BLOG TOUR: Jax by Kelly Gendron

Series: Breaking The Declan Brothers #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 17, 2015

~Synopsis~

“Some boys can get rough, some don’t always listen when you tell them to stop, and some boys, they’re just monsters. You gotta be careful who you play with…” ~ Jax Declan

I’m a tease, always have been. In my teens, Jax Declan tried to warn me about staying away from the bad boys. The only boy I ever wanted was Jax. But, no matter how much I tried to play with him, he rejected me.

I haven’t see Jax Declan in years. A couple friends and I are going back to the Bayou for the summer. A little older now, and a bit wiser, I’ve decided that I’m going to find my teenage crush and I’m going to break him. This summer Jax Declan will play with me.

But the closer I get and the more I learn about the reserved, discreet, and sexy Jax Declan. Well, I’m starting to think that Jax Declan might just be one of those bad boys he tried to warn me about all those years ago.

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 ~Book Review~

4 Stars

Jax is the first book in the Breaking the Declan Brothers series, and Jax, 30, is the oldest of the Delcan Brothers and the object of Emmie Rue’s desires when she returns, for the summer, to the Bayou where she grew up. Em and her two friends hatch a plan to snag each of the brothers, her one friend having previously dated Slate and her other friend having not yet met Zeke.  

The best part of the story is most definitely the seriously hot banter between Jax and Em that is laced with fun innuendos.  Reading their dialogue is a lot of fun and the strong point of the book.

“‘Let’s get something clear here. When we f*ck, if I tell you to do something, it’s so that I can regain control over not you, but myself.’” —Jax

Jax is pretty alpha male with some rough tendencies. From the glimpses of the other brothers, I think it’s probably safe to say he’s the most settled, mature one, focused on staying in control.  

“He’s a breath stealer, a thought hog, and a pussy nagger. He consumes my ability to think, and with every look, every damn word he teases my raging womanly desires.” — Emmie Rue

Emmie calls herself a tease and she probably is. Even though she’s a college graduate, sometimes she still seemed like a little girl trying to play a big girl game. Honestly, a lot of the characters often felt closer to twenty than thirty.  A little more background or development with Em might have helped me connect with her more.

The premise and a few situations felt a little contrived, but it’s a quick and steamy read told via Em and Jax’s alternating first person POV.  If you're looking for a sexy read, this is one to check out. The ending sets up the next book/couple and a sample of Slate, coming later this year, is included. 

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 ~Alternate POV Scene~

(Mature Content)

…from behind me, heels click on the hardwood floor. Fuck! I shake my head. Some chick must be following me. Well, that’s what I get for jumping in the ring tonight. Damn, groupies. I thought this shit only happens to Zeke, not that he doesn’t welcome it. God love him, but my little bro’s a man-whore. I continue toward the door, maybe the chick will get the hint.

“Jax!”

My feet come to a halt and I slowly smile. I know that voice. Can’t say that I’m not happy to hear it, my cock certainly is, that fucker jumps a few inches. I uncurl my lips, glance over my shoulder, and let my eyes stroll down Emmie Rue, surveying the tight shirt hugging her perky tits, the short skirt revealing her slender thighs and those high heels...dammit. I’m a sucker for high heels. My cock jumps another inch. I flash my eyes to hers. “What are ya doing back here, Em?”

She struts her perfect little figure on over to me and sets her hands on her hips. “I think the bigger question is what the hell were you doing out there? You fight?”

I turn around. Hands taped and balled at my sides, sweat dripping down my naked chest, I shrug, “Sometimes.” Man, I don’t know how long I’m gonna last. Not sure, how much longer I’m going to be able to hold back from taking her, from fucking that sassiness right out of her fine, sassy-ass.  

“Do you own this place?”

“Zeke, Slate, and me, yeah.” I swipe a hand over my sweat-soaked hair. “Look, I gotta take a shower,” I say. Fully aware that for her safety I need to distant myself from her attainable body.

She takes a step closer. Her eyes glide down my ready-to-fuck body, but they don’t make it to my feet. Not helping matters, they take a momentary pause at my growing rod. Then, from beneath the hoods of her lids, she peers up at me. “You want some company in the shower?”

“Now, Emmie Rue,” I drop my hand from my head, “you don’t wanna go teasin’ me,” I say, hands clutching and releasing at my sides. I’m tryin’ real hard to restrain myself here.

Her brow arches. “Maybe I do.”

“No. You don’t,” I chuckle. “I’m not one of your boy toys you can play with.”

“Who says,” she places a finger on my chest and runs it down along my tattoo, following the tribal art to the waist of my shorts, getting real close to that danger zone, “I’m looking for a toy?”

“Oh, you’re lookin’ for somethin’, but the games I like to play aren’t always nice,” I snatch her wandering hand, “and I can assure you that I don’t always follow the rules.”

“What rules?” Her sly eyes slant up at me.    

Fuck! She is tempting. I laugh, not about to give in to my cock that easily. I release her wrist. “The kind of rules beauty queens expect.”

“I’m not that girl anymore.”

