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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.
Review: Immortal Angel by Loni Lynne
Immortal Angel
Loni Lynne
Guardians of Dacia Series
Vietnam was forty years ago and yet Mike Linder can’t forget the horrors of the past. His struggle with PTSD has no place for the lovely, Tina Johnston. As much as he wants her out of his life, he can’t bear to be without her. What they shared the past few months is beyond anything he deserves. But when he finds she’s gone to work for his boss, Rick Delvante and is sent to infiltrate a group of rogue vampires in Germany, he is beside himself. The only thing he can do is face his worst fear and go into battle once more to bring her home safely.
But what he finds is not the woman he left behind. Is he too late to save his Immortal Angel?
Tina and Mike have something bigger than they both realize. Fear and stubbornness, has Mike pushing away a light in his darkness. Pride and determination make Tina want to prove there is more to her than a fragile mortal.
Action, legend and lore captures the reader’s attention while sending them on a journey of destined romance. Characters challenging themselves to face life, love and the destiny changing them by the minute. An amazing world within a world, Ms. Lynne created something magical and intriguing, that I enjoyed getting lost in. A shorty short that packs a punch!
Cover Reveal: Meghan March’s Beneath These Chains!
Meghan March – 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?
Preorder Now at:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FkjW1J
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-these-chains
iTunes – check for link
Keep Reading for an exclusive contest!
SNEAK PEEK:
Chapter 1
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/1d8pGVL
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
Special Contest Alert!
From now until June 15th, enter to win a $100 gift card with the rafflecopter below. And stay tuned – Meghan will be posting an exclusive interview with Con and Lord shortly after release!
Cover Reveal: Flagger by Laramie Briscoe
Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie Briscoe has published over 10 books. She’s appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on iBooks, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. She’s been called “a very young Maya Banks” (Amazon reviewer) and her books have been accused of being “sexy, family-oriented, romances with heart”.
When she’s not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on her DVR. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband (the Travel Coordinator) and a sometimes crazy cat named Beau.
Review: London Bound by Amy Daws
London Bound
Amy Daws
London Lovers Series, Book 3
When Leslie Lincoln, a spunky, red-headed American, suffers an awkward moment with an arousingly-sexy British man—she thinks her life can’t get any more pathetic.
She’s done with men.
She doesn’t need them.
She especially doesn’t need their muscular thighs.
No siree, she’s going to forget all about the brooding, complicated, and seductive “Theo” who captivated her on the dance floor of a London nightclub.
Keep telling yourself that, Lez…..
Immersing herself into a new type of romantic cleanse, Leslie thinks she’ll never lay eyes on Theo again. But somehow, he’s managed to bulldoze his way back in—her cheetah-print onesie pajamas be damned.
He wants more.
She wants to run.
But he can’t seem to let her go.
Both of them have a past—and neither want to share.
How can love possibly survive in darkness?
4 Stars
Leslie is not the typical heroine. She’s fun, loud, sassy, snarky, and foul mouthed. She very real. Leslie loves her job and has created a wonderful and colorful family of friends. In a moment of being totally herself, she unknowingly opens a door that she can’t stop thinking about but also makes her want to run in the other direction. I truly enjoyed Leslie, stubbornness and all.
Theo is beautifully broken. Complex, dominant, creative, deep and flippin sexy. A man that is damn good with his hands, well whole body. Theo has a darkness that shadows him. Until a chance moment in a dance club, when a ray of light stops him in his tracks. I was on the edge with Theo for a bit. He proved himself a damn good man.
London Bound was so much more than I expected. Leslie and Theo’s chemistry from the get go is on target and über hot! Persistence and stubbornness, intensify the passion and add some mystery to this compelling story.
Amy Daws had created some really interesting and funny personalities in her characters in the London Lovers Series. As London Bound is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. The characters have made me what to go back and read the first two. I laughed so much while reading London Bound. Ms. Daws more than touches on some delicate topics. Perfectly balancing the dark with the light. A one sit read for me!
A complementary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Release Day: Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy
Title: Witches Be Burned, a Magic & Mayhem novel
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Page Count: TBA
Publisher: Loveswept by Random House
Format: Digital eBook
ISBN: 978-0-553-39513-6
In Stacey Kennedy’s steamy paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to combat the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.
Synopsis: Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.
Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles
Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.
Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble Additional purchasing options
About the Author:
STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Giveaway:
Coffee Books Life 