Thursday, January 31, 2013

Review: Under His Command by Kristine Cayne

Our 4 star review

Under His Command is the first book in Kristine Cayne's Six Alarm Sexy series, which is an erotica series. I loved this book and boy was it hot.   It is a sexy look into a man introducing his wife to BDSM and his Dom side, in hopes of saving their marriage. 

Jamie and Erica (Rickie) met over 5 years ago when they had a scorching hot one night stand.  About one month later Erica shows up at Jamie's door announcing that she is pregnant.  Here we are 5 years later and all though they had one amazing night together, their marriage has been anything but that.

Jamie Caldwell is a hot, sexy, dominant firefighter who also has a sweet and romantic side to him that will make you swoon.  Before meeting Erica, Jamie lived a BDSM lifestyle, had various subs and frequented sex clubs as well.  When he married Erica he left that that lifestyle and his DOM side behind him. He wanted to be the perfect husband, the husband that he thought Erica wanted him to be. Erica enjoyed that first night together, more than she wanted to admit.  But Erica was afraid if she submitted to Jamie, she would become the one person she didn't want to be like; her mother.  Her fear caused her to push her husband away which may have also lead to their marriage crumbling. 

Jamie and Erica have been separated for a year and due to a recent event they learn that neither of them wants to proceed with the divorce.  After coming close to losing their daughter they both decide to do whatever it takes to make their marriage work.  But the hardest part for the both of them is being honest with each other.  When Erica finally admits to Jamie that she loved that first night together and she wants to explore things in a sexual way with him, all though surprised by this admission, Jamie couldn't be happier.   But at the same time I think it scares him a little to be introducing his wife to his lifestyle that was a big part of him for many years. He gave up a big part of himself when he marries Erica.  She pushed him so far away that he started to become someone that he wasn't.  He is afraid that introducing the world of BDSM and showing his dominant side will push her away again. 


"I love you so much, Jamie.  I want to make you happy, but I don't always know how."

They decide to take the honeymoon that they never had, in hopes of fixing their marriage.  Jamie agrees to introduce Erica to the lifestyle he once knew and loved.  But the one thing he needs from Erica is her trust, which is one of Erica's biggest issues.  He doesn't want Erica to be his sub, he wants her to be his wife.  He needs her to understand that they are equals and that she can trust him, that he would never do anything to hurt or embarrass her.  The two things lacking in their marriage was communication and trust.  Without those, their marriage will not work.

"The real problem is and always has been that you don't trust me.  I  understood that in the beginning.  You had no reason to trust me back then.  But I've worked hard to be a good husband and an good father."

What can I say, I love Jamie Caldwell.  I loved the dominant side of him, but he also had a sweet and romantic side to him that just melted your heart.  He loves his wife and is willing to do whatever it takes to make their marriage work.  Erica wasn't the easiest person to love in the beginning, but once you began to understand her fears and why she pushed Jamie away, she became more of a loveable character.  She was willing to explore unfamiliar territory for her, reaching outside her comfort zone. All in hope of reconnecting with her husband on an emotional and physical level.  Their lovemaking was hot, steamy, filled with erotic moments that permeated the senses.  Their exploration of BDSM pushed them towards a transformation to a new "them". Maybe different, but joined in a way they hadn't been before.

"Because I love you.  Because we're equals.  Because you're my wife, Rickie, not my slave or servant."

Cayne's writing in Under His Command connects the reader as she connects these two people. Although they may have lost their way, the sensual steamy scenes (which somehow became hotter and hotter with each encounter) bring them closer together. The sex is hot and the BDSM scenes sizzle off the page.  But there is more to this story than just the hot sex scenes.  It is also about two people trying to put their marriage together, learning to trust again and in a way finding themselves.  A job well done by Kristine Cayne.  I am looking forward to Dani and William's story. 

The prequel to Under His Command is Romance in the Rain - A Seattle Anthology (the prequel is Aftershocks).  I would suggest reading this first to understand their relationship better.  

