Geared For Pleasure Blog Party & Scavenger Hunt!

Blurb:

The world of Theorrey runs like a well-oiled machine. The elements are in balance,  passion is tamed, and the young queen is the heart of it all. Bu tin these two all-new stories of elemental steam, nothing is ever as it seems....

Earth Desires

Demeter "Dare" Senedel is the Queens Chalice-her protector and closes companion. So when the Queen goes missing, Dare rushes to locate her, even though the search leads her straight into trouble.
A gentleman who trades in secrets and sin, Bodhan revels in carnal delights, but when a naked and bound woman appears on his shore, he finds his hunger to possess at odds with his need to protect. As Bodhan shares his knowledge of pleasure, Dare must decide if she can trust him, both with this mission and her heart.

Fiery Temptations 
Seraphina always lands on her feet. After all, she is a Felidae-more feline than human-and an excellent thief. There has never been a job Phina wouldn't take or a man who couldn't tame her.....until she meets Cyrus Arendal.
As the Queen's Sword, Cyrus should have known better than to fall victim to a beautiful bandit. Now, to find and retrieve the moonfire dagger, he'll need to convince Phina not to judge a man by his station, but rather by how he can completely satisfy her desires. 


In honor of Rachel's new book Geared For Pleasure being released tomorrow (YAY!!), a bunch of awesome authors got together to help promote her book. They will be giving away their books as prizes and if you check out the Smutketeers Blog and follow their directions,they will be giving away a grand prize at the end. How cool is that! All you have to do is leave a comment and please fill out the form. The form is crucial in picking a winner, so if you don't fill it out, you won't be entered in the drawing.

Here is a list of participating authors and books they're giving away:

Cassandra Curtis (http://cassandracurtis.com/)-Naughty Little Secrets (http://cassandracurtis.com/books/naughty-little-secrets)

KB Alan (http://www.kbalan.com/)-Sweetest Seduction 

(http://www.kbalan.com/books/sweetest-seduction/) and Perfect Formation (http://www.kbalan.com/books/perfect-formation/)

Mari Carr (http://maricarr.com/)-Western Ties (http://maricarr.com/books/western-ties/)

Shelli Stevens (http://www.shellistevens.com/)-Foreign Affair (http://www.shellistevens.com/my-books/foreign-affair/)

Lexxie Couper (http://www.lexxiecouper.com/)-Dare Me (http://www.lexxiecouper.com/books/contemporary/dare-me/) and How To Love Your Dragon (http://www.lexxiecouper.com/books/paranormal/how-to-love-your-dragon/)

Jax Cassidy (http://jaxcassidy.com/)-Brush Strokes (http://jaxcassidy.com/books/brush-strokes/)

Vivienne Westlake (http://viviennewestlake.com/)-Lady Northam’s Wicked Surrender (http://viviennewestlake.com/historicals/lady-northams-wicked-surrender/)

Eden Bradley (http://edenbradley.com/)-Night Moves (http://edenbradley.com/books/novellas/night-moves/), Spring Equinox (http://edenbradley.com/books/celestial-seductions/spring-equinox/), and Bloodsong (http://edenbradley.com/books/midnight-playground/bloodsong/)

Kate Pearce (http://www.katepearce.com/)-Captive Mail (http://www.katepearce.com/books/captive-mail/)

Kristen Painter (http://kristenpainter.com/)-Miss Bramble and the Leviathan (http://kristenpainter.com/romance)

Gemma Halliday (http://gemmahalliday.com/)-Spying in High Heels (http://www.gemmahalliday.com/books_adult/Spying.html)

