BLOG TOUR: Masquerade by Georgia Le Carre

Masquerade

AN EROTIC ROMANCE

(18+ due to mature themes and sexual content)

Love is deceptive...

Fiery Billie Black thought she knew all she needed to know about her own sexuality, but that was before one night of animalistic passion with the ultra gorgeous and mysterious Jaron Rose. Tall, blond, charming and wealthy, he was the epitome of an Alpha male. 

In the morning he promised he would call.  
He didn't.

Six months later, just as Billie had finally managed to free herself from the memories of that night, he arrives on the scene again. Suddenly, all the feelings that burned so intensely
are reignited and she finds herself becoming quickly entangled with her
enigmatic lover. The passion is incredible, unforgettable, unbelievable, but
Jaron Rose is not all that he seems—he wears more than one disguise…and he is
hiding a big secret.

Billie is about to find out what that is… 

AMAZON     AMAZON IN     GOODREADS

BOOK REVIEW: Masquerade by Georgia Le Carre

 5 Stars

mas·quer·ade

• an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show 

• to go about under false pretenses or a false character; assume the character of; give oneself out to be

While you ponder the definition of the title and how it fits with the story, let me first give a little background on the book. Masquerade is a stand-alone or a spin-off of the Billionaire Banker series. If you haven’t read (and I hadn't), it’s not necessary to enjoy this one, but here’s a few details that might be helpful.

Billie Black’s character originates in the BillionaireBanker series about Billie’s friend, Lana.  Initially (the first chapter or two) I felt like I walked into the middle of Billie and Jaron’s story so I didn’t quite connect with them in their opening scenes. But then Billie gives the backstory on how they met and I started to become enthralled with their attraction to each other.

Billie has teal hair and blue spider tattoos adorn her neck and shoulder. Billie has also only been interested in women up until her meeting with Jaron in a club one night. Loaded on booze and drugs, Billie perceived her attraction to him to be substance induced. Jaron Rose, aside from being a man, is not her type. He’s completely alpha, demanding, and in control. And Billie is not the one to submit…till now.

 “The power struggle between us makes my skin tingle, but he is also my sexual soulmate. Between us there are no inhibitions. Nothing is out of bounds.” —Billie

As the story opens though, Jaron has shown up at Billie’s door after never calling her again and then running into her at an art exhibit where he was with his girlfriend, Ebony. Oh and the reason he gives for why he’s reappeared now? For sex.

Yes, jerk moves. I was not initially keen on Jaron. 

“He is the unfaithful lover and I am his bit on the side.” —Billie

That right there didn’t make me warm and fuzzy for him. But Jaron is a hulk of a man, captivating, and blonde. He takes what he came for, with instructions for his return the next day. Meanwhile, Billie is left to deal with his girlfriend.

Jaron and Billie banter, and it’s dirty, gritty, and steamy. Oh there is no holds bared on what they will say to each other. Or do! 

“That’s the first time…I’ve been slapped by a woman while I’m still inside her.” — Jaron

Why didn’t Jaron call? But why did he keep her phone number? 

“What’s found and lost will be found again.” — Jaron

While Billie tries to resist him, she still feels the pull. Jaron is shrouded in mystique. And his initial jerk persona gives way to a deeper soul, more intricate person beyond the facade. The dichotomy from Jaron in the opening scenes to the fuller picture that Billie and the reader come to know is part of the enjoyment. His many layers, his masks—all part of him, and ultimately…somehow none are really flaws.  So along with Billie, the reader begins to fall for Jaron too. (Oh total book boyfriend!)

Who really is Jaron Rose? Will Billie get to see behind his fronts? 

“‘I’m not like anybody you know, Billie. I don’t get scared of danger. I get excited.’” — Jaron

Without revealing too much, Jaron is a thrill seeker with the ultimate question being how far is he willing to go? 

“’What’s more important? How many breaths you take? Or how many moments take your breath away?’” — Jaron 

Jaron turns Billie’s world upside down, and yet Billie remains head-strong. Even as she sorts through the nature of her sexuality she is not wish-washy or weak. Billie is a strong female character, and I loved how she resisted letting Ebony get to her. You don’t see that nearly often enough.

