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Review: Rock Me Two Times by Dawn Ryder
Rock Me Two Times
Dawn Ryder
Rock Band Series, Book 1
A partnership with the hottest new rock band, Toxsin, is a major opportunity for Kate’s small custom leather shop, but she’s determined to resist her burning attraction to the lead guitarist, Syon Braden. Sex is a commodity in his world, and that’s just not enough for her. Or so she thought.
With the multiplatinum success of his band, Syon thought he had everything he’d ever wanted…and then he met Kate. He knows that sleeping with her could distract him from his music and even interfere with his close bandmate friendships, but despite all this, Syon just can’t seem to keep his mind—or hands—off of her…
4.5 Stars
Custom leather, rockin music and intense passion. Holy hotness!
Leather artist Kate is sassy, sexy and the best at what she does. I loved her personality and attitude. She a straightforward, strong woman who can fit you leather like no other.
Syon Braden is commanding, demanding and fall over sexy, hot. Alpha to the core. His personally and ego are as big as Toxsins stage show. A man who get what he wants even if he has to change the way the game is played. A one of a kind rockstar in a equine band.
Kate and Syon are both such strong personalities, that their hard headedness causes the sexual tension to rises extremely fast. Causing a string of ongoing emotions, jealous rage, and deep passion to emerge. Rock Me Two Times is hands down on hot read.
The attention to fine details of the music writing process and custom clothes enhance this story to another level. The romance is not the only place in which the passion in Rock Me Two Times shines. Vivid descriptions truly allow the reader to be swept away into both Kate and Syon personal passions. Dawn Ryder caught me with so many aspects of this book. I truly enjoyed everything from the history of Toxsin(which I could equine), to the recording of rockin music, the secondary characters and sheer about of passion that comes through the pages. I read Rock Me Two Times in one sitting. Leaving me really hoping for a long series of Toxsin books to come.
Review copy provided by netgalley.
ARC Review: Home Free by Laramie Briscoe
Home Free
Laramie Briscoe
Heaven Hill MC Series, Book 8
Son
Brother
Lover
The love of Drew Walker’s life left to pursue her dreams. He told her to go, forced her to go, knowing that a stripper’s daughter would never be able to escape her mother’s past.
In the wake of the leaving, she left him with a broken heart. A heart that he’s held very close to himself for the last ten years.
Daughter
Friend
Attorney
Charity Thomas has worked hard to get out from under the stigma of being Jasmine from Wet Wanda’s, daughter. Ten years away gave her the distance to grow a backbone, it also gave her enough time to miss the hell out of Drew.
When Meredith Blackfoot gets her back to Bowling Green to deal with a situation at CRISIS, none of them realize the danger they are in.
Home invasions, a woman and daughter running from an evil man, and an attempt on Charity’s life puts Heaven Hill on alert like never before.
When the smoke clears, the bad guys are caught, and she is in the protection of Drew’s arms they can all breathe a sigh of relief.
In their hour of need, Charity is finally home.
5 Stars
Laramie Briscoe knows how to hit your heart hard.
Drew Walker watched his true love walk out of his life. After ten years, a long string of nameless women and few falls into a very dark places, Drew has become a damn good man. Strong, hard working, and a good looking man. I do believe Drew is a fine southern gentleman under his badass biker exterior. Drew is the best of Liam and Tyler together. That’s saying something.
Charity Thomas wanted nothing more than to not be like her stripper mother. Walking away from home leaving a huge chunk of her heart behind was the hard decisions she’s had to make. Ten years and a dream under her belt, Charity is summoned home, a better woman than before she left. Charity is just as brave as all the Heaven Hill women. Smart with a huge heart, she found a confidence during her time away that helped her become a fine woman.
With each book Ms. Briscoe completes, the level of emotional depth and passion continuously increases. The words become emotions the reader easily feel, making the story more life like in the process. Drew and Charity’s story has once again exceeded any level of expectation that I have for Ms. Briscoe’s books.
