Review: Once Should Be Enough

Once again, I was super lucky to edit another interesting book. Just the same, I read the story, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Title: Once Should Be Enough
Author: Nikky Kaye
Self-Published
Release Date: August 17, 2016
Pages: 92
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

Are friends with benefits worth the cost?

My cocky friend Will doesn't believe that I'm frigid, but what does he know? His promises might make me shiver but it doesn't mean he can give me a happy. He's so confident he's betting me money on it, and a thousand bucks is a lot of money to a poor college student.

Once should be enough to taunt him with "I told you so," right?

But I didn't know he meant trying everything once...

Humorous and sexy at the same time. Was it actually possible?

The simple answer? Yes. I couldn't actually believe how much I enjoyed reading and editing this book. The characters were so likeable and well-developed even for a short book. Though there was a bit of hesitance on Will's part at first, his true desire wouldn't let him hold back for too long.

It was also a good thing that the friendship wasn't on any deeper level so the "friends with benefits" thing wasn't that big of a deal. I really enjoyed the fact that Will cared so much about his friend that he wanted to make sure that she didn't surrender to her insecurities. Talk about a great friend.

The steamy scenes were really hot, as well as funny, which what I really enjoyed the most. Usually, when I read about friends getting together, I felt a bit uneasy because there was no going back when the line between friendship and sexual relationship had been crossed. Thankfully, this book didn't give me such an uneasy feeling. Very interesting, indeed.

One of my favorite reads this year, for sure!

Read More

ARC Review: Hard to Serve

As always, I feel so lucky to be one of the early readers of Laura Kaye's new releases. Check out her newest below!

Title: Hard to Serve
Series: Hard Ink, 5.5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Pages: 140
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction… 

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

I honestly don't know how Laura does it, but she manages to surpass the greatness of every book she's released in the past. This new novella was so hot and such a great little teaser to her new series Blasphemy.

The chemistry between Kyler and Mia was so explosive from the very start. I loved the way Laura wrote the book in such a way that even I could feel Kyler's dominant aura. It was, quite possibly, one of the hottest things I've ever read.

This book was exactly the kind of story that got me into reading BDSM stories. I enjoyed reading about the dominance, but more than that, I enjoyed the trust between the two characters. I also loved the way that they were meant to serve each other equally, though not obvious at first. There's nothing better than a Dom taking great care of his sub after an intense scene.

Mia: "Oh, my God. Are those chocolate chip?"

Kyler: "Is there any other kind of cookie? I mean, really."

Mia: "I agree completely, Sir."

Kyler: "Good. That's always the best course of action."

Kyler and Mia also genuinely cared for each other. It was so sweet when Kyler asked about Mia's gallery, and when Mia asked if Kyler was okay when he looked so angry. 

Kyler: "You really do look beautiful."
Mia: "Thank you."

Kyler: "How did your big gallery opening go?"

Mia: "How did you remember that?"

Kyler: "Because it was important to you."

Another thing I loved, of course, was the humor in the book. I could always count on Laura to have some of the other characters grill the main character in some way. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable things to read.

Griffin: "Kyler? What am I missing here? Why was she unhappy?"

Kyler: "She can't afford the membership."

Griffin: "Can't afford...? But aren't you..."

Quinton: "Yeah, I kinda thought so, too."

Kyler: "I don't do relationships. You know this. So you thought wrong."

Quinton: "That's some bullshit right there, Kyler. But tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night, I guess."

Speaking of Quinton, I was absolutely in love with his character! (But don't tell Kyler) He was such a beacon of light and joy when Mia was down. I honestly cannot wait for his book!

Over text messages:

Mia: "Hi Master Quinton. It's Mia Breslin. We met at Blasphemy last month. Just wanted to thank you again for your kindness that night."

Quinton: "You've been thinking about my superpowers, haven't you? Admit it. Q"

Mia: "How could I not? Who can resist a great mystery?"

Quinton: "When are you coming back in?"

Mia: "I don't have a membership. I was actually hoping you might be able to recommend another club in Baltimore. I love Blasphemy but it's outside my range."

Quinton calls Mia:

Quinton: "Mia, I'm not your Dom, but I'm about to give you an order. You ready?"

Mia: "Um. Maybe?"

Quinton: "Get you ass over here right now."

Mia: "What? I'm in pajamas."

Quinton: "This is Blasphemy. Clothing is entirely optional. Problem solved. What else you got?"

Mia: "Master Quinton, maybe you didn't get my last text. I can't come back to Blasphemy-"

Quinton: "I got it. You can come back. You have a membership."

Mia: "I returned it."

Quinton: "Uh huh. Which is why your card is waiting for you at registration. Memberships are nonrefundable, Mia. You have one. Please use it. This is the only place where I can guarantee your safety, especially given some of your interests."

Can you tell yet how much I enjoyed this book? There were so many good parts that tugged at the heartstring one way or another. If you like BDSM stories, this one is definitely a must-read!

Read More

Review: Taking Her Chance

Sorcha Mowbray writes super sexy books that I just love to devour. Today, I want to talk about a really short, but very enjoyable read called Taking Her Chance.

Title: Taking Her Chance
Series: One Night With A Cowboy, #1
Author: Sorcha Mowbray
Publisher: Amour Press
Release Date: May 24, 2012
Pages: 28
Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | iBooks | BN | Kobo
Hey! This book is free :)

Blurb:

Elizabeth Torrence spent the last nine years establishing her career and then building her advertising business from the ground up. The problem is, to do that she had to walk away from the one man who could have been the one. 