Meanwhile, Jaron and Billie act out fantasies (these are some original love scenes) and indulge thrills (your life will seem dull in comparison). It is dreamy, steamy, and enigmatic.  The story is loaded with hot, dirty, and well detailed sex scenes; an air of mystery; and elements of fantasy and adventure.  I ultimately enjoyed every page which never drags and flows well.  And by the end I adored Jaron and craved more than just the one chapter told via his point of view. The boy is seriously hot and alluring!

“‘I was carving my name into your heart.’” — Jaron

If you want a hot, hot, hot erotic read with a daring, dirty-talking bad boy, put this at the very top of your TBR list.  It’s a gem of a sultry tale with characters that are far from stereotypical.

~Character Interview~

Want to learn a little bit more about Jaron Rose and Billie Black? Well here’s “Five Questions with Jaron Rose” and “Five Questions with Billie Black.”  And a big thanks to Georgia for her time and for such a sexy and intriguing book.

Five Questions with Jaron Rose of Masquerade

Q1. Jaron—You live for thrills and turned Billie’s world upside down, but what’s the biggest thrill Billie has given you?

A. I taught Billie to fall from the sky, Billie taught me to let go and fall into a secret sky where inside each moment hundreds of veils are removed one by one.

Q2. Jaron—Is there any thrill (extreme sport/sexual/illegal activity, etc) that you wouldn’t do?

A. Yeah, I wouldn’t sell arms, get into the heavy drug trade or traffic humans. And murder’s another thing I’m not too keen on either. :)

Q3. Jaron—Name something that offends you.

A. I wanted to say lying politician. But that would be unnecessary since they all lie all the time! So I’ll just leave it at politicians.

Q4. Jaron—You wouldn’t be caught dead, where?

A. I would be caught dead anywhere alarms can go off! LOL!

Q5. Jaron—If Billie was a jewel, which one would she be? Describe her like you would a gem.

A. Billie is a jewel. A blue diamond. She sparkles even in the dark.

Five Questions with Billie Black of Masquerade

Q1. Billie—You and Jaron indulged in a lot of fantasy fulfillment, what would your ultimate honeymoon fantasy entail?

A. All I’ll say is it doesn’t involve crabs! LOL

Q2. Billie— How would Jaron complete this sentence about you? "Billie is a natural born..."

A. Headcase! 

Q3. Billie—Does Jaron have any habits that annoy you? If so, what are they?

A. Yeah… he’s too damn blonde and self-assured.

Q4. Billie—You wouldn’t be caught dead wearing, what?

A.  A plain while blouse and a black A-line skirt.

Q5. Billie—If Jaron was an alcoholic drink, which one would he be and why? 

A. Vodka. Can’t get enough!

 ~Author Bio~

Georgia Le Carre lives in England, in an old 19th century romantic cottage surrounded by a magical garden filled with fruit and walnut trees. When she is not feeding words into her laptop, she is either curled up in bed with a box of chocolates and a good read, or lost in a long walk in the woods. Especially on moonlit nights.  And often with the man of her dreams.

Follow Georgia:

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Giveaway:

-Win 3 Ecopies of Masquerade and 1 all new Kindle!

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BOOK REVIEW: Oh, Naughty Night! by Leslie Kelly

Looking for a holiday themed romance? Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas...take your pick; this one covers it all.

Oh, Naughty Night! (Harlequin Blaze) by Leslie Kelly

3.5 Stars

Oh, Naughty Night! is the story of Lulu Vandenberg and Chaz Browning, spanning from Halloween through Christmas although a large part of the book deals with Halloween night.  Lulu and Chaz were neighbors growing up, their mothers are best friends. But there wasn’t exactly friendship between them. Lulu was the tormenter to a rather awkward Chaz. Now as adults they are living in the same city again and, in costume out celebrating Halloween, Lulu spots a very grown up, head-turner Chaz and sparks fly. Only Lulu may recognize him, but Chaz does not recognize her in her witch’s disguise. They dance, they flirt, and the night gets risky and steamy. But identities remain guarded. When Chaz’s sister appears on the scene, Lulu bolts before she can be discovered.