From beginning to end the reader is able to feel the heartache, sadness, loss, love, excitement, and freedom right along with Drew and Charity. It’s a bumpy ride with a bit of suspense that leaves your heart pounding in more ways than one.
ARC Review: Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn
Autumn Thorns
Yasmine Galenorn
Whisper Hollow Series, Book 1
Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
In an all-new series, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn invites readers to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living and the lake never gives up her dead…
Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.
When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.
5 Stars
Yasmine Galenorn raises the hairs at the back of your neck with the first book of her new Whisper Hollow series, Autumn Thorns.
The Town of Whisper Hollow has a personality that’s dark and mysterious shining through the pages as much as the unique and charismatic characters do. Ms. Galenorn’s intricate world building weave together lore and legend with her own twists giving a fresh feel in the paranormal world.
One of the things I love most about Ms. Galenorn’s writing is the secondary characters play as much of a roll as the primary. Autumn Thorns is no exception. Each character has their own brand of personality, spunk and mystery with an eclectic talents that shape this story. Trying to figure out who was friend or foe keeps the reader on their toes while becoming immersed in the mist of Whisper Hollow.
Enchanting, enthralling and dark. Autumn Thorns is Ms. Galenorn at her best. Action, mystery and passion consume the reader while leaving them looking over their shoulder. A fantastic Urban Fantasy/Paranormal read!
I was very lucky to receive a print Galley copy of Autumn Thorns directly from the author.
All reviews are honest and of my opinion.
ARC Review: Playing with Seduction by Erika Wilde
Playing with Seduction
Erika Wilde
Player’s Club Series,
SEDUCTION HAS NEVER BEEN SO SCANDALOUS . . .
Kendall Shaw loves her job as a boudoir photographer. When she enlists hot, gorgeous, 100% alpha male, Jase Burns for a custom photo shoot for a romance novel cover, she quickly discovers that he only took the job to get close to her. But her painful divorce has made her wary of men, and especially one who is eight years younger than she is.
The moment Jase sets his sights on beautiful, sexy Kendall, he wants her. Despite their mutual attraction, she’s rejected his every advance. But Jase loves a good challenge, and one steamy, seductive night at The Players Club changes everything between them.
Kendall has never experienced such overwhelming passion, or been pursued so tenaciously. Jase is addicting, in every way, and she soon finds herself falling for a man who doesn’t fit into her ideal future.
Can Jase convince Kendall to let go of her past and take a risk on a second chance at love—with him?
4 Stars
I liked Jase from the moment he hit the page. Total Alpha male. Strong, commanding and smart. I enjoyed his creative way of getting what he wanted. His compassion makes his dominance even more intense.
Kendall is hard working and knows what she wants in life. After have her desires pull out from under her feet and rubbed in her face, she will settle for nothing less. Kendall changes through this story allowed her to find the missing pieces of her womanhood.
Sexy, sensual and seductive.
Playing with Seduction is a quick, chemistry intense, exceptionally hot read. Erika Wilde’s third installment of The Player’s Club series takes down walls of inhibitions and allows fantasies come true. Kendall and Jase are great together. The attraction, chemistry, sexual tension, and passion make is very clear where they belong. At different place in their lives, but clearly belong together, Jase and Kendall learn sometime thing happen for a reason and are just meant to be. A great addition to the series.
Copy provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: No Place Like Home by Mysti Parker
No Place Like Home
Mysti Parker
Tallenmere Series, Book #4
Release Date: Oct. 24
eBook Length: 277 pages
Publisher: Melange Books
In Port Valor, it’s dangerous to be different. Especially for sixteen-year-old Mirabelle Hearton, whose psychic abilities could put her entire family in danger. To protect them, she left the city and her childhood sweetheart, Lysander Devlin, behind to live a life of servitude in Leogard’s Temple. Ten years later, someone discovered her mind-bending talents and forced her to send an innocent woman into exile.
