Sinful Rewards 9

No longer torn between the billionaire and the biker, Bee has claimed her man, branding his skin with her scent, his soul with her care. He’s her ideal choice, building passion within her she didn’t know existed, supporting her dreams, and willing to do anything for her.

But is she the ideal choice for him?

An early-morning surprise attack and the arrival of a beautiful, witty, and regrettably nice rival make Bee question her decision. Does she step aside, forgoing her forever to ensure her man’s survival, or does she risk his life and her heart on love?

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Nine parts in. 3/4... 75%... Only 300 (roughly) pages left until the conclusion of our friend's story. Geez. Can you believe we have been following this serial for NINE months?!? I never thought I could become invested in a serial the way I have with this one. My phone alerts me the week of it's release. In which, I re-read the previous 1-3 in order to get back into the Windy City. On a completely non-book related note, my 5 year old is playing for the Cubs this year in Baseball. What are the odds that I might run into Hawke or Nicolas at one of his games? Hehe. Okay, onto the review or my thoughts... 

• This books lacks the obvious kind of drama that the previous 8 held. To clarify, I loved this installment! Forcing Bee to stay in "her" home to protect her forced a lot to happen within Bee. 
• Bee had to deal with her strong feelings for Hawke. 
• Bee felt jealousy when encountering Ellen for the 1st time. 
• Bee was able to accomplish something she has always wanted to do, but was never able to do as a child - throw a party! (A Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Party... there may or may not have been several proposals of marriage to Bee that came from people other than Hawke or her Jelly Bean Billionaire!) 
• While always been an independent and strong woman, I feel this installment is preparing for Bee to do something she has never had to do - stand alone.
• Cyndi, her BFF, has found her own two feet and leaves to LA with Cole. This move is temporary, but I know (and so does Bee!) - she isn't coming back. 
• Her Mom is taking a much needed "vacation" that is developing a friendship with a man that has the trust and respect of a man like Hawke. 
• Even Hawke is away for much of this book. Never far in thoughts, but she had to find her place with a group of people that were not in her direct inner circle. I, for one, was VERY proud of Bee. 
• Ellen brings up such an interesting situation for Bee to be faced with. Jealously. She dealt with it when she was pining for her billionaire, Nicolas. Jealous of his attention, his time and so much more. When dealing with Hawke, she never sees him as a handsome man, but always thinks of him. Never sees him as her "home," but finds one in him. Never sees him as the solution to all her problems, but he doesn't take NO for an answer. While Nicolas offers Bee solutions, she politely declines because that is what a "good girl" does. Hawke just takes care of "his girl." Ellen being introduced to the mix was great. The best part? She was introduced without Hawke being around. Bee was given an opportunity to build up this developed story of where the two of them (Ellen & Hawke) are destined to be together. Such a better fit. How can he not see Ellen the way Bee does? I think this situation showed Bee's true feelings.

"I watch a lot of action movies. I know how to fight."

My former marine doesn't laugh at my feeble joke. "Dawg said Ellen pinned you to the floor."

"The pinning was brief," I lie. "I was resting, preparing for another round. She was about to face my full fury."

• I am eager to read the next one to see where the talented Cynthia Sax takes this serial. One thing I long for at the end of the year of Sinful Rewards - Cynthia's go-to Mac & Cheese recipe. I know she is holding out on us! (hint...hint... if she is reading this!)

Now, let's show this woman some LOVE!!! 

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Red-Handed

Shelly Bell returns with another steamy and suspenseful thriller set at the exclusive sex club Benediction …

An exhibitionist who's waited her whole life to be seen … 

After her stepmother is abducted, Danielle Walker has no choice but to follow the kidnapper's cryptic instructions. Under the guise of a sex slave trainee, she must infiltrate Cole DeMarco's BDSM club and find evidence of his offshore bank account … or she'll never see her stepmother alive again. But Master Cole is no stranger, and despite the dark past they share, Danielle cannot resist his magnetic pull.

The voyeur who's always been watching … 

As Danielle begins uncovering Cole's secrets, the artistic voyeur arouses her deepest desires, and she surrenders to a fiery passion she never expected. But with time running out to save her stepmother, Danielle and Cole will face off against an evil growing more ruthless by the day … and discover a twisted web of lies, betrayal, and murder that neither saw coming.

***

Readers were introduced to Benediction and it's secrets in Shelly Bell's White Collared series. The series was brilliantly penned and such an intriguing take on the world of BDSM. Eagerness filled my book loving soul when she announced there would be a full length Benediction novel. Cole DeMarco is the mysterious owner of Benediction. While we know his limits and know his turn-ons, we don't know about the real man. 
Enter Danielle Walker. Benediction's newest sex slave trainee. Curious as to if Cole will recognize her after all these years, Danielle infiltrates Cole's club to save her stepmother from her kidnappers. Intrigued by her own desires and yet hesitant to fall into her old lusty thoughts about Cole, she enters with an open mind plans to save her stepmother up front in her mind. 
Cole wants to show Danielle just how he sees her - the beauty that exudes from her every pore. His ways may not be conventional, but he achieved his goal. Cole was her mirror. 
Within the pages of this novel is a story filled with such suspense and a mystery filled with twists that left me shocked when the final culprit was revealed. NO LUCK, not spilling the beans here. The turns this story takes with each page will keep any reader on their toes. You will adore the supporting cast of: Gracie, Roman, Adrian and even Cassandra. Each has their part to play in the story. 
While this story takes place in a club like Benediction, the relationship is nothing short of sweet which I think will throw people off since many assume that relationships within the BDSM community cannot be caring and romantic. 