Now Chaz is looking for his mystery woman, and he becomes even more confused when the only other girl to rival the attraction he feels for his fantasy witch is Lulu, who he reconnects with as friends.

The story is a fun, holiday romance. While there is misunderstanding, there is no angst. It’s a sweet, sexy, and light-hearted read.

Can Chaz forgive Lulu’s deception? Will the other women in Chaz’s life come between them? Or will his job separate them instead?  A Christmas miracle might be just what they need to overcome all the obstacles they know are standing between them as well as the ones they don’t seem to realize.

I particularly enjoyed the scene where Chaz ascertains Lulu’s deceit.  It was cute, humorous, and then eventually quite heated.  There are quite a few naughty scenes to keep the heating brewing too.

My big drawback with the story was the 3^rd person narration. I have a strong preference for 1^st person POV when it comes to romance stories.  Lulu and Chaz were both likeable, but I could have felt connected with them so much more if it would have been told from their alternating point of views. With a narrator telling their feelings instead of hearing it from the characters themselves, there were just too many times that my attention veered off since I wasn’t inside their heads.

The supporting characters are also likeable, and Lulu’s friend’s Amelia gets her own holiday story in New Year’s Resolution: Romance, an anthology coming in January 2015.  I can’t say my interest in Amelia was ever perked throughout Lulu’s story, but a book on Sarah and Lawrence, Chaz’s sister and Lulu’s brother, would be interesting. 

Copy provided by NetGalley for review.

AMAZON     GOODREADS     B&N

The Party Continues...

The blog's Facebook page Halloween Party isn't over yet! Like the page and follow all the events.

Tonight, debut author G.K. Moore will be there to talk about her forthcoming release Covert, a romantic suspense.  Then Thursday, three contemporary/new adult romance authors will be there. Join the fun! Treats (aka giveawys) too.

Wednesday, October 29th
7pm G. K. Moore

Thursday, October 30^th:

6pm Cory Cyr
9pm Lyla Payne

10pm Tara Oakes

BLOG TOUR: Addicted After All by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Available October 31, 2014
GOODREADS

Two addicts. One epic love story. 

Prepare for the worst. 

That’s what Lily and Lo try to do when Jonathan Hale schedules an “important” meeting. The problem: after being swept into the public eye and battling their addictions, they’re not sure what the worst is anymore. 

In a sea of many changes—including Ryke & Daisy living with them—Lily realizes that the best part of her fluctuating hormones might just be the worst. 

Her sex drive is out of control. 

Loren knows that she’s insatiable, but he’s not giving up on her. She’s too much a part of him. And as he carries more and more responsibility, some of the people that he loves doubt his resolve. 

In the conclusion to their love story, Lily & Lo stand side-by-side to fight, one last time, for their happily ever after. 

**AUTHORS' NOTE**
Due to the 2-year gap between Addicted for Now (Addicted #2) and Addicted After All (Addicted #3), you must read Thrive (Addicted #2.5) or the Calloway Sisters spin-off series before reading Addicted After All.

Ever since Lily's sex addiction became public (in Addicted for Now), Celebrity Crush -- a popular tabloid -- has been reporting all sorts of crazy things about the Calloways. And like most gossip sites, what you believe is true is up to you. The only people who know what really happened are the parties involved – which you can read about in Addicted After All (available October 31st). But for now, here’s an article to tease you with all the shenanigans to (possibly) come.

GIVEAWAY:

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Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins. They write New Adult books that make you cringe, gasp, and go ooh-la-la. (If you do that sort of thing.) They are currently working on the spin-offs and final books in the Addicted series. Connect with them on twitter and their website: kbritchie.com

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BOOK REVIEW: Forked by Melanie Harlow

~Book Description~

Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.

