, but he kept her away from his dark secrets and broken soul. Leaving him was the only way Ava O’Shea could survive. She should have known that Jesse Ward is impossible to escape–and now he’s back in her life, determined to remind her of the sensual pleasures they had shared. Ava is equally determined to get at the truth beneath this man’s steely exterior. That means letting herself get close to the Lord of the Manor once more. And it’s exactly where Jesse wants her–within touching distance…

 MY REVIEW: The Lord of the Manor is back, but so is his leading lady.  I was a little sad at the end of the first novel, but am very happy that Ava has begun to grab some courage and face some of their problems. Jesse has sent her through some challenging scenarios but here we also get to see a few vulnerabilities that peek out through his overbearing, controlling, sometime radical behavior. Ava as well have grown in this novel and is no longer as naive as she started out being. I was shocked at how the author revealed so many disturbing things from the past and how it was affecting their relationship. I could totally feel Ava’s emotions and actions and hell some of it I was all for, others had my jaw drop to the floor with a statement of “this chick has lost her marbles” (but hell if you went through a relationship with the Lord of the Manor you probably would too). Can you tell I was really into this story???

The sex of course is insanely hot. What’s fun about this book is that you see the immaturity of both Ava and Jesse and it’s really believable. There is one lady in this story that is a little sad, and I wanted to pull her hair and throw her down the stairs…….Sarah. Yes, she is one bitchy hell cat and will go to no lengths to deter the relationship between Jesse and Ava. Now this is where it got a little disturbing to for me. You will feel like you’ve been through a train wreck when you’re done reading but wait…..the story isn’t over. If you liked book 1, you will definitely like the second installment of the dysfunctional love story that is Ava and Jesse. I do recommend this to be added to your TBR list.

 

thismanconfessed SYNOPSIS:

This Man Confessed

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO THE THIS MAN TRILOGY!

The Manor, the very place where their passionate love affair began, fills with guests on what should be the happiest day of Ava and Jesse’s lives. She has accepted that she’ll never tame the fierceness in Jesse-and she doesn’t want to. Their love is profound, their connection powerful, but just when she thinks that she’s finally gotten beneath his guarded exterior, more questions arise, leading Ava to believe that Jesse Ward may not be the man she thinks he is. He knows too well how to take her to a place beyond ecstasy . . . but will he also drive her to the brink of despair? It’s time for this man to confess.

 

 MY REVIEW:

Just when I thought I had my head wrapped around the Lord of the Manor, damn did I get a wake up call. This is not your typical D/s relationship. These two characters can push each others buttons to the point of INSANITY!!!  Just like the first two books, this one also has a lot of sex, punishment fucks, fucking sense into her, and sleepy sex. I can’t seem to figure out if I love Jesse or hate him, I know there is a lot about him that disturbs me about him. Jesse has a lot of baggage and I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole went for him.

Though their relationship does take a natural progression, the relationship between Ava and Jesse is still really new as in they haven’t been together long, but with all they’ve been through you wouldn’t think so. Just when Ava thought she had finally broken the exterior of Jesse, he has more to expose. There are so many disturbing scenes in this book, at points it was hard to read, but I could not put this book down. If you want extreme drama, all you have to do is read this book. There are many WTF moments for both characters and even the sub characters. The author does eventually answer all of your questions in this book so you will not be left hanging. The book was the ultimate roller coaster ride of the series but you will be hooked. What I loved the most was the epilogue……it was the perfect ending with a look into their future, even though I want more. Perhaps I will be able to read more of Jesse and Ava if the author decides to give us a story on the other characters. A girl can hope,  can’t she?

I truly enjoyed this series. I started the first book and could not stop until the last page of the third book.

Book Review: Tell Me I’m Dreaming (The Kali Lockton Trilogy, #2) by JL Durfey

tellmeimdreamingcover 4 Stars

 SYNOPSIS:

Seeing things before they happen has made twenty-four year old Kali Lockton quite the celebrity in the elemental world, only the attention is far from good. In fact, she lives each day with a target over her head. Her only defenses are her visions and Jared Miles, the man who holds her heart and has made it his duty to protect her from his own world.

