BOOK REVIEW: Hook by Elisabeth Grace

Title: Hook

Author: Elisabeth Grace

Series: Duplicity Duet #1

Genre: Erotica, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 25, 2016

. . . . . . . . . BLURB . . . . . . . . . 

Women loathed me without even knowing my name. Men coveted the very idea of me.

Escort. Call girl. Prostitute. Hooker. Whore.

I'd heard it all. Done it all. 

Over the years I'd felt a lot of things about my occupation...but not regret--never regret. I had my reasons for doing what I did and nothing and no one had ever made me question them.

UNTIL MARCO VALENTI.

He'd changed me and I'd naively fed into the fairy tale.

But Marco wasn't my Prince Charming. He had secrets of his own. Secrets that would eventually rip away everything I held dear.

. . . . . . . . . MY REVIEW . . . . . . . . .

5/5 stars

The title definitely speaks for itself. Hook got me Hooked! The wonderful mix of sexy and sweet in this book made every scene intense and suspense-filled. Elisabeth Grace delivered this tantalizing read with a prose so palpable and exciting that I made it quite hard to put down. 

I was no longer a woman with a life and hopes and dreams. I was simply a vessel, filled to the brim and overflowing with pleasure.

Brandi lived a double life of temptation and hope in the city of sin. During the night, she would let her body be owned so she could be everything her son needed during the day. It was amazing how Brandi's character was perfectly tailored into both being an escort and a mom. Her courage, determination, and fierce heart sets her differently from other heroines. She carried confidence like a queen and carried hope like a saint. 

'And though I’d been with a lot of men, he was the first one to ever see into my soul.'

Marco Valenti was the type of man who preferred uncomplicated pleasures with a woman. But one glance at Brandi and he was sure he would rather have complications with her than none of her. At first glance, Marco was this dream-like alpha male who did everything to get what he wanted. He seemed like a pleasure-driven man. But as the story progresses, little by little, Marco is stripped off of his dominant streak (although this streak definitely set the pages on fire) and showed how much of a good man he is.

“You will curse my name like the devil and then scream it out like a benediction.”

This is one of the rare books that deliciously mixes erotica with contemporary romance. It has the perfect amount of scandal with an equally stimulating sweetness in between. The lead characters' chemistry was ah-mazing! There was a sizzling fire between them that was made more intense by the delay of their contact. And by God, the love scenes were intense. Hot as hell but sensual, too. I would say this book encapsulates all the core needs that we seek out on books. Hook was intense, palpable, exciting, sexy, and hopeful. The kind of book that unleashes all kinds of feels. Get ready to be swept away by #HurricaneMarco

BOOK REVIEW: Smut by Karina Halle

Title: Smut

Author: Karina Halle

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 16, 2016

. . . . . . . . . . . BLURB . . . . . . . . . . .

What happens when the kink between the pages leads to heat between the sheets?

All Blake Crawford wants is to pass his creative writing course, get his university degree, and take over his dad’s ailing family business. What Amanda Newland wants is to graduate at the top of her class, as well as finally finish her novel and prove to her family that writing is a respectful career.

What Blake and Amanda don’t want is to be paired up with each other for their final project, but that’s exactly what they both get when they’re forced to collaborate on a writing piece. Since Amanda thinks Blake is a pushy asshole (with a panty-melting smirk and British accent) and Blake thinks Amanda has a stick up her ass (though it’s a brilliant ass), they fight tooth and nail until they discover they write well together. They also may find each other really attractive, but that’s neither here nor there.

When their writing project turns out to be a success, the two of them decide to start up a secret partnership using a pen name, infiltrating the self-publishing market in the lucrative genre of erotica. Naturally, with so much heat and passion between the pages, it’s not long before their dirty words become a dirty reality. Sure, they still fight a lot, but at least there’s make-up sex now.

But even as they start to fall hard for each other, will their burgeoning relationship survive if their scandalous secret is exposed? Or are happily-ever-afters just a work of fiction?

. . . . . . . . . . . MY REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . .

5 SPECTACULAR STARS!

There is, hands down, no genre that this woman cannot write. Smut was an entertaining break from the badass heartwreckery that Karina Halle is exceptionally known for. This masterpiece was hilariously sexy and deliciously nerdy! Could not put it down! 

