Review: Going Under by S. Waldon

If you're anything like me and need tons of romance in your novels, then this is definitely NOT the book for you. Unfortunately, I was unaware of that minor major detail which could be a big reason why for me this book just didn't live up to all the hype that it's been receiving. I honest to God felt like I was reading some kind of mystery novel where the romance was just put on the back-burner. Don't get me wrong... I'm all about deep, dark and emotional reads- They're my favorite type of romance novels to read about hence the number one reason why after seeing so many high ratings and reviews I decided to give this book a shot. Needless to say though, I just wasn't that impressed.

I’m not going to re-hash the story-line of this novel because I don’t want to spoil anything for others out there who have yet to read this story, so I just want to take the time instead to explain why this book just didn’t work for me. For starters, I felt like the characters all had your typical high school behavior- Sexual conquests, bets, drinking excessively and immaturity. All things I could relate to... Eight or so years ago. I don’t mind reading young adult books featuring characters in their older teenage years as long as when I’m reading I don’t feel like they’re that age- I tend to like my story and characters to have a bit more depth and maturity than what I felt was portrayed in this book.

I never once felt like I got to know the hero Ryan on a deep and emotional level at all. Every conversation he had with the heroine Brooke never went beyond superficial or sexual. …And I know even grown adults still play video games, don’t get me wrong- But a boy who was a complete loner… Had no friends… Skateboarded down the street… Argued with his little sister… And played video games during his spare time just isn’t my idea of drool-worthy. I’m all about the mysterious factor when it comes to my heroes as well, but with Ryan it was just taken to the extreme- I knew absolutely nothing about him and by the end of the novel my feelings towards that still never changed.

Brooke on the other hand, felt the complete opposite to me- Her character had a tremendous amount of depth and I felt like the author did an amazing job making her, along with all of her feelings completely real and believable. You could literally feel the guilt she had over her best friend’s death emanating off the pages. To be fair though, the story was told entirely in her point of view which could be a big reason why I connected with her on a different level from anyone else. She did however, grate on my nerves quite a bit. She consistently put herself in danger by placing herself in the middle of a very serious and dangerous situation. While I did understand her inner turmoil and reasoning for wanting to do what she thought was right to avenge her best friend’s death and ease her own guilt over it, I felt like some of the choices she made were extremely selfish; Provoking the bad guys by making herself obvious also wasn’t my idea of a smart decision.

I know I’m in the minority when it comes to my feelings for this book, but I just could never bring myself to love it. With every turn of the page it felt like I was stuck in some kind of Nancy Drew time warp where the main character just spent every waking minute playing investigator. It was just too unrealistic and a tad bit boring for my taste. I do however, absolutely commend the author for dealing with such a gut-wrenching and very serious subject matter in a very delicate way.

A little warning before starting this book: If you’re sensitive to anything involving rape then this story probably isn’t for you. The subject matter of this novel is far from light and it included some scenes featuring some extremely disturbing detail.

Review: Momentum by Cassandra Carr

Momentum is the third book of the bull riders series. I must admit I did not read the first two but from what I took of it you wouldn't need to read them in order to follow the story line so I'll definitely will be checking out the first two.

Marco has a perfect blend of Italian charm with just enough roughness to make him that much dreamier. He doesn't want anything to do with the family olive oil business much to his parents disappointment. He wants to make a name and life for himself. He does this by riding bulls.

Natalie has lost everything in her life. Her mom ran away with a family ranch hand years ago, her father passed away six months ago and she lost the ranch to help pay the family debt. Her father did not tell her they were barely making it and she didn't realize how bad they were off. She used to ride broncos when she was younger, now she's going around the circuit to find help cause she wants to ride bulls. This was her fathers dream if he would have had a son and she wants to honor his memory by doing this.

Marco and Natalie meet at a competition and he is immediately drawn to her blonde hair and blue eyes while she's drawn to his dark good looks. They immediately connect but it takes a while for the chemistry to explode. He's a complete gentlemen with her. He loves to provide for her and it takes time for her to get use to this since she's been living on her own for a while now. Their love is put thru obstacles but they come out together in the end. All in all Momentum is a short, easy and sweet read.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Rock With Me by Kristen Proby

Kristen Proby, the Queen of Swoon, has once again rocked my world!  Rock With Me delivers with the love, heat and tenderness I have come to enjoy from Ms. Proby.

