BLOG TOUR – The Lies I’ve Told by J.L. Berg

June 8, 2018June 7, 20182 Comments

Title: The Lies I’ve Told
Author: J.L. Berg
Series: By the Bay #3
Release Date: June 4, 2018

Everything was going according to plan…

After years of working my way up the corporate ladder, it was finally my time to shine. I was about to receive the promotion of a lifetime.

But just like that, my life was destroyed with a single career crushing email.

Now, I am headed back home to North Carolina, under the ruse of an extended vacation to help run the family inn while my sister is on maternity leave. After all, what is family for? Plus, a few days at the beach could definitely help uncomplicate this crazy life of mine.

Enter Aiden Fisher.

Aiden is a guest at my sister’s inn. He’s wicked hot, a huge flirt and has one of the sexiest British accents I’ve ever heard. But beyond all that, I see a darkness in his soul, as if he’s carrying a great weight upon his shoulders.

I find myself pushing back my trip home to Florida in hopes that maybe I’ll look into those hazel brown eyes and finally see truth shining back instead of lies. That maybe he’ll stop running and tell me the truth for once.

But you know what they say about liars? It takes one to know one and I’ve been telling the biggest lie of all – I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with Aiden.

And isn’t that the scariest truth of all?

J.L. Berg delivers another fantastic small-town romance with Millie and Aiden’s story in The Lies I’ve Told! This novel felt somehow different from the previous books in the series, and yet Aiden and Millie fit perfectly within the world J.L. Berg has created. Forced to find refuge By the Bay, this couple comes together just as their respective worlds are falling apart. As Aiden and Millie’s mutual attraction sparks into something more, I found myself immediately invested in the unspoken, yet significant, connection between them.

“Sometimes, it helps to know where one’s heart lies. Or where it’s been.”

I’ve been anxious to get my hands on Millie’s story ever since The Choices I’ve Made. She was enchanting, vibrant, and funny and I was wholly intrigued by the seemingly fearless fashionista who had left small-town life behind. J.L. Berg definitely didn’t disappoint, serving up one seriously sassy and incredibly lovable heroine. Over the course of this story, J.L. Berg carefully unraveled Millie, exposing the woman beneath the designer labels and letting readers see every flaw and vulnerability that made Millie so surprisingly relatable.

“This was my home, right here in this woman’s arms. Forever.”

Aiden was unexpected, to say the least. He was charismatic and polished with a mysterious edge that ensured I was completely captivated. As the story progressed and Aiden opened himself up to Millie, I found myself falling hard and fast for the damaged hero with a big secret. J.L. Berg allowed the pieces of Aiden’s past to fall into place with expert precision, thoughtfully revealing the depth of this character with each passing page. Every bit the artist, Aiden experienced things with an intensity that demanded to be felt by the reader.

“Anything is possible, Aiden, with a little prayer and patience.”

Aiden and Millie’s story is a whirlwind romance, and it was paced to be enjoyed as such. Once I started, I couldn’t help but keep reading, lost in the witty banter, electric chemistry, and inexplicable connection that made this book so special. I adored getting to see more of Jake, Molly, Dean, and Cora as they continued living out their happily ever afters. J.L. Berg brilliantly depicts life By the Bay, her effortless prose and colorful imagery instantly transported me right back to Ocracoke. Brimming with sparkling dialogue, sizzling tension, and heartfelt emotion, The Lies I’ve Told is another can’t-miss-romance from J.L. Berg!

My eyes bolted open as sunlight from the windows glared down at me.

Where am I?

I sat up, quietly stretching as if I had all the time in the world.

Because I did, right?

No job. No responsibilities.

Responsibilities…

Shit!

Breakfast for the guests!

I bolted out of bed, frantically searching for my clothes. Where were my clothes? I tried to think back to the night before, but it was blurry.

Hazy.

And then the hammering in my head began.

Shit, how much did I drink last night?

“Where are you running off to so early?”

The deep British accent had me stopping in my tracks.

Last night…

I turned on my heels, tugging on the short shirt I had on, wishing it were suddenly a dress. Or a robe.

Or anything longer than a shirt.

Aiden’s eyes perused my body with a wide grin on his face as he casually tucked his hands behind his head. I tried not to notice the way the muscles in his arms flexed.

Or the fact that, besides a carefully placed sheet, he was basically lying naked before me.

“Oh my God,” I whispered. My fingers raked through my hair as I tried to remember the night before. “We didn’t…did we?”

The question had him immediately sitting up in bed, causing that well-placed sheet to shift.

I gulped as all of him—and I did mean all of him—came into view.

Oh Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

I turned around, my cheeks flushing as heat spread through my body. He wasn’t just naked. He was naked and very much awake.

“You don’t remember?” he asked as I listened to the bed groan as he stood.

“No,” I admitted. “Do you?”

I heard the telltale sign of jeans being zipped, giving me the courage to turn back around. Sure enough, he was decent.

Well, as decent as a shirtless, hot-as-fuck Brit could be. God, I thought his muscles had muscles.

“Um, no,” he answered, but there was a hint of sadness to his eyes as he reached down to grab his shirt off the floor.

I let out a tiny whimper of protest as the black T-shirt slid down his body.

He really was beautiful.

I shook my head, trying to keep focused. “Oh, that’s great. Just fucking great. So, what happened here exactly?”

He pointed to the pile of clothes and the mostly empty alcohol bottle on the nightstand, that sadness drying up as he let out a breath and straightened, his features hardening. “I think that’s pretty clear.”

My arms folded across my chest before I realized that only brought my shirt higher up my waist. Aiden didn’t miss the extra peek of flesh either as I watched his grin widen.

“Nope, I don’t believe you. I don’t do one-night stands. Ever.”

“Ever?” he echoed, surprise written all over his stupid face.

“Yes. Ever. Why is that so hard to believe? Do I look like the one-night-stand kind of girl?”

“Well, right now. Sort of.”

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Don’t miss the rest of the series:

The Choices I’ve Made (By the Bay #1)

The Scars I Bare (By the Bay #2)

I’m a California native, who lives in the South – Virginia to be exact. I still prefer sushi to fried chicken, avocados to okra, and I absolutely loathe humidity. I do love watching the seasons change though. My husband and I have been here for over a decade, and I still get giddy like a school girl every time it snows. It’s magical!

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters and two rescue pups I like to call my “coworkers”. I’m obsessed with chocolate, minions, anything Harry Potter and I love to watch re-runs of Friends and Gilmore Girls!

RELEASE BLITZ REVIEW – Because Of You by Laura Ward

May 25, 2018May 24, 20183 Comments

Title – Because of You
Author – Laura Ward
Publication Date – May 25, 2018
Series – Not Yet #4

All Ricky Martinez knows of life is loss, loyalty, and family.

When his father became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck saving a drowning girl, Ricky gave up his dreams of playing football at a big college to stay home and take care of his family. His new dream? Find the girl who caused his father’s injury and get justice.

Because of her, his family lost everything.

All Aveline Gerard knows of life is a quiet, protective love.

Homeschooled ever since her accident eighteen years ago, Aveline’s parents, both deaf, have kept her safe the only way they know how—sheltered, and alone. Aveline’s deepest desire? To experience life in all its loud and messy glory, and the tattooed guy in her first college class is all of those things.

Because of him, her life is finally beginning.

But fate has a wicked sense of justice and when Ricky realizes the sweet, shy girl in his class is the one who wrecked his family, will he be able to walk away? Or will the bitter rage inside cause him to make the biggest mistake of his life?

Because of them, the pain of two families will finally collide.

If you’ve kept up with Laura Ward’s Not yet series as I have, then I’m sure that you’ve been dying to get a look into Ricky’s life. He’s always been incredibly secretive with his background which resulted in my curiosity growing a tremendous amount throughout each story that has been told already. With the release of Because of You, I’ve finally gotten that glimpse into his home life and so much is understood about his character. This interconnected standalone was filled with emotional scenes that delved into the power of forgiveness, selflessness, and the all-time question of how our environment impacts the person we become.

