Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sweet Surpise

Playing naughty or nice...

Fiona Wilder knows all about falling in lust. Love? That's another story. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the single mom and cupcake shop owner is focused on walking the straight and narrow. But trouble has a way of finding her. And this time it comes in the form of a smoking hot firefighter who knows all the delicious ways to ignite her bad-girl fuse.

Can lead to heartbreak...

Firefighter Mike Halsey learned long ago that playing with fire just gets you burned. He's put his demons behind him, and if there's one line he won't cross, it's getting involved with his best friend's ex. But when fate throws him in the path of the beautiful, strong, and off-limits Fiona, will he be able to fight their attraction? Or will he willingly go down in flames?

Or a sweet surprise!
***I received a copy of this title for an honest review***
Candis brings you back on a wild ride through Sweet, Texas with Sweet Surprise. So far, you have been able to watch them Wilder boys wreck havoc on the hearts they set their sights on. This time, the ex-wife of one of them Wilder boys is in for the ride of her life when Mike Halsey set his sights on her. Some things don't change, like how love is brought into her life - but this time her has her guards up. 
Some things in Sweet, Texas don't change. Jackson may have found love, but the fun loving firefighter is still there - evident in those firehouse conversations. 
"I leave the breathing-hard part for better more satisfying things." Jackson gave him a familiar smirk. 
Even though Fiona isn't of blood relation to Jana, she is family and that is enough for the infamous Jana Wilder to set her meddling ways on the unsuspecting Fiona and Mike. And while I will not reveal all the tricks that Momma Wilder has up her sleeves - they are FUN FUN FUN! And the men aren't the only ones have conversations that muster a giggle or two. Fiona and the girls of Sweet are just as nuts! 
Sabrina shook her head, and her chestnut ponytail swung across her back. "I've appointed myself your get-laid fairy godmother."
Candis dives into each story with such raw emotions that you can't help but become emotionally involved in these encounters. The rough patches break my heart. As a mother myself, the scenes in which he handles Izzy melts my heart like nothing else can. And when they get over their issues and give into all things Sweet, I am filled with relief and utter peace. My favorite part of the journey? Their playful banter. 
He dove back into the sandwich, then he stuck the plastic fork into the potato salad and took a bite. "What are you doing next weekend?"
"Why?"
He grinned. "I might have to marry you if you can cook this good."
"Again with the sweet talk," she joked. 
***
"Well...I'm always happy to leave the door open for possibilities."
"No worries." He winked. "If it's closed, I'm a fireman. I've got great door-busting skills."
Now, this wouldn't be a romance without a HEA - so I won't make you ponder the will they/won't they... they will and it's HOT! Like call Jackson and his team - the place is SMOKIN'! 
Fiona fell heart over head in love. 
I can't wait to see how Candis ties it all up. I just love watching the Wilder family grow with all the love that Cupid aka Momma Wilder is conspiring on giving a nudge. 
Another FIVE Texas Sized Stars to Candis and Sweet Surprise! 


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Monday, January 26, 2015

Running Hot & Playing Dirty (Bad Boys Undercover)


Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he's on vacation but he's really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn't mean there isn't time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.

When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn't who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward's not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.

As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.
***Received this book in exchange for an honest review***
Avon welcomes HelenKay Dimon and her latest series to the team, and this Avon Addict couldn't be more excited. The blurbs pulled me in. I love Romance, but I am a sucker for some suspense - so I dove into the novella, Running Hot with excitement. Ms. Dimon did not disappoint, and I think she has a winning series on her hands with Bad Boys Undercover. Who doesn't love the alpha male? When you have him a part of this testosterone filled Black Ops team - that is the icing on the cupcake. 
Ward and his partner, Ford are in Fiji looking to take down a dictator who has his hands on some pretty lethal weapons. While enjoying his undercover stint, he comes across a bartender who seems to have her own agenda as well. Tasha has an issue with men never taking her too seriously in her line of work. 
"You should know, if you move your feet even one inch I will punch you in the junk so hard I'll have to send an apology to the future kids you'll never have." She winked at him. "Got that, stud?"
Both sides decide that it is best to work together for the greater good. Can these two survive what is brewing between them? Without giving too much away, these two conduct their final missions on separate teams. The Alliance is the start of a fun and suspenseful ride for us readers and those employed under Tasha and Ward. 
My favorite part about this book was the friendships between the men. The Bromances, if you will call them that. Something about seeing men in their natural habitats: calling each other out on their crap, having each others backs and the crude jokes - I love every word of it... and HelenKay Dimon delivers it. 