Rachel Grace
R.G. Alexander
Smutketeers
Twitter
Facebook

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

4 Stars!
Amazon link- The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

To sum it up: Eight-year-old Alix French, is the precocious darling of a respected southern family. But nothing was ordinary about the day she met ten-year-old Nick Anderson, a boy from the wrong side of town. Armed with only a tin of bee balm and steely determination, Alix treats the raw evidence of a recent beating that mars his back, an act that changes both of their lives forever. Through childhood disasters and teenage woes, they cling together as friendship turns to love. The future looks rosy until the fateful night when Frank Anderson, Nick's abusive father, is shot to death in his filthy trailer. Suddenly, Nick is gone— leaving Alix alone, confused and pregnant. For the next fifteen years she wrestles with the pain of Nick's abandonment, a bad marriage, her family and friends. But finally, she's starting to get her life back together. Her divorce is almost final, her business is booming, and she's content if not happy- until the day she looks up and sees Nick standing across the counter. He's back, and he's not alone. Once again Alix is plunged into turmoil and pain as Nick tries to win her love, something she resists with all her strength. Only one thing might break the protective wall she's built around her emotions— the truth about Frank Anderson's death. But when that truth comes out and those walls crumble, neither Alix nor Nick is prepared for the emotional explosion that could destroy, as well as heal...


Wow. This was definitely an emotional read, that's for sure- I won't go into too much depth while writing this review, because quite frankly, this book took an emotional toll on me. I went into this, knowing that it was nothing like I'd typically go for. I've heard so many great things about it, have read so many awesome reviews, and have received so many recommendations- I knew it was time for me to just dive into this one head first, and with an open mind... and boy, am I ever glad that I did!

With this book, you get the chance to watch Alix and Nick grow and mature together- developing from young children and into adulthood. They both deal with not only heart-warming, but heart-breaking moments along the way, which takes you through so much emotion... from love, loss, change, and new beginnings. This wasn't your typical happily-ever-after. The hero and heroine had to work hard, endure quite a bit of pain, and face many trials and tribulations before getting that happy ending that we all crave. This was my first book by Katherine Allred, and it won't be my last. She has a beautiful writing style, and certainly knows how to tell a story that makes a picture come to life right before your eyes. :)

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow

   

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!

Question of the Week: If you could get an early look at one of March's releases, raw and pre-edits, which book would it be? 



I would give my left arm to read J.R. Ward's Lover Reborn before any kind of edits were done to it. I have followed this series for years now, and each year the books get better and better. I would love to see what she had in mind while she was writing this story. In fact, I would have given anything to read all of the books in this series before they were edited.


There are always books we look forward to each new year. Our most anticipated reads. J.R. Ward's books are always at the top of my list. The Black Dagger Brotherhood fans have been waiting for this book for a long time now. I bet it's going to be superb.


What about you? What March book would you love to read early?


18 & Over Book Blogger Follow Link-Up

1.	Reading Between the Wines (Host)	3.	Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
2.	Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews	4.	Claire's Book Corner

 

Sexy Snippets: Forbidden Fruit by Eden Bradley

   Tuesdays have never been so sexy!Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd.     

He kissed her harder, wet and hurting, bruising her lips. His hands gripped her waist, his fingers biting into her, all she wanted was more. God, she could almost come if he only kissed her long enough, just kissed her like this.

He pulled back, brushed her hair with his lips, with his cheek. He was breathing as hard as she was. He still had her up against the car, his body pressing her against the cold steel. His hands slid down over her hips, dug in again. She couldn't have moved even if he hadn't been holding her so tightly. She could barely breath.

"Jagger..."

"Fuck. I'm so sorry, Mia Rose."

"No. That's not it."

"What, then?" He looked down at her his eyes glittering in the silvery light of the streetlamp a few feet away.

The words came out in a half-whisper. 

"I didn't want you to stop."

     

1.

Reading Between the Wines (Host)

2.

Amanda J. Greene

3.

My Secret Romance

This is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Between the Wines Book Club for the 18+ crowd     

Happy Release Day Gena Showalter!

The Darkest Seduction is finally here!

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now. Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet, in Paris’s arms the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up. Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally– or tear them apart?


Are you excited as I am for this book? I'm pretty sure I can speak for many, many of us readers when I say that we all have been nearly dying for this book! Today is the day! YAY! It's one of the most anticipated stories of the series. I think I may need to call out of work just so I can read (and savor) every bit of this book....