“Without the life-altering pain and responsibility that society bestowed upon my family, who would I have become?”

For those who may not have been introduced to his character previously, Ricky starts off the story as a very jaded character. He has been dealt a horrible hand in life and all that he is left with is bitterness and a desire for revenge and retribution. However, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him due to his loyalty to his family. He is very close to his mother, sisters, and father; everything he does and every choice he makes is to make their lives as easy as he can. With dedication and protectiveness like that, I couldn’t have asked for a better hero of the story. Furthermore, the heroine that Ward chooses for Because of You was one that left me in awe time and time again. Like Ricky, she had been dealt a rough hand in some regards, yet was able to overcome them due to her social environment. Together, Ricky and Aveline were complementary in every sense of the word, even when they couldn’t realize it. Where he had the rough interior, she was trusting and innocent to much of the world. Ricky was free to live his live, confined only by his social status where Aveline had the resources to do and be anything, but could not find independence from her overbearing parents. I loved watching each of them help to mold the other, while also forcing them to grow and mature as the pages turned.

“Now sacrifices had to be made. Because the monster inside me won. And when it did, a butterfly lost her wings.”

Laura Ward is such a gifted writer that I tend to enjoy every novel she delivers. They’re filled with warm-hearted, lovable characters that are incredibly well developed. She doesn’t just dictate a story to you; Ward invites you into the lives of her individuals, causing you to feel and experience everything right alongside them. Because of You surprised me in all the best ways with the storytelling and depth of emotion present. I laughed, I cried, and my heart swarmed with butterflies as I progressed throughout. If you haven’t picked up the series yet, or if you’re just in the mood for a transforming read, Because of You is sure to deliver on everything you could want in a romance!

He circled the bike, standing in front of me, arms crossed over his chest. “What’d you think of that lecture, mariposa?”
My eyes slid to the side, the floor, the ceiling. A slow burn traveled up my neck, settling on my cheeks. “It was… interesting, Freud, you know…” I laughed, a weird, awkward, uncomfortable sound escaping my lips. God, I sounded like a freak. Get it together, girl. Instead of wringing my hands together, I pushed my glasses higher up on my nose.
Ricky looked down at me, his eyes crinkling, and lips curved. “Interesting, huh?”
My hands shot out to the sides, “I’m sure you know all about that stuff… the stages and sex and… yeah.” I blew out a breath, my cheeks puffing, in what I was sure was the sexiest look I’d managed to pull off yet. “I’ve only done some light reading. That was new to me and frankly, a bit uncomfortable to hear around you because of your general hotness and all.”
Did I say light reading?
General hotness?
Oh. My. God.
Ricky threw his head back and chortled. “You are the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen.” His tongue darted out to lick his bottom lip. He took the paper and pen from my hand, tossing them onto the floor. “I won’t touch you here. Although, I’ll admit it’s probably my biggest fantasy, but you aren’t ready for that.”
Bending down, he picked me up, his hands lifting under my ass until I wrapped my legs around his waist. “You’re so tiny.” He smirked, his eyes focused on my lips.
I took off my glasses, placing them on the metal tool shelf next to us. My body shook, and I knew Ricky felt it when his grip on me tightened.
“I won’t hurt you, mariposa. You have my word that I’ll protect you. I’m not a good man, but I’ll be good to you.” He looked into my eyes, his warm brown orbs like melted chocolate.
“You are a good man. I wish you saw yourself like I see you.” My words pled, begging him to hear me.
Closing his eyes and shutting me out, he pressed his forehead to mine. “I need you,” he whispered. “I’ve never needed anyone like I need you. You’re open and vulnerable, kind and innocent. You’re unlike any girl I’ve ever met, and all I want to do is learn more about you. Understand all the parts that make you whole.”
His words sounded stricken and raw, but I absorbed them, drawing them into my heart. I didn’t know if he meant that he needed me physically or emotionally, but either way I was his.
“I need you, too.” I kissed his lips, a light sweet peck. “I’ve already learned and grown from being near you. You’re strong and loyal. The way you take care of your family has captivated me. And the way you make me feel is addictive.” I kissed him again, longer, and he groaned, one hand pressing into my back and one twisting in my hair.
My mouth opened, tongue peeking out to find his. Meeting, touching, and tangling as we moaned in unison. My hands sought his beautiful hair and I wrapped the long strands around my fingers, hoping that I would weave myself into him, his life, and his heart.
This complicated, gorgeous man, that thought he didn’t deserve happiness or dreams or good in his life.
I’d had a glimpse inside, something I believed was a rarity. And Ricky deserved all the beauty the world had to bring. I wasn’t sure I was the person who could give that to him.
But I sure wanted to try.

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Don’t Miss the Rest of the Series!

Not Yet (Not Yet #1)

Read our Review HERE
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Until Now (Not Yet #2)

Read our Review HERE
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Someday Soon (Not Yet #3)

Read our Review HERE
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USA Today bestselling author, Laura Ward, writes sweet and sexy stories that will hopefully make you look at the world in a different way. Her books include the Not Yet series: Not Yet, Until Now, Someday Soon, and Because of You. Her Contemporary Romance standalone is titled, Past Heaven. She is also the co-author of the College Bound series: The Pledge, The Color of Us, and The Sound of Your Heart (Releasing July 13, 2018.) Laura lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her dream of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.

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BLOG TOUR – Marked by Drew Elyse

May 22, 2018May 22, 2018Leave a comment

Title: Marked
Author: Drew Elyse
Series: Sailor’s Grave #1
Release Date: May 17, 2018

“MOVING ON” IS JUST ABOUT ACTING THE PART.

I would never say as much to the people I love, but it’s the truth.
They want to see me doing better.
They want to see me living for more than just my son.

So I let them.
Everyday is about putting on a face,
pretending to get over the loss of my husband.
And every day is a lie.

UNTIL MOVING ON IS A TEMPTATION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED.

I’m not about to claim I’m a genius,
unless we’re talking with a tattoo gun or woman in my hands,
but I’m smart enough to know the beauty serving up my cupcake fix is off limits.

Really, I know.
Too bad the lure of putting a real smile on Kate’s face is so strong.
When she visits Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor,
I can’t help but want to leave my mark.

Drew Elyse introduces readers to the Sailor’s Grave series with Liam and Kate’s heart-wrenching story. Marked is raw, painful, and wonderfully real as these two seemingly opposite personalities find common ground and an unexpected understanding of one another’s pain. Liam and Kate shared an easy friendship with an electric undercurrent of attraction that drew me in. This couple’s sometimes awkward, but always sweet encounters left me wanting more, and I quickly became invested in their developing feelings. Liam and Kate made me laugh and swoon and cry. Marked delivers plenty of angst and breathtaking vulnerability with just the right amount of sizzle in this emotionally intense story.

“He’d left a mark that went way beyond the skin.”

Both Liam and Kate exhibited significant personal growth over the course of this novel. I absolutely adored the way Drew Elyse used Kate and Liam’s budding relationship to push both characters to move forward, work through their pain, and let go of the hurt. Kate, in particular, had me in tears as I felt her grief and sorrow down to my bones. My deep understanding of this character had me celebrating every victory and rooting for her to find her happily ever after. The secondary characters really helped to round out this story, and they played a significant role in revealing the true nature of our hero and heroine. I found myself quickly getting attached to the peripheral personalities in the Sailor’s Grave world, and I look forward to hearing their stories in future books.

“It’s taking everything I have not to kiss you right now. Just once, I keep telling myself. Just one more taste. But it’s bullshit. Once more won’t be enough.”

