Cover Reveal: Deeper into You by Sylvia Day

Deeper into You
October 2, 2012
The second book in the Crossfire series.

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want to. He was my addiction… my every desire… mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful… except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession…




Isn't this such a pretty cover? I haven't read this series yet...maybe one day I will get to it.

Review: Flat- Out Love by Jessica Park

5 Stars

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. When I first read the blurb, I thought, ok, this sounds kind of cute.  I added it to my must-read-list.  I didn't think twice of it until a friend messaged me on here and told me she had it to lend, via Kindle.  After just reading Beautiful Disaster, I needed something wildly different. And boy oh boy was this different, but in such a wonderful way.

For me, this book was strangely entertaining to the point where I couldn't put it down. There were so many great moments in this book... like Julie's constant comments about Matt's shirts, the facebook messages, Celeste's vocabulary, and best of all "Flat Finn". I can't even chose which part of this book I enjoyed the most.  I only know that I loved the entire book. There wasn't a dull moment! Always fun and witty and most of all...QUIRKY! That is the perfect word to describe this book: quirky. I saw that the author said that too, obviously before me, so I guess I can't take any credit for it.

Let's talk about Celeste for a minute: she is 13 with an IQ probably higher than Einstein's, yet she's a social misfit. Celeste is an amazing young woman with such a wide vocabulary that at times I had no idea what she was talking about.  However, she seems to exhibit some odd behavior.  For example, she carts around a carbon copy of her older brother, Finn, and has complete conversations with him while her family doesn't even think twice of it. I felt so bad for this poor girl. She clearly needed help and yet no one was able to help her...until Julie showed up. There were some very emotional moments between Celeste and Julie. I had tears in my eyes when Julie was trying to show Celeste how to wear lip gloss and nail polish... a very pivotal moment for Celeste and her issues with Finn. I think the funniest was when Julie was trying to take Flat Finn grocery shopping. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!

Julie, an Ohio transplant, was now living in Boston, going to college and trying to live with the Watkins family.  That was no easy feat for her. Not only did she grow attached to Celeste, but she started to develop feelings for Finn.  However, she was dating Seth and all along I couldn't help but feel that Matt, Finn's younger brother, was becoming attracted to her. Julie is intelligent, quick-witted and wants to help Celeste. She easily adapts to this family as if she was meant to be there all along.

Matt is a replica of my husband, minus the geeky shirts. I have always joked with my hubby that he has all this knowledge in his brain...just sitting there...waiting to be needed.  And when it is needed, he is able to retreive it as if he just learned about it yesterday. And that's exactly how Matt is: incredibly bright with an ingenious sense of humor...really, a perfect package of a man if you ask me. I felt like I was reading about my hubby. Their intelligence is almost mind boggling. But that is what attracted me to my hubby in the first place...his brain...and I tell him that all the time. He must think I'm nuts when I say that. Ok, back to Matt and his geeky shirts and his devotion to his sister. I felt like Matt has concealing something. I was right, but it wasn't just the family secret...

There was a very big secret. I speculated so many ideas about what the secret could be, and I honestly didn't know until close to the very end. I know a lot readers said they realized it early on, but I was left guessing. Well, I must have a really small brain because I truly had no idea what it was...mere speculation of what it could be. I think I was too wrapped in the story to really contemplate about it. And then it hit me right as the story unfolded itself. The secret was heart achingly sad, making me shed a few tears. But have no fear! There is a bittersweet ending to this story.

I think everyone should give this book a chance. It's a story of life's many challenges and winding roads.  It's also a story of triumph. It will make you believe that while nothing in life comes easy, all of your hardwork will pay off in the end.

I also want to thank my goodreads friend, Lisa. If you hadn't messaged me about loaning this book to me, I may not have ever read it, (even though it was on my to-read list). And that would be a crying shame. Thank YOU!

Here are some parts of the book that I enjoyed:

"I'm sure he's incredibly cool. Just the word physics already has me hot and bothered."

"I put my pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. It's the way I take them OFF that makes me better than you."

"Thinks that Twitter is like Facebook’s slutty cousin. It does everything dumb and whore-ish you’re too responsible to do."

"You can look back now and see how you should have known, but you were focusing on the facts instead of the feeling."

"Julie peered into the car as the window lowered. “I see a maniacal-looking guy with brightly-colored candy in one hand, and he’s waving a bloody sickle with the other. Oh! He’s beckoning me to the car. This must be my ride.”

“Well, this is obviously the apartment I was meant to have. No wonder the one in Jamaica Plain didn’t work out. It was a sign from God that I needed to find this gem. The cockroaches are a nice bonus. I’ve always wanted to live with animals. And I can make extra money working as a hooker. Those girls outside looked really friendly, and I’m sure they’d take me under their wing and teach me the tricks of the trade. Pardon the pun.”