As punishment for her crimes, she must return to Port Valor to seek out a dangerous mercenary called The Tyger. He’s already threatened the lives of her family and is rumored to have killed countless others for the right price.
Mirabelle’s time is running out. She has two months to bring the Tyger to justice or succumb to an excruciating death from an irreversible curse. As frightening as her mission is, facing Lysander again may be the greatest challenge of her life. https://coffeebookslifeblog.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
Despite their difficult reunion, she and Lysander must band together to face an evil force that could sap the very souls from everyone they love. Mirabelle must also make a choice—catch The Tyger and redeem her sins, or give into feelings long buried and risk losing everything.
Excerpt
“So, why are you back, Mira? Ten years with no word from you—I assumed you were devoted to the Temple or dead.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, paying undue attention to a dried spot of blood on the table. “Didn’t you get my letters?”
“Yes, and they were very well-written.” He huffed out a laugh. “Both of them were so vivid, I hardly knew you were gone.”
“I guess you’re still angry with me.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Angry? Whatever for? I’ve had a lovely life, as I’m sure you’ve had in Leogard. You heard I’m getting married?”
“Yes,” I said, my mouth suddenly dry, but I forced a raspy, “Congratulations.”
“Why, thank you. The moon will be perfect for the ceremony tomorrow night. Full and bright. Of course, you’re welcome to attend.”
What was I supposed to say to that, having been on the brink of marrying him myself? I settled on, “That’s very kind of you.”
Narrowing his eyes, he leaned in and propped his elbow on the table. “Well…you still haven’t told me why you’ve returned. My parents’ death wasn’t deemed important enough, though your note was sympathetic. It must be some official Temple business.”
I really wished he’d stop trying to make eye contact. Being reminded of his parents’ death cut me deep—they were like a second set of parents to me, even called me their daughter. I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. The dull roar around us had grown louder. Another fight had begun in the back corner. One of Marlow’s twin wives broke a bottle over her sister’s head, and soon they were rolling on the floor, throwing punches and pulling hair. Marlow ran over, doing his best to pull them apart. Everyone else turned their attention to the latest brawl, cheering on one wife or the other.
But, Lysander kept his eyes on me, waiting. With everyone distracted, I decided to tell him part of the truth. If there was any chance the Tyger actually existed, he might have heard something about him. “I’m looking for someone called the Tyger.”
“Really? Is he another jilted lover of yours?”
“No.” I crossed my arms, knowing I should have been prepared for resentment. “He’s supposedly an outlaw who may pose a danger to Leogard and my own family. But I suspect he’s just a rumor.”
“You didn’t come all this way to confirm a rumor, did you? What are your plans for this Tyger, should you be so fortunate as to find him?”
He’d laugh at me, but I’d already told him this much and had only a few weeks to live. Might as well surrender the last of my pride. “I’m supposed to capture him and bring him back to the Priestess.”
“So, you’re a bounty hunter now? An odd assignment for a Temple acolyte. But, I do have it on good authority that the Tyger isn’t just a rumor.”
My eyes widened, and I sat up straight, daring to look him in the eye. Could he actually exist, or was Lysander punishing me by leading me to believe in a phantom, only to crush my hopes for a good laugh?
“Let me guess,” I said, “he was here earlier, but I just missed him, right?”
“Not exactly.”
“Fine, I’ll bite. Then where is he?”
He smiled wickedly. “You’re looking at him.
4.5 Stars
Lysander surprised me the most. Upon first meeting, I just shook my head at him. The transformation this character takes on is a story in itself. Going from a simple, heartbroken man to a fierce and majestic creature. The foundation of who his is changed, he questioned it and then embraced it. He kept me turning the pages.
Mira’s secret gift is a beauty and danger all in one. A strong woman who can see outside the box, along with her kind heart makes her just as brave. Hiding her secret was like she was hiding part of herself.
Mysti Parker have give readers a creative and equine paranormal romance. Combining many genres of the romance world putting No Place Like Home is a class by itself. The feel of this book go from steampunk, with some touches of historical, mixing a taste of Sci-Fi, to epic fantasy. There’s truly something for everyone in the book.
