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REVIEW – SIX MONTH RULE (Kingston Ale House, #2) by AJ Pine

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SYNOPSIS:

Taurus: Hold fast to your single-minded nature today—no matter how long her legs or how lush her red lips.

Gemini: You were a shining star last night, but reality can be a real—well, you get the picture. Just remember: Tall, dark, and British equals no corner office for you.

Will Evans never wanted a reason to stay.

Holly Chandler wants nothing more than for him to go.
But neither one is prepared for what can happen in six months. Because it doesn’t matter what you want when what you need walks out the door.

Holly’s been busting her butt to make partner at Trousseau, and there’s no way she’s going to let some stuck-up British arsehole get in her way—no matter how drop-dead gorgeous he is. But that doesn’t mean she can’t have a little fun in the process. She has a six-month rule: date just long enough for the honeymoon phase to wear off, then walk away before anyone gets hurt. If they both know the rules up front, walking away will be a piece of cake. Or maybe not…

Each book in the Kingston Ale House series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 The One That Got Away
Book #2 Six Month Rule

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

He wasn’t supposed to find anything to make him happy in Chicago, yet here was this woman who was as brilliant as she was maddening. A woman he loved more every second he was with her. And a woman who believed she couldn’t love him back—not for the long haul.

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ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!

I have to say that I had never heard of AJ Pine before reading this story, but now she is one that is going on my must read shelf. I’m so delighted with just how much I ended up falling in love with this book! We all have our favorite types of heroes, but the one that tops them all for me is a GORGEOUS BRIT!! As soon as I read in the blurb that the Hero was a Tall, Dark and Handsome Brit, there was no way I could pass this one up. Ladies get ready to fall in love with Will Evans!!! I challenge you to not finding him utterly irresistible.

Holly Chandler is very much driven by her career. She’s looking to make partner at Trousseau. On the day she thinks that her aspirations of becoming a partner are about to come to fruition, she runs into a sinfully sexy Brit in the elevator and let’s just say their first meeting wasn’t a glowing one as far as Holly’s concerned. To her utter dismay, she later learns that she will be working with him on a project for the next six months and that her shot at making partner rides on the success of this latest project. Holly and Will are attracted to each other but each have issues that make them a less than desirable candidate for a romantic attachment. Holly doesn’t believe in love. She’s never dated anyone beyond six months because she has learned from experience that six months is as long as that honeymoon phase lasts.

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Will is only in Chicago for the next several months, after the project is over he will be going back to London where his six-year-old daughter lives with his ex. His daughter, Sophie, is everything to him and being a good father to her is his number one priority. His life doesn’t have room for a girlfriend. That doesn’t mean that he isn’t extremely attracted to the maddening and vivacious Holly.

Holly is also unable to deny the extreme attraction that is developing between the two of them and so she proposes that they try out her six-month rule. Which means they spend the next six months enjoying each other’s company in and out of the bedroom, no strings attached, and once their time is up, they each go their separate ways. It has worked out great for her so far and she honestly believes that this proposition will work out for them as well. She didn’t take into consideration that Will would completely steal her heart. As they spend more time together and deep feelings start to develop, will they be able to change the terms of their agreement?? Or can Holly and Will simply walk away without any regrets and their hearts in tact when the six months are up?

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This story had me so wrapped up in it, I barely got up from my reading chair all day! It had everything I crave from a good book; angst, an endearing heroine, a hero that’s going on my top ten list, and incredible panty melting steam!!

If you love romances between a British book boyfriend and a delightful American heroine, this one is definitely up your alley. Oh and I promise when you meet the adorable little Sophie, your heart is going to burst!!!

Six Month Rule is currently available!! Make sure you one-click!!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2asrIAl
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2af6xFo
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29TZDTY
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/29SxC1Y
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REVIEW – FURIOUS RUSH by S.C. Stephens

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SYNOPSIS:

For Mackenzie Cox, racing motorcycles is in her blood. Born into a family legacy, she’s determined to show the world that she has inherited her father’s talent in this male-dominated sport. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonised by her rival team’s newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Hayden, exceedingly arrogant and outrageously attractive, immediately gets under Kenzie’s skin and she can’t help but be distracted.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense – and strictly forbidden – attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie needs a win, and she also needs to stay away from Hayden. Unfortunately for her though, one thing has become all too clear: she can’t.

Fuelled by passion, driven by desire, Hayden and Mackenzie both want to win more than anything else. Except for, maybe, each other. But anger, jealousy and extreme competitiveness aren’t their only obstacles . . .

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Race Me Or Chase Me Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)

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Mackenzie Cox is a 22 yr. old woman who lives in Southern California, in Oceanside. She is the daughter of racing legend Jordan Cox, & has been on motorcycles since she was three. She is the only one of her siblings that followed in her father’s footsteps. Racing was in her blood, & was everything to her.