REVIEW: A Damned Good Rogering by Roger Frank Selby

This book is really just a small collection of five erotic short stories in various scenarios, some of which are your typical naughty, and some are a little out there.

Here you’ll find a little bit of everything, but the one commonality is that it’s all highly naughty and erotic.

I usually like a little romance with my smut, but only two of these stories held a lick of romance and I still enjoyed it, like the good little smut addict that I am.  Being that there’s multiple stories, I’ll just touch a little on my feel for each one.  Just keep in mind that I can’t say too much because they’re each only about ten to fifteen pages long.

Catch of the Night is interesting, though a little alien in feeling.  It’s a bit of an awkward scenario for me as a female is captured and enticed into servicing the crew that captured her.  I wouldn’t call it a gangbang, as it wasn’t quite that raunchy and it was really quite gentle, but there’s zero romance involved.  The ending though leaves you interested in the world, which makes me a little sad that the story is just a little short like it is.

The Farmer’s Gun is one of the two that has a hint of romance.  It starts out feeling awkward and naughty as the wife has a little affair, but the ending has an understanding and acceptance that is actually pretty heartwarming.  I also love the pun in the title.  Reminds me of the rhyme “This is my weapon, this is my gun.  One is for fighting, one is for fun.”  I hope I got that right…anyway, can you guess which is actually the focus of the story? *grin*

Up Periscope! is more what I expected from the book given the title of the collection.  I was expecting a more military focus, but this is the only story that has it.  There’s a little surprise seduction of subordinates, and a little dominating punishment.  It’s fun, sexy and satisfying.

Thou Shalt Not Covet is naughty and a little mysterious.  The central message is “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife” and the ending is funny in the way they deliver that message by hinting at the solution to the mystery, which I was surprised I didn’t see coming.

Milking And Spanking Ms. Goodbody is the final story, and the name alone sounds naughty.  It’s also very straightforward as that’s exactly what happens.  However, this is the other one that has a hint of romance.  Ms. Goodbody is landlady to a B&B and she’s caught spying on a sexy couple, and her voyeurism is turned into a living fantasy. 

So if you’re looking for just a little dirty naughtiness in various ways, go ahead and give A Damned Good Rogering a try as it’s certainly an erotic quickie at only about fifty-five pages total.

Review: Because of You by Jessica Scott

Stories about men in uniform, and out of uniform, really get to me. There’s just something about an alpha male in uniform. When they’re wounded or broken and find their way back, just makes it better.

I enjoyed the story Because of You. It was a good story and a fairly easy read. I say fairly easy because it deals with some very heavy emotions and the dark side of soldiers returning from war. The PTSD and depression that goes along with dealing with injuries and the loss of life makes for a compelling story.

Shane and Jen are both scarred, albeit for different reasons, and find a way through their stress and depression to fall in love with each other. This is a touching and heart-warming story. Most of the characters were well developed and added a great deal to the story. The lent an air of reality to Shane and Jen’s story.

I enjoyed this story and I’m glad I read it, but I was hoping for a stronger romance. A majority of the book dealt with the war and the recovery of Shane and his injured soldiers. The romance seemed to be secondary to the story of the soldiers.

Review: Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin

I really enjoyed reading this story. I found it to be a real page-turner. It’s a pretty straightforward romance with a few bumps in the road to make it interesting.

Tamelia does a pretty good job of developing the characters in this story, even thought it’s not lengthy. Sophia and Max are wonderful characters who make you feel for them and want them to find their Happily Ever After. They both go through epiphanies where they learn quite a bit about themselves, just by being with each other.

I stop at giving this story 4 stars as I like my romance with a little more suspense or mystery to go along with it. I highly recommend this for all the romance lovers who like their romance straight forward.

ARC Review: At Last by Jill Shalvis

Running. Amy Michaels was good at that.  She ran from her bad decisions, ran from her past. Not trusting anyone or even herself.  Following a journey her late grandmother took three decades before, Amy finds herself in the quaint, little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.  She hoped to find the Peace, Hope and Heart her grandmother wrote about in her journals.  She never expected to find so much more.

Matt Bowers left behind his life in Chicago for a fresh start.  Former Navy, then SWAT, he’s now a supervisory forest ranger. He likes the quiet and simplicity of Lucky Harbor. After a disastrous marriage the last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone.  But there is something about Amy that just gets under his skin.

