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My Booklandia

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

COVER REVEAL: Beast: A Hate Story, The Beginning by Mary Catherine Gebhard

Title: Beast: A Hate Story, The Beginning
Author: Mary Catherine Gebhard
Release Date: March 14, 2017
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 Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale.

I thought selling myself to a mafia boss was noble. So what if they called him the Beast? I grew up in rags, and he would lift me to riches. All I had to do was give him my soul.

He was punishing. Insatiable. Captivating. Nothing like I expected him to be. Each day my reality blurred, leaving me wondering if I was slave or princess.

The longer I stayed, the more I lost myself to him. Even after every cruelty the Beast visited upon me, I longed for his touch. Even after every savage word he spoke, I begged for his lips. I thought the worst thing he could take was my body. I was too naïve to guard my heart.

Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale.

Now I know better than to speak of happily-ever-afters.

Beast is the first book in the Hate Story duet. About what it means to fall in love with the person who has absolutely destroyed you, it contains disturbing and graphic situations that may be a trigger for some.
 
Mary Catherine Gebhard bites off more than she can chew. She’s lived in Salt Lake City, Utah her entire life but occasionally goes on vacation from reality. Don’t worry, she sends postcards.

  

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: The Bastard Billionaire by Jessica Lemmon

 
Title: The Bastard Billionaire 
Author: Jessica Lemmon 
Series: Billionaire Bad Boys, #3
Publisher: Forever 
Publication Date: February 28, 2017 

Synopsis: 
Eli Crane is one tough bastard. After an explosion left him injured and honorably discharged from the Marines, all he wants is to be left alone. Yet his brothers insist he take a greater role in the family business. They’ve hired him ten personal assistants—and Eli sent each one packing as fast as possible. But when beautiful number eleven walks through the door, Eli will do anything to make her stay.

Isabella Sawyer’s employment agency can’t afford to lose Eli Crane’s business. Her plan: to personally take on the role of his PA, and secure her reputation with the wealthy elite in Chicago. But this beauty and her hot billionaire bad boy soon find themselves mixing business with pleasure in the most delicious ways. And passionate, stubborn Isabella won’t rest until she tames this wicked beast…

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Excerpt: 
Don’t get comfortable,” came a low, male warning from behind the wall that must be hiding Eli’s office.

Heels clicking, then muting when she stepped onto the rug, Isa made her way into the bowels of Eli’s sanctuary, her heart hammering. She wasn’t typically the nervous type, but the dim light inside the warehouse and somber rain pecking the windows gave the space an eerie quality. As she paced closer to the room where the voice had come from, she heard the distinct crackle of a fire.

In the air there was a different kind of crackle entirely, a low buzz of premonition in her bones.

She’d owned her confidence on the phone with Reese, but now that the air in Eli’s home was pressing down on her, she was less sure of her promise to reform the middle Crane brother. Standing in Eli’s hallway felt more like hovering at the mouth of a cave where a hibernating grizzly bear hid. And she was unarmed.

But you are armed, she reminded herself. She hadn’t been lying when she’d told Reese she could handle this situation. As a woman who had walked away from her family’s money, expectations, and the man they’d chosen for her, Isabella Sawyer was nothing if not capable of overcoming challenge.

She was a woman who’d branched out on her own and had taken control of her life, without her family’s blessing. One surly ex-military solider with a chip on his shoulder wasn’t going to scare her away.

Squaring her shoulders, she stepped around the wall to find no door separating her from Eli’s office space. The dark-haired man in question jotted notes on a paper, his head down, a lamp on his desk lighting his way. In the dim glow, she made out the edge of a beard and a trail of tattoos decorating one arm. Squinting didn’t help her discern the inky images.

Without looking up, he spoke again. “You can leave.”

Bite me, Crane.

She was tempted to say it aloud, but she wasn’t positive he wouldn’t bite her. In his case, his bite could be worse than his bark, and his bark was downright intimidating. It wouldn’t be the first time Isa had stood up to a man who believed he held the cards, but she was playing a long game. Best not to push too hard just yet.

She stepped into his office and introduced herself. Or, well, the version of herself she wanted him to know.

“Hello, Mr. Crane. My name is Isabella. Sable Concierge sent me to serve as your personal helper. I’ve already been brought up to date by your brother about Crane Hotel’s latest—”

“Isabella.” He tossed the pen onto his desk. Lifted his head and met her eyes.

Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, the remainder of her speech glued to it. Dark hair ruffled like he’d repeatedly pushed his fingers through it, an equally dark, thick beard lining a strong jaw, Eli Crane commanded attention. Deep blue eyes narrowed as he tracked down to her stilettos and up her professional—and, yes, a little tight at the thighs—dress she’d worn for this appointment. There was nothing overtly sexual about the dress, but no matter what she wore, her curves tested the limits of the seams. She was a woman and refused to hide her femininity—or mute it—especially for this man.