Kenzie is entering her first year of racing as a professional. She’s finally competing instead of observing, & she wants to impress her father, & earn her place on the team. Not only is her dad hard on her, always wanting her best performance, but all eyes will be on her since she’s the daughter of the owner of Cox Racing. Her dad was considered a god in this sport & that put high expectations on Kenzie.

Cox Racing shares a practice track with their rival Benneti Motorsports. There is a lot of hostility between the two teams, & there are strict rules against fraternizing in any way. Each team has different practice times allocated on the track so they can avoid conflict.

One day Benneti Motorsports has a new rider that shows up at the track breaking the rules. His name is Hayden Hayes. Kenzie recognizes him as a guy she recently crossed paths with. He’s gorgeous, arrogant, & knows just how to get under her skin. There is an electricity & attraction every time they are near one another.

Every time Kenzie & Hayden are in a race together, they perform at their best. They are both extremely talented, but together they are on fire. The adrenaline & competition pushes them to the limit.

Cox Racing is in financial trouble, & Kenzie feels her family legacy is at stake. They need a win, & she wants to make her father proud. When Hayden offers to help her on the side to improve her racing times, she takes him up on his offer. She’s desperate to prove herself as a woman in a male-dominated sport, & put Cox Racing back on top.

-Racing was in my soul.

-Racing against Hayden had sparked something in me.

-Being on the track with him gave me a shot of adrenaline that nothing else seemed to replicate.

Spending so much time together, they start to develop real feelings for one another. They continue to try and fight the chemistry between them, but eventually, the connection is just too much to deny any longer. As Kenzie questions if she can fully trust Hayden, he is slowly becoming her world. They have gone from strictly competitors to friends & lovers. They are both under pressure & driven to succeed, but soon become a priority to each other they can’t live without. They are forbidden, & nobody will accept them being together, but the heart wants what it wants. I really enjoyed this book & hope we get more in this series.

-“You were right. I’m better with you.”

-Every place he touched me felt on fire.

-“I want this… I want you.”

*****Dee’s Review*****

(ARC kindly provided by author )
(BR with Mel)

On your mark…
Get set…

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Mackenzie Cox is practically royalty in the bike racing world. Racing is in her blood, it’s all she knows and loves. She is determined to make a name for herself and make her father proud by placing high on the scoreboards, that are mainly dominated by men.

Hayden Hayes is a mystery rider. Known in the racing underworld as a ruthless and undefeated champion. Now he wants to go legit and conquer the tracks of the real racing world.

She is the princess; he is the guy from the wrong side of the tracks, but together they bring the best out of each other.

What starts as a deep lust inside and outside of the race will turn into something neither Kenzie or Hayden will be able to control.

Forbidden, dangerous, and fast…

Are you ready for Furious Rush?

REVIEW – THE BEST FRIEND BARGAIN by Robin Bielman

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SYNOPSIS:

Olivia Lincoln has a plan guaranteed to get her life back on track. A plan that involves her best friend, Danny. And he’s on board, too…until she blurts out that they’re engaged and expecting a baby, and the news spreads like wildfire.

The problem? Danny doesn’t do marriage. Or family. And everyone knows it, including Olivia.

As irritated as he might be, protecting Olivia is what Danny does. But put best friends under one roof, add house rules begging to be broken, accidental nakedness, and pancakes in bed, and what started as a marriage between friends threatens to turn into the real deal…which would ruin everything.

Each book in the Kissed in the Sand series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Keeping Mr. Right Now
Book #2 Blame it on the Kiss
Book #3 The Best Friend Bargain

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

She was under his skin. Had been for weeks if he were honest. He didn’t want these feelings of devotion and attachment, like she belonged to him and no other man would get to touch her ever again. Falling for his best friend, heart and soul, hadn’t been part of their deal.

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I like trying out new authors now and then. Sometimes it actually pays off when I do. I have come across some whose writing styles I seem to connect with. Robin Bielman ended up being one of those authors. I honestly hadn’t heard of her before but when I read the synopsis of The Best Friend Bargain, I knew that I had to give this one a try. I absolutelyLOVE the friends-to-lovers trope and this story ended up being pretty fabulous. I was worried that the schmexy would be luke-warm or that the author would come off skittish while writing the steamy scenes, but let me just say, my panties were thoroughly melted!!! And even though the cover made me think this would be a light and low on the angst read, I am happy to report that my angst needs were very much satisfied as well.