Ms. Parker’s No Place Like Home is an entertaining story that will captivate you with amazing world building. With paranormal for me, the setting is a big part of the story. Creativity is an understatement, when the setting gives unexpected surprises. What kept me reading was the remarkable character development and overall plot of the story. Lysander and Mira’s tragedy and triumph together and apart is passionate, heartbreaking, and magical. When I starting reading I really thought I would not make it fifty pages in. That should tell you something!
Mysti Parker gives the reader not only a story, but a full on enthralling adventure. No Place Like Home was nothing like I expected and more than I ever thought it would be.
About the Author:
Mysti Parker is a wife, mom, author, and shameless chocoholic. She is the author of the Tallenmere standalone fantasy romance series, including the award-winning Hearts in Exile. Her first award-winning historical romance, A Time for Everything, was published in July 2015. Mysti’s other romantic tales include The Roche Hotel romantic comedy series and contemporary novellas co-written with author MJ Post. Her short writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, Christmas Lites II, Christmas Lites IV, The Darwin Murders, Tasteful Murders and EveryDayFiction.
Other writing pursuits include serving as a class mentor in Writers Village University’s seven week online course, F2K. She has also published two children’s books (Quentin’s Problem & Fuzzy Buzzy’s Treasure) under the name Misty Baker.
When she’s not writing fiction, Mysti works as a freelance editor and copywriter. She also reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband, three children and too many pets.
The Tallenmere Series:
A Ranger’s Tale
Serenya’s Song
Hearts in Exile
Tallenmere Unleashed:
No Place Like Home
The Menagerie (coming ??)
http://www.mystiparker.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221
https://twitter.com/MystiParker
ARC Review: Unforgettable by Cherie M. Hudson
Unforgettable
Cherie M. Hudson
Always Series, Book 2
My name is Brendon Osmond. I’m a 25 year old post-graduate student who knows three things with absolute conviction. I know damn near everything there is to know about keeping in peak physical shape. I have a plan to make a lot of money from that knowledge. I’m an optimist who’s not easily rattled. But then the girl I fell in love with almost two years ago texts me out of the blue and everything I know is thrown out the window.
Am I rattled?
No.
Not until I fly to the other side of the world and discover the girl I fell for has kept a very big secret from me.
A secret that mocks all my knowledge of the human body and how to keep it healthy.
A secret that shatters my plans for my own personal training business.
A secret with my eyes.
A secret who needs me more than I can comprehend.
Ask me again if I’m rattled.
Now ask me if I’m still in love.
5 Stars
Amazing, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Going into a book where you have a preconceived dislike of the heroine, that you have yet to meet, is a bit trying and harder than you think. Then Ms. Hudson gives the reader a story of ups and down, tragedy and blessing, loss and love, devastation and triumph with an amazing amount of optimism.
I loved Brendon from the moment I met him in Unconditional. He’s a true friend, and a damn good man. Always seeing the good in people. Brendon is the kind of person who will support you when you need it, push you just enough and alway be by your side.
Amanda was a wonderfully written character however I did not love her. I thought her to be very selfish. She made a move of desperation that I found tackles. Upon her reasoning I to a point understood, I still didn’t like her decision. By the end she did grow on me a bit. I still don’t love her but found her to be one of the strongest women I have read in a very long time.
I flippin loved this book. And I cried every kind of tear known to man while reading Unforgettable. No, I didn’t love the heroine and I gave this book 5 Stars. Why? This story is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and raw. Hopeful and passionate. The characters, writing and author make it all blend together to give the reader a roller coaster ride of emotions, a fight against something neither of them could control and showing sometimes hope and faith all we really have. That is what makes a damn good book.
I’m not the biggest fan of New Adult romance. If Cherie M. Hudson is writing it, I will be reading it. Grab your tissues and dive in. You will need them.
Review copy provided by netgalley.