This is the first novel I have read by Jill Shalvis and it will NOT be the last.  I’m eager to go back and read the rest of the Lucky Harbor series.  The story captures you from the start.  I love the banter between Amy and Matt.  The conversations between them just flow beautifully.  Amy and Matt, both are reluctant to give into their hearts.  Amy learned a long time ago to use her sexuality to achieve her means.  She’s changed that about herself.  For years she has denied her basic, primal need.   Something she didn’t even notice missing till she caught Matt’s eye.  He stirs those long buried feelings in her.  She’s afraid though once he learns about her past the way he looks at her now will change. Matt blames himself for the end of his marriage and his career in Chicago.  He believes he is better off alone.  He can’t deny the attraction he has to Amy, but he sees the hesitancy to trust him in her eyes.  He feels he doesn’t deserve her trust anyway.  He let his ex-wife down.  He has no business getting involved with anyone. 

They both give into their passion, but will they give into their hearts?  At Last is a beautiful love story filled with personal growth and forgiveness.  The romance is hot, but the emotions involved make it that much sweeter. 

"I've made some pretty spectacular mistakes in my life," he said quietly.  "The latest was when I let you think I'd given up on us."

Review: Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

To sum it up: Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

 

Although Ash was Gothic in the present half of the book, I still pictured him blonde, sexy, and GORGEOUS! (Just as he was depicted in the first half of the story!) ...and I felt that Travis Fimmel fit him perfectly!

 

  

  

This picture reminds me of Ash and Tory- (Since Tory wore glasses, this picture was perfect, in my opinion!)

  







FYI: This was one of the best investments of time and money that I’ve ever spent on a book.

This is probably one of the most difficult reviews that I’ve ever written. How do you write a review for a book you adored? What could you possibly say about a story that left you truly in awe? I apologize if this review is a long one… but the book was definitely worthy of a review that does it justice.

I first came across Ash in Zarek’s story. (Dance with the Devil) It was actually my first Sherrilyn Kenyon book, and to be quite honest, I didn’t think that I would like this series, period. But after reading Zarek’s story, (which I actually enjoyed immensely) I knew I had to read about Ash immediately. I was literally drawn to his character- I found myself craving every page that he was on and wanting to read more and more about him. Believe it or not, the second I finished Dance with the Devil, I went and bought Acheron- and I’ve never been more happy about that decision.

Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that I have a harem full of all of my favorite heroes. And dare I say it… but I think Ash just made it to spot number one. I haven’t felt this way about a hero in… well… ever. Since I was first introduced to him, I’ve been in love. The kind of fictional character love where you’re literally thinking, speaking, and dreaming of the hero on a twenty-four-seven basis, even after you’ve finished the book. I’m sure I just made myself sound like a complete lunatic, but hey… it is what it is.

To look at Ash was to want him.
To see him was to ache to touch him.
He had been built to please, and trained to pleasure.

As a young boy, Acheron accepted anything without complaint. All his life, all he ever craved was a loving touch; one that wasn’t selfish or hurting. He was a ghost who walked through life observing it… wanting to take part, but too afraid to risk being hurt to reach out. It took an incredible amount of strength for him to be alone in the world; to have no shelter from those that hurt him. All he had ever asked for were the two things that no one had ever given him: Love and respect.

The first half of the story was perfection personified. It was truly gut-wrenching to read every page of Ash’s torture. He lived with abuse on a daily basis- physical, mental, and sexual. He was betrayed by all who should have loved him. I have NEVER read a book that made me feel as much as this one. Ash, no doubt, faced hell on earth as a human… and reading about it broke my heart into pieces. This part of the story was just so compelling, and it can’t help but touch your heart, and make you see and feel every betrayal, both physical and emotional that Acheron faced.

"She reached down to brush his hair back from his forehead. Ash buried his face against her thigh and nipped the tender flesh there as her hand touched his cheek. 'Please don’t pull my hair,' he breathed in a ragged whisper, not wanting anything to spoil this moment. '…I would never hurt you, Ash.'"

Oh. God.

 Doesn’t that quote just break your heart? I could just picture him with his beautiful, sweet, and big gray eyes looking up at Tory in that scene… wanting so much to trust that she won’t hurt him like everyone else has in his life. *sniff, sniff* …Every page I read in the first half, literally kept me completely and utterly spell-bound. I couldn’t have put the first part of the novel down, had you paid me.

