Monthly Archives: June 2015
Audio Review: Exquisite Trouble by Ann Mayburn
Exquisite Trouble
Ann Mayburn
Iron Horse MC, Book 1
- Narrated by:
- Release Date:02-23-15
Published July 15th 2014 by Fated Desires Publishing, LLC
Before I met Smoke I’d never been kissed, really kissed, by a man, let alone a biker sex god bent on taking my virginity and my heart.
I got dragged into the deadly world of the Iron Horse MC by my crazy twin sister who is engaged to the club’s President and even crazier mom who only cares about herself. Smoke has been assigned by the club to keep me safe even though he’s everything that I should be afraid of. He’s the kind of man who lives by his own rules and does whatever he wants whenever he wants, but he treats me like I’m something rare and precious, not a socially dysfunctional basket case who has no idea how to love, but needs him more than her next breath.
Not that my feelings matter, because if we don’t find my mother soon, the only thing I’ll have to be worried about is who is going to kill me first.
NOTE- This is Part One of a Two Part book with a ‘Happy for Now’ ending.
4.5 Stars
Smoke sets a woman on fire. Ex military and current Sergeant at Arms for the Iron Horse, this man’s mouth will send chills running from head to toes. Dangerous, sexy and raw, Smoke’s life walks a line that has most people running away screaming. When protection makes the badass fall hard, he and his exquisitely delightful and dirty mouth will stop at nothing to get the woman that has become his world.
Swan is so complex and simple all in one. Smart, beautiful, sheltered and naïve. Living in a bubble of a world, her social skills may not be up to par, but she can withstand and endure things most grown men can’t. Drawn into a world unknown to her simple life, Swan falls into head over heals in more ways than one. Family, independence and a God of a man, change her life in a blink of an eye.
Ann Mayburn’s Exquisite Trouble is wickedly delicious and sinfully naughty. Tempting, titillating and raw. An edgy story that will leave the lover of erotic romance panting. The dual narration by Andy Ross and Stephanie Wyles makes this a dangerous book to listen to while driving. Headphones are advised! Dirty talking men at their finest! If you are a fan of erotic romance( even if you don’t like MC) Exquisite Trouble is a must.
Audiobook from my personal library.
ARC Review: Beneath These Chains by Meghan March
Beneath These Chains
Meghan March
Beneath Series, Book 3
Published: June 16, 2015 by Meghan March
I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job.
She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave.
Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated.
We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past.
But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?
5 Stars
Lord’s book, Hot Damn!
Not only does Meghan March write New Orleans like you’re walking the streets of the city. She had now created the perfect alpha man with Lord, in Beneath These Chains, the third book of the Beneath series.
Lord is that big, dominant, intimidating and down right scary to most guy. He’s also smart, sexy and has southern charm that could melt panties. Tattooed and all bad ass, lives on the wrong side of the tracks and people know not to mess with him. Lords past is not pretty, but all he went through truly made him into one hell of a man. If his body doesn’t get you, his unconditional caring and his upmost respect for women will.
Elle is a woman who is not going to take no for an answer. Sassy, smart and cunning, Elle pushes her way into a world she knows little about. She’s an independent woman who is trying to find freedom in her way. Her wit, sarcasm and being hard headed makes Elle one damn fine woman.
Meghan March takes her readers on a journey that will heal pain, face danger and play with ones mind. While watching chemistry ignite into passion, creating a bond in two people from opposite sides of the tracks. The book is over the top in hotness. From the perfect descriptions of the setting, to the dialogue between characters and of course, the intense ride of passion, Ms. March gives the romance reader just what they long for.
A review copy was provided by netgalley for an honest review.
ARC Review: Gypsy Beach by Jillian Neal
Gypsy Beach
Jillian Neal
A Gypsy Beach Novel
Expected publication: June 23rd 2015 by Realm Press
Single father, Ryan McNamara, returns to the only place he’d ever been happy, Gypsy Beach. This time he’s divorced, broken, but determined to make something of his life.
Sienna Cooper is determined to forget Ryan, the last decade, and all of the hurt he’d left her with. She’s got enough spunk and Gypsy fire in her soul to make this work. She’s going to run her grandmother’s inn and make it a success. But when a chance encounter throws them back together, the passions ignite and the past doesn’t feel so far out of reach.
