Saturday, January 31, 2015

Blog Tour: Finding Laila By T.K. Rapp

Title: Finding Laila
Author: T.K. Rapp
Release Date: Jan 13, 2015
Find on
Goodreads


Joey, Cole, Haden and Braxton have been a constant in my life since I was five, and I have loved being one of the guys.
I’ve been cheerleader.
I’ve been study partner.
I’ve been listener.
When we’re young, we don’t realize the profound impact certain people will have on our lives. I had no idea twelve years ago I’d meet four boys who would turn out to be my best friends, my soul mates - my barmy.
Now school is almost done, our last summer together is drawing closer, and I’m trying to hold on to what we have while I still can. After this we’ll have to say goodbye to each other, as our choices will take our lives in different directions. But I don't know if our friendship can survive once secrets and surprises begin revealing themselves to us at every turn.
When it’s all said and done, will our friendships remain unbreakable? Or will our once strong bond prove to be weaker than we anticipated?
Letting go is harder than I thought, but some changes are necessary.
And finding Laila…finding myself…may be the greatest journey of all.



4.5 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Words cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book.  It is one of those books that just makes you feel.  It is a beautiful and amazing story about finding one’s self with the help of four amazing friends. 

When Laila was five years old she moved to a new neighborhood with her parents and that is where she met four boys who would be her biggest support system through her life.  Cole, Braxton, Joey and Haden have been friends with Laila for the past 12 years.   It has always been just the five of them.  They are each other's support system and all though all five are different and unique in their own way they are there for each other no matter what.  

This is their last year of high school.  For Laila these four boys have been her rock.  She doesn’t have any girlfriends because being best friends with four boys causes people to talk.  They either think she is dating all 4 of them and talking behind her back or they want to be her friend because they want to date on of her “guys”. But this is it.  This is the year where they all decide how to begin the next stage in their life.  It terrifies Laila to know that the four people who know her better than anyone will soon be leaving to start college soon.  How will she be able to make it without them?  What will happen when the summer comes to an end and they all go their separate ways?  

These five best friends have an amazing bond that is like no other.  And I think that no matter where they are in life they will always have that bond.  And that is one of the many things that I loved about this story.  This is Laila’s journey to finding herself.  Along the way she found love, new friendships, things about herself that terrified her.  But through it all she had her best friends.  Each guy played a different role in her life.  Together they were all very close but they each opened up to Laila in their own way, in ways that they couldn’t always open up to each other, at least not right away.  And in return they were always there for her.   They each had different personalities and even in school had other friends but no matter what they always made time for each other and it always came back to the five of them.

I can’t say enough about this book.  It is by far one of my favorites this year, even though the year has just begun.  It just makes you feel.  I felt like I was a part of this close circle of friends.  I wanted to know all about them, what they were thinking, what they were feeling, what secrets they were keeping.  I related to some of them on different levels.  I laughed with them, I cried with them and most of all I wanted to see them all just be happy.  Finding Laila is one of those books that at the end it leaves you with a hang over and wanting more.  The epilogue will completely surprise you in ways I cannot explain.  Everyone needs to read this story.  It is about love, true friendships, finding yourself, and yet so much more.  I think the only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because I needed more in the end.  I needed to see this group of friends in five years and know that they all made it through college and still found their way back to each other.  I would love perhaps a novella to continue Laila’s story and the guys as well.  I would love to see where they all end up.  But either way this story is amazing and one that everyone should read!!

“I guess we know the flavor of the week,” a female voice says from behind me, causing several others with her to laugh.
I know they’re talking about me. They’re always talking about me. It’s been this way since I was in seventh grade, but I’ve made it my mission to ignore it.
“She certainly gets around,” another voice chimes in.
Cole is sitting to my left, Haden to my right and both guys are staring at the field, but neither is paying attention to the game. I watch out of my peripheral as Haden’s forearm muscles tense and relax while Cole bites his lip. They are intently focused on the words being thrown at me, but keep quiet for the time being.
“She must be good because they all stick around,” a guy’s voice states in salacious tone that makes me nauseous.
I don’t wait for another barb to be hurled my way, even though I know it’s coming. I throw my arm around Haden and whisper something in his ear before kissing his cheek then turning to do the same to Cole. I lean forward to see Joey, who is next to Cole and give him a wink, “I’ll get you later, Baby.”
He shakes his head and laughs, “Why must you stir the pot?”
Haden smiles - proud of my display - and it pushes me on.
I turn to look at the three classmates who have stopped chattering long enough to watch my little show, jaws hanging open. I shrug my shoulders, and answer Joey, “I’m just giving them what they want.”
One of the girls, Kasey, looks at me and raises a brow, “And what about Braxton?”
I glance over to Cole who’s listening to everything, but is still watching the game. He smirks, as if he knows what’s coming and a smile of my own begins to break.
They are gawking at me when I turn and wet my lips before winking at the girls.
“If he wins, we all win,” I say huskily.
“Touchdown!” The announcer yells and the crowd jumps to their feet to celebrate. All but the three jerks behind me.