As for the second half (present day)… I wouldn’t say it was a disappointment… I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first half. It felt a bit rushed, but only because the first half was so much more deep than his present depicted. During this half of the story, Sherrilyn Kenyon paid a little less attention to detail, and focused more on the action that was constantly going on. I’ve only read one other book in this series, and after reading the second half of this story, I’d say that the everything that happens in the present time, falls more along the rest of her novels in the Dark Hunter Series. The heroine, Tory… well… let’s just say, she grew on me. After reading the first half of the novel, and really getting to know Ash on a personal level, Tory just wasn’t who I pictured him with. I’d definitely describe her as a smart-mouth with a temper. *rolls eyes* (And anyone who knows me, knows that’s not a quality I care for my heroine’s to have.) In my personal opinion, I saw him more with a heroine who’s similar to his sister Ryssa. I just felt that she tried her absolute hardest to understand Ash on such a level that no one else did- her love was absolutely unconditional, where-as Ash’s relationship with Tory, just seemed to happen without near as much work. It was almost as if her character understood Ash’s insecurities within a few pages, where-as everyone else who knew him on some sort of level, never got close enough. With that being said though, her courage and strength won out, and I ended up liking her more and more towards the end of the story. She ended up giving him a self-worth he had never known before, and the love he felt for her made him better than his past. She was a smart woman with the ability to love unconditionally and selflessly. Tie that in with loyalty and a sense of humor, and I can see where Sherrilyn Kenyon felt Tory was right for Ash. And to be fair, I loved him so much, there probably isn’t a heroine in the world (aside from me) who would have deserved him.

To all of you who have never read a book in Sherrilyn Keyon’s Dark Hunter Series, I’ll definitely say that this can be read as a stand-alone. (Although, other fans out there of the Dark Hunter Series, might not be too happy with me, for actually encouraging you to read this book before the others, hehe.) There may be times in the second half, that become a bit confusing when other characters are introduced, especially if you’ve never read any other book in the series… but not enough so, that you’re completely lost and unable to understand what’s going on. All in all, this book was beautifully written… and with both parts of the stories combined, it made for a perfect read, and another one I can proudly add to my “favorites” shelf.

DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR, AND BUY THIS BOOK.

Kallypso Masters Perfect Blog Tour Giveaway!

Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter's safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again.

Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club's favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he's come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?

Interview with Kellie Hunter

Kellie Hunter came to me on Facebook to say she enjoyed my first two books and mentioned that she was active in the BDSM lifestyle. That was probably six months ago. She became one of my beta readers for Nobody's Hero and has been a great help to me with Savi's character in Nobody's Perfect. Because I am not in the community, I rely heavily on those who are to help me "get it right."

Both Kellie and Savi find it very difficult to show emotion by crying because of past abuse--seeing it as a sign of weakness so having their Dom or Top bring them to the point of tears is very cathartic.

Kellie recently wrote me after reading a scene I wrote for Savi and said it was as if I had gotten inside her head. That is what every writer wants to hear!

Kellie was recently interviewed by my assistant, Leagh Christensen. I'd like to share that with you now.

How or when did you realize you were a submissive?

Probably when I was in college, at the age of 17

Describe what being submissive means to you.

It means that you find strength in serving and pleasing others

How did you go about finding the appropriate means once you realized what you needed? How would you suggest new subs find safe ways to practice?

I found a wonderful Man who could fulfill my needs, if you are single and just starting I would suggest to do lots of research, go to functions, most communities have a community, and certainly if you are going to play with someone, negotiate and make sure you watch them play with others at least 3 to 5 times.

What is your point of view on sadomasochism (SM), as you know Damián in Kally's book is now a sadist and Savi is a masochist. Do you do anything with that level of pain or use any edge control practices with your Dom?

I have a hard time releasing emotions so for me it is a way to let go, to be able to cry and get what I need to release emotions I don't usually know how to release. For me it is almost like a therapy, to get rid of the stress and tears that I hold inside.

What is it like emotionally to be on the receiving end of a Dom's attentions?

It is flattering, especially if you care about that person. It makes you feel special that they chose you to play with and that you are the one holding their attention.

How does being a mother to small children affect your being a 24/7 submissive?

You find other ways to serve, like dinner, laundry, like having him pick out your clothes and pj's, kneeling before bed at his feet to keep you in the sub frame of mind.

Lastly, what is your favorite part about being a sub in a long-term relationship?

I love having the trust that comes with knowing someone for a long period of time. Having them know you so intimately that you no longer need to negotiate because you trust them to know your responses enough to stop if needed.




I don't know about you all, but I am dying to read this book! Nobody's Perfect is the long awaited book in this series. It features Damien and Savannah- the two with the most emotional and physical issues to date. We met them in book one, Master At Arms, where we were hooked with their tragic stories from day one. We got glimpses of them with the last two books released, but it wasn't enough to tide us over, at least not for me that is. I haven't stopped thinking of these two characters since the beginning.


I have been counting down the days for this book- seriously! I love books where the characters have deep emotional issues to overcome. It's going to be a long and hard ride for these two, and just the kind of ride I love the most. I just know in the end, it's going to show how strong they really are on in the inside to battle these demons on the inside. And with the support of their love on each of their sides, well, there's no stopping them now.  Of course it's going to take a lot of work on each of their parts at first, but I am extremely eager to see this story unfold. 


