Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

March 12, 2019

REVIEW: Moonlight and Whiskey


HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE!  CHECK OUT MOONLIGHT AND WHISKEY BY TRICIA LYNNE IT IS SEXY AND FUNNY AS HELL!



Moonlight & Whiskey
Author: Tricia Lynne
Release Date: March 12th



Successful businesswoman Avery Barrows likes her dips and curves, but she’s sick of the haters telling her that she should be ashamed of her body instead of embracing it. Determined to send them a big f*** you, Avery resolves to cut loose during a girls’ trip, hightailing her quick-mouthed, plus-sized self to New Orleans. So, what’s a smart woman with a little extra gotta do to get laid in this town?

Not much if you ask Declan McGinn, the lead singer of BlackSmith. Tall, dark, and tattooed, with a body made for sin, Declan prefers his women as curvy as his guitars. Avery’s sharp tongue and keen mind makes him want her even more.

As they burn up the sheets, Avery and Declan realize this is no one-night (or even one-week) stand. But for all of her bluster, Avery isn’t sure she can handle any more rejection. Besides, Declan has demons of his own. Now Avery has a choice to make: play it safe, or place her trust in the hands of a man who’s as tempting as the devil himself.

PURCHASE LINKS




MY REVIEW 

Moonlight & Whiskey by Tricia Lynne is sin and spice and everything naughty and nice! It had me laughing out loud and shedding tears.

This is the first book I read by this author and it won’t be the last.

A story of learning how to love oneself flaws and all.

Avery works as an engineer. She is very staid and plain but she also moonlights as a sassy, sexy, foul-mouthed woman. On a trip to New Orleans, she plans to let loose her playful and care-free side.

Here, she meets Declan, sexy and kind, he is also the lead singer of a rock band. He also seems “in” to her. But is he really?

As the heat and passion rises between Avery and Declan, so do their protective walls. Will they be brave enough to believe in themselves as well as the epic love that awaits them if and when they do?

From the first chapter, I was engaged. I saw myself in Avery. Being a bigger woman myself, I could draw parallels and understand her motivation, reasoning and fear.

Avery was funny, sassy, sweet and an absolute firecracker! I loved her character even though I must say, there were times where she made me angry.

Declan, OMG! He is such a sexy man! A man that we all aspire to have. He helps his woman feel like a woman. He also helps build confidence where it lacks in Avery simply by treating her the way a woman is supposed to be treated.

This couple without a doubt was meant for each other.

I also cared about the secondary characters in this book and hope they will each get their stories told.

This was a funny, down to earth read with all the feels. A story of being happy and comfortable in your own skin and of reclaiming your power as a woman to feel sexy and desirable at any size.

An amazing read not to be missed!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts an opinions are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Tricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words—a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, and her Midwestern roots. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines, and believes writing isn’t a decision one makes, but a calling one can’t resist. A member of the Romance Writers of America, she lives in Dallas with her husband and their goofy dogs.


March 04, 2019

REVIEW & RELEASE: Bennett Mafia

Guess what’s LIVE!!!!! Bennett Mafia by Tijan.  This is a must read for all mafia lovers.  It will keep you on the edge of your seat and will keep those pages turning!


Bennett Mafia
Author: Tijan
Release Date: March 4, 2019

SUMMARY 

There were always whispers about my roommate at Hillcrest Academy.

The wealthiest of the wealthy sent their kids to our boarding school, and Brooke Bennett had been at the top, though I never quite knew why. She was fun and outgoing, but she kept quiet about her family. The only things she showed me were photographs of her brothers.

I became fascinated with her second-oldest brother. Kai Bennett.

He was the most of them all. Smoldering. Hypnotic. Alluring.
Kai had eyes that pulled me in and a face that haunted my dreams.

Then I met him.

He came to our school with their father, and that’s when I learned what kind of family Brooke came from. They were mafia, and Brooke’s oldest brother was dead. Her father said accident, but Brooke said murder.

Three months later, her father died, and Kai became the head of the Bennett Family. Brooke left Hillcrest for good, and that was the last time I saw her.

Fourteen years later, I’m staring at her face on the television. Brooke is missing.

Two days later, Kai Bennett kidnaps me.

ADD TO GOODREADS
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MY REVIEW 

This book is everything I wanted and more! It is dark and gritty with twists and turns that will get your heart-pumping. It also has a resilient and kickass heroine that knows how to take care of herself. Not to mention one badass mafia man that will get the blood pumping in your veins.

Bennett Mafia by Tijan is dark and gritty but also emotional. There was balance in the dark and the light much like Kai and Riley. I loved the contrast and how both characters stay true to who they are.

This book is thrilling and exciting. It also has a little bit of mystery peppered in which will keep you on your toes.

Riley’s character is no dainty miss. She is smart, sassy and has a lot of fight.

Kai, be still my heart! Kai is powerful, cold and calculating but is also SO much more!