T.K. Rapp is a Texas girl born and raised. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from Texas A&M and it was there that she met the love of her life. He had a contract with the U.S. Navy that would take them across both coasts, and ultimately land them back home in Texas.
Upon finally settling in Texas, T.K. worked as a graphic designer and photographer for the family business that her mom started years earlier. She was able to infuse her creativity and passion, into something she enjoyed, but something was still missing. There was a voice in the back of her head that told her to write, so write, she did. And, somewhere on an external hard drive, are several stories she started and never finished.
Now at home, raising her two daughters, T.K. has more time to do the things she loves, which includes photography and writing. When she’s not doing one of those, she can be found with her family, which keeps her busy. She enjoys watching her kids in their various sporting activities (i.e. doing the soccer mom thing), having Sunday breakfast at her parent’s house, singing out loud and out of key or dancing like a fool. She loves raunchy humor, gossip blogs and a good book.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Release Blitz: Double Betrayal by Ada Frost



"I'm breaking my promise not to let another man into my life.
For one night, I belonged to someone."

Title: Double Betrayal
Author: Ada Frost
Series: Surviving Series, Book 3
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 29th, 2015
Cover Designer: Ada Frost, Kage Cover Designs
Editor: Hot Tree Editing

 Add to Goodreads



Emily’s life had three basic rules, love her family fiercely. Never expect forever and most importantly, shield her heart from pain. At a tender age she learnt love is not forever, sex destroys and if you don’t invest your heart, it can never be broken. She played life safe. 

All it takes though, is one moment, a defining light in the perpetual darkness to bring life into your heart. For Emily, it was a night she would never forget, an ordinary evening of dancing, drinking and if she was in the mood, a brief one night stand. But then he beguiled her. His emerald eyes captivated and enslaved her to him. 

What Emily didn’t anticipate was the mysterious giant to sit beside her and rock her foundations. His dirty mouth and sexy innuendos intrigued her. The green eyed Adonis took her for the ride of her life, on his motorbike. One she would never forget. He intertwined himself into her life and captured her soul.

But the illusion of beauty can hide a broken past. And as the lovers fall deeper, the darkness leeches into the light, suffocating and destroying all within its path. Until there is nothing left but betrayal and shattered hearts. 

*This is the third in the series but intended as a standalone. 
**Due to sexual content, it may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18 years of age. 



5 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Double Betrayal is book 3 in the Surviving series by Ada Frost.  I was so excited to read this book.  I didn’t even read the synopsis because Ada wrote it and it’s Will’s story.  So of course I was reading it regardless.  All I knew was that something happened between him and his long time love Marissa and we would meet his new love interest in Double Betrayal.  I finally decided to actually read the synopsis and seeing that the heroine was Emily it just made me even more excited for this book. 

Will has recently moved to the UK after his marriage fell apart.  He had loved Marissa since he was 14 years old.  He basically lived his life pleasing her and loving her for 20 years.  Until the end when she completely shattered him in a way that he never expected.  He has no intentions of ever giving his heart away again.  He has built a wall around his heart that no woman will ever be able to break through.  He is now in the UK visiting his brother Johan.  One night at a bar he meets the blonde haired pixie named Emily.   He has trouble keeping his eyes off of her and his hands to himself.  He wants her, if only for one night.  But he soon realizes that one night with Emily is not enough.