I wish we could have seen more of Liam and Kate’s past together, specifically their first meeting and the ensuing moments of awkward flirtation and mounting sexual tension. Without this basic foundation, even in the form of flashbacks throughout the story, it felt as if the reader was diving into a relationship already in motion. However, since we didn’t get to experience it personally, I had a hard time connecting to their established familiarity and understanding how quickly it progressed into more. I did appreciate the uncertainty and fear that plagued Kate and Liam’s relationship. The “will they won’t they” aspect of this story felt genuine to where Kate was at in her life, and it gave the overall journey an emotional authenticity.

“You can remember, and grieve, and hurt, but you also live.”

The pacing of the story is consistent and Marked was an easy read. Drew Elyse’s writing is vibrant and imaginative, and I always feel transported into the story. Marked hits the heart a little harder than some of her previous novels, but Drew balances the intense emotion with just enough sweet and sexy fun. Overflowing with sparkling chemistry, witty banter, and inked book boyfriend perfection, Marked will leave you begging for more of this new and colorful world from Drew Elyse. A spinoff of the Disciples Daughters MC series, Marked features some familiar faces that will make you grin. These cameos gave Liam and Kate’s story a feeling of family that had me instantly hooked. Drew Elyse serves up sass, sizzle, and some serious feels – Liam and Kate’s story is sure to leave you Marked!

I have been with Drew Elyse from the very beginning, and I’m happy to report that she does nothing but improve with time! Marked is a spin-off to her MC series and I absolutely adored getting to see a sweeter, more nurturing side to her characters. Kate and Liam navigated their relationship through sweet encounters and a bit of back and forth rawness. The resulting feeling left me deeply invested in the outcome of their partnership as well as a desire for more from these two personalities.

“It wasn’t just about controlling myself. It wasn’t about not getting in too deep. It was all about leaving my mark in whatever way I could.”

There was a definite authenticity and rawness to Kate. Rather than coming off as flighty and indecisive, her inability to commit was completely understood given her past and what she had been through. Though I certainly couldn’t relate, my heart ached for her and I grieved right alongside her. The journey she was attempting to make endeared me to her, and left me rooting for all the good in the world to come to her. Furthermore, I could not have come up with a better counterpart for her than Liam. He was gentle and patient, completely understanding of Kate’s situation. Plus, he was absolutely incredible with her son – which is always a stack of plusses in the book boyfriend category! There was a certain level of push and pull to their relationship, but it was through those moments of back and forth, ups and downs, that I got a feel for how much these two truly cared for one another. Even when they weren’t good at finding the right words, their inner thoughts and actions filled me with butterflies and left me giddy for the moments when they were together.

“I can’t promise I won’t have bad days. I can’t promise I won’t backslide into the grief from time to time, but I swear that I know what I want.”

Having Kate be so closely tied with the MC was definitely a bittersweet feeling for me. At times, I was frustrated because this was supposed to be a new series. However, it also warmed my heart to see a couple of the characters that I have already come to know and love. I’m desperately anxious to get my hands on more books in the Sailor’s Grave series though. Drew Elyse does an amazing job piquing your interest on the secondary characters while never overshadowing the storyline between Kate and Liam. Elyse has set the bar high with the Marked being the first book and I can’t wait to see where she goes next!

Liam

Christ, I really needed to stop doing this to myself.

Not give up the desserts, because fuck that, but stop torturing myself with the gorgeous woman that served them.

I knew the deal. She was a single mom, widowed a couple years back. She was under the protection of the club because Daz was her late husband’s brother. I also knew that despite conversations I’d overheard about her doing better, about her starting to move on, that she was nowhere near that place.

Maybe it was because I’d been old enough to understand everything as it happened when we’d lost Dad and after. I recognized what the people in her life couldn’t: that she wasn’t moving past a goddamn thing.

It was achingly familiar, seeing that fake smile. It was even more so to see the one she gave her son, knowing that if I were seeing it closer, there would be that lingering sadness behind her eyes that I saw in my mom’s for too long.

And that whole thought process made it sound like I had some fucked Oedipus complex.

Desserts, asshole.

There was a cinnamon braid left. That never happened. Sugar’s Dream was more of a dessert place than full-service bakery. The few things Avery made that worked for breakfast were usually snatched up before I ever got there in the afternoons. The cinnamon braid specifically was a favorite at Sailor’s Grave—it was the reason we had an actual kitchen knife in the back after we’d all fallen on one and had to rip off pieces by hand.

“Gotta take that back to the shop,” I told her, pointing to it.

Unable to hide the fact that she was relieved to have a task that involved moving farther away from me to prep a box for it, she jumped right to it. I wasn’t enough of a gentleman to not glance up from considering what else to get in order to take a look while she had her back to me. Kate looked fucking incredible coming and going. I liked a woman with curves, and she was far from lacking in that department. She had light brown hair that danced around her shoulders when she wore it down, porcelain skin that looked like silk, and amber eyes that usually looked brown, but stood out when there was enough light to see them properly.

She was easily the most delicious thing in this goddamn bakery.

She was also the only thing in the place I was sure I wasn’t getting a taste of.

A minute later, she came back with the tied up box, setting it on the counter by the register.

“Anything else?” She tried to avoid my eyes but ended up looking right at my mouth. My cock took notice, fixing to fight for attention.

I was so fucking tempted to answer with something like “a taste test” just to get a rise out of her, but I bit my tongue.

“Two of the lemon cupcakes, one raspberry chocolate, and” —I peeked around her— “are those the mocha ones you’re working on?”

She glanced over her shoulder like she wasn’t sure what she’d been doing when I walked in. “Um…yes.”

“Can I get one of those?”

“Of course.”

Again, it was full hustle to get away from me. I got it. If I were a better man, I might stop coming in. Of course, I’d probably lose it if I tried going cold turkey from my preferred sugar fix, but I could at least talk someone else into coming for me. Jess would probably do it if I bankrolled her own cupcake habit.

Turns out, I wasn’t that good of a person. I wouldn’t push her, but I couldn’t deny myself at least getting to see her beyond just the Disciples’ parties. These little visits were like a fucking drug.

“How’s your boy?” I asked, grasping at anything to get her to talk to me.

“He’s good. He’s telling everyone at his daycare that he’s going to be a biker when he grows up.” It was impossible to miss the love and pride in her voice.

“Probably not a stretch. I wouldn’t be surprised if the brothers had him on his own bike the minute he’s old enough.”

“His dad had a bike, too. Owen’s been around them since he was born.”

I watched as what she’d said registered. I saw her freeze, every inch of her tightening up. She was still facing away, keeping her expression hidden, but I didn’t doubt it was a mix of shock and devastation. I hadn’t known what a minefield the topic was, though I couldn’t be sure I’d have avoided it if it was. Mom told me time and again as she got better that talking about Dad helped, even as much as it hurt.

“I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t help at all. I know it still hurts and all the sympathy in the world doesn’t touch that, but it’s true.”

For a long moment, she didn’t move. I didn’t even see her breathing from my vantage point. Then, she turned around with the box of cupcakes in her hands. She didn’t adopt that benign smile she always had at work, but that didn’t mean she was giving me any glimpse of the real grief.

No, Kate’s face was fucking blank.

Shit.

It wasn’t my fucking place to try to “help,” especially not while she was at work. Suddenly, if I could take the words back, if I could undo even the reminder of her husband, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Before I could dig my foot out of my mouth and figure something out to say, she went over to the register and started ringing up my order. “That’ll be $17.56.”

Even her voice was flat, lifeless.

Rather than push and make a bigger ass of myself, I pulled out my card and paid without a word. I kept my mouth shut as she wordlessly handed it back with my receipt, and then slid the boxes toward me.

Only when I had them in hand did she say, again in that dead voice, “Have a nice day.”

I’d fucked up. Royally.