 GOODREADS

 Book Review: Forked (Frenched #2) by Melanie Harlow

4.25 Stars

Coco Thomas, 28, runs a successful party planning business with her friend Mia (See Frenched for Mia’s story). But Coco is not raking in enough cash to put a down payment on the dream house slash fixer-upper that she’s fallen in love with.  Mia is willing to help, as in forgo her half of the commission on any events while’s she out of the country for her wedding, so when the next client walks in the door, Coco hopes she’s the angel she needs.

Her angel of money turns out to be the local mob boss’s daughter, and she has quite an extensive list of requirements for her engagement party.  500 people, champagne fountains, ice sculptures—her client wants the works for the following weekend. But it’s the last detail that’s almost the deal breaker. The Italian American Princess wants famous burger chef Nick Lupo, also known as Coco’s ex, to grill for the party.

So what happens when two exes from an impulsive young marriage meet again after seven years? Well first they air their dirty laundry in public. It’s quite a fun scene with reveals and mistakes from their past. But Nick knows how to wear her down and soon she’s agreeing to spend the weekend with him—but with her rules.

Can Coco let a weekend with Nick be nothing more than a temporary time travel to their past or will feelings get in the way?

In Nick’s kitchen, author Melanie Harlow quickly turns up the heat between Nick and Coco, yet she avoids the pitfalls of insta-lust. The past relationship that Nick and Coco shared is always clearly felt. They are two old lovers who were also great friends at the core. It's apparent that their ultimate problem is not love or attraction but trust and security.  

The first part of the story is really cute, fun, and super sexy. I liked both characters and was rooting for them to reunite. The author did a great job of presenting the issues from their past alongside the attraction Coco and Nick obviously share. But somewhere during their weekend trip, Coco started to rub me the wrong way a little. I totally understood that she felt hurt and betrayed by how Nick previously handled their relationship, but he seemed like such a prince in the present so it was hard to not want her to give him another chance. 

“‘What boy sits with someone’s grandmother for two hours if he doesn’t love her?’”

You tell her Granny!

And then Coco freaked out about something that I felt she prematurely over-reacted to, and it requires some suspicion of disbelief at how immediately these college educated adults thought they could get an answer. (Even modern testing isn’t that quick. It wouldn’t have been accurate.) So I was glad it turned out the way it did as that part felt added simply for drama. I definitely enjoyed her friend Erin as the voice of reason at that point as Coco was just going overboard with the “sign” thing.

There were also a few things that seemed to have potential for more fun and adventure (Angelina's party) and re-connection (her tattoo???), but were not explored. Still, overall it’s an enjoyable read—sexy turned romantic—about lost chances, second chances. Forked is book 2 in the Frenched series but is easily read as a stand-alone.

Will Coco finally let Nick explain? Can she handle the answers? Are they worse than she thinks? What will Nick have to do to prove himself and win his ex-wife back?

For a fun, steamy read with substance but no teary angst, grab a copy today…

AMAZON     B&N

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Prisoner by Skye Warren and Annika Martin

~Synopsis~

He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure tattooed menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets, too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I volunteered to teach and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night, I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell.

But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth, so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think.

And you might crave him more than your next breath.

 GOODREADS

~Book Review~
  4.5 Stars

A class project teaching writing within the prison community is not the assignment Abigail Winslow was hoping for. An undergrad student and bookworm, Abby is prim and proper on the outside, but on the inside she wrestles with her own demons.

Her unease with the prisoners is compounded further when she sets her sights on inmate Grayson Kane. And he sets his eyes on her. But Grayson has a multitude of reasons for his interest in Abby. Despite her fear of him, Abby is also drawn to him, and his writings intrigue her enough to research his past.

 “There are so many gaps between the scared boy he was then and the scary man he is now.”

Grayson’s more than your typical bad boy. He has a calculating, criminal mind, and he’s existed so far in life via a ‘kill or be killed’ lifestyle.  He’s a hardened criminal and a damaged soul, but is his heart completely cold, unworthy of real love?