Olivia Lincoln finds herself back home after having lived in England for the past six months. She decided to leave the states after she lost her job which really ended up messing with her head. Liv left without saying a proper goodbye to her best friend, Danny. But now she finds herself in a bit of a pickle and the only one she can turn to is Danny. Liv is pregnant and her boyfriend back in London made it pretty clear to her that he never thought of their relationship as long term and also doesn’t want to be a father to their unborn child. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Liv turns to the one man who has always been her rock. She asks Danny if he would marry her and pretend to be the father in order to avoid her mother’s castigation. At first, he’s a little apprehensive but in all the years that they have been friends, he has never been able to deny Liv anything. On the plus side, his impending marriage and fatherhood help him to buy the house that he’s been renting from the owner, who was only looking to sell to a young family.

 

Liv and Danny settle into their new relationship rather easily. A little too easy. It seems they may have always felt something more than friendship for each other but were too scared and maybe just a little too dense to see that true love had been right in front of their eyes for so many years. Liv thought that Danny preferred the life of the player, but deep down Danny had always wanted her but his fears made him keep those feelings at bay. I have to say that Danny rated high on the swoon-worthy scale for me.

Well once the attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore, the steam kicks up a thousand degrees. I was more than pleased with how incredibly schmexy the scenes became and then, BAM, a curveball is thrown and we find ourselves in the midst of some major angst!! You could just call me a smitten kitten with this story after that!!

This was book three in the Kisses In The Sand series, but can be read as a standalone. Each book centers around a different couple and all were in this one as secondary characters. I will definitely be making some time in the near future to read the other books in this series.

The Best Friend Bargain is currently available. If you love a good friends-to-lovers story, this is one you surely won’t want to miss!!

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2bxJJg8

REVIEW – PRISONED by Marni Mann

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SYNOPSIS:

When I opened my eyes, I was in a cell, my body covered in bruises.

Not a jail.

I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.

I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.

The man I couldn’t be with because of the secret. A man who would kill me if he found out what that secret was.

Someone wanted to torture me.

Torture us.

One of us deserved it.

It wasn’t Garin.

*****Dee’s Review*****

6+++ Captivating Stars******

(ARC Kindly provided by author)

I wasn’t prepared for how epic Prisoned was going to be. Marni Mann took me on a dark path, full of ups and downs, making my reading experience something unique and completely unforgettable. The plot is absolutely brilliant, a mindfuck of a book that squeezed my heart so tight, I felt dizzy and breathless, and I loved every single minute of it.

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Garin, Billy, and Kyle grew up very poor in the projects of Atlantic City. A forsaken place called The Heart; where drugs and violence were a constant. These two boys and girl had to learn to hustle from a very young age, whether it was stealing, selling drugs, or fighting, they did anything they could do to survive. Their friendship was their most precious possession. They took care of each other in a harsh world where they didn’t have anybody else who cared about them.

As they grew up Kyle and Garin started to develop romantic feelings towards each other. One night they simply couldn’t avoid the immensity of their feelings and the most powerful kiss branded their hearts forever. But that night someone else’s heart shattered on the streets of The Heart, bleeding out and tainting all of their lives forever…

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Kyle left The Heart and all her feelings behind, moving to Florida to start a new life but the pain of her past always followed her. Now, years later she is forced to return, and everything that happened on that fateful night is coming back to haunt her.

Kyle remembers going back to Atlantic City and staring into the eyes of the man she’s always loved. It’s those eyes that held so much power over her and are capable of stripping her bare of her clothes and emotions with only one look. Looking into his eyes is the last thing she remembers, and now she is waking up in a cell, battered and bruised, confused as to why they are there because she is not alone, he is with her. Is he her savior, her punisher, or just a memory of a fierce love? Read this incredible story and find out…

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Nothing that you read in this review or in any other review, for that matter, will prepare you for the bold, gritty and powerful impact of this book. If you think you loved Marni Mann’s writing style before, be ready for something even better, spectacular even. It feels like she took a gamble and went outside of her comfort zone to write this story. You will feel the tears and the blood running down the pages of this novel and going straight to your heart. She is holding back no punches, and I commend her for trying something new and crafting this dark romance that will for sure captivate the hearts of her fans as well as new readers.

This book is definitely a MUST READ!!!!

REVIEW – JONQUILS FOR JAX (The Rousseaus, #1) by Katy Regnery

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SYNOPSIS:

Did you fall in love with The English Brothers? Were you hot for the Winslows?

Katy Regnery’s Blueberry Lane series continues with The Rousseau siblings!

Jacqueline “Jax” Rousseau is vivacious, rich, smart and beautiful…but that doesn’t mean she’s lucky in love: she’s dated doctors, lawyers, actors and politicians who’ve all managed to end up disappointing her. In fact, she’s on a self-imposed hiatus from love when she has an unpleasant run-in with her neighbor’s gorgeous new landscaper, Gardener Thibodeaux. Jax is not accustomed to gruff, ill-mannered men that can’t be charmed, but something about Gard intrigues her, and if she can find her way through the armor that surrounds his heart, she also might find a love that won’t let her down.