Purchase Under His Command on Amazon

Purchase romance in the Rain for NOOK

Purchase Romance in the Rain on Amazon

Spotlight on Text Appeal by Lexi Ryan

Today's spotlight is on Text Appeal by Lexi Ryan.  A hot and steamy read

Summary:
Charlie 'The Devil' Singleton is the face of professional poker. Notorious for playing cards and women, Charlie's ready to change his ways, and the surprisingly sexy texts he's getting from Riley are making him bet everything..on her.



Riley Carter is nothing like the hotel heiresses who make the news. A girl who's determined to run her father's hotel empire can't share many traits with women who fill the gossip rags. But 'The Devil' has a way of tempting even the best behaved girls.



When Riley discovers the naughty messages on her cell have been coming from Charlie, not her would-be fiancé, she falls into a hot affair with the last man she expected. But consorting with the notorious bad boy puts her hard-won reputation on the line. Is Charlie worth more to her than a little TEXT APPEAL?

Excerpt:

The screen read: Message from Charles Spencer.

She bit her lip. Chaz. Their date hadnt ended so well last night, and she wasnt sure if he really would text like he promised. She hit OK.

I cant stop thinking about yesterday.

Riley put her fingers to her lips but couldnt stop them from spreading into a grin. She took a breath. Youve been on my mind, too, she typed. Did it sound too needy? Too desperate? She wanted to improve her sex life with Chaz more than a dieter wanted ice cream, but she wasnt sure how to go about it She held her breath and hitSend.

She stared at the phone, willing it to vibrate, willing him to respond.

Nothing.

Dont be stupid, Riley. You dont need to text back and forth like teenagers all day. Hes busy. Get back to work.” She stole a last glance at her phone and turned back to her computer.

It buzzed again, vibrating against the desk. She chewed on her bottom lip. She should not be this excited about a text message.

But she was. She snatched her phone and read the message.

Did you try it on?

Her heart kicked up a beat. Surely he didnt mean...Try what on? she typed. Send.

Black. Leather. Sexy as fuck? Ring any bells?

She shifted in her chair. Was this a side of Chaz she hadnt seen? Was he secretly someone her ING would come out and purr for? That would be a good thing, right? Why did that seem so weird to her?

Her stomach clenched. All she could do was find out. I tried it on.

Four words. Safe. Noncommittal. He wouldnt run screaming in the other direction. And if he didnt like the idea of her wearing something so provocative...Sexy as fuck. She shifted again. He liked it. She hit Send and her lame-o message fled from her phone.

She waited, listening to the wall clock tick, tick, tick...Her phone buzzed.

I wish Id been there. Hope you took pictures.

She frowned. Okay, she didnt expect that from Chaz.

Pretend its Charlie, her ING said. Whats weird from Chaz is hot from Charlie.

That was a terrible idea, of course, to think about Charlie while Chaz was texting her. But she reread the message and imagined Charlie typing it, that cocky grin on his face, his dimple making an occasional appearance

Her thighs flexed instinctively. She looked around her empty office, her skin heating. She was turned on at work, one wall between her and the room where her father made billion-dollar business transactions. Dear God. She ran her tongue over her bottom lip and stared at the message, her pulse hammering. What should she say? Did he want her to be suggestive? She wasnt sure she knew how...

What would you say if you were having this conversation with Charlie?

Reviews:

From Barnes & Nobles LOVE ROCKS Indie Review column: “Text Appeal is smart, sexy, filled with great writing and memorable dialogue, and features characters you won't easily forget.”



From InDTale Magazine: “Readers will find themselves cheering for Riley and Charlie both. Lexi Ryan writes her dialogue with wit, humor, a bit of sarcasm, and throws in some wonderful chemistry!

From Storm Goddess Book Reviews: “Ms. Ryan's story is fun and flirty. Text Appeal won't disappoint!”


Designated “A True Gem” by Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews. “With some elevator rides that will make you blush, and a kink for lingerie that will have you running for the closest corset, “Text Appeal” will have you smiling and blushing from beginning to end..


Text Appeal is on sale for 99 cents until Sunday, February 3rd at the following retailers:


Amazon

Barnes and Noble 

KOBO 
About the Author:


Author of both contemporary and paranormal romance, Lexi Ryan writes smart, spunky stories that sizzle. She enjoys reading, sunshine, a good glass of wine, and rare trips to the beach with her husband and children.

