ARC Review: Billionaire Blackmail

I'm excited for this review because Alison has become one of my favorite authors. I met her when I edited her debut novel. I didn't get to edit this one, but I was so grateful I got to read it! I'm also really excited that she's with Entangled - my favorite publisher! Anyway, without much rambling, check out my review of her first Entangled novel :)

Title: Billionaire Blackmail
Author: Alison Aimes
Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence
Release Date: July 11, 2016
Pages: 213
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

Blurb:

After a childhood spent on the streets, ruthless billionaire Nik Valenti has had his share of dealing with crooks. He thought that was behind him. Until the woman he's been casually dating turns out to be the biggest con artist of them all. Now, with pride, money, and his company's survival at stake, he won't rest until she's experienced his own brand of justice.  

Sara Turner knows she's no angel, but a few deliberate omissions...well, compared to the rest of her family, that's choir girl behavior. But now the one man whose heart she'd hoped to steal is accusing her of embezzling from his company. Worse, he wants answers. And he's come up with a foolproof way to ensure he gets them. One Sara must accept if she doesn't want to end up in jail. 

Nik might be trying to save his company, but he has a tough time ignoring the way Sara makes him burn. The passion between them is all-consuming, and each time he peels away a layer, he discovers there’s more to her than first meets the eye, but he can’t give in to his need. Nik will put everything on the line to find the truth...except his heart.

So relatable, I almost wish I'd meet a billionaire and fall in love!

When I started this book, it was interesting, though it didn't grip me quite as immediate as I had expected. However, when the ball got rolling, I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to read it through the end, but at the same time, I didn't want it to end. You all know what I mean if you're a bookworm like me.

Nik Valenti was one ruthless bastard - literally. He didn't know his father and he was really ruthless when it came to business. Running his company was all he'd known, so everything in his life was a business deal. Except, he didn't realize that there was no such thing as a love contract. His struggle with trust was so relatable because I felt the same way. 

Sara, on the other hand, was believed to have been the villain of the story. Poor woman, she worked so hard to have people's respect, only to be accused of a crime. It was just as well that Nik couldn't keep his hands off her. He felt such a protectiveness towards her, which I really enjoyed reading about.

Overall, I loved how stiff Nik was at times, but Sara was the one that broke down all his defenses. I also enjoyed a bit of comedic breaks once in a while. Even when Nik was negotiating, his bossiness would show, and to me, it was very entertaining.

Check out two of my favorite scenes below.

Nik: "There's no going back. You belong to me now."
Sara: "My time. My time belongs to you."
Nik: "That's what I said." 

~~~

Nik: "Open this damn door, woman."

Sara: "Two more minutes. You know what happened last time you talked me into a quick shower together. I'm not sitting through another lecture from Alatza on scheduling. Mrs. Rogers insisted we be ready by eight."
Nik: "Using Mrs. Rogers against me? That's cold. You know that woman scares me."

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ARC Review: Trapped

Title: Trapped
Series: Condemned, #1
Author: Alison Aimes
Publisher: Orchid Publishing
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Pages: ~197
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Cadet Bella West has one simple objective when she joins the scientific mission to Dragath25, the notorious penal planet housing Earth’s condemned. Earn the credits necessary to save her family from starvation. But when her shuttle crashes and the majority of her crew perish, her simple mission becomes complicated fast. Now, to stay alive she’ll have to depend on one of Dragath’s own. But such protection doesn’t come free. 

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, 673 has become more beast than man after eight grueling years on an unforgiving, hazardous planet of dirt and rock—and even more treacherous inhabitants. He doesn’t look out for anyone but himself and he certainly never grows attached. So when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects how her touch will alter him. Or the growing realization that saving her may be the key to his own salvation. 

But as dangers mount and their ‘simple’ deal unravels will he prove to be her surprise savior or her ultimate downfall? Because caring for someone on Dragath25 may prove the greatest hazard of all. 

A tale of unbridled desire, stunning sacrifice, and unwavering love, Trapped is an action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance that takes you to the brink of oblivion on a planet where only the strong survive. 

Brilliant, just absolutely brilliant!

I don't usually read sci-fi stories, but when the author approached me about reviewing this book, I read the blurb and decided to give it a try. I was only too glad that I did! This book was absolutely amazing, especially for a debut novel! The imagery was literally out of this world, but it was so easy to picture in my mind. 

Cadet Bella West was a headstrong and stubborn woman who cared a lot about her colleagues. She would die for her siblings and she had a big heart. Although her stubbornness became annoying at times, I appreciated that it was part of her personality. She was truly a well-rounded character, filled with flaws and endearing qualities.

Dragath25 prisoner 673 was different from the very beginning. Unlike other prisoners in the planet, he wasn't vicious or murderous or a total beast. He was only there to survive. Being alone for eight long years, he thought himself closer to a beast than man, but Bella clearly had other ideas.

Their chemistry was simply explosive. I also appreciated that this book was not at all predictable. I kept trying to guess what could have put 673 on that planet, but I couldn't have guessed it, besides that he was framed and wrongly accused. 

Overall, the characters in this book were all well-developed, which is what made this book such a joy to read. If you're looking for that one book that could get you out of a reading slump, I would suggest this book. Bear in mind that this wasn't a clean, sweet romance, though.

*I was lucky to have edited this book.

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