Review: Obscured by Tara Sue Me
Obscured by Tara Sue Me
Date of Publication: October 12, 2015
Blurb
From Tara Sue Me writing as Cat Waters:
There’s the truth you know….
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined…
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured?
Available From
About Tara Sue Me
Tara Sue Me wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. It would be twenty years before she picked up her pen to write the second.
After completing several clean romances, she decided to try her hand at something spicier and started The Submissive. What began as a writing exercise quickly took on a life of its own. An avid reader of all types of fiction, she soon discovered she enjoyed writing a variety as well.
Tara lives in the Southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.
Find Tara Sue Me Online
Teaser
Chapter One
The day I meet Isaiah Martin for the second time, I am running late. I pride myself on my punctuality, not to mention that my clients demand it, and I’m not paying attention to my surroundings.
I look at my watch again. Five minutes after. Shit. I scurry through the hotel lobby, making a beeline to the elevators. If luck happens to be on my side, I won’t have to wait, but the elevators in the largest hotel in Las Vegas are notoriously slow.
Will the stairs be quicker? I glance over my shoulder. The stairwell is located on the other side of the large open atrium. With my client’s room on the thirtieth floor, the elevator is faster, even if I have to wait. I turn back to the elevators.
And run right into a man standing in my path, overcorrect, and twist my ankle.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” he says in a soft, cultured Southern accent, reaching out a hand to steady me. “You okay?”
“Damn it!” My ankle throbs so much I’m not sure I can walk. I gingerly put my weight on the hurt ankle and curse again at the pain.
Suck it up, Athena. This is nothing. Think about what’ll happen if you don’t make it upstairs in the next few minutes.
“Ma’am?” Mr. Southern Gentleman repeats.
“I’m fine.” I tentatively move my foot side to side. “Just give me a minute.”
“Why don’t you come sit down and let me take a look at that ankle?”
“You a doctor?” Odds are Odds are he’s just your standard pervert wanting the chance to run his hand up my leg. Even if he is a doctor, I’m not about to let him put his hands on me. Not a wise thing to do, since it’s almost a certainty Mike will find out.
“No, ma’am,” he says. “But I think you may need to rest that ankle just a bit.”
“Really, I’m fine.” I put my full weight on the ankle and nearly fall over as the pain sparks up my leg. “Ow. Ow. Ow.Hell.”
He doesn’t speak again, but takes me by the arm and leads me to a bench near the elevators. His head drops down and he runs a finger along my anklebone. Pokes and prods me. “I don’t think anything’s broken, but you should probably stay off your feet for the next little bit.”
“Easy for you to say,” I snap. “You’re obviously not the one running late.”
He looks up and our eyes meet.
Warm caramel eyes. His thick, black hair is long overdue for a haircut and curls up the tiniest bit at his neck. His firm lips give way to a perfect “O” of surprise at the exact moment I recognize him.
“Athena?”
“Isaiah?”
He embraces me with a crushing hug. “Imagine seeing you here. How are you?”
My spine goes rigid, and I don’t return the hug. “I’m….I’m fine,” I stutter while my eyes dart around the lobby, trying to see if anyone’s watching me.
“I can’t believe it’s you.” He is oblivious to my discomfort. “Are you in town for long?”
I force myself to stop scanning the area and focus on Isaiah instead. A cold chill runs down my spine as I take in his handsome features. The last twelve years have treated him well. No longer is he the awkward teenage boy plagued by acne and thick glasses. He’s grown into the handsome man I always knew lay beneath the surface.
He looks at me in expectation. What did he ask?
I fiddle with the hem of my skirt. It rests just above the knee. “I live here.”
4 Stars
This book is one crazy ride. And nothing like I thought it would be when I started reading.
Athena is trapped in a dark cycle that repeated itself every day for ten years. When a friend from the past stumbles upon Athena’s world of darkness turns to danger. Trust in not something she can afford to give. The lines of friend and foe cross leaving confusion in its wake. And yet this woman finds the strength and courage to keep fighting a battle that shatters her heart and hopes.
