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ARC Review: Fighting Attraction

I am absolutely in love with Sarah Castille's Redemption series. She's actually my new favorite MMA romance author. Check out my thoughts below on her newest release.

Title: Fighting Attraction
Series: Redemption, #4
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Pages: 368
Buy Links: Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | BN (Print) | BN (Nook) | Books-A-Million | IndieBound | iBooks Google Play

Blurb:

My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption's top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn't the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He's hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart...Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

Such a painfully amazing read!!!

Don't you just love it when you can relate to the characters of a book? Or maybe you want to be that character in real life? These were the kinds of feelings that I had when reading Sarah's new release. I couldn't put it down! It was one of my absolute favorite reads of 2017. 

Penny was British - love her already! She was prim and proper, but she hid a dark secret. She had a certain kind of release that she sought and she only got it from one source, until Rampage came along. 

It had been a while since I read the last Redemption book, so I couldn't remember Rampage all that well. However, I think I liked not remembering him from previous books because I was able to look at him with fresh eyes. He was all kinds of intense! He was friends with everybody and was loved by everybody. And then he had a "dark" secret that he was ashamed of? Oh my, give him to me!

Penny and Jack's inner struggles were like a push and pull situation. Someone would push the other, usually Jack, and then Penny would pull away and retreat to her comfortable source of release.

I'd read a lot of intense novels before, but somehow, this was intense in a different kind of way because I wanted to have what they had. I wanted to be Penny. I wanted to meet my Jack. It gave me all the feels, basically.

One sure way to check if I liked a book was to see how many scenes I'd highlighted. I pretty much highlighted half of this book! I loved so many scenes, I couldn't choose just one to share here!

Of course, there was the camaraderie among the Redemption fighters. I just loved it all!

Blade Saw: "Maybe they'd (Cora and Penny) be interested in a threesome."

Rampage: Don't hit him. Don't hit him. Don't hit him. *hits Blade Saw*

Blade Saw: "What the fuck?"

Rampage: "Slipped."

Blade Saw: "You think I don't know you, but I do. What's the worst that can happen? You ask her out and she says no. You move on. Look at me. I fell for Sandy. Got dumped. Got back together with her. Got dumped. Fell for Jess. Got dumped. Not much of my heart left, but I'm still standing and taking shit from you."

Now I definitely can't wait for Blade Saw's book!

Ok, here's one more just for giggles.

Ray (Predator): "Who did you go out with and not tell me about?"

Penny: "If I didn't tell you, I might have a reason."
Ray: "Why? Did someone hurt you? Someone hurts you, and I'll rip off his balls and stuff them down his throat."

Get this book, and get all the Redemption books! You wouldn't regret it!

Check out my review of the other books below.

Book 1 - Against the Ropes

Book 2 - In Your Corner

Book 3 - Full Contact

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ARC Review: Worthwhile

Lynne Silver's Worthy series has been a hit with the readers so far. Check out my review of the third book below.

Title: Worthwhile
Series: Worthy, #3
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: March 18, 2017
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | BN Google

Blurb:

Drew Weaver is co-owner of the hottest club in Miami, with all the women he wants--until his sick mother moves in with him. With his serial hookups on hold, he expects his social life to sag under the weight of responsibility. But after spending time with his mother and her pretty home health aide, Olivia, this playboy discovers being a homebody may just be the hottest, sweetest deal of all. 

Until a rival makes it his mission to tear them apart.
Olivia Rodriguez is the daughter of Colombian immigrants with old-fashioned ideas that she should live at home until she marries a man they approve of. She rebelled in high school with boys--lots of boys. Now a nurse, she's sworn off men, especially Javier, a man who has her parent’s approval. But Javier doesn’t ring her bells. Not like Drew, the handsome, cocky son of her client, who does his best to break down her walls. He is the one guy she can't resist, in any way.

But when Javier shows her evidence of Drew's betrayal, should she give up on him…or is their love and passion worth fighting for?

A womanizer falling in love? 