Tijan has dropped another gripping and engaging read to her arsenal. You don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


EXCERPT

I woke in a bed with the softest sheets I’d ever felt, and drool. So much drool.
It took a second for me to catch up, but once I did, I bolted upright with a gasp.
It was pitch-black outside.

Glass doors. The same modern bedroom with an entire apartment just beyond the doorway and the soft glow of a light on in the other room.

I was in Kai Bennett’s room, in his bed.

 Could I close my eyes, go back to sleep, and wake up in Oz? Was that an option? I’d take it in a second if so.

The sound of a page turning came from the next room. Then I heard a chair push back.
Soft footsteps came until he stood in the doorway.

The light was on behind him, casting him in full shadow, so I couldn’t see any details except his very trim and toned silhouette.

Why’d someone so evil have to be that good looking?

“Why’d you take me?” I shifted to a sitting position, pulling the sheets around me and noting that I was in a different shirt and wore boxer briefs over my underwear. He’d changed my clothes.

That was low on the list of problems, but… “Where are my clothes?”

He let out a soft and tired-sounding sigh. “You stumbled going into your room and hit your head. My brother didn’t notice the blood trickling down your back, but my guards did. They alerted me.” He nodded. “Your clothes were bloody. They had to be changed.”
Now that he mentioned it, my head was pounding.

I touched the back of my head and hissed, feeling a large bruise. The fact that I hadn’t noticed that spoke volumes. I was too consumed by everything else.

And speaking of that, on to my second question. “What do you know about 411?”

He answered without hesitation, crossing his arms over his chest and propping one shoulder against the doorframe. “I know they helped hide you and your mother. I know they’re relatively new, but they’re effective. They have heavy funders backing them, and I know they set up one man for murder, who is now in prison. I know your employers might mean well right now, but they are dangerous.”

I blinked a few times, taking that in.

I winced on the inside when he mentioned the frame job. That had been an operative who went rogue, but no one fought to defend the guy.

I scowled. “He tried to murder his wife.”

“But he didn’t.”

I snorted. “You’re sticking up for the one slightly innocent monster? You?”

Watch your tone, Riley. You forget who you’re talking to.

I could hear my mother’s voice admonishing me, and I bit my lip as soon as the words were out. It was too late, though. I waited, watching to see if this infamous murdering monster would come toward me now.

He didn’t move, just murmured, “You are not a good enough fighter to speak like that to me.”

That same shiver went up my back. There was a deadly warning in there too.
I swallowed over a lump. “I’m sorry.”

But was I? Was I really?

He had murdered. Cord. His father. Brooke?

I frowned. “You’re looking for Brooke? That’s why you kidnapped me?”

“Among other reasons, yes.” He lifted his head again, straightening from the doorframe and taking a step toward me. Just one step—enough to be imposing, slightly intimidating, but still giving me space to breathe so I didn’t scare away.
He was so measured, so calculating.

“My sister contacted you the day before yesterday. I want to know where she is.”
All the oxygen left the room, and my head started spinning again. “You think—what?
No.”

“Yes.” His voice was hard now. Gone was the subtlety. “Brooke asked me to keep tabs on you. She cares about you. You work for a network that specializes in helping people disappear, and I know she was desperate. She went to you; I know this much.”

He took another step toward me.

I sat up straighter, rolling to my knees and then to my heels, ready to spring if I needed to.

Another step.

He squatted next to the bed so he was level with me, and now I could see him. He’d shifted out of the shadows, and I saw how fierce his eyes were. They blazed with anger and determination.

His perfect lips barely moved as he grated out, “You will tell me where she is.”
I swallowed again. The lump in my throat had doubled in size.

He wasn’t going to take no, but I had to try. “Before I saw your sister on the news, I hadn’t really heard much from her since you drove her away from Hillcrest. I swear to you that’s the truth.”

His eyes narrowed. “I know you know where she is, but don’t worry. If you won’t tell me, I know others who will.” He stood abruptly and went back to the main room.
I scrambled out of bed and padded after him.

I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. I don’t think anyone could’ve been.
I thought he had been reading a book, maybe looking over files for his business. I’d been sleeping in his bed, and he was waiting with a glass of wine beside a fire. Something cozy like that.

I was so wrong.

As I got to the doorway, I saw them, and someone started screaming.
It was me.



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February 26, 2019

REVIEW: Bad Influence



Bad Influence
Bad Bachelors #3
Author: Stefanie London


He's the bad bachelor who inspired it all...
Annie Maxwell had her whole life figured out...until her fiance left her when his career took off. If that wasn't bad enough, every society blog posted pictures of him escorting a woman wearing her engagement ring. To help the women of New York avoid guys like her ex, Annie created the Bad Bachelors app. But try as she might, Annie just can't forget him...

For bank executive Joe Preston, his greatest mistake was leaving the love of his life when she needed him most. Now, all he wants is to make things right--and she won't have him. But when Annie's safety is threatened by a hacker determined to bring down her app, Joe is the only one she can turn to. He'll have to lay himself on the line to prove to Annie that he's a changed man. But will their hard-won bond survive the revelation that Annie is the one pulling the strings behind Bad Bachelors?

