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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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ARC Review: In Tune by Laramie Briscoe
In Tune
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy, Book 3
Published August 14th 2015 by Laramie Briscoe
Forgiveness
Compassion
Love
When Cash Montgomery and Harper Stillwell decided to take a chance on a fling, neither one knew where it would take them. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, they are clawing their way back to the kind of relationship they have both fought so hard for.
Cash can forgive, but he can’t forget. Harper can apologize, but she can’t express her true feelings.
Growing up is hard—just because you reach an age where the world says you’re an adult doesn’t mean you are. These two are figuring out that life only gets more difficult the older you get, they are learning that love comes at a price, and they are deciding whether it’s worth fighting for.
After the Collision—they’re desperately trying to figure out if they can ever be in tune.
4.5 Stars
In a time that should be filled with happiness, Cash and Harper are at a kind of stand still. All the secrets are out and hearts are hurting. This is where the healing begins. Cash shows the man he truly is (totally giving Tyler a run for his money. Fans of Laramie’s Heaven Hill Series will understand) with his compassion, willingness to trust, loyalty and patience. Giving his love and support to the woman that truly changes his life.
Harper’s fear got the best her. Keeping a part of her locked away. Shame and embarrassment makes a girl do things that hurt. A good kick in the butt from a friend and Cash’s loyalty and persistence, Harper opened her heart whole to the love of a man that changed her for the good.
Cash and Harper send the reader on an emotional roller coaster showing love is not always easy but so worth it in the conclusion to the Red Bird Trail Trilogy, In Tune. No emotion is spared, as Cash and Harper work together to get their love IN TUNE!
Ms. Briscoe has in my opinion, really out done herself with not only In Tune, the Trilogy as a whole. With each book Laramie writes, the characters become more real. Cash and Harper are no exception. Individually they will hit your heart, together set it on fire. Passionate, heartwarming and emotional. I didn’t view In Tune as the end of a trilogy, but as a new beginning for Cash and Harper.
A complimentary copy was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker
Too Hard To Handle
Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights INC. Series, Book 8
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru
“The Man” is back
Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.
And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.
5 Stars
Penni is one kickass woman. Smart, can take care of herself and will to do what it takes. The chemistry she felt with Dan has kept her wake more than a night or two. Flying around the world and standing side by side in gunfights show just how brave, loyal and a bit crazy this woman is.
Dan has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. A complex character who can break your heart one moment and have you in a puddle the next. Being widowed took Dan “The Man” on a downward spiral to the bottom of a bottle. Through the help of his brothers, friends and some chemistry on an explosive mission, The Man begins see life again. All Alpha and sexy to the bone, a second chance at love awaken Dan from the darkness.
Intricate weaving of danger, romance and suspense to a level that has the reader hanging on every word. My introduction to Ms. Walker’s Black Knights Series, Too Hard Too Handle left a very lasting impression. Yes, I know I started this series way in, however I was able to understand in this ongoing story around Dan and Penni. Emotional and sexual tension keep the reader’s heart racing as much as the action and danger on the pages. Julie Ann Walker drew me into her world of Badass secret agent bikers with one book! Now it’s time to go back to the beginning of the Black Knight series and get lost in this dangers world.
A review copy of this title was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
ARC Review: Collision by Laramie Briscoe
Collision
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy Book 2
Self Published
Published July 13th 2015
Collision—An instance of one person striking violently against another.
Secrets
Lies
Broken Hearts
When Cash and Harper are blindsided with custody papers for his brother, Remy, neither one of them know what to do other than what they’ve done in the past. Ask the Heaven Hill MC for help and hope for the best.
As they prepare for the fight of their lives against Remy’s parents, Harper wonders if the sins of her father will come back to bite her. A time in her life she thought she’d left behind rears its ugly head and threatens everything the two of them have been working towards.
When worlds crash, they are left looking at the wreckage and wondering if they’ve survived the collision.
4.5 Stars
The intensity never lets up!
Collision flawlessly pick up where Flagger slammed Cash and Harper into a brick wall. Quickly becoming a couple, moving in together and making a stable environment for Remy has put Cash and Harper in the fast lane trying to keep up. Where Flagger was all about the passion(in my opinion), Collision is cutting open all the raw, deep emotions.
Love is never easy. It’s a learning process, with a lot of trial and error. Whether you’re 20 years old or have been married for 50 years, love is something that has to be worked at and maintained. With her incredible characters, Ms. Briscoe perfectly gives the readers just that with the intense, emotional, ride that is Collision. A quick read that is over, leaving you wanting more before you know it. Passion still heats the pages, however expect to feel the so deep emotions right along with Cash and Harper.