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Drew Elyse spends her days trying to convince the world that she is, in fact, a Disney Princess, and her nights writing tear-jerking and sexy romance novels.

When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found analyzing every line of a book, binge watching shows on Netflix, doing strange vocal warm ups before singing in a variety of musical styles, or screaming at the TV during Chicago Blackhawks games.

A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, she still lives outside Chicago, IL, where she was born and raised, with her boyfriend and her fur babies Lola and Duncan.

BLOG TOUR – Defile by Jessica Prince

May 9, 2018May 8, 20181 Comment

Title: Defile
Author: Jessica Prince
Series: Civil Corruption #2
Release Date: May 3, 2018

Declan Forrester is arrogant, selfish, and insanely sexy.
He was the very first boy I ever loved.
Then fame and fortune turned him into a man I no longer recognized.
I tried to give him everything he needed, and in return…
he broke my heart.

Now he’s back, and he wants to make things right.
What started as love turned to hate.
I told myself I’d never fall for him again, but he’s determined to prove me wrong.

He wants to win me.
He wants to own me.
He wants to defile me.

And if I’m not careful…
I just might let him.

Jessica Prince serves up a scorching, heart-wrenching, second-chance romance with Tatum and Declan’s story in Defile. Bursting with heat, raw emotion, and a colorful cast of characters, this rocker romance promises to leave you swooning and desperate for more of Civil Corruption. Tatum and Declan have an utterly electric chemistry that sparks from the pages of this novel. Coupled with their easy familiarity and obvious emotional connection, I was hooked on this duo from the very beginning. Their story thoroughly broke my heart before putting it back together, taking me on a wild rollercoaster of first love, betrayal, and repentance as they learned to forgive past hurts and let love rule.

“Because, toxic or not, we’re in each other’s fucking blood. And there’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t ignore what we are.”

Tatum was easy to connect with. She was fiery, stubborn, and yet beautifully vulnerable. She held her pain close while holding her head high and I admired the grace and resilience she embodied. Jessica Prince did a phenomenal job unraveling this carefully put together woman, fanning the fire within her in order to burn away the past and let something stronger grow. Declan was equally enthralling. Sure, he was charming with that bad boy edge that definitely intrigues, but it was the torment so evident in everything he did that kept me riveted. Admittedly, Declan was hard to love at first, but as the story progressed, Jessica Prince expertly revealed the wounded hero beneath the mistakes who deserved another shot at his happily ever after.

“I’ve carried you with me for ten fucking years, Tate.”

Overflowing with witty banter, sexy interludes, and tons of feels, Defile was an easy read. Jessica Prince’s writing absolutely sparkles and I found myself devouring this book. The storyline did leave me with a few lingering questions at the end, however, the powerful emotions, delicious tension, and heartfelt declarations between Tatum and Declan had me absolutely enchanted. The secondary characters added just the right amount of light and laughter to the story and I love the circle of women that is beginning to take shape and balance out the men of Civil Corruption. Jessica Prince has me totally invested in this series and head over heels for her roster of rock star book boyfriends. Sizzling, addictive, and perfectly heartfelt, Defile is everything I’ve come to love from this author and so much more!

What had originally started as a six-month road trip across Cali, hopping from one shithole bar to the next, had stretched into a year and a half thanks to our manager, Chris Evers.

He’d approached us after watching us in San Diego, one of our last shows before heading back to San Francisco with our tales between our legs. We were officially out of money, and because of that, out of time. My heart was broken at the thought of going back. But then Chris appeared, promising that he could get us success if we signed with him.

At first it had all seemed too good to be true. I had to admit, there was something about the dude that didn’t sit right with me. He was slimier than a used car salesman, and twice as slippery. But he’d lived up to his promise. For the past year, the five of us had been living in a crappy little studio apartment in LA, recording our first album, and playing at bigger bars where people who mattered could see us. We’d busted our asses, put in our time, and it was finally paying off. Now we were on a fucking tour with one of the fastest-growing bands in the US. As far as I was concerned, Chris Evers could be Satan himself—as long as he kept living up to his own hype, I was on board.

Looking across the shitty apartment, I spotted Tatum sitting on the worn-to-hell couch Mace and I had found in the alley behind our building. I broke from the guys and headed toward my girl, scooping her into my arms and spinning her in a circle.

“You hear that, baby? It’s finally fuckin’ happening. We’re going on tour!”

She smiled and placed a kiss on my lips, but there was an uncertainty in her eyes that made an uncomfortable knot form in my stomach. Something was off. Tatum hadn’t been herself for a long time now, and I didn’t understand why. I got the impression that Chris made her uncomfortable and that she didn’t trust him, but she’d never spoken a word against him, and the guy hadn’t done anything to warrant us dropping him. I kept telling myself that it was just the instability of our life over the past eighteen months that had been weighing on her. Now that the doors were finally starting to open for us, she could breathe a little easier.

“That’s fantastic, Deck. I’m so happy for you guys.”

I set her back on her feet but kept her close. “What’s wrong, Tate? You don’t look that excited.”

“No, I am!” she declared loudly. Her expression finally began to warm, and genuine happiness shined in her eyes. “This is it, honey. I’m freaking thrilled.”

Resting my forehead against hers, I spoke in a hushed voice. “Nothin’ but good from here on out, baby.”

“I’m so proud of you,” she replied, her tone just as quiet as mine.

“I’m gonna give you the world, Tatum Valentine. Just wait and see.”

Her smile wobbled as tears pooled in her eyes. “I don’t need the world. All I need is you.”

She might not need it, but like hell I wasn’t going to give it to her. She deserved nothing but the best. My girl deserved to eat at the best restaurants, wear the most expensive clothes, live in the biggest house I could build her. She deserved to drip with diamonds. And I was going to make all of that happen.

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Don’t miss the rest of the series:

Corrupt (Civil Corruption #1)

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Consume (Civil Corruption #3)

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Ravage (Civil Corruption #4)

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Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That’s why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy–she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she’s also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books–romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it’s a passion…there’s a difference. Not that she’d expect a boy to understand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

RELEASE DAY BLITZ – Rome’s Chance by Joanna Wylde

April 24, 2018April 24, 20188 Comments

Title: Rome’s Chance
Author: Joanna Wylde
Series: Reapers MC #6.6
Release Date: April 24, 2018

Rome McGuire knew he was in trouble the first time he saw her.

She was sweet and pretty and just about perfect in every way. She was also too young and innocent for the Reapers Motorcycle Club. He did the right thing, and walked away.

The second time, he couldn’t resist tasting her.

Gorgeous and smart, fun and full of wonder, she jumped on his bike and would’ve followed him anywhere. Still, she deserved a shot at happiness somewhere bigger and better than a town like Hallies Falls. Walking away wasn’t so easy that time, but her family needed her and he had a job to do.

When she came around a third time, he’d had enough. Randi Whittaker had been given two chances to escape, and now it was time for Rome to take his.

This time, the only way Randi would be leaving Hallies Falls was on the back of Rome’s bike.

Joanna Wylde returns to the world of the Reapers MC with her sweet, sexy novella, Rome’s Chance! While I’m not sure I would categorize this as a second-chance romance (the couple went on one date years before this story takes place), there is a definite familiarity between Rome and Randi that sparks an instant and intense chemistry. As Randi tries to resist Rome’s pull, the tension becomes palpable to the point of combustion and that moment when these two finally collide is seriously satisfying. I enjoyed getting to know Randi, but I definitely would have liked to unravel Rome a bit more. His apparent dichotomy was certainly captivating, but I felt as if this story barely scratched the surface of what made this hero tick. Heartfelt, angsty, and utterly electric, Rome’s Chance has a little bit of everything I’ve come to love about Joanna Wylde’s writing.

“I wasn’t used to taking chances. Taking chances meant taking risks, and most of my life had been damage control.”