Drew was the guy who didn't date a woman for more than a week. First of all, that cover was so perfect after reading this book. That was totally Drew on the cover. *fans self* 

I think there's a misconception that all womanizers are jerks, but not Drew. He actually had a heart and he cared about everyone. He kept everything for the long term except for women. He didn't think love was worth his time because of the way his parents divorced. 

Olivia was a sheltered woman who let her family run her life for too long. It made sense coming from a Colombian family. There was nothing wrong with being family oriented, but there was a limit to it. Drew wanted her to live her life, so he offered to be her life guide. 

These two were so cute together. The book was light and such an easy read -- another win, for sure. I loved the funny moments the most, but also the private, more romantic moments. Drew could be silly when he wanted to, and he felt comfortable around Olivia. I liked that their relationship didn't dilly dally. Yes, there were challenges along the way, but Drew didn't waste time telling Olivia he liked her. 

I also loved that the people in their lives were equally involved in the story, without being too much. I especially liked Drew's mom. I wasn't sure what to think of her in the beginning of the book, but at the end, I loved her!

Karen: "Andrew, stop playing footsie with my nurse and manage your dog."

Drew: "Mom."

Karen: "Did you think I'm so blind that I can't see the two of you putting your hands all over each other?"

Olivia: "I'm sorry, we were trying to be discreet."

Worthless (Worthy, #2)

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ARC Review: Sentinel's Kiss

I really enjoyed Necessary Evil, so when I saw that Sentinel's Kiss was up for review on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance!

Title: Sentinel's Kiss
Series: Sentinels of Babylon, #2
Author: Jamie K. Schmidt
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Pages: 216
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:
A fiercely protective bad boy. An innocent reporter in serious trouble. They shouldn’t work, but after he throws her onto his bike, there’s no going back.
 
If Josh Lehman learned one thing as a Green Beret, it’s patience. Josh founded the Sentinels of Babylon because he was sick and tired of watching scumbags cheat the system—scumbags like the man who murdered his sister. Of course, if Josh’s sniper rifle was linked to the death of his ex-brother-in-law, that might be a problem. The bigger problem is the nosy reporter who’s this close to exposing the club. Josh has to find a way to keep her hot mouth from talking . . . but he’ll be damned if he lets someone take her from him. Not on his watch.
 
Ashley Carver thought she’d do anything for a scoop. That was before her latest story leads to multiple attempts on her life. Ashley’s been investigating a homicide that has gone unsolved for five years when she uncovers evidence tying the vigilantes of the Sentinels of Babylon to a revenge killing. Now she’s in their crosshairs. But after Josh defies all notions of club loyalty to come to Ashley’s aid, soon they’re burning up the sheets—and taking on the world.

A thrilling read!

When you hear the name Ashley, you think of a sweet woman who lived on the straight and narrow, right? Well, not this Ashley! She was an adrenaline junkie. She liked to live dangerously in hopes that she'd outrun the sorrows of her past.

Josh, aka Sentinel, was the kind of man who did a lot of bad things whether as a soldier or as a civilian. He was a badass biker as well. So hot, he could probably convince anyone to do his bidding without using his charm. I think it was the cocky attitude. There was something about it that got women's ovaries exploding. 

I liked the easy relationship between Josh and Ashley. They were almost each other's drug of choice. Josh was Ashley's danger while Ashley was Josh's addiction. I loved the funny parts of the book. I always enjoyed a mixture of intense action and humor.

The author did a great job creating an air of constant danger in the book even during sexy times. 

There was one really cool thing about Josh, but I wouldn't say because I don't want to give it away. Trust me, though, that this book had so many great moments and witty scenes. It was pretty hard narrowing down to a couple snippets to even share here. 

Josh: "I figure if you can handle me being a dick, I can handle whatever you can throw out."

Ashley: Why do you want more than sex with me?"

Josh: "You're special. You're beautiful. You don't take any of my shit and I admire the hell out of you. I also don't like the idea of any other asshole touching you."

Ashley: "So you're the only asshole that can touch me?"

Josh: "Damn straight."

Ashley: "Do you have a trigger guard on that?"

Josh: "Of course."

Ashley: "Why did you bring it?"

Josh: "In case I need to use it."