Samantha Williams is protective of her family, doesn’t take crap, and is independent to her core.  This woman is fierce!  She guards her heart well.  When Leo Nash, front man for the rock band Nash, sets his sights on her, Sam’s walls are immediately in place and solidified.  She’s been burned by stardom before and has no desire to return there nor does she wish to surrender her heart.  Leo has never had to chase a woman before; usually they just fall at his feet and he never keeps them around long enough to introduce them to his bandmates; his family.  There’s something about Sam that gets under his skin.  Her ice cold demeanor does nothing to keep him away.  Will his perseverance pay off or will he be the one left burned?

Leo Nash took me completely by surprise.  Don’t let the tattoos and piercings fool you.  There is so much more to him than meets the eye.  This man is beautiful; inside and out.  Life dealt him a horrible hand at an early age, but that remarkably did not ruin him.  He’s got an amazing, loving and giving heart.  He is so patient with Sam.  He wants her.  She is so stubborn though, he knows she would freak if she knew just how much he truly wants her.  However, he manages nicely to ease in and take control.

“Just let me do what I do best, baby.  Let me take care of you.”

For as strong and fierce as Sam is, she is just as equally sweet and warm.  I loved getting this look at her.  She has this vulnerability that explains why she hides behind the freezing temperatures she throws out.  Leo’s nickname for her is sunshine and besides his reasons for it, it’s so fitting.  When she lets the walls down there is this light that shines out of her.  She has to find the trust within herself to take the leap and give her and Leo a chance.  It’s a beautiful thing when it works.

“Samantha, I’m not going to make love to you tonight.  But I’m going to kiss the fuck out of you.”

The With Me in Seattle series leaves my heart and emotions content.  The books have that perfect amount of angst; just enough to make your heart rate jump and make it real.  All the men are delicious and so attentive.  The women are strong and sharp.  Each story is different from the last, but they all connect beautifully.  Past characters and future characters come together throughout the series.  This whole series has swept me away.  I absolutely adore it and cannot wait for more.

Author Bio:

Kristen is the author of the Amazon and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

ROCK WITH ME Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17201104-rock-with-me?ac=1

Kristen Proby is giving away 3 e-book copies of
Rock With Me.  Enter in the rafflecopter below for your chance to win.  Good luck!

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Blog Hop Giveaway: Ours To Love by Shayla Black

Wicked Lovers, Book 7

Between two brothers…Xander Santiago spent years living it up as a billionaire playboy. Never given a chance to lead his family business in the boardroom, he became a Master in the bedroom instead. His older brother inherited the company and worked tirelessly to make it an empire. But while the cutthroat corporate espionage took its toll on Javier, nothing was as devastating as the seemingly senseless murder of his wife. It propelled him into a year of punishing rage and guilt…until Xander came to his rescue.

Comes an irresistible woman …Eager to rejuvenate Javier’s life, Xander shanghais him to Louisiana where they meet the beautiful London McLane. After surviving a decade of tragedy and struggle, London is determined to make a fresh start—and these sexy billionaire brothers are more than willing to help. In every way. And London is stunned to find herself open to every heated suggestion…and desperately hoping that her love will heal them.

And inescapable danger …But a killer with a hidden motive is watching, on a single-minded mission to destroy everything the Santiago brothers hold dear, especially London. And as fear and desire collide, every passionate beat of her heart could be her last.

To be entered in the giveaway you must answer this question:  

Which of the Wicked Lovers Heroes is your favorite? If you haven't read the Wicked Lovers, that is fine, just tell me who your favorite book hero is.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Eternal Demon by Laura Wright

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 1

Amazon / B&N / Audible.com / Tantor Audio

FEAR IS IN THE BLOOD

Alexander Roman wants nothing to do with the controlling rulers of his vampire breed or the family he escaped from a hundred years ago. But as a new threat to the pureblood vampires emerges, Alexander's ties to the past are forced upon him again, and without warning, he finds himself - disoriented, terrified, and near death - at the door of a stranger.