Can they rekindle the love they’d once had? Can he convince her that he never intends to walk away again? Will a potent dose of unending lust, a lifetime of love, and enough hot-blooded Gypsy spirit be enough to save them both?
4 Stars
It’s in a gypsy’s heart to always roam, the wind will always lead them back home.
Sienna’s gypsy blood has had her roaming to find her place in the world. One of the things I enjoyed most about her. She’s a free spirit. Fun and magical, and a dreamer. Sexy is a natural way that makes her inner beauty shine through.
Ryan is a damn good man whose life got twisted though no fraught of his own. He’s trying pick up the pieces and restart his life. Putting him right in the path of the one thing that has never left his mind for the last ten years.
Jillian Neal transports the reader to what seems like a very real and magical place with her world of Gypsy Beach. Filling a cozy and charming town with interesting and charismatic people that make you laugh and think. Making the reader fall for the magic that lingers is the air like salt. Ryan and Sienna are perfect for each other. Complementing one another in every way. Gypsy Beach will make you smile. A quick, perfect beach or sitting on the deck read!
A review cool was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Meghan March’s – Beneath These Chains!
About Beneath These Chains
I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job.
She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave.
Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated.
We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past.
But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?
Lord
I fucking hated people who stole from me. Which was ironic, considering the only thing that had kept me from starving as a kid had been picking pockets and snatching purses. I dropped my elbows to the desk and rubbed a hand over my buzzed head.
“Goddamn, karma’s a bitch.”
“She the bitch you fucked last night, bro?” The leather of my office couch creaked as Mathieu sank his tall, lanky frame into it.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to call women ‘bitches,’ boy?”
My words were met with a long sigh from Mathieu. Ever since he’d walked into Chains and tried to grab a guitar and run back out the door—only to be tackled to the ground by yours truly—he’d been a fixture in my life. To be fair, his choices had been to work off the price of what he’d attempted to steal, or go directly to the nearest cop shop. The entire situation had been such a blast from the past, I’d caught myself smiling when I should’ve been glaring and scaring the piss out of the kid. But apparently I’d done an okay job of it because he’d decided starting a rap sheet at seventeen wasn’t a good plan. Thank fuck. Almost two years later, the kid was my right hand.
And now that Chains was mine, someone was stealing from me—but not just someone. An employee. Someone I should’ve been able to trust. The cameras I had installed on her day off had already paid for themselves.
I rolled my head from side to side, cracking my neck. I hated firing people. It never got easier. And this time? This time it was going to be even worse … because there would be tears. And quite possibly claws.
Pushing up from the chair, I strode to the door without looking at Mathieu. Over my shoulder, I tossed, “You might want to stay here; Brianna’s ass is about to get canned.”
“For real?” His words followed me out, but I didn’t bother to reply.
Every time I stepped foot onto the shop floor, a feeling of pride surged through me—pride that I’d helped build this business into one that was not only honest, but profitable. At least, it was profitable when one of my employees wasn’t skimming off the till and messing with my bank deposits.
Finger twirling in her long, dark extensions and gum snapping between her teeth, Brianna flipped the pages of a magazine with a giant black Sharpie in one hand, circling shit. Probably shit she wanted to buy with the money she’d been stealing from me. The store was empty, which made what I was about to do a little easier.
“Bree, need a few minutes.”
Her head popped up, lips pursing as she took me in. “You can have all the time you need, boss.” Her gaudy fake eyelashes batted at me in what I assumed was supposed to be a sexy move. I stowed the urge to tell her to save it for someone whose dick got hard at the sight of her … but since I was about to fire her, why add insult to injury? The woman had been unsuccessfully trying to add her notch to my bedpost since I’d hired her. Bringing her on had been a mistake, and I’d known it from the minute she’d walked in the door, but a friend had called in a favor.
“Boss? You had something to say?” she prompted.
I watched her, not speaking.
She stopped the hair twirling and capped the Sharpie, resituating herself on the stool and folding her hands in her lap.
“Lord?”
“You’re done.”
Bree’s dark eyes flew wide. “Done? You mean done for the day?”