He shifted at the desk, pushing one palm into the wood, and his tattoos flexed, his muscles shifting temptingly.

Lord have mercy.

The crackle in the air this time wasn’t a buzz of warning but of something else. Something heavy and weighted.

Unwanted attraction.

The kind you feel for a man when you know that you shouldn’t. The kind packaged to be tempting, but when you get close, learn that the enticing beauty is laced with deadly poison.

The feeling was so strong, the pull so palpable, Isa struggled not to advance a step.

“No,” he said.

“No what?” She tightened her grip on her Kate Spade tote, wedging her heels to the floor.

“No to Isabella. Too ornamental.” His lip curled with what appeared to be disgust and she tamped down the temptation to be offended. This was his game. She wasn’t going to play. “Can’t you go by something else?”

“Most people call me Isa.”

He hummed. The rough and tumble sound snagged her chest and her heartbeat kicked up a few notches.

This was awful. Just awful. Attraction to the wrong man had happened to her twice in her life. Once with her second boyfriend to whom she’d bequeathed her virginity, and once with the man her parents had picked for her, who had turned out to be king of the jackasses. Twice she’d lived to regret following her hormones. She’d make no such mistake a third time. Especially with her business on the line.

“As I was saying, Mr. Crane.”

“Elijah.”

“Elijah,” she corrected, forcing a smile.

“No…” His eyebrows lowered and he cocked his head in thought. “Go back to Mr. Crane.”

He was pushing her. She was supposed to react. Lash out. Start arguing. This was his pattern. A few more pokes and he’d expect her to turn and run out crying or shouting how she’d never return.

Too bad, buddy.

“Very well.” She straightened her shoulders and tried again. “Mr. Crane. So, your brother tells me—”

“What if I call you Izzie?”

“Pardon?”

“Nah, that’s no good. Oh.” He snapped his fingers. “Bella.”

“Absolutely not,” she clipped, letting her control waver. Her ex had called her Bella and she’d hated it.

“No, you’re right.” Eli’s mouth pulled into a frown. “That’s worse. I don’t like any of the short names for Isabella. What if I call you…” He snaked a gaze over her dress, which was professional and a respectable length. Somehow, though, his trickling assessment made her feel as if she wore next to nothing. “Bettie Page?”

He leaned back in his chair, his shirt molding to a very fit chest. “You sure you’re from Sable Concierge? Not a call girl service?”

“Mr. Crane.” Her voice held an authority demanding respect. Enough was enough. She refused to let him bully her, whether the air snapped with wayward attraction or not. Whether he thought she was a lowly PA or not. She was not his plaything. And her choice of dress, no matter how evocative this male chauvinist found it, was nothing to be ashamed of. “I will not allow…”

He pushed to standing, up, up until he loomed, and then he took one heavy step toward her, then another. He favored the leg with the prosthesis, clad in a shoe to match his other one, the metal-colored leg peeking out from a tear in his jeans.

“I changed my mind, Bettie.” He tilted his head to one side, a rogue gleam in his eyes as he stared her down. “You can call me Eli.”


Sonja's Review


It might sound silly, but I wanted to read The Bastard Billionaire from the moment I read the title and you might ask why I said that was silly and it's because of the answer I'm going to give you. I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the word, Bastard. It is probably bad, but that's just my favorite curse word and once I saw it, I had to have it! And when I read the synopsis, it only made me want it even more. The Bastard Billionaire was even better than I was expecting and I absolutely loved it!

Isa is a complete and total bada*s. She's strong and fierce, independent and brave. Isa doesn't take any crap from Eli, she's always pushing him, challenging him, and standing up to him. She's quite a force to be reckoned with and when her best friend, Chloe told her that she wants to be Isa when she grows up, I have to wholeheartedly concur because I want to be her when I grow up too. Isa is beyond amazing and I just loved her!

I couldn't wait to meet Eli! I adore my funny, playful heroes, but I also love my broody, grouchy ones too. There's something so fun about watching them get all growly and gruff sometimes and it was no different with Eli. It's true that the man did make me want to shake him every now and then, but that didn't change the way I felt about him. I loved his surly side, his vulnerable side, and his sweet, loving side most of all. Eli stole my heart, he's so wonderful and I utterly loved him!

The Bastard Billionaire is heartbreaking and cry-worthy, it's sexy and entertaining, and its heartwarming and sweet. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading it or how often it made me feel giddy or put a smile on face. It was an incredibly fantastic book and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Lemmon!