Lexi lives in Indiana, where she divides her time between her family, her writing, and her job as an English professor
You can find her at her website: lexiryan.com





Contact Lexi Ryan:
Website: http://lexiryan.com
Blog: lexiryan.blogspot.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lexiryan 
Twitter: @writerlexiryan

E-mail: writerlexiryan@gmail.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/qymaH


Lexi Ryan also just released Accidental Sex Goddess which is a hot, fun and sexy read








 







   Our review for Accidental Sex Goddess


Cover reveal: Light in the Shadows by A. Meredith Walters

Here is the beautiful cover for Light in the Shadows


 Blurb:

How do you keep going when you feel like your life is over?

Maggie never thought she’d see Clay again. So, she attempts to put her life back together after her heart has been shattered to pieces. Moving on and moving forward, just as Clay wanted her to.

Clay never stopped thinking of Maggie. Even after ripping their lives apart and leaving her behind to get the help he so desperately needed. He is healing...slowly. But his heart still belongs to the girl who tried to save him.

When a sudden tragedy brings Maggie and Clay face to face again, nothing is the same. Yet some things never change. Can the darkness that threatened to consume them be transformed into something else and finally give them what they always wanted? And can two people who fought so hard to be together, finally find their happiness? Or will their demons and fear drive them apart for good?

The thing about love, is even when it destroys you, it has a way of mending what is broken. And in the shadows, you can still see the light.



Release date is March 26th

Good reads link

The cover to Find You in the Dark has also been revamped.  Here is the new cover


Purchase Find You in the Dark on Amazon

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Blog Tour for Mogul by Ginger Voight

We are so excited to be participating in the blog tour for Mogul by Ginger Voight.  Check out the schedule below and be sure to stop here on February 12th for our review and an interview. 



“MOGUL” Tour Schedule

Make sure to follow along and stop by each blog on the tour to see what each blog has for you and to enter the Giveaway at each stop.

 

Sunday, February 10th

Brandee’s Book Endings – Review & Interview

The Indie Bookshelf – Review

For the Love of Film and Novels – Review

THESUBCLUBbooks - Spotlight

 

Monday, February 11th

Bookworm Brandee – Review & Interview

I Read Indie – Spotlight

Kindlehooked – Review

 

Tuesday, February 12th

My Secret Romance Book Reviews – Review

Three Chicks and Their Books – Review & Interview

 

Wednesday, February 13th

A Diary of a Book Addict – Review & Interview

The Autumn  Review – Review

 

Thursday, February 14th

Laura’s Review Bookshelf – Review

Sugar and Spice Book Reviews – Review


Friday, February 15th

CS Maxwell ~ Where’s My Muse? – Review

Reality Bites! – Let’s Get Lost!!  - Review

 

Saturday, February 16th

Angie’s Dreamy Reads – Review

Beauty Brains and Books – Interview

The Boyfriend Bookmark – Review

Review: Luke Series by Cassia Leo

Our 4 star review

"Because I love you more than I've ever loved anyone and I don't want to screw this up again."

This is the first series I have read by Cassia Leo and I loved it!  It is a 5 part novella series about sexy billionaire Luke Maxwell and corporate spy Brina Kingston.

Brina is hired by one of Luke's competitors to be a corporate spy.  It is her mission to work her way into Luke's company and get the information needed to destroy his company.  
It was only eight months ago when her life was thrown for a loop by a devastating turn of events. The months following have been mostly a struggle for Brina, she is carrying around the guilt of this tragic event as well as the burden of her parents financial problems.  So this job could mean a lot to her career and her financial stability.  There is just one thing standing in her way; her attraction to the very sexy Luke Maxwell.

Oh how I loved Luke Maxwell!  He is young, smart, rich, oozes sexiness and he also has a heart.  He is definitely swoon worthy.  When they first meet the sexual attraction is instant and Luke wastes no time getting what he wants; Brina in his bed.  Brina has managed to work her way into Luke's company as well as his heart.  She starts falling in love with the man she is supposed to destroy.  She has to decide which is more important, her career or her heart.  Can she stand to get her heart broken to save her career and help her parents?  Or should she sacrifice her career for love?