This is a quick read that packs quite the emotional punch. Rome’s Chance tackles some real issues with plenty of sexy interludes sprinkled in to fan the flames of this couple’s electric attraction. Admittedly, the pacing was a bit uneven with the storyline building steadily only to resolve fairly quickly. I was definitely left wanting more of Rome and Randi then what this novella delivered. If you’re a fan of Joanna Wylde and her delicious biker book boyfriends, you’ll be happy to get glimpses of some familiar faces further into their happily ever afters. For new readers, this standalone novella is a great taste of the raw emotion, intriguing storyline, and unforgettable characters that make up the Reapers MC series. Enchanting, colorful, and as addictive as ever, Rome’s Chance will leave you wanting more from Joanna Wylde!

“Randi?” I froze, because I knew that voice.

Rome McGuire.

The sound was rough and sexy, with just a hint of a growl. Deeper than it’d been eight years ago, when I’d thrown caution to the wind and hopped on the back of his motorcycle for one glorious night.

Back then, I’d still been a shy little thing, terrified that some hot biker might actually want to talk to me, let alone take me out. When I caught him watching me at the party, I remembered studying the floor, his shirt collar, even the beer in my plastic cup, because I hadn’t known what to do with myself around such raw male glory. Apparently some things never change, because when I turned to face him, I found myself staring at the floor again.

This was a mistake, because his feet were down there. And the battered, black leather boots he wore led to jeans-covered legs. Legs topped by thick, muscular thighs.

Stop it. You’re acting like a giant dork! My brain hissed.

Oblivious and mesmerized, my gaze rose to the faded denim around his fly, and it was all over. My eyes started tracing the folds of the Okanogan Fire and Rescue T-shirt covering his still-muscular chest, although the Reapers Motorcycle Club vest he wore was a change. Back then, he’d been hanging around the Nighthawk Raiders MC. That whole club had disappeared for reasons I’d never fully understood, and the Reapers had taken over the town shortly afterward. Apparently Rome was one of them now.

Interesting…

I’d always wondered what’d happened to Rome after I’d left. We’d never said goodbye. That summer, the wildfires had swept through so fast that my family had to evacuate with the clothes on our backs. We hadn’t bothered to come back and sift through the ashes.

I’d kept in touch with my old boss, Tinker, of course.

I’d even considered asking her about Rome, but in some ways those fires were the best thing that ever happened to me. Starting over meant starting college in Missoula, and then a whole new life.

Wasn’t like Rome and I could’ve ever been anything real, anyway. Guys like him weren’t for girls like me.

My gaze reached his neck, which bristled with thick, black stubble that was more than a little out of control—this was different from when I’d known him before. Not that he’d ever been baby-faced, but he’d definitely matured. Now there were a few wrinkles around those dark blue eyes, although the dimple was still there. So was the crooked smile that’d spontaneously combusted my panties.

Correction.

A crooked smile that was currently combusting my panties. Who knew that a supermarket could be such dangerous territory?

“Been a long time,” he said. I shrugged, unsure what to say. I mean, yeah, we’d gone out on a date. He’d kissed me and wow… Not that we’d gotten much past second base, but he’d scored a home run in the lower deck of my ballpark, if you know what I mean. But he was one of those guys—you know, the kind of guys who hit lots of home runs with lots of girls.

“Yeah, well…” My words trailed off.

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Don’t miss the rest of the Reapers MC series:

Reaper’s Property (Reapers MC #1)

Reaper’s Legacy (Reapers MC #2)

Devil’s Game (Reapers MC#3)

Reaper’s Stand (Reapers MC #4)

Reapers and Bastards (Reapers MC #4.5)

Read our review HERE
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Reaper’s Fall (Reapers MC #5)

Reaper’s Fire (Reapers MC #6)

Shade’s Lady (Reapers MC #6.5)

Joanna Wylde started her writing career in journalism, working in two daily newspapers as both a reporter and editor. Her career has included many different jobs, from managing a homeless shelter to running her own freelance writing business, where she took on projects ranging from fundraising to ghostwriting for academics. During 2012 she got her first Kindle reader as a gift and discovered the indie writing revolution taking place online. Not long afterward she started cutting back her client list to work on Reaper’s Property, her breakout book. It was published in January 2013, marking the beginning of a new career writing fiction.

Joanna lives in the mountains of northern Idaho with her family.

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NEW RELEASE REVIEW & GIVEAWAY – The Pleasure of Panic by JA Huss

April 10, 2018June 27, 20183 Comments

Title – The Pleasure of Panic
Author – JA Huss
Publication Date – April 10, 2018
Series – Jordan’s Game #2

From NYT Bestselling Author, JA Huss, comes a new sexy standalone in the Jordan’s Game series. Issy is about to have the night of her life! Her sexual fantasy is about to come true thanks to Jordan Wells and his little fantasy fulfillment business. Or is it?

A new day. A new game. A new girl to (try and) please.
Issy Grey is a control freak. There’s no problem she can’t solve. Issy’s also a successful self-help author, presenter, and life coach. She has every answer, every time you ask for it.

That is… until her BFF butts into her life and signs her up for a sexual fantasy fulfillment game she never asked to play!

Now she can’t turn it off! She can’t quit, because Jordan Wells refuses to admit she’s even a player!

And she can’t get rid of the man assigned to pleasure her with panic, because he’s her new bodyguard!

Just… WTF?

I don’t know how JA Huss continues to come up with mind-blowing, unique stories, but I am so freaking glad that she does! The Pleasure of Panic is the second book in the Jordan’s Game series, though if you understand the premise, it’s not really required to read the first. There were so many twists and turns that I was never able to find my footing, but I mean that only in the best way possible. The characters piqued my interest, but the plot kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. I definitely felt myself needing more and more of this fantastic book.

“Is it a game? Or isn’t it? I can’t tell anymore.”

Issy and Finn were an unexpected couple in that I’m not sure I ever would have paired them together in my head. Issy was the very embodiment of strength and perseverance. She was a survivor who yearned to teach other women how to live to their full potential, and I loved how she got that message across. She used the scars of her past to brighten her future and it instantly endeared me to her, even if she used hiding as her coping mechanism. Our hero Finn was, in many ways, lost and just surviving his day to day; he was stuck in his past and never really moving forward. When they came together, it felt like they offered each other a power to free themselves. They didn’t have to be tied down by chains anymore and I loved how that ended up playing out. It served as an interesting dynamic to watch unfold because while I loved the characters in the beginning, they also grew and changed in such a short amount of time.

“Because hours to us are like years for others. And we’ve spent a lifetime together since we met last night.”

The Pleasure of Panic was a twisted story that I never wanted to end. There was a surprise around every corner that constantly kept me on my toes. If you like your romance dirty with your suspense even dirtier, I definitely suggest checking this novel out. The characters are quirky and fun, the plot is engaging, and the writing is out of this world. There’s a reason Huss is one of my go-to favorite authors, but The Pleasure of Panic definitely took it to a whole new level!

ISSY

The problem with this night is… some of it was fun. I mean, I’m pretty disappointed that this isn’t a game. Unless he’s lying, but I really don’t think he’s lying. He can’t be that good an actor. And we really were down at the Federal Building and I really was locked in an interrogation room, and he and his partner really did question me.

So what the fuck is going on?

And, more importantly, why the fuck is this happening to me? I mean, I was just minding my own business, doing my thing, and then wham. Bullshit everywhere I turn. It’s bad enough that Chella talked Jordan into a game for me. I mean, that’s a little bit humiliating all by itself. But then to be turned down?

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I say, looking out the window as the world whips by. We’re on I-70 now, heading back towards Denver, and I can just see the glow of city lights peeking over the top of the mountains. There’s no traffic, so we should be back in downtown in like twenty minutes.

