Kelly & Kimberly review Desired by Stacey Kennedy

DesiredTITLE: Desired
SERIES #: Club Sin #3
CHARACTERS: Kyler Morgan & Ella Snow
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: July 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey are sure to love Desired, USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.

Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Desired is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Stacey Kennedy’s third book in the Club Sin series was just as great as the first two. In Desired we get to finally learn more about Kyler Morgan and what makes him tick. As he watches closest friends each find the woman of their dream, he starts to realize that he wants that too. Only problem is that none of the woman that he are currently in his life will fit the bill. That very last thing that Kyler ever thought he would be drawn to is the very vanilla woman sitting across the room from him. But something about Ella draws Kyler in like a moth to a flame.

Ms. Kennedy is a great story teller her and maybe an even better kink story teller. I really enjoyed seeing how soft and kind Kyler really can be, yet still being a very good Dom. I will say that restaurant scene was……… well I think you need to pick up a copy of Desired and find out for yourself.

Looking forward to the next chapter in the Club Sin series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts From the first couple of pages I knew this was going to be my favorite (so far) of the series. I have liked Kyler from book one. Something about his was so special and he seemed to enjoy the idea of love. He wanted to help his friends fall in love not just enjoy sex. So when a woman came into Kyler’s life he would love with all his heart and soul. And we finally got to meet this woman.

I enjoyed everything about this story and while the sex was written really well I really appreciated that Kyler didn’t change as the story progressed. I was worried that some how Kyler would decide he didn’t want to love and had made a mistake and the other Masters would have to come in and remind him of who he was but I was so glad that did not happen. He stayed true to the character from book one. Ella was an interesting character. And so perfect for Kyler. She needed him and Kyler needs to be needed. There were times I was not fond of Ella but I always seemed to like her.

If you are a fan of this series then this will enjoy this one as well and probably more than the others. If you are new to the series/author pick this one up because you will enjoy it so much and become a fan.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Natasha reviews Legend by Marie Lu

LegendTITLE:  Legend
SERIES #: Legend #1
CHARACTERS: Day & June
AUTHOR: Marie Lu
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

REVIEW: I loved this book. The story was strong from the first page and had me hooked. Day and June are such an unlikely pair and are thrown together in a terrible twist of fate. The emotional drama of this story was agony, and I loved it. I wanted to cry, I laughed and couldn’t wait to see what was happening. The world building in this book was vivid and I could feel the environment, I could feel the emotion of the characters. I was impressed with the author’s willingness to take us out of our comfort zone and throw things at us that were completely unexpected; things that we thought were off limits. It was a refreshing, though scary experience. For all of these reasons, I loved this book and finished book 2 immediately!

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

 

Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin Series

Poison 

Elemental Assassin 0.1

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 6 pages

This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager and is told from the point of view of  Finnegan Lane, Gin’s fos­ter brother.

*****

Web of Deceit

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 10 pages
This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager. It’s told from the point of view of  Fletcher Lane, Gin’s assas­sin men­tor, and focuses on

Gin’s first solo job as the assas­sin the Spi­der.

*****

Spider’s Bargain

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 9 pages

This short story takes place before the events of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the Elemental Assassin series. In “Spider’s Bargain,” Gin Blanco takes on a corrupt cop, but only one of them will be left standing in the end.

*****

Spider’s Bite

#1

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South — when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way — good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction…especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

*****

Web of Death

Elemental Assassin #1.5

Online Fiction Read HERE

1st Edition, 8 pages

This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In “Web of Death,” Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.

*****

Web of Lies

Elemental Assassin #2

#2

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

 

I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired.

So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scount mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental — with a little Ice magic thrown in — but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man … dead or alive.

*****

Wasted

Elemental Assassin #2.7

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 12 pages

This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beau­ti­ful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trou­ble soon fol­lows.

*****

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most.

To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists.

At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life

*****

Tan­gled Dreams

Elemental Assassin #3.5

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 10 pages

This short story takes place in between the events of Venom and Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from the points of view of Jo-Jo Dev­er­aux and her sis­ter, Sophia Dev­er­aux. When a car­jacker fol­lows an injured Gin back to Jo-Jo’s beauty salon, Jo-Jo and Sophia join forced to elim­i­nate the threat.

*****

Tan­gled Schemes

Elemental Assassin #3.7

Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 15 pages

This short story spans a period of time start­ing from the last chap­ter of Spider’s Bite and end­ing right before the begin­ning of Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from Detec­tive Bria Coolidge’s point of view and shows her search for her long-lost sis­ter Genevieve Snow. What Bria doesn’t know is what she’s going to do about the fact that Genevieve also hap­pens to be the as…more

 

*****

Tangled Threads 

Elemental Assassin #4

#4

I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead.

Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too.

The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . .

both dead. . .

*****

Spider’s Revenge

Elemental Assassin #5

#5

Old habits die hard. And I plan on mur­der­ing some­one before the night is through.

Killing used to be my reg­u­lar gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spi­der, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly mat­ters: Mab Mon­roe, the dan­ger­ous Fire ele­men­tal who mur­dered my fam­ily when I was thir­teen.

Oh, I don’t think t Old habits die hard. And I plan on mur­der­ing some­one before the night is through.

Killing used to be my reg­u­lar gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spi­der, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly mat­ters: Mab Mon­roe, the dan­ger­ous Fire ele­men­tal who mur­dered my fam­ily when I was thir­teen.

Oh, I don’t think the mis­sion will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more prob­lem­atic than expected. The bitch knows I’m com­ing for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters she hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keep­ing Bria safe is my first pri­or­ity. Tak­ing Mab out is a close sec­ond.

Good thing I’ve got my pow­er­ful Stone and Ice magic — and my irre­sistible lover Owen Grayson — to watch my back. This bat­tle has been years in the mak­ing, and there’s a chance I won’t sur­vive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s com­ing with me…no mat­ter what I have to do to make that happen.

 

*****

Thread of Death

Elemental Assassin #5.5

 

#5.5

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

*****

By a Thread

Elemental Assassin #6

#6

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

By a Thread (Elemental Assassin #6)

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation. Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

*****

Widow’s Web

Elemental Assassin #7

#7

I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town.

Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking.

Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

*****

Deadly Sting

Elemental Assassin #8

#8

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

*****

Kiss of Venom

Elemental Assassin #8.5

#8.5

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back…if her enemies don’t get her first.

When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life; if Owen can survive.

*****

Heart of Venom

Elemental Assassin #9

#9

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend. 

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out

*****

The Spider

Elemental Assassin #10

#10

The tenth book in the bestselling and “outstanding” (Romantic Times) Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series finally reveals for the first time the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadliest of assassins.

For the first time, the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadly assassin “the Spider” are revealed in full. In a story that pre-dates the other nine books in the series, Gin Blanco goes through her paces to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland

*****

Poison Promise

Elemental Assassin #11

#11

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight.

 

*****

Black Widow

Elemental Assassin #12

#12

Release date November 25, 2014

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan.

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.

Skye Jordan’s Ricochet excerpt tour + giveaway

SJordan-RichochetBT1

 

 *****
Ricochet

ricochet-500x750

AmazonAmazon UKAmazon Canada | | B&N | iBookstore| Kobo|

After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to his first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.

Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

Check out Kelly & Kimberly’s review of Ricochet HERE

SJordan-Excerpt14

As Josh greeted the other men, Rachel saw him through new eyes—Nathan’s eyes. Aside from Josh’s clean-cut look and Wes’s messy Renegade style, the two men actually looked a lot alike—both over six feet, both blond, both handsome. Wes fell into the wicked rebel category, while Josh was more of the sexy CPA type.

“That him?” Nathan asked, his voice a little on the dark side.

“Yes. I’m sorry, I wanted to prep you before he got here.”

He laughed, the sound cynical. “Baby, I don’t need prepping. The fucking president could walk in here, and I’d be ready.”

She darted a glance at Nathan to gauge his mood. But his expression had changed so completely, he looked like a different man. His face was tight, his jaw hard, lips thin. And his eyes… Those weren’t the warm, flirty eyes that had eaten her up at the bar. Not the lust-filled eyes she’d drowned in last night. These eyes were…sharp, intense, assessing.

“I’m…” she started. “I didn’t mean—”

“Do you always socialize with business associates who have influence over a project?” he asked without taking his eyes off the men as Josh made the rounds to shake hands, take a beer, bullshit. Nathan’s gaze swung back to Rachel’s. “Or is he more than an associate?”

What?

Once the shock wore off, she saw the harsh comment for what it was, a flash of male competition. This had been her fear from the start; Nathan and Josh were too much alike. And problem upon problem tipped in Rachel’s mind like dominos.

She gripped his forearm, drawing his gaze again. “Don’t, Nathan. Don’t make this about you and me. That was one night. This is Renegades’ future. Troy’s future.”

Understanding softened his gaze. She didn’t want to pull her hand away. Sensed he needed it. And she loved the feel of him—hard, warm…so solid. But when she glanced toward Josh again, he was scanning the yard, and Rachel removed her hand just as his gaze landed on the pool and found her.

They’d worked together for months, and he had to have looked at her hundreds of times. But his gaze felt so much heavier now, when she was sitting next to Nathan, sure Josh would see or sense their attraction. She didn’t owe Josh anything. It was a ridiculous thing to worry about. Yet…

Josh’s smile gleamed in the darkness, and he started toward her. He was wearing his typical work clothes, trendy black flat-front slacks and a pinstriped button-down, the sleeves rolled up on his forearms. A neat square belt buckle reflected the light. He looked good. Sharp. Confident. Quietly powerful.

He always did.

And she had a damn good feeling that was going to cause even more conflict with Nathan.

Josh lifted a hand to her as he neared.

She smiled and waved back, then met Nathan’s gaze seriously. “If you take the job, you’re going to have to deal with Josh. There’s just no way around it. And if that’s going to be a problem, please, please step back. These people mean as much to me as Troy means to you. I’ll find another way to do the stunt.”

“Hey, beautiful.” Josh’s deep voice cut into their conversation.

The muscles in Rachel’s shoulders tightened like guitar strings. She looked away from Nathan’s I-knew-it expression. “Hey, Josh.”

Make sure to check out today’s other post. 

Follow the rest of the tour HERE

joanswan-skyejordan_headshotAbout Skye:

Skye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan.

Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.

And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better.

Skye (aka Joan) lives on the central coast of California in the heart of wine country with her husband and two daughters. As often as possible, she retreats to a hotel with critique partners for a power-writing week where much drinking, laughing, and yes, even working, ensues. When she’s not writing, Skye goes to breakfast with her hubby, attends her daughters’ barrel races, and spends a lot of time with her own horse, Riddle…while her two dogs, Paxton and Indie, tag along. She also loves to read, knit, craft, row, ride, and dabble in photography.

Links: Website FacebookTwitter | Goodreads | PinterestNewsletter

Don’t miss out on the other Renegade books.  Find them here Reckless Rebel

 

 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Giveaway Details:

Skye is giving away the following at each stop:

  • 1  American Flag Military Dog Tag Swarovski Crystals (1 winner)
    This sparkly, all-American military dog tag is symbolic of the tags Ryker wears RICOCHET, but much prettier.

The front features the American flag embellished with real Swarovski Crystals.

The reverse side is custom engraved with one of the following RENEGADE taglines: grandprizenecklace flagpendantetched-74BA33

MY HEART BELONGS TO A RENEGADE

RENEGADES ARE MY WEAKNESS

EVERY WOMAN LOVES A RENEGADE

KEEP CALM AND LOVE A RENEGADE

RENEGADE JUNKIE

DARE TO BE A RENEGADE

A RENEGADE STOLE MY HEART

I’M IN LOVE WITH A RENEGADE

MY (BOOK) BOYFRIEND IS A RENEGADE

WHO NEEDS A KNIGHT? I WANT A RENEGADE

REAL. ROMANTIC. REBELLIOUS. RENEGADE.

Each tag comes with a split ring for keychain or ball chain for pendant.