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | UK | CA | AU


MY REVIEW

Bad Influence by Stefanie London is simply amazing. No filler, fluff or over dramatization. This is second-chance romance the way it was meant to be written.

Annie and Joseph had a devastating break-up three years ago. Both were heartbroken and believe the other is at fault.

Now, Joe has returned home from abroad and quite literally runs into Annie.

Feelings of hurt, betrayal and anger are too apparent but love simmers just beneath.

When Annie has no other choice but to seek help and advice from Joe, old memories resurface.

Can these two take the tiny spark of love they still have for each other and make it burn bright again?

This is the third book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, there are characters that are interwoven that have their own story in books one and two and I think you’ll want to start there because I now want to read those books!

The story is told in dual POV and the pace is good but in some areas it does lag. Especially when it comes to Annie and her decisions.

I truly loved this couple together. They were made for each other but let life and family get in the way.

This was a heartfelt, second-chance romance with a great story line and even better characters.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


February 19, 2019

REVIEW & RELEASE: Twisted

Like dark, singeing sensuality in your book?  Twisted by Natasha Knight is for you.  Check out my review and read an excerpt!



Twisted
Author: Natasha Knight
Genre: Dark Romance Standalone
Release Date: Feb 19, 2019

BLURB  

My brother was right. I always wanted my own Willow Girl.

What happened on that island didn’t break me.
It twisted me.
Corrupted me.
Made me into a monster.

Although, I guess it’s true what she says. You can’t become something that wasn’t inside you all along.

This was always going to happen.
I was always going to take Amelia Willow.
History and destiny sealed her fate. Sealed both of ours.

For months, I’ve been waiting.
Watching.
Preparing.

And tonight, everything will change.
Because tonight, I’ll collect my own Willow Girl.

Author’s Note: Twisted is a standalone spinoff of the Dark Legacy Duet. No cliffhanger!

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US | UK | CA | AU | B&N | KOBO | APPLE BOOKS



MY REVIEW 

4.5 STARS!

Absolutely twisted, intense and compelling this book got my rapt attention, making me feel breathless throughout.

It is a fast-paced read that will consume until the very end.

Gregory Scafoni is twisted after a history of being ignored and the most recent betrayal of his brother and his brother’s Willow girl.

Amelia is a Willow girl but not the sacrificed Willow girl. Can she be the Willow girl for Gregory Scafoni or is that place forever held by another?

I want more! It all went so fast and ended way too quickly. This was a whirlwind of a book.

Gregory and Amelia were on fire! Their need for each other palpable and sexy.

Amelia was a brave woman with spunk and daring. Definitely able to handle Gregory.

Gregory Scafoni bares scars. Scars from a lifetime of being second best or not being in the running at all. For all his darkness, he is loyal and protective not to mention demanding.

This was an enthralling read that was creepy, haunting and oh so sexy. A book that had me glued to my seat until the very end.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



EXCERPT 

Prologue
Amelia
                                                                                                  
He says that together they twisted him.
Made him the monster he’s become.
But you can’t become something that wasn’t inside you all along.

A tear drops to the sketchbook on my lap, the blob smearing the lead. I wipe it away with the tip of my finger and watch the stain spread to the edge of the page.

I can’t seem to stop drawing that night.
The night when the Scafoni brothers stalked into our home and we were made to wear those rotting, disgusting sheaths and forced to stand on those ancient blocks as Sebastian Scafoni, first-born bastard, looked us over like we were cattle.

I can’t stop drawing the look on his face when he saw Helena.
Even if she wasn’t bound like she was, she’d have stood out.
She always thought herself the ugly duckling but she’s the most beautiful of all. She’s special. Always was. Different from us. And so much stronger.

Crap.

I swipe the back of my hand across my nose and listen to the sound of tears drop fat and heavy onto the page and this time when I lay my hand on the sketch, it’s to smear the wet across like maybe I can wipe away that night. Rub it off the page. Erase it out of history like it never happened.

“Oh, now look what you’ve done,” he says. His voice is deep and low, and I swear I can feel it as much as hear it.

He takes my hand with his gloved one and pulls it away.

“Ruined it.”

I look at him. I finally make myself look at him.

“I hate you.”

He grins. Shrugs a shoulder, his grip growing infinitesimally harder.
I glance at my palm—it’s black from the pencil—and look down at the page in front of me.

He’s right. It’s ruined.
But it doesn’t matter. I have dozens like it.
Hundreds.
Thousands.

I can’t stop drawing that night.
Can’t stop it from happening.
Can’t stop the Scafoni bastards from walking into our lives, upending everything. Coming into our home like kings, like they owned the place.
Although, I guess they did.
They owned everything. Our house. Our land. Our parents.
My sister.
Me.

I force myself to meet Gregory Scafoni’s dark eyes with their strange turquoise specks and wonder how I’d ever thought he was an angel.
My angel.
My savior.
When all he is, is the devil.


AUTHOR BIO
USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are almost always guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.

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