"Eight years ago, I set my eyes on the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, She was too young for me then and circumstances kept us apart, but she was never far from my thoughts. I watched from a distance as she bloomed, dreaming about a life I could have with her if only things were different. Then one day..." 

And then, there are moments when the playfulness of their budding relationship is just heart warming. They both peel away layers that have been hiding buried facets of their personalities that the connection they shared was strong enough to sense. 

Tossing her ponytail over her shoulder she crossed the room, her sole focus on him. 

"Yes, Master. How may I please you?"

His lips tilted up in a grin. "Oh, let me count the ways."

***

"Because when I think of you, only one words comes to mind."

She couldn't catch her breath. "What word?"

"Mine," he growled, crashing his mouth against hers in a claim of possession. 

I give this book a FIVE. A blue wristband wearing FIVE!  Why you ask? I hope many more books from club Benediction join me and my Kindle! (PS - I friggin LOVED the nod to Cynthia Sax and her Sinful Rewards serial! Did anyone else catch it?!?) Now let's give the Smexy Shelly Bell some LOVE! 

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Heart's Desire Cover Reveal & More!

HEART’S DESIRE by T.J. Kline

What T.J. Kline has to say about The Healing Hart Series:

"The Healing Harts series came to me one night as I was just falling asleep. It jerked me awake, making me sit up in bed. It was one of those ideas that came completely formulated, an entire series, like a lightning bolt to the brain, and I haven’t been able to shake loose of it until it was written down. A family, rocked by loss, each member with a desire to help others in their own way.

In the first book, Heart’s Desire, Jessie is faced with running the family dude ranch alone after her parent’s unexpected death. Unbeknownst to her siblings, she and her father were transitioning the ranch to an abused horse rescue facility but she’s floundering to keep it afloat and bankruptcy is looming. Her brother, Justin, decides it’s time to call his college buddy, Nathan Kerrington, for help – the same man who shattered her heart eight years earlier. Nathan Kerrington knows he hurt Jessie but he had a good reason for it. Now he just has to prove that to her and regain her trust. But, as old hurts rise to the surface, they must resolve their past before they can attempt to save her future and some hurts aren’t easily forgiven."

What T.J. Kline had to say about choosing a cover for Heart's Desire:

"When we started looking for covers for Jessie and Nathan’s story, I had a very clear picture in my mind. I knew exactly what my characters look like and the feel I wanted for the series as a whole. We had also decided very early to go with only the main characters on these books. I also knew that while all three books should tie together, I wanted Jet, one of Jessie’s horses, on the cover somewhere. He plays an important part in discovering herself at different points in the story. But Jessie is such a strong, independent character, she fought me at every step, whether it was in the first draft or the final cover. We went through several pictures and many would have worked with the mood of the book but there was always something that didn't suit Jessie’s personality. Again, Jessie was determined to have her own way. In the end, she chose her own photo. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was Jessie and there was no need to look further for a cover photo. This cover portrays Jessie’s character better than words – pensive, wistful and ambitious. The fact that Jet was able to be part of this cover was the icing on the cake for me."

And FINALLY, what I know you want... 

EXCERPT FOR HEART’S DESIRE

"I came to apologize, Jess. I shouldn't have said those things."

She ignored the way her nickname slid easily from his lips or the way it made her heart trip over her ribs and start fluttering like a baby bird learning to take flight. She'd quit buying into romantic notions a long time ago thanks to him. Now, if only she could convince her body to let them go. She set the rake against the wall and walked into the aisle way.

"It's Jessie. Jessie. We are not friends, remember?"

His green eyes flashed, the golden flecks lighting them from within, and she saw frustration in the set of his jaw. "No?"

"No. Let's keep our roles in perspective. You're the financial genius here to do a favor for my brother, and I'm just his idiot little sister who bought your load of crap years ago and can't manage to keep this ranch afloat now." 

His long strides ate the distance between them in seconds but she stood her ground, staring up at him, daring him to argue. His lips were tight, set in a grim line and a deep crease lined his perfect brow. She wanted to back away, but years of working with her father wouldn't allow her to show any signs of intimidation. Cowgirl up, she recited the mantra in her head, although not nearly as confidently as she usually did.

"Don't do that," he ordered, staring down into her eyes, his voice quiet but insistent.

She could feel the heat emanating from him as sparks of desires burst in her chest, sending shivers over her skin. She tried to control it, to stop herself from trembling at his nearness but she couldn't stop her breath from catching in her throat. "Don't do what?" Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

"Don't belittle yourself. You are far more than that. You've always been more than that to me." His hands grasped her upper arms and he dipped his head toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're a talented, kind, giving, passionate woman."