  • 1 American Flag Paracord Zipper Pull (1 winner)
    These patriotic cuties are made with quality 550 Paracord. Add them to everything you can imagine—for style and function! Ex: purses, luggage, jackets, camera bag, etc.
  • flag-paracord-zipperpull
  • 3 Digital copies of readers choice of any of the following books: (3 winners)

○     Reckless

○     Rebel

○     Intimate Enemies

○     First Temptation

○     Sinful Deception

 

 

GRAND PRIZE for the tour:

Stylish GUESS wallet filled with $70 in gift cards + necklace! (Valued at $150)

$25 Amazon
$25 Barnes & Noble
$20 iTunes
Handmade necklace: Home of the Free Because of the Brave!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kelly reviews Knight Avenged by Coreene Callahan

knight avengedTITLE: Knight Avenged
SERIES #: Circle of Seven #2
CHARACTERS: Henrik Lazar & Cosmina Cordei
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alone in a world on the brink of war…two unlikely allies will discover a love greater than time.

Exiled from her home, powerful oracle Cosmina Cordei holds the key to uniting those protecting mankind from evil. But just as she makes her way into the holy city to perform an ancient rite, the enemy closes in for the kill…

Drawn by a destiny he won’t accept, elite assassin Henrik Lazar detests the mystical curse handed down by his mother. But when the sorcery in his blood is activated and past pain comes back to haunt him, his new abilities come into play and he must learn to control them.

Rescued by Henrik in the heat of battle, Cosmina must decide whether to trust the assassin who loathes the goddess she serves or face certain death on her own. Forced into an untenable position, Henrik is left with a terrible choice—protect the magical Order he despises, or deny destiny and lose the woman he loves forever

REVIEW:
Oh Henrik… How do I love you? Let me count the ways. One you are bad ass assassin. Two you are a hot bad ass assassin. Three you are a deadly, hot, bad ass assassin. Do I need to keep going? I guess not. I loved Henrik in book one Knight Awakened and loved him even more in Knight Avenged.
Henrik does a lot of growing in this book. He finally comes to terms with who he is, why he is and what he is.
Cosmina. Really liked this girl. She is tough when she needs to be. Yet she is really a sweet girl. And really knows how to get under Henrik’s skin 🙂

Another great read from Coreene. I just love this world of the Circle of Seven warriors. Although, I really wish Halál would get his just desserts already. That man gets on my last nerve. But like every good villain he knows when to tuck tail and run. Henrik & Cosmina are great together. I loved their bickering and the pull that they feel to each other despite the fact that they don’t want to feel it. I loved that we got a closer look at some of the other warriors. I want to know what makes Tareek tick, this boy has secrets. I want to know what Kazim is and why Thea loves him so much. So many need to knows. But one thing for sure I am so glad that Henrik is finally in a good place.

I can’t wait to see what the next book holds for Cristobal.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Coreene Callahan in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Guest blogger: Carrie Ann Ryan + a giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome our pal Carrie Ann Ryan on the blog today.  We are letting Carrie Ann take over the blog for a bit.  So without further ado.   Take it away Carrie Ann. 

What happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming after they rode off into the sunset in that white carriage? I’ve always wanted to know beyond a random Made-for-TV movie or internet MEME where they comment on the fact that the two characters actually didn’t know each other at all…but I digress LOL.

In my Redwood Pack series, I write novellas after each novel that looks into another couple I already wrote about. This hero and heroine already have their HEA (Happy Ever After in case you didn’t know) and are riding into the sunset. But what do they do along the way?

In A Night Away, my first novella, I wrote about Melanie and Kade, the hero and heroine from book 1, An Alpha’s Path. I wanted to see what happened to the pair after they’d had a child. It was one of my favorites only because I got to see Uncle Maddox babysit! It was the first time I’d written in his POV and loved it!

In Blurred Expectations, I wrote about Trinity Bound’s triad, Hannah, Josh, and Reed. The trio oh so wanted a baby, but it just wasn’t happening yet. I wanted to look into that and look into Josh’s military past since their book focused on their future with the Redwood Pack. It was a sad yet emotional novella to write and readers have really fallen in love with this trio!

In Forgiveness, I focused on Adam and Bay. Adam and Bay’s story, Enforcer’s Redemption, was the hardest (before I wrote Fighting Fate that is) book I ever had to write. Adam and Bay had a rough courtship and in the novella, they were parents learning to be a couple at the same time. I also got to introduce a character, Emeline, that surprised me! I hadn’t planned on writing her story until people begged and she wouldn’t get out of my head. So Emeline and Noah’s story will be in DARK FATES, coming out August 12th.

In A Beta’s Haven, I got to go back to Jasper and Willow from A Taste for a Mate. I wanted to see what happened to a couple who had been around since the beginning of the war and look at the toll said war had on them. I shouldn’t have been worried though, Jasper and Willow could make it through anything.

And finally, in Loving the Omega, I got to see my favorite hero. (I know I’m not supposed to choose favorites, but shh!) Maddox and Ellie are probably the most requested couple I have and I honestly have to agree. I love them to pieces. They went through SO much before they even had each other and now they’re in the middle of their happy ending. Only, it’s not so happy due to the aftermath of the war. I wanted to see how they coped and what their daughter, Charlotte, did now that she was part of the Pack.

I truly love writing these after the HEA novellas and I hope you enjoy them!!!

 *****

Loving the Omega

Loving the Omega

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Maddox Jamenson almost lost his mate before he knew she existed, but his life is now exactly how he’d dreamed it. The war with the Centrals is over, and his family is healing one day at a time. Ellie is reveling in the simple perfection that is her life and family now, but that doesn’t mean she can shed the self-doubts and concerns that come with being a new mother, mate, and Redwood.

When a disturbance in their quiet life threatens to ruin everything they’ve fought for, Maddox and Ellie will have to learn not only to rely on each other more than ever, but find within themselves the power to forgive.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set after book 7 to give you a taste of Maddox and Ellie. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

Excerpt… (used with permission from Carrie Ann Ryan © Carrie Ann Ryan 2014)

The quick, lethal slice of the blade robbed him of breath, and he gasped, clinging to that last thread of life he knew would fade away as he exhaled. Fire scorched down his throat, down his spine. The absence of pain, the absence of agony was a torture in itself. He reached out, begging, screaming until his voice was raw.

