Review: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal

Title: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal
Author: Jayne Fresina
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Pages: 384
Buy Link: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)
Source: ARC from Publisher

Blurb:

When a Perfectly Proper Lady...

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It's what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she's obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there's one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can't rein in; whose chaos she can't contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue...

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn't mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people's business. And it just so happens that Mercy "Silky Drawers" Danforthe still owes him a wedding night...

A Scandal's Never Far Behind

Review

This was a great book, but it didn't quite satisfy me.

The first half of the book felt like an obligation for me. I felt like I was dragging my feet reading it. The quarrel between Mercy and Rafe was a bit too much for me. I didn't feel the affection that I assumed was supposed to be there.

The second half of the book, however, was interesting. When the scandal started, that's when things started going good. Mrs. Kenton was such an annoying character, I think the author did a great job on her. Mercy liked to fix and meddle with things. She just couldn't help it. I also loved that horses and hedges were used as a metaphor. It was a nice addition.

Overall, the book was entertaining. I'm hoping the final version would be a little more gripping, though. Mercy was quite endearing the more I read the book, and eventually, the name-callings became endearing as well. Mercy and Rafe meant well, even though they thought the worst of each other at first.

Mercy: "Rafe, Darling?"
Rafe: "Hmm?"
Mercy: "Do mind my gown. It's very fine silk."
With a low growl, he rolled over and silenced her with another kiss. Before too long, that very fine silk was discarded on the floor in any case, and soon assaulted by his rough cord breeches, his torn shirt, and his muddy boots.

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Promo+Review: The Shadow Slayers

Today, I have the wonderful Cassi Carver! I've met her a few times and she's just absolutely amazing. She's a very animated reader! I'm hoping to see her tonight! Meanwhile, check out her series below!

Title: Dark Flight
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #3
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Pages: 263
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | Samhain

Blurb:

In a world of shadows, a pure heart can be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Kara has been training for months to help take down Brakken—the merciless black-wing who is making life hell for the Demiáre. But when Julian discovers a scout has been tracking Kara, he wants her out of the fight—even if it means breaking her heart in the process.

Gavin isn’t much better. He’s already lost so much to Brakken and has no intention of allowing the woman he loves to be the next sacrifice. He and Julian have their hands full trying to fight Brakken’s army and keep Kara safe, especially after her recent visit to the mythical white-wings. Since her return, she’s been acting decidedly…strange.

With a terrible battle looming, Kara doesn’t have time to think about her conflicted feelings for Gavin and Julian—or the fact that she’s developed an unnatural taste for Gavin’s blood. But if she thought it was complicated evading mysterious scouts and fending off vicious black-wings, she’s learning that’s nothing compared to loving two strong-willed men.

Product Warnings:

This book contains angels that aren’t what they seem, a heroine with mad midwifery skills, and a metamorphosis that will change life as we knew it. 

Title: Shadow Rising
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #2
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Pages: 272
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | Samhain | Sony

Blurb:

Her lover is back from the dead…but now there’s hell to pay.

When Kara Reed learns her bondmate, Julian, is truly dead, and that Gavin has seemingly skipped town, she figures things have hit rock bottom. But soon, a string of bizarre accidents has her doubting those closest to her. And to make matters worse, the demon-king’s brand carved into her best friend Abbey’s stomach is deteriorating by the day.

Then a powerful coven of witches issues Kara an ultimatum. Bring them the blood of a true fallen angel—the only thing that will heal Abbey—or die. Kara would do anything to help her friend. Problem is, the only fallen angel she’s seen lately is the disoriented black-wing who attacked her scouts. One who looks suspiciously like Julian. Getting his blood might be easier if he was more interested in kissing her than killing her.

Caught between a coven of vengeful witches and a murderous dead lover, Kara must deliver the blood, heal the slow poison of Abbey’s brand, and save Julian from being consumed by the Abyss. But to do this, she may need the help of the one man she swore never to trust again…Gavin.

Product Warnings:

This book contains an angry demon returning from the dead, a clan lord hiding a terrible secret, and a hunted heroine cracking open a can of whoop-ass. Watch out for creepy kitties, exploding bad guys, and some very sudsy shower sex.

Title: Slayer's Kiss
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #1
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 272
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | Sony | Samhain

Blurb:

When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.

When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Product Warnings:

Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”. 

Review

Sex, sex, and more sex. Oh my Og.