When both of those things are jeopardized, Kali is forced to retreat from her safety net and put her trust in the dangerously sexy Alexander Payne, someone she’s always viewed as manipulative and self-serving.

Just when Kali believes her life couldn’t unravel further, everything she’s known about herself, including her value to the elemental world, disintegrates with a few shocking revelations. Kali learns she is not only the key to an elemental king’s power, but that she carries the responsibility of the continued existence of worlds she’s learned to fear, people she’s never met, and the ones she loves dearly. But such responsibility never comes without a price.

MY REVIEW:

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal).

Let me start by saying that this book exceeded my expectations. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting to read but it wasn’t what was written. It was a pleasure reading this sequel! The author really left me speechless with the way in which the plot was intricately woven to create an awesome reading experience. I enjoyed the romance scenes and really would like to thank the author for the way in which it was presented it to the readers.

The suspense was well-kept and it really made me even more anxious as the plot continued to develop though out this novel, if it’s at all possible. The twists and turns that the author creates were very much appreciated  and the revelations about which the blurb hints is really sort of life altering not only for Kali but also for the readers. It’s from this creativity that the author forms a bond between the readers and the characters which has us picking sides and rooting for one person more than the other. Are you team Jared or team Alex? Though I’m leaning more towards Alex, there were a few things one could like about Jared just as there are some things about Alex that some don’t like.

Now let’s talk about Alex!  This sexy, hot character did catch my attention.  He was totally the bad boy with a good heart, who looks out for something that he considers his. Yup, I get it and I fell for him too. I really enjoyed the banter between him and Kali when they lived together. It was really funny how they pushed each other buttons (as most couples do) and they lived to torture each other. I really enjoyed the increasing intensity and intimacy between Kali and Alex. To me it was a much-needed change, but fit very well into all the other things happening in the story. The power-packed action really spiced up this novel and made it a much more interesting read. The emotional turmoil that Kali faced is really heart wrenching and it made me hurt with and for her.

Having a lot of responsibilities dumped on you is not quite pleasant neither is seeing events before they happen but when you realize that your decisions and actions are powerful enough to effect and change your world then it becomes something mush bigger than yourself. I’m not sure how well I could handle some of the things Kali faced. In this sequel Kali’s character evolved as a strong, confident and totally dependent female. I enjoyed her journey and how the events developed her into an awesome female heroine.

Now the only thing that still has me pissed off is…….the cliffhanger. Yup this novel has it and it will irritate the hell out of you. However, I’m anticipating the next novel in this series to see where the story evolves from here. I do recommend this book, so add it to that TBR list.

Book Review: Take Me (Stark Trilogy #3.5) by J. Kenner

takemecover3 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes a fast-paced, erotic eBook novella from J. Kenner. Following The Stark Trilogy—the bestselling novels Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me—“Take Me” continues the story of Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild, and introduces Evan Black, the enigmatic man at the center of J. Kenner’s upcoming novel, Wanted .

I’ve long dreamed of my fairy tale wedding, but it wasn’t until I met Damien Stark—who captured me with his kisses and undid me with his touch—that I began to believe it was my destiny. Though we both carry secrets and scars, our shared passion heals us, binding us together. We have surrendered to each other completely, and our mutual ecstasy is the brightest light in my life.

But darkness still snakes through the cracks in our armor. Ghosts from our past have moved in, bringing fresh pain that cuts deep and threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.

Damien is my anchor to this world, and I am his. But if we are going to keep each other, we have to fight the shadows of our pasts to move forward into our future.

“Take Me” is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

MY REVIEW:

Picking up with the wedding planning, Nikki and Damien still has me captivated in this quick read. Despite all that they have been through, the past still refuses to stay in the past. At a time when Nikki should be glowing and her happiest, the threat of a relapse into her past behaviors is even more prevalent now. There are countless things that need to be done for the wedding and the closer the date approaches, the more challenges she face. Damien knows that Nikki wants to be as involved as possible with the wedding planning, but he also knows that she has a breaking limit and that’s what he is looking to avoid. Even with all the money that can hire the best wedding planners, Nikki’s a do it yourself kind of girl. That is until a surprised guest shows up on their doorstep and that catches Nikki off guard.