“Yeah. Maybe not.” My eyes drop to her mouth. “Still, I’d take you to a place where even all grown-up princesses are afraid to go.”

“Well, then, it’s good that I’m not a princess, either.”

“No?” I grin down at her, wanting badly to believe it.

Her head tilts and she smiles up at me. “No.”

“Well, then,” I say, ready to challenge her, curious to see just how far she’s willing to go to prove it, “show me you’re not afraid to get dirty. Get on your knees.”

Just as I thought, her smile slowly wanes. “What?”

“Get down on your knees and suck my cock.”

Her eyes go wide. She opens her mouth, then shuts it. She looks to the left then the right. Damn, is she considering it? Shit! My cock thumps to full capacity. “But,” her eyes snap back to me, “anyone could come along and see us.”

“And?” I arch a brow.

“They’d see me sucking your cock.”

“And?” The side of my mouth lifts a little.

“And… and that’s just not right.”

“I warned you, there’s no right or wrongs when it comes to me,” my grin spreads.

As predicted, little Emmie Rue, she’s not ready for me…yet.

 ~About the Author~

Kelly’s motto ~ "Bad boys, give 'em a little time and experience, and they will evolve into misbehaving men!" And what hot-blooded woman doesn’t want a naughty, all grown up bad boy?

Kelly Gendron is the author of the TroubleMaker series, the up and coming series ~ Breaking the Declan Brothers, and a few other romantic suspense novels.

When she's not writing steamy, blush producing romances, she's out meeting new people while representing a group of reputable nursing facilities. You can find Kelly in a quiet suburb, somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. If you Google her, she’ll pop up there too. And, please do find her. Kelly loves to hear from her readers, and meeting new people.

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BOOK REVIEW : Jem by Michelle Abbott

3 stars

Jem grew up with an abusive father who was resentful of his very existence. But at age four he met his “Angel,” Devon—the slightly older little girl who befriended him and made him not feel ashamed.  Fast forward and Jem is eighteen, living on his own since the age of sixteen. His rough, violent upbringing has left him with anger issues, and that’s the first impression Devon has of him when she meets him again for the first time. Only Devon doesn’t know it’s her precious Jem and thus is the beginning of msunderstandings and misconceptions that plague their love story. 

I had a hard time connecting with adult Devon. She’s quick to judge strangers but naïve and too trusting of her abusive ex-boyfriend, the father of her child. I’m also not a fan of weak female characters and Devon’s actions in regard to her ex made me lose a lot of respect for her. I also craved a little more background on how she got involved (and stayed involved) with Connor in the first place, given her more solid, supportive upbringing and first hand knowledge of abuse with Jem as a child.

The premise has a lot of promise, and I liked Jem and Devon’s childhood bonding as the groundwork to their future coupling, but too many missed moments in the present and the lack of getting to know each other again as adults lessened the romantic vibe. The story addresses several heavy issues but never in detail or in terms of how the characters really rise above their hardships.  The bones to a deep story are there but the characters and plot needed fleshed out more. Overall, I think I simply craved more budding romance for a couple that so longed for each other. 

Jem is a stand-alone, first person POV told by both Devon and Jem. 

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Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person. She's a self-published author of new adult romance, and likes to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl. She's an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits :-) She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral :-)

She is also the author of Just Stay. Read the blog's 4.5 Star Book Review & Author Interview: HERE

BOOK REVIEW: Getting Dirty By Mia Storm

2.5 Stars

Blaire Leon is a sixteen going on seventeen year old high school Senior taking college courses at a local university. (Don't get Julie Andrew's Sound of Music tune in your head though, Blaire is no Liesl Von Trapp. Instead blast the Arctic Monkey's "Do I Wanna Know," the inspiration for this couple.)

Caiden Brenner is a twenty-five year old graduate student/teaching assistant working on his Ph.D and interviewing for an adjunct professor position in the following year.  That age difference and her minor status might put off some readers. (Note: Caiden doesn't know she's a minor right away though). Personally I didn’t have issues with it.  Their involvement under California law (where the story is set) makes it a crime, but other states have lower age of consent laws. "Consent" is a huge theme in this story.  Set in another locale, Blaire and Caiden's relationship might not be as taboo. And sometimes age is just numbers.

Blaire is fairly grown-up for 16. Her parents have embraced a laissez faire parenting style since the day her and her brother were born so they’ve basically raised themselves. Caiden, though technically nine years older, doesn’t exactly exhibit that huge of a maturity difference. He’s still a college student completing his degree and doing work-study jobs on campus. He’s not really living in the “real world” yet either so their lifestyles don’t seem very different. In fact, they share a common bond of unconventional upraisings where social, emotional, and  financial parental support has been scarce. So maybe that’s why their age difference didn’t rub me the wrong way like it might have if the characters had been depicted differently.

I loved how the author addressed their “student-teacher slash minor-adult” quandary right off the bat and quite eloquently through Blaire’s poetry expressions and their Don Juan English lit studies discussions. This was done superbly as their coursework mirrors their life and raises questions accordingly.