What I love about this book is that is so much more than a corporate spy falling for her target.  Brina has some deep issues that she is trying to work out.  She is trying to move on and get past the guilt of what happened 8 months ago.  Luke is the one that is there for her.  She finds herself opening up to him in a way she hasn't done with anyone.  And at the same time Luke has his own family issues that he is trying to deal with, not seeing his father since he left home at the age of 18.  Brina and Luke have a connection that they cannot deny.  They are linked in ways they never thought possible. 

I loved every part of this book.  But I can honestly say that the end was one of my favorite parts.  They agree to be just friend for 30 days to prove that they can get through anything.  It is in those 30 days that we see the strong bond that they have.  In the beginning we saw the sexual side of their relationship.  But what they have together goes beyond that.  They aren't just lovers, they are friends, confidants and each other's support system. It was such a pleasure to watch them connect on a different level.  I loved the flirting back and forth as "friends".  I loved the sweet and caring side of Luke that just wanted to show Brina that there was more to them then just a sexual connection.  It broke my  heart at times to see the guilt that Brina was carrying around, but seeing Luke help her work through it all just melted your heart.  I think in a way they saved each from their past and helped each other to move on. 

"But I didn't want to rush things with Brina.  She was the kind of girl I could see myself marrying and I didn't want to jeopardize that just to satisfy my intense sexual craving.  There was more to our relationship that that and I was determined to prove it"

This book was filled with some suspense, wondering if Luke really knows Brian's reason for working for him, some drama when her secret is finally out.  There was laughter, tears and very hot and steamy sex scenes.  The ending was simply amazing and will warm your heart and leave you smiling.  The story flowed very nicely and it is one of the books you can't put down.  You will find yourself rooting for Brina and Luke to work and find the happiness with each other that they deserved.  Cassia Leo has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more of her books.

The order of the books in this series are as follows:
Mirror
Memory
Linked
Password
Timeout

Purchase complete set on Amazon

Purchase complete series for NOOK

Purchase complete series on KOBO

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tour stop for Sweet Temptation by Angel Steel

Sweet Temptation by

Skylar Montague has learned that nothing good comes from trusting others.... especially men. After escaping an abusive relationship she attempts to start a new life in a new city. Living close to her childhood friend Chantal, she's finally starting to feel at home. Men are the last thing on her mind, that is until she meets her smoldering bad boy neighbor Nathaniel Jackson. Her hesitation is huge, but the attraction is even greater. Nathaniel doesn't do relationships, just can't see himself as being a one woman man. His instant attraction to Skylar makes him think that he could change. Their connection is explosive. Nothing has ever felt this good. Being together with Nate, Skylar feels like she can finally trust a man. That is until they are presented with an unexpected surprise. Exes reemerge and with them a falling out neither saw coming. With all their past troubles and demons ready to emerge, can they escape the undeniable pull they have to each other, or will the dark past they both possess prove to be too difficult and keep them apart? 

Review: Three of Hearts by W. Ferraro

Our 4 star review

"I love you Mae.  I want you with me forever.  Promise me, you'll be mine."

Three of Hearts is W. Ferraro's debut novel and she did a wonderful job with this story.  This book tells the story of Seth Finn, a widowed father of three who finds love again 5 yrs after his wife's death.  And Mae Turney who finds a love  that she has ever experienced before but has always dreamed of having.  

As a child growing up, Mae had moved around a lot with her family.  She has decided to move to Vermont and settle down in one place.  Mae is such a likeable character, she has a career, has been supporting herself and isn't afraid of admitting what she wants, and what she wants is her new landlord Seth Finn.   Seth is sexy, loveable, a bit of an alpha male and a father of three kids.  It's been 5 years since his wife passed away and while he has dated woman in those 5 years, he has never met someone like Mae.  His attraction to Mae was instant, no matter how hard he tried she was always on his mind.

I loved Seth and Mae together. Their relationship from the start was fun, sexy and honest.  Mae knew what she wanted and had no problem telling Seth.  She loved Seth and wanted a life with him and his children.  She loved and treated his children like they were his own.  He loves Mae in a way he never thought was possible after losing his wife, and that scares him.  He feels guilty for moving on and loving someone else.  Seth has a great support system in his sister and two best friends.  They add a great deal to this story as secondary characters.  They are there to help Seth work through his guilt and help him move on. The addition of Seth's children is just another part of this book that you will love. 