Grayson gets off on the reaction he incites in Abby…and when she corrects his grammar. ;-) They have a very interesting dynamic—the things that attract them to each other…well, it’s certainly not things you ordinarily see. But that makes for some intriguing as well as enjoyable, original scenes (i.e.The library/their “nerdy outlaw date”). There is major chemistry between Abby and Grayson right from the beginning, and as their relationship grows, the more intense it becomes. By the end, I was really moved. 

“Some people have a relationship that’s sunshine and roses. Ours is darkness and vengeance.”

By the very nature of their relationship—convict/teacher, captor/hostage—this is not a conventional romance.  It’s dark, blooming in the shadows and existing on the outside of the law. It’s often about who has the power, but it’s also about seeing each other’s darkest secrets and loving the other person for them. The energy between them awakens something within both of them that they need.

Told via Grayson and Abby’s alternating first person point of view, readers gain insight into the damaged lives of both characters and along the way their pasts are gradually revealed. Abby’s was traumatic but Grayson and his gang’s was truly heart-breaking, and this is where the compassion for Grayson begins to emerge.

Though they seem quite different on the surface, underneath they understand each other more than it would appear. And these damaged aspects of both characters, but particularly Abby, are what make the story work and the relationship seem plausible.

The plot is very engaging and once you get into it, it’s hard to put down. The opening at the correctional facility sets up their uneven (and sometimes alternating) balance of power and control, and then the action kicks in and the story takes you on a ride. Throughout what follows, Abby, though smart and resourceful, grapples with her feelings and reactions to Grayson, some of which understandably change with the situations and some of which shift a little abruptly.

There’s suspense, action, adventure, and some gritty romance. It’s also a story about the ties that bind and the moments that form lasting bonds. Is Grayson worthy of Abby? Will Abby fall for Grayson? Will Grayson’s crew get their revenge and will they ever accept Abigail? Can Abby help Grayson discover the things he needs to be whole even if they aren’t the things he thinks he needs or deserves?

For the most part I liked where they ultimately ended up (both emotionally and literally/physically). The end setting is rather unique and mirrors the people that it conceals—dark and damaged on the exterior; the capacity for beauty on the interior. There’s a ton of potential for more stories with Abby and Grayson and his crew, of which Grayson seems the first to have the capability to transcend beyond their past. (Oh yeah, these other men need women too.) The ending isn’t really a cliff-hanger but it does leave more of the story to be told; questions of their ultimate freedom, survival, and redemption unanswered.  I’m going to assume that was done on purpose to segue into future books in the Criminals & Captives series. I’m certainly on board to read more and find out what happens next.

~Coming January 2018~

Hostage (Stone's Story)

BOOK REVIEW

~Prisoner Excerpt~

Heavy bars close behind me with a clang. I feel the sound in my bones. A series of mechanical clicks hint at an elaborate security mechanism beneath the black iron plating. I knew this would happen—had anticipated and dreaded it—but my breathing quickens with the knowledge that I am well and truly trapped.

“Can I help you?”

I whirl to face the administrative window where a heavyset woman in a security guard uniform stares at her screen.

“Hi,” I say, pasting on a smile. “My name is Abigail Winslow, and I’m here to—”

“Two forms of identification.”

“Oh, well, I already filled out the paperwork at the front desk. And showed them my IDs.”

“This isn’t the front desk, Ms. Winslow. This is the east-wing desk, and I need to see two forms of identification.”

“Right.” I dig through my bag for my driver’s license and passport.

She accepts them without looking up, then hands me a clipboard with a stack of papers just like the ones I’d already filled out.

I’ve been dreading this day for weeks, wishing I’d been assigned any other project but this one. You’d think I was being sent here for a crime. My professor—the one who’d forced me into this—warned me that prisoners were not always receptive to outsiders. Apparently nobody here is.

I complete each form, arrange the pages neatly on the clipboard, and bring them back up to the window. The guard accepts them and gives back my IDs…still without looking at me.

My hands clench and unclench, clench and unclench while the guard eyes my paperwork.

Seconds pass. Or are they minutes? The damp chill of the place seeps in through my cardigan and leaves me shivering.

Leaning forward, I read the name tag of the guard. “Ms. Breck. Do you know what the next steps are?”