“In this kiss she should know she’s a goddess, a fantasy priestess, a ruler of my world."

Amanda Newland was a fervent woman driven by passion and determination. Eager to prove her uptight family wrong, she vows to do whatever it takes to become successful at her chosen field. Miss Karina really makes the most interesting women in the romance genre. They are always empowered, with a tinge of imperfection, that perfectly relates to the realities of the modern woman. Amanda was such a joy to read; her geeky, honest, and spontaneous way of handling things was utterly refreshing. 

'He looks like mine. I want him to be mine.'

Blake Crawford flawlessly went with the interesting flow of his life. He was popular with the women and his life goal was just to take over his dad’s bookstore. But fate and his literary course seemed to have coerced into giving him the test of his life--survive his final project with the sexy redhead who loathes him. Blake was such an interesting mix of wit and cockiness. This man carries confidence like a second skin but his mind and his heart combined will steal every last breath in your body. 

'He’s becoming something more to me, something very real but all we’re surrounded by is fiction.'

The chemistry between these two were absolutely off the charts! Starting it off with a streak of hate made every succeeding scenes more intense and passionate. There was just an undeniable heat between the two that perfectly progressed with the plot. They’re so different yet so completely compatible with each other. They set flames of passion on everything they shared--words, bodies, hearts and pages. But other than the swoon and the sheet-burning scenes, Karina Halle’s undeniable wisdom put a unique streak in this romantic comedy. Her mastery with words laced perfectly with real emotions will make you want to quote the whole book. Definitely one of my top 10 best books this year! 

BOOK REVIEW: Sway by Adriana Locke

Title: Sway

Author: Adriana Locke 

Series: Landry Family #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 16, 2016

. . . . . . . . . . BLURB. . . . . . . . . . 

BARRETT LANDRY has it all. 

Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction.

ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.

As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what. 

A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost ... and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay. 

. . . . . . . . . . MY REVIEW . . . . . . . . . .

4.5/5 stars

Adriana Locke is a master at keeping readers up on our toes and sweeping us right off of our feet with her immensely satisfying prose. Sway is a perfect term for what this book possess. A serene intimate, sensually exciting dance of emotions and sexiness that will make you dizzy with all kinds of feels. 

"I'm the king at keeping things superficial with women."

Barrett Landry was a pro in ignoring distractions. As the mayor, he needed that control and reign over his own emotion. But meeting Alison seemed to have introduced a lethal kind of distraction that he was not yet equipped to resist. Barrett was an absolutely contradicting mix of sweet sophistication. He was intense but composed, determined but considerate, serious but light-hearted. Undressing (literally and figuratively) the stoic exterior of Barrett was a sight to behold. 

"I didn't need you to impress me today because you impressed me last night." "I didn't try to impress you then either,” I whisper. "I know. That’s exactly how you did it."

Ali already experienced the bitter taste of the limelight and she sworn she will never put herself and her son to that situation again. But Mayor Landry was such an eager, delicious conviction that swayed her into wanting to be wherever he was--even if it meant being under the limelight again. Ali was such a hardworking mom and seeing her cut loose was such a great experience. Although she only intended to have fun with Mayor Landry, the sincerity of this woman just cannot be denied. She was courage and sensuality in a one hot momma package. 

“Will you try to find those things with me? Just see if we can.”“Slowly?” I ask, my voice shaking.“Fast, slow, sideways, if that’s what it takes."

Miss Addy is one of the authors who brilliantly establishes fireworks the moment the lead roles meet. Exploring Ali and Barrett’s chemistry set an exhilarating pace in this novel. The plot was generally light but it was peppered by satisfying amounts of drama, glamour, and familial ties that hit all the right side of romance lover’s heart. Yet again, Adriana Locke effortlessly makes a reader fall in love a couple of times in a book. With Barrett Landry having four brothers, I think I lost my heart more than once in this book. LOL. Needless to say, I will read everything this woman writes. I also stake my claim on Linc Landry. #ILincdHimFirst

