Reviews Published Professional Reader Challenge Participant 80% 2016 NetGalley Challenge 50 Book Reviews

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Where I Need To Be (McKenna #3) by Jamie Hollins

My Rating: 5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, McKenna #3.
Subject: Second chance at love.
Synopsis
When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher.

After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic. 

What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths? 

James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.



















Book three in the McKenna Series and it’s another hit!

James and Megan story was amazing from the start; I couldn’t put the book down.

Not only we get a glimpse of how life is going for the other McKenna brothers and their significant others, we also finally get to know about Megan’s life.

Her story has a bitter beginning; her ex-husband did a number on her, not only he betrayed her trust he also blamed her for everything; and that sort of thing leaves a mark.

She is starting over, and we can see she is strong and almost ready to move on, but her fears to disappoint her family are holding her back and hiding her secret could ruin her second chance for happiness.

Theirs was not love at first sight for sure, they were from different worlds and let first impressions and misconceptions cloud their opinions of each other. It’s not until later on, when they really give each other a chance to see their personalities, that they realise they might be perfect for each other. 

And I’m not even talking about the crazy sexual chemistry they’ve got going on.

James is scared, he has been burned before and he has stopped taking chances a long time ago. The thing is, by doing just that he has stayed stuck in this unhappy place where he is only surviving day after day but not really living.

They both get a second chance at love which shows us that sometimes the most amazing things happen when you least expect.




















Buy Links:  AMAZON | B & N | ITUNES | KOBO   




Author Info
Jamie Hollins was born and raised in rural Northeast Ohio.  After graduate school, she embarked on a perilous career in Human Resources where she met plenty of real life characters.  When she’s not writing or chasing after her toddler, she enjoys reading and golfing.  Jamie lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and their dog, Winston.


Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
















This dinner suddenly became the worst idea Megan had ever had. What had possessed her to accept his invitation? This wasn’t a date, but it was bordering on inappropriate behavior. She was his son’s teacher, for Christ’s sake. 
Just then, James sauntered into the office wearing a black Guns N’ Roses T-shirt and faded blue jeans.
“All set?” he asked.
Megan stood slowly. An apology for changing her mind was on the tip of her tongue when he smiled at her. It wasn’t a smile to be polite or cordial. It was an honest-to-God genuine smile that made him look ten years younger.
And it was mesmerizing.
One side of his mouth pulled a little higher than the other in a lopsided grin. But it was what it did to his eyes that made her forget what she’d been about to say. If she wasn’t careful, she’d lose herself in them.
His dark eyes actually twinkled. Not with mischief. Not with lust. But with an easy excitement that told her she’d be the dumbest woman in Chicago—maybe the whole country—for not having dinner with this man tonight. 
She cleared her throat. “All set. Let’s go.” She hoped the smile she gave him wasn’t as wobbly as she felt.
James opened the door for her and then he locked up behind her. He tilted his head toward the side of the building and she followed, not bothering to stop her wandering eyes as she watched the way his ass moved in his jeans. He oozed sex appeal, and for the first time in her life, she reveled in the act of checking out a man.
In fact, she was so busy checking out James’s ass that she didn’t realize he’d stopped her beside a menacing black motorcycle. He opened up a saddlebag and pulled out a glossy black half helmet and handed it to her.
“We’re taking this?” she gaped.
“Yep.” He grabbed her purse and stowed it in the saddlebag before slamming it shut.
“But how am I supposed to ride on that in this skirt?” 
She was beginning to panic a little at the thought of tearing her poor Stella McCartney pencil skirt. Not to mention holding on to James’s tempting body as they rode through the streets of Chicago.
He turned back to look down at the skirt in question and smirked. “Looks like you’ll have to hike it up a bit.”
He didn’t wait for a response from her. He swung his leg over his bike and turned the engine on. The loud, angry roar echoed off the surrounding buildings. 
He kicked back the kickstand and stood the bike up. Leaning forward over the glossy black gas tank, he finally turned to where Megan stood frozen on the sidewalk.
“Hop on, sweetheart.”
She blinked. This was actually happening.
Ignoring the inappropriate endearment, she fumbled with her helmet until she had it on her head and strapped tightly. Taking the sides of her skirt, she quickly but carefully inched the material up her thighs. Thank God for the slit in the back, or this stunt wouldn’t be possible at all.
She placed one Manolo-clad foot on the footrest that James had snapped down for her. Keeping one hand on her skirt, she gripped his nearest shoulder and hoisted herself up before swinging her leg over the bike to the other footrest. She plopped down on the tiny seat with a graceless thump, feeling the impact vibrate up her spine from her tailbone.
James stood in front of her, allowing her a second to get comfortable, which was absolutely impossible on a seat the size of a shoe box with zero padding.
“You okay?” he yelled back to her over his shoulder.
“I think so,” she replied, hoping he heard her over the roar of the engine. She scooted back on the seat as far as she could to give him room to sit down.
He looked down at her lap, and she could tell he was trying not to laugh. “I mean this in the most gentlemanly way possible, but you’re gonna have to open up your legs some more so I can sit back on the seat.”
Megan hoped he couldn’t tell that her cheeks were now stained the same cherry red as her sweater. She did as she was told, and James managed to sit between her obscenely and inappropriately spread legs. His jeans felt rough against the insides of her thighs, and when he finally leaned back to a natural sitting position, her breasts touched the thin material of his T-shirt.
He looked down at both sides, checking to see that her feet were firmly on the footrests. She was showing more leg than a Rockette at Christmastime.
James revved the engine a couple times before they slowly inched off the sidewalk and to a stop at the traffic signal. She still felt her face burning with embarrassment as the unseasonably warm November air hit her cheeks.
When their light turned green, the bike’s acceleration was abrupt, causing her to tighten her arms around his hard midsection. She didn’t need to look in the side mirror to know that he was smiling. Again.







Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Orcgasm: The Barbarian's Captive (Chronicles of Princess Maya, #2) by Syn Root

My Rating: 4 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Chronicles of Princess Maya, #2.
Synopsis
"Captivity never felt so good... " 
Maya is in trouble. The Elven Captial has been sacked, and the Invaders from the North have proven all but impervious to the strength of Elven Magick.

Life, as a Barbarian Captive means one of two things -- consent, and become a plaything for the will of the Barbarian Prince, or refuse, and live out the rest of your days in asexual servitude. Yet, there are darker fates in wait, just beyond the southern horizon. When the Orc Hordes make their move, and Dragon Fire serves as a replacement for the Light of Dawn -- will Prince Sòl, and his forces call upon those very Captives whom, they have sought to enslave? 

The Barbarian's Captive is a Standalone Sequel to Full-Bodied Orcgasm, the Steaming Hot, Fantasy Monster Erotica Novella.
This 22k Word Novella describes Captivity under the Norn Barbarian Clan, as well as the Betrayal of the Hard-Pole Clan from the Hordes in the Orc Invasion. Contains Orgiastic Sex, Magic, Violence, and a HFN Ending..












Another amazing book that was gifted by the author and I loved it!

This story has a little bit more fighting in it (which I enjoyed) to accompany the incredible sex scenes.

Maya is back home but things have gone wrong and she gets dragged into another battle. Her captors are vicious but she always seems to find a way to enjoy her captivity.

Now her new and old lover will be the key to defeating their enemies.

The only question is if she will be strong enough to handle the power.

A fast read filled with crazy sex scenes and bloody battlefields.

Enjoy!





Thursday, July 20, 2017

Trust by Kylie Scott

My Rating: 4 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: No.
Subject: First time kind of love.
Release Date: July 18, 2017
Synopsis
Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

Amazon Aus: http://amzn.to/2uMJ9W8 
Audible: Coming soon

















This was a beautiful story, even though it’s nothing like the books I’ve read by this author, I loved every second of it!

The main characters bump into each other in one of the worst types of situation you can get; they were at risk of dying and one wrong choice could destroy everything. Coming out of something like that alive leaves its mark so it was only natural for them to change and gravitate towards one another. 

Near death experiences makes you appreciate life and like in Edie’s case, shows you that you are strong enough to face the fears that used to consume you. She wasn’t scared of her bullies anymore; her flight instinct was replaced by this strong urge to stand and fight; and even though she was now conscious of her mortality she was also aware that life was short and you never knew when yours was going to be cut short.

