Monthly Archives: August 2016
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ARC Review: A Santini’s Heart by Melissa Schroeder
A Santini’s Heart
Melissa Schroeder
Santini Series, book
Harmless Publishing
August 30, 2016
Carlos Santini has seen the worst of war first hand. After leaving the Marines, he decided to open a therapy ranch. If he can’t fight anymore, he wants to help those who have served and who are still serving. Everything is fantastic, but for one little issue, his assistant, Tia Mendoza. The woman is bossy, sarcastic, and so hot he can barely keep his thoughts straight around her.
Tia loves the work she does with Carlos. She thrives helping other veterans like her brother. Of course, working for a man like Carlos isn’t easy. He has a hot temper and he is so sexy when he loses it. She can’t help but test him, until the day she pushes him too far.
Carlos knows from that first kiss that Tia is the woman for him. But, before they can have that Santini HEA, they find the ranch they both love in danger from some very bad men. As the threats grow deadly, Carlos realizes that before he can claim his woman, he will have to do everything in his power to save not only the ranch they both love, but also Tia’s life
5 Stars
Carlos Santini has been to hell and back. A retired Marine suffering from PTSD, mad at the world and everything in, found some peace and solace at an equine therapy ranch. With hard work, The companionship the horses gave and the sheer determination of proving his ball busting trainer wrong, Carlos found a way to not be so mad at the world and joy life again. Even if he’s bossy and grumpy.
Tia Mendoza has to be one of my favorite female characters that Melissa has written. She’s hard and sassy. She takes no crap and will just dish it out 10 times harder than you can. Tia is also giving, caring and independent. Losing her brother has been very hard on Tia, causing this fiery woman to lose some of her sass. Fighting an attraction while fighting depression has this ball busting woman on edge.
There is nothing like watching the moment when a Santini realizes they have falling in love. Big, hard, alpha men who put their lives on the line, stumble when their heart skips a beat and stop in their tracks almost dumbfounded. Carlos is no different than his brothers or cousins when it comes to Tia. These two tangle each other up like no other. They also have the ability to help heal each other in ways no other could. Their cheeky banter and snarkiness add to the inevitable that they’re trying to avoid. Their chemistry and attraction is off the charts sexy and hot. It also contains a deep emotional healing that you feel coming from the pages. What better way to heal than with the love of a Santini!
A Santini’s Heart is an emotional ride leaving you breathless for a cowboy!
RELEASE BLITZ: Torn by Carian Cole
I have a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, the sweet girls that try to tame them and win their hearts. My debut series, Ashes & Embers, follows the lives of rock band members as they find, and sometimes lose, the loves of their lives.
Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming.
ARC Review: Wanting It all By Christi Barth
Wanting It All
Christi Barth
Naked Men Series, Book 2
Published by Loveswept
E-Book, 224 pages
In the follow-up to Risking It All, hailed by Lauren Layne as “the perfect escapist read,” the heartthrobs of the Naked Men blog and podcast get a little too real about friendship, love, and sex. For one wealthy bachelor, the trouble starts when all three collide. . . .
After narrowly surviving a bus crash in high school with his best friends, science geek Knox Davis resolved to become so successful that he could have anything and everything he wants. Now he’s über-wealthy, a huge business success, and a notorious ladies’ man. Knox refuses to limit himself to one woman, but when his latest conquest—a blond beauty from the Alaskan bush—challenges his superficial ways, Knox begins to see the world through her eyes, and finds he likes what he sees.
A nurturer at heart, Madison Abbott wants to put down roots. She left Alaska to meet Mr. Right—and to track down Logan, the half-brother she’s never met. Instead, she finds Knox. Although the sexy-as-sin bachelor may not seem like marriage material, Madison’s starting to think that Knox is The One. But Knox refuses to settle down, especially once he learns that Madison is his best friend’s little sister. Now it’s up to her to convince Knox that she’s everything he really wants.
4 Stars
Knox Davis was the resident nerd and charity case. After surviving and almost fatal accident, he makes it his mission to make more money than he knows what to do with, enjoy every pleasure he can and lose his flippin V card. Fast forward years Knox used his geeky brain and became a very businessman. He’s also a little bit of a man whore too. Relationships are not his style and women only last for about a night. The man lives life to the fullest. Hard and fast, until a super sweet blonde knocks his step off and he finds himself want more.
Madison Abbott has a mission for herself. Moving across country to find her dream job, meet a half-brother she’s only discovered and find the perfect man to marry. With one of three of the girls out of the way, Madison gets knocked from nowhere with goal three while working on goal number two. Making this tenacious woman show you just what she’s capable of.