“Done. For good. Get your shit and get out.”
Bree lost the innocent pose as she crossed her arms and stared me down. “Not until you tell me why.”
In two long strides, I closed the distance between the register and me and pressed my hands to the counter.
“I gave you a job. Gave you a paycheck you didn’t have to suck a dick to get. But that wasn’t enough for you. You had to have more, and instead of coming to me and asking for a raise, you decided to make it happen yourself.”
The color faded from her face, leaving her mocha-colored skin sallow. “Wh-what?”
“Get your shit.”
“I swear, I didn’t—”
“Don’t fucking lie to me. I can show you the tape if you want to see what I saw.”
Her lower lip started to wobble. It wasn’t going to work. I’d given her the benefit of the doubt, hoped I was wrong or it was just a one-time thing. But she’d gotten too bold.
“But I need this—”
I cut her off. She wasn’t even going to deny it. Not that she could. We both knew she’d done it, and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her beg or justify her actions. Even though she didn’t know it, I’d already given her a second chance. And all that had done was cost me even more than I could afford to lose. “I needed someone to work the shop—someone who wasn’t going to fuck me over and steal from me. You weren’t capable of that, so you’re out. Now get your shit.”
“But—”
“Save your breath, Bree. I ain’t listening unless you’re here to tell me you’ve got all the money you’ve taken, and you’re putting it right back where it belongs.”
Her face twisted into an angry glare even as the tears started falling. “You … you don’t understand.”
“No, I really don’t understand.” I crossed my arms and waited her out. When she realized the water works weren’t changing my decision, she spun off the stool, grabbed her giant purple purse from behind the counter, and stalked toward the door.
“You get all self-righteous with me about a little cash while you basically steal from people? Giving ‘em twenty dollars for their shit? Like you’re one to judge.”
A little cash? She’d skimmed enough to buy a nice used car, and I’d been too trusting to even realize it until the numbers hadn’t added up in a big way.
She slowed near the guitars at the front of the store and malicious glee lit her eyes.
She wouldn’t.
Oh, but she did.
Bree grabbed a guitar and swung it toward the rack as the chimes above the front door jangled. Wood crashed against wood, and two female screeches erupted.
Shit … if she injured a customer…
I charged Bree and ripped the guitar from her hands before she could swing again. A swirl of red hair caught my attention as the other woman dodged out of the strike zone.
Bree struggled against my hold, and I wondered if I was going to end up with a face full of the acrylic claws tearing at my arms. “Let go of me, you asshole!”
“Whoa, boss. Getting the door for ya.” Mathieu bolted across the shop and yanked the door open again. I hustled Bree out and set her free on the sidewalk.
She spun to face Mathieu and me. “You’re gonna regret this,” she hissed. “I swear, you will.”
A soft laugh came from the open door. “From what I’ve seen, I highly doubt it.”
Bree opened her mouth to spew something else, but I shut her down. “Get gone. I don’t ever wanna see you near my shop again.”
Bree’s flinty eyes narrowed as she shouldered her purse. “Fuck you, Lord. You think you’re better than me? Not a chance. You’re just thievin’ street scum. Fuck you.”
“And now she’s getting repetitious,” the husky female voice commented from behind me.
Lip curling in disgust, Bree turned and marched toward the corner, never looking back.
“Her exit could totally use some work, but all-in-all, that was one hell of a welcome.”
I turned to survey the woman standing in the doorway of Chains. Even without a photographic memory, I didn’t think I’d ever forget this particular pose: one arm braced on the doorframe and the other propped on her hip, a green dress hugging curves that had my entire body sitting up and taking notice. Matched with her long, curling red hair, she was a goddamn knockout. What the hell is she doing here?
“You lost, sweet thing?”
She stepped onto the sidewalk and tore the HELP WANTED sign off the bottom corner of the front window. Holding it between two fingers, she smiled. “Nope. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m your newest employee.”
About Meghan March:
Meghan March is the author of contemporary and erotic romance novels.
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.
Website: http://www.meghanmarch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeghanMarchAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Meghan_March
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184875.Meghan_March
Catch Up on the Beneath Series:
Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1)
He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.
The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.
I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.
Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22458416-beneath-this-mask
Buy Links:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1csyHrZ
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beneath-this-mask-meghan-march/1120411933?ean=9780990404828
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/beneath-this-mask/id923805936?mt=11&uo=4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meghan_March_Beneath_This_Mask?id=SAijBAAAQBAJ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-this-mask
Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2)
I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.
And then I finally had her for one night.
A night I don’t remember.
I figured I’d blown my shot.
But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.
Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?
Buy links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QtBDY4
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beneath-this-ink-meghan-march/1121197860?ean=9780990404835
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-this-ink
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meghan_March_Beneath_This_Ink?id=YaCTBgAAQBAJ&hl=en
Review: Hot Ride by Opal Carew
Hot Ride
Opal Carew
Ready to Ride series, Book 1
Prequel to Wild Ride: Invitation to Eden (Ready To Ride)(love story, contemporary romance, alpha males, heroes, sexy romance, bad boys, falling in love, bikers)
Hot, hard, fast, and handles like a dream!
Oh yeah, and the bike’s not bad either.
Hayley is looking for more excitement in her life, but doesn’t know how to find it.
Excitement finds Rip, a biker who’s seen more than his share of trouble.
When trouble finds Rip yet again and a bar brawl starts, both he and Hayley are thrown to the curb.
Hayley knows this is her chance to find the excitement she so craves, but Rip doesn’t want to be some good girl’s bad-boy experience, so he turns down her advances, leaving her feeling rejected.
But life is never that simple for Rip, and he soon finds himself in her bed and wanting more. When his three biker friends show up, Hayley’s love of numbers turns into an erotic adventure none of them will ever forget.
But is there a chance for more than that between Hayley and Rip? Find out by taking a Hot Ride you’ll never forget.
Throwing caution to the wind has never been more erotic.
Hayley is as plain as they come. The definition of normal. Until one night, when a dangerous but overwhelmingly hot biker truly makes her throw caution to the wind. Stepping out of her comfort zone shows Hayley the wild woman hiding inside.
Rip is a retired undercover cop turned bad ass biker. Sexy is an understatement, his presence is intimidating and commanding and the man could light you on fire with a look. He also will put his own ass on the line to make sure a stranger is ok. One fine man.
With one read Opal Carew has me hooked. Holy crap this short read was flippin hot. Overwhelming attraction and intense chemistry! With a few pages Ms. Carew will get your blood pumping and have you wanting to hop on the back of Rip’s biker. Alpha bikers who truly just want to ride with a good woman with them.
Signed copy from my private library.
Review: Never Let You Go By Katy Regnery
Never Let You Go
Katy Regnery
A Modern Fairytale Series
Published June 12th 2015 by Katharine Gilliam Regnery
In this modern retelling of “Hansel and Gretel,” 13-year-old foster children, Holden and Griselda, escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity and try to cross the Shenandoah River on foot. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety but the other is left behind.
Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match where her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring.
Though the connection between them is fierce, bitter regret, simmering rage and a cache of physical and emotional scars lie between them, just as dangerous as the whitewater of the Shenandoah.
Never Let You Go is a story of fear and hope, defeat and survival, and two people – once profoundly broken – who discover that love is the only thing that can make them whole again.
This is a standalone novel inspired by Hansel & Gretel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, scenes of physical abuse and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. (Note: children are not sexually abused in this book.)
For June and July 2015, 25% of all gross royalties will be donated to the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
3.5 Stars
As I begin to read Never Let You Go, I was pushing myself a bit. I ask myself why am I still reading this. I hate not finishing a book. I get to about the halfway mark and realize I have been sitting in my chair reading non stop for a few hours. As I finished the last page I knew why I had to finish reading Never Let You Go.
A story of survival, turmoil, longing, hope and romance. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Katy Regnery take the fairytale to a whole new level. Holden and Griselda are both complex and immensely strong. Both victims of circumstance into many ways. A bond that somehow stand the test of time and a trip through hell and back.
It’s generally known that I’m not a fan of New Adult romance. I feel a lack of substance and true emotions in most of them. Katy Regnery blew me out of my seat with the powerful and emotional story of Holden and Griselda. A dark and edgy tale that will make one cringe in fear and cry with joy.