“You can have a seat. I have work to do now, and then I’ll escort you back.”

“Oh, okay.” I glance at the bars I just came through, then the open hallway opposite. “Actually, if you just point me in the direction of the library, I’m sure I can—”

Thunk. The woman’s hand hits the desk. I jump. Her dark eyes are faintly accusing, and I wish we could go back to no eye contact. How did I manage to make an enemy in two minutes?

“Ms. Winslow,” she says, her voice patronizing.

“You can call me Abby,” I whisper.

A slight smile. Not a nice one. “Ms. Winslow, what do you think we do here?”

The question is clearly rhetorical. I press my lips together to keep from making things worse.

“The Kingman Correctional Facility houses over five thousand convicted criminals. My job is to keep it that way. Do we understand each other?”

Heat floods my cheeks. The last thing I want to do is make her job harder. “Right. Of course.” I shamble back, landing hard on the metal folding chair. It wobbles a little before the rubber feet stop my slide.

I understand the woman’s point. She has to keep the prisoners in and everyone else out, and keep people like me safe.

I reach down and pull a book from my bag. I never leave home without one, even when I go to classes or run errands. Even when I was young and my mother used to take me on her rounds.

Especially then.

I would hide in the backseat with my nose in the book, pretending I didn’t see the shady people who came to her window when we stopped.

A little green light above the barred doors flashes on and there’s an ominous buzz. Somebody’s coming through, and I doubt it will be a library volunteer. I slide down.  

Pretend to be invisible.

It’s no use. I peer over the top edge as a prisoner saunters through the door, and my pulse slams in my throat double time.

He’s flanked by two guards—escorted by them, I guess you’d say. But they seem more like an entourage than anything. Power vibrates around him like a threat.

Read, read, read. Don’t look.

The prisoner is half a foot taller than the guards, but he seems to tower over them by more than that. Maybe it’s his broad shoulders or just something about the way he stands, or his imperiously high cheekbones. The dark stubble across his cheeks looks so rough and unforgiving I can feel it against my palm; it contrasts wildly with the plushness of his lips. His short brown hair is mussed. There’s one scar through his eyebrow that somehow adds to his perfection.

The little group approaches the window. I can barely breathe.

“ID number 85359,” one of the guards says, and I understand that he’s referring to the prisoner. That’s who he is. Not John Smith or William Brown or whatever his name is. He’s been reduced to a number. The woman at the desk runs through a series of questions. It’s a procedure for checking him out of solitary.

The prisoner faces sideways, spine straight, the corner of his mouth tilted up as if he’s slightly amused. Then it clicks, what else is so different about him: no visible tattoos. Tough guys like this, they’re always inked up—it’s a kind of armor, a kind of fuck you. This guy has none of it, though he’s far from pristine; white scars mar the rough skin of his hands and especially his forearms, a latticework of pain and violence, a flag proclaiming the kind of underworld he came from.

The feel of brutality that hangs about him is compelling and…somehow beautiful.

I drink him in from behind my book—it’s my mask, my protective shield. But then the strangest thing happens: he cocks his head. It’s just a slight shift, but I feel his attention on me deep in my belly. I’ve been discovered. Caught by searchlights. Exposed.

My heart beats frantically.

I want him to look away. He fills up too much space. It’s as if he breathes enough oxygen for twelve men, leaving no air for me at all. Maybe if we were in the library and he needed help finding a book or looking something up, then I wouldn’t mind the weight of his gaze.

No. Not even there. He’s too much.

Two sets of bars on the gate. Handcuffs. Two guards.

What do they think he would do if there were only one set of bars, one guard?

My blood races as the guards draw him away from the window and toward the inner door, toward where I sit. His heat pierces the chill around me as he nears. His deep brown eyes never once meet mine, but I have the sense of him looming over me as he passes, like a tree with a massive canopy. He continues on, two hundred pounds of masculine danger wrapped in all that beauty.

Even in chains, he seems vibrant, wild and free, a force of nature—it makes me feel like I’m the one in prison. Safe. Small. Carefully locked down.