It wouldn’t matter though.

It never did.

The darkness surrounded him, clawing, digging its talons into his skin until he bled dry. It was the same thing every time. No matter what he did, he wouldn’t save him. He’d watch him die and lose the connection to the one man who mattered.

He pushed off the enemy and the cloying scent that meant the nothingness had found him and ran through clay and mud to the man who’d fallen, the man who’d been his everything as a child.

“Dad!”

His screams did nothing.

The man fell to the ground, his body burning, turning to ash. There would be no rebirth. No phoenix rising. Only death.

“Maddox! Let go!”

He turned at the sound of his mother’s voice, the pain underlying her terror unbearable. She stood in a ring of fire, a sad smile on her face.

“Let go, baby. Stop fighting.”

*****Learn more about Loving the Omega

 

Carrie Ann RyanA little about Carrie Ann Ryan : 

USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.

Get in touch with Carrie Ann Ryan!

WebsiteBlogFacebook, Author PageFacebook, FriendTwitter | GoodreadsPinterestNewsletterEmail

*****

Giveaway Time:

Carrie Ann Ryan signed paperback and a $15 Amazon gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kimberly reviews Naughty Bits #4 by Joey W Hill

Naughty Bits 4TITLE: Naughty Bits: The Highest Bid
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #4
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To understand her customers’ desires at her lingerie store, Naughty Bits, Madison has been exploring her own deep yearnings with the help of neighboring store owner—and oh-so-sexy Dominant—Logan. After overcoming her fears and allowing herself to truly submit, Madison is ready for her ultimate sexual adventure: an auction where she’ll be offered up to the highest bidding Master.
But when her fantasy brings her face-to-face with her true feelings for Logan, she’ll have to figure out if she’s ready to trust her heart as well as her body to him forever…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Here it is. The last installment and I am so upset. I do not want it to end. I could read about Logan and Madison for the rest of my days and not get enough. There is something so real and true about them. Madison is how I imagine every woman would feel in this situation and I am sure there are many women who would love to be in her place. Who have the feeling they are a sub in the bedroom but never knew how to tell their previous lovers and felt when the relationship fell apart it was their own fault. And Logan has something I doubt many men do. The insight of knowing who he is and what he is.
I enjoyed the fantasy part and was glad Madison got her fantasy but the “reality” part of their relationship is priceless. The author somehow managed to take every thought and feeling and put it to paper and make you feel like you were there to see themselves blossom.
I am so sad that this story has ended. I know Madison and Logan are together and will have their HEA but I want more. As sad as I am to see this story end I am so thrilled I was able to read this and be a part of such a great relationship.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Masters of Seduction Release Day Spotlight + Giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have four of our favorite authors on the blog today to help promote their new release of  Masters of Seduction: Books 1-4: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set.  I, for one can’t wait to jump into this box  set and learn all about these Masters.   So what do you say we take a little look into the world of the Masters of Seduction.

MOS

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In the realm of the Incubi Masters, pleasure is to die for and love is the deadliest game of all . . .

Surrender to sinful pleasures and forbidden passions with Masters of Seduction, the sizzling new paranormal romance novella series from New York Times and internationally bestselling authors Lara Adrian, Donna Grant, Laura Wright and Alexandra Ivy.

This all-new, never-before-published boxed set contains the first four novellas in the Masters of Seduction series. Each book in the collection is approximately 20-25,000 words.

For more information on the series, visit www.MastersOfSeductionAuthors.com

 *****

Are you interested yet?

Lara, Donna, Laura & Alexandra were nice enough to not only share their new box set but they are giving us a closer look into each story.

So here is a look at each of the stories.

Enjoy!!

*****

Merciless: House of Gravori 

by Lara Adrian 

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Seeking vengeance for the murder of his brother, Incubus Master Devlin Gravori demands justice from the high court of the Nephilim. But fury and retribution are no match for the consuming desire he feels for Nahiri, the beautiful Nephilim warrior he claims as his hostage.

Merciless Excerpt (Used with permission by Lara Adrian © Lara Adrian 2014): 

Nahiri awoke in the middle of a large bed in a strange room.

She shot upright the instant consciousness dawned, her hands reaching automatically for her weapons.

They were gone.

The leather sheaths that crossed her torso were empty.

No. That meant her nightmare hadn’t been just a dream. It was reality.

The Incubus in the temple…Devlin Gravori.

He really had taken her.

Nahiri’s eyelids snapped open in panic. Sunlight poured in from an open window across the room, blasting her vision.

Momentarily blinded, she squinted through her lashes, struggling to take quick stock of her new surroundings.

Creamy stucco walls. Dark hardwood floors and masculine-looking furnishings. Thick timber beams high above her head.

And beneath her, a massive bed. The mattress was as cushiony as a cloud, the cotton sheets and silken coverlet calling to mind all manner of sins.

All around her was the scent of intriguingly exotic spices and something even more enticing.

Him.

She sensed his presence even before she swung her head in his direction and found him seated in an upholstered chair beside the bed. No, not seated in it, exactly. Dominating it. The same way he seemed to dominate every space he occupied.

His big body lounged negligently where he sat, his powerful thighs spread, one arm draped over the side of the chair, the other propping his head up, fist curled loosely under the square line of his jaw.

He’d shed his suit jacket at some point, and now wore just his gray tailored pants and white business shirt. The collar was opened even farther than she recalled, just one more button loosened, but exposing enough of his tawny skin to make her mouth water with a sudden, unholy urge to taste him.

She wanted to dismiss the impulse as one he planted in her mind, but she could tell from the casual way he regarded her that any curiosity she felt in that moment was hers alone.

Nahiri scrambled off the bed. She backed into the farthest corner of the room, eyeing him warily. “Where am I? Where have you taken me?”

“You’re at Gravori House.” He cast a nonchalant look around the room. “More specifically, you’re in my bedroom.”

Even though she could have guessed as much, her heart still climbed into her throat. Since she’d gone to the temple to train at eighteen years old, she hadn’t left the sanctuary grounds even once. Let alone spent so much as a minute in a man’s bedroom.