A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: Hard to be Good by Laura kaye
Hard to be Good
Laura Kaye
Hard Ink Series, Book 3.5
Published April 14th 2015 by HarperCollins Publishers
Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother’s stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy’s whole world has been turned upside down—not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.
Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he’s drawn into the SF team’s investigation of his army colonel father’s corruption, he’s surprised to find acceptance and friendship—especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie’s opposite in almost every way.
With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can’t help but wonder why they’re trying so hard to be good…
4.5 Stars
Charlie and Jeremy have forged a friendship through a very twisted and hot mess of a situation. When the sh*t hits the fan these two realize they both want more than to be friends. Disaster pushes the feelings to the surface, making thoughts and fantasies a reality.
Laura Kaye just gave me my favorite friends to lovers story. Two unique and charismatic people comes together, find something worth living for in a beautiful and natural way, amongst the chaos going on around. Yes this is a M/M novella. But the story is more than two men getting together. Look at the sensuality and passion between two loving and caring people creating something stronger together. It’s a beautiful, sexy and endearing story that will get to your heart.
Print book from my personal library.
ARC Review: Flagger by Laramie Briscoe
Flagger
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy, Book 1
Published June 13th 2015 by Laramie Briscoe
Cash Montgomery likes fast cars, fast women, and living his life only as far as he can see with his own two eyes. There are very few people in his life who he answers to. One of them being his little brother Remington (Remy).
When Cash and Remy are forced to make a life-changing decision they no longer have a place to live, no idea where their next meal is going to come from, or any prospects as to how they will make it. They need help.
That help comes in the form of the Heaven Hill MC and Harper Stillwell.
Harper Stillwell comes with her own set of problems, but when she and Cash Montgomery meet, sparks fly.
None of them know what they’re doing, where they will end up, or how they’ll get there. The only thing they know is that the race for their lives is only beginning—the flag is waving—and they have to hang on for the ride.
5 Stars
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail Trilogy, FLAGGER, at top speed.
Cash Montgomery has two sides. One that people see. Another that has made him grow up way too fast, that only the closest to him even know of. Two very different people. If you have read Laramie’s Heaven Hill MC series, you may think I’m crazy, but I think Cash could give Tyler a run. Cash is an old soul in a young body.
Harper Stillwell is an amazingly sweet and strong young woman. She has a huge heart and can see the good in anyone. Despite issues from her past the plague her. She too, grew up a bit too fast. When Harper throws caution to the wind and lives a little it gave her something greater than she could have asked for.
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail trilogy, Flagger, at high speed and never lets off the gas. Raw, real and sexy. Cash and Harper both have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to their parents. Both in the same boat with different stories. Their connection, chemistry and passion will leave goosebumps. Cash and Harper together make each other feel alive. Circumstances push them together, it’s up to them to keep themselves together.
Flagger is part one of a trilogy. Yes there is a cliffhanger ending, however the first phase of the story in my mind is complete. Ms. Briscoe just does a damn good job of setting up the next book.
A copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
ARC Review: Against The Tide by Kat Martin
Against The Tide
Kat Martin
Brodies of Alaska Series, Book 3
But Liv’s past is more dangerous than Rafe could guess, and when his first mate turns up dead, she fears that she’s next. That there’s something else coming she can’t see. That even Rafe and the remote village of Valdez, Alaska can’t protect her forever…
4.5 Stars
With one book Kat Martin has made me a fan!
Liv Chandler is a strong woman, living on the run and off the grid in Alaska. Keeping people at an arm’s length and looking over her shoulder is Liv’s way of life. Until an unjustified charge and a hottie boat captain have Liv letting her guard down.
Rafe Brodie is a sexy boat captain and has had his eye on Liv for good bit. When good friend and employe is murdered, Rafe goes on a mission. Working side by side with Liv, causes chemistry and sparks to flair. Rafe sees the wall Liv has built, question is can he break it down?
Action packed, makes you think and super sexy, Kat Martin’s Against the Tide rocks! Personally, suspense and beautiful scenery. This fast paced read has it all! From beginning to end, Kat Martin will kept you on the edge on your seat, running right beside some truly awesome characters. Against the Tide is my first Kat Martin read. It will not be my last.
A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Coffee Books Life 