*****

Jonquils for Jax, The Rousseaus #1 – available 8.5.16

Marry Me Mad, The Rousseaus #2 – available 10.21.16

J.C. and the Bijoux Jolis, The Rousseaus #3 – available 11.29.16

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

”I’m goin’ to fall for you, Duchess. Hard. Don’t know if it’s just for now or forever, but if it’s not okay with you, tell me now.”

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This story was sweet, sexy, and had just a dash of angst, making it a perfect summer read. The series revolves around several families that live in an affluent neighborhood in the suburbs surrounding Philadelphia. The first installment of The Rousseaus, centers around Jacqueline “JAX” Rousseau.
Jax has returned to the family’s summer home, Le Chateau, for her older brother’s wedding. She’s also running away from her life back in L.A. After producing Hollywood’s latest blockbuster movie, Jax was thrown into the spotlight and became the paparazzi’s latest obsession. She never expected to have every aspect of her life splashed all over the tabloids and all Jax wants is to stay in the safe cocoon of her family’s summer estate. On the night of her brother’s wedding she ends up trying to fight off the unwanted advances of a family friend and her neighbor’s gardener comes to her rescue.

 

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Gardener Thibodeaux is an ex-cop, who was forced into early retirement after being injured in the line of duty. The incident left his vision severely impaired. He is almost completely blind. Gardener can only see things that are in extreme close proximity to him. His condition has left him a little bitter and he’s moved to the area in order to live a solitary life, away from family and old friends. He’s lost his passion for life, until he meets the beautiful and exasperating, Jax.

The attraction between them is electrifying. No matter how hard Gardener tries to fight his feelings, it becomes clear rather quickly that he is no match for Jax’s sweet and charming nature. They actually end up being perfect for each other. Both needing that push to get back on the right path and finding that the love that develops between them is just what they were looking for.

 

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I have a soft spot for damaged Heroes and early on I was swooning hard for Gardener. My heart ached for him because he never wanted to appear helpless and the times that his lack of vision required him to lean on others for assistance seemed to break his soul, piece by piece. But Jax never once showed pity and always offered her encouragement and love.

The Rousseaus series is off to a smashing start and I can’t wait for the next installment!

JONQUILS FOR JAX is available now!!
AMAZON US: http://ow.ly/4nvHaI
iBOOKS: http://ow.ly/SWS8x
NOOK: http://ow.ly/4nopYG

REVIEW – ALL THE UGLY and WONDERFUL THINGS by Bryn Greenwood

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SYNOPSIS:

As the daughter of a meth dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. Struggling to raise her little brother, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible “adult” around. She finds peace in the starry Midwestern night sky above the fields behind her house. One night everything changes when she witnesses one of her father’s thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold, wreck his motorcycle. What follows is a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people that asks tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer.

*****Dee’s Review*****

5++ Wonderfully Tragic Stars*****

(ARC obtained via Netgalley)

Have you ever read a book that after you are done reading, you have an uncontrollable need to hold it tight and close to you?

This story kidnapped me from my life; for two days I was away in a world that was dark and painful, yet so bright and beautiful. Not an easy read, but so worth the difficult journey. Never before after reading a book with so much pain did I feel so hopeful… Amazing!!!!!

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Wavy is a resilient girl who learned from an early age to survive in a harsh and dark world. Her parents; meth dealers, and completely selfish people. Wavy learned to protect herself by not talking, or showing emotions. When both her parents went to jail, Wavy went to live with her maternal aunt, but she couldn’t deal with Wavy’s issues, she wanted her to be something she wasn’t, something she was never going to be, a simple girl.

A few years later when Wavy was eight, her parents got reunited and with a new baby brother they went to live on a farm. Her life was nice and normal for a few weeks, until the roots of drug addiction took a hold of her parents again, and Wavy had to step up so she could provide and help raise her little baby brother.

One night a big mountain of a man crashed near her home, she felt compelled to help him, and he was nice to her in return, something she wasn’t used to. From that night on a fierce love was born, and they couldn’t help but to lean on and help each other.

Kellen saw the pain and need inside Wavy’s eyes. His friendship became everything to her, to him too, their most precious, and only real possession. Kellen had nobody in his life, so he made it his mission to look after Wavy and her brother Donald.

But as Wavy grew up so did her feelings for Kellen. He was one of the few people in her life whom she trusted. She knew, that even though it wasn’t appropriate and he was scared, that his love for her was pure and loyal.

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Unconventional and maybe even taboo, the theme of this book is not something anyone usually envisions enjoying or agreeing with, but if you let yourself go, and really go deep into the heart of the story, you will know and feel that this book is simply about love. A fierce love that was made to last forever, a feeling that could withstand time, distance and pain.