She might be a virgin, but she had never been a wilting little girl. She was a grown woman. A skilled warrior. She refused to let him intimidate her.

“It was a bad idea to abduct me from the temple,” she informed him. “The Three will see you punished for this, Incubus, regardless of what you mean to do to me. And with or without my weapons, I am still a Blade. I will fight you every step of the way.”

“The same way you did in the High Chamber?”

Her cheeks flamed with heat at the reminder. With humiliation. Her weakness had shamed her in front of the other Blades, in front of the three priestesses who’d entrusted her with their lives. With their faith that she was the best, the strongest, of her peers.

And this demon had disproved all of that in a moment.

He would do it again if he wanted to. He could do anything he wanted to her. Nahiri could see it in the hard glint of his golden eyes.

No, for all her skill—for all her dedication to the teachings and training of the temple—Devlin Gravori could destroy her at his whim.

“I’m not interested in fighting you,” he murmured, as if he could read the troubled direction of her thoughts.

She swallowed, watching the way he stared at her from across the room. He didn’t move, and yet her body trembled as though his hands were already on her, as hot and roaming as his gaze. All the wicked, deviant things she’d ever heard about Incubi appetites poured over her in a rush of dread and terrible anticipation.

“In case you’re worried about it, I’m not interested in raping you either,” he drawled, the corner of his mouth curling around the sensual growl of his deep, rumbling voice. “Forcing a woman isn’t the Incubus way. Never been my way, at any rate.”

Nahiri hiked up her chin. “No, you’ll just bend my will until I submit. Or make me your Thrall so you can siphon my life’s energy for your own. Maybe you’ll manipulate my mind until I beg you to drain me completely. I suppose that would be more your way.”

He grunted, dark amusement in his tone. “I have plenty of women more than happy to slake my needs—all of my needs.”

As reassurances went, his did little to relieve her. He steepled his hands beneath his chin, his citrine gaze locked on her. Nahiri could hardly breathe. His dark energy was gathered about him, pulsating and vivid, but not the way she’d felt it in the temple.

He was holding his demonic allure in check now, despite the heat she felt licking along her limbs and putting a flame to her blood. He intrigued her as much as he unsettled her.

Heaven save her, but he tempted her.

Even as he terrified her, infuriated her…he stirred a dangerous longing in her.

And he knew.

The way he studied her, he knew she was struggling against an attraction she wanted desperately to deny.

One raven brow quirked nearly imperceptibly. “If I wanted to take you as my lover, Nahiri, or feed from you as my Thrall, I wouldn’t need force or Incubus magic to do it.”

The combination of her name on his lips and the terrible truth he spoke made her heart stumble in her chest. It beat shallowly, accelerating in time with her breathing.

And she tried not to notice how his gaze tracked every inch of her body, settling on her breasts as they rose and fell with each rapid squeeze of her lungs.

He got out of the chair and stood in place for a long moment. When he finally moved, his steps were measured, unrushed. So confident, as if doubt was something he never had to trifle with when it came to women.

Of course, he’d told her as much, so his arrogance shouldn’t surprise her now.

Nahiri stood, frozen, as he approached, his thick-muscled thighs carrying him in a slow prowl across the room. He paused an arm’s length away from her.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked, grateful that the tremors of her body hadn’t found their way into her voice. She could not forget for an instant that she was dealing with a demon. “What do you want from me?”

His sensual mouth twisted in contemplation. “I haven’t decided yet. But let me be clear about one thing, little Blade. You may be pledged to the Three and their precious temple, but in this House, I am Master. So long as I have you under this roof, you will obey me. As of now, your well-being, your life—everything—belongs to me.”

She bristled, outrage shooting through her like fire. She welcomed the anger. It helped eclipse the desire that was still simmering inside her, unwanted and never to be admitted—especially to this overbearing heathen of a man.

Devlin Gravori was mad if he expected her to think of him as anything but her captor.

Her enemy.

And he might as well realize that now.

Nahiri peeled her lips back from her teeth in a furious smile. She squared off against him, ready to do battle even without the benefit of her weapons. “I would rather die before I give anything to you. Willingly or by force. I would see you dead before that day.”

He scowled as she hissed the words into his face. When he raised his hand, she thought for certain he would strike her.

Instead, his broad, warm palm came around the back of her neck. He held her in a firm grip, and brought his face terrifyingly close to hers.

When he spoke his voice was raw, as rough as gravel in his throat. “Be careful with your threats, Nahiri. Those are dangerous words. Particularly when my kin are already grieving the loss of one brother to your kind today.”

She stared up into his fierce golden eyes, transfixed by the power she saw there. By the pain and fury that hardened his handsome features and tightened the lush line of his mouth.

“On the other side of this bedroom door, I have a dozen Incubi brothers and cousins who might be tempted to take your threats against me to heart. They might be tempted toward other things too. But not so long as you’re under my watch. No one takes what belongs to me.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted to her mouth. It lingered there, and suddenly Nahiri could hardly swallow for the lack of moisture in her throat. Her lips tingled under his gaze, aching for contact. Her temples pounded with her heartbeat, a rising, steady thrum that seemed to echo in the small space between her body and his.

Everything female in her was fixed on this man—this dark, deadly demon—and the unholy need he aroused in her.

“You will obey me,” he muttered, the command like velvet on her senses when it should grate like sharp stones. “As of right now, Nahiri the Blade, you belong to me.”

A little about Lara Adrian: Adrian_L

Lara Adrian is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Midnight Breed vampire romance series and numerous other titles published independently. With nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide, and translations licensed in more than 20 countries, Lara’s books have been called “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “strikingly original” (Booklist) and “a must-read” (Fresh Fiction). She lives in New England with her husband, where she is currently at work on her next novel. To learn more about Lara’s books and to sign up for her email newsletter, visit her here  Website| Facebook | Twitter @lara_adrian | Goodreads

*****

Soulless: House of Romerac 

by Donna Grant

Soulless_600x900Incubus Master Canaan Romerac is focused solely on revenge against those who betrayed him and put him in the Oubliette for five hundred years. That is until he sets eyes on Rayna. Can the beautiful Nephilim heal Canaan’s wounded soul before it’s too late.  