The Bastard Billionaire is the third book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series, but it can be read as a standalone, it's told from Eli and Isa's POV, and they do get their happy ending.

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 


About the Author: 
A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Jessica is a social media junkie who loves to hear from readers. You can learn more at: jessicalemmon.com.

Author Links: 

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London

Title: Sinful Scottish Laird 
Author: Julia London 
Series: Highland Grooms, #2 
Publisher: HQN Books
Publication Date: February 28, 2017 

Synopsis: 
A young widow puts her sexy suitors to the test in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's scintillating return to the idyllic Scottish Highlands.

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand…and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly—though unwillingly—bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

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Sonja's Review


Well, I wasn't sure if I should admit this because it makes me look a little bit like a dork, but oh well, it worked out quite nicely, so I will. My confession is that after I read Julia Quinn's Because of Miss Bridgerton and loved it, I went looking for more of her books - only I had a total brain fart and I looked for Julia London instead. I might have come by Sinful Scottish Laird and Ms. London by mistake, but it was without a doubt the best case of mistaken identity I've experienced! I absolutely loved Sinful Scottish Laird, it was amazing!

Daisy is so fun! She's playful and merry and teasing. She almost always has a smile on her face and a laugh just waiting to be let out. That's not to say that Daisy doesn't have a serious side to her because she does. She is passionate, strong, and she's willing to do whatever to make the best life for her son even if that means she can't have what she wants. Daisy is a lovely, lovely heroine and I positively loved, loved, loved her!

Cailean amused me greatly at the beginning of the book because he was trying to deny his attraction to Daisy and trying to resist her charms. He was so serious and so no-nonsense, it was fun to watch Daisy tease him. There is more to Cailen than that stuffy attitude though. He can be incredibly sweet at times, playful at some, and utterly heart melting at others. Cailean is wonderful and he complete captured my heart!

Sinful Scottish Laird was sexy and fun, it made me laugh and smile so much. It made my heart ache and made me want to cry a little bit, it made me angry and want to yell sometimes too. Sinful Scottish Laird was beautiful, entertaining, heartwarming, and marvelous. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and just more of Ms. London in general!

Sinful Scottish Laird is the second book in the Highland Grooms series but you can read it as a standalone, it's told from Cailean and Daisy's POV, and yes, they do get their happily-ever-after!

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 

About the Author: 
Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than thirty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular  Cabot Sisters historical series, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch and The Perfect Homecoming.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction.

She lives in Austin, Texas.

Author Links: 

Friday, February 24, 2017

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Distracting the Duke by Elizabeth Keysian

Distracting the Duke
by Elizabeth Keysian
Publication Date: February 20, 2017
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Select, Historical Romance

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SYNOPSIS: 

Devonshire, England, 1820
Determined to avoid the strife-filled marriage of his parents, Marcus, the Duke of Ulvercombe, wants an amenable, biddable wife, and has set his cap for a certain pretty miss. Unfortunately, her vastly opinionated, frustrating, and lamentably beautiful guardian, Lady Clara Tinniswood, keeps distracting him, tempting him to consider a far more tempestuous—and passionate—union.

Recently widowed Lady Clara Tinniswood wants only to organize a quiet new life for herself, beyond the control of any man. But one shockingly unguarded moment while confronted by Marcus’s gloriously naked body catapults her headlong into a forbidden passion and threatens to undermine all her well-laid plans.
Even if Marcus abandons his sweet ideal and surrenders to his growing desire for Clara, there’s one unalterable issue which could destroy their hopes forever… 