When Emily was 18 years old she thought her life was perfect and all planned out.  She would marry the love of her life and they would have a family together.  Until he shattered her heart into a million pieces.  It is 6 years later and Emily is just trying to make ends meet and give Izzy the perfect life.  Izzy is her rock, her love and her reason for everything.  After having her heart broken once she swears that she will never fall in love again.  But meeting Will Senior changes that.  It was supposed to be one night, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?  Will and Emily are two people whose pasts are both filled with betrayal.  They both have no intention of falling in love again for fear of getting hurt.  But neither one of them can stay away from the other.  And as time goes by their feelings become more than just about sex and passion.  Maybe they aren’t as broken as they think.  Maybe they can love again, but in order to do that they both need to let go of the past and open themselves up to the idea of love again.

I loved this book so much.   The prologue completely sucked me in.  I went from being happy for Emily to heart broken.  Emily is definitely one of favorite heroines.  She has so much love and is so selfless for reasons that you will understand once you read this book.  She is sweet, caring and just amazing.  From the first chapter and the moment that Will opened his mouth I was in love.  He is this big sexy giant with a dirty mouth and mind to go with it.  What I loved though was that throughout this book you begin to see that the person that he is when with Emily is the real Will.  I think for so long he wanted to please his ex wife that he became someone that he wasn’t. Emily brought life to Will and brought out this sexy, dominating side to him that I loved!  He was also so sweet, caring and very protective of both Emily and Izzy.  The first sex scene between these two, holy crap was it hot!!.  I think I may need to invest in a motorcycle!

Double Betrayal has a sweet and fun side to it.  And while one minute you find yourself laughing and smiling the next your heart is breaking.  There is drama and angst in the form of a psycho twin.  I have read plenty of books that have book bitches in them, you know those bitches that you just want to punch.  Well take those book bitches and multiply it by ten and you have Rhea, Emily’s twin sister.  Oh My God the woman was just pure evil. Every time her name was mentioned my heart started beating faster because I was so afraid of what would happen next, because with this chick anything goes.  

I can’t write this review without mentioning one person and that is Jack.  Now at first meeting him I didn’t like him for reasons that I do not want to give away.  But you see how years later he still regrets hurting Emily and that he still loves her.  There is a moment in the book where I honestly had so much respect for him.  I would love to see him get his happily ever after because I honestly think he deserves it.

This book will make you laugh, cry, break your heart, and will have you swooning.  I loved that we still get to see Johan in this one and see his happiness continue.  I love his relationship with Will and how much he cares for Emily.  Double Betrayal is a beautiful story of second chances, love, betrayal and moving on from the past.   Ada Frost managed to bring out all of the emotions in this one.  You will fall in love with the sexy giant and his little pixie.   I loved it and cannot wait for Ryan’s story, especially after that epilogue!!  I know that Ryan’s story will be one big roller coaster ride of emotions and I am ready for it!!