Their chemistry is easily felt, their encounters steamy, and I thought this was gong to be one of those amazing, intense couples that really touch your heart. Had it continued to move at that pace with the characters falling in love as they explored the classics in a secret relationship, it could have been amazing. But then the story takes off fast, the student-teacher dilemma slams full speed again, and as it work towards the climax, it goes off the rails a little. I’m not a fan of extensive angst. If you love a full dish, then dig in. But if you prefer it as simply a small side order, then you’ll be frustrated with the plot as it advances.

Wherein lies the issue I did have with the story that kept me from giving it a higher rating —There is extensive involvement between Blaire and her brother’s friend Nate, and Caiden and his fellow grad student Hannah.  This is also where some readers will need a trigger warning and others will be frustrated at the inclusion of sex scenes with other people rather than advancing and further developing Blaire and Caiden’s romance. (I really needed more "falling in love" and less "intalust" to understand why Caiden was willing to risk so much.)  It’s a very sexual book; unfortunately, it’s not all encounters between the H and h. For my romance reading enjoyment, if I’m engaged in the main couple, then I need the sex scenes to stick to just them once they get together. I don’t want to see or hear about them with someone else, especially when it monopolizes a large portion of the book. And Blaire’s relationship with Nate…..well to avoid spoilers I’ll simply say that it would have been less revolting and better crafted if Nate was more of a gray character than... well what he was. 

This is listed as book 1 in the Jail Bait series. I’m a bit curious where the series is headed. Getting Dirty has an epilogue, although it would be nice to see more of Caiden and Blaire together and without so many hardships. In this story, bluntly put, they are both crapped on enough ;-)

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REVIEW/RELEASE: Hate F*@k (Vol.2) by Ainsley Booth

4 Stars

So about last night… That’s probably the best way to sum up the opening to the second volume of Hate F*@k. Yeah, a little awkward and uncertain for Hailey as the scandal of Cole’s arrest heats up. Gives new meaning to the term “walk of shame.” ;-)

Still Cole insists… 

“‘Nothing about last night was a mistake.’” 

Cole is just as sexy and (mostly) in control as ever while becoming more and more of a book boyfriend. Hailey, I’m still still forming an opinion on, but the story is engaging and it’s a quick read.

In this installment, the crime-drama/political intrigue aspect is kicked up, the stakes get a little higher, and the f *@king gets less hateful...but no less heated.  Could it be these two are falling in love? 

“‘You’re deep inside me, Hailey. That’s all I know. And this scandal will fade away, replaced by something else. And you’ll still be inside me.’”

We get more glimpses of The Horus Group in this one and possibly a hint at the next couple in the series…Are the Brownings the next hate f*@k???

A new cliffhanger is established as a lead-in for Vol. 3. It's’s a serial so you had to expect it would end that way. And April isn’t that far away…we hope ;-)

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*Read the blog's previous author interview with Ainsley Booth: HERE*

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Pleasured by You by Steph Nuss

~SYNOPSIS~ 

One night of pleasure turns into a summer full of lust.

Fletcher Haney owns several businesses all over New York City, gaining him access to tons of beautiful women. He has no intentions of stopping his womanizing ways, until he sees her again.

She’s the ultimate heartbreaker he can't forget.

Pastry chef bombshell, Bayler Jennings knows she can have any guy she wants, but when her only memorable one-night stand confronts her, she breaks all of her rules.

He’s the love ‘em and leave ‘em flavor she craves.

But as the seasons change, this two-of-a-kind pair fights falling in love in the city, and they’ll soon realize that with pleasure always comes pain.

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SERIES ORDER AND PURCHASE LINKS 

  

All books in the series can be read as a Standalone 

Book One: Wanted by You - Currently Free

Amazon US   Amazon UK   Amazon CA   Amazon AUS   iBooks   Kobo 

Book Two: Fantastized by You

Amazon US   Amazon UK   Amazon CA   Amazon AUS    iBooks   Kobo

Book Three: Pleasured By You  

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BOOK REVIEW: Pleasured by You by Steph Nuss

4.25 Stars

In the previous book in the Love in the City series readers were given a hint at a chance encounter between Harper’s younger sister Bayler Jennings and Maverick’s buddy, Fletcher Haney.  Now in book 3 we get the scoop on their anonymous yet salacious hook-up that leaves two no-strings-attached singles reconsidering their rules. 

“We were covered in sweat, trying to catch our breaths. The room smelled of sex and the bed’s sheets were tangled around us.
            ‘Now, that…is how you ring in the new year…’”

Fletcher and Bayler are both cute, sweet, and independent.  Though in the past they embraced the love ‘em and leave ‘em before morning lifestyle, we quickly see in this story that they both have so much more to offer. 

“Seriously? Why did he have to have everything I liked? I liked baking; he had a bakery. I liked the beach; he had a beach house. I liked sex; he had a package he knew how to use.”

Yep, Fletcher is a total catch. And did Bayler also happen to mention that he looks and smells like an Armani ad?

There’s lots of fun friendship moments as this series is about a great group of friends who stick together. The previous couples make plenty of appearances including scenes for the most special moments of their lives.