I was truly amazed at not only this story, the depth of the writing is amazing. The flashback with current happening put the reader in tune with Athena. Emotional, heart breaking and raw. This one was truly heart clenching. I felt the despair, hope and pain. And loved the real heart felt passion that comes through in the end. A great raw story.
Contest
ARC Review: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye
Hard As Steel
Laura Kaye
Hard Ink/Raven Riders crossover novella
1001 Dark Nights Series
Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he’s ever known, one he’s purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike’s not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.
Edgy, hard and hot!
Ike and Jess have continued a dance of friendship wanting more for years. When forced to lay low in Ike’s cabin the truth of wants and needs becomes to hard to ignore. Temptation, small spaces and chemistry push Jess and Ike beyond their limits.
Jess is sassy, funny and wears her heart on her sleeve. Ike is protective, hard as steel and so sexy. Opposites that compliment each other perfectly. Chemistry that turns passion into a raging fire. A darker edge that makes the romance sinfully wicked! Jess and Ike together creates a whole new meaning to the word HOT!
Laura Kaye gives her readers a sexually tense and emotionally intense fueled ride straight into the world of the Raven Riders. Hard As Steel is a perfect example of what I have come to love from Laura Kaye. An emotional, sexy and tempting story with passion and heart. Leaving the the reader with a racing heart. And so wanting more. This is one you truly don’t want to miss. Bring on the Raven Riders!
A complimentary copy was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Mine by Stacey Kennedy
Mine
Stacey Kennedy
Club Sin Series, Book 7
Pub Date Oct 27, 2015
Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept
Dmitri and Presley—the scorching-hot couple who started it all in Claimed—return to save Club Sin in the exhilarating new short novel from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy.
Dmitri Pratt is living out his dream. Not only does he own the ultimate playground for the BDSM lifestyle, he’s found a special connection with his deliciously sexy sub, Presley Flynn, the woman who complements him in ways that go far beyond the bedroom. But when an anonymous blackmailer threatens to expose the elite, high-profile members of Club Sin in a notorious tabloid, Dmitri’s perfect world spirals out of control.
Before she met Dmitri, Presley never imagined she would find a Master who could deliver on all her hottest fantasies. Dmitri’s love and his sensual artistry surprise her every day, until he suddenly turns distant and cold. For the first time, Presley wonders where Dmitri’s heart truly lies: with her, or with Club Sin. As the life they’ve built together begins to crumble, Presley can only trust that Dmitri has what it takes—to defend what’s his, and win back the woman he cannot live without.
Mine is intended for mature audiences.
4 Stars
Stacey Kennedy concludes the Club Sin series with an emotional and sexy tale that will leave the reader satisfied as any good Dom would.
Presley and Dimitri hit a snag in their relationship as trouble falls upon Club Sin’s doorstep. Emotions fly and trust is tested as control slips from the Masters hands. Watching Dimitri struggle was something of a surprise. He discovered a new side of himself that makes him a better man. Presley has grown so much since meeting her in Claimed. Confident and strong, she stands up for herself, even to her Dom. Bringing out a new woman within herself. One you have to smile at and be proud of.
An exceptional finish to a fabulous series. Stacey Kennedy gave her readers an amazing look at the many sides of BDSM. Tasteful with real and raw emotions. It’s only right that the couple that started this memorable series, Dimitri and Presley, be the ones to finish it.
ARC Review: Beneath These Scars by Meghan March
Beneath These Scars by Meghan March
Date of Publication: September 22, 2015
Blurb
I’m the guy you love to hate.
In every story in my life, I seem to end up playing the villain—and I’ve got the scars to prove it.
That role works fine for me, because I’m sure as hell not anyone’s hero. I run my life and my empire with an iron fist—until she knocks my tightly controlled world off its axis.
She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but I can’t help but want to save her anyway.
I guess we’re about to find out if there’s a hero buried … beneath these scars.