TRUST IS A RISK

Dr. Sarah Donohue is dedicated to removing the traumatic memories of her patients - like those of the stranger at her front door. But what he tells her of his past is too astonishing to be anything more than the delusion of a madman. Yet she has seen his flesh scarred by the sun and witnessed his inhuman strength. And never more has she felt so conneted to a man, by both fear and seductive excitement.

LOVE IS ETERNAL ...

But as their worlds collide, Sarah and Alexander are bound by something even stronger, as one becomes hunter and the other prey. And Sarah's only chance of survival is to surrender to the final - and most unimaginable - desire of her life.

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 2

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Sacrifice will be their downfall. And their resurrection.

 

Family is blood.

His father unknown, his mother dead, Nicholas Roman was raised by the vampire Breed with one wish: to live as a normal vampire. But once he's transformed against his will into a gifted immortal, Nicholas now has one goal: to stop the Eternal Order of vampires from controlling his life and from transforming more males from his bloodline for their vicious reign. Then comes a beautiful stranger with a startling secret.

Vampire Kate Everborne claims she's sheltering Nicholas' long-lost son. If this is true, then who is the mother? And how endangered are they if, indeed, Nicholas does possess the bloodline so coveted by the Order? These are questions that with every seductive whisper, every silken touch, draw Nicholas and Kate intimately closer and nearer still to the truth. But aroused too are Nicholas' fears that this tantalizing woman has even more secrets—both dangerous and provocative—she has yet to share.

Mark of the Vampire E-special, Book 2.5

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Gray Donahue is crippled by the guilt he feels for his father’s death. An Impure vampire cursed with the ability to hear the thoughts of others, he indulges in blood and sex to stave off the pain of his existence. He is then abducted by the Eternal Order of Vampires, who subject him to a nightmarish ritual. But when he is rescued by the icy pureblood vampire Dillon, he finds something that is worth living for, dying for, killing for….

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Arouse by Nina Lane

"One day I'm going to touch you in a thousand different ways and show you how to touch me," he said.

And he did.

Struggling with a tormented past, undergraduate Olivia Winter once led a practical but isolated life. Then she met Professor Dean West, a brilliant scholar of medieval history who melted Liv's inhibitions and taught her the meaning of both love and erotic pleasure. But after three years of a blissful, lusty marriage, Liv and Dean now face a crisis that threatens everything they believe about each other...and sex might not be enough to save them. 

Wow! Excellent writing. Intelligent, hot, alpha male. Relatable main character. Superb supporting characters.

High expectations can destroy a book for me.

I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WASN'T LET DOWN!!!

This one came highly recommended from readers whose opinion I trust. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. My fellow book girls were right-on. This one got under my skin. I was rooting for this couple and I couldn't bear to see their relationship fail. The writing is flawless. Nina Lane knows how to create characters whose actions and feelings make a lasting connection with the reader because they are so authentic.                                                                         Dean

Dean West is the equally gorgeous and intelligent husband of the main character, Olivia. Dean is brilliant in his field of study and respected. He is enamored with younger wife, and deeply protective of her. Dean tries to give her a stable environment that was lacking in her childhood.                                  
                                                               Olivia

Olivia had a troubled past with her delinquent mother and absentee father. Her way to survive was to isolate herself from people who could hurt her. Dean has been her safe haven and her stability, like no one else has ever been. Coupled with her intense physical attraction to Dean, they have a strong connection. However, Olivia is struggling with a stalling career. She has moved with her husband so many times, so that he could further his career, that the instability of it all has wrecked hers. Now that her and her husband are putting down roots, Olivia is trying to find her own identity.