But the real charm for me in this tale came from the side story with Fletcher and Bayler’s Littles. They are an adorable addition of young love, and I hope at some point they get their own story. They helped illustrate the integrity of Bayler and Fletcher’s characters, and it was fun watching Bayler and Fletcher in their Big roles.

Pleasured by You is told via Bayler and Fletcher’s alternating first person point of view and while part of the series can also be read as a stand-alone.

Want to learn some extra personal tidbits about this cast of characters?….Keep reading for an exclusive character interview!  *May contain some spoilers*

 CHARACTER INTERVIEW: 

5 Questions PLUS with the Love in the City Characters

   

Welcome Fletcher, Bayler, Maverick, Harper, Carter, and Elly to the Book-Bosomed Book Blog! You all are such great friends and fun couples so here are some questions to let readers get to know you a little more intimately ;-)

Q1. First question is for the girls: Bayler, Harper, and Elly—you made such a great team. What group sport or activity do you think the guys should take up next time around that you would enjoy being the spectators?

Elly: I’d like to see Carter in some tight baseball pants.

Bayler: Gross, that’s our brother.

Elly: His ass was made for baseball pants. It’s a shame he’s only good at basketball.

Harper: Maverick’s ass would look amazing in baseball pants, too.

Bayler: Well, I’d prefer Fletcher in a sport where he’s half naked, but nine innings of his ass in tight pants would do.

Q2. As a trainer, Maverick knows all about the body; but you guys must have a favorite part on your women. Carter, Mav, and Fletcher—which spot on your lady holds a special place in your heart…or hand?

Carter: Her hair. Elly’s red hair was the first thing I noticed about her.

Fletcher: For me, it was Bayler’s back in that backless dress on New Years.

Maverick: I love Harper’s curves and her tattoos, but I’m really going to miss her baby bump.

Fletcher: You know you could just knock her up again.

Maverick: We can’t have sex for another six weeks.

Fletcher: WHAT?! That’s a rule?

Maverick: Her body has to heal, Fletch.

Carter: I can’t wait for Elly to start showing.
Maverick: It really is incredible.

Fletcher: I can’t believe that’s a rule.

Q3. Fletcher picked out a sexy little outfit for Bayler in the kitchen; Bayler, if you had Harper design a special outfit for Fletch would you put him in a

A. G-string for the beach

B. Silky boxers for the bedroom

C. Chaps (with nothing else) for your own trip to the rodeo ;-)

Bayler: Oh, what a fun question! He’d kill me if I put him in a G-string. Silky boxers are hot but I’m going to have to go with C: Chaps, especially since I know for a fact he can ride for longer than eight seconds.

Q4. Bayler bakes some amazing cakes. Elly and Harper— if you wanted a special treat for Carter and Maverick’s birthday, what sexy design would you hire Bayler to create? And would you jump out of it?

Elly: I would have her make a red velvet cake with a pin-up version of me as the topper, and then I would jump out of it dressed exactly like the pin-up cake topper.

Harper: That’s an adorable idea, Elly! Instead of jumping out of a cake, I would have Bayler come over while Maverick’s at work and have her decorate me in a bunch of chocolate cake and frosting, like a sexy chocolate bikini. Then let him have me for dessert.

Q5. Maverick and Carter, Fletcher was such a sweetie grocery shopping for Bayler when she was on the mend. If Harper and Elly were laid up, could you find all their favorite items in the store and even buy some personal ones without getting embarrassed?

Carter: Oh yeah. When Elly had her cancer scare, I made her a care package of all her favorite snacks. I will admit, I’ve never had to buy any of her feminine stuff, like tampons, only because she’s never asked me to, but I’ve known her for a long time so I’m pretty aware of her favorite things. Plus, I grew up with two sisters; personal female products stopped bothering me a long time ago.

Elly: I’m totally putting tampons down on the grocery list next time!

Maverick (laughing): I could buy Harper’s personal items without a problem. When she was pregnant with our daughter, I did a majority of the grocery shopping, so I’ve come to learn all of her favorites. Unfortunately, during her pregnancy, her favorites changed often, but now that our little girl is here, I’m learning what both of my girls like and dislike all over again.

Harper: Mav is the cook in the house. He’s much better at the grocery shopping than I am.

Bayler (points to Fletcher): While I appreciated Fletcher shopping for me while I was mending my sprained ankle, I will say he has a problem with hoarding.

Fletcher: Hey, when you grow up with grandparents from the 1920s, you learn to buy multiples of everything so you never run out.

Bayler: But it’s not the 1920s, so why do you need two extra shampoos?

Fletcher: Because the store could be out when the first extra runs out.

Bayler: I’m sure another store would have it.

Fletcher: I’m not arguing with you about this again. I’m not a hoarder.

Bayler: Agree to disagree.

Last but certainly not least, here are five rapid fire questions for everyone brave enough to answer. Take them any way you please!

#1   Bite, lick, or suck?

Carter & Elly: Suck!

Maverick: Lick!

Harper: Suck and lick!

Fletcher: Bite!

Bayler: Suck!

#2   Ocean, pool, or hot tub?