If there is one story that will always warm my heart, it is a story about a single father, especially one as sexy as Seth, who is doing everything he can to raise his kids and be a great father.  So it was so wonderful to see Seth find someone who loves him for who he is, accepts all his baggage and wants nothing more than to be a part of his family.  This was a beautiful love story of two people finding happiness that they both deserve.  This story is filled with laughter, some tears, hot sex and even a little drama in their relationship.  You will be rooting for Seth and Mae, and love every minute of their story.  Oh and the ending was simply awesome and will make you smile. I absolutely loved this book and it is a must read for all.

This was my first book by W. Ferraro and will definitely will not be my last. It was a beautifully well written love story that will warm your heart.   Looking forward to the other characters stories.  A job well done by W. Ferraro!!

Purchase on Amazon

Cover reveal: The Submission of Alistair Ingram by Kelli Maine

Here is the cover for The Submission of Alistair Ingram by Kelli Maine

 

Blurb:
Movie star Alistair Ingram strolled into Dolls & Doms private men's club in Las Vegas for his bachelor party and limped out with a torn shirt, red welts covering his chest and a broken engagement splashed all over the pages of every celebrity magazine in the country.

A session with club Dominatrix, Black Betty, will do that to a man.

With Alistair's manager breathing down his neck and Black Betty's abusive ex-husband alerted to where she's been hiding for the past ten years, there's only one thing to do:

Lie.

And get the hell out of Las Vegas.


But the real ruse is on Alistair and Black Betty, because despite both of their best efforts, they've gotten under each other's skin. Can their explicit dance of domination and submission end in anything other than disaster?

THE SUBMISSION OF ALISTAIR INGRAM is the first in a novella series from www.DollsandDoms.blogspot.com, where erotic tales from the Dolls & Doms private men’s club are told in weekly episodes.
Release date: February 12th
Put this one on your TBR list

Monday, January 28, 2013

Review: Consequences by Aleatha Romig

Our 4 star review by guest reviewer Lesley Davison


“All behaviors, good or bad have consequences, and even the truth can’t fight appearances.”

Consequences starts out dark and troubled me at times, yet I couldn’t stop reading. How could one man be so sadistic and one woman allow her life to be dominated and controlled?The more I read the more I needed answers and as I kept going the mystery began to unfold.

Devious, cruel and controlling are just a few words to describe Anthony Rawlings. Anthony is a man determined to avenge the “wrong” he felt was done to his Grandfather and their family company. Nothing and no one would stand in his way and all actions had consequences.

Claire Nichols, bright, young and beautiful is currently tending bar at Red Wings after losing her job as a
meteorologist assistant for the local tv station in Atlanta.  Claire makes a point of not getting involved with customers but Anthony Rawlings can be very persuasive and Claire agrees to have drinks. Unfortunately for Claire, she soon finds herself with memories of a harsh abduction and being held in a mansion with no means of escape. Who could have done this to her none other than Mr. Anthony Rawlings?

Left with little hope Claire soon finds ways to please Anthony to earn freedoms. She endures humiliation and
abusive behaviors but learns to compartmentalize these actions to maintain her sanity. Anthony’s plan is in
motion but he soon finds Claire is not as weak as he had thought, finding both her beauty and determination
intriguing. Anthony and Claire marry, their life on the outside seems perfect but appearances can be deceiving and Claire’s private life is still completely controlled by Anthony. She constantly lives in fear of making that error in judgment or breaking a rule. Of course Anthony never lets her forget public appearance is everything and breaking the rules results in a consequence.

I cheered and thought FINALLY as Claire attempts freedom!!  However, my excitement is fleeting as her freedom is short lived and Claire soon finds herself in handcuffs and being accused of attempted murder of her husband Mr. Anthony Rawlings. Poor Claire – WHY? Ms. Romig has written a brilliant ending to this challenging and disturbing story which has left me wanting more!

What does Mr. Rawlings have up his sleeve?  Is Sophia his next victim or will Claire be his undoing? Looking forward to answers and getting to the TRUTH…..