They have a strong emotional and physical connection, but insecurity and secrets are eating away at what was once perfect. Can they survive? Can they find their way through the obstacles that block them from happiness. The story starts at an interesting point, that is rarely seen in the romance genre. The book begins with the couple being married for three years, together for five. Usually this is the end result or where the couple is moving toward in a story. Flash backs are inserted throughout the story in relevant areas. They show the reader when and how Olivia and Dean met, and how the relationship developed and progressed. Usually these flashbacks are placed after a conflict or when the characters are doubting their relationship. These flashbacks just strengthened for me, as a reader, how much this couple belongs together and really share something special.

First, I must say that if the "married couple" part doesn't sound like your thing, I have to convince you otherwise. If you can relate to a long term relationship that also happens to have intense sexual attraction, you will fall hard for this book. Even though the subject matter can sometimes be heartbreaking, the romance and little inserts of humor balance this read so well. Don't just take my word for it, this book has received high ratings across the board. It really is that good.

There was a significant portion of the book that I only saw Olivia's POV, so I was really angry and confused by her husband's actions. Then, when I was at my breaking point with Dean, the author turns a chapter over to Dean's POV. It was brilliant and so completely needed. I got it then. I could understand both sides and how they both were feeling. I wanted to make them sit down and purge all the thoughts they had been holding back. Olivia and Dean are one of my favorite book couples, and I was really rooting for them.

The supporting characters all leave their mark on the story. Kelsey is the tough as nails best friend of the couple. She takes no crap from anyone, and definitely is not pulling any punches. She is the perfect friend for this couple, who can't seem to get the words out. I could totally relate to Kelsey. Allie, the super quirky bookstore owner, provides the comic relief that balances out the intensity of this book. She also complements Olivia's personality. They grew up very differently, yet are both finding their way professionally. Tyler, the adorable chef and culinary teacher, sees what Olivia is missing. He works hard to change it, by boosting her self worth. Tyler is a real catalyst character.


This was the first book that I read of Nina Lane's, and it definitely won't be my last. This book was FIVE STARS for me, and I can't wait to read more about these characters in the sequel. There are just enough open ends without it being a cliffhanger. This couple still has things to work through. I can't wait to see how they are able to work things out, while also learning more about their past. The sequel, Allure, is set for May 2013 release. I, along with a fast growing group of fans, will be awaiting anxiously.

Add to your Goodreads to-read list!

Bio:
Nina Lane is a multi-published author of elegant, romantic and often raunchy erotica. Her recent release AROUSE is the first book in the Spiral of Bliss series, and her novel THE EROTIC DARK is a #1 Amazon erotica bestseller.

Nina used to write novels under the name Natasha Rostova and has published stories in anthologies such as “Best Women’s Erotica” and “Erotic Travel Tales.” Her work has been translated into both German and Japanese. In addition to writing, she's an avid reader who loves popcorn and has recently joined a workout boot-camp that is kicking her rear end.

Website Facebook 
Twitter
Goodreads

One lucky person will win a digital copy of Arouse by Nina Lane. Open internationally. 

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Sultry Spring Saturdays: Willing Victim by Cara Mckenna

Sultry Spring Saturdays is our weekly post created by:

The Autumn Review
The Bookish Babe 
Hackaroos Reviews
Insightful Minds Reviews 
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews  
Sim-Sational-BooksGlobug and Hootie Need a Book

 

"Spring is here and our literary wombs are ready to be impregnated by the seed of sexy sultry books."

I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. Initially I was hesitant to start this, in fear that the entire novel would be filled with nothing but sex. Yet while there was plenty of it, never once did I feel like it was a filler for a lack of story-line... Something that I've seen happen in erotica novels way too much for my liking. The thing I loved so much about this book was that it had depth and character development... Everything just felt so real and the fact that the author managed that in a little over a hundred pages was pretty freaking impressive.

I loved the heroine Laurel- She was bold enough to go after what she wanted and completely open-minded enough to give certain things a try, despite her reservations. Not to mention, she loves her some jerks as well...


"...She'd like to be seen with a tall, strong,
self-proclaimed asshole out at a bar." -Laurel 

 ...Now that's my type of heroine- She knows what she wants when she sees it and she'll do whatever she has to do to make it happen without letting fear get in the way. Laurel was able to discover new things about herself; She loved the power she gave up when she was with Flynn and it only made her attraction for him grow. It wasn't all about sex for her when it came to him though... She fussed over him and took care of him in a way that nobody ever had before and it was an extremely endearing quality.
As for the hero Flynn...