Carter & Elly: Hot tub

Maverick: Pool

Harper: Hot tub

Fletcher & Bayler: Ocean

#3   Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla?

Carter: Strawberry

Elly: Chocolate

Maverick & Harper: Chocolate

Fletcher & Bayler: All three

#4   Top, Bottom, or Behind?

Carter: Top

Elly: Bottom

Maverick & Harper: Behind

Bayler: Top

Fletcher: Behind

#5   1, 2, or 3….kids?

Carter & Elly (in unison): 2!

Maverick (smiling): 4

Harper (jaw-dropped): Four? How about 2!

Bayler (biting lip nervously): 1?

Fletcher: Uh, hell yeah just 1. Did you know we have to wait to have sex after you give birth!? I’m not going through that more than once.

  

Thank you so much gang! And a super big thanks to author Steph Nuss!!!

~MEET STEPH NUSS~

Steph Nuss was born and raised in rural Kansas, where she currently resides with her black Labrador son named Gunner. She grew up with a passion for reading and writing. When she’s not immersed into the land of fiction, she enjoys listening to music that came before her time, watching movies and reruns of her favorite shows, and hanging out with her family and friends. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology that she’ll never use…unless she’s profiling her characters of course.

 

CONNECT WITH STEPH: 

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REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: When I Fall by J. Daniels

~Synopsis~

From NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author, J. Daniels, book three in the Alabama Summer series...

For the past nine years, I’ve kept my heart as far away from my dick as possible. Those two can’t be anywhere near each other. They don’t play nice, and one of them undoubtedly winds up getting hurt.

Not my dick. My dick is good.

The women I take home know exactly what they’re getting from me—sex.  Nothing more. At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen. The sweet  brunette from Kentucky I set my sights on tonight shouldn’t have been  any different. I had her right where I wanted her. Where I needed her.  But when my past comes walking into McGill’s pub, the woman in my arms  decides to take things to a whole new level, putting me into a situation I never saw coming.

My heart is about to get f*cked. My dick can sit this one out.

*** Warning: This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and explicit sexual content. When I Fall can be read as a standalone novel.

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~Book Review~

 4 Stars

The third book in Alabama Summer series features the Bama gang’s friend, construction worker Reed Tennyson. After having his heart broken nine years prior, Reed has sworn off kissing women as well as relationships with them beyond a one-night stand. The reappearance of his heart-breaking ex as well as a new girl in town sends Reed’s carefully scheduled lifestyle of no-strings attached hook-ups into a tailspin.

Reed might think he’s going to lay on the charm for new girl in town Beth Davis, but it’s Beth that ends up throwing Reed off his game. When he can’t get her out of his mind, Reed stars to reexamine the whole relationship thing. 

“I love my dick. I’d be devastated if I broke that shit off, but that’s exactly where I’m headed if I don’t find a better way to occupy my time.”

Reed is funny, sexy, and an overall pretty likable guy despite his early man-whore days. The background story of his ex provides depth and some sensitivity to his character, helping the reader to understand where Reed is coming from without going down the often typical clichéd ex-girlfriend plot route. I was pleased to see how that played out in the story.

Beth is out-going at times and yet weak at times. I have to admit I struggled a little with her character. Even given her background I sometimes had a hard time putting my finger on exactly who she was. While she is supportive and gives Reed strength in the beginning, I was disappointed in her cowardly actions towards the end.

Both couples from the previous books make appearances with Tessa standing out as the always out-spoken and brassy breath of fresh air.  There is, however, a little incident thrown in for drama that I could have done without as it seemed like a premature over-reaction that didn’t require demanding everyone’s immediate presence, thus making it feel more like a contrived device to fuel the other couples into action while making the couple at the source appear a little immature. I might have been sensitive to this scene having been in similar circumstances, but it would have been nice to see them stay strong. (Shame on you Ben Kelly! Next time put your big boy pants on and save the meltdowns for the children.)

Anyways, moving along to the good stuff....As with the previous books, there are plenty of sexy times and no shortage of steamy encounters! 

“Lamps are turned over. Pictures are hanging crooked on the walls. My couch seems to be at a different angle to my TV. Holy shit. We had sex all over this room. And we really utilized the entire floor plan.”

Out of all the books so far I think enjoyed Ben and Mia’s story the most but Tessa and Luke as characters and as a couple more.  Reed and Beth didn’t quite live up to the two previous for me personally, but it’s still a good read and definitely worth checking out. 

Special release price $2.99

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☆ Read the blog's previous super sexy character interview with Ben, Mia, Luke, and Tessa! Click HERE ☆

~Also Available~

#1 Where I Belong

REVIEW

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#2 All I Want

REVIEW

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 ~Author Bio~

J. Daniels was born and raised in Maryland. After putting her kids to bed, she escapes into her cheeky world where some of her characters kiss, and some of them do a lot more than kiss. She is an avid reader and enjoys everything from unconventional romance to fantasy novels.

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~Giveaway~

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BLOG TOUR: Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington

"Nate West. Hollywood bad-boy. Television megastar. Womanizer. Basically everything I hate about the male species rolled into one handsome package. And yet…I want him."