Christi Barth gave readers a fun and witty story with Wanting It All. Madison and Knox are perfect for each other. His brashness and her tenacity keep the pages flying as these to explore the chemistry between them. I loved the back and forth banter between the two. I also enjoy the dates and wish I was in her place for a few! A quick read with a perfect balance of passion and fun.
Review copy provided by Netgalley.
ARC Review: Going Hard by Jayne Rylon
Going Hard
Jayne Rylon
DIVEMASTERS Series, Book 3
Kindle Edition, 374 pages
Published July 12th 2016 by Happy Endings Publishing
Three SCUBA instructors, who happen to be sexual dominants, are about to take the ultimate plunge. If you’re extraordinarily lucky, you’ll be invited to join them on The Divemaster, where work and pleasure go hand in hand. Welcome aboard!
As the last lone wolf of The Divemaster, Tosin Ellis doesn’t plan on partnering up anytime soon. Then his friend Archer commissions an engagement ring for his fiancée…
Jeweler Kahori Akama is sensual, intriguing, and happy to accept Tosin’s help sourcing the black pearls she uses in her popular pieces. As their relationship goes from professional to personal, Tosin also learns Kahori’s family in under the threat of a blackmailer, someone intent on ruining her father’s resort business to lay claim to its valuable property.
Tosin never expected to find a single woman that could slake his sexual appetites, but Kahori surrenders to her raw and primal urges with the natural power of a typhoon strong enough to blow even a veteran sailor far off course. Once he’s experienced loving in the eye of the storm, he can’t imagine being satisfied by less.
Once more, the crew of The Divemaster will do what it takes to protect their own. Especially Tosin, who realizes Kahori’s heart just may be his home.
4.5 Stars
Going Deep is hot, exotic and wickedly naughty.
Tosin is my favorite of the Divemasters. In a group of laid-back man, he is the most laid-back of them all. I love his go with the flow attitude, his continued flirtatious manner and his commanding but fun and playful nature. He is the ultimate bachelor.
Kahori is an amazing artist and native to Cook Islands. A woman who has traveled a bit, but stays on the island for family. A sweet, kind and caring woman with an inner vixen who gets roused up beautifully.
Kahori and Tosin were made for each other. I loved how they both stumbled over themselves upon meeting. I loved how the suspense of the book intertwined so much with Tosin and Kahori getting to know each other. Their relationship does happen quickly, however the events surrounding the two of them are eye-opening causing the emotions and passion to flow.
Jayne Rylon gave readers something very special with the DIVEMASTERS series. Ending the series on a very high note. Giving readers a glimpse of what life is like for everyone on board the Divemaster. Awesome Alpha heroes and they’re amazing women, fun secondary characters, beautiful settings and suspenseful stories that are filled with page turning passion.
I read Going Hard in one sitting. Although I was sad to finish the last few pages Tosin and Kahori story, along with the rest of the Divemaster crew, I was more than satisfied with the ending.
An eCopy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Cover Reveal: Holding on Tighter by Shayla Black
We are happy to bring you the next cover in the Wicked Lovers Series HOLDING ON TIGHTER. This standalone novel will release on February 7, 2017.
Jolie Quinn is a woman in charge. Her no-nonsense attitude has made her a rising star in the fashion world and her brand a household name among the Dallas elite. Nothing will stop her from achieving her goals—not even the gorgeous British security contractor who seems just as interested in seeing her personal assets as he is in protecting her professional ones.
After a tragedy left him broken, Heath Powell made a rule of staying unattached. But Jolie challenges him in a way he can’t ignore, and he isn’t used to backing down from a confrontation—especially when the reward for winning could feel so good. As passion blazes between them, the stubborn, confident beauty arouses more than his desire. She touches his heart.
When a mysterious enemy threatens Jolie and her company, Heath is the only person Jolie can trust to help. But working with him to save her business might put her dangerously at risk of falling in love…
Kindle | KindleUK | KindleCA | KindleAUS | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay | AmazonPrint | AmazonCAPrint
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.
Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
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ARC Review: Shield My Heart by Laramie Briscoe
Shield My Heart
Laramie Briscoe
Heaven Hill MC Series, Book 9
The Heaven Hill MC has always been a safe place for Mandy Walker. Since being adopted by their President, she and her twin brother have been able to count on them for anything. The ragtag group of men and the women who love them became the family the twins never had.
Having grown up under their protection, she’s finding it hard not to run to them with the problems she has now. One reckless night with her love of more than ten years resulted in one positive pregnancy test.
The problem?
Mandy is faced with a dilemma she never thought she’d fall victim to. Being a single mother, just like her mom was until Liam Walker came into their lives.
Best Friend
Member of the Heaven Hill MC
Terrified of not breaking the cycle of his childhood
Dalton Barnett knew the moment he kissed Mandy’s lips as a teenager that she was the only one for him. Taking her for granted has been easy because she’s always been there. She’s the only person who’s ever given love to him unconditionally.