My.
Freaking.
God.

There are no words. He's officially my new favorite book boyfriend- He knew how to show his soft side when it counted but Lord have mercy, it was his rough and ready side that turned me on the most. Flynn was an underground fighter with a sexual appetite that not every woman would be able to handle.

"I never threaten a woman unless she begs me to.” -Flynn

He's up front and honest about his preferred taste in the bedroom and he doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to letting anyone know that he's not your typical boyfriend material- He never calls after sex and he doesn't cuddle. If you're the type of woman that can handle that kind of relationship then he's all for it, otherwise he'll get his kicks elsewhere. Yes, Flynn does have jerk tendencies... But deep down inside he has a heart that's full of love- He just hadn't found the right girl to break down all of his defenses... That is, until Laurel came along.

The sex in this book is Fan. Freaking. Tastic.

...It's literally some of the best scenes that I've ever encountered and I've read quite a few in my time. Hell, after reading this book I think that I just discovered a new side to myself in the bedroom. While the sex did revolve around rape fantasies, I didn't find anything to be as over the top as I had expected. Laurel and Flynn communicated both of their needs prior to anything that happened in the bedroom which could have been a big reason why I didn't think anything that happened between these two went too far beyond my taste.

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that I wasn't a fan of the abrupt ending- I felt like Laurel and Flynn were finally turning the corner to something more but we were never able to see what else could come of their relationship due to the story being wrapped up so quickly. I definitely wish I could have more time with these characters... Preferably in a full length novel. Over-all though, it wasn't enough to effect how I felt about the book as a whole. It was so much more than just sex... It's about getting to know and love two people who are both discovering a dark and sexual passion that they equally share. ♥

Word of warning: The acting out of rape fantasies definitely isn't for the faint of heart. If you're delicate about things such as that or anything along those lines, then this may not be the book for you. 

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Straddling the Edge by Julie Prestsater

Who was your favorite character to write and why? 

My favorite character to write in this series is Mel. She’s freaking hysterical. I loved writing every bit of

dialogue that came out of her mouth and all her thoughts. She is one sassy, sarcastic woman who isn’t afraid to let everyone know what she’s thinking. Not only is she the perfect match for Ty, but she’s a damn good friend too. She’s the best friend we could all hope to have.

What do your family and friends think about your choice of career?

They are overwhelmingly supportive. My sister tells everyone who will listen about my books, and even some people who don’t want to listen. Haha. Don’t let her catch you in a long line at a grocery store. She’ll bust out a Sharpie and right my name on your hand.

Who or what inspired the story?

Catty women. LOL! I work in an environment with a ton of women. And we can tend to be a little catty sometimes. Or territorial. Or just plain bitchy. One of my best friends at work is someone who I didn’t really get along with at first. It took us a couple years, actually, to warm up to each other. While I never thought she was a man-stealing whore, I guess you could say the idea of Summer is based on our rocky start at becoming friends.

What do you want people come away with when they read your work?

A smile. :D But seriously, I think what most readers love about my books and what some hate about them is that the drama is not drawn out for chapter after chapter. One of the things I love about romance is the guaranteed happily ever after. And you’ll definitely get that in my books and it usually doesn’t take long. Sure, there is conflict just like in real life. But that conflict doesn’t have to be a drag it out, beat it to death, knock it out, break your heart into a million pieces and then crap on it for good measure kind of thing.  So I guess I’d want them to know that it’s okay to just get over it, say you’re sorry, hug it out, have some great make-up sex, move on, and be happy.



What is something readers wouldn't know about you?
I love dipping my French Fries into a chocolate shake using my fool proof scooping method. You have to fold your fry in half first. Then, you use it as a spoon and scoop up a glob of thick milkshake before taking a delicious bite. Works best with fries from Wendy’s and a thick chocolate frosty. Perfection!

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