Chance Rogers, a star bull rider on the pro circuit had met the girl he wanted to marry back when he was scampering to rodeos between classes at the University of Texas. After only one date she refused to see him again. One failed marriage later, he is finally ready to try again. So he turns to a dating service to help him get back in to the swing of things. 

When Chance walks into the room at the Golden Mustang Dude Ranch, Beth is determined that history will not repeat itself. Not hers, and not her mother’s. But will she take her Chance or lose him again?

This is one sizzling read! It was short, but somehow, I felt like it was enough. I'm usually left with wanting more from a short story, but this book was satisfying. It was simple from beginning, middle, and end. 

I guess you could say that it was fate that brought them together. I love a good explosive chemistry, and the good bit of lace and red cowboy boots. Who doesn't like those things put together?

I like that they didn't beat around the bush. They were honest with each other. I mean, I'd hope so, because ten years is quite a long time. I love the idea of a dude ranch. I hope to read more stories like this one in the future.

Here's a little excerpt, but you'll have to read the book to know exactly what's going on ;)
Beth: "Hey there, cowboy."
Chance: "Hey there, baby. How's your day going?"
Beth: "It's getting better and better."
Chance: "How so?"
Beth: "Mmmm... Well, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a half-naked cowboy who looks like he could use a rub-down."
Chance: "Rubbing sounds good. But let me go clean up first."
Beth: "I don't think I want to wait. Beside, you smell good. Like sweat and man."
Chance: "Woman, what has got into you?"
Beth: "Hopefully you."
Chance: "You are playing with fire, baby. Are you prepared to get burned?"
Beth: "As long as you put out the flames."

So, this book is free, what have you got to lose? :)

Read More

Book Review: Hard Ever After

If you didn't know already, I've read every single Hard Ink novel that Laura Kaye ever published. So, I was over-the-moon excited when I saw that there was a wedding novella for one of the couples. I was very thankful to have the opportunity to review the book before it was even released!

Title: Hard Ever After
Series: Hard Ink, #5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Pages: 96
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Harper Collins

Blurb:

Justice served. Honor restored. Team reunited. 

After a long battle to discover the truth, the men and women of Hard Ink have a lot to celebrate, especially the wedding of two of their own--Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, whose hard-fought love deserves a happy ending.  

As Nick and the team shift from crisis mode to building their new security consulting firm, Becca heads back to work at the ER. But amid the everyday chaos of demanding jobs and their upcoming nuptials, an old menace they thought long gone reemerges, threatening the peace they've only just found. 

Now, for one last time, Nick and Becca must fight for their always and forever, because they know that when true love overcomes all the odds it lasts hard ever after.

I've always loved the Hard Ink series, and this one was no different. As soon as I started the book, I wanted to devour it. I don't know what it was about Laura Kaye and her writing, but I just didn't want to put it down. So, you could probably guess the torture that I had to go through when I had to put down the book and get back to work in the office. The horror!

Anyway, Becca was such a strong and courageous woman. However, even the strongest women feel afraid and defeated sometimes, too. I admired the way that Becca bounced back from her situation and the support that the rest of the team provided her.

One thing that I really loved about the series was the sense of belonging that was very clear. There were times when I was getting a bit choked up along with the characters because their bond was incredible.

Nick was as fierce as ever, and very sweet (but don't tell him I said that). Becca was his weakness, but also the source of his strength. It was such a privilege to be some sort of witness to their love.

"A man with so many rough edges...and a dimple. It slayed her every time."

There was a line that kept being repeated in this book and it was "Always and Forever"... For some reason, I kept thinking of the breakup song that Taylor Swift wrote called "Forever and Always." Thankfully, Nick and Becca's love story was a good one and truly, they were each other's forever. How cute was that?!

I was also thankful for the glimpse into the future of each of the rest of the characters/couples. That was such a nice touch, and bravo to Laura for giving that to the fans.

Last but not least, I've always loved the humor of the Hard Ink series, and this book was no different. The comedic relief was so brilliant!

"Gentlemen, start your livers."

P.S. Becca had the best bachelorette party ever! I want one just like hers!

Want to read my review of the whole series?

1. Hard as it Gets

2. Hard as You Can

2.5 Hard to Hold on To

3. Hard to Come By

3.5. Hard to be Good

4. Hard to Let Go

4.5 Hard as Steel

Read More

Review: Hard To Hold On To

Title: Hard To Hold On To
Series: Hard Ink, 2.5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Pages: 208
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Edward "Easy" Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves—which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight. He may have just met her, but Jenna's the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel—and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her stretch far beyond gratitude.

When the pair is thrust together and chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: The things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

Review

This book had so much emotions embedded in it. I just love how vulnerable and strong Easy was. It was interesting how he was incredibly attracted and protective towards Jenna. 

The panic attacks that Jenna experienced in the book hit close to home. I don't have panic attacks, but I do have anxiety attacks. Reading about Jenna's experience made me feel like I was there with her. I loved that Easy was able to be her rock throughout her ordeal. 

Even though this book was serious in many ways, I also enjoyed the comedic relief once in a while.

     He nodded and gestured to the hall. "Be right back." Just before he walked out the door, he glanced over his shoulder, and found her gripping the bed and bouncing her foot again. Because he was leaving.
     Then he wouldn't leave. At least, not enough to actually leave her alone. "All right, Jenna. I'm getting dressed right outside the door. Don't come out now. Wouldn't want to tarnish my reputation."

"Dude," Jeremy said, rubbing his arm. "Maybe you aren't doing it right 'cause sex is supposed to chill your ass out." (to Nick)

This is a must-read just like all the other books in the series... Go and get it now!

Check out my other reviews here:

Hard As It Gets, #1

Hard As You Can, #2

Read More