When a calculated attack devastates Heaven Hill, Dalton, Mandy, and their unborn child are at the epicenter. Dalton must make decisions to keep his small family safe. Before anything worse can happen, he knows he must shield their hearts.
I was gifted the first two books of The Heaven Hill MC series, by a dear friend after a weekend of late night book talk. With that being said it’s with bittersweetness that I write this review. Although I was not there from the beginning, it was pretty close. I have come to love this series and yes I’m a bit sad to see it end.
Mandy is a stronger woman than I gave her credit for. Falling in love back in high school and knowing then he was the one. Fast forward a decade or so, lots of ups and down, an unexpected pregnancy, and an MIA boyfriend has rocked Mandy’s world to the core. She dug deep and found an inner strength while falling apart. Mandy proved that she grew into a very fine woman who knows a good man when she finds him. Even if he needs a lot of work.
Dalton, until this book was not one my favorite people. His brass and ass like ways towards Mandy make him when to smack him upside the head. The man has kept a lot of himself lock away that you really don’t understand until he’s ready to let you in. Dalton is one of those people that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Although many of us will not agree with his actions, will assume where his mind is at and not understand his intentions, his heart is truly in the right place. Once the stubborn headed man opens up.
Laramie Briscoe has this wonderful way of writing real life moments into her stories. I felt like I was reliving many moments of my own pregnancy while reading Dalton and Mandy story. Love is not easy, it’s hard work and well worth it in the end. Mandy and Dalton loved, hurt, fell apart and in love all over again. Communication is always the key, these two had to learn the hard way before they can find their everlasting happiness.
The Heaven Hill MC series has become a series that I feel at home with. I was there from almost the beginning and followed it through to the end. Laramie Briscoe not only gave her readers wonderful books to get lost in, she also gave them a family to come home to. I also want to note the amazing growth in writing that Ms. Briscoe has shown throughout the series. Emotional depth, strong personalities, hard issues, passion, family and love, is delivered flawlessly making the reader feel right along with the characters they are reading. I am sad to see the ending, but give Ms. Briscoe my highest praise!
ARC Review: Torn by Carian Cole
Torn
Carian Cole
Devils Wolves Series, Book 1
Published August 29th 2016
He’s loved me since the day I was born.
He’s taken care of me.
He’s awakened me.
Tor. My father’s best friend.
Fifteen years older than me, he’s always been my protector.
The one I should never, ever want.
But I was born to be his.
She’s always loved me.
She’s shattered me.
She’s healed me.
Kenzi. My best friend’s daughter.
I held her the day she was born, and I never let go.
She’s forbidden to me. But she’s the only one that really gets me.
We’re slowly being torn apart by everything we love.
Everything we want.
Everything we desire.
And now I want the one thing I can’t have… I want her.
** Please note: There is no underage sex in this book. This is a romance. **
5 Stars
As an avid reader and reviewer talking about books is something that comes naturally. Every once in a blue moon a book falls into my hands that leaves me at a loss for words. Carian Cole’s Torn has left me speechless and fumbling to express an opinion that will even begin this book justice.
Torn is a beautifully written story that is eye opening and emotionally pleasing. Every preconceived idea of love, age and social acceptance is shaken up, put in your face and lets you see it for what it really is. The journey, not story, of love is never mapped out, life hands you unexpected and sometimes fate lends a hand. Torn is a romantic, emotional and sensual love story to the highest proportions. Don’t judge this book by its summary, its so much more!
Carian Cole has masterfully weaved and crafted a believable, romantic and makes you feel. With Torn, Ms. Cole has just give her readers her best book yet!
Ruthless Excerpt By Lexi Blake
The first in a sexy contemporary romance series featuring the Lawless siblings—from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.
The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence…
Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without…
Pre-order Now
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EARLY REVIEWS FOR RUTHLESS
“Smart, savvy, clever, and always entertaining. That’s true of Riley Lawless, the hero in Ruthless, and likewise for his creator, Lexi Blake. Both are way ahead of the pack.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry
“I love Lexi Blake. Read Ruthless and see why.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Lee Child
With Ruthless, Lexi Blake has set up shop on the intersection of Suspenseful and Sexy, and I never want to leave. ~ Laurelin Paige, New York Times bestselling author
Ruthless is full of suspense, hot sex, and swoon worthy characters — a must read!” ~ New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst
“Why did you do that?”
It was the first time she’d spoken without being prompted. “Do what?”
Her face flushed the sweetest pink. The color went all the way down that sexy V-neck. Her breasts flushed as well as her face, and it made his damn dick tighten. “Kiss me. Why did you kiss me like that?”
Oh, so many reasons, but he gave her the most compelling one. “I wanted to.”