It’s funny because as soon as I finished reading, the first thing I did was go into my closet looking for my motorcycle boots. I wanted to put on Wavy’s shoes even if for a minute, I wanted her strength, her bravery, her determination. Her character is so inspiring, because even though she was born into a really hard life, she never felt or acted like a victim, she was a warrior. A beautiful warrior who would love and protect those inside her heart with everything she had.

This is a book that teaches so many beautiful lessons, you can’t escape its resonance in your heart, even if it’s unconventional and maybe even harsh. Without a doubt All The Ugly And Wonderful Things will be one of my most treasured books ever. A true gem.

REVIEW – RAVAGE (Scarred Souls, #3) by Tillie Cole

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SYNOPSIS

Taken by the Jakhua Clan as a teen, 194 was stripped of his name, his identity, and his freewill, meticulously honed to be a ruthless, soulless killing machine, trained solely to spill blood and stop hearts. This is a role he resents with every fiber of his being, but one he embraces to gain back the precious leverage the Georgians wield as their weapon of control: his younger sister, 152.

Mzia Kostava is in shock. After fleeing her mafia family’s massacre in Georgia as a child, Mzia lives in secret, hiding from her enemies in the dark shadows of Manhattan. At age twenty-five, believing all her family is dead, word reaches Mzia that her brother Zaal is very much alive… and living with their family’s greatest enemy: the Volkov Bratva in Brooklyn.

Yearning to be reunited with her beloved Zaal, Mzia risks her safety and anonymity for the brother she had mourned since childhood. But just as she reaches Zaal’s apartment, Mzia is seized and taken captive by a strange man, who is strong, dark, and brutal… Unyielding, he demands her utter obedience as he locks her away in darkness. He is highly skilled in torture and inflicting pain, and demands to know everything about her brother Zaal and everything about her. He is a man that’ll do anything to get what he wants.

Sometimes love requires the sacrifice and betrayal of those held most dear. But is finding one’s true love worth committing the greatest sacrifice of all?

*****Patty’s Review*****
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

The female wrapped herself around my heart like a warm blanket. It beat with the hope, with the surreal feeling, that she knew what it felt like to be me. She knew loss and grief.
She too harbored a scarred soul.

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Fans of The Scarred Souls series will not be disappointed with this latest installment. I honestly have to say that this series keeps getting better with each new story. I love them all but this series is seriously vying to be my fave by Ms. Tillie Cole. The characters are complex, broken, and ultimately so beautiful. Every story has had me on pins and needles and at the same time, completely captivated. I normally have a hard time staying up at night but I couldn’t help but stay awake while reading RAVAGE because I was beyond engrossed in this one.

REAP left us with a doozy of a cliffhanger. We knew that Zaal’s beloved little sister that he thought had been killed many years ago with the rest of his family, was actually alive. She also believed that her entire family had been killed and that she was the only remaining member of the Kostava clan. Zoya and Zaal had a very close and special bond when they were younger and suffered deeply when they both believed each other had died during the massacre. Upon learning that Zaal was alive and living in Brooklyn, Zoya recklessly decides to go out alone in search of her brother and ends up being kidnapped by an assassin who was sent to kill Zaal.

 

194 ‘aka’ Valentin, is just like Luka and Zaal. He was kidnapped at a very young age by the Jakhua. Valentin was tortured, beaten, and raped on a daily basis and shot up with experimental drugs, all so that he could be conditioned to become the ultimate killing machine. His little sister Inessa was kidnapped along with him and the Jakhua Mistress used his love for his sister to keep Valentin her obedient slave. She made sure to slash up his face so that he would be unattractive and feared by everyone.

During Zoya’s first days of captivity, she is subjected to cruel and severe torture tactics at the hands of Valentin, but she is one fierce young woman. She never gives up the information that Valentin is seeking and this makes him respect Zoya. As you can guess they will begin to develop real feelings for each other and their carnal nature takes over rather quickly. I might have been wiping the drool from my mouth because, holy hell, were these two on fire!! But at the same time, you feel the love developing between them. Valentin has a hard time grasping that Zoya truly loves him since he’s never received affection from anyone before. But Zoya sees beyond the scars and into the man’s soul. She knows what lies beneath the mangled exterior is a beautiful man who was meant to be her true other half.

There’s quite a bit of action and of course, the couple will face some very big obstacles. They’ve got the evil Jakhua Mistress to contend with and when things get extremely precarious, Valentin must work together with the last person he ever thought he would be allies with. Can the couple defeat their common enemy or will they be torn apart forever?

RAVAGE is available now. I highly recommend this entire series. Be sure to one-click.

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2biG1uc

 

*****Dee’s Review*****

4.5 My Beautiful Monster Stars****

(ARC kindly provided by author via Netgalley)

Dark and thrilling , Ravage was sweet torture to all my senses. Tillie Cole’s writing style goes up to another level with this story, solidifying her as one of my most favorite authors. She owned my heart with every single word of this novel, simply breathtaking!!!!