And if you haven't read this series yet, that's ok. Kally Has marked Master At Arms FREE for ever! Yay! Go Kally! 


All you have to do is LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE and leave a comment telling me which dom/book is your favorite so far. If you haven't read the books yet, then no worries, just let me know you REALLY want to read these books. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT. I WILL HAVE NO WAY TO CONTACT THE WINNER IF IT'S NOT LEFT.


Thanks and good luck!!

ARC Review: Sanctuary by Eden Bradley

Oh my....what a sensual and titillating story this is! Sanctuary is dark and seductive; it left me breathless and eager for more. I loved it!

Devin is having a night out with her friend, Kimmie.  They arrive at a club where Devin’s attention is drawn to a ring where one man and two women were helplessly tied and bound to a giant 'x' on the floor.  As their bodies lay at the mercy of two strong and powerful men, a part of Devin seemed to come alive. Watching these women awakened a dormant desire lying within her. Devin wants to experience what these women are feeling, a suppressive need to be under the vice of a stronger, dominate man. 

Shaye is the kind of man dreams are made of: he's strong and solid, confidant, and sexy as hell with his tattoos and piercing. He isn't looking for a woman to take home and collar though. He’s happy the way his life is going. It's exactly how his father lived his life and he planned to follow in step. Yet when he locks eyes with Devin, he can't help but want to play with her....like there is a magnetic field pulling her towards him. Shaye can see the pure need in her eyes so he asks her to play with him….but Devin immediately says no.

From the beginning, I was hooked on this story. I didn’t want to put it down.  A moment, while insignificant to one person, can have a profound effect on another person. A moment of clarity presented itself to Devine.  It was difficult for her to grasp because she felt it would loosen her grip on what kept her grounded. Devin doesn't want to give herself up to Shaye, which is what she thinks will happen if she submits to him. Control is what holds her life together and letting a man take control of her is a sign of weakness she cannot identify with. Surprisingly, Shaye has the same problem. He is content with the way his life is going, but meeting Devin opens these feelings in him, feelings he’s not accustomed to having and they play on his emotions. When he sits and contemplates his life, he realizes it's not what he wanted at first; that a life of solitude and no love is no life at all. As the story progresses, Devin and Shaye both slowly starts to accept these deep desires, but it’s not easy. Devin realizes she won't lose control of herself if she let’s someone else take the reins- because in the end, they’ll both come out on top.

It's no surprise I adore Eden Bradley's work. She gets me every time. Ms. Bradley has a way of making words pour over me slowly and sweetly, sticking to me so I'll never forget them. Sanctuary is another gem by Eden Bradley. I’m normally not a fan of novellas, I rarely read them, however I really enjoyed this one. 

ARC Review: Kissin' Tell by Lorelei James

Kissin’ Tell BLOWED MY MIND.

With that being said, I must confess that Tell McKay has officially DETHRONED Kane McKay as my #1 cowboy hottie. I am mentally prepared to drag myself on my bare feet all the way to South Dakota to WORSHIP Ms. James for this book!

Georgia Hotchkiss was the high school beauty everybody girl wanted to be and every boy wanted to bang. The awarded cheerleader, the high school hottie’s girlfriend, the goody two shoes who actually wore a purity ring through her senior year. Her life was all butterflies and roses until tragedy strikes. Her life  did a 180. She learned the hardest way that ‘real life’ is bigger than high school and too short to waste in things that have no possible outcome. 

Tell McKay was always the helpful, fun and sweet boy. He didn't have a great childhood and was taken advantage of often. The Tell from ten years ago would have done anything to get Georgia’s attention, even her homework. But the Tell Georgia meets a few weeks before their ten year high school reunion is the absolute opposite. He is beyond anything she could’ve ever asked for in her dreams, and reality, but mostly in her bed. And the way things start between them ignites memories, regrets and love neither one of them knew existed.

Mrs. James has written a MASTERPIECE! I thought I had read the most epic of her McKay books when Chase’s story came out, but nothing, NOTHING prepared me for a story I could’ve sworn she wrote for me. FOR ME! The similarities with my own love story end with Georgia’s tragedy. But the love and other awakened feelings that will possibly never leave my mind are so similar to Georgia's, I felt like I was literally inside this story from page one. 

Once again, Ms. James left me anticipating what happens throughout the book. She opens up a whole new world you never thought about because let’s be honest: You (as well as myself) would never live in a small town like Sundance, Wyoming. What are the odds of you dating a cowboy or working for a Rodeo circuit? I know that may never happen in my life but as my Gramma says: “never say never”. This time, through Tell’s eyes, I saw beyond my standards and thought about possibilities I never wanted to include in my list of “what if’s”. Tell showed me that love can be just were you left it, so many years ago, waiting for you to be ready to embrace it. 