Ellie Turner is a lesbian. She has tattoos, short hair, and a ‘don’t-mess-with-me-attitude.’ She knows who she is, loves who she is, and couldn’t care less what the rest of the world thinks of her. And since she has the most kick-ass best friend on the planet, Noah Clark, even when family drama gets in the way, nothing can offset her happy-go-lucky demeanor.

Until television star Nate West comes along. All thick muscle and alpha-male testosterone. When Ellie meets him on an airplane the only thing Nate West should be good for is a brand new profile picture on Facebook. Right? Wrong. Turns out he’s good for so much more.

This man is going to flip everything Ellie thought she knew about herself upside down.

***NA Romance. This novel is the second book in the Kill Devil Hills series, however it can be read as a standalone. Recommended for 18+

~BOOK REVIEW~

5 Stars

Let me start off by saying that Sarah knows how to write a twist. There’s plenty of good ones in her debut novel He Belongs With Me, and Changing Tides throws one out right off the bat if you’ve read the previous novel in the series, Kill Devil Hills. 1% in and I’m staring at my Kindle screen gaping “What!” 

But not to worry, it’s a good, exciting “what!” as the plot is a lot of fun.

Ellie Turner is the older sister to Georgie and best friend to Noah from the first book. She’s a lesbian, only attracted to women, until the start of this book when Ellie has an interesting encounter with Hollywood star Nate West on their flight to L.A. that has her questioning her sexuality.

Nate West prefers to be known as Nathaniel, and he’s looking for a distraction from his recent break-up with his co-star.

These two are golden together. Their banter in the beginning had my husband wondering why I had a goofy grin on my face as I turned pages. (Loved the airplane scene). 

“‘Honey…Your lips are red and swollen from where we just made out like horny teenagers. If anything, it looks more like you just blew me in the parking lot.’” 

Changing Tides is an upbeat, adorable romance unraveling against the backdrop of an engaging, and sometimes mysterious family drama.

There’s plenty of sexy moments… 

“‘Shut up, Nathaniel. I’m getting naked. You should get with the program and catch up.’”

 And sweet ones too… 

“‘Sometimes in life—very rarely, I might add—you meet someone and you know instantly they are going to mean something special to you.’”

Can this East Coast girl loving gal make a go of a relationship with a male Hollywood heart-throb? Or is she already toting too much baggage with the latest development in her family saga?

I don’t want to give away any of the details but I’ll forewarn that the ending (while not a cliffhanger) sets up a continuation of Turner family drama.  I can’t wait for PulledUnder (#3), coming this summer! (Preview included) I will say that Ellie is a great female character—independent, accepting, and cuts to the chase.  And Nate—trust me, you’ll be fan-girling over him yourself!

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~EXCERPT~

She was exactly what I needed. For far too long I’d felt numb inside—like I’d been stuck in quicksand up the knees. Since my breakup with Kelly, I’d been looking for something that could make me feel better again. Maybe this girl could be the temporary fix I needed. It was worth a shot. Besides, I had nothing better going on at the moment.

Quick as ever, I discarded my hat and sunglasses onto the floor. “Hey,” I said before she could walk past me. So she hadn’t been about to ask for my autograph or to take a selfie with me? What? “Um, hey,” I said again, a little louder, clearing my throat.

She stopped walking. “Um, hey,” she repeated. “I can’t believe Nate West is on my airplane. No freaking way, right? It’s surreal. Thanks for helping me out back there, man. I thought most celebrities were assholes. Not the case at all with you. Seriously, that was awesome. Well…Sherrie the flight attendant might not agree, but I appreciated you sticking up for me.”

I laughed. She was blunt and I liked it. “You’re the first person to recognize me all day.” I pointed at my disguise on the floor. “I guess I need to reevaluate that.”

“Nah, your disguise was perfect. It was your voice I recognized.”

“Oh.” No one had ever used that line on me before. Maybe it wasn’t a line. I couldn’t tell. “Want to sit with me for a little while?” I blurted out. “I’m bored. I’ve been out of the country and I could use some American company.”

For a moment, she studied me hard, obviously debating my motives. I had them, yes. And they weren’t all innocent. But no matter what happened here, I desperately wanted this girl’s company. Nothing else seemed to matter in this moment.

She merely shrugged and plopped into the seat to my right. “Sure. I’d love to piss off that prissy flight attendant a little more.”

Again she had me laughing.

“You’ve got to know though—” She stopped talking for a moment, shaking her head. I noticed, barely creeping up the side of her neck from under her sweatshirt, the end of a tattoo. Instantly blood rushed harder through my veins. I wondered if she only had one or many. “I have a serious hard-on for you…as Lucian,” she started to say. “Dammit. I swear…he…you…are sexy as hell as that character. And that’s saying a lot since Kelly Patterson is your co-star and all. But whenever new episodes air, I tune in every Sunday…like it’s my job to watch…not for Kelly, but for you. That’s totally embarrassing but true.”

I swallowed, hard.