 

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194 was kidnapped as a young boy and taken to a horrible place where through treatments of daily doses of obedience drugs and torture methods he was made into a dangerous killer. These awful drugs were designed to erase the memory, and create total obedience in those who are exposed to it. 194 discovered that even though the drugs gave him the violence they were intended for, his memory was not affected. Every day he remembered his little sister, and how she too, was trapped in that dark hell where they were captive and made into monsters and slaves of hate and greed.

194’s Mistress has given him a new hit; he’s been sent to New York to kill a man and upon the completion of his mission, he has been promised to see his sister. This man he needs to kill is Zaal Kostava an important man in the Russian mafia, which means he is heavily protected, so instead of taking him he takes his sister Zoya. He doesn’t know it’s his sister he has taken, he just knows it must be someone important to Zaal.

194 takes the girl captive into a chamber where he plans to torture the truth out of her, what he doesn’t know is that, more than a mafia Princess, Zoya is a warrior, someone who has been through a lot of pain and difficulties and has learned to fight and cope like a true soldier.

Even though one might look like a monster and the other one is a beauty, these two characters have more in common than they think. Both broken souls, who can fight and withstand even the worst of pain. Zoya will see something inside the monster that others can’t, a human heart who is just looking to be free. As these two characters unlock their hearts, unexpected feelings will burn hot, opening a new door that gives them hope.

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I was on pins and needles the whole time I was reading. The thrill and the passion inside the story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I highlighted countless paragraphs that made my blood burn hot and my heart beat faster, making me feel as if I was inside the cage with the characters of the story.

Even though there’s a recurring theme, and all the characters from previous stories are also present in this book, Tillie’s talent and creativity, brings us something different every time. You’ll never feel like you are reading more of the same, always exciting and explosive yet unique each time, I just love this series.

Definitely, a must read!!!!

REVIEW – SUGAR RUSH (Sugar Bowl, #2) by Sawyer Bennett

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SYNOPSIS:

In the steamy and suspenseful sequel to Sugar Daddy (“A totally gripping take on romance and revenge!”—Lauren Blakely), a heartbreaking rift threatens to unravel a dangerous alliance . . . and a fragile new love.

After posing as an escort for the Sugar Bowl online dating service, Sela Halstead is looking for one thing: payback. She’s closing in on the site’s heartless founder, Jonathon Townsend, and she needs Beckett North, Townsend’s business partner and her lover, by her side. She’d thought that their intimate nights together had forged an unbreakable bond, but after a shocking betrayal, Sela begins to doubt the brilliant bad boy. When push comes to shove, can she trust Beck to do the right thing?

Now that he understands the truth, Beck will stop at nothing to secure the reckoning Sela deserves. But between his desire for her and his disgust for JT, Beck doesn’t exactly have a lot of control over his emotional state. Left with no other choice, he must summon all his discipline to maintain JT’s trust and pretend that they’re still friends. But how far will Beck go to prove his loyalty to Sela? He nearly lost her once. To keep her, Beck might have to kill for her.

Note: Sugar Rush ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story concludes in Sugar Free!

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

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Sugar Rush picks up right where the last book left off. Emotions are running high and betrayal is in the air. Sela & Beck are not in a good place when this story starts, but eventually all their secrets and out in the open with one another & they come out the other side stronger than ever.

After nearly losing Sela, Beck will stop at nothing to prove his loyalty. He’s by her side & will do anything to protect her. They form an alliance and together plan their revenge against JT. As they are closing in on JT, Beck has to act like they are the best of friends.

During their deception & planning to take down JT, Beck & Sela continue to grow closer. They both realize they want a future together and have fallen hard for each other. They decide to move forward with their relationship while executing their removal of JT from their lives.

The passion in this one is just as delicious and intense as in the first book. This couple together is on fire! It’s an emotional roller coaster that I couldn’t get enough of. You will read this book in one sitting. It also has another cliffhanger, so you will be dying for the final book in this series, Sugar Free.

REVIEW – NEIGHBOR DEAREST by Penelope Ward

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SYNOPSIS:

A STANDALONE NOVEL that does *not* need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends to lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4.5 “You’re My Unicorn” Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

-“You only get one true love, one soulmate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find that person in a lifetime.”

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Chelsea Jameson is a 25 yr. old woman living in San Francisco, & working at the Mission Youth Center. After the guy she thought was her soulmate breaks her heart, Chelsea needs to get away from the apartment with all the memories of her ex Elec.

She finds a fabulous new apartment in the mission district that she loves. The only issue is her gorgeous, unfriendly next door neighbor. He looks like her ex, but even hotter. He is an artist who does spray paint art, & is often working on a mural on the property at the apartments.