One of the main reasons why I love Ms. James’s books so much is because no matter what the characters story focuses on, the main ingredient that makes her books a winner is the FAMILY VALUES. This time, I think she described reality in a way she’s never done before. Tragedy happens to even the greatest people in history, and of course to us simple mortals. In the end, I’m pretty sure you will agree with me that in some major ways this book is very different from the rest yet is has all the best elements to make it a MAGNIFICENT romance story! I had to hold back tears many times. For a book to touch me so deep, it could only mean it’s MAJESTICALLY written.

A for the rest of the elements, I applaud the well descriptive scenarios, the absolutely HOT AND DROOLING SCENES only Ms. James can bring to life, the incredibly flawless timeline and inclusion of members of the McKay clan to spice up the story, the neat and realistic dialogues, the fun and tease, and the way she can jump from scene to scene without losing perspective. How Ms. James is able to open the gates for new story lines is so natural. She leaves you in suspense as to what will happen next! And from what I see it, there will be A LOT going on in Gavin’s story and also in Dalton’s. If I am allowed to put my two cents in, Keely deserves ANOTHER short story after all the fun conversation she had with Jessie.

I would also be scared to death to have kids if any mother assured me my nipples will bleed while breastfeeding! 

Above all that, Tell & Georgia rocked my world. Tell is the most loving, sweet, passionate, caring, and adorable character Ms. James has created- even above the twins and Colt, whom I always considered the sweethearts. They got NOTHING on Tell!

Ms. James did it again and did it PERFECT! Hands down. It was a real surprise and a complete privilege to have read this book in advance and write my thoughts about it. It’s the first time I do something like this and I hope it won’t be the last, especially if it is a Lorelei James book.

For you guys to understand a little bit more about WHY I ADORED this book, I’m going to tell you a little secret: 

Three years ago I was reacquainted with my high school sweetheart via Facebook. I haven’t seen him in person since 2003. It was due to the fact that one day he just got decided we could no longer be together and he broke up with me. Five years later, he was married and divorced to another high school friend of ours.

Not long after, I started my new life in Southern California and we started talking again after his divorce. One day out of the blue he just asked me what had we done wrong all those years ago. Note: this is a man…no, this is THE MAN I wanted to share my entire life with. The only man who I actually loved and confessed my love to. The one and only man who I have actually mourned as if he was no longer here on earth the day he got married. I decided I rather think him dead before loving him as a married man. Yes, tragic, but hey! After all I am a romance reader.

One day during a (very x-rated) chat, we actually decided we would follow an agreement ‘similar’ to the one Tell McKay and Georgia Hotchkiss settle.

I won’t tell you what it is though! That would ruin the fun for you before reading this book.

Off the Beaten Track by Lucy Felthouse

 

When workaholic Libby Strong’s friends and family make her take a long overdue holiday, she’s not impressed. A week of lounging by a swimming pool and doing nothing is not her idea of fun. In an act of rebellion, she books a day trip, touring in a jeep. When her guide arrives, Libby’s astonished to discover she’s the only patron going on the trip. But as hunky Demetrio takes her off the beaten track and deep into the beautiful Portuguese countryside, she soon leaves her worries behind and hangs on tight for the ride of her life.

 

Excerpt:

Libby huffed and puffed as she made her way up the steep slope leading to the rear exit of the hotel complex. She swore the builders had had secret CCTV cameras installed so they could watch people suffer their poor planning for years to come. At least it was early. Had it been lunchtime, she’d surely have passed out with the heat.

Ah well, Libby thought as she finally reached the road, it’ll be worth it. This trip is going to be amazing.

As she stood on the mercifully flat pavement and got her breath back, a thought niggled at her. Nobody else was here. Panicking, Libby wrenched open her bag and pulled out her paperwork. She examined it, then a glance at her watch confirmed she had both the right date and time. So where was everyone? Yes, she was ten minutes early but surely the others should be here by now? Looking down the slope she’d just ascended, Libby frowned as she saw it was deserted. Everywhere was deserted.

Fuck, she thought, perhaps they were all here earlier and they’ve gone without me!

The rumble of an engine distracted Libby from her worries. Turning, she saw a jeep trundling down the road towards her. She watched hopefully as the driver pulled the vehicle up beside where she stood and reached into the passenger seat.

Picking up a clipboard, the man glanced down, then at her, and said, “You are Libby Strong?”

She nodded.

The man grinned widely, revealing dimples in both cheeks, and hopped out of the jeep. Walking around the vehicle to where she stood, he held out a hand.

“I am Demetrio. Your guide for the day.”