The girl stood, avoiding any eye contact. “Sorry. Jeez, I’m rambling like a fool. I’m normally not so pathetically tongue tied. I’ll go back to my seat now.” But she didn’t leave for her seat, she remained close.

I squinted up at her, the air between us growing thick with awkward tension or…possibly something…else. Something hotter. Girls came on to me all the time. But this was different. I felt more in this small moment than I had in way too long.

“Are you saying you normally like girls?” I asked, matching her bluntness and needing to know for sure what she meant.

Her eyes met mine. “Hell yes, I like girls. I only like girls.”

“But you watch the show for me?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your name?”

“Ellie.”

She was a lesbian. It hadn’t even occurred to me earlier because, frankly, even if she dressed a little like a boy, there was nothing boyish about this girl. Underneath her sweatshirt and jeans, I was willing to bet big money that she had one smoldering body. And the way she watched me right now with quick, rapid breaths, like she wanted me to ravish her the way Lucian ravished that girl in season two’s opening episode of Dragon Wars, I never would have known girls were her thing. Lesbian or not, I suddenly had a serious hard-on for her as well.

One I was ready to take advantage of. Right now.

Praying to whoever would listen, hoping Sherrie the flight attendant had puke or something equally horrible in the back to clean up and wouldn’t be returning soon, I unbuckled my seatbelt and stood to my feet. Much taller than the girl in front of me, I had to duck my head on this tiny airplane and lean into her space. “Have you ever been with a man before, Ellie?” I whispered, my gaze locked heavy on hers.

“No,” she said, her voice soft but her eyes a force of nature. “Why? Are you offering?”

I gulped. Sweet hell. I had no idea how to respond, so I simply told her the truth. “Yes.”

She stared up at me for several long moments, the hum of the airplane taking over all my senses. Then she suddenly burst out laughing. Embarrassment fluttered through me. Oh God, for as confident as I liked to think I was, I was completely out of my element.

“It’s not really funny,” I said.

She stopped laughing immediately. “So,” she snapped, her hands landing on her hips, her eyes glaring up at me and something beyond fierce taking over her body. “You’re saying you want to f*ck me? Is that it Mr. Nate West? Right now. Right here.” She nodded toward the bathroom she’d been in minutes ago.

“Yes.”

She gasped.

“And I hate the name Nate by the way,” I told her. “Please, don’t call me it again.”

“Then what the hell should I call you?” she demanded.

“Nathanial.”

“Does the lesbian thing turn you on, Nathanial?”

“Nope. Only you do.”

“Does the virgin thing turn you on? Because maybe I’ve never been with a man, but I’m nothing close to a virgin.”

I smiled, confused as hell right about now. She was acting mad…but if she was truly pissed off about this conversation then why was she still standing in front of me, discussing it?

“Yes or no, little firecracker.” I dipped down closer to her until my forehead was nearly resting on hers. “Haven’t you ever wondered what it feels like to have a man inside you? Not just any man, but someone like me. To feel his powerful thrust—not some plastic toy or whatever it is lesbians like to get each other off with—as you scream out in ecstasy? I can give you that. I can even give you Lucian if that’s who you’d rather be with. It’s your choice. Now please move aside, I’ll be in that bathroom waiting. Come or don’t come—whatever you want. But I guarantee if you follow me into that bathroom you’re going to come.”

Her mouth fell open. I’d shocked her into silence with my cheesy line. She stepped aside and I moved past her, heading for the bathroom. I was ninety-nine point nine percent sure she wasn’t going to follow me, not after that tragically desperate speech, but as I entered the bathroom and went to shut the door, I found her following me inside.

GOODREADS

Other novels in the Kill Devil Hills Series:

KILL DEVIL HILLS 

Noah is determined to escape his past and keep his life under control. Then he saves the life of his best friend’s little sister, Georgina Turner — who is battling her own demons. He can't get her out of his head, even if Georgina tears down the emotional walls he so carefully built.

Read chapter 1 and 2 here

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5 Star Book Review: HERE

Sarah Darlington lives in Virginia with her husband and two-year-old son. She's a former flight attendant, navy brat, constant day-dreamer, wannabe photographer, and an avid scrapbooker. She loves to travel and is working on visiting all 50 states.

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BOOK REVIEW: Crave the Rose by Karen Kincy

4.75 Stars

Bram Winterbourne is an Irish nouveau riche boy studying at Oxford. Or failing at Oxford might be more apropos. Bram has a little problem that’s interfering with his advanced studies.  But that doesn’t stop him from falling in love at first sight with the tattooed American beauty Cassia Santos studying botany abroad.

The first portion entitled “Before” sets the stage for the dynamics between Bram and Cassia’s seemingly fated relationship. 

“‘We seem to be inevitable.’” — Bram

This initial section (included as part of the sample) is more plot driven than character driven in contrast to the remaining bulk of the story entitled "After," which really captures the depth of the romance.