The minute she’d opened the door and he’d seen her standing there looking anxious, he’d known how to calm her down. All he’d had to do was put his hands on her and some odd connection flared between the two of them. She hadn’t fought him. He could have gone on kissing her. He’d been the one to pull away.
It was like the minute he walked in, he was the only thing that existed for her. It made him feel ten feet tall, but it also made him want to please her.
It was an unsettling sensation.
Her hands came up, fingers on the sides of the table. “You know what I’m asking. You knew I wasn’t alone. Why did you pretend to be my boyfriend?”
It was easy to see she’d wanted him to wait for her at the restaurant so as to avoid him meeting her sister and ex. When she’d opened the door, he’d immediately known something was wrong. He’d gotten a glimpse of her sister and known Ellie had likely needed a hand. It had to be tough on a woman’s ego to lose even a pathetic excuse of a husband to a younger sister.
“You were alone with your sister who slept with your husband. Excuse me. Ex-husband.”
She shook her head. “At the time, we were definitely married. How did you know he was my ex-husband?”
“He took half your net wealth. I’m your lawyer. At this level, a good lawyer is less legal counsel and more war consultant. I can’t properly perform my duties if I don’t know everything about you, including the fact that you tend to have terrible taste in men.”
She frowned. “I haven’t had a ton of boyfriends. I’m not sure what my taste is.”
He really wanted to understand why she’d married that obvious prick. “What attracted you to him? Because from where I was standing, he looked like a dickwad desperate to be twenty-one again.”
She bit into her bottom lip, her eyes glancing away from him. “He wasn’t always like that. I actually met him when he was twenty-one. He was far more mature then.”
He liked her candor. “You were in college?”
“Last year of undergrad. We dated for two years and then it seemed like it was time to get married. We’d moved back here to Manhattan so I could take my place at StratCast. I thought he was going to go to grad school, but he decided on a different path.”
“What path was that?”
A single brow rose over her right eye. “You don’t know?”
Of course he knew. He knew everything. “Are you referring to your ex-husband’s penchant for swinging for the fences? When it comes to investments, that is.”
It was what he liked to call “idiots who funded ridiculous ideas.” They never wanted a simple profit out of their money. They wanted millions and really fucking fast. They swung for the grand slam when all they needed to do was get on base.
It took a true genius to take a single idea and make millions off it. Drew had.
Her shoulders straightened. “He wanted the easy solution. A get-rich-quick scheme. He wasn’t that way at first. At one point he was very intellectual. It’s what attracted me to him. He was curious about the world and liked to discuss everything from politics to social jus- tice to movies we saw. He changed. I didn’t. In some ways, I blame getting involved with me for what happened to him. He got around my father and real wealth and wanted some of his own. When I met him, he wanted to be a professor. He wanted to teach.”
At least he’d gotten her this far. She was talking. Now he needed to get those shoulders down from around her earlobes. For one moment, for that moment when he’d drawn her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers, she’d relaxed against him, given over to him. Her body had softened and she’d leaned into him, and if he’d pressed her, he didn’t know what would have happened. She might have continued kissing him, forgetting all about the other people in the room. He could have cupped her breast, her ass. Put his hands anywhere he liked.
She hadn’t given a damn that they hadn’t been alone. All she’d cared about was him.
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
Review: Reaper’s Fire by Joanna Wylde
Reaper’s Fire
Joanna Wylde
Reaper’s MC Series, Book 6
August 9th 2016 by Berkley
It’s time for more men and motorcycles in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Reaper’s Fall…
The club comes first.
I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.
Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.
I’m coming for you, Tinker.
Soon.
4 Stars
Gage is as egotistical and arrogant as he is sexy. All alpha, loyal to the core and a true brother. The Club always come first. Always! Until a woman who should have never been in his path, throws him for a loop. His loyalty never wavered, however it was a bit of a personal hell for the man. Walking a dangerous line, Gage plays a balancing act between what the club wants and what the man needs.
Tinker is a kick ass woman. A survivor. The strongest of women. She’s beyond loving and caring you. She continuously gives part of herself to though she loves. Surviving hurdles that with most people down, she stands her ground and goes on with life. Her sass and spunk just add to the admiral person she is. Tinker is now my favorite heroine that Joanna has given to her readers.
The only thing thicker than the sexual tension among the pages is the smoke in the sky. Tinker and Gage have instant chemistry and more than a healthy dose of lust going on for each other. Their relationship/attraction to each other is beyond intense. Ms. Wylde gives the reader the true meaning of slow burning build up, with and explosive outcome. Two people from very different world have created a fire that neither one can control. Add club politics, brotherhood and betrayal, it all because on crazy ride.
Review copy provided by Netgalley.
Coffee Books Life 