*****
***Received this book in exchange for an honest review***

As an elite Alliance agent—the joint undercover operation of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, and the CIA—Ford Decker lives for the adrenaline. But when he befriends sexy property manager Shay Alexander in hopes of finding her cousin, a known national security threat, Ford crosses the line, getting to know her better . . . in bed.

After being burned by her last relationship, Shay wants to take things slow. Yet she can't keep her hands off the drop-dead gorgeous hottie who's moved into her apartment building. So when Ford's identity as an undercover agent is exposed, his betrayal cuts deep. Shay never wants to see him again, but Ford can't let her go, not when her life is still in danger. He will sacrifice everything to protect her, then be prepared to walk away from the only woman he's ever loved, even if it breaks him.

***
Playing Dirty is the first full-length novel in HelenKay's Bad Boys Undercover series. (Release Date: January 27, 2015) This series picks up several months after Ward, Tasha and Ford left Fiji. Alliance is set up and running and Ward had recruited his old partner, Ford to join the cause. After finishing Running Hot, I was eager to dive into more about the team of men and women  who risked their lives for our National Safety by any means necessary. I will admit that Ford's snarky demeanor in the introductory novella made me anxious to see his full story. 
Screwing with West gave Ford a second to think about the best way to scale the wall. "For the record, your sister likes when I read Dickens to her before sex."
"Does this imaginary sister think you're a dick?"

"I practice now and then just so I don't accidentally shoot one of you. Ward thinks that sort of thing would break morale."
This author's ability to have a romance evolving with the heat like this while managing all the male ego's on the surrounding pages is a testament to her talent. 
"I will pull you, without warning, if anything smells wrong to me. You're going to keep me in the loop, and if you get in even one inch deeper with Shay, you are going to warn me." 
For the first time since he stepped into the office, Ford smiled and the sharp line of his shoulders eased. "You know that sounded -"
"Pretend that wasn't loaded with sexual innuendo."
Ford nodded. "Done."
The threats that Alliance were working to eliminate had me nervous! A funny smell make me think someone had released a vile of the toxins. Ok, so I might get lost in my books - but an author has to paint a vivid enough picture for that to happen. Along with getting to meet a ton of the team: West, Harlan, Josiah, Lucas and Reid - you can see the relationship continue between Tasha and Ward, as well as the success of their joint venture: Alliance. Ford is the ULTIMATE alpha male. With all that gun-toting macho going on, he rocks ridiculous screen tee's and can't be serious without a little humor. A perfect combination. 
"I'd like us to have some obligations toward each other. Monogamy, communication. The usual."
"That sounds serious."
"Grown-up even." He pretended to shudder. "What's happening to me?"
Even when trouble shows up at Shay's door in the form of a cousin who is too smart for his own good, he keeps it as light as the situation will allow him. 
"What will you be doing?"
"Check you for a concussion."
"Romantic."
He extended his hand. "Isn't It?"
A small battle was won in this book, but the larger evil is still at large, and I cannot wait to see it unfold with this team - and watch them go through the ringer of falling head over heels in love. These aren't your typical men with emotions that can be penned in a poem inside a hallmark card, but Tasha said it so perfectly when talking to Shay, "He's not an emotional guy. He'll never write you a poem, but he is worth the risk." 
Before I let you go to give HelenKay Dimon some LOVE, I will ask that if Romantic Suspense is your cup of tea - try out this series. It is a winner! 

Let's give this lady some LOVE! 
HelenKay's Website

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Sinful Rewards: Part 7

Bee Carter has been offered everything she has ever dreamed of—a caring, lasting relationship with a handsome, often charming billionaire; the permanent home she's never had but has always craved; and wealth to buy the designer fashions she loves, support her hard-working mother, and ensure her acceptance by Chicago's elite.

