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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RWA16: Day 3 - July 16

It's the last day of the conference and I decided to go by myself because I wanted to go to two signings and my friend on the first day didn't warm up to the idea. Thankfully, I didn't mind going by myself, and if you knew me, you'd know that was such a big step. I dislike crowds and being in public to begin with, but there was something about this conference that really just gave me the courage to go. Besides, I would be networking. When I came to functions as part of work, I usually don't feel as scared.

Anyway, I was about 20 minutes late to the first signing and I'd missed the books, but I was glad to still meet the authors that were still there. I got a lot of free downloads and lovely chats with authors who wrote for LoveSwept. Such sweet people as well!

I was not able to get any photos, but it was a great time! After I left the signing, I made my way to Starbucks to get my Grande Decaf Soy Mocha Frappuccino. I was a bit disappointed when they didn't want to give me my free drink, but what really threw me over was when I got my receipt and it said the drink was almost $8! Well damn. Anyway, I didn't let that dampen my day as I went to search for a comfortable chair to settle and read my current review book.

I didn't end up reading, but scrolling through Twitter instead. That's when I found Alisha Rai's tweet saying she was outside one of the ballrooms still giving away books. I tweeted saying there was a crowd and I was afraid (lol, of course). She said to come over and wave and she'd pull me through. Again, I don't know where the scared Arianne was, because I went searching for Alisha and when I found her, she did pull me through (figuratively) into the group. I ended up taking home one of her books and I can't wait to read it!

After meeting Alisha, I went back to Starbucks because I was to meet another author for lunch. First of all, how cool was that?! I just got there, and apparently, right behind me was my date -- Robin Bielman! We had an hour with each other and she treated me to lunch while I talked her ear off. She also gave me one of her books and one of Kate Willoughby's books. I was over-the-moon excited and happy for the gesture. Honestly, it was a bit surreal to be having lunch with an author I love. I mean, could this conference be any crazier!

Apparently, it could. After my lunch with Robin, I went to the Sourcebooks signing and for once, I was on time, but I wasn't the first 40 people so I missed out on a tote bag, but that's okay. I didn't miss out on the books! Oh my gosh, just look at the first photo in this post. It was insane how many books I picked up! I can't wait to read them all and write about them here.

I also met Mia Hopkins who was hanging around the signing. What a sweet woman! We had a short chat and she gave me some advice about the industry. I love how helpful her information was. Very thankful for that!

When I felt a bit overwhelmed and tired, I stepped out and texted Pam again. She found me and we walked together for a little bit, then we sat down to chat. Sometime during our chat, Cindy Sample walked by and Pam introduced me. She ended taking a stack of my business cards to give to her colleagues. Oh my gosh, mind blown again! After that, I went back to meet a couple more authors in the Sourcebooks signing, and then I decided to head home.

Overall, attending the RWA conference was the best decision I've made and I couldn't even express to you how happy it made me. I hadn't been this happy in a while and this conference made me feel alive! *insert the biggest grin here*

Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, check out my vlog about the event, and there you can see just how smiley I got!

Giveaway: I posted two giveaways on my Twitter. Check them out below. Winners chosen 7/19/16 (or longer if no one enters lol) 2 Winners https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754893111717801988 1 Winner https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754892255987511298

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Review: Full Contact

Title: Full Contact
Series: Redemption, #3
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Pages: 304
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Ray wraps his arms around me and holds me tight as if something terrible has happened and he doesn't want to let me go.

Full Contact. This is how Ray speaks when his emotions overwhelm him. I melt into his stillness. His body is hot and hard, his breath warm on my neck. He smells of leather and sweat, sex and sin. Nothing can tear me away.

When you can't resist the one person who could destroy you...

Sia O'Donnell can't help but push the limits. She secretly attends every underground MMA fight featuring The Predator, the undisputed champion. When he stalks his prey in the ring, Sia is mesmerized. He is dominant and dangerous and every instinct tells her to run.

Every beautiful thing Ray "The Predator" touches he knows he'll eventually destroy. Soft, sweet and innocent, Sia is the light to Ray's darkness-and completely irresistible. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he's going to have to put his dark past behind him to win her body and soul.

ARC Review

You are my light, Sia. I'm lost without you.

Have I mentioned how much I love the sexy, silent type? Ray was that type. As the blurb stated, Ray was someone who acted, instead of speaking. Something about it made him more genuine than the most charming guy in the world who always knew the right thing to say. Ray was silent and strong, and exactly what Sia needed.

I enjoyed the humor that was injected in random parts of this book. One of my faves was when Sia was telling Ray about potato chips being her vice and Ray insisting that she was his. Wasn't that the cutest thing ever? *swoon*

Sia: Surveillance isn't a date.
Ray: I'll bring potato chips.
Sia: Chips?
Ray: You said they were your vice. We'll chill in my vehicle. You'll have your vice. I'll have mine.