“OK,” he says. But it’s one of those OK’s that really means, You’re full of shit.

“I didn’t.”

“Fine. I’m agreeing with you.”

“But your agreement is really just placating me.”

“If you say so, Issy.”

I huff out a breath of air and decide to drop it.

“But you don’t make sense. And you know that. Your background is… well, spotty.”

Yup. It is. But there’s no way he could find out about my past. Like, literally, no way. That girl doesn’t exist anymore. So I don’t agree or disagree with his initial assessment.

“Which means it’s either completely made up or you’ve somehow erased parts of it. So which is it?”

I ignore him.

“I’m gonna figure it out.”

“Why?” I say, turning my body to face him. I’m angry now. “Why do you need to figure it out? Why can’t you just drop the whole fucking thing?”

“Because you’re somehow involved in a terror threat.”

“Says you,” I spit. “That’s probably bullshit. You guys probably made that up to make me vulnerable. To make me cooperate. And it’s not gonna work.”

“We didn’t make it up.” He laughs. “This is the fucking FBI, Issy. We’ve got better things to do than play sex games with you.”

“Could you just shut up?”

“Fine,” he says, pressing a button on the navigation panel. Music starts to play, something beat-y, and hypnotic, and dark, which does nothing for my already dark mood. But he stays silent all the way into downtown. All the way to my house.

I open the door as soon as the car stops, just trying to get away from him as quickly as possible, but then he shuts the car off.

“No,” I say, shaking my head, one leg already out the door. “No, you’re not coming in.”

“Fine,” he says, shrugging. “But I’m not leaving either.”

I get out, slam the door, walk up to my house, keys already in hand, open the door, slam it closed behind me, and flick on the light.

And then I do most of that backwards. I open the door back up, slam it behind me, skip down the porch stairs, run down the walkway, and open the car door back up.

“Forget something?” he asks, while texting on his phone.

“Someone was in my house.”

He stops texting. “What?”

“It’s ransacked, Finn!” I grab my hair with frustration. “Someone went through my house!”

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Don’t Miss the Other Standalones in the Series!

Total Exposure (Jordan’s Game #1)

The Boyfriend Experience (Jordan’s Game #3)

Play Dirty (Jordan’s Game #4)

JA Huss

JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her blog, New Adult Addiction (www.jahuss.com).

If you’re interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

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REVIEW TOUR – The Birthday List by Devney Perry

April 4, 2018April 3, 2018Leave a comment

Title – The Birthday List
Author – Devney Perry
Publication Date – April 3, 2018

Happily married to her college sweetheart, Poppy lived a blessed life with the husband of her dreams. Then everything changed. She is no longer a wife. She is no longer the envy of her single friends. Now, people look at her with pity as they whisper a single word behind her back.

Widow.

Years after her husband’s tragic death, years of pain and sorrow and wishing for the life she’ll never get back, Poppy decides to finish Jamie’s birthday list. She’ll do the things he wanted to most. Because maybe, just maybe, if she can complete his list, she can start to live again.

Poppy expects going through the birthday list will be hard. She expects it to hurt. But what she doesn’t expect is Cole. Could the man who delivered the news of her husband’s death and shattered her heart be the one to help her put it back together again?

This is the first book I’ve picked up by Devney Perry, but I can say with absolute certainty that it won’t be the last. I knew going into The Birthday List that it would be emotional at times, especially given the blurb, but I never could have imagined the unforgettable journey that Perry would take me on. The writing was mesmerizing, the characters were troubled yet real, and the plot was done in a way that I haven’t previously encountered. Altogether, it delivered a magical read that I never wanted to end.

“Because closure was the one thing she craved as much as love. She was desperate for someone to tell her it was okay to start living again.”

After her husband passed away in a tragic accident, Poppy decided that she needed to fulfill his birthday list. I’m not sure where the author came up with these items to do, but I loved the diversity of them. Some were serious, others were silly; there were items for himself, and some for the love of his life. It helped me to fall in love with his character even though we never really met him. Not only did we see Jamie through Poppy’s eyes, but readers were able to get a real sense of who he was through the things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Furthermore, it instantly likened me to Poppy because I could sense how down to earth and authentic she was. However, what would a romance novel be without a current day hero to fall in love with? Let me just say, Cole is the man that every girl dreams of. He was patient, understanding, and impossible not to root for. He was so gentle in his approach to Poppy and their friendship but still completely dedicated and sure of what he wanted. Together, these two felt so effortless and they just made sense. I hardcore swooned and felt my heart beating out of my chest as their relationship progressed.

“Maybe I didn’t have to be strong enough to banish the pain away all by myself. Maybe being strong meant learning to lean on those who would take some of the pain away. Like the man at my side.”

While the characters were fantastic, I truly believe that it was Devney Perry’s writing that kept me aching for more. She has a magical quality to her storytelling ability that left me feeling like I was falling down a rabbit hole, but only in the best sense of the term. I’ve heard lots of buzz around this author’s previous books, and I’m now kicking myself for not listening sooner. The Birthday List left me with all the feels and I have no doubt that other readers will put it down feeling the same! If you’re looking for a book that delivers, then you should definitely dive into this one…you won’t regret the epic journey it will take you on!

Turning to the door, I smiled, ready to greet my late-evening customer, but faltered as the door closed behind him.

Cole Goodman was walking my way.

My belly dipped as I took him in. His aviator sunglasses were perched on top of his chocolate-brown hair. A black polo stretched across his broad shoulders and pulled tight across his muscled arms. His pale-blue jeans molded to his Herculean thighs before draping down to his black, square-toed boots. The leather belt on Cole’s trim waist held both a shining badge and a holstered gun.

Cole smiled and locked his light-green eyes on mine as he crossed the room.

His straight, white teeth made my breath hitch—something that had happened last night more times than I wanted to admit.

Molly, who had turned around from her seat to greet our customer, spun around so her back was to Cole. Her cheeks flushed as she whispered, “Wow.”

Wow was right.

Cole Goodman was—simply put—gorgeous.

He could give a woman a speeding ticket and get a thank-you in return. He inspired women to attempt push-ups in a karate class just for the chance to watch him sweat through his gi. Cole made grown women blush like teenagers and giggle in corners, like those girls at the dojo last night.

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Devney is the USA Today bestselling author of the Jamison Valley series. She lives in Montana with her husband and two children. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her kids. She loves reading and, after consuming hundreds of books, decided to share her own stories. Devney loves hearing from readers! Connect with her on social media.

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BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY – Recovered by Jay Crownover

March 29, 2018March 28, 2018Leave a comment

Title: Recovered
Author: Jay Crownover
Release Date: March 27, 2018

It was hate at first sight……

Affton
I hated Cable James McCaffrey.
He was entitled, spoiled, a user…and an addict.
He was out of control and didn’t bother trying to hide it.
He had everything anyone could want but still seemed miserable and lost.
Every move he made, every mistake he stumbled his way through, rubbed me the wrong way. However, I couldn’t stop myself from trying to save him from himself when no one else would. In the sweltering heat of the summer, Cable taught me that having it all means nothing if you can’t have the one thing you want more than anything else.

Cable
I was obsessed with Affton Reed.
She was rigid, uptight, and no fun. There was something about her innate goodness that called to me.
She acted like she was above all the normal faults and failures that clung to the rest of us like the scent of smoke after a fire.
I was infatuated with her, but that didn’t stop me from acting like she didn’t exist.
In the scorching heat of summer, Affton taught me that there is always a way back from the brink of despair. She showed me that the trick to having it all was realizing that it was already there, in my hands. All I had to do was hold onto it.

The road to recovery is full of twists and turns no matter who is in the driver’s seat.