I'm not lying when I say half of this book is literally SEX. When I first started reading it, every page was filled with it; I can practically see the stench coming off the page. Whether that's good or bad is still yet to be decided.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the action scenes. Whenever Kara or any of the winged men would fight, it was more a turn-on than all the sex that happened. Is that weird?

Gavin and Julian. Wow, this book sure was NOT predictable. I didn't like either Gavin or Julian until towards the end. I won't lie, I did want Gavin to be the guy at the end with the happy ending. I won't give it away whether he got it or not. Julian, on the other hand, seemed to me like a raging man who was way too possessive. Let's face it, I didn't like him. My opinion changed when he performed one act - the one act that he swore he would do until his last breath - protect Kara. I sure love men and their testosterone when used in battle!

The fighting scene during the climax of this book was so intense! I applaud the author for such vivid imagery. I was, however, quite disappointed that the volcano island wasn't really described. I was hoping I could travel there through the book. Oh well, the fight scene was enough.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm not the biggest fan of fantasy, but this book did make me want to keep on reading. The coupling left little to be desired. The seemingly gigantic girths didn't really turn on the charm for me. Other than that, bravo!

Almost forgot, I absolutely loved Jaxon!! I hope I see him more in future books :) Check out this quote with him and Kara!

Kara: "Couldn't you have taught me these things after the lessons in how to resist soothing? I don't know crap about these people."
Jaxon: "I've done as much as I could in one week. Not much time was left after your lessons to me each night on the various flavors of Ben and Jerry."

About the Author:

Cassi Carver lives in sunny Southern California with two dogs, four kids, five chickens, and one hubby who gives great massages. She gets to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for research (okay, happy hour) as often as possible. She’s never saved the world, but she keeps sexy boots on hand just in case the opportunity arises.

When Cassi isn’t busy plotting or writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, caring for pets, getting outdoors, and watching sappy movies that deliver reliably happy endings.

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads

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Alpha Quote: His Risk to Take

Title: His Risk to Take

Author: Tessa Bailey

Pages: 162

Blurb:

The greater the risk, the hotter the reward…

            Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control—until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

            Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into O’Hanlon’s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her—risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

ALPHA QUOTE: "I'm going to take you to my bed and pleasure the fuck out of you. But the panties stay on. It's nonnegotiable."

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Review: Going Down

Title: Going Down
Author: Brenna Zinn
Publisher: Decadent Publishing LLC
Release Date: February 5, 2012
Pages: 21
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

What does one hunky Navy Seal plus a blizzard equal on Valentine's Day for Michelle Bishop? One hot night in an elevator with nowhere to go and no electricity to get there. Add a holiday gift basket from Valentino's that's full of candles, body paint, and chocolate wine, and going down on an elevator becomes a Valentine experience she'll never forget.

Review

I was really excited to read this book. An encounter in the elevator? That sounds like fun, right?

Well, it was interesting, but it didn't quite impress me as much as I hoped it would. Sure, the attraction was there as well as the intensity. However, the book was too short, and I didn't feel like the characters had enough development. Then again, there's not much development that could happen in an elevator. Nonetheless, I wanted more.

Overall, it's a nice appetizer of a book, but not quite as satisfying as the meal itself.

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Review: Hold Me Down Hard

Title: Hold Me Down Hard
Author: Cathryn Fox
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Flirt)
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Pages: 41
Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

When Eden Carver, Iowa farm girl turned NY actress, decides to seduce the sexy cop next door, she begins to wonder if she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
　
The last thing Officer Jay Bennett wants is to cross a line with the sweet and innocent country girl—no matter how much he’d like to help himself to a nibble. Not only are they in the friendship zone, a naïve girl like Eden doesn’t belong in his dangerous world.　

But when she asks him to help her rehearse lines, and things go from simmer to boil, he finds himself doing the one thing he swore he’d never do.He knows he needs to walk away from temptation, but when sweet little Eden bites back, it tilts his world on its axis.

Because biting back changes everything.

Review

Hot, Hot, HOT!!!

I absolutely loved this book, especially because the main character was an actress! The sexual tension was so intense, there was no other way but to burst. The author did such an amazing job, I'm practically speechless.

The way Jay tried to reign in his feelings of lust for Eden was quite admiring. Of course, a man can only resist for so long. When he finally gave in, oh boy! All hell broke loose and a hot and steamy encounter ensued. 

This book was an absolute MASTERPIECE! It's only $0.99 so don't be lame; go buy it!!!

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Review: Lady Vivian Defies a Duke

Title: Lady Vivian Defies a Duke
Series: Beau Monde Bachelors, #4
Author: Samantha Grace
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Pages: 352
Buy Links: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

The Naked Truth

Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when there's no one around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn't she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she's going to enjoy her freedom...