Libby took his hand and shook it. It was warm and strong. Much like the rest of him, she suspected, as she gave him a subtle once over. He was tall, with black curly hair to his shoulders, luscious brown eyes and olive skin. A white t-shirt bearing the holiday company’s logo covered his top half—though without obscuring his impressive biceps—and he wore longish tan colored shorts on the bottom. A pair of non-descript white-ish trainers and faded red cap completed his outfit.

“I’m Libby,” she said, even though he already knew her name. She was just being polite. “Pleased to meet you.”

They broke off the handshake and Demetrio smiled again, then moved to the passenger side of the jeep and pulled open the door.

“Please,” he said, gesturing she should get in.

Libby did as she was told, but couldn’t help asking the burning question.

“Where is everyone else?”

Demetrio waited until she was safely in the passenger seat, closed the door and made his way to the driver’s side. He got in, then turned to her.

“There is nobody else. You are only person on this trip. You get best views!”

He laughed then , the flash of white teeth against olive skin resulting in an unexpected jolt in Libby’s nether regions. She studied his profile for a few seconds, then grudgingly admitted to herself that Demetrio was, in fact, very attractive. Despite the fact she was a red-blooded woman, she rarely noticed such things.

Like most people, she’d come on this holiday to recharge her batteries. Unlike most people, she’d been practically forced into it. Libby was somewhat of a workaholic, which left her little time for anything else. It was this fact which had cost her her last relationship. The long working hours, frequent rain checks on their dates and her lack of interest in any kind of affection, let alone sex, had finally caused James to walk away.

Libby had barely noticed. She’d just carried on working, and working…until her friends and family had finally intervened. They’d booked the holiday to Portugal, arranged with her boss for her to have the time off, and basically given her little choice but to go.

Available from:

All Romance eBooks
Resplendence Publishing
1PlaceforRomance.com
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble

ARC Review: When Darkness Hungers by J.K. Beck

Alexis is out to avenge her sister’s death.  A former FBI agent, she won’t stop till she drives a stake into the monster who took Tori from this world.  Until then, she fights, hunting the monsters and eliminating them one at a time.

Serge has walked the earth for two thousand years.  He’s tired of the daemon within.  The daemon is blood thirsty and thrives on violence and the fear in others.  Cursed, he now has another beast inside him to contend with.  The beast doesn’t need blood to survive, it needs a life force.  Refusing to give in to either and slaughter innocents, Serge now has become a different kind of monster.  Once he stalked humans.  Now, he hunts his own kind.

Alexis and Serge cross paths as they both fight to rid the night of the monsters that thrive off it.  Injured, Alexis has no choice but to take blood from Serge to heal.  She used to be repulsed by vampires.  Now, Serge fills her mind with erotic desires.

When Darkness Hungers is like the grown up version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.  Alexis outfitted with stakes and crossbows hunts down vampires, hoping to one day get the one who murdered her sister.  Serge hates what the daemon in him makes him do.  He battles himself constantly to suppress it.  Now with the beast he can feed in a different way.  He hunts the vampires who have gone rogue.  The ones who kill for the simple pleasures of it.  The ones who were once like him.

I’m really on the fence with this one.  The story was full of action and gore.  The romance aspect though seemed rushed.  Serge and Alexis didn’t finally meet until the book was well in play.  Once they got romantic it was absolutely hot of course, but it felt out of sync.  The storyline took on a new dynamic.  It went from action to romance.  It just didn’t flow well for me.  Plus, part of it was hard to believe.  Alexis has spent her last few years hating vampires.  Yet, after two encounters with Serge she finds herself not only attracted to him, but falling in love as well.  I can accept the attraction and desire, but love?

I will say though that when they are romantically entwined it’s sweet to see a softer, vulnerable side of both her and Serge.  Somehow Alexis is able to soothe the monsters inside him.  The need for blood and destruction is subdued around her.  Serge feels maybe he has finally earned redemption.  But, when the truth is discovered he feels it’s his own private hell instead.

When Darkness Hungers is part of The Shadow Keepers series.  It can be read as a stand alone book.  I had no problems keeping up with the storyline or previous characters.  

Have you read....

Slammed by Colleen Hoover? I hear it's suppose to be a gripping story right from the beginning. I haven't read it yet but I have it on my to-be-read list and it's quickly moving up. If you've read it, I'd to know what you thought about it.

Slammed is Colleen Hoover's 2012 best-selling debut novel. 

Amazon's #1 United States Drama and #1 Top Rated e-book in Romance.

  

Blurb:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope. 

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after a heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the force that keeps them apart. 

Character Interview with Jennifer Probst

Hello, My Sweets! Today we have Jennifer Probst on My Secret Romance. She recently did an interview with hero, Rafe and wanted to share it with us. I loved it but would almost call it a tease! I want more!

Hey Jennifer! Thanks so much for stopping by My Secret Romance!