Eventually, Chelsea finally meets this hot neighbor when his two huge dogs keep her up with their barking. She learns his name is Damien Hennessey. She continues to run into Damien & they continue to clash. When she discovers there is a hole behind her bed, & Damien has been listening to her private conversations, she worries he knows all her personal business she’s been discussing with her therapist.

She is shocked when Damien gives her great advice & shows her kindness. They develop a friendship & start spending time together. As Chelsea develops a major crush on Damien, the strong connection continues to grow. They both are extremely attracted to one another, but Damien continues to fight his feelings for Chelsea & makes it very clear they can only be friends.

As the sexual tension & chemistry explodes, they both have more trouble not taking things further. Chelsea feels a physical pull towards Damien more than ever. It’s been so long since she felt this closeness with a man, & she really wants to get to know him on an intimate level. She’s falling hard for him, & lines get blurred when they can’t resist each other any longer.

-I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.

This was a beautiful friends to lovers story. Two people who find their soulmate when they least expect it. They fall deeply, helplessly in love & develop a trust & bond that is unbreakable. I really loved this book & hope we get a book for Tyler & Jade next!

*****Dee’s Review*****

FIVE Unicorn STARS*****

(ARC kindly provided by author)

Two broken hearts destined to fix each other. Just when you think all is lost and you can never love again, you’ll find the most unique and perfect heart, just next door…

Chelsea is a girl we once knew, she got her heart broken by a man who was in love with another, and now she is trying to pick up the pieces of the mess he left behind. Everything reminds her of him, her home, her job, everywhere she looks she sees pieces of the happiness she thought she had with him.

In an effort to get a new beginning Chelsea has decided to move into a new place. A wonderful apartment that is super close to her job. After a few weeks in her new pad, she is feeling content, except for the fact that she can’t sleep due to the constant barking of her neighbor’s dogs.

Oh… the neighbor! Sexy, broody and did I say sexy?

Damien aka “The angry artist”, turns out not to only be Chelsea’s neighbor but her landlord. Even though Chelsea and Damien got off to a rocky start, he gives her very useful advice that will provide the clarity she’s been needing in regards to her break-up. In the midst of all her heartache and confusion Damien’s up front and honest attitude is the only thing helping her to get hope and a new perspective on her life.

Damien, the neighbor turns out is full of charm, he is also very sensitive and a genuine friend, so it won’t be long before the lines between their friendship become blurry. As much as Damien finds himself having strong feelings for his beautiful neighbor, he has to quickly shut that down. He can’t do commitments, that is just not in the cards for him, and he’d rather push her away before breaking her heart again.

Even though Chelsea is feeling stronger and surer of herself, she is missing something she knows she can ever have with Damien.

Their hearts beat faster when they are together, hearts that were lost and are now found inside the colorful walls that hold a beautiful love that can’t be contained.

What was once very painful paved the road to find Damien and Chelsea’s true destiny, their very own unicorn. That is the beautiful idea behind the plot of this book. A story so full of passion and heart, color and hope, something that was truly mesmerizing.

Another beautiful standalone by author Penelope Ward. Five Unicorn stars that took my breath away and made me fall in love with the story of the angry artist and the broken hearted girl. Unforgettable…

 

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FIVE+++++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.

 

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You know the feelings of euphoria you get after having read a really phenomenal story?!! Well, I am definitely flying high on those feelings even three days after having finishedNeighbor Dearest. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such strong emotions from reading a Penelope Ward book and I doubt that it will be the last time for me. I thought that the plot, Hero, Heroine, and some of the secondary characters were all outstanding, which made it impossible for my rating to be any less than 5++++ STARS. Penelope Ward has solidified herself in my “must-read” author category.

It has been a couple of years since I’ve read Stepbrother Dearest. I remember being completely in love with that book, but I forgot all about the girlfriend that Elec broke up with to be with Greta. I’m wondering why I didn’t feel any compassion for the girl who was left behind. When we meet Chelsea Jameson in this one, she is still very much heartbroken and trying to mend the pieces of her life back together after the breakup with Elec. He really spun her world off its axis. Never did she think that the man who professed his love for her would end up putting her through the worst pain she’s ever experienced in her life. Chelsea moves to a new apartment because her previous one holds too many memories of Elec and she’s ready to leave the past behind. She is about to meet the man who will have her heart saying, “Elec, who??!!!”

Damien Hennessy is Chelsea’s new snarky and seriouslyHOT neighbor, who also happens to be her landlord. They don’t get off to the best start but as time passes a fast friendship develops between them. Their friendship helps Chelsea get over her heartache and it even starts to affect Damien more than he’d like to admit. There is no denying that the two have white hot chemistry but as much as Damien would like to give in to the attraction, he holds himself back because he believes that Chelsea deserves someone far better than him. He tries to help her find someone through online dating but his protective and jealous nature end up playing serious games with Chelsea’s mind and heart.