Ashley: "Here? Lots of pretty things, in a really nice neighborhood. I don't like having that around Maya."

Josh: "I don't like having to use it around the kids. But you can bet your sweet...cakes that I will use it to protect everyone in this house."

Maya: "Ew. It's your turn. Stop kissing auntie."

Josh: "She kissed me."

Maya: "Telling lies is bad."

Ashley: "She told you."

Josh: "You're right, Maya. I'm sorry I lied."

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ARC Review: Private Reserve

Ever since I read Cathryn Fox's Hands On series, she became one of those authors that I would read anything from. So, when I saw that she was releasing a new book with Entangle'd Scorched, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Private Reserve
Series: Dossier, #1
Author: Cathryn Fox
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched
Release Date: March 6, 2017
Pages: 87
Buy Links: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Blurb:

Olivia was the best thing that ever happened to me. But she’s a good girl, and I have a side that is far too dark for a minister’s daughter. When she started talking about plans after graduation, the only thing I could do was run back to Italy—to protect her from me. But she’s back in my life, and I need a wife before I can take full ownership of our failing vineyard and hotel. Only problem is, I want her again. No way can I put my hands on her. One kiss, one taste, could unleash the side of me that would only scare her.

If she discovers my dark side, I don’t know if she’ll flee back to the states, or surrender to me. What she doesn’t know is she already owns me, and if she leaves, I’ll never be the same.

As soon as I read the first page, I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end.

I love contemporary novels, probably because it was easier to imagine. This time around, Ms. Fox took me to Italy in a beautiful and peaceful vineyard, full of senior couples. The main character Olivia wasn't sure why she ended up in a place like it, until she inadvertently witnessed a passionate encounter.

I had to stop after the first chapter because I had to get back to work, but as I was hiking with my friend that same day, I made a prediction: she would hook up with her ex and the two people she encountered. As I kept reading, I was right. Now, was it predictable? Well, I've read so many books that I figured as much. But the fun part was reading about their journey.

The heat built up until it turned into an inferno, and it was all thanks to Gio. Poor guy kept referring to himself as a beast, thinking that being a minister's daughter, Olivia must be an innocent. He was so wrong. 

"I see the way she looks at you. I see the raw need in her eyes, a girl who aches to be dominated. I would know. We share that, remember?" - Mystery third participant ;)

You'll have to read the book to find out who the third participant was. This book was hot when it finally exploded. As with Cathryn's Hands On series, I wanted more. I wished this book was longer. I wanted to read more about the threesome ;)

Overall, this was a quick, steamy read that I would definitely recommend. I can't wait for the next books!

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ARC Review: Mastering Her Senses

If you regularly read this blog, you already know how much I love Laura Kaye and her books. I'm always so grateful that I'm able to sign up to review her new releases, so today I want to share with you her newest release. Check it out below!

Title: Mastering Her Senses
Series: Blasphemy, #2
Author: Laura Kaye
Self-Published
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Pages: 188
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Kobo | iBooks

Blurb:
He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his play club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

Cassia Locke hasn’t played at Blasphemy since a caving accident left her with a paralyzing fear of the dark. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

I have waited for this book and it was so worth the wait!

Quinton. I mean, need I say more? 

Alright, I will ;)

Quinton was the book boyfriend of all book boyfriends. Can I say that? Well, I guess I just did. He was all around perfect. I mean, literally, his only flaw was that he forgot something at one point. Otherwise, he was attentive, passionate, laid back, enthusiastic, caring, and very sexy. *fans self*

Cassia sounded hot as well. Something about her fear made her seem more relatable, but she had a determination to please her master, and it was...inspiring. She was such a great submissive. If Quinton was a dream Dom, she was the dream Sub. Together, they were literally perfect.

The scenes were so hot, but what I enjoyed the most--sorry Cassia--was when Cassia would freak out and Quinton would immediately come to her side and take care of her. That was the most amazing part of BDSM that I enjoy reading from Laura's books.

"Like most Doms, Quinton was hard-wired with the need to take care of those he cared about, and certainly, of the one he loved. In every way she needed. In any way she needed."