A Revealing Discovery

Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride that comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he's just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.

Review

This book was one of the best I've read this year!

I'm so glad that I signed up to review this book. Samantha Grace should be in the bestseller's list if she's not already. This book had me chuckling with the turn of every page! Lady Vivian was such a lively woman; it was so refreshing reading her story. This book had so much going for it. I thought, once Lady Vivian and the Duke of Foxhaven decided they wanted to marry each other, that the book must be coming to an end. I was so wrong.

The conflict in this book kept me on my toes and inspired emotions in me that I welcomed eagerly. There were times when I just wanted to strangle one of the characters for her sheer stupidity. There were moments when I just wanted to weep tears of joy because of the beautiful romance unfolding in front of me.

Overall, Samantha Grace was a brilliant genius. I'm really glad I was able to read this book. She's definitely added to my favorite authors list!

Check out some of my favorite scenes!

      She took a deep breath, glared at him briefly, and then returned her attention to the lane. "If you think to frighten me into doing your bidding, you are wrong. You're not that scary."

      Luke smiled to hide his surprise. Lady Vivian had even more pluck than he'd imagined.

      She shifted the reins to one hand and placed her free one on his thigh. His breath whistled on an inhale. She slanted a smirk in his direction and squeezed.

      "Jiminy!" Luke captured her hand and forcefully returned it to her lap. He shifted away before she noticed the rise in his breeches.

      "Two can play your game," she said. "If you touch me, I will touch you right back."

Vivian: "Well, are you fond of sweets, Your Grace?"

Luke: "Do you reference baked goods, or are you schooled in code and espionage?"

"Only you would be concerned with the emotional welfare of a farm animal."

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Guest Post: Sorcha Mowbray

Title: Mergers and Acquisitions
Author: Sorcha Mowbray
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 15
Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | B&N | Amazon.uk | ARe | Coffee Time Romance | Authorgraph

Blurb:

Shannon Pearce is an acquisitions specialist who helps businesses buy other businesses. Her latest project has left her fantasizing about her provocative client with nothing but BOB to ease her ache. After closing the deal successfully she is faced with another proposition of a very personal nature.

Dalton Granger can’t get his very sexy acquisition specialist out of his head. For weeks he has been tormented by the idea of not only having her in his bed, but at his mercy. What dom doesn’t fantasize about a sensual, submissive woman? But, can she let go long enough to relax and give him the control he craves? If she does, will she dance along the edge of passion with him and push her own boundaries?

Excerpt (HOT!)

She jerked away and lowered her gaze to the object of her lust.

“Place your hands behind your back and hold one wrist. It takes great trust to allow someone to bind you physically so we will play with some mental bondage for now. If you move your arms from where they are now, you will earn five swats on your bare backside. Are we clear?” 

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. How are you doing, Shannon? Are you feeling okay with everything so far?”

“I think so. Thank you for asking, Sir.”

“You’re welcome. Now, suck my cock until I come in your tempting little mouth.” He pulled her forward until the head bumped against her lips.

She swiped at the tip with her tongue to gather his taste. The salty freshness coated her taste buds and made her want more. Leaning into him, she drew in the head and eased down his length. He hit the back of her throat, but there remained more to take. She wanted all of him. She pushed forward until the glans shoved against her throat and she choked.

“Easy. If you swallow and relax as you bear down, you should be able to take the rest in.”

She advanced again, following his direction. He slipped into the upper section of her esophagus, stretching it with a tight almost burning sensation that couldn't be described as painful. More like mild discomfort. And, to her satisfaction, he fit entirely in her mouth. She retreated to gather a breath and then repeated the motion. 

He groaned and drove even deeper. “God damn. Take it all,” he demanded as he pumped his hips into her face. She needed to back away, but he had his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her in place. Pinned between his crotch and his grasp he controlled her. Letting her face come up he withdrew and allowed her to inhale. “Again, baby. That felt so fucking good.”

Despite the tears streaming from her eyes, she wanted to give him the pleasure he requested. There was no time to examine why, but some need to please him had her opening her jaw and taking him again. He slid balls deep again and fucked her face with his palm on her head. Periodically he would let her up to pant, until she incorporated the suction she had once read about. 

After she included the nuance, he cried out, “Oh, fuck yeah. I’m going to come, baby.”

His balls drew up against her chin as he ground into her then he pistoned in and out as he exploded in her mouth. She swallowed as much as she could, but a glop dribbled down her chin. She scooped it up and licked it off her fingers. 