I also liked the moments, the ones when Ray would actually speak, that revealed Ray's deepest feelings for Sia. I loved that he was so open and vulnerable, completely uncharacteristic of his Predator persona ;)

Sia: What kind of woman am I?
Ray: The kind that can bring a man to his knees.

My favorite thing about Ray was that he talked like a bloody caveman! Clearly, he never learned to speak in full sentences at school, but that's what I loved about him! He was utterly adorable!

Ray grunts as he wanders through my apartment.
Ray: Checking your place out.
Sia: Usually people wait for an invitation. They don't wander at will.
Ray: They aren't me. Getting to know you. Will report back in a minute.

Did I mention Ray was also very demanding? If you've read the first book of this series - Against the Ropes - you know how badass Torment was. However, being the Predator apparently meant that Ray was also fearless, more specifically of Torment. Ray walked into Torment's office without an invitation, or a knock. Obviously, he wasn't afraid of Torment's temper. Therefore, I conclude, that Ray was a real man ;)

I also loved how the author really differentiated Ray from the Predator. There were times when Sia was face-to-face with the Predator himself. She was a bit afraid, but she didn't back down. Well, I'd like to be that strong one day.

Last, but not least, I thought you should know: Ray said he was afraid of his mom.

If this review wasn't enough for you to go and buy the book, then there must be something wrong with you. Thanks for reading ;)

Arianne

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Review: Betrayed

Title: Betrayed
Series: Rockfort Security, #2
Author: Rebecca York
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Pages: 320
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

To Trust...
Rockfort Security operative Shane Gallagher has been brought into S&D Systems to find a security leak. Confidential information has been stolen, and Shane suspects Elena Reyes, a systems analyst with the access and know-how to pull it off. As he finds excuses to get close to her, their attraction is too strong to ignore, but how can Shane trust the very woman he's investigating?

Or Not to Trust
Elena has spent her life proving herself, but now she's risking it all: everything she's worked for, and her growing feelings for Shane. Much as she wants to trust the devastatingly sexy, hard-as-nails investigator, she can't let herself fall for him...the stakes are too high.

Review

Mistrust and Romance - this is Betrayed in two words.

This book was filled with suspicion, lies, and the fight for the truth. Shane was such a strong character. He did his job even when he felt he couldn't trust his subject. Elena, on the other hand, somehow always ended up doing something that caused Shane to doubt her. Their teamwork, however, was commendable, especially when the rest of Rockfort Security came to the rescue :)

I did admire Elena's bravery, though her loyalty was a bit irritating. I guess that's just what her culture taught her. Even when her brother didn't deserve her rescue, she went after him, even at the cost of her own life. 

Even when Shane didn't trust Elena in the slightest, his attraction to her propelled him to protect her at all cost. Also, as manly man that he was, he piloted a plane while he had a bullet on the side of body. That's sexy and stupid.

I love the Rockfort Security series for their action and romance. I can't wait to read the third book about Max!

Check out my review of the first book, Bad Nights!

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The Trouble with Magic by Patricia Rice (Giveaway)

Hey guys! I am super excited to let you know that Sourcebooks Casablanca has offered to Giveaway a physical copy of The Trouble with Magic by Patricia Rice today. This is a US/Canada only Giveaway. You can see more information on the book below.

Is Her Magic a Gift or a Curse...?

All the Malcolms have some magic, but Lady Felicity's ability to read people's emotions simply by touching them or their possessions overwhelms her. She's reached a marriageable age, but how can she ever wed when she can see so clearly a man's guilty secrets?

Only He Can Tell the Difference...

Ewen Ives, itinerant rake and adventurous inventor, knows better than to underestimate the mischief of the Malcolms. But sparks fly when he encounters Felicity, and Ewen can't seem to refuse her plea for assistance...

PRAISE FOR PATRICIA RICE:

“Rice's enchanting book is truly spellbinding.” —Booklist

“You can always count on Patricia Rice for an entertaining story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and emotion.” —The Romantic Reader

“Patricia Rice's historicals are deliciously fresh, sexy fun. Never has the battle of the sexes been more charming!” —Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author

This time I am going to do things a little different, as you know I mostly do Rafflecopter forms for you guys to enter Giveaways but today all you have to do is answer this question in the comments section and leave your e-mail address in the comment also so that I will have a way to contact you :)

Here is the question (more like two questions, sorry!): If you could choose any magical power to have what would it be? Also, why are you excited about this book.

Remember, I will be picking the best commenter! BE SURE to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the winner. The contest ends on August 26th, 2012! Have fun guys and thanks for stopping by Reading On The Wild Side.

Post by: Kayla

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