Did I mention Quinton was such a cool guy? Actually, they both had such a good sense of humor. One of my favorite parts of the book was the "licking" bits. You'd have to read the book to know exactly why they were doing some licking ;)

...they took turns in the bathroom before meeting again at her bed, where she was pulling on a tank top and a pair of boxers.

Cassia: "This okay?"

Quinton: "Whatever makes you comfortable, baby." *kisses her cheek* "You mind me naked?"

Cassia: "Is that a trick question?"

Quinton: "Get your sexy ass in bed, woman."

I couldn't get enough of this book; I wished it was much, much longer! Oh, and it was also nice to see a little Raven Riders cameos ;)

Want to see my review for Book 1 - Bound to Submit?

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Review: Worthless

Lynne Silver is one of those authors that I tend to read whenever I am presented with the opportunity. I initially read Unworthy and was really curious as to the next story, so when I saw book two on sale, I immediately grabbed it. Check out my thoughts below.

Title: Worthless
Series: Worthy, #2
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Pages: 196
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo | Nook

Blurb:
Daniel Ross is getting his life in Miami back on track. Common lore says once an addict, always an addict, but Danny's out to prove lore is a moron. After a tough, celibate year of getting sober, a rental room in the home of his sister’s best friend Amy is only a stop on his journey to better things. But the best thing in Danny's life may be right in front of him--the sweet, curvaceous Amy. When they tumble into bed, he discovers a new addiction to her smokin' lips and body.

When Amy Stern agrees to let Danny move in, it’s out of compassion. Her new tenant isn’t supposed to fill her thoughts, and star in her sexy dreams. He's definitely not meant to interfere with her budding relationship with a steady, sweet lawyer. If Amy were smart, she’d design clothes for her plus-sized women’s boutique, date her lawyer, and suppress her longing for Danny. And she'd definitely never touch him. Because once she does, his kisses and his embrace set off an explosive craving neither of them can control.

Now Amy's caught in a love triangle, and she has a secret that she's going to have to share with both men, the sooner the better. Which one of them is worthy of her trust, and her commitment?

Where do I start? I practically tweeted the author every other page; I loved it so much!

Right from the very start, this book did not mess around. The characters went straight to the good stuff. You know what I'm talking about. They pretty much did everything backwards, and it was glorious!

This book was so funny and heartwarming from beginning to end. Danny and Amy had their own internal struggles, but together, they were able to work things out by strengthening each other's resolve. It was really quite inspiring.

Danny: "I think Cat left these here...and let that be the very last time I ever say my sister's name during sex."

Danny was the perfect damaged book boyfriend. Seriously, I might have wished he was real and available for me ;) He was funny, witty, and all-around amazing. He was vulnerable at times, but I think, being able to admit his weakness was so admirable. 

Amy wasn't perfect, definitely not in her own opinion. She had a lot of hang ups about her weight and her appearance in general. But when Danny needed her, she was at his side no matter what. She was his rock and it was so beautiful reading about them leaning on each other at times.

One of my favorite moments were when they would share a meal together. It was so domestic and refreshing. I especially loved that one of the dishes were called "Cuban chicken chop chop." I'm a sucker for those clever names of things so I was swooning at the name alone. 

Overall, this book was hilarious, but also very, very romantic. Despite all the troubles they'd had, this book was light and so easy to read, and one of my 2017 favorite reads. Highly recommend!

Drew: "It's midnight, Ian. Night's barely started."

Ian: *grinning "True. I'm headed to bed, but not for sleeping." 

Danny: *glaring* "That's my sister you're talking about."

Ian: *laughing* "Sorry. Let's go."

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ARC Review: Wolf Moon

I'm so behind with Lisa Kessler's Moon Series, but better late than never. I have read the first book (Adam's story) and the sixth book (Logan's story), but when an email came through asking if I wanted to read the newest and seventh book (Luke's story), I couldn't resist. Check out my review below.

Title: Wolf Moon
Series: Moon Series
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: February 6, 2017
Pages: 248
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | BN

Blurb:

As the last Pack member without a mate, Luke Reynolds has become an outsider. When he takes a job as the head horse trainer in Sedona, Arizona, he’s looking forward to starting a new life. But everything changes the night he finds a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the highway.