To obtain what she's desired for so long, she has to do only two things: Walk away from her best friend, a woman who is destined to betray her … and end her passionate nightly encounters with a certain tattooed biker, a former Marine who can never give her what she needs.

Her answer should be clear, but the heart has a way of complicating even the most straightforward decisions.
***
This 7th installment just might be my FAVORITE! Until Cyndi was gone doing the deed with one uber hot celebrity, Cole - I didn't think I would miss her presence. She seemed to be a ditz who really didn't have any real thoughts or ambitions. Cynthia is the master of secrets and facades. I think Cyndi was just complacent with her status in the world, and nobody ever pushed her to be a better person, to be who she truly wanted to be. I genuinely believe that her friendship with Bee would have accomplished this eventually. Bee has her own problems, and was focused on not upsetting her friend. Cyndi showed the readers such a different side of herself in the latest installment that I am rooting for her and her happiness just as much as Bee's. 

Other than one super hot smexy scene, this book (to me, least!) focuses on revelations and character development. Cyndi's is the most dramatic, while others are shocking and some made me giggle. Both men want to find a way to fix the problems of the rumors, but they have incredibly different tactics. Nicolas offers everything Bee wanted: to be a wife to a wealthy man with a way to help her mother and the stability she has always craved. The question is: When did that become NOT enough? Bee's growth in the last 7 installments is encouraging, albeit slow, and Cynthia has readers anxious to be this flower bloom into what we know she can be. 

While a secret is revealed regarding Hawke and Nicolas, Nicolas still remains a bit of a mystery to me. I find that his desire for Bee is that of wanting a sense of "completeness" that he does not have. There is no love, passion or affection. To him, Bee is a possession - something to acquire.  Much like his employees who are "his people," she would become "his wife." I don't know about everyone else, but I don't want Bee to lose her "Bee-Ness" With all that, I still believe more layers will be revealed and he will have his own demons that he needs to overcome. 

Now, finally to move on to my sweet Hawke. This man has quickly become Bee's rock. "Hawke calls me on my bullshit, that man's ability to read me is scary." He offers her the space she needs to make her decisions while still overflowing with passion, love and the intensity she didn't realize she craved. He consumes her thoughts while she is attempting to create a future with Nicolas. From previous reviews we can list a million reasons why I am #TeamHawke, but in this installment - the list grew. He needs Bee to make this decision to be with him 1)Fairly - even though the man has the ability, skill and resources to play dirty. 2) 100% - He does not want Bee to doubt her decision an ounce, and I think this is why he allows her the time she needs with Nicolas. 3) Without changing - he is not asking her to cut ties with friends or change who she is. He loves Bee for Bee, and that is epic! 

This installment had SO much emotion in it - that I am dying for the next installment. Thanks Cynthia for this amazing journey you have penned!
LET'S SHOW CYNTHIA SOME LOVE:


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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Always Loving You (A Danvers Novel)

Ava Stone has spent her entire life looking over her shoulder—waiting for the past to catch up with her....

After surviving a horrific attack as a teenager, Ava has never been able to truly overcome her fears. The incident was covered up by her family so she wouldn't have to deal with it publicly—yet only one person understands what she had to endure in private: her brother’s best friend, MacKinley Powers, who found her the night of the attack. But even he doesn't know everything—and she’s afraid to open up to him.

Mac has loved Ava for most of his life—and being in close contact with her every day as head of security for Danvers International isn’t helping. In fact, it makes him realize the painful truth: He has to walk away to keep his sanity. But when Ava is forced to rely on the only man who has never let her down, can Mac break through the protective walls she’s needed for so long?
***I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***
Releases February 2, 2015

Ava Stone has been a supporting character throughout the last 5 Danvers novels, and I have been eagerly awaiting to learn more about this mysterious and damaged sister of Brant and Declan. Ava and McKinley "Mac" Powers have known each other since childhood and have always been close. Obvious to others, Mac has always loved Ava. She has never given him anything more than a friendship like no other. After seeing everyone around him settle down, Mac decides it is time that he moves on from his Avie. 