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase for Nook

Cover Reveal : Relentless by Cassia Leo

Here is the beautiful cover for Relentless by Cassia Leo, designed by Okay Creations and a little snippet as well.  Enjoy!

Sometimes love is more relentless than the deepest secrets.

Claire Nixon is a twenty-year-old college dropout with a secret.

To Claire, Adam Parker is just another flirty customer at the cafe, until a chance encounter and seemingly innocent comment spurs a bet between them. The bet is simple: If Adam can get Claire to reveal the secret that made her drop out of college, she has to re-enroll. If he doesn’t succeed, she gets to keep her secret and he must never step foot in the cafe again.
Claire thinks she has this one in the bag. She’s perfected the art of forgetting her past. But she isn’t prepared for Adam’s relentless pursuit or for him to share his own secrets. And she’s definitely not prepared for her secret to come banging down her door one year later.


Relentless

By Cassia Leo

Excerpt from Chapter Six


When I arrive at Cora’s house at five minutes past three, I only have to knock once before
the lock turns and the door creaks open. Adam is standing before me wearing a soft smile
and I know he’s probably been here all day.

“Come on in,” he says, holding the door wide open for me.

I walk inside and Cora is sitting in her recliner in front of the television with Bigfoot in
her lap. The apartment is clean and the usual sharp litter box smell is gone. Cora looks up
and smiles so big I can see the gap where she’s missing her two back molars.

“Hello, honey. Have you met Adam Parker? He’s your new neighbor,” she says in a
voice that makes me feel a little like a preschooler being introduced to a classmate. “I think
you two should get to know each other.”

She obviously doesn’t know about our date yet.

Adam takes a seat on the sofa, on the side closest to the recliner, and pats the cushion
next to him. “Yeah, come sit down, Claire. Let’s get to know each other.”

I take a seat on the sofa, making sure to put at least a foot of space between Adam and
I, then I turn to Cora. “What did you do today? Where’s Tina?”

“Adam’s been taking care of me today. He gave her the day off,” she says, and her eyes
crinkle with delight.

I narrow my eyes at him and he grabs Cora’s hand as he turns back to her. “It was my
pleasure. I didn’t have anything to do today since the only other person I know in this town
was working.”

“You work too much, Claire,” Cora chimes in, as she continues to stroke Bigfoot with
her free hand.

Geez. It’s like these two have spent the past six hours rehearsing a routine to get Adam
and me together. First he switches my schedule without my knowledge and now he’s using
Cora to get on my good side. He is a master conspirator.

I stand up and do a quick check around the kitchen just to satisfy my curiosity. As
expected, he did everything I asked. He even stocked her cupboard with plenty of hot cereal
packets and her refrigerator with lots of fresh fruit.

“Well, it looks like you’re all taken care of so I’m gonna head home,” I say, as I plant
a kiss on Cora’s forehead and rub Bigfoot’s head. “I need to shower and get to bed early. I
have the early shift tomorrow.”

“Walk her home, Adam,” she says sweetly and he immediately pops up off the sofa.

“See you later, Cora. We’ll have to watch that movie another time.”

“See you later, sonny,” she says, and I know what’s coming next. “But just because I
call you sonny, doesn’t mean you’re bright.”

He laughs and points at her. “I can’t keep up with you, C.”

Adam follows me out of the apartment and uses his own key, which Cora must have
given him, to lock her deadbolt.

I take a few steps and turn when I reach my door. “C? Did you spend the whole day
with her?”

“I ran a few errands for her, but other than that, yes, I spent the day with Cora. She’s
funny and we were about to watch a movie before you interrupted us.”

“Oh, well, don’t let me interrupt your date with Cora. Please go right back in.”

He steps forward and my back hits my front door as I take a step back. He leans against
my door with his hands on either side of my head, effectively caging me in.

“Are you jealous of my relationship with Cora?”

His breath is hot against my nose and warmth rushes through me, lighting up my core.

“I just don’t want her to get so used to having you around. She’s had a lot of people
bail on her and I….” His face is getting closer with every word I speak. “I don’t want her to
get hurt.”