An unforgettable journey of forgiveness and healing, Jay Crownover has truly outdone herself with Recovered. Cable and Affton’s story is steeped in tragedy, regret, and loss, yet there is something about their inimitable connection and undeniable chemistry that promises to mend even the most battered of hearts. Jay Crownover does not disappoint, delivering a journey that shatters before it soothes. Affton and Cable are as unlikely as they are meant for each other, and I completely lost myself in their painful honesty, easy banter, incendiary attraction, and deep understanding of one another’s pain.

“Well . . . I’m going to ruin you, and you . . . you’re going to do your best to save me.”

Cable is nothing you’d expect in a hero and yet somehow by the end of the book, I couldn’t see him as anything else. I was immediately enchanted by Cable’s charm, but it was his flaws that completely stole my heart. Haunted, angry, and desperately lost, Cable was challenged (and challenging in his own right) at every turn. As Affton shined her light on his darkness, a vulnerable, broken boy emerged with the inner strength to overcome his demons. I adored the way Jay Crownover so completely unraveled this character and the care with which she pieced him back together. Heart wrenching, gritty, and real, Cable’s personal transformation was wholly satisfying.

“We ignited. We went up in flames. We burned and singed each other over and over again.”

There should be more heroines like Affton. This quiet, contemplative girl blew me away as she repeatedly proved to be the force of nature capable of knocking Cable off his feet. Affton had plenty of her own insecurities and fears, and it was these qualities that made her so easy to relate to and root for. Affton experienced the world with a genuine understanding of life’s capacity for pain and disappointment and yet she held out hope that tomorrow would be better. The walls Affton built crumbled in Cable’s presence, and I enjoyed every moment of this character’s unmasking. Jay Crownover opened Affton up slowly and purposefully, revealing a woman with the power to make a difference.

“I thought hating Cable James McCaffrey was overwhelming. Hating him had nothing on loving him.”

Recovered wasn’t as dark as I had imagined. Jay Crownover effortlessly balanced the gritty, hard truth of addiction with plenty of tender, hopeful, sexy and unexpectedly sweet moments. The author’s personal connection to Affton and Cable’s journey was undeniable, made obvious by the overwhelming raw emotion and genuine vulnerability of this story. I didn’t just read this one; I devoured it. Affton’s cracked heart and kind soul made her the perfect match for Cable’s rough and damaged bad boy persona. Together, these characters made magic. Recovered is Jay Crownover at her absolute best and unquestionably one of my favorite books this year!

5++ Stars!!!

CABLE

I knew I was a mess.

Unhinged and hanging on the precipice of becoming someone who was beyond any kind of redemption. I teetered on the brink of making bad choices every moment I was awake, but somehow, some way, I always managed to keep myself from going completely over. It was the look in Affton’s eyes when I came out of my epic freak-out that had me keep one foot on the line and one foot behind it. There was genuine concern for me in those pretty, almost purple eyes. There was worry and want she tried to hide in that gaze, as well. She tried to hate me, but she was too good of a person, too compassionate and empathetic to follow through on those emotions. She cared, and it scared the holy fuck out of me.

I had no clue what to do with these new feelings. I was sure I didn’t want her to give a crap about me. I had no idea how to navigate genuine, sincere compassion. I was inexperienced in dealing with emotion that wasn’t leveraged or manipulated. I was unsettled and acutely aware of her.

Every breath she took, I swore I could hear.

Every time she blinked, those eyes that saw far too much and witnessed as I ducked and dodged her. I watched them grow dark blue, blooming like a bruise as she tried to hide the way my evasion hurt her.

Every time I sidestepped and ignored her, I swore I could feel the way her blood billed, and her aggravation made her warm from head to toe. I got hard at the way she flushed a pretty pink when I pissed her off, but I wasn’t going out of my way to tell her that. I wasn’t going out of my way to tell her anything.

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Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, the Point Series, the Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

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BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY – Dignity by Jay Crownover

October 19, 2017October 19, 20171 Comment

Title: Dignity
Author: Jay Crownover
Series: The Breaking Point #2
Release Date: October 17, 2017

Looks can be deceiving.

I knew that most people took one look at the ink and the impossibly big and strong body it covered and decided I was a brawler…a bruiser…a beast. However, I was hardwired to be a thinker, not a fighter.

I should have chosen to use my brain and talents to be one of the good guys, a hero, a man with dignity and worth.

I turned my back on dignity and sold my soul to the highest bidder, deciding to dance with the devil, instead.

I couldn’t figure out how to help myself, so there was zero chance I knew how to save someone else.

That someone else was Noe Lee. She was the unkempt, unruly thief who was just as smart as I was and twice as street savvy. She was annoyingly adorable beneath the dirt and grime, and she was in trouble. In way over her head, I told myself it wasn’t my job to keep her from drowning. In the Point, it was sink or swim, and I wasn’t the designated lifeguard on duty.

I shut the door in her face, but now she’s gone…vanished…disappeared without a trace. It took less than a second for me to realize that I wanted her back.

When a woman comes along that melts all the frozen, hard things you’re made of; you’ll do anything you have to, to bring her home.

What you see is not always what you get…and with a man like me, what you get is more than anyone ever bargained for.

No one does bad better than Jay Crownover. Dignity is the perfect new addition to The Breaking Point series and another addictive look into the vibrant, colorful, and unforgettable Point family. I didn’t have many expectations for Noe and Stark’s story so I was particularly blown away by the sexy, smart, and surprisingly sweet read. Jay Crownover didn’t just make me care about this couple; she made me feel for them until it hurt. I adored the immediate chemistry that sparked between the two geniuses and loved watching their tenuous connection develop into something deep and real. This duo stole my heart with their ferocity and strength of character. Noe and Stark knew what they wanted and they fought hard for every piece of it.

“I owed the villains everything. They took me the way I was with no questions asked.”

Noe and Stark were delightfully unique characters and I quickly fell head over heels for their particular brand of badass genius. Although they met under unusual circumstances, this pair found a kindred spirit in one another. Their time together fueled something passionate and undeniably significant that didn’t disappoint. Jay Crownover did a phenomenal job developing these characters over the course of their journey. I loved watching Stark’s heart thaw as Noe made him truly feel and I enjoyed experiencing Noe’s growth into a woman who no longer had to hide in the shadows. Stark became a man with something worth fighting for while Noe found a voice that demanded to be heard. Together this couple evolved into a force of nature all their own.

“Maybe it’s not about what we can’t do. Maybe it’s about the fact you tried to do something in the first place.”

From the very first page, Dignity had me riveted. Jay Crownover’s writing is as polished and enthralling as ever. Her breathtaking imagery, lovable characters, and captivating storyline brought this unique novel to life with the kind of powerful emotions I’ve come to love from this author. Dignity was paced to be devoured and I certainly did just that. I rooted for Noe in all of her brave and unapologetic glory and fell hard and fast for the utterly swoon-worthy Stark. Jay Crownover even gave readers a glimpse at previous couples from the Point in an incredibly satisfying way. Dignity gave me all the feels, making my return trip to the Point just as brilliant and downright stunning as I’d hoped it would be. Fans of Jay Crownover will love this new novel. Noe and Stark’s story is another hands-down hit from this talented author!

I was dragging ass when I took the stairs up to Booker’s unit. Typically, I could run up the three flights and not even get winded, but I was running on fumes and the last traces of adrenaline. My brain was fuzzy, and my normally sharp thoughts felt scattered and unruly. The past and the present were at war in my mind, and the battle for which one made me feel worse was raging.

I made my way through the quiet loft listening for any sound that would indicate Noe was up and moving around. When I got closer to the bedroom, I heard the shower running and swear words chasing the steam out of the open door. It was going to be painful for a while when the water sluiced over her wounds. The thought had me squeezing my eyes closed and clenching my hands into fists. Just because tough things didn’t break didn’t mean they couldn’t be damaged, dented, and scratched. The fact Noe was currently suffering so much wear and tear because of me scraped across my skin and dug into my belly like sharp knives.