He didn’t ascend the two steps up to the raised floor I was on, so we were now more or less of similar height. It was a little disconcerting he was still taller, even at my advantage.
“Did you just tattletale like a little bitch?”
“He was touching your ass.”
“You–”
“And if you want me to be your bitch, I can do that.” The grin that spread across his handsome face showcased a sexy line of white teeth. He had a very small slit in his lip, as if he suffered from dry lips. Without thought, I leaned forward and sucked his bottom lip into my mouth. He tasted like beer and delicious man. I knew I was risking the giant’s bollocks kissing him in front of my brothers, but I couldn’t stand more time passing without having a little taste.
I pulled away, slowly releasing his lip with a nip of my teeth. He didn’t make any move to touch me, or kiss me back. He simply stared at me with shining eyes and a hot smirk.
“Dance with me.” It wasn’t a question; I wanted to feel his body against mine.
“Can I touch your ass?”
I didn’t answer; I simply sauntered back onto the dance floor. I glanced over my shoulder and offered him a coy smile. Acis had scared the poor young guy away.
I started the slow sway of my hips, keeping my eyes pinned to my avid admirer. His eyes tracked my movements. The sway of my hips, the bend of my knee, the curve of my waist. Slowly, he walked toward me with the prowl of a dangerous animal ready to capture his prey. I expected him to wrap his arm around my body and pull me against him, but instead, he lifted his hand and hooked his finger under my chin and ran his thumb over my bottom lip.
“You’re a dangerous woman, pixie-girl.”
I didn’t speak; I simply stared into his eyes and wrapped my lips around his thumb and sucked it into my mouth, licking the pad before slowly releasing it. His eyes flared and his extremely long lashes battered against his cheeks like butterflies trying to escape.  Finally, his thick arm banded around my back and lifted me up against him, my feet dangled near his shins. There was no finesse in the way I crashed against him—as I said, I was clumsy. But the heat of his skin burned against me, igniting a desperate need inside me. I pressed my hands against his chest and curled my fingers into the fabric, anchoring myself to him as he pressed his hips against mine and started a slow sensuous rocking. With each wave of movement, my stomach tightened as his hips and hard-on pressed perfectly against me. I parted my legs slightly, allowing him to slide his thigh between my legs. His hand caressed my waist as it slid down my side, over the small of my back, to cup my arse. He pressed against me, bringing me tightly against his hardness. I closed my eyes and a small moan escaped me as electric pulses throbbed through me.
The scratch of stubble against my cheek and the hot warmth of his breath made me shiver violently.
“I want to feel, touch, and taste your skin, Pix,” he whispered against my ear, the seductive baritone of his voice shattering any protests I may have had. Which I didn’t. I tightened my fist in his shirt, certain I was nipping his flesh.
“I want you to watch as my tongue licks every inch of this perfect body. Starting with your tight nipples.” He took my earlobe into his mouth and nipped with his teeth. I melted against him. The only support for my weakened body was my grip on his shirt and his hands on my arse.
“I—” I said breathlessly as he licked a warm path down my neck to cover my throbbing pulse with his mouth, sucking hard against my heated flesh.
“Either way, babe, I need you naked.”



Other Books in the Surviving Series

Elemental Fear
(Book 1)
Available HERE
Surviving Love
(Book 2)
Available HERE





Hi! What to say about myself...I don't really have anything interesting to offer other than I love to read, and create stories for others to enjoy. I've always been told I have a vivid imagination, I just lacked the confidence to pursue putting it onto the written page. But finally I embarked on making a single dream come true. 

I love to read, and write. I only read romance, any genre really, but it has to have a beautiful romance. I also demand a HEA, even if it takes two or three books to get there. Reality is too broken and jaded without having to live through the trauma and angst in a book for it to end unhappily. 





Prologue Reveal: Undeniable Love by Kelly Elliott







Tristan Williams thought the path of his life was on the right journey. He had a successful career, good looks, and a carefree lifestyle. One conversation changed Tristan’s way of thinking forever as his father presented him with a bottle, representing his journey and forcing unwanted thoughts of a lasting relationship to the surface. Running from the fear of commitment, he pushed away the only woman he ever had feelings for and turned to the one girl he knew he didn’t love.

Ryn Webster was finally putting her past behind her. Moving to Texas and concentrating on the success of her own company, she had her life almost where she wanted it. One thing was missing though…love. She thought she had found love with Tristan until he casted her aside.

After being hurt by Tristan, Ryn does whatever she can to push him from her heart, even if it means being with a man she doesn’t love.

Regardless of the path one thinks they are on, the journey of life can cause unexpected turns, altering the planned course. Will Tristan and Ryn’s bottle be tossed about, lost in the rocky waves of life? Or will calm seas prevail to help Tristan and Ryn finally find their journey of love…together?


ADD TO GOODREADS




PROLOGUE

I had been sitting on the beach for the last hour just staring out at the black ocean. I tipped the beer bottle back and drank the last of my beer.
“Well hell. Looks like I have to go back,” I said as I got up and brushed the sand off my pants. I turned and looked back at the house. My brother Lark and his new wife, Azurdee had left two hours ago for their honeymoon and I couldn’t take watching Ryn another second.
I sucked in a deep breath of salty air and slowly let it out. My phone went off and I pulled it out of my pocket. I let out a deep breath when I saw it was Liberty.

Liberty: Just letting you know I’m thinking about you. If you want me to join you I’ll come down. Just text me back and I’ll be there.

Me: I think I just need some time to think, Liberty. We need this time apart.

Liberty: I didn’t mean to push you. I’m always pushing you, I know. I just really wanted to see your parents and would have loved to have seen the wedding but I understand you have your reasons for going alone. Things haven’t been so great with us lately. I’ll work on that. Promise.

Me: We’ll talk when I get back to Austin.