With this unexpected visitor in town, Nikki finds herself caught in a chain of events that seek to break her progress. But with Damien at her side to intercept the damage the visitor seeks to inflict, some things are righted while others have yet to be discovered. It’s their final act of defiance together that let’s you know these two were meant for each other.

I enjoyed reading this short prelude into the “Wanted” series. We get to see Damien and Nikki finally unite in more ways than one and we are also introduced to Evan Black. Though I know this is not the last glimpse of Nikki and Damien, it was a really nice conclusion to this part in their journey. Now I’m looking forward to Evan Black and glimpses of the Starks.

Book Review: Losing Control (Losing Control #1) by Desiree Wilder

losingcontrol 2.5 Stars:

SYNOPSIS:

Gia feels broken inside after several miscarriages and a failed marriage. Now she’s just looking to have some fun…

During her marriage, she and her husband tried for several years to have a baby, she got pregnant three times and miscarried all three. Her husband couldn’t bear to give up his dream of having a family so they grew apart and eventually divorced. Gia feels like a total failure since she couldn’t carry a child. But now, it’s time to move on. She just wants to have a little fun. She needs to have a little fun. Secretly hoping of a wild sexual encounter with someone who craves to devour her inch by inch, she and a group of her closest friends set out to have a wild weekend at a rock festival which they look forward to every year. This is what she wants and what she needs, but is she really ready for this?

Ethan has been working too hard for the past ten years to have a serious relationship, but he’s always fantasized about one woman…

Ethan’s put his heart and soul into this venue and this year it looks like he might finally make a profit. Each year it hosts a rock festival and every year he looks for one person, the same person, the problem is he doesn’t know anything about her, he doesn’t even know her name. Finally he meet’s her and she’s everything he always hoped for, except for one thing…she seems to be looking for a wild sexual encounter. This causes a bit of a dilemma since all he really wants is to get to know who this mystery woman is. He needs to know who she is. While trying to fulfill her every desire he gives her the most carnal sexual experience of her life, hoping she will open up to him and give him a chance to discover who she truly is.

MY REVIEW:

This was a very quick read, but overall a good book.

Gia is a basically a good girl who likes to have fun. She has been through some tough situations in her marriage that has caused her to question herself and her self-confidence. Having gone through three miscarriages, a failed marriage that lead to a divorce, and a one night stand she couldn’t go through with, Gia has finally decided that its time for a little fun. Using the annual rock festival as her playground, Gia has her mind made up that all she wants is that once in a lifetime chance sexual encounter with a hot guy to redeem herself confidence.

Ethan has been struggling to turn a profit on the camp ground that was once his grandfather’s and this years annual rock festival is looking pretty good.  With high expectations of a profit this year, Ethan also has one other thing on his mind….to find the mystery women who has taken root in his mind for the last ten years. Not even knowing her name, but naming her “Hottness”, Ethan seeks to finally approach this woman and get to know her.

When the opportunity arrives and the two meet, Gia feels like she’s the only person in his world by the way he looks at her, and Ethan is captivated by her beautiful eyes and she is everything and more than what he was expecting. However, what they both need and desire seems to be complete opposites of each other and thus creates a problem for both.

Ethan realizes that Gia is looking for that one night stand when in fact he really wants to get to know her, however Gia feels both turned on and rejected by Ethan due to his reluctance to want to rush into sex, but it’s what she really wants. Finally deciding to give Gia what she wants, Ethan caves. After their awesome sexual encounter in his office, Gia has a moment of reflection as things aren’t how she thought they would be.