This book was like my own little slice of heaven. I found the first half to be laugh-out-loud funny and the second half had me tied up in horrible knots because of the angst that ensues. There were even times I shed a tear or two.

Neighbor Dearest is currently available. I can’t stress enough that this is a MUST-READ! If you haven’t one-clicked yet, make sure that you do. It’s currently going for $3.99 but will be listed at its normal price of $4.99 starting next week!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aS8BPa
iBooks: http://apple.co/29mC6L8
Nook: http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2axt1SY

 

REVIEW – REAPER’S FIRE (Reapers MC, #6) by Joanna Wylde

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SYNOPSIS:

It’s time for more men and motorcycles in the latest from theNew York Times bestselling author of Reaper’s Fall…

The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

*****Mel’s Review*****

4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

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Gage aka Cooper Romero is a 38 yr. old biker from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has been with the Reaper’s MC for the past 19 years. He would do anything for his club, so when they need someone to go undercover, Gage and his club brother Painter head to Hallies Falls, in Washington State. They both have to play a role to get inside a local motorcycle club & try to get information they need. Deciding the club presidents sister would be a good in for them, Gage pursues her.

While in Hallies Falls, Gage poses as a long-haul trucker, & takes a job as a handyman in exchange for free rent & an apartment. His new landlady is Tinker Garrett. She is gorgeous & Gage is seriously hot for her, but he can’t act on his attraction. He is supposed to do his job & then go home.

Tinker is extremely attracted to Gage. She wants her new maintenance guy bad, but doesn’t know if he’s interested. She has such a lousy track record with men. After a failed marriage & devastating loss, she moved back home to care for her dad, & help run their family-owned apartment building. She has a successful business selling gourmet chocolates but hasn’t had much luck lately in the men department.

-She wanted me as much as I wanted her.

It’s killing Gage that he can’t have Tinker because of his commitments to the club. For the first time, he’s found a woman he not only lusts for, but he really respects. He truly likes Tinker as a person & enjoys her company. As the sexual tension explodes between these two, they begin to have trouble containing their desire for one another.

Things get complicated when Gage’s lies are out in the open & the club and everyone close to them is in danger from their enemies. I really enjoyed this book & love this whole series.

*****Patty’s Review*****

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}

I have two favorite MC series, The Hades Hangmen by Tillie Cole, and of course The Reaper’s MC by Joanna Wylde. I pretty much have loved each installment. These men are seriously hardcore Alpha Males and when they fall in love with a woman, they don’t do it halfway. They will do whatever it takes to own their women, body, and soul. The MC means everything to them but when it comes down to it, nothing is more important to them than the women who own their hearts.

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I was really excited about Gage and Tinker when we were given a little sneak peek into their world in the bonus epilogue at the end of Reaper’s Fall. I think that most of the storyline takes place prior to and might coincide with some of the incidents that occurred during the previous book. I have to mention that Gage is dating another woman in this story and they do have sex several times, but he’s undercover and completely despises the woman he is pretending to be into. I know this will still piss off some readers, and while I was a bit peeved, it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.

Gage is living in Hallie’s Falls under the alias of Cooper Romero. His mission is to infiltrate a local MC that has been involved in some shady business. Gage’s way in was to hook up with Talia, the sister of the Nighthawk Raider’s President. Talia is young and just a tad bit psychotic. This is definitely not a dream assignment for Gage. He also lands a job as a handyman at a local apartment building that is owned by Tinker Garrett. She turns him on more than any other woman he’s ever known. He’s completely screwed because he can’t act on his attraction to Tinker due to his undercover work with the local MC.

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Tinker only just moved back to Hallie’s Falls during recent months. She has filed for divorce from her husband who was pretty much a douche. She’s taking care of her family’s business and her father, who has been suffering from occasional memory loss. When she meets Gage for the first time, he definitely has her hormones raging out of control. But his connection to the Nighthawk Riders and Talia has her steering clear of him.

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It took quite a long time before these two finally give in to their attraction to each other and I really thought I was going to die from the anticipation. When they finally do get down to the schmexy it was definitely worth the wait but call me greedy, I wish there were a lot more of these scenes! I mean throughout the entire book, we know that Gage is one seriously HOT looking alpha male and I just wanted more of the down and dirty time with him!!!

Overall this was a very enjoyable read, low on the schmexy for my tastes, but still pretty good. I loved the epilogue. It wasn’t what I was expecting and I found it to be super heart-warming.

Reaper’s Fire is currently available. Make sure you one-click!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1mD6Sma
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1IOuRJI
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JUbzxl
Nook: http://bit.ly/1mzrJaD
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Uu6bXu
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1SxRDaQ