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EXCERPT:
Clara crept softly across the carpet of pine needles until she came to where a rivulet split the dunes on its way down to the sea, and halted. She caught sight of Ulvercombe standing at the water's edge with his back to her, hands on his hips.
She stepped aside swiftly, her heart beating hard. She would have to hide behind one of the dunes to avoid being seen, if he should turn round. Fortunately, the tide was still some way out and he was thus a considerable distance away, giving her time to make her escape if he spotted her.
Plucking off the old shawl she was wearing, she spread it over the grass-matted dune, then lay down on her stomach so only her head—with the telescope pressed to her eye—might be seen. Hopefully, with the waving sea grasses fanning across in front of her, she was well-hidden from any casual observer.
Eventually, she managed to locate Ulvercombe with the glass, and when she did her mouth dropped open in shock. In the time she'd taken to settle herself, he'd stripped off boots, stockings, jacket, and breeches, and now stood in nothing but his shirt, looking out to sea.
Clearly, the man had every expectation of being alone, and had no idea he was being covertly observed. It was early in the morning, it was his beach, his pine forest, his sand. She should back away and return to the house as quickly as possible.
A small attempt to move was made, but then he pulled his shirt over his head and she was transfixed. 
The muscles rippled across his shoulders and she recalled, far too quickly, the feel of that hot body pressed against hers.
"Drat it!" The glass lens against her face had misted. 
Crossly, she rubbed it with a corner of her shawl, and scanned the beach again until she found the duke.
The completely naked duke.
Her breath hitched in her throat. "Sweet Lord in heaven..."
It was not the splendid symmetry of his body, nor the very pleasing curve of his buttocks, nor even the straightness and supple power of his legs that had elicited her exclamation of shock.
It was the scars.
She hadn't seen the backs of his thighs when he'd disrobed that day in his bedchamber. Now she could see them very clearly, and she could also see a complex pattern of pale, crisscross lines etched across the skin. They were scars, surely? 
Had he received them in battle or in some horrible accident? Had he been taken prisoner and tortured by the French? Maybe he'd been involved in a fire and something hot had branded him thus.
The chance to observe the marks more closely was abruptly removed as the duke, who had been walking straight out into the waves, suddenly dove in with a splash and began swimming out to sea with deft, powerful strokes.
She shuddered. The water must be absolutely freezing. How could he stand it?
"Good morning, Lady Tinniswood. A very fine one, is it not?"

ABOUT ELIZABETH KEYSIAN


Elizabeth Keysian felt destined to write historical romance due to her Cornish descent, and an ancestral connection to the Norse god Odin. Being an only child gave her plenty of time to read, create imaginary worlds, produce her own comics, and write sketches and a deplorably bad musical for an amateur dramatics group. Three decades spent working in museums and archaeology fired Elizabeth’s urge to write, as did living on a Knights Templar estate, with a garage full of skeletons, a resident ghost and a moat teeming with newts. Elizabeth lives near Bath in England with her partner and cats. 


ENTER THE GIVEAWAY


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Sonja's Review


I have been in the mood to read historicals this past month, so I must confess that I didn't even read the synopsis for Distracting the Duke before deciding to read it and while that can be a gamble that doesn't always pay off with some books, it certainly did with this one! I figured I would enjoy it, but I had no idea how much I would actually come to love it and love it I did. Distracting the Duke was positively fantastic and I was so happy with it! 

I liked Clara - she's tough and strong, but she also has her vulnerabilities and insecurities that get to you. She's passionate and feisty and she doesn't let Marcus get away with anything simply because he's a duke. Clara might have her doubts about herself and she might try to remain unaffected by Marcus sometimes, but she is warm and has a good heart. She's truly wonderful and I loved, admired, and respected Clara! 

There might have been a few times when Marcus made me roll my eyes and want to shake him, but the more I saw of him, the more I loved him. Yes, he doesn't always make the best decisions and he'll frustrate you every now and then, but there's so much more to Marcus than there appears to be when we first meet him. He's charming and funny and playful; he's generous, compassionate, and kind. Marcus is such an amazing hero, he knows exactly what to say, he knows when to give and when to comfort, and he completely and utterly stole my heart. I didn't see it coming, but I absolutely, without one single doubt love that man! 

Distracting the Duke is fun, light, and entertaining, but it is serious and has heartache too. It made me laugh, it squeezed my heart and made it skip a beat. I had the best time reading it with all the banter and the teasing and so much more. It was beautiful and heartwarming and entirely fabulous. Distracting the Duke was the perfect first book of Ms. Keysian's to read and I can't wait to read more of her! 

Distracting the Duke is a standalone, it's told from Marcus and Clara's POV, and their happy ending left me with a big old smile on my face! 

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Claimed by Sarah O'Rourke

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Claimed by Sarah O’Rourke – Blog Tour with Review

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Instalove! Fire Chief Aiden James often fell in lust, but not in love. That was — until the beautiful new librarian Carolina Mayfair showed up in his small town. The sparks flew and set them both aflame for one magical night, and the resulting inferno changed both of their lives forever.
Caro Mayfair was passionate, committed, and not looking for love at all. She just wanted to use her newly-minted college degree at the small library in the mountain town of Paradise. Little did she know that she was about to meet the man that would set her world on fire!
Erotica, romantica, and all sorts of other stuff!
28K-word standalone novella; can be read as standalone or part of the Passion in Paradise series.

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Click to buy for 99 cents or read for free on KindleUnlimited!


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Aiden had known the second he laid his eyes on that spectacular hourglass figure of hers that he wanted her. Of course he had. A man would have to be dead not to want to spend time between those gorgeous thighs, worshiping at those fantastic breasts while he fucked into what he’d bet was the tightest pussy in creation. Yes, his cock had screamed ‘MINE!’ the moment his gaze settled on her fine little body. But the second she’d turned and he’d seen her exquisite face for the first time… yeah, he’d been done. He’d known that woman would hold him – heart, mind, body, and soul.
There’d been no question at all.
He was claiming sweet Carolina for his own.