Her growth during the book is impressive, she changes so much it’s hard to recognize her at the final scenes of the story. John is responsible of a great part of this change, he is there for her, and he really sees her, something she wasn’t used to happening before.  Little by little her confidence levels rise and she becomes who she was always supposed to be. 

It’s not always about the guy liking you for you to feel beautiful and strong, but it definitely doesn’t hurt.

Let’s talk about John now, popular and sexy bad boy, leaning more and more into his bad side until something changed within him and he realizes he wants more out of life. 

After dropping all that made him who he was, he finds himself lost and alone, and that’s when he finds Edie. She is his beacon through the storm, his friend and confidant; but life might have more in store for them if they let go of their fears and find themselves within each other.


A beautiful love story about real people, first love and fighting for what you want.













ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. 

You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/








TRUST by Kylie Scott (Official Book Trailer) from FILM 14 on Vimeo.



EXCERPT
“You were going to give it up to Duncan Dickerson?” he sneered. “Are you serious?”
I halted, staring at him. This was not good. “How do you know about that?”
“Anders overheard you and Hang talking.”
“Bastard.”
“Well?” he demanded, acting all authoritarian. Idiot.
“To be fair, I didn’t know his last name was Dickerson,” I said. “That’s unfortunate. Though, I wasn’t actually planning on marrying him, so . . .”
“Not funny.”
I shrugged.
“You barely know the guy.”
“Um, yeah. None of your concern. We’re not talking about this.” How mortifying! My face burned bright. People should just gather around and cook s’mores. “I appreciate that we’re friends. You mean a lot to me. But this is going to have to fall under definitely none of your damn business, so go away please.”
“We’re talking about it.” He advanced a step.
“No we are not.” And I retreated.
“You were going to let a complete stranger touch you.” Advance.
Retreat. “People do it all the time. You do it all the time.”
“But you don’t,” he said, taking the final step, backing me up against the side of his car and getting all in my face. “Edie, this is your first time we’re talking about. Isn’t it?”
“Yes, and it’s going to be messy and painful and probably horribly embarrassing and I just want it over and done with.” I tried to meet his eyes but failed, settling for a spot on his right shoulder. “You’re not a girl; you wouldn’t understand. Also, last time I checked, you’re not the gatekeeper of my hymen, John Cole. So back the fuck off.”
He said nothing.
Deep, calming breaths. “Look, someday I’ll meet someone I really like and we’ll have a deep and meaningful relationship and go at it like bunnies. But I don’t want to be the dumb virgin in that scenario.”
He slowly shook his head.
“Also, I do not want to die a virgin.”
“What? What the hell are you talking about?”
“Hey, you and I both know death can occur at any time.”
“This is crazy.”
“I’m seeing a therapist!” I told his shoulder. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a little bit messed up these days. It’s hard for me to trust people. That’s not going to change anytime soon.”
He screwed up his face at me. “Wha—”
“I’m just trying to be practical.”
“Well, you’re being ridiculous. None of this makes sense.”
“It does to me.”
Again, he said nothing.
In fact, he said nothing for so long that I finally looked him in the eye. The anger had left him, replaced by an emotion I didn’t recognize. Worst of all, he still smelled like summer. A little sweat and the open night air, everything I loved. Liked. I meant liked.
“What?” I said, finally.
He let loose a breath. “I’ll do it.”


Friday, July 14, 2017

Wicked Grind (Stark World #1) by J. Kenner

My Rating: 4 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Stark World #1.
Subject:Letting everything go.
Synopsis
Sometimes, it feels so damn good to be bad …

From New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner, the first in an all new series of fast-paced, provocative novels centering around the ambitious, wealthy, and powerful men who work in the glamorous and exciting world of the Stark International conglomerate … and the sexy and passionate women who bring them to their knees.

Photographer Wyatt Royce’s career is on the verge of exploding. All he needs is one perfect model to be the centerpiece of his sexy, controversial show. Find her, and Wyatt is sure to have a winner.

Then Kelsey Draper walks in. Stunning. Vibrant. And far too fragile for a project like this. Wyatt should know—after all, he remembers only too well why their relationship ended all those years ago.

Determined to break free from her good girl persona, Kelsey wants spice. Adventure. And she’s certain that Wyatt is just the man to help.