Soulless excerpt (Used with permission by Donna Grant © Donna Grant 2014):

There was a pause. “Your skin is flushed, but not from illness.”

Conceited prick. Of course a sex demon would know when she was aroused. “I know you won’t force me, and I’m not interested. So go away.”

She waited for his response, waited to hear the charm and seduction she knew was coming. Except there was nothing. Rayna counted to fifty before she opened her eyes.

And promptly gasped when she found herself staring into eyes of blue-green as fathomless as the sea.

Rayna tried to look away, but only managed to move her eyes to his chiseled chin and jaw that sported a shadow of a beard, making him even sexier. If that was possible.

She caught a glimpse of coal black hair against his shoulder and saw it hung loose, the waves begging her to slide her fingers into the thickness. A lock of that hair fell over his wide forehead to fall against the corner of his eye.

Once more she was caught in his gaze. A woman could drown in such brilliance. Between the brightness of his eyes, the long black lashes, his midnight hair, and his olive skin, he wasn’t just handsome. He was striking, breathtaking.

Magnificent.

“Not interested?” he said, a hint of a smile upon wide, full lips. Lips that no doubt kissed as heavenly as he looked.

Rayna had to try twice to get enough wetness in her mouth to swallow. Even then her voice wouldn’t work so she shook her head.

He leaned forward and ran his index finger softly down the side of her face before pushing her hair over her shoulder. “Say it again.”

Was he insane? Didn’t he realize she was barely holding it together? Or perhaps that was the point. He did realize exactly what kind of precarious situation she was in.

It wasn’t as if she hadn’t known pleasure. She’d had her share of lovers, but not a single one of them had heated her blood like the Incubi before her. And he hadn’t even kissed her.

Victory shone in the Incubus’s beautiful eyes, and the resulting anger was enough that she could remember just why she didn’t want him. She refused to be a pawn in the game played between the Nephilim and the Incubi.

“I don’t want you,” she said. It might be a hoarse whisper, but the words had come.

To make her point even more clear, she shoved past him. It was a mistake as soon as her hand landed on his chest. The resulting heat, the primal need that thrummed through her veins, halted her.

He moved behind her, his warm breath fanning her neck. Unable to stop herself, her eyes closed and her head fell to the side. Soft lips touched the place where her neck met her shoulders. It barely registered before his hot, wet tongue flicked over her skin.

“You’re correct, Nephilim. I won’t force you,” he whispered into her ear. “Your kind is normally so willing to couple with us. What makes you so different?”

Rayna turned to face him, wondering if she was a masochist. Why else would she willingly face someone so damned gorgeous again?

“I walked away from that world. I want nothing to do with it.”

Before she could get in another word, his lips were on hers. There was nothing soft or romantic about the kiss. It was all heat and desire, need and passion.

Lust and longing.

It sent her world spinning. Her body was scorched from the intensity of the kiss.

As suddenly as it began, the kiss ended. Rayna blinked up at him, unsure why he stopped. She licked her lips, liking the taste of him altogether too much.

“Farewell,” he said and disappeared into the night before she could utter a single syllable in response.

A little about Donna Grant: donna_grant_new

Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories.  She’s the author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic.  Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

To learn more about Donna and her books, please visit her here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @donna_grant | Goodreads

 

*****

Shameless: House of Vipera

by Laura Wright  

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Sexy Incubus Master Scarus Vipera has grown weak, and the only thing that will strengthen him again is Rosamund, the power-rich female of the Harem. But the mysterious Nephilim is determined to leave the harem untouched, her heart intact.

Shameless Excerpt (Used with permission by Laura Wright © Laura Wright 2014): 

Rosamund gasped as the man ran his nose along the seam of her sex. Why couldn’t they go away? These stupid, silly Nephilim? Their opinions meant nothing to her. All she wanted was this male. His mouth on her. His tongue inside her.

“Rosamund, you must wake!” called the second female, more urgently this time. “Constance is on her way. There is to be an announcement.”

Rosamund drove her fingers into thick, soft hair in response. Yes! Yes! Right there, male, she urged, squeezing his scalp. He groaned, the sound vibrating against her heat as he nuzzled his way to her swelling clitoris.

The sound of a doorknob rattling entered her consciousness, but she pushed it away. It was the click of a lock being breached that truly yanked her from the rising pleasure, cutting into her dream like a guillotine to the neck. She came awake with a start, eyes flying open, body jackknifing upward into a sitting position. Breathing heavy, she glanced around, blinked. It was pitch black in her little anteroom—the space she’d claimed when she arrived in the Harem nearly one year ago. The space that was all hers. Every other Nephilim in residence lived in shared accommodations—very gratefully and happily. But Rosamund had wanted to be alone.

No. She’d needed to be alone.

“Rosamund, Constance will give you a week in the kitchens if you’re not in attendance,” Eva persisted, inching the door open.

Panic seized Rosamund. She couldn’t have them see her. Not like this. “I’m up,” she called, scrambling off her pallet and rushing to the door. She pressed herself against it, blocking their entrance. “I’m up. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

There was a momentary pause, then a sigh. “All right,” Eva said. “We will see you in the courtyard. And Rosamund?”

“Yes?” she said with a touch of irritation she wasn’t quite awake enough to hide. Sleep still clung to her mind. Wet heat still claimed everything south of her navel.

“Good morning to you,” the female called.

Oh great Goddess, it had been, Rosamund thought with a groan as she listened to the females’ retreating footsteps. Or could have been. She heaved a sigh and let her head fall back against the wood. She was truly dying to know how her dream ended. She’d been having it nearly every night of her three hundred and sixty one nights in the Harem. And each time, the intensity grew, the need intensified. Granted, she could never see the male’s face clearly, but she knew it was Roger. The human man she’d met and fallen for three months before she’d been called to the Harem. The human man who believed she was away on a yearlong animal research trip in the Australian bush.

The human man who had held her in his arms the night before she left and sworn that he would wait for her forever. But Rosamund knew forever was a relative term—and that waiting wasn’t easy for anyone. Normally a letter from him came once a week, forwarded from a post office box in Sydney. But in the past couple of months she’d received nothing at all.