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Any time I see that Sarah O'Rourke has a new book coming out, I get excited and Claimed was no different! Although, I would say I was probably more pumped than usual because it was taking place in her Passion in Paradise series and I just looooove that series. I knew that it wouldn't happen, but I was definitely not disappointed with Claimed - I positively loved it!

Claimed might be an instalove-y, safe read, but just because it was, that doesn't mean that Carolina made it easy for Aiden. Oh no, she fell for him, but she made him work for it. Caro is sassy and stubborn and she's not very trusting, but she is sweet and she has a good heart. Of course, I wanted them to end up together, but I liked seeing Caro's vulnerableness and that she made Aiden fight for her - I just liked her.

And it's a no-brainer that I loved Aiden! He's exactly my kind of hero with all he's growly-possessive-mine ways. He's protective and sexy and you never have to doubt his feelings or devotion for Caro for a second. Aiden is all in and even when everything got mucked up a little, he knew exactly what to say to make it all better. Aiden is just great and I know you'll love him like I do!

Claimed is a fast, short read and it's not as complicated or angsty as some books, but it will still tug at your heart and get your blood going. It's sexy and steamy and so full of heart and love. It was a lovely addition to the Passion in Paradise series and I can't wait for more to come!

Claimed is a standalone, it's told from Aiden and Caro's POV, and their happy ending will leave you with a smile on your face!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars

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Sarah O’Rourke is actually TWO besties who live three states apart and write at all hours of the day and night! They’ve crazily nicknamed themselves Crazy One and Crazy Two. Born and raised in the southern United States, they are overly attached to their one-click accounts, can’t make it through the day without copious doses of caffeine, and spend way too much time on the phone with each other.

Between them, they have four children and twenty years of marriage…one to a retired super soldier and the other to egomaniac engineer. They hate empty chocolate wrappers and writer’s block, love to talk to readers…and oh, by the way, they write about strong, kick-ass women and hot alpha heroes!

Reach out to Crazy One and Crazy Two!


Provided by Sarah O’Rourke Productions

SERIES RELEASE REVIEW: Guilty Pleasure Part One, Two, & Three by Lora Leigh

Book One

Title: Guilty Pleasure Part One 
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts
Publisher: SMP Romance 
Publication Date: February 7, 2017 

Synopsis: 
Previously released and available as a full-length novel, Guilty Pleasure is now available as a three-part e-serial for those who want to savor the pleasure…

Welcome to The Club. A secretive, select group where uninhibited desires and forbidden fantasies run wild, in the first part of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh’s novel Guilty Pleasure.

Marty Mathews has always known about the secret, forbidden pleasuresthat the women she grew up with enjoy. Women whose husbands or lovers are members of the exclusive Club, where they take a selected "third" into their beds. And there is one man—a dangerous, forbidden man—who is part of this world and who has haunted Marty's dreams for years....

Buy Links: 

Lydia's Review


I have to say that I have wanted a story about Khalid since he first appeared as a sexual third in earlier books.

Khalid is a lone wolf... no attachments, no being in love, no woman to tie him down. He has too many scars from his past and too many dark desires to burden another with. He's a playboy... in other words... the kind of man I want to slap some sense into.

Marty is dedicated, driven and as stubborn as Kahlid is. She grew up in the lifestyle of two dads and one mom, so she is not afraid of going after what or rather who she wants. And the time is up... she is going after Khalid.

Lora's books always keep me hooked, with the hot sex to the intense danger and intrigue. She knows how to spin a story. Not a huge fan of Marty saving herself for Khalid and having to watch him go from one woman to the next... I'm hoping Lora will find a way to even up the playing field in the next parts.

~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars

Book Two 

Title: Guilty Pleasure Part Two 
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts
Publisher: SMP Romance 
Publication Date: February 14, 2017 

Synopsis: 
FBI Agent Marty Matthews has been assigned to shadow the man she has lusted after for years. She’s ached for him to touch her. Burned for him to consume her. She’s been a thread away from losing all control, and succumbing to her deepest desires, in the second part of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh’s novel Guilty Pleasure.

When Khalid’s name is cleared, Marty is no longer forced to follow the man she so desperately desires. And once the chains are thrown off their blaze of heat, passion will rule completely…

Buy Links: 

Lydia's Review


Guilty Pleasure Part Two takes us deeper into the story of Khalid and Marty. As a third we have Shayne.

Not only are the men trying to protect Marty but Khalid is also keeping secrets from her.