BOOK BLITZ: Lies by C. A. Harms

Title: Lies

Series: Phoenix Undercover #1

Author: C.A. Harms

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

 Release Date: November 24, 2015

Blurb

FBI Agent Joshua Phoenix goes undercover…Deep.
Thrust into a world of drugs and criminal activity, integrating himself into the Russian Mafia turned out to be much more than Josh bargained for.
It’s dark and it’s dangerous.
The lives they destroy along the way will never be the same.
The things he is forced to do will haunt him forever.
Even more importantly, he never planned on meeting her…
A chance encounter with Real Estate Agent Gabriella Shannon, has Josh questioning his ability to complete his mission.
And now the dark world may consume them both.
He’s in too deep.
Leaving now would only risk the safety of those around him.
But when his cover’s blown Josh is forced to make a decision that will reroute his future.
One decision.
The hardest decision he will ever have to make in his life.
And those he meant to protect will be the ones who suffer the most…

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Excerpt

“I like the red ones,” Josh said before turning back toward the display of lingerie. “Oh, and this color. Is that teal?” He lifted up the pair of panties and held them out before him.

I smiled as a younger guy three feet away ducked his head in embarrassment.

“Now these would look fucking amazing on you. Damn, baby.” Josh’s eyes gleamed in excitement as he looked up at me. “I may go broke if you keep bringing me to places like these.”

I giggled as I grabbed the pink, lacy, and completely see-through nightie he held in his other hand.

“We’ll take one of these in every color you have,” he hollered to the clerk.

I hid my head against his chest and tickled his sides.

“What?” he grunted and tried to pull back from my assault. “You can’t blame me for trying, sweetheart.

Forget about getting dressed daily. I think you should live in these nighties.”

I tilted my head and looked up at him. “You are insatiable.” I rose up on my tiptoes, bringing my lips close to his. “And extremely adorable.”

He closed the distance and kissed me, wrapping his arm around my waist securely. His tongue rolled with mine, and for a moment I forgot we were standing in the center of a department store. Someone cleared their throat, and I broke the kiss to look over my shoulder. An older salesperson was giving us a disapproving glare.

“Sorry,” I offered. When I turned back to face Josh, he was grinning from ear to ear.

“So—” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “—we are getting some of these. Right?”

I lifted up the light pink nightie and shook it in front of his face. “We’ll get this one and the red one,” I assured him as I walked toward the sales clerk at the checkout counter. When I looked back over my shoulder, Josh was smiling brightly and following close behind.

“Now that’s my girl. Looks like tonight we’re

staying in.”

I rolled my eyes and turned forward again as he chuckled.

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The devil wears many masks, and everyone’s world will crash when the truth comes out…
The life of an undercover FBI agent can be dark.
The things you see can never be unseen.
The effects it has on your mind, leave a gaping hole in your soul.
Agent Joshua Phoenix found the one person he knew could save him from the darkness, but just when things become real, she’s ripped from him without warning...
He is forced to watch his life go on without him.
His presence is just too dangerous to those he loves.
But how far will things go?
With only a short list of those he can trust, Josh must race to find answers, before fate is decided for him. Gabriella’s in danger and yet no one around her knows it.
And a man who everyone believes they can trust, may just be the devil himself…
Will Josh and Greyson solve this case before it’s too late?
Or will Josh lose Gabby forever.

Coming Soon

#3 Revenge - Available June 7, 2016 

Living in fear was what they were all doing.

It was no longer just the life of the woman he loved that was in danger, but also the life of their unborn child. The undercover case Josh led was now threatening to take away his true happiness. And he must find a way to keep his family safe from the hands of evil.

Knowing that the devil is lurking in the darkness, Josh is left with no way to secure their safety. His fear is taking over.

Soon Leo would finally get the chance to make them pay for ruining his life.

His revenge was coming, and there was no one who could stop it.

The devil is near and Gabby is his target….

And he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

The count down has begun.

There’s nowhere to hide.

They will all pay.

Author Bio

C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.

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RELEASE BLITZ: This Old Heart of Mine by A.J. Compton

Title: This Old Heart of Mine

Author: A.J. Compton

Genre: Romance 

 Release Date: May 24, 2016

Blurb

Ava Malone knows all about being broken-hearted.

Born with a severe heart defect, she’s spent her whole life in and out of hospital, desperately needing a transplant.

Just days from death, her weak prayers are finally answered, and she receives a new heart; one that not only saves her life, but changes it forever.

Now fit and healthy, Ava is able to do things she only dreamed of, like get a job and some independence, fall in love, and finally live life to the fullest.