Admit it ladies. The first time you met Paris, you liked him. As the series progressed, you started to fall more and more each time you read him. You got to the point where you were begging for any appearance of him you could get. Well, the time has finally come for us to read Paris's long awaited story. I seriously can not wait to get my hands on this book!


Ms. Showalter has created this family of demons that have stolen out hearts. Some more so than others. She is an awesome storyteller with a great sense of humor. She can write some super hot steamy romance scenes that will leave pleading for more. At the same time, she will put you on the edge of your seat in suspense. And just when you think you know what will happen, well, think again.

I had the privilege of meeting her at a signing in New York City last summer. Ms. Showalter is one of the most sincere authors I have ever met. She was humble, warm, friendly and happy to be there for her fans who have followed her over the years. She is one of my favorite authors. Happy Release Day, Gena!

Me (notice the big dumb grin on my face) with Gena Showalter and Larissa Ione

In honor of the release of The Darkest Seduction, my friend over at The Secret Corner blog is giving away the first book in this series, The Darkest Night. Go and enter on her blog and become a follower. Leave a comment here too telling me which book was your favorite of the series and you will be entered twice! Good luck!

Amazon link- The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter

Tempt Me Twice by Eden Bradley

4 Stars
Amazon link- Tempt Me Twice

What a quick and sexy read this was! It only took me about two hours to read this little number, but I wished it took me longer.

Jessie and her bisexual friend Paul have been friends for over 10 years. Jessie has had feelings for Paul since they met but has never acted on them. She felt their friendship was too important so she didn't want to chance it. After being convinced into going on a relaxing camping trip with Paul and his boyfriend, Noah, she accepts. Little do the friends know, that this trip is going to be anything but relaxing. This soothing, restful trip turns into a hot and erotic workout that ends with something more than they ever expected.

Overall, I enjoyed this story very much but I would have liked to see what would have happened once they returned home. The end is kind of happens faster than I expected, but it still leaves me satisfied, as do many of Ms. Bradley's books. This is a short story with some hot and steamy outdoor loving and enough character development that will leave you wanting more.

A very reliable source told me this story was loosely based on a true story....so my mind was running wild with what could have happened and couldn't have! ;)

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

5 Stars!
Amazon link-  Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas

To sum it up: His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins, and vengeance on his mind.

She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire...


There are just simply no words for this book- it was that perfect. For all of you who have read my review for the first book in the series, Sugar Daddy, you’re all aware that I felt the story was lacking big time in the romance department. It wasn’t enough to completely make me want to stop reading, but it was enough to make me a little skeptical about reading the second book in the series, Blue Eyed Devil. But I’m very happy to say, there was definitely enough romance in this book to satisfy me, and not affect the rating! I’ll be the first to admit, as a rule, I tend to avoid anything revolving around the whole “instant attraction” thing between a hero and heroine, while reading my romance novels- but… Blue Eyed Devil is most definitely an exception. Let’s just say, that Haven’s first encounter with Hardy was enough to have me fanning the sweat off my brow! …and I’ll never look at wine cellars the same…

I really truly loved and cared for Haven’s character- She stayed in an abusive relationship, and even once she got out of it, she was still buried in feelings of worthlessness. Her ex-husband, Nick, had always blamed her for the abuse, (what a scum-bag!) and his conviction had spread through her. Never once did I get annoyed with her character, or any of the decisions that she made- she truly was a smart woman, who's worst weakness was to be desperately needed- someone who mattered to someone.

When it comes to Hardy Cates, where do I even begin? Hardy may be the devil to the Travis family, but to Haven, he is everything wonderful, and dangerous, in a man. Let me just say, it’s very hard for me to find a hero who sticks with me long after reading there story- they’re few and far between... And I'm certainly happy to say that Hardy Cates is EVERYTHING you could ever want in a man, and is now considered one of my favorite heroes ever! ...*sigh*... Everything that man said or did had me swooning.