We don't get any answers yet, but it does give us a little more insight into the characters.

~  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 

Book Three

Title: Guilty Pleasure Part Three
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Bound Hearts
Publisher: SMP Romance 
Publication Date: February 21, 2017 

Synopsis: 
He hungers for her like no other. But she is the one woman he dare not let himself have, in the final part of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh’s novel Guilty Pleasure

Khalid’s dangerous past is reason enough for him to stay away from the beautiful, fierce Marty. But the power of their desire is something they cannot deny—and once Marty is his, Khalid will do whatever it takes to keep her in his bed and in his arms.

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Lydia's Review


Finally some answers! Part Three gives us all the answers to the secrets Khalid was keeping deep inside.

And no longer is Khalid a third... he now has the woman he has always wanted.

Stubborn Marty. She has bucked everyone that has tried to protect her but it is all coming to the end now and I'm glad it all worked out.

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 

About the Author:
Lora Leigh lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky, often found absorbing the ambience of this peaceful setting. She dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared.

Lora's family, and her writing life co-exist, if not in harmony, in relative peace with each other. Surrounded by a menagerie of pets, friends, and a teenage son who keeps her quick wit engaged, Lora's life is filled with joys, aided by her fans whose hearts remind her daily why she writes.

If you are a bookstore owner or manager, please email loraleighpa@gmail.com for snail mail notices of books scheduled to release in print, as well as bound pamphlets of current titles in print for your customers to browse through as well as other promotional items.

Autographed Books - www.dreamsbynight.com

Author Links: 

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Damage Control by Lisa Renee Jones

Title: Damage Control 
Author: Lisa Renee Jones 
Series: Dirty Money, #2 
Publisher: St. Martin's Press 
Publication Date: February 21, 2017 

Synopsis: 
The only thing more dangerous than a dark secret is a damaged heart…

Shane Brandon has been pushed to the brink, torn between his corrupt family and his explosive, all-consuming desire for Emily Stevens, who he now knows is not who, and what, she seems. Has he trusted the wrong person? Will she, not his brother Derek, be the ultimate destruction of his family Empire?

Emily tries to run from Shane, but he will stop her, confront her, force her to reveal all — one hot touch and kiss at a time, under every intimate detail of who this woman is, and what she wants, is exposed. But as he tears away the dangers of the unknowns with the woman in his bed, and in his heart, The Martina Cartel has set their sights on his company, his family, and the one piece of leverage they believe he won’t gamble with: Emily.

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Sonja's Review


Woo-eee! Hard Rules was good, but Damage Control was even better! It was exciting, sexy, intriguing - and just more. I completely loved every bit of this book and I feel safe enough to say that I can promise that you will too!

We know that Emily's got secrets, but never fear, because your questions about her will be answered. Even if I didn't know what I know about Emily now, that wouldn't change the way I feel about her and as it happened, it only reinforced them. Emily is strong, she's smart and savvy, she's utterly loyal to Shane and she just cares so much about him. I love that about her and I love her period, she's positively wonderful!

And of course, I couldn't not love Shane! He's just as protective of Emily as she is of him and once he makes the decision to trust her, he never falters. Shane is determined and driven to win the company and keep Emily. He's fierce and strong and totally irresistible. If he hadn't already won my heart before, he definitely would have this time. Shane is as amazing as Emily - I wholeheartedly love this hero/heroine duo!

Now don't think that just because we got some answers in regard to the secrets Emily's kept, that Damage Control isn't suspenseful or have-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat worthy because it is. Oh, how it is! It is full of heart racing, heart pounding moments that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can along with revelations that will keep on the tip of your toes, and times that are so passionate and sweet that they melt your heart. It was incredible read and I can't wait to read Bad Deeds!

Damage Control must be read after Hard Rules, it's told from Shane and Emily's POV, and everything isn't solved, but Shane and Emily are strong and together.