His breath caught.

Shit. She had moved her hands. Quick as she could, she locked the free arm behind her back where the other remained.

“I’m torn. While watching you lap my cum off your fingers is one of the most erotic things I have ever watched, I now owe you a punishment by the terms of our agreement.”

Guest Post

Arianne, thank you so much for having me visit your blog today! I’m really excited to be here. I always like to check out the sites I’m guesting at and I love your pin-up girls! I’ve always thought pin-up girls embodied a classic sexiness that short skirts and tube tops are lacking.

Of course, I fully acknowledge that what is sexy to one person is not sexy to another. And what turns one person on could easily be a total turn-off for someone else. So, here’s a list of five things that turn me off.

1. Banana Hammocks—and I don’t mean the kind for the fruit.
2. Hairy Chests—there I said it! You all may commence hating me.
3. Poor Manscaping—I make the effort, so should he!
4. Hip-hop Music—when I’m trying to get in the mood.
5. Muscle Bound Men—I’ve always favored a sleeker swimmers body.

Funny story about hairy chests. I was at the gym one day and I end up walking behind this guy who looked like he’d just walked off the set of the latest werewolf movie. I kid you not, the hair tufted up over the straps of his tank top. *Shudders* Werewolves are sexy…on paper. Real life? Not so much.

Well, that was fun! Now, tell me what are your turn-offs?

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Promo: Silk and Scandal

Title: Silk and Scandal
Author: Cassandra Dean
Series: The Silk, #1
Release Date: May 8, 2013

Blurb:

Eight years ago…

Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.

When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.

Author Bio:

Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.

So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.

The love affair exists to this very day.

Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

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Promo: College Bound

Title: College Bound

Author: Mia De Rossi

Blurb:

College Bound is a collection of five short erotic tales, all starring college students exploring their nascent sexuality. From menage to male/male to first-timers, there's something for everyone in this scorching hot anthology.

Warning: Intended for those 18 and over.

A Virgin Seduction

Pamela Young is a good Mormon girl. She believes in saving her virginity for the man she loves. Luke Hayes is that man. On their two-year anniversary, Pamela decides it’s time for them to take the next step in their relationship. What she didn’t realize is that Luke knows exactly what she wants, and exactly how to give it to her.

This is an erotic short story of about 3,000 words.

A Friendly Misconception

Jake Rosenthal sees his college roommate for what he is: tall, muscular, gorgeous, and straight. Or…is he? One hot night, Spencer challenges everything Jake had previously thought about him.

This is an erotic short story of about 1,500 words.

Swimmer’s Seduction

Adam Greene fantasizes about his teaching assistant, Sean Cooper, every single day. When Sean shows up at Adam’s daily swim workout, it seems the fantasies have been mutual. Adam will never look at a locker room the same again…

This is an erotic short story of about 2,100 words.

The Roommate Solution

Sara Winston thought her high school boyfriend was the real deal. When he breaks up with her before she leaves for the University of Chicago, she is heartbroken. Certain she's destined for a life of sexual frustration, Sara unloads on her best friend Dylan James.

To her surprise, Dylan challenges her: he can make her forget about her ex if she agrees to sleep with him. When he promises her ANYTHING she wants in bed, Sara finds herself saying yes. What will Dylan say when he learns the "anything" Sara has in mind includes his new, hot roommate Liam?

This is an erotic short story of approximately 5,600 words.

The Professor Project

Kayla Masters came to the University of Chicago with one goal in mind: Sleep with an older man.

When she meets Professor Kane, a handsome, willing educator, she thinks her fantasy might just be fulfilled. But then, unexpectedly, Professor Pearson, a beautiful lesbian, shows up to their night of passion. 

Could this rendezvous turn into something hotter than Kayla had ever imagined possible? And will Kayla get the education she so eagerly seeks?

This is an erotic short story of approximately 6,500 words. 

About the Author:

Mia De Rossi Mia De Rossi counts herself lucky to be able to stay home and write about love and sex while in her pajamas. Since she lives in Charleston, South Carolina, arguably one of the most romantic cities in the United States, she doesn’t have to work too hard to draw inspiration from her beautiful surroundings.

College, for her, was a fascinating experience. She attempts to capture those days of freedom and possibility in her sexy stories.

Her favorite things are wine, chocolate, and books, but not always in that order.

You can visit her website on http://www.miaderossi.com

https://www.facebook.com/miaderossibooks

https://twitter.com/miaderossi

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6983344.Mia_De_Rossi

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