From there, Bram and Cassia’s real love story takes off. Or more accurately and descriptively, it flies ahead of them while at the same time struggling to get off the ground. Neither Bram nor Cassia (especially Cassia) are prepared for the feelings that develop between them, and they aren’t necessarily at a time and place yet alone state of mind to deal with them. But yet there they are and neither the couple nor the reader can turn a blind eye to it. This is a story about finding love when you weren’t looking or even willing to take a chance on it.

This is also a story where the setting contributes to the tone while mimicking the state of the characters. The crumbling Wolfenwold Hall and the corresponding neglected gardens reflect Bram and Cassia’s broken state of existence. Atmosphere is key, even present in the love scenes.

Bram exudes charm and vulnerability all at the same time. He’ll remind you more of a damaged hero from classic literature than a contemporary heartthrob book-boyfriend, and I found that a refreshing change of pace. But, make no mistake; Bram still makes the book boyfriend cut. He’s sweet, fragile, and struggling to stay in control.

Cassia—sometimes I wanted to shake her, other times I felt bad for her for the way she guilted and shamed herself.  At places (particularly the beginning and the end) I craved a little more development on her part to truly understand the real Cassia. This is where a little more background on her life before Oxford and her family might have been beneficial.

He’s broken physically; she’s broken emotionally/psychologically broken, and as their relationship, partnership, progresses it’s hard not to root for them to heal and be together.  

“I’m already wet and aching for him. I would die to see him glistening with his own cum, but I would live to feel him inside me.” — Cassia

The overall tone of the book blends melancholy with sensuality while allowing love to seep through. Though the mood is at times peppered with sadness and a sense of failure, it avoids the contemporary device of angst.

Though a part of me craved an epilogue for just a little more of Bram and Cassia down the road, at the same time it felt like it ended at a fitting place and on a positive vibe.

Crave the Rose is a captivating stand-alone new adult romance told via dual first person point of view.

*Read the blog's character interview with Bram and Cassia: HERE*

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BOOK REVIEW: To Cherish and To Hold by Nicole Simone

4 Stars

This novella (#1.5 in the Love of a Rockstar series) picks up shortly after where Love of a Rockstar left off so you’ll want to make sure to read Luke and Marlene’s story in that book first if you haven’t already.  We find them preparing for their wedding and the opening of their new restaurant as well as dealing with obsessed girl fans camped on their lawn, devastated over the break up of The Five Guys. Life sounds like it’s hectic enough for this pair with a five year old daughter and then things get even crazier!

Like Love of a Rockstar, To Cherish and To Hold brings up some interesting and engaging relationship angles.  Without giving all the details away, Marlene’s actions in a certain situation cause hurt feeling for Luke; is her reaction understandable given their past history or did she handle it badly? It’s an interesting thought to ponder and one I could see both of their sides, which is the nice thing about their characters—they seem real and imperfect in a developed character kind of way.

I love the cover—very sensual. And when Luke asked Marlene, “‘Are you going to admire it or f*ck it?’” in regards to his impressive length, I was really hoping we’d get a little more steam.

For everyone craving more of Luke and Marlene after the ending of Love of aRockstar, this addition to the story serves it up but still leaves room for so much more.

Broken Lullabies, #2 in the Love of a Rockstar series, is coming next (June 2015) and will feature Luke’s band mate, Matthew, and Marlene’s friend, Camille. Sample chapters included. This looks like a really engaging one too so keep an eye out for it.

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BOOK REVIEW: Savor by Lexi Buchanan

4.5 Stars

If you’ve read the previous Bad Boy Rocker books then you’ve already met Ryder Stone and Dahlia Roberts. While for the most part this story operates as a stand-alone, background knowledge of the characters (particularly Dahlia which you get in Spicy) is helpful. Couples from the previous books also make brief appearances.

We find Ryder and Dahlia working at Ryder’s bar together and living together (initially platonically) in his apartment above the bar. Both want more from the close friendship they've developed, but some things are holding them back and standing in the way. 

“‘I want you naked, Dahlia. But with everything you’ve said, we’re gong to wait because when I finally get inside you I have no intention of leaving for a very long time.’”

In the beginning they have off the charts sexual tension and then seriously hot scenes—plenty of them. These two know how to get down and dirty without even going all the way! 

“I feel her hand start to slide lower, and I’m torn as to whether to stop her or let her carry on and see what she does. I just hope I’m strong enough to hold it together.”

Holding it together is a key part of the story (not just sexually), and for a large part I enjoyed how Ryder and Dahlia stood by each other and handled things in a level-headed manner being honest and open. Dahlia is a strong female character and really the strength in this relationship. Ryder, while a very honorable guy, needed to let the past go. Maybe I’m cold but I didn’t think the past derived the sympathy he had for it. While it made him a sensitive male character it also made me want to see him man up! I felt like he deserved the misunderstanding and pain he had to witness since it was all because his focus wasn’t where it should have been. And while it had me wanting to slap Ryder up side the head towards the climax, it also provided an engaging drama towards the end that kept me glued to the page.

Told by both of their first person POVs, this is a sweet, very sexy, love story where as a reader you feel privy to the intimate emotions and moments between the couple.  Fans of a steamy story should devour this one.

Ryder’s brother Jace’s story is up next and I’m looking forward to reading it.

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