Raven Wood has been bitten and turned against her will. Luckily, her spirit is stronger than most, and she has every intention of escaping the Sedona Pack. Somehow. The sexy lone wolf who rescues her might be just the answer she’s looking for.

But the Sedona Pack Alpha has a mission, and unless Luke and Raven can stop him, they’ll lose everything.

Action-packed and quite epic!

I have been reading this series out of order, and this has been the third book I've read from the series. I must say that this was my favorite book so far! I loved it so much!

Chapter 1 was such a great example of how to write a proper story. If that doesn't sell this book to you, I don't know what would.

Luke was afraid he'd never find his mate, but when he did, wow, what a dilemma!

There was a part when Luke was beaten to a pulp and he couldn't fight back. That was such a gruesome thing to read, but it was necessary. I thought it only strengthened his resolve to successfully infiltrate the pack of misguided wolves led by a sinister Alpha. 

Raven was a headstrong woman who was bitten to become part of an army of werewolves. The instinct to protect was just as present as it was inside Luke's. It was so energizing reading about Raven and Luke trying to protect each other. 

One of my favorite things from this book was in chapter one when the author inserted all kinds of ironic things that the readers would have already known, but Raven didn't. It was fun waiting for her to piece things together and figure things out.

Raven: "You're very sexy when you lift saddles like they weigh nothing."

Luke: "And just so you know... I lift saddles multiple times a day."

Raven: "Is that a challenge?"

Luke: "Nah. Just thought you might want to know."

Another thing I really enjoyed was how Luke kept trying to teach other wolves in the pack he'd infiltrated how to properly greet each other. I thought it was so honorable and... right. 

I also really enjoyed the part when they all turned under a full moon and someone had to bite Luke's tail in order to prevent him from giving away his cover. It would seem that his wolf wasn't in on the secret ;)

Overall, this book made me glad I started reading paranormal romance again. That's not to say I'd actively seek them out now, but I'm glad I'm reading this series. 

"I'd rather have a little place so I can keep accidentally bumping into you."

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ARC Review: Nico

I loved Sarah Castille's Redemption series, so when I received notice to review the first book in a new series, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Nico
Series: Ruin and Revenge
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Pages: 368
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | Chapters Indigo | Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Blurb:

Las Vegas Mafia boss, Nico Toscani, is used to getting what he wants, whether it is having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, the daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off. . .

Sexy computer hacker, Mia, struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties…but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them―and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?

The chemistry was so hot!

I don't think I've read a mafia romance before this one, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The mob vibe was definitely there. There was no romanticizing Nico. He was a capo, which meant his hands weren't clean, but his intentions were good. 

I liked that he wasn't into dealing drugs or prostitution or whatever kind of bad stuff that would attract the FBI. He tried to stay straight, even when he did have illegitimate businesses as well. His loyal crew was proof that he was someone trustworthy.

Mia: "I'm not his woman."

Big Joe: "I don't mean any disrespect, ma'am, and I don't have a woman of my own, so I could be wrong. But since I'm supposed to sit outside your place all night to make sure you're safe under pain of death, I think you are."

Mia was a badass mafia princess. She hated pink and preferred the punk rock fashion style. For some reason, Nico found this style very interesting. Mia was also a hacker. Reading about her work was exhilarating, though I wished there would have been more detail in her process. 

Together, Nico and Mia had an explosive time together. There was an underlying danger because they were from rival families, but their attraction was stronger than spite. 

One of my favorite scenes was the "sexytimes countdown." Definitely something to look forward to!

I liked the book enough to look forward to the next book in this series. Check this out if you're into a gritty kind of romance centered around the mafia world.

Here's one more little teaser for you:

Mia: "So you know your tools. Am I supposed to be impressed?"

Nico: *laughs out loud* "I can only hope. Nothing has worked so far. I also have some familiarity with fixing up old cars. Among other things."

Mia: "Fixing to steal them? Like you stole me?"

Nico: "You wound me, bella. I give you my word I mean you no harm."

Mia: "The word of a mob boss."

Nico: "My word as a man."

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