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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.
Find Meghan March Online
Teaser
Chapter 1
Lucas
SWEAT DRIPPED INTO MY EYES as I bounced on the balls of my feet. Someone had to be calling out how much time was left in this round soon. My pride was on the line, and there was no way I would hand it over to Con Leahy. He’d already gotten the girl, and I wasn’t about to let him humiliate me in the ring in this piece-of-shit New Orleans gym too.
My muscles burned, but that was nothing compared to the heat of victory—or the sting of defeat. What had started out as a boxing lesson had quickly transformed into an all-out brawl for dominance and respect.
Only you would pay a million dollars to get your ass kicked, Titan. The voice in my head mocked me as I bobbed and weaved. But I hadn’t paid a million to get my ass kicked. I’d done it because that night at the charity auction I’d been drunk, pissed off, and determined to prove a point—he might’ve gotten the girl, but I was still the one with the power. I got a sick sense of satisfaction that every time Con bought something for his gym and these kids, he had to think of me.
I swung with another right hook. The blow connected with Con’s jaw and snapped his head to the side.
Yeah. That’s right. But my mental cheer came a moment too soon, and pain exploded in my left side.
Shit, that’s going to hurt tomorrow.
I stumbled back but threw myself forward again, shooting out my fist with an uppercut that knocked Con back a step. This was how it had gone for the last several minutes—trading punches and circling each other.
There was no love lost in this ring, that was for damn sure, and I was ready for this to be over. I would walk out of here with every bit of the respect I was owed. Fuck anyone who thought otherwise.
Con moved toward me and the circling started again. The cheers and chants from the crowd surrounding the ring in the old warehouse gym seemed to grow every time I glanced beyond the ropes. A flash of blond hair caught my eye as I stepped left and Con shifted to the right.
Vanessa.
She threw her head back and laughed at something said by her redheaded friend, Elle. I turned my attention back to the man in front of me, but my focus wandered again when a huskier, sexier laugh echoed through the room.
My eyes strayed from Con for a second too long as I tried to track down the source of the laughter. Pain burst through my jaw, catching me by surprise, and I stumbled back into the ropes. Using their momentum, I shoved off to the side, my pride stinging from my momentary lapse in concentration. Embarrassed and now thoroughly pissed off, I surged forward and attacked.
One punch. That was all I landed before the bell rang, signaling the end of the round and my very expensive “lesson.”
I pushed off Con, and my knee might have slipped as I stepped back . . . and caught him directly in the balls. It was probably an accident. I huffed out a chuckle, but Con didn’t share my humor.
“Goddamn it!” he roared. “Are you fucking serious?”
It was like stabbing a bull with a matador’s sword, but I was ready for him. I jumped out of the way as Con charged, and shifted into a defensive stance when he swung.
“Should’ve expected a cheap shot from you, motherfucker.” Unrestrained anger flashed over his face as every shred of coaching mentality fled, along with that smug superiority he’d been giving me.
Good. You aren’t better than me, Leahy. I could buy and sell you a hundred times over.
He might’ve gotten the girl, but I wasn’t going to let him get away with her clean. I wanted blood.
“Should’ve expected you to strut around this ring like a fucking cock of the walk,” I shot back.
Con feinted and swung again, but I’d been studying his movements. I bobbed and weaved, and got the hell out of the way.
I threw my own punch as soon as I had a clean shot. It landed just below Con’s left eye, splitting the skin over his cheekbone and sending blood spattering everywhere.
The taste of victory was sweet. “First blood,” I said under my breath.
Apparently my words weren’t quiet enough because Con’s head snapped up and he glared at me with disgust, as if I needed to be put down like a rabid animal. “This ain’t a fuckin’ duel, you piece of shit.”
“It sure isn’t a friendly competition either.”
“Paid a million to get that cheap shot in, didn’t you?”
My lips twisted into a mocking smile. “I sure didn’t pay a million to have you show me up.”