I’m so thrilled to be hosted here today  – thanks so much for having me!

I adore my hard core, stubborn hero from my newest book, Dare Me. I thought it would be fun to turn the tables on him and give him an interview. One of my all time faves is from Inside the Actors Studio. 

Me: Rafe, are you ready for the interview?

Rafe: I’ve been ready and waiting for a while now. Glad you’re finally here.

Me: Oh, ok, sorry for the delay, I know being prompt is important to you.  What turns you on?

Rafe: A woman in charge.

Me: I’m so glad you can finally admit that!

Rafe: Can we move on instead of getting all touchy feely?

Me: Fine. What turns you off?

Rafe: Pompous ass holes.

Me: What is your favorite word?

Rafe: Yes

Me: What is your least favorite word?

Rafe: Can’t

Me: What sound or noise do you love?

Rafe: The scream of a woman during orgasm

Me: (wiping sweat off my brow). What sound or noise do you hate?

Rafe: Gunfire

Me: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Rafe: Personal trainer

Me: Seriously? I didn’t expect that answer at all. Huh, I created you but could have sworn you’d pick—“

Rafe: Moving on, correct?

Me: Blushes. Sorry. What profession other than yours would you not want to attempt?

Rafe: Lawyer

Me: What’s your favorite swear word?

Rafe: Smiles wolflike. Fuck.

Me: Trembles. Ummm, ok, last question. If Heaven exists, what would you like God to say as you enter the Pearly Gates?

Rafe: It wasn’t for nothing. You’ll finally see that now.

Me: Wow, that was awesome Rafe. I learned so much more about you, thanks again for stopping by.

Rafe: Welcome. See ya.

Sigh. I love that man. Here’s a blurb from Dare Me:

As a military leader back from the war, and the youngest of his two dominant older brothers, Rafe Steele struggles with a secret. He craves surrender in the bedroom under the controlled hands of a Dominatrix. When his brothers offer him a one-night stand through Madame Eve’s dating service, he jumps at the chance to enact his fantasy. After one experiment, he’s sure he’ll be able to move on. But he never counted on Summer Preston to strip down his walls and make him want more than one night...

An elementary school teacher with a girl next door, fresh face, Summer is constantly barraged by men who want to take care of her, but she longs to meet a strong man who can handle her dominant ways in the bedroom. Trapped in her own storybook life, she books a one-night stand with Madame Eve to finally experience her fantasy. But she never counted on Rafe Steele to push her boundaries in both the bedroom...and her heart.

Available from: Amazon US, Amazon UK, All Romance eBooks, Decadent Publishing and all other good eBook retailers.

*****

Review:

Dare me is the third installment in the Steele Brother’s series and it features the youngest Steele, Rafe. Rafe has returned from war and is now following in his brothers footsteps by becoming a dealer at the same hotel as Rick and Rome.  Rafe however, is different from his brothers in a major way. While both bothers are Dominates, Rafe is submissive and is afraid to show that side to his brothers because he is afraid of their reaction.   

Summer is an elementary school teacher who happens to be a Dominatrix that is trying to find her sub.  Rafe decides to allow his brothers to sign him up for a date with 1Night Stand. They figure since the information is confidential, they're hoping to find a Dominatrix to get him past his submissive side so he can move on.  Little does Rafe know that submitting to Summer will change him a lot more ways than one...

I really wish this one would have been so much longer than it was. In fact, this book is the shortest of the three books in this series. Even with that being said, Dare ME does not disappoint!  I will admit I LOVE a Dominate man. But a big tough military man who can give up control in the bedroom is hot in my opinion. I am a military wife so I know the definition of the tough military guy, but now I'm going to wonder when I look at military men if they are Dominate or submissive. I enjoyed the fact that Summer wasn’t just portrayed as a Dominatrix, but also as the girl next door elementary teacher. I also loved how she forced Rafe to open up to her when he hadn’t even to his brothers.  

  

I would really enjoy a long story on the three brothers in the future just to see how their relationships have played out.  Jennifer Probst is definitely moving into my must read author list. 

Bio:
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons, one 5 and one 7, keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

Her publications with Red Sage include “Masquerade” Secrets Volume 11, The Tantric Principle, and Sex, Lies and Contracts. Her 1NightStand series include Catch Me and Play Me and Dare Me in The Steele Brothers series with Decadent, and her New York Times and USA Today bestseller, The Marriage Bargain, from the Indulgence line at Entangled. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story about a shelter dog, "A Life Worth Living." All of her books are available at her website or Amazon.

Stalking is highly encouraged!

Website: http://www.jenniferprobst.com

Email: romancewriter121@yahoo.com

Twitter: @jenniferprobst

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/jenniferprobst.authorpage