Liberty: Okay. I love you, Tristan.


I let out a sigh and shook my head. I’ve never told Liberty I loved her. I wasn’t sure anymore how I felt about her. We had been on and again and off again so many times I was beginning to lose count. Currently, we were off. All she had been doing is pushing an engagement ever since she found out Lark and Azurdee were getting married. When I thought of my future I didn’t see Liberty. I only saw ... Ryn. And that scared the piss out of me.
I turned my phone to silent and shoved it in my pocket. I started heading back to the house and began putting on my game face. The one I’d been wearing for the last ten months. The one where everyone thought I was happy, but deep down inside I was the unhappiest I’d ever been in my life.
I walked up the stairs to the deck and the first person I saw was Ryn. She was leaning against the railing with her head back and her eyes closed. There was no one else out here.
She looked tired. I smiled when I thought about what I had overheard earlier when Mom and Azurdee’s best friend, Jessie, were talking. Ryn had taken a two-week vacation and was renting a house on the beach just two houses down from here. I already began planning ways to ‘run in to her’ while we were both here.
She hadn’t talked to me in over ten months. No matter how many times I called and left her messages begging her to call me, she never would.
Her cell phone rang and she quickly answered it. I walked around to the other side of the deck and sat down to where she couldn’t see me.
“Hey, Dodge. Are you on your way? Yes. I thought I could, but I can’t. I need you.”
Dodge? Who the fuck is Dodge?
She laughed at something he said and then she let out a sigh. “Well, considering I still need my RFB, I’d say yes ... it’s been a sucky last three days.”
I peeked around the corner and saw her smiling. She reached her hand up and began playing with her nipple.
What the fuck?
“That sounds like heaven. Yes. I’m going to need it a lot. I don’t know, you’d think after all this time you’d have been able to fuck him out of my head and heart. Maybe you’re not as good as you think you are?”
My mouth dropped open and I quickly turned back and stared out in the night sky.
She laughed again and said, “I’m still at the wedding. Yes. It was hard to see him. I don’t know. Maybe, I’ve thought about that. Yes. I realize I only use you for sex to forget about Tristan, but maybe I’m falling for you and just want your company. You ever think of that?”
My heart started beating faster and I wanted to pound this asshole’s head in.
She let out a sigh and said, “Okay. I’ll see you then. Oh trust me. I’ll be waiting and I will most certainly be ready for you. Yes naked. Hey, Dodge? Hurry please. I need to be fucked in a bad way. Bye.”
She let out a sigh and then I swore I heard her crying. I slowly stood. She was looking out toward the ocean. Her shoulders were moving up and down and when I saw her wipe away her tears, my knees about buckled out from underneath me.
I started making my way toward her. I didn’t want to walk up on her crying, so I cleared my throat and asked, “May I join you?”
She quickly wiped her tears away and looked the other way. “It’s your house,” she whispered. “How have you been, Ryn?” She turned and looked at me. If looks could kill, I’d be on the floor right now. “You’ve ignored me for three days and now you ask how I’ve been?”
I shrugged my shoulders and said, “I wasn’t sure you wanted to talk to me.” She let out a small laugh.
“Usually people attempt to talk to a person before they make that assumption.”
“Well, considering I’ve been calling you for months, and you ignore my calls—” She took a step back and shook her head.
A look of hurt moved across Ryn’s face as she slowly said, “You’re seeing ... another ... girl.”
“It’s not like that. We are kind of off and on. I mean ... I’m not seeing her right now.” She rolled her eyes before looking into mine.
“Do you have any idea how much you hurt me?”
My heart felt like it was physically hurting as I swallowed and said, “I just thought ... I wasn’t planning on—” I looked away and then back into her eyes. “I thought you just wanted to have fun, Ryn. Then you started acting different and I started having these feelings and ... I was confused.”
Anger replaced the hurt in her eyes. “The only thing that confused you is why you brought the wrong girl to meet mom and dad.”
She turned and began walking into the house. I wanted to call out for her but I couldn’t. My heart felt like it was squeezing in my chest as I stood there and listened to her retreating footsteps.

I turned and stared out at the dark ocean again. That’s what my heart felt like.A dark deep sea of ... darkness.



About the Author



Kelly Elliott is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!
She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.
In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.