It wasn't what Jessie expected. His words were a balm to her chapped and aching heart, exactly what she needed to hear, but she knew she couldn't let him break past her walls. Who knew what damage he could cause her heart when he left again. She'd barely managed to piece together the shards last time. She pressed her hands against his chest, intending to push him away from her, but he gently circled her wrists with his fingers. Their eyes locked and she refused to be the first to look away. 

"Nathan." She meant for it to be a warning but it came out sounding more like a plea.

"What, Jess?" 

He placed his palms over the back of her hands and twined his fingers between hers. His touch made her weak and she felt a wave of need break over her, threatening to drown her. She'd been so in love with him, and it had left a gaping hole in her, one she’d never managed to fill, not even with her work. 

Nathan walked her backward until she felt the stall behind her. With the hard wall of his body pressing against the front of her, pinning their hands between them, there was nowhere for her to escape the explosion of yearning that began in the middle of her chest, spreading outward, heating her and leaving her breathless. Every inhalation filled her with the scent of his expensive cologne, reminding her again how out of place he was. He didn't belong here. But seeing the 

desire in his eyes, feeling it in every inch of him pressing up against her, made Jessie want to wrap her legs around his waist and let him take her right here in the barn. 

She couldn't possibly feel this way about him again. She couldn't imagine feeling any other way about him. She needed this man. Not just wanted him, needed him, and that scared the crap out of her. 

He was going to kiss her, and she was going to melt under his touch. There was no doubt in her mind. If that happened, she was a goner. Because, for her, this wasn't about sex, this was 

about how Nathan made her feel, how he'd always made her feel - understood and validated and worthy. The only other time Jessie felt that way was when she worked with her horses. 

How had this man recognized the weakness in her, buried deeply, and unearthed it so 

easily? Panic set in. She had to protect herself. She couldn't let Nathan in, couldn't let him get 

close again. She shoved against his hands, using her body to knock him off balance, backward against the handles of the wheelbarrow and into the bucket.

"You can finish the stalls."

She ran out of the barn, refusing to look back at the man trying to piece together a full sentence from where he landed, inside a wheelbarrow full of fresh horse manure.

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Now, before we say Adios, let's give T.J. Kline some Cowboy lovin' LOVE on these Social Media outlets! 

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When It's Right

Everything's bigger in Big Sky country, including the hearts of the Montana Men Wide open sky, rolling green hills . . . Gillian Tucker could get used to life in the country—one far from the violence she left behind in San Francisco. Warily accepting an invitation to the Montana ranch that belongs to her grandfather, a man she's never met, Gillian hopes this is the haven she seeks. A sexy, overbearing cowboy who shines a light on her well-hidden dreams is not at all part of her plans. Blake Bowden's reckless past is far behind him, and as a newly named co-owner of Three Peaks Ranch, he's not taking any chances. Until a beautiful, haunted woman arrives, igniting a desire he shouldn't feel. His partner's granddaughter is strictly off limits. But the longer Gillian's there, the stronger the pull grows between them. And when a new danger surfaces, Blake will do anything to keep her safe…even if it means risking everything for her heart.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

***Expected Date of Release: March 31, 2015***

During Gabe and Ella's story you meet Blake. Lucky for us readers, we get a whole story about Blake in Jennifer Ryan's latest Montana Men novel, When It's Right. While you fall in love with Blake - so much of this story is about family. When you first meet Gillian, your heart breaks. How can it not? When put in a situation that left her no options - she did what she has done since she was too young to have to make the decisions - she took care of Justin. When her decisions brought her to family she didn't know in Montana, she was cautious. Where were these people when she was working multiple jobs just to get Justin what he needed to have a semblance of a normal childhood - something she never had.
This story starts with fear. Unstandable fear, but it doesn't make it any easier to see. (Or read!) Gillian tells Justin something often, and it make my heart break and smile all at the same time - something I found this emotion-filled novel did.

"We have to try. If it doesn't work, at least we tried. Then we'll find a better way."

Watching Justin blossom into the kid Gillian knew he always could be warmed my heart in that Proud Momma way. Being able to dive into Gillian's thoughts and desires left me aching for happiness. Would she ever allow herself the opportunity? When those walls finally fell and Blake and Gillian gave in, it was life-altering. The dynamic between the two is worthy of the silver screen! 

"Blake, don't you think that at the age of twenty-eight you should stop acting like a nervous fourteen-year-old boy and just come over here and kiss me."

"Aren't you prepared."

"I'm a fucking boy scout," he said, his teeth clenched on the wrapper as he tore it open. 

I have learned one thing from reading everything I can get my hands on by Jennifer Ryan - her love isn't a simple one. Her stories get you lost in the realness that she pens. You find yourself forgetting often that you are reading a novel and not living this story. And that is the beauty of a Jennifer Ryan story - her ability to seduce you to dive in and fall in love with Montana. I am anxious to see where she takes these stories that are brewing in between the lines of these stories. Be ready y'all for Jennifer Ryan to be a household name for readers everywhere!

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