“Are you sure we’re talking about Cora?” he whispers against my lips, lingering for a
moment before he pushes away from the door. “I work all week, but I’ll be by your house at
nine a.m. on Saturday. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes.”

I let out a deep sigh and scramble into my apartment, slamming the door behind me. I
take a few calming breaths then try to ignore the ache pulsating between my legs as I make
my way to my bedroom to meditate.



Put this one on your TBR list

Release date: March 1st 2013
Title: Relentless
Length: Approximately 250 pages 
Author: Cassia Leo
Genre: New Adult (Mature Young Adult) Contemporary Romance
Cover Design by Okay Creations - http://okaycreations.net/
Author's website: http://cassialeo.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/authorcassialeo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo
goodreads link

About the Author:

Cassia Leo grew up in Florida and moved to California after graduating with a degree in journalism. She worked at two small newspapers before discovering her passion for writing romance. Her favorite color is lavender and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills.





Review: Fury by Michelle Pace and Tammy Coons

Our 4 star review


Being raised by her mother and along with her brother and sister Cheyenne Carson had a tough upbringing.  She was a good kid, received good grades loved to read, write and listen to music. At 17 she fell head over heels in love with a 21 years local singer. Things were great until the abuse started. Her mother, although slow to recognize the signs, ended up saving her. After her mother passes away from breast cancer, Cheyenne gets her dream job as a music journalist for The Sound Wave. She works with her best friend Steph, who happens to be The Sound Waves photographer and very good at what she does.  Cheyenne is offered her dream assignment, one that will make her well known everywhere. She and Steph, along with a new intern Goddess they get an all access pass to tour with the British rock band Fury, their latest album has gone triple platinum and until now, they have never granted interviews.

Their boss introduces them to Fury’s manager Ian, and there is something about him that makes Cheyenne uncomfortable.  The initial meeting with the band goes awry and things just seem to go from bad to worse.  When Cheyenne interviews Fury’s Bassist and one of the founders, Scot Charles, things heat up. He is everything she swore to stay away from but the attraction that they share for one another is too strong to ignore, then you throw the bands keyboardist Nathan Clayton in the mix and things get extremely competitive. Then we have all the drama for Steph, when first meeting the band, Phillip Kersey, the bands lead singer thought she was paparazzi- so he broke her camera. Nathan who knows exactly who she is was star struck, he loves her photography. Phillip and Steph’s working relationship is not ideal. Phillip acts like a diva and refuses to cooperate for the photo shoots and interviews. Then you have Goddess, the intern who acts like a groupie. Cheyenne does her best to keep things professional for all of them but fate has other plans in store. Things start to heat up and their situation seems to get dangerous.  Cheyenne is in a position to finally make her dreams come true and the skeletons in her past slowly start to surface and the choices she makes or doesn’t make will impact her future. The question Cheyenne must ask herself is does she follow her head or her heart?

I enjoyed the characters in this book.. I loved Scot, he is a hottie but he is also so down to earth and very smart. He is a romantic at heart. I also adored Phillip. As much of an ass he was, I couldn’t help but to have a soft spot for him. Steph is the best friend anyone could want. She is honest, caring and supportive.  Cheyenne is beautiful and broken, afraid to love and afraid to be loved. She has a tendency to over think things which end up making things worse. She, like most of us is her own worst enemy.
I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the issues surrounding them.. I was able to figure out the plot but that didn’t ruin any part of the story for me at all.  This book has a little bit of everything suspense, comedy, fear and romance.
A job well done by Michelle Pace and Tammy Coons!

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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hot Pick of the Week

 Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde

Our 4.5 star review

Joanna Wylde's Reaper's Property is harsh and gritty and coarse. At the same time it is exhilarating and  mesmerizing and exhausting. Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle club (Reapers MC). A band of bad ass, hard living, balls to the wall group that deal just outside the law and will kill to protect their turf. He is large, 6'6" tattooed and muscular (and it doesn't take much to figure out where the road name
"horse" came from). Marie is an abused woman, fresh from leaving her ass hole husband who finds herself working at a friend's daycare and staying at her brother Jeff's trailer.  He's a "computer programmer" for the club. When Jeff helps himself to the Reaper's money, Horse offers a solution to repay the club until Jeff repays the debt. Marie will belong to him; cook, clean, and most important, service his needs-wherever, however, whenever he wants.