Con dropped his hands and shook his head. “Just when I thought you weren’t a complete fucking asshole.”
“You were wrong,” I replied, turning for the ropes.
Con’s fists lifted and before I could react, one connected with my cheekbone. The instantaneous gush of blood told me I’d have a scar to match his, but it didn’t matter. One more scar wouldn’t hurt my banged-up face.
I roared as I charged, but I didn’t get the chance to retaliate. Shouts filled the room, and beefy arms wrapped around my body, holding me back.
“You’re not half bad when you’re not being a shady rich prick,” Lord’s voice said in my ear.
I lunged toward Con, but Lord’s grip only tightened. “Get your goddamn hands off me,” I growled at him.
Leaning closer to my ear, he lowered his voice. “When you calm the hell down and realize you’re making an ass of yourself in front of a bunch of kids and women.”
I glanced out to the crowd and read disgust on so many faces, including Vanessa’s. Like it mattered what a single goddamn person in this gym thought of me. I could buy and sell them all.
Lord was still holding me back when Con came toward us. He yanked his gloves off and wiped at the blood still dripping from the gash on his face.
“You’re also not half bad when you’re paying attention—and when you’re not throwing a knee into my nuts. But I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.”
I jerked at the arms trapping me. “Call off your dog, and I’m gone.”
“You ever want another round, it’s gonna cost you two million next time,” Con said.
“For another chance to make you bleed? I’d pay even more.”
Con nodded to his brother, and Lord let me go. The crowd had already started to disperse. The only person in the building who probably didn’t want to run me down in the parking lot was my COO, and arguably my friend, Ryder Colson. And he was nowhere to be seen.
Instead of Colson, I saw a group of women moving toward the door—Vanessa Frost in her white cotton dress, Elle Snyder in her yellow retro number, and two others I didn’t know. One looked familiar with tanned skin the color of honey, her hair in dark waves, and a curvy body displayed by a funky teal dress with hot-pink polka dots. She hooked her hands on her hips, and that husky laugh echoed through the room again. Apparently she was the one who had distracted me in the ring. My eyes didn’t move from her to take in the fourth woman.
Colson came up beside me. “Who knew there’d be so many hot pieces of ass in this shit warehouse?”
I turned toward him. “Give any of them a shot, and you’ll probably find yourself bleeding on the floor.”
Ryder shrugged off my comment. “Go get your shit. I’ll wait.”
He was gone before I could tell him he didn’t need to wait around for me. But then again, he was my only ally in a building full of people who undoubtedly would have preferred to see me KO’d on the floor of the ring. Just one more place I’d never be welcome.
Good thing I didn’t give a fuck.
I’d showed up, gone toe-to-toe with Con, and had taken back a piece of my pride. That was enough.
For today.
I was already thinking of hiring a trainer as I went for my bag.
5 Stars
Meghan March seduces her readers perfectly with the man should not want.
Lucas Titan makes you want to strip your clothes off and slap him upside the head within two minutes of meeting him. An egotistical, dominating, and power hungry man, who’s this amazing complex character that you would have never seen coming. Irritating and enticing, once Lucas has sank his claws in, there’s no stopping this sinful wicked man.
Yve Santos is a sassy, snarky and will lay it out like it is. She’s not afraid to go toe to toe with the best of them. Yve has am amazing strength that keeps her moving forward, when most would retreat and hide. Yve surprised me at the powerhouse of a woman she is.
I never thought I would ever say I like Lucas Titan. If you have followed Ms. March’s Beneath Series you know Lucas is not a good man. Everything he does benefits himself in every way. Rude and crude are great description of this man. And now we learn the other of side of man who I thought couldn’t feel.
Lucas and Yve challenge each other on every level. Hate with attraction, that moves to sexual tension like none other, to insatiable chemistry. This dirty talking arrogant man needed the right kind of woman to stop in his tracks, question himself, and look beyond his wants. Seeing what love does to this hard ass man makes Beneath These Scars a top read of 2015.
Review copy provided by netgalley
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