 Brought To You by:

Review: Fear Me by BB Reid





I don't believe in Fairy-tales and Prince Charming.

I believe in fear.

He taught me how to be afraid.

We first met on a playground during a wonderful summer day. It was the first time he hurt me and it wasn't the last. For ten years he's been my tormentor and I've been his forbidden. But then he went away and yet I was still afraid.

Now he's back and wants more than just my tears. You see...he thinks I sent him away so now he wants revenge...and he knows just how to get it.

This book is new adult and contains rough elements such as harsh language, mild violence, and strong sexual content. Readers should be 18+.




4.5 Loved it to Pieces Stars!

Review by Lisa Kane

I fell in love with this book! I thought when I read the description that this would be the typical boy bullies girl because he really loves her deep down. Wrong. Boy really does hate girl. 

Keiran has tormented Lake for the last ten years. At times, especially when they were kids, his punishment would turn physical. As she got older it was more about publicly humiliating her at school. She is terrified of him. When she was a kid, her parents disappeared off the face of the planet. She never heard from them again. Her aunt has raised her and they are close. Keiran's background is equally strange. He lives with his cousin Keenan and his father, John. Little is known about his early years. He is popular, a manwhore, and feared by all. 

About a year ago he was set up for a fall. He blames Lake for it-the call to the police came from her phone. She claims her phone was missing and then conveniently turned up. He was sent away for a year and now he's back. Lake's best friend Willow is acting strangely. She was away for the summer and when she came back she seemed different. She is her biggest supporter in the war that rages between Lake and Keiran, Keenan and Dash, another guy who holds court at school. 

Keenan is a huge cheater. His girlfriend Sheldon is sweet and genuine and goes out of her way to befriend Lake. Lake doesn't understand why this girl wants to associate with her. It's an open secret that as much as Keiran hates Lake, he wants her with equal passion. And he makes sure he gets her. Threatening to hurt her both Aunt Carissa and Willow he bends Lake to his will-mentally and physically. I think they both were looking for an excuse to give in to the attraction they have always felt for each other. And they give in to those feelings at every opportunity. All the while, both denying there are any feelings other than lust. 


"What are you thinking about?" 
"Why do  you always want to know what I'm thinking?"
"Because you're still hiding."
"So are you."
"Maybe. But not because I don't trust you." His tone was accusatory.
"But because I think it will keep you safe." 
"From what?"
"Me." His expression was pained. I definitely needed answers. 

But there are some pretty sinister things going on around them. Keiran loathes himself and refers to himself as a killer and a monster. There is the mystery of both their parents' disappearances. There are enemies at school that threaten Lake. Keiran's possessiveness of Lake is off the charts. He rarely lets her out of his sight and controls her every move. 


"You have sixty seconds to tell me everything about Jesse Fitzgerald and what the fuck you were doing with him."
"I'm not sure what you mean..." "He's a friend."
"Did you fuck him?"
"And if I had?"
"I would kill  him-and you."

Lake finally sees that Keiran has been manipulating her life for years; he's the reason guys withdrew their offers to date her. 

"You're crazy numb nuts. No one has ever been interested in me before." 
"That you know of. I made sure of that." 

If he couldn't have her, he sure as hell made sure no one else would. There is a reason for his hatred of her, and as messed up as it is, I can understand why he is so torn and broken. 

There are so many stories going on with the secondary characters-Dash and Willow and Sheldon and Keenan all deserve their own stories. Their lives are so complicated and they are so deliciously flawed. This ends on a cliffy, but the sequel is out shortly. Normally I avoid cliff hangers like the plague, but not in this case. I am so glad I gave this one a read! 


"I'm afraid for him because every day he has to fight the person he is, to be the person he wants to be."


Nook



Thursday, January 29, 2015

Release Day Blitz: Hell's Ink by Nicole Reed




Blurb

In this Brotherhood you live or die by the three-piece patch. For Hold Dawson, Vice-President of the Hells Highwaymen Motorcycle Club, it’s not just black ink tattooed on his body, but the religion he worships, and the law that governs his life. Nothing else matters. Family by choice and not by blood. More sacred than a shared name. Bound by respect. Loyal to death.
Unity.           Respect.
Love.  Devotion.
Forever.

But there’s another side to this life. One the President, Hold’s own father, lives and regulates by.