The first time they saw each other is the first time they both felt the same compelling force that pulled them towards each other-like polarized magnets.

I must look like a white-trash princess from hell, basking outside my trailer in a bikini to outdated butt rock. I was pretty sure I wanted to get into the house and put on some more clothing. Maybe a burkha.

He smelled like motor oil and sex.

 There were times that Horse infuriated me with his "need to know basis" attitude. Marie would try to pry information about the dealings of the Reapers (especially the unsavory, vulgar, anything goes parties)and would be put in her place with a few blunt words.

"But that's really none of your business. It's wilder tonight because there's blood in the air, that's all. Nobody's getting hurt and nobody's here against their will. That's all you need to know."
As time passes their relationship changes and each admits, if only to themselves, how obsessed they are with each other. They come to rely on the other and morph their very different worlds into something both can find acceptable-if that kind of life can ever be acceptable. The secondary characters further invest the reader into the story line, Picnic and Maggs and Em and Max all add their own technicolor version of crazy to the mix.

There are times Wylde's graphic depictions of the "sweet butts"-the MC's groupies; who will go with any of them, do anything they want (and more than one of them at a time), that will horrify and repulse you and make you take a step back and catch your breath. What compels some women to willingly participate and even enjoy what most women would perceive as their worst nightmare is almost too much to comprehend. Some of the acts of the Reaper's are so violent, that the reader may feel out of their "book comfort zone".
So you should, and that is what separates a good book from a great one. This is one of the great ones!

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Friday, January 25, 2013

Review: Strawberry Wine by Lee Adams



Strawberry Wine by Lee Adams
4 Stars

Tanya Smith has been going to Laurel Lake with her family every summer since she was 8 years old. It was something she looked forward to. She had become close friends with her dwindling group which now has only Will, Paul and Michael left. Tanya has always has a thing for Michael but never acted on it because either she had a boyfriend or he had a girlfriend. This summer seems to be a good one for the both of them, they both happen to be single and they are both 17 years old. It is rare to find your true love at 17, but it happens. Together they explore their feelings for each other, and over the summer their love grows and each day they seem to fall more in love with each other.
This summer is a bit different from summer’s past. Tanya befriends a new girl named Marie. Marie has a difficult life and Tanya along with her friends help Marie to have somewhat of a normal teenage life. They try to keep her away from her abusive stepbrother Brian. They become good friends.  As a group they have fun together, it is after all their last summer together before they all head off for college.  Things are going well for Michael and Tanya, they are young and they are madly in love. Then one night in September changes all of their lives change. Tanya’s heart is broken, their friend Marie suffers a tragedy and things are just over.

It is now 10 years later and Tanya receives a call from Marie’s lawyer.  Marie has left her guardianship of her daughter, Tanny. Tanya isn’t sure she is ready to become a mom. She is single and very successful at her job as a music promoter. She is especially not ready to become a guardian to someone who’s own mother destroyed her happiness 10 years ago. She cannot let Marie’s daughter fall into the foster care system or risk that danger that is still lurking out there that is a threat to Tanny. Tanya takes Tanny back to the one place she never intended to return to, Laurel Lake. It also brings Michael back into to her life, in more ways than one. The chemistry between Tanya and Michael is explosive, it is clear that they never stopped loving each other but Tanya proceeds with caution. Tanny falls very ill and her life hangs in the balance. The secrets Tanya have been hiding come to light and threaten to ruin the happiness that she and Michael have found.  How could the one person that tore them apart bring them back together?

This story absolutely touched my heart. I could definitely relate, especially with Tanny and her sickness. It hit very close to home for me. I was devastated for Tanya, mortified for Marie and pissed off at Michael and felt so bad for Tanny.  This book teaches you to believe in your faith, to learn to trust again and to open your heart!  Bad things happen to good people and you just make the best of every situation.   I highly recommend such a wonderful story and the characters were very likeable and easy to relate to and with.
My only negative thing is that I was extremely disappointed in the ending. Although it was happy so to speak, it was really weak for me.  I really wished the author had done an epilogue. I have so many unanswered questions.

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