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 


Excerpt:
“You make me remember I need to be good and right in my choices.”
“Do you ever question doing what is good and right?”
“There have been times when I felt like my hand was forced.”
“When you were a lawyer?”
“No,” I say. “I manipulated the law, as does every attorney, but I never broke it. I’m talking about when I’m with my family.”
“Did you go where they lead?”
“Not so far.”
“That sounds like you might.”
“I don’t want to be them.”
“You aren’t them. You don’t have to be them.”
“I know that,” I say. “But you just keep telling me so I don’t forget.” Her legs hit the bed frame and she grips my arms.
I lean into a kiss and she pulls back, her hand pressing on my chest. “Wait. Now it’s my turn to say talk to me. Are you okay?”
“Death happened. The one thing I can’t control. It’s not the night to push me to stop protecting you. Not tonight. Can you do that?”
“Yes. We can.”
“We,” I repeat, “and that word sounds as good on my tongue as I know you’re going to taste. I’m going to make love to you properly. The way I plan to many times in our future.” I reach down and untie her robe, letting it fall open; my fingers sliding underneath just far enough to tease her nipples. They pucker beneath my touch, and her lashes flutter, settling on her cheeks. “But when it’s over, I’m going to fuck you hard and fast again.”
I tug gently on her nipples and she bites her lips. “Look at me,” I order gently.
She opens her eyes, and there is desire in their depths, but there are shadows there too,. I do not think she intends for me to see doubt or uncertainty that wasn’t there before. That I do not like or wish to know ever again. I want it gone. Now. Tomorrow. Forever. I reach up and rip the silk tie from her robe, wrapping it around my hand, before I reach up and caress the robe off her shoulder, letting it tumble to the ground.
“Give me your hands,” I order, but it’s really a question: Does she still trust me?
She studies me for several beats, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, and I do not know what she sees in mine, but she offers me her hands. I wrap the silk around her wrists then lean in close to her, my cheek against her cheek, my body touching her nowhere else. “Now you’re at my mercy.”
“Yes,” she agrees. “I am.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“Warm.”
My lips curve with the answer that is every bit the combination of sweet sexy honesty I’ve come to expect from her. “I’m going to make you warmer.”
“Promise?”
I go still with that question, which on the surface is innocent, but I wonder if it truly is or if it’s about those shadows in her eyes. “I promise,” I say. “And you know, I never—”
“Make a promise you don’t keep.”
“Exactly,” I say, and her reference to my previous words tells me that I am not the only one on a mission of trust, and I intend to deserve hers.
I bring my hands to just above her shoulders, letting them lightly touch her before beginning a slow caress downward. She makes a soft little sound that has my cock thickening and my blood running hot, but I won’t rush this. My lips follow, tracing a line down one of her arms, then the other. I lean and caress my lips over hers, a feather light touch that teases me, if not her.
I take her hands in mine, pressing them behind her head. “Hold them there, for me, so I can see all of you. Understand?”
“You intend to tease me incessantly,” she says, without so much as a hint of hesitation. “Yes. I understand.”
I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her naked body against me, my free hand on hers above her head, our mouths a breath apart. “I intend to lick every part of you, and then do it again, so yes. If that’s the definition of incessant teasing, then yes. I am going to tease you incessantly.” I close my mouth down on hers, my tongue licking into her mouth, a deep, hungry tasting I force myself to end far too quickly. “That was the beginning. Should I could continue?”
“Yes. Please.”
“Please,” I say. “I like that.”

HARD RULES, book one, is out now and on sale! 

Buy Links: 

About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

STALK HER:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Monday, February 20, 2017

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: The Do-Gooder by Jessie L. Star

Title: The Do-Gooder 
Author: Jessie L. Star 
Publisher: Pocket Star 
Publication Date: February 20, 2017 

Synopsis: 
A college girl tries to make up for her bad karma by doing one good deed for anyone willing to ask—a witty, sweet romance perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Abbi Glines.

Lara Montgomery is no good. Having been scorned by her classmates since high school, she’s used to it. From where she’s sitting, the one with more notches on the bedpost has more fun anyway. At least, that’s what she tells herself.

Really, a small part of her hopes that her massive amounts of bad karma can be neutralized by wearing her Do-Gooder hat—that thing she does where she’ll complete one good deed for anyone who asks. And she does an amazing job at it, if she does say so herself. Still, there’s one thing she knows she can’t make better, no matter how many problems she solves for other people: on the night her brother died, she was off hooking up with his not-so-single best friend, Fletch.

It’s been three years since that night, and Fletch just wants her to let it go. To him, her persistence with the good deeds only serves to remind everyone in their small university town about what they did. As it is, they can’t help but get into a heated argument every time they run into each other on campus. And yet, neither of them can seem to stop that pesky electricity that runs between them whenever they get too close….

Buy Links: 

Sonja's Review


The Do-Gooder intrigued me from the moment I saw the title, and after reading the synopsis, I couldn't wait to read it! The love/hate/fighting relationship is one of my favorite tropes and I'm always down for reading one. And Ms. Star definitely delivered - it was excellent and I enjoyed reading The Do-Gooder!

I can honestly say that in all the books I've read, with all the heroines I've met, I've never met one like Lara - she is without a doubt one of a kind. Lara is confident, driven, determined, and she tries to always be cool, calm, and collected. She's the type to hate irrationality (we bonded over that), she can be cold at times and push people away and while I didn't love that, I understood where she was coming from. Lara is prickly and sarcastic, but in a way that grows on you. I can't tell you for sure that I loved her, but I absolutely did like her - she's a good apple.