I was turning to walk out of the room so she could finish in peace when the running water went silent and her swearing ramped up a notch. I heard her banging around in the bathroom and then she yelled, “Booker, I need a towel! I’m dripping all over your floor.”

I opened my mouth to tell her Booker was gone and that I would go find her one. I didn’t need her poking through his stuff and running across a submachine gun or a rocket launcher. My brain was ping-ponging between annoyance that she’d called for Booker instead of me and the unrelenting image of her, naked, wet, and dripping onto the tile. I wasn’t a guy prone to fantasy, but damn if I didn’t get all kinds of caught up in the thought of her pretty olive skin glistening with moisture from head to toe. I needed to get away from her. I needed space so I could find a way to wrap armor back around all the soft parts of me she exposed.

I was shaking my head to marshal my thoughts back in order when I heard her swear again. Suddenly, like I conjured her out of a dream, Noe was standing in the pocket doorway of the bathroom wearing nothing more than a scowl of irritation and shimmery, shiny water droplets. Her midnight-colored eyebrows shot up to her hairline, and a bright pink flush stained the top of her chest and crawled up her neck into her face. She didn’t lift her hands to cover herself. She stood as still as I was, not moving at all under my furious and hungry gaze.

I wanted to be polite and look away. I told myself it was rude to stare and that the last thing she needed was some guy she barely knew gawking at her like she was a priceless work of art on a museum wall. I berated myself for this invasion of privacy but none of the lecturing or preaching did any good. The only way I could have torn my eyes off that petite frame, with it’s perfectly perky breasts and slightly rounded hips, was if someone slapped them out of my head. I couldn’t blink. I was scared to breathe. I felt like if I moved at all she would bolt like a startled deer, and I needed another second, another minute, another hour, to memorize every single part of her.

She was small, but all the parts added up to perfection. Seeing her like this, stripped bare with nothing to hide behind, I couldn’t believe I’d ever been stupid enough think she was a boy. Everything about her was delicate, feminine, and soft. The hollow of her neck, the elegant curve of her shoulders, the flare of her hips and the fullness of her ass. Her legs weren’t long, but they were toned and shapely. She was the very definition of good things coming in small packages and all I wanted to do was wrap her up and put her on a shelf that was too high and too hard to reach for anyone but me.

Choking on possession and a surge of lust unlike anything I’d ever felt, I belatedly turned my back on her and muttered thickly, “I used all the towels in there last night when I cleaned you up. I’ll go find where Booker keeps the extras.”

She moved. I felt it. The current that ran between us pulsed and throbbed with something hot. I heard her bare feet on the carpet and it took every ounce of willpower I possessed to keep my feet planted and my back turned. She was naked in a room with a very big bed and I was a man who never had such a visceral reaction to anyone…ever. If I had a switch, Noe Lee was the only person who had ever come along and flipped it. I was the actual definition of turned on when I had been off for most of my life.

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Don’t miss the rest of the series:

Honor (The Breaking Point #1)

Respect (The Breaking Point #3) – Booker & Karsen’s Story

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BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY – Five by JA Huss

September 19, 2017January 15, 20181 Comment

Title – Five
Author – JA Huss
Publication Date – September 19, 2017
Series – Rook & Ronin Spin-Off; Mister Series Prequel

Five Aston has known Rory Shrike for as long as he can remember. He played with her in the sandbox. He went to every damn horse show just to be supportive. He helped her with her French, walked her home from school, and faked his test scores just to stay with her a little longer and not be sent off to college early.
But eventually he had to move on.
And so did she.
Never has a second chance meant so much to a boy who loves a girl.

A standalone book that is also a spin-off of the Rook & Ronin Series and prequel to the Mister Series. You can read it first, you can read it last. It doesn’t really matter because it’s f*cking Five.

Have you ever waited years for a book’s release only to be nervous to open the pages once it’s finally in your hands? That is so much time to build up hype and imagine just what could happen, but also could result in a huge disappointment. Needless to say, I’ve been experiencing this insane, anxious feeling over the release of Five from the moment J.A. Huss announced that Five and his Princess would finally be getting their book. I’m not quite sure why I had so much worry because knowing this author and the way she never disappoints, I should have known that I would be in good hands. Five delivered on every single explosive point, leaving me second guessing everything.

“I’m just like my mom. Hot-tempered blonde bombshell, ready to explode. And he’s just like his dad. Control freak with a side of sexy. But this is who we are. Headstrong, and bossy, and competitive.”

I was first introduced to these characters when they were super young, so I already had a basis for my infatuation. However to see them as adults was just utter perfection. Every trait that they had as children seemed to strengthen and oh…my…goodness. Rory was the Princess, but she also became so confident and hard-headed. She was the definition of strong and badass, and I could not get enough. Five was a little more aloof than I had expected him to be, but it ended up working in his favor. As the tale unfolded, readers were allowed into his thought process and why he acted the way he did, and oh man. All I can say is that everyone is in for one heck of a ride! Together, these two were an explosive push and pull of everything I love to see in the characters I read. I could feel their passion and chemistry, but above all else, I could feel their love. Huss has never written a character that disappointed me, but there was definitely something extra special about these two.

“Spencer Shrike raised a warrior princess, not a helpless one. You, of all people, know this.”

In case you haven’t read anything by this incredibly talented author, I will let you in on a little secret. She writes her stories the way she envisions them, bleeds her passion into the words, and allows all the good and bad to come together in a way that will leave your head spinning. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the release of Five, but I did have the bar set extremely high. Whether you are new to her writing, or have known Five and Rory since the days of Shrike Bikes, buckle up and prepare for one heck of a ride because J.A. Huss does NOT disappoint, but will absolutely leave you breathless for more!

“You want a kiss?”

“Mmmhmm,” I say, closing my eyes as I picture it. God, I’ve dreamed of this moment for ages. “I really need one, Five.”

His mouth touches my earlobe. Lips caress the soft skin of my neck. “Like this?” he asks.

“Yes,” I practically moan. “Just… like… that.”

“Do you want more, Princess?” he asks, his voice low now. Growly. Filled with so much promise.

“More, please,” I say, in my sweetest princess voice.

“Then promise me, baby. Just say those two words. ‘I promise.’ And as soon as you do that, I’ll give you everything you want. OK?”

“Five,” I moan. “Just—”

His hands come up suddenly. He cups my face, stares into my eyes with the most sincere expression I’ve ever seen on him. And underneath that sincerity, I see… fear. “Promise me.”

“Five,” I say, unable to stop staring back. This is everything. Everything I’ve always dreamed of. Five pressing me up against a wall. Me, the only thing on his mind. Except I’m not the only thing on his mind, am I? No. Those creeps from the past are back. That’s why he’s here. And even though I’d normally not give in so easy, I know this is not a game. So I say, “I promise. Now stop talking, you stupid genius, and kiss me already.”

He smiles. Leans in. I close my eyes, ready for it. Finally gonna get what I want.

But then he moves his mouth to my ear and nibbles on my lobe. “Good girl,” he coos. “But I’m not sure I believe you, Princess. I can feel those wheels turning inside your head. They’re grinding hard.” He presses his hard cock against my hip when he says that last part. “So I’m gonna hold off on that kiss until I get back tonight. And if you’ve been good, and if you’ve held up your end of the—”

“What?” I say, pushing him back. “You will do no such thing, Five Aston! I want a fucking kiss and I want one right now! I’ve waited six years for this, and denying me is practically emotional abuse. Now stop fucking around and kiss me, goddammit!”

“Who’s the boss of you, Rory?”

I huff out some air. “Me.”

He smiles. It’s a big, genuine, I’m-gonna-teach-you-who’s-boss smile. “Wrong answer.”

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Don’t Miss the Rest of the Series!

Mr. Perfect (Mister #1)