How would it feel to be that free?

“Ms. Winslow. Ms. Winslow.”

I jump, surprised to hear that the woman has been calling my name. “I’m sorry,” I say as a strange sensation tickles the back of my neck.

The woman stands and begins pulling on her jacket. “I’ll take you to the library now.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

That shivery sensation gets stronger. Against my better judgment, I look down the hallway where the guards and the prisoner are walking off as one—a column of orange flanked by two thinner, shorter posts.

The prisoner glances over his shoulder. His mocking brown gaze searches me out, pins me with a subtle threat. Though it isn’t his eyes that scare me. It’s his lips—those beautiful, generous lips forming words that make my blood race.

Ms. Winslow.

No sound comes out, but I feel as though he’s whispered my name right into my ear. Then he turns and strolls off.

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About Annika Martin

Annika Martin is a New York Times bestselling author who loves writing stories about criminals – some of her tales are dirty and fun (kinky bank robbers!) others are dark and intense (Prisoner collaboration). She also writes gritty, sexy romantic suspense and urban fantasy as RITA-award winning author Carolyn Crane.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

About Skye Warren

Skye Warren is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of dark romantic fiction. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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BLOG TOUR: Love in the City series by Steph Nuss

Book One - Wanted By You

Goodreads 

Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her,

but she was the one girl who didn't beg for his attention.

He wanted her.

Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you,

but then she met Carter Jennings.

She wanted him.

Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.

Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.

They want each other.

But love in the city is never quite that easy.

Amazon  iBooks  Kobo 

Book Two -   Fantasized By You

Goodreads 

Celebrity fashion designer, Harper Jennings is only months away from turning thirty, and her dream of living a happily ever after has yet to come true.

She's given up on her fantasy.

Personal trainer and gym owner, Maverick Jones isn't thrilled about having a designer mentoring in his new clinic, but after meeting the brunette beauty face-to-face, he dreams of having his way with her.

He's ready to turn his fantasy into reality.

But when their fantasies collide, love in the city becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.

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BOOK REVIEW: Fantasized by You (Love in the City #2) by Steph Nuss 

4.25 Stars

Harper Jennings is a successful fashion designer and recovered bulimic. Maverick Jones is a personal trainer who owns his own gym. His friend, Elly, is marrying Harper’s brother, Carter, but Harper is not who he’s expecting when Elly wants him to interview a new mentor for his fitness center clinic. But after a slightly awkward introduction, or in spite of, Harper and Mav hit it off and are hot for each other. 

“I imagined her spread eagle on my kitchen table. I had dreams of her tied to my bed and begging for more…” –Mav

 A massage. A first date. Their relationship quickly takes off. 

“Where have you been all my life?” –Harper

Mav is quite swoon-worthy. He is rather the fantasy man. Fit, tattooed, understanding, romantic, and sexy. There’s a bit of fairy-tale quality to this boy.  But what probably is most admirable is the way they communicate with each other. They are honest and don’t hold things back which allows for the story to have drama but without angst. And the drama is intermingled with the romantic moments that Mav and Harper share, told via their alternating first person POV.

A trip to Paris for the premier of her friend Max’s movie reveals more to Harper than she realized. And as the girls prepare for Elly’s wedding, Harper discovers a little surprise. There’s enough excitement and twists to keep the pages turning along with the fantasies that Mav and Harper fulfill for each other.

In addition, as part of the Love in the City series, each book brings awareness to an issue surrounding women. This book deals with eating disorders, specifically bulimia. The topic is woven into the story well. It is an aspect of Harper’s past and an issue within her business world, but it doesn’t define her, nor does the topic ever become preachy.

Friendship is also an important aspect of the series, and while each book is technically a stand-alone, characters and plot-lines carry over. Elly and Carter from book one are planning their wedding in this book, and there’s a hint at the focus of book three. But each book is a complete story ending on a sweet note.  And I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!

***CHARACTER INTERVIEW w/the LOVE IN THE CITY COUPLES: Click HERE***

Pleasured By You (Love in the City #3)

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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.

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