I was really enjoying the story, especially Gia’s personality once she made up in her mind that she was going to get what she wanted one way or another. I also expected a little more from Ethan in the form of an alpha male but I didn’t necessarily get that. Ethan was just a really sweet guy, who really wanted to “do the right thing”, I sort of felt like the author was holding back on his character. I was also left feeling like where’s the rest of the story at the end. There was no lead into a sequel, though I’m certain there will be one, but the story just cut off……”What the hell?” was all I could say. I also would like more on Trey and Dana as there is definitely a blossoming relationship with them. I would like to read more and hopefully the author really gets into developing the plot for Gia and Ethan.

 

 

Book Review: The Girlfriend by Abigail Barnette

thegirlfriend 3.5 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Unemployed, blacklisted, and pregnant, Sophie Scaife’s life is totally upside down. Her relationship with publishing magnate Neil Elwood is on the rocks. Her best friend’s career is igniting. And Sophie is afraid she’ll make one of the toughest decisions of her life alone… When a devastating diagnosis forces Neil to return to London, Sophie throws caution to the wind to follow her heart across the Atlantic. Keeping a scorching D/s affair as red-hot in sickness as it was in health is a challenge, even for two lovers as inventive as Sophie and Neil. But Sophie is more than willing to try anything her Sir commands, and their fantasies of control become a welcome refuge from the daily stress of illness. While Neil’s wealth and privilege make adjusting to her new situation easier, Sophie finds herself rebuilding her life around an uncertain future. And while both of them face the changes between them head-on, they’re all too aware that their happiness may be fleeting-and Sophie could lose Neil forever.

MY REVIEW:

Just when Sophie thought being unemployed and blacklisted was enough, she now has learned of her unplanned pregnancy and Neil’s life threatening illness. Could things look any worse? Having to make a decision on the pregnancy rather quickly Sophie tells Neil and together they make a decision. Not willing to lose the man that she has lost her career for, Sophie makes the decision to leave her life or what’s left of it behind,  and head to London to be with the man who has stolen her heart in his time of need.

Still looking to explore their D/s relationship further, Sophie gathers some rather interesting experiences despite Neil’s illness. The two of them work hard on each other, however Sophie still finds the world that Neil lives in rather intimidating, not to mention despite the hurdles they have to overcome for their relationship, she now has to come face to face with his past which includes one bitchy ex.

This book was a fun read. Some of the D/s experiences that Sophie encountered were rather steamy, but there were also some revelations about Neil that was a little shocking to me. I will admit that there are some parts in this part of their journey that might have you on the verge of tears, especially since it includes a journey through illness and pregnancy. But it’s a very believable plot.

Now the bitchy ex is one most women can relate to and at some point I really wanted to smack her and put her in her place. I think that happens when you really get into a book. But Sophie was pretty respectful despite the woman antagonizing her, but you already know that there is only so much a woman can bare, and when Sophie let’s lose it’s very satisfying.

The relationship between Sophie and Neil though still fresh and despite all the challenges seem to be stronger. Sophie begins to understand her position in Neil’s life, but is it really a position that she wants to embrace including what it could mean for the future? Neil is going through an illness that puts a strain on him physically as well as his relationship with Sophie but it’s bearable with her there, however he struggles to remain in control of a situation that he has no control over; his illness and his relationship.

Now though I know how this novel ends, there has got to be more to the story (hint). It wasn’t so much of a cliffhanger as it was an opening to expand the story and I sure hope the author does. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

 

Book Review: The Boss by Abigail Barnette

the boss 4 Stars

 SYNOPSIS:

Sophie Scaife almost ran away once, trading her ticket to college for a ticket to Tokyo. But a delayed flight and a hot one-night stand with a stranger changed her mind, putting her firmly on track to a coveted position at a New York fashion magazine.

When the irresistible stranger from that one incredible night turns out to be her new boss – billionaire and publishing magnate Neil Elwood – Sophie can’t resist the chance to rekindle the spark between them… and the opportunity to explore her submissive side with the most Dominant man she’s ever known.

Neil is the only man who has ever understood Sophie’s need to submit in the bedroom, and the only man who has ever satisfied those desires. When their scorching, no-strings-attached sexual relationship becomes something more, Sophie must choose between her career and heart… or risk losing them both.