Enter Gwen. The Danvers girls call her "G-Lo" for her assets, and she triggers an emotion that Ava is not familiar with. Jealously. She enlists Emma (who enlists the rest of the gang!) to help find herself and nab Mac's attention in the process. "Yay, that's the spirit. Now let's get ready to unleash hell on poor, unsuspecting Mac. He's going to find out that hell hath no fury like a woman kicked to the curb for one with a bigger butt." 

Safe and cautious Ava finds herself engaging in activities that have her stomach in knots and drives Mac insane with the potential danger to her. Mac has had a security detail on his friend's sister since the birth of his company. Jealously hits him when her thrill seeking leads her to the back of his friend's Harley. 
"I mean...is there something I need to know about you and Dom?"
"Would it bother you?"
"You have no idea, Avie. He's my brother, and I'd give him everything I have...but not you, baby. Never you. You. Belong.To.Me."
Swoon, right? Even after that, she continues her thrill-seeking. At this point, she is still trying to grab the attention of her man, but she finds that SHE needs this too. Ziplining, parasailing, a hang-gliding class and pushing every boundary she knew. Gwen catches on to the underlying feelings and leaves him open to pursue what he has longed for his entire life. The road to his HEA is not one filled with green lights and smooth roads. Luckily for Ava, Mac is in this for the long haul. 
"Oh God!"
Mac chuckled as her kissed her thigh before standing. "I'm not God, baby, but I'm flattered that you think so."
I think this book had the most passion from the Danvers crew. Not that the love shared in the previous books were lacking, it's just... this is Mac & Ava. I have (and I am sure TONS of other readers) been waiting for their story to unfold. And it was told with such intense emotion and not simple ease of friends to lovers. There were fights, lies and motorcycles. All this unfolds while Sydney stays true to her Danvers style and throws you friendships that are such a riot to watch form. Ava has always been so closed off to everyone she doesn't have friends other than Mac, so watching Suzy, Emma and the gang embrace her is perfection. 
With a cocky grin, Emma said, "Yeah, I know. You Stones can't resist me. I think it has something to do with my sex appeal."
EPIC! 


Without giving away anymore, I give yet another FIVE to Sydney Landon and her latest glimpse into life at Danvers. Now, before we go and give her all kinds of love... I need to share the BEST part of the book. (For me at least!) Look at these acknowledgements!!!
Ekkk! I squealed when I saw this!! 




















Now let's give her some love!  Now to give this lady some LOVE! 
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Thursday, January 1, 2015

Our Year In Review! Best of 2014

White Collared Series: This is an immensely intriguing 4 part series that dives into a story of  murder and the BDSM community. One description I never thought to give an erotic read is "Informationally Sexy" - but that is exactly what Shelly Bell accomplished with this serial. Finding yourself emotionally attached to all the characters and praying the outcome of this trial doesn't break your heart is something to expect all while Jaxon makes you sweat! To check out my review of the complete series: Click Here!
This "Erotically Informative" serial will not let you down.

Victoria Green and Jinsey Reese: An incredible series in a sea of NA serials. These two have a voice within their storytelling talents that can not be outdone. The world they created with the passion between the explosive leading couple is unparalleled. You cannot meet Ree & Dare's Wilde Bunch without desiring to be a part of the family. During the time of impatiently waiting for these ARC's to hit our Kindles we grew to know (and LOVE!) these two. Kristyn and I have said it over and over - this series needs to hit Oprah's desk - it is meant to be HUGE, and we are sure it will. Below are the links to our 5 Dual Reviews. 