Merciless. Wrathful.
Murderous.  Dishonest.
Lethal.


It’s blood in and blood out and only one man gets to be king.



4.5 Stars by Lisa Kane

Hold is a familiar character in this second installment of Nicole Reed's Forever Inked series. He was the man who considered Kels to be his old lady and he did some horrible things to her before he lost her to ATF agent Luke Carrity.
 
He didn't do these things because he's a monster, he did them because he believed they needed to be done for the sake of the Hell's Highwaymen MC. But still he lost the girl and he's been bitter ever since Hels left with Luke for parts unknown.

Hold has his hands full. He's the club's vice president and is at war with his father Ward, the club's Prez. Ward carries a vendetta for Hels and made sure Hold suffered for it. The club itself is divided between Ward's camp and Hold's. Hold himself is soulless at this point. He has a club whore, Carrie that has been his main fuck partner for the last few years. She wants to be is official old lady, but he has no interest in that. His relationship with his best friend, Mikey is fragile, Ward made sure to tell him that Mikey doubted his ability to lead the club after the mess with Hels. And it seems Ward is trying to get him killed off, but he can't really prove it, and isn't ready to make his move to take over the MC yet.

Shayla is on her way to Harmony to surprise her Aunt D. Her meth head boyfriend blew through his last chance with her and she has nothing to stay for anymore. But on her way there she gets a flat. Mikey, who works with Hold in the MC's auto repair shop, comes across her and offers help. He's been increasingly restless and wants to put down roots with a woman. Club pussy isn't cutting it these days. Enter Shayla-she's gorgeous, young and smart. He makes no bones that he's interested in her.

Seems Aunt D is Badger's old lady; he owns the shop that the guys work at.

Eventually Shayla meets Hold and there is an attraction between them. But the fact that Carrie, Hold's regular booty call is between his legs at the time, makes Shayla think attraction is nice, but she isn't  interested in going down a one way street.

Mikey goes away on club business for awhile and Hold spends a little bit of time with her. It's obvious that there is a force between them that for some reason seems to soothe each other's souls. Hold opens up to her in a way he never has with anyone before, but the ghost of Hels and the hole she blew up in his heart is not going to let him pursue Shayla. Not to mention Mikey's interest in her will hurt their friendship more than it is now.

But things quickly implode in the MC and Hold's world is shaken to its core. He questions everything and everyone in his life. His relationship with his mother and father are at the center of this shit storm and the ugly truth about things from the past are exposed. Once these things are revealed, life can't go back to the way it was-for any of them.

There is a ton of subterfuge in this story. It is hard to tell who can be trusted and who can't. This one is full of betrayal and hatred and violence. But the story is well told and this series continues to captivate my interest. The only drawback for me was Shayla and Hold's almost insta love connection. Even knowing that Hold was openly a manwhore, there's lots of unprotected sex between these two. Over and over again. I have to admit that bothered me, especially as Hold had been having unprotected sex with Carrie too. (before he and Shayla were involved) That and something concerning Carrie comes in to play and Shayla seemed to be alright with it. It became a non issue (not going to spoil anything here) but that situation could potentially have killed things between Shayla and Hold but she seemed to be a little too accepting of some of Hold's baggage.

In spite of those things, I'm hoping for more stories about these characters. My guess is maybe Mikey will get his own story and hopefully his own HEA at some point.

Excerpt: Meet Hold

He watched her slender artist’s hand caress her taut, tattooed abdomen, instantly jealous that it wasn’t his own blunt fingers that idly drifted across her silky flesh. Her eyes flickered with awareness to where he stood at the end of the bed watching her. It only made his balls draw up tight. His rock-hard erection jutted outward, thick and long. He couldn’t halt his hand from massaging it with slow, steady jerks. His teeth burrowed painfully into his bottom lip. - Hell's Ink




About the Author

Nicole Reed is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Ruining You.  She is a true Southern girl, enjoying life with her husband and three children in the peachy state of Georgia.  As a child, she discovered another world between the pages of a book and that has lead to her dream job as a writer.  In 2012, she self-published her first book Ruining Me, and then followed it with Ruining You, Cake, and Wasted Heart.  Her books have also been listed on the overall Top 100 Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling list.  She is represented by Ginger Clark with Curtis Brown, LTD.


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