MY REVIEW:

Who said you can’t mix work and pleasure…..

Sophie finds herself in quite the situation when what should have been a regular day at work turns out to be one of the worst she has ever had. Neil Elwood reenter Sophie’s life at the most unexpected time and can we say under the worst of circumstances.

Years ago due to a delay in their flights,  Sophie and Neil met at an airport. It was at this time that Sophie was faced with the decision of running from her problems or facing them head on, Sophie chose to run. With a chance meeting at the airport, Sophie and Neil hit it off well and when I  say well, I mean it led to an unforgettable one night stand for both of them. But it was also that night that her decision was altered by an unforeseen change in events. Now years later Sophie is standing face to face with the man who is a re-occurrence in her dreams and fantasy and truthfully the person that she compares every male to sexually. With opportunity knocking at the door how can Sophie pass up the one chance she might have to make her dreams a reality even if they cost her another dream?

Sophie is this young vibrant lady who has a job that she both loves and hates, but it’s the journey that has gotten her there that she holds onto the most. Neil changed her life in one night and now here she is in front of him again with no idea what the future holds for her career or her love life.

Not willing to let him forget her or that one night, Sophie takes a few matters in her own hands, but what she willingly got herself into was probably more than she could handle.

Neil is a billionaire and publishing magnate and was pleasantly surprised when he met Sophie in the airport years ago, and now here she is in the flesh once more. With his life going through changes, a new company to run and strained relationships, how can he make it all work? Sophie submitted to him that night can he get her to do it again? Oh the Dominant in him was certain of it, but at what cost?

Now this was an exciting book. I found myself loving the plot as Sophie has the chance to capitalize on a fantasy, but at what cost to her career? Though the no-strings attached sexual relationship sounded like a really good idea at the time, how did she even think it was going to be just that when Neil is a man she hasn’t been able to get out of her head in years. Some of the events in the book made me laugh and some I had to re-read as I was totally thrown with the development. Nope I’m not giving a spoiler!!! lol But you will definitely enjoy the journey the two take and the decisions the both have to face both good and bad.

What was even more interesting was the relationship between Neil and his daughter and the most embarrassing introduction Sophie has ever received in her life……you’ll enjoy this part. Oh let’s not forget the huge age difference between the two which causes a few more problems. Now grab the book and start reading.

 

Down but not out…..

Been sick the last few days, feeling somewhat better today. Guess I’ll take today and start to post some of my reviews that I haven’t posted yet. Huge thanks to the #VPPitCrew and K. Bromberg for keeping Colton on my mind, computer, phone and kindle while I’ve been sick. :-) And to all my fellow bloggers for feeding my #1clickaddiction which has added to my never-ending TBR list.

I’ve been enjoying the blog tours and cover reveals I’ve been participating in lately, and looking forward to more. I’ve got some awesome ideas for next year that I can’t wait to roll out as I reach those milestones on Facebook……author take overs, giveaways, and who knows what else.

Ok, now I need a huge cup of coffee that I haven’t had in what feels like months, but only like three days. lol

Stay Tuned!!!!

Cover Reveal: The Enlightening (Mackenzie Duncan Series #2) by Adrianne James

Today is the cover reveal of The Enlightening (Mackenzie Duncan Series #2) by Adrianne James.

  Title: The Enlightening

  Series: Mackenzie Duncan Series #2

  Author: Adrianne James

  Genre: NA Paranormal

  Release Date: December 6,2013

  Add to your Want to Read list on Goodreads

Mackenzie Duncan found out that pack life wasn’t for her. Now she is running for the second time in the six months   since she was bitten and turned into a Werewolf. But this   time, she isn’t alone. This time, she has Geoff and Liam     with her, two very hot Werewolves vying for her heart.

But her companions aren’t her focus. The only thing she can focus on is getting far from her old pack and their murderous ways. Only, she doesn’t just want to run. She wants to warn every pack she can that their lives are in danger too. No one should be turned against their will like she was and no other pack should have to surrender to the ideas of a centuries old, power hungry woman.