With all the cards on the table, I very much look forward to what Laramie Briscoe has in store for the conclusion of the Red Bird Trail trilogy with In Tune!
An e-book was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: A Change for the Good by Melanie Jayne
A Change For The Good
Melanie Jayne
Pub Date Jul 7, 2015
Two people starting over, making much needed changes in their lives.
Zoe Crawford has moved to a new city after being dumped and humiliated by her ex-husband. She is going to put her wants and needs first and get her life in order.
Tony Alessi has returned to his hometown to rehab his body and soul, leaving his ATF career behind.
When Tony meets Zoe, he likes what he sees. She appreciates the attention from the younger man but doesn’t want to participate in a cougar challenge. As Zoe learns to trust Tony, she admits to some odd happenings in her life. The feelings of being followed, call hang ups and an apartment break-in. When the attacks turn physical, she accepts Tony’s help.
Soon Zoe’s life is threatened, the couple hides in Tony’s cabin and grow closer as they discover who they were and who they hope to be.
Will Zoe’s past ruin her chance to change her life for the good?
3 Stars
Starting over has never been so sexy.
Zoe is a strong and brave woman. Surviving a marriage that was really nothing more than points for the status quo. Picking up and starting over a new place and doing things to better her life. She has the inner strength to accept who and what, change only for herself and to learn to love again when a younger man makes Zoe fell like a teen again.
Tony is a gentle man who’s caring and sweet with a wonderful dominant streak that makes a woman purr. A past that has left him with a few demons and an injury, that have somehow made him a better man because of it. A man who sets his sights on something and doesn’t give up.
Melanie Jayne gives the reader the excitement and apprehension that comes with starting over in A Change for the Good. An overall good story. The plot will keep the reader engaged through the pages. Zoe and Tony work well together, although I feel some of their “get to know you scenes” were a bit rushed. However the intense passion will keep the pages turning.
A review copy was provided by the publisher/publicist for an honest review.
Review: Chaos by Jamie Shaw
Chaos
Jamie Shaw
Expected publication: July 21st 2015 by Avon Impulse
From the moment she saw Shawn Scarlett perform at a school talent show, Kit Larson has loved two things: the guitar, and the gorgeous, green-eyed boy who inspired her to play. But one careless night in high school shatters her hope of ever being more than a notch on his bedpost.
Six years, two bands, and one mostly-mended heart later, Kit’s about to make her rock star dreams a reality as the new guitarist for Shawn’s band, The Last Ones to Know. He may not remember their reckless night together, but Kit has never forgotten… and she’s determined to make him eat his heart out.
The release of their new album means a month cooped up on a tour bus, sleeping inches away from the ridiculously sexy musician she’s never quite gotten over. And as Kit gets to know the real Shawn—not Shawn Scarlett, the rock god, the player—their attraction becomes too hot to resist. But the past is paved with secrets, and when they finally surface, Kit could lose everything: the band, the music, her dreams… and Shawn.
3.5 Stars
Kit and Shawn’s twisted story is hot mess that keeps the reader turning the pages. High school drama, music, chemistry, passion and rockstar dreams, keeps the lines of love/hate and want/reality very thin in this New Adult rocker romance.
Ms. Shaw’s complex characters gave the readers a kick butt story. Emotions running high and low, living a dream, while passion builds. A long running crush turns into love with emotional baggage. Shawn and Kit rock the stage, pages and the readers hearts.
Chaos is third book of the Mayhem series and my first of Jamie Shaw. With her passion flowing through the words not just for love, for the music as well and her attention to detail, I will be reading more of Ms. Shaw’s in the future.
A review copy was provided 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.
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.
ARC Review: Reclaim Me by Alex Grayson
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Reclaim Me
Alex Grayson
Jaded Series, Book 2
When the truth finally comes out, danger shows its ugly face. There are people in Jaded Hollow that do not want Mac and Mia together. They are willing to do what ever it takes to keep them apart.
Will Mac be strong enough to overcome temptation, even when the odds are against him? Will Mia forgive Mac when she realizes things weren’t what they seemed ten years ago?
Alex Grayson continues to captivate her readers with the emotional roller coaster and intense passion that is Reclaim Me.
A second chance love story laced with betrayal, unanswered questions and raw feelings that after 10 years still make their presence known. Through the emotions of not the main characters, but the secondary as well, make an edge of your seat read. Ms. Grayson writing takes the reader on a journey that will make you laugh, cry and share the pain, and want to hope for love.
Love is never easy. Reclaim Me by Alex Grayson, shows the battle that makes it all worth wild. A great addition to Ms. Grayson’s Jaded series.
A complementary copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
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