Jodi Linton: In my romance loving journey, I met Jodi Linton at a party where she was hosting an hour.
Her snark and fun, laid back personality matches the wit you find in her debut novel, Pretty Reckless. Laney isn't your typical cowboy loving heroine. She is a beer drinking, gun toting, red book wearing Deputy in Pistol Rock. This is NOT your Momma's Cowboy Book. There is mystery, suspense a lots of Wrangler wearing intrigue. The heat is not lacking just because your heroine isn't your typical romantic interest. Laney and Gunner have quickly become the fictional couple to watch in 2015. Below are the reviews I gave her books in 2014.
Pretty Reckless (Laney Briggs #1)
Whatcha Gonna Do WIth A Cowboy (Laney Briggs #1.5)


Codi Gary: To say I am smitten, is downplaying it. Some girls talk about the "author crush" - doesn't cover it. Codi is my favorite Contemporary Romance author. Her two towns of Rock Canyon, Idaho and Loco, Texas are easily my two favorite places. Below is a link to the first GUEST BLOG I did. It was over at ContemporaryRomanceCafe.com, and I choose this new to me author to spotlight. Check out the review ---- HERE. Since then, I have had the honor of meeting her at RT Booklovers in New Orleans, LA. I have eagerly devoured everything she has put out. Still new to the scene (debut in 2013) Codi is quickly making a name for herself as an author that does not disappoint. Below are my other reviews for Codi during 2014.


Robyn Peterman: This author is my go to person for a laugh a page. Robyn was also my debut entry on this blog, and it only seems fitting to round out my year with her. Robyn was another one that Kristyn and I were blessed to meet and dine with in New Orleans this past year. Robyn offers her fans an escape from reality. Ever wonder what Mark Twain, Mother Teresa, Mother Nature and other worldly entities would do during a poker game in Hell hosted by the Devil himself? Wonder no longer - Robyn takes you there. Ever wondered what would occur in a Bigfoot chasing group? In a Porno Grannies Writing group? How about when your sisters are the Seven Deadly Sins? Robyn can satisfy all your insane literary needs. Check out my other Robyn-related posts this past year!



Burn for Me
Burn for Me Blog
I LOVE Ilona Andrews and this book was one of my favorites for 2014! I loved Mad Rogan! I don't have many book boyfriends because I am snobby and picky about my fictional men but he is in my top 5! I love the worlds that they can create and they take me places that I in a million years would never even begin to dream up. I am waiting very impatiently for the next one.











I discovered Lexi Ryan in 2014 and and man do I wish I would have found her sooner. I could devour  her books in a couple of days and I did. strangely though, I never wrote a blog on any of her books. I need to.  Her newest one seriously about killed me. I love the characters.  They are so real and the storyline and problems these people go through really make me anxiously turn the page waiting to see what in the world could happen next.








I have a favorite series ever in the entire world full of series and then I have a favorite young adult series ever that comes second in my favorite series ever. The favorite ever is the fever series which had nothing come out in 2014 so won't be a part of this list but the YA is Sarah J Maas. Heir of fire was way beyond amazing. Her books make me laugh, seriously cry, sit on the edge of my seat and rapidly read to see what comes next. Heir of Fire was no exception. This book had so much character development it was amazing. It introduced several new characters that had you wrapped up in each individual perspective.  Even the bad guys had you rapidly turning pages and feeling sympathy. The next book will no doubt be on my list of can't wait to read in 2015.  If you want to read my blog, you can do that Here. Not only that but I also had an amazing conversation with Maas at RT about my number one favorite series and she loves it too.  Then I proceeded to tell her that she couldn't have Jericho Barrons and she looked at me like I was kinda crazy but its ok.

I didn't know this until I was going through my books that I read this past year but Catherine and I discovered Jamie McGuire in 2014! We first read about Travis Maddox in 2014! How in the world could I not include Travis Maddox!! Words can't explain our love for him.  Oh and Jamie Mcguire. She is pretty awesome as well. We met her at RT and she gave us free property of Travis t shirts! I could read this lady's grocery lists. Since discovering her, I have read almost everything she has written. Cant wait to see what she has in store for 2015!





This last choice is so hard for me cause I have so many more I want to put but I have to go with Colleen Hoover. I read Ugly Love first and seriously ugly cried. Then I read Maybe Someday and have never in my life had such conflicting emotions that I couldn't even put it in words and my blog is still half written because I couldn't decide if I absolutely loved the book or seriously disliked it. Then I moved on to Slammed and then to Hopeless. They are all so good.

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