But when Wyatt agrees to give her the job only if he has complete control—on camera and in his bed—Kelsey can’t help but wonder if she’s in too deep. Because how can a good girl like her ever be enough for a man like Wyatt?

Google Play - http://bit.ly/2sT9GTl
Google Play UK: http://bit.ly/2sx9J4A
Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2scQqzf














I truly enjoyed this book, Kelsey and Wyatt’s story was not a happy one, you could see from the start, they had a lot to talk about and some unanswered questions that had broken them all those years ago; if they found a way to answered them they could change everything.

They went their separate ways and life kept going, awful things happened to both of them that shaped them in who they are today, but they never forgot about each other.

The moment they meet again was a kind of wake up call, they now realized that they have been lying to themselves and their feelings for each other might still be there. 

The intensity of that first scene was indescribable, you could feel the tension between them coming from two different spots, first anger, Wyatt was furious at her for what had happened in their past; and then there was the heat, oh god! Kelsey lost her words for a bit, she was scared and aroused all at once. She had one choice to make; either losing her clothes and her mind or losing what she cherished the most.

The whole issue of Kelsey and her father was really awful, of course she was traumatized, he handled everything wrong and he took his hatred for her mother out on her. It must have been really hard to go after what she loved with all those chains so tight around her. The thing about bullies is that even once they are gone, if they set the chains deep enough you can still feel them getting tighter and tighter around you.

Her biggest challenge will be to accept who she is and own her choices, be the best Kelsey she can be and regret nothing.

Wyatt had a huge part in her liberation, he was there for her and help her peal all those insecurities off, until he was able to reveal her true potential. 

He also had a couple of issues to overcome; he was living under his family’s shadow and was scared of never having that big break. He didn’t want to become his father; that was his biggest fear.


Another great second chances book that you will definitely love!




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy,  and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.
Her books have sold over three million  copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas.  She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.



Thursday, July 13, 2017

Jilted (Love Hurts #2) by Sawyer Bennett

My Rating: 5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Love Hurts #2.
Subject: True love finds a way!
Synopsis
Sawyer Bennett's brand new series of standalone romances! LOVE HURTS!

Hollywood hath no fury like a woman scorned. In this fun, flirty second-chance romance from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett, an aspiring starlet reconnects with her first love.

Eden Goodnight went to Los Angeles to make it big, not to be publicly humiliated by her cheating fiancé at a red-carpet premiere. But when Eden returns to her hometown to put the scandal behind her, she can barely find a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. Turns out the locals are worse than the paparazzi, and they all think she’s turned into a spoiled brat. But in a strange twist of fate, the one person who seems to understand what Eden’s going through is Cooper Mayfield . . . the boy she left behind.

Small-town charm is no match for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. At least that’s what Coop’s been telling himself all these years. As Eden’s old flame—and the landscaper for her family’s historic home—Coop feels some responsibility for getting her out of her funk. But as soon as he sees that million-dollar smile, he’s a goner. Soon they’re making out like teenagers again. But when a life-changing role falls into Eden’s lap, Coop just hopes she doesn’t give up on a love that’s meant to be. 








BUY LINKS:

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2fx1gbn














I love second chance romances and this story was just what I needed!

Eden and Coop where perfect for each other, they had been separated a long time ago because life had other plans for them, but now they got another chance.

From the start I could tell that the rebound thing was not gonna work for them, the chemistry they shared was too good to just be that.
They said they had loved each other when they were young but it was just puppy love; on the contrary with just one look we could tell they still had strong feelings for each other. 

Eden had changed him when she left, a part of him was lost forever and he ignored the fact for so long that he was unaware she still held that piece of his heart until they gave into one another again.

She had been living the life, had more money than she needed and everyone wanted a piece of her, but she had also lost something all those years ago. She was lonely, she had nobody in her side to share her success or to be a shoulder to cry on when needed, and that's why she ended up with that excuse of a man in the first place.

Their ultimate challenge is to let go of their grudges and hurt and get to know each other again, because even though time has changed them, deep inside they still are those two people who couldn't live without the other.

A fun and romantic love story that will leave you wanting more. In this book, true love finds a way!












ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.