But her journey of self-discovery takes her to places she never expected. Along the way, Ava doesn’t just find the woman she was always meant to be, but also finds out more about the woman who no longer is. The one who gave her this new life because she lost hers.

Faced with a devastating dilemma, Ava must decide whether the heart that’s pumping inside her body now belongs to her, or is still beating for someone else...

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Excerpt

"...His laughter mingles with mine and is absorbed by the stars.

It’s a moment granted to us by people I hope are in the sky above us now, laughing as they look down.

I’m sure others on the ground are staring at the scene we’re making, casting their judgments. But they don’t know us, not like we know us.

They don’t understand the hope in our eyes or the alchemy of our blood.

They don’t know our truth. Our hearts. Our lives.

Lives that we now have the freedom to live or waste.

Once. Twice. Or as many damn times as we like."

Author Bio

A.J. Compton wants a lot of things;

To write books that make you think and feel deeply. 

To make you ugly cry and cry with laughter. In the same book. 

To write stories that cause you to be anti-social and have you staying up late to finish them. 

To show that life can be cruel and difficult, but it can also be incredibly beautiful and worthwhile. 

And what A.J. really wants, is to write books that make you remember why you love to read. 

A.J. knows better than most that we don't always get what we want in life, but is going to give it a damn good try ;)

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RELEASE BOOST: Sway by Adriana Locke

Title: Sway

Series: Landry Family #1

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 Release Date: May 16, 2016

Blurb

BARRETT LANDRY has it all.
Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction. 

ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.
As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what.

A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost ... and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay.

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“I want a chance to win you over,” he breathes, peering at me. The way his eyes search mine make it seem like time stands still. “Will you let me try?”

He forces a swallow and the look of hesitation, the internal fight he’s having, isn’t lost on me. It’s there, right beneath the surface, and when I add my concerns to the mix, it’s enough to make me balk. Just a bit.

"I'll think about it," I whisper, holding on to the little strand of courage I have left.

“Say yes.”

Instead of responding, I ask, "Where'd you get that scar over your right eye?" I reach out and press gently on the raised skin. I expect him to pull back, but he doesn't.

My hand shakes as I touch his warmed skin. His forehead is silky and smooth. I'd like to run my hands over every inch of it, feel it ripple beneath my fingertips.

The corner of his lips twitch. "Lincoln hit me in the head with a baseball."

"Bad reflexes on your part?"

"Wicked curveball on his," he says, his face breaking out into a full smile.

“I thought he played center field?”

“He does. But he pitched some growing up.”

We stand inches apart, my hand gently brushing down the side of his face. Although I feel like he'd stand here all night and talk to me, it’s not possible.

"I really need to get back to work," I say, trying to unlock my eyes from his.

“Dinner? This week?”

I can barely resist the look in his eye, the one that implores me to say yes. The one that makes me believe he really does want to have dinner and spend a few hours with me.

I need to get away, put some space between us while I can.

“We ran into each other tonight,” I shrug. “If we’re supposed to see each other again, then I guess we will.” I start to turn away before I completely buckle under his gaze.

“How am I supposed to get ahold of you? I don’t have your number,” he calls after me.

Heading up the steps to the Savannah Room, I glance at him over my shoulder. “You’re the Mayor. Figure it out.”

Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana's Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

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COVER REVEAL: Sacred Heart by A.M. Johsnon

Cover Design: Francesca Webster

Release Date: June 13, 2016

 

Synopsis

Sleep, it was luxury I didn’t have.

I could hear it then, in the dark light of night, in the dusky morning… 

The click of the trigger, the smell of her blood, the sound of the rain. 

I never thought I would see her again. 

She was a ghost. 

She was dead. 

When Maggie Wright pushed her way into my life, she brought the phantom with her, and I was helpless to her pull. 

Everything I had, all of it, had been taken from me ten years ago.

I had nothing but the shirt on my back, the memories that still burned through my veins, and the regret I drowned in every day. 

 I am Ryan Hartford...and I have nothing left to lose.  

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About the Author

Amanda Marie Johnson was born and raised in Valrico, Florida. She’s now surrounded by mountains with her husband and three children in Ogden, Utah. She attended Weber State University and graduated with her A.S.N. She is a full-time registered nurse. Reading and writing have always been something she is passionate about. She loves to write about the human experience, love and happily ever afters.  

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