Not only does Mackenzie have to deal with her crazy ex-pack leader sending people out to kill her, she has to keep both men at arm’s length (and that proves to be much more difficult than she thought), but she finds out more about her own life and heritage than she ever thought imaginable.

And suddenly, everything makes sense…

Giveaway

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About Adrianne James

Growing up, Adrianne couldn’t get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn’t have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.

During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life’s stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.

As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.

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Book Review: Wanted (Wanted #1) by Amanda Lance

wanted_al_cover

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Considering she’s a girl who calculates everything, Addie Battes knew the statistical probability of being abducted in her lifetime—too bad she never analyzed the odds of falling in love with her captor.

While stopping at a crowded rest area one summer night, seventeen-year-old Addie accidentally catches a truck hijacking in progress. Desperate to rid the crime of its only witness, one of the thieves kidnaps Addie. Yet surprisingly, when a renegade thief attempts to silence her for good, Addie is saved by the very man who abducted her. Now, forced on board a cargo ship in the middle of the ocean, Addie finds herself surrounded by international smugglers who want nothing more than to throw her overboard.

All except the artistic and intriguing Charlie Hays, whose strange protectiveness convinces Addie to trust him, even when common sense tells her otherwise. Yet, despite her doubt, and his unrelenting temper, their relationship develops into something much more. But, Charlie’s scorned colleague has stowed away, and as he seeks revenge against his coworker, Addie and Charlie are forced to put their new love—and lives—at risk.

MY REVIEW:

Addie Bates is a 17 year old girl who finds herself at a fuel station to grab coffee for her Dad and herself  after dropping her brother off at the military base. While standing in line she has a chance meeting with a mysterious guy (Charlie) after he whispered something over her shoulder about the book she was currently immersed in. Addie a little  taken aback, quickly felt flattered by the unexpected attention and thought that this mysterious guy was, in fact, pretty nice to look at though she couldn’t see his eyes hidden behind the dark shades. With their interaction cut short, Addie gets the coffee she came in for and heads to the exist only to realize that the main exists are a little congested thus forcing the impatient Addie to look for an alternative way out. Finding herself in the back of the fueling station where the trucks are, Addie hears a strange noise and decides to investigate, but what she came across would change her life drastically. In an attempt to flee unnoticed, Addie backs right into the hands of her kidnapper and despite her best efforts at self defense she is thrown into the back of a van.

I originally picked this book to read because the blurb did catch my attention with the indication of romance and kidnapping, so I was excited when I began reading this book. The first few pages were a breeze and then I found myself struggling for a little while to keep reading. I’m not sure if some of the content such as the age difference of both of the main characters or the notion that some of the things that transpired were a little difficult for me to believe were contributing factors but for a few chapters I really just wanted to put this one to the side and move on to my next book.   Despite this lull in reading I continued and I’m glad that I did.

To me the action didn’t pick up until later in the book and I found it much easier to read and very enjoyable. Yes, the romance between Addie and Charlie begins to build as she has come to terms with the fact that she has feelings for the guy who kidnapped her. Charlie as well begins to let her in on his feelings for her as well. But the action that took place on the ship was very enjoyable and downright page turning. This is where I felt the author could have spent more time developing the content and expanding on some of the things and situations that just seemed cut short. I just personally could believe more of a romance building from Charlie’s constant protection of Addie with more  interaction with danger from…………. (I will not give a spoiler) Charlie’s scorned colleague. :-) It’s hard for me to believe that a young inexperienced girl can fall in love with her kidnapper in a few short days. I can understand and believe there is a physical attraction but love………I’m not convinced.

Although I had a few content issues with the book and believe there are areas that need more development and/or explanation, in general it was a good read. The cover did lead me to believe that there would be a fair amount of naked play time between the two, but I was happy that there was no sexual encounters between Addie and Charlie mostly because of the age thing but also because I felt like something was missing in this growing romance. I am a bit curious to read the sequel to see if more content has been added to better develop the plot as well as the romance, and lets not forget the action scenes that should push and pull Addie and Charlie together.

Mz V

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