Everything about this story was just simply so well developed. The story never felt rushed. The detail was never too much. And although the romantic relationship that develops between Hardy and Haven is kept at a pretty slow pace, I wouldn't have had it any other way- it was something that I felt was necessary in order to help Haven with her much needed healing, and make this story only that much more believable. Blue-Eyed Devil was a story of healing, reclaiming your life, strength, and courage. It impressed me from page one to the very end, and was one of those books that stay with you long after reading it, and one that I'll never stop raving about.

Some of my favorite swoon-worthy quotes…

- "Hardy spoke against my hair. 'I want you to understand . . . you’re safe. I’m not going to hurt you in any way. And if I do something you don’t want, or you start to feel scared, I’ll stop. I’m not going to lose control.' I flinched as I felt a tug at the front of my jeans and heard the snap being unfastened. 'I’m just going to find out what you like.' My fingers curled into his T-shirt as his hands ventured inside the loosened waist of my jeans. 'I want to find out what you like too.' '...I like it all, darlin’,' he whispered, peeling my clothes off as if he were unwrapping a bandage. 'I told you, I’m easy to please.'”

- "...he felt better than any human being I'd ever met. 'Okay,' I said unsteadily, 'forget about what I said about not exchanging names. Who are you?' ...'for you honey, I'm trouble...'"

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

4 Stars!
Amazon link- Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

*Reviewed by Alyssa*

To sum it up: Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas- if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn't need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.

When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon- a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family's past.

Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you'll root for every step of the way. A love story you'll never forget...


This was my first Lisa Kleypas book, and let me just say- it won't be my last! I was thoroughly impressed with her writing style, and she truly did write a beautiful story when she wrote Sugar Daddy... note that I said story... not LOVE story. Sure, the book might have revolved around her love for a man that she's never been able to have, but I just didn't feel like I got heavily into the romance aspect until I was a little more than half-way through the book. The first half of the book walks us through the heroine's life during adolescence. However, the romance and conflict that took place during the last half of the book seemed a little too rushed for my taste. The scenes between Hardy and Liberty were few and far between, unfortunately. I just couldn't help but feeling not only disappointed, but a little frustrated that so little of the book involved the two of them together. As for Gage and Liberty's relationship, I just felt that there love story should have been longer and more detailed. When Gage first meets Liberty, he absolutely can't stand the sight of her- yet after only a few pages or so later, his feelings have magically changed, and now he's in love with her. It just seemed as if there feelings for each other were nothing stronger than lust. Everything about their relationship just seemed to fall into place too quickly, and too nicely wrapped up, if you know what I mean.

This book just wasn't so heavy a romance novel, as it was just a good old-fashioned story. And unfortunately for me, that's enough to take away some stars. One thing about this book that seemed a bit too over-the-top, is how descriptive everything was. And I mean EVERYTHING. From the inside decor of a fancy restaurant, to a cashmere throw- it just got to be a little too much, and I found myself wanting to skim through quite a bit, just to get back to the main story-line. To be fair, maybe that's one thing fans of Lisa Kleypas love about her writing- for me though, it just became over-bearing.

Hardy was put on such a high pedestal in this story, that I found it disappointing to see that he turned out to be much more absorbed in his business endeavors, than he was about Liberty. Let's just say that it was pretty obvious that Kleypas used this as an easy way out, in order to achieve that happy ending we all crave. After the amount of time that was invested into the whole Liberty and Hardy storyline, I couldn't help but feel a little cheated with how neatly packaged the story wrapped up. With that being said though... I can't wait to read Blue Eyed Devil- instead of only glimpses and a few short scenes involving Hardy, we get to read his entire story! ...*sigh*... I think that more than makes up for his lack of appearance in Sugar Daddy!

All-in-all, I felt that this book was more "chick-lit" than romance, considering that we really don't see the romance come into full effect until you're more than half-way through the book. I did still enjoy reading about Liberty's life journey, but let's face it: when you're an avid romance fan, it's a big bummer when you come to find out that it takes a backseat in the book. All of the negative criticism aside though, I still felt that this was a good read- it felt deeper than your average romance novel, even though at times, I was left wishing for a little more of this, and a little less of that. Regardless though, Lisa Kleypas has a gift for story-telling, whether it's filled with full-fledged romance or not.