I loved Fletch - he's a really great guy! Even though he rags on Lara about her choice of doing all these good deeds, he's still there for her whenever she needs him. He's completely in love with her and despite the fact that she drives him crazy and visa versa, he, well, both of them can't stay away. Fletch doesn't need much explanation - he's warm, protective, and he will make you fall for him.

The Do-Gooder is humorous but serious, heartbreaking but heartwarming, and sweet and passionate. You can feel Fletch and Lara's desire leap from the pages and the sexual tension can be a little intense sometimes. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and every last bit of this story had me cheering for our hero and heroine to get their happy ending. I loved The Do-Gooder and I'm excited to see more of Ms. Star!

The Do-Gooder is a standalone, it's told from Fletch and Lara's POV, and they do get their happy ending.
~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 

About the Author: 
Jessie L. Star hails from a family of voracious readers and talkers who all relish in a good story and a well crafted squabble.

She was born in a small town in rural Australia and so learnt early the value of making her own entertainment—in her case, writing stories. This remains her favorite form of entertainment, along with reading too late into the night, having her heart broken on a regular basis by her football team, and pestering her long suffering friends into watching the numerous TV shows she’s addicted to.

Jessie started writing online as a teenager and developed her style with the aid of a cohort of brilliant readers who provided a lot of helpful and encouraging feedback. She won six awards on Some Kind of Wonderful (SKoW)—an original romance awards site—and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Her first completed original story, So Much to Learn, has over 1.3 million views on Fictionpress.com.

Jessie writes romance stories full of snark, banter, a smidgeon of heartache, and people, ultimately, falling in love. She lives in Tasmania.

Author Links: 

Saturday, February 18, 2017

RELEASE DAY BLITZ REVIEW: Wardrobe Malfunction by Samantha Towle

 
Title: Wardrobe Malfunction 
Author: Samantha Towle 
Release Date: February 18, 2017 

Synopsis: 
From New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Towle, comes a new standalone romantic comedy.

Vaughn West, Hollywood heartthrob, has been at the top of his game for years. He thinks he’s untouchable—until a betrayal brings him spiraling down. Now, everyone pities him, and if there’s one thing Vaughn hates, it’s pity.

After a few months of working his way through every available actress, pop star, model, and waitress in California, Vaughn needs to get his life back on track and focus on what he does best—making hit movies.

Charlotte Michaels is in love. Just not with one person.
Louis Vuitton…
Christian Dior…
Valentino…
Gucci…
And the list goes on.

Sadly, Charly’s limited bank account doesn’t allow her those luxuries, and the closest she gets are lucky finds in charity shops and working closely with some of those names in her job as a wardrobe assistant.

Now, Charly has landed the mother of all jobs—working on the new Vaughn West movie. Excited doesn’t even cut it.

Only things don’t go as planned, and it turns out that Vaughn is actually a jerk. A hot jerk, but a jerk nonetheless.

So, why do their clothes keep falling off whenever they’re around each other? And why can’t Charly keep her mind in the closet and off Vaughn?

Getting mixed up with a smart-mouthed, fashion-obsessed wardrobe assistant is the last thing Vaughn needs.

Getting mixed up with an arrogant, self-centered, obnoxious, jumped-up actor who has a lack of respect for fashion is the last thing Charly needs.

Things are about to get hot, dirty, and messy in Hollywood. Very messy. Especially if Charly’s closely guarded secret falls out of her closet.

Buy Links:
Available on Amazon only. Free on  Kindle Unlimited.
Paperbacks: Still waiting for the links to go live.


Lia's Review


Wardrobe Malfunction is quite possibly Samantha Towle's best book since The Mighty Storm. I've read every book she's written, and this one right here was flipping amazeballs! I just love stories when the superstar falls for the girl next door.

This story is fun, sexy and smart. Set in the backdrop of a Hollywood movie, with a sexy but cynical actor and a wardrobe assistant that's crushed on him for years. Wardrobe Malfunction will have you rolling with laughter one minute and then fanning yourself from the sexiness the next.

In case you can't tell, I absolutely loved this book. This is one of Towle's absolute best.

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars 


About the Author: 
Samantha Towle is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journalbestselling author. She began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She is the author of contemporary romances, The Storm Series and The Revved Series, and stand-alones, Trouble, When I Was Yours, The Ending I Want, Unsuitable andSacking the Quarterback, which was written with James Patterson. She has also written paranormal romances, The Bringer and The Alexandra Jones Series. All of her books are penned to the tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Lana Del Rey, and more of her favorite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

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