Her heart squeezed as she pushed away from the door. Just four more days, she reminded herself, setting about lighting the three lamps that lined her tiny bookcase and clothing rack. Four more days until she was back in San Francisco, back to Roger—back to creating the life, the home, the family, she’d always dreamt of having.

With quick, seasoned hands, she performed her daily routine. Tying down her breasts and padding her middle. Applying powders to her face to make her appear sallow and tired, and oils to her long, pale blond hair to make it appear unwashed. And the one last accompaniment that was a guarantee to her continued success—the one she’d had made before leaving San Francisco nearly a year ago—a dental prosthetic that made her teeth look almost rotten.

After slipping on the large pumpkin-colored day robe, she made a quick inventory of her appearance in the cracked half mirror. She looked as she did every day. A younger version of the witch who’d sold Snow White her poisoned apple. She heaved a great sigh of relief. Perfect. No male on Earth would choose her over the stunning Nephilim females of the Harem.

A little about Laura Wright: LauraWrightPic

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.  To learn more about Laura and her books, please visit her here: Website| Facebook | Twitter @LauraWriteRom | Goodreads

*****

Ruthless: House of Xanthe

 by Alexandra Ivy

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Jian, Master of the House Xanthe, has devoted his life to returning his family to their former prominence.  When he’s offered a contract to hunt down the missing Sovereign, he’s eager to accept. The last thing he expects is to encounter a stunningly beautiful angel who stirs more than his lust

Ruthless Excerpt (Used with permission by Alexandra Ivy © Alexandra Ivy 2014)

Jian, the Master of the House of Xanthe, stood at the edge of the barren, uninhabited island in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.  He grimaced as he studied the jagged mountain of blue ice that soared toward the sky.

Despite the weak sunlight, the breeze was edged with a lethal chill and beneath his feet the ground trembled as the ice abruptly split open.  Only his swift leap to the side prevented him from tumbling into the deep fissure that formed.

Not the first place anyone would willingly choose to spend the night.

Not even a demon.

Thankfully, Jian wasn’t just any demon.

As a powerful Incubus, he could not only compel others with the force of his sexual enchantment, but he was physically impervious to the brutal elements.  He also possessed the unique ability to see through magical illusions.

Which was why he was the current Master of House Xanthe.

Unlike other Incubi Houses, Xanthe didn’t accumulate their wealth through vineyards, or sprawling hotel chains, or sex clubs.

No, their profitable spice trade had been destroyed, and worse, their lands stripped away, after Jian’s grandfather had stood against the House of Marakel and been labeled a traitor by the Council.  Now Xanthe depended on their own skills to rebuild their empire.

Two of Jian’s younger brothers were expert assassins who offered death for an obscene price.  And a handful of cousins sold themselves as mercenaries for other Incubi.

But it was Jian’s ability to gather and collect information that was slowly returning Xanthe to its position among the most respected Houses.

There was nothing in this world, or any other, that paid quite so well as secrets.

A wry smile twisted his lips as he recalled the extremely large fortune that had just been transferred into his account from a human politician who preferred to keep his habit of siphoning funds from his elderly donors from hitting the front page.

“This is a bad idea,” Taka growled.

Jian turned his head to study the large Incubus standing next to him.

The captain of Xanthe’s Watchmen, Taka looked exactly like what he was—a ruthless killer.  Dressed in leather pants and a T-shirt despite the frigid air, he was as large as an ox, with bluntly carved features and a smoothly shaved skull.  His skin was tanned to a rich mahogany, and his arms, which bulged with muscle, were tattooed with the Xanthe House emblem of a warrior.

Jian, on the other hand, was built along leaner lines, with the sleek muscles of a trained swordsman.

His skin was a smooth, unblemished honey and his straight blue-black hair was cut short on the sides, with the top long enough to fall over his wide forehead.  He had a thin blade of a nose and high, narrow cheekbones that whispered of his Far Eastern heritage.  His face was lean, with eyes that were faintly tilted and glowed like melted gold in the sunlight.

 

Alexandra IvyA little about Alexandra Ivy: 

Alexandra Ivy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, as well as the Sentinels and Bayou Heat that she writes with Laura Wright.  After majoring in theatre she decided she prefers to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage.  She lives in Missouri with her family.

Learn more about Alexandra and her books, please visit her here:  WebsiteFacebookTwitter @AlexandraIvyGoodreads

 

 

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Kelly & Kimberly review Ricochet by Skye Jordan

RicochetTITLE: Ricochet
SERIES: Renegades #3
CHARACTERS: Nathan Ryker & Rachel Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {coming soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to the first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.
Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was an excellent story that took me on some major highs and lows. Nathan Ryker is a broken man, although he will not tell you that. He knows he has a problem, but it is his problem and he will deal with it. Only thing is he is not dealing with it. Not at all. Until he meet Rachel. Rachel makes him forget, makes him want things, makes him want to be better. But there is another problem he has to deal with, he is leaving soon.

Rachel. Rachel. Rachel. The sweet girl that hangs out with the kick ass Renegade boys and keeps them in line. She is awesome. Rachel is feisty and mean at the same time being sweet and kind. And when she meets Nathan for the first time the girl she wishes she was comes out and for one night she let’s herself live a little. But when morning comes there is one little problem. Rachel learns who Nathan really is.

OH MY GOOD GOD!!! This was a great book. I warn you that the first oh …… 5+ chapters were scorching hot. So if you don’t like reading in mixed company I would suggest waiting until you are alone *wink, wink*. I can’t wait to see how Skye tops this one.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts I am in love. With Nathan Ryker. Ok the whole book really but mainly Ryker. I think I fell in love with him in his first scene in chapter 2 at LAX. I just wanted to pull him in and hug him and tell him I would make everything better. I continued to love him through every chapter. I actually cried when he got his first look at Carmello. What an incredibly strong and poignant moment which then just brought the scene on the beach where I think I feel even more in love with Ryker. He is such a strong man and his heart is so open but he just doesn’t know it.
Rachel is great. She is the type I would want to be friends with and secretly hate her for being the type of woman I wish I was. Not only is she beautiful but she doesn’t see herself that but she also is completely put together. The way she understands Ryker’s PTSD is incredible.
I think Skye Jordan did an incredible job showing the life of a soldier with PTSD. It is not something that hits every second, it is not something that can be seen from the outside, and is not something someone without it can understand. Jordan pulls the reader into Ryker’s world so well.
I honestly think this is one of the best stories I have read in quite a while. While the characters were wonderful the story itself was consuming. If you are a fan of romance then pick up this book! You will not regret it. And like me it will leave you wanting to read Troy’s story. Troy has a heart that he wears on his sleeve everywhere he goes and I can’t wait to meet the woman who can get her hands on it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Cygnet Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

 

Kimberly reviews Fake It by Jennifer Chance

Fake itTITLE: Fake It
SERIES #: Rule Breakers #2
CHARACTERS: Anna & Jake
AUTHOR: Jennifer Chance
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New grad Anna Richardson works hard—so hard that she’s given up having a romantic life. Anna has even convinced her friends that she’s dating an amazing guy—who they’ve simply never met. But now Anna has a wedding to attend and needs to produce the hottie she’s been lying about for the past six months. Enter Jake Flynn, her infuriating, motorcycle-riding, jaw-droppingly gorgeous neighbor, who’s more than willing to fake it for a weekend. In fact, Jake won’t be satisfied until things get real.

Though Jake is only playing the role of adoring boyfriend, he’s starting to feel the heat, and judging by Anna’s sweet blush, so is she. Letting chemistry this intense go to waste would be a real shame. Soon, though, the thin line between fantasy and reality fades. Jake may not be what every buttoned-up fast-tracker wants, but he’s sure as hell what Anna needs. And if she takes a ride with him, their adventure never has to end.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts A little cliche’ but worth the read. Any fan of the romance genre has read this story before. Girl needs a date for a friends wedding, she finds a guy to fake it for the weekend and they fall in love. And while this is the same scenario it is a cute story. Jake is an adorable guy who really is the bad boy with a heart of gold. I think the author was trying to write him as more of a bad boy then it actually turned out because I am not sure we say any bad at all in him. Anna is a workaholic who just wants to make sure all is set in her world correctly and Jake blows that out of the water.

I enjoyed the story. It was a bit wordy but was still a good read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

Coreene Callahan’s Circle of Seven Series

Knight Awakened

Circle of Seven #1

Knight Awakened

In AD 1331, warlord Vladimir Barbu seizes control of Transylvania. But in spite of his bloody triumph, his claim to the throne remains out of reach. The king of Hungary opposes his rule, the Transylvanian people despise his brutal ways, and the high priestess needed to crown him has vanished without a trace. But Barbu hasn’t come this far only to be thwarted by a woman. He unleashes his best hunters to track her down and bring her to him—dead or alive.

For Xavian Ramir, killing is the only life he has ever known. Torn from his family when he was a child, he was trained from an early age to be an elite assassin. But now he longs for something more, vowing to start anew after one last job. The bounty on his target’s head is enough to set him up for good—if he can resist the long-dead conscience that stirs to life when he meets his beautiful mark.

Afina Lazar never wanted to become high priestess, but the brutal murders of her beloved mother and sister leave her no choice. Now she is running for her life, desperate to protect the magical amulet entrusted to her care. But when Barbu’s assassin comes for her, she realizes her only chance of stopping the warlord’s rise to power is to convince this enigmatic—and handsome—hunter that she is more valuable alive than dead.

Dramatic and fast-paced, Knight Awakened is a stirring love story between two people searching for a second chance in a magical world of assassins, warlords, unearthly beasts, and nonstop adventure,

 *****

Knight Avenged

Circle of Seven #2

Knight Avenged

Alone in a world on the brink of war…two unlikely allies will discover a love greater than time.

Exiled from her home, powerful oracle Cosmina Cordei holds the key to uniting those protecting mankind from evil. But just as she makes her way into the holy city to perform an ancient rite, the enemy closes in for the kill…

Drawn by a destiny he won’t accept, elite assassin Henrik Lazar detests the mystical curse handed down by his mother. But when the sorcery in his blood is activated and past pain comes back to haunt him, his new abilities come into play and he must learn to control them.

Rescued by Henrik in the heat of battle, Cosmina must decide whether to trust the assassin who loathes the goddess she serves or face certain death on her own. Forced into an untenable position, Henrik is left with a terrible choice—protect the magical Order he despises, or deny destiny and lose the woman he loves forever.

*****

Knight Unleashed

Circle of Seven #3

Jennifer reviews Love With A Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde

Love with a perfect cowboyTITLE: Love With A Perfect Cowboy
SERIES #: Cupid, Texas #4
CHARACTERS: Melody Spencer, Luke Nielson
AUTHOR: Lori Wilde
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes…and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Nielson. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love, even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.

But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive–as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around…..

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Melody Spencer and Luke Nielson have always been attracted to one another ever since they were teenagers in Cupid, Texas. She was Luke’s first love and he never forgot those magical summer nights away from their families growing up. Then, Melody left the small town after high school for the bright lights of the big city in New York and never looked back. Fifteen years later, Melody is down on her luck after losing her job and boyfriend all on the same day. It doesn’t help that Luke Nielson showed up on her doorstep that very day with a proposition for her to come back to Cupid to help save their hometown. With no other options, Melody moves home temporary to help drum up tourism for Cupid until they receive relief from the destructive drought that is currently plaguing the town.
I’m so glad that this was Melody’s story and she was the last of the four cousins to find her happy ending. She was a smart, sassy, young woman who had planned to leave her small town roots behind until life had a change of plans bringing her back to Cupid. You could tell that Melody and Luke were attracted to one another and verbally sparred with each other every chance they got. They fought this attraction because their families have hated each other for something that happened almost ninety years ago and wouldn’t like that they were a couple. I loved Luke and Melody together as a couple and even though it took them awhile, I’m glad they found their way back to each other.

Ms. Wilde writes wonderful small town romances and the Cupid, Texas series is one of my favorites. I enjoyed Melody and Luke’s love story and loved that other characters from her previous books made an appearance so we could get an update on their lives. Love With A Perfect Cowboy is a charming and entertaining romance that shows that nothing can prevent two people who love each other from being together.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts