Winning the Boss's Heart by Hayson Manning

The Book
Release Date:  9 September 2013

Mason Christian has twelve weeks to flip something old into something new for his Japanese client, and then he’s getting the hell out of Footsteps Bay, New Zealand. Not even his temporary cook and secretary—the feisty, luscious Billie McLeod—will deter him. There’s no denying she makes him feel alive. More alive than he’s felt in three years...  

Billie has one dream: save enough money to go to college. That’s why she’s agreed to work for hard ass, all-business-no-pleasure Mason Christian—a man who has every intention of destroying through "modernization" the town’s most cherished historical home. But before she can say see ya, she realizes she’s signed the dotted line and is contractually bound for eighty-four days.  Working with male perfection every day is awesome with a capital A—as long as they can stick to a hands-off policy that gets harder every day…

My Opinion  3 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

This book is better than her first and is more believable, although there are quite a few obvious spelling mistakes.

Billie, although quite sweet basically bulldozes into Mason forcing her way into his personal life which did annoy me.  ( I dislike pushy women).

Mason did not act as tortured as I expected him to be, he was just a little closed off.

The ending was sweet however and didn't feel too rushed.

The book was sweet in places and in others did annoy me and showed that both had a heart, they just have different ways of going about things.

Not a bad light-hearted read.

Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

The Book
Release Date: 5 November 2013 (originally published 6 December 2005)

Her choo's were meant for walking...
Mia Appleby has it all. Just ask her. A fab career in marketing with a salary that keeps her in her favorite designers and a condo in the Los Angeles hills... everything she dreamed of as a little girl gazing out the window of her mom's trailer at a sewer plant. That old life is completely gone now except for one remaining inherited vice—a weakness for men.

...until one man stopped her in her tracks...
That is, until she has a one-night stand with handsome Kevin McNight. This new neighbor has burning eyes that match his melt-me body, but they still don't stop Mia from ending it the next morning, a ploy that has worked with most men. But Kevin is not like the others and he won't let Mia off that easy. Neither will her runaway Goth niece, Hope, who inconveniently shows up on her doorstep with hopes for a new life. Now Mia must keep her new fan club at a safe distance—before they burst her fairy tale facade.

My Opinion  1.5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review**

This book did look good, however was was sorely disappointed with it.

I liked Kevin, Tess, Mike and Hope.

Mia annoyed me. It seemed Hope was more adult than Mia who acted more like a spoilt child, especially if she didn't get her own way.

I also had a WTF moment at the ending. In no way did the book feel finished or complete. I felt cheated for lack of a decent ending and just stared at my kindle blindly thinking, REALLY?? Thats it? WTF!!!!

All i can say is that Mia has some serious growing up to do and Kevin is too good for her.

Personally not a book I will be recommending.

BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY - Love Me Not (Bad Boys Gone Good #2) by Reese Ryan

The Book
Release Date:  30 December 2013

Abandoned by a mother who chose drugs over her, Jamie Charles barely got out of her own addiction alive. Now, she pours her pain into her art while pouring drinks at a local bar. To Jamie, love is a four-letter word—until she meets Miles, a charming ad exec with piercing blue eyes who makes no secret about his desire for her.

Miles Copeland has family demons of his own, but his unhappy upbringing drove him toward hard work and success. He's determined to win Jamie over, and when he finally does, it's worth every moment he spent waiting. But when he confesses that he's falling for her, she panics. Sex is one thing, but love requires more than she can give.

Jamie can't deny her feelings, but she's haunted by her past. Miles knows his heart, but Jamie's lingering doubts have him questioning their future. It might take the threat of losing him forever for her to realize that refusing to let love in is the worst mistake of all.

EXCERPT

“You’re not the only person who can read people, mister.” She crossed her arms and stared at him.

“Okay, so maybe I can afford pricey shoes and—”

“A black BMW.”

His mouth gaped open. “How’d you—?”

“It’s a gift,” she said proudly, leaning in a little closer. “I could tell you were a BMW guy two minutes after we met. Took me another fifteen minutes to figure out you’d probably go for classic black, probably a high-end five series…maybe the six series. Definitely not the seven, ’cause that’d just be flaunting it.”

He let out a low whistle and ran his fingers through his hair. “No way. The valet must be acting as your secret informant.”

“Nope. I told you, it’s a gift.” She rested her elbows on the bar and leaned even closer to him. Her voice was a husky whisper. “Don’t look now, but the older guy coming in the door with the chick in the tiny sequin skirt who’s young enough to be his granddaughter…bet he drives a wee little Corvette in some wildly inappropriate color like lemon yellow.” She backed away from him and headed to the other end of the bar to refresh another customer’s drink. When she was done she returned to Miles and whispered, “So whadya think? You think I’m right?”

He had that ridiculously sexy grin plastered on his face again, the wattage decidedly turned up a notch. “That guy is staying at my hotel. You’re only half right, though. He drives a nineteen sixty-five Corvette Stingray, but it isn’t yellow, it’s Incredible Hulk green.”

Jamie shuddered. “Even worse. And the guy should be taken behind a woodshed and beaten for mutilating an American classic like that. Not to mention the fact that he’s corrupting a minor.”

“Agreed.”

They giggled like naughty schoolchildren making fun of the substitute teacher’s ten-buck toupee, and something about it felt good. Familiar. Like having an inside joke with an old friend.

“You’re a bad influence on me.” She swiped underneath her eye with the heel of her hand, careful not to ruin her makeup. “I shouldn’t be making fun of the customers.”

“You’re telling me you wouldn’t have slammed that guy’s superhero-inspired midlife crisis on wheels if I wasn’t here?” He smiled at her. “Then I’m really glad I came. Face it, you might not want to talk about it, but you needed a good laugh tonight.”

The Author

Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring a multicultural cast of flawed, but lovable characters. She secretly enjoys torturing her heroines with family and career drama, reformed bad boys, revealed secrets, and the occasional identity crisis, but always rewards them with supportive girlfriends and a happily ever after.

 
An avid reader, Reese's to-be-read stack resembles a small skyscraper. She adores brilliant singer/songwriters, and has an incurable addiction to musicals and movie soundtracks. She is a lifelong Midwesterner currently residing in Central North Carolina with her husband and young adult son who tolerate her propensity to sing and dance badly.

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Only In Vegas by Lindsey Brookes

The Book
Release Date: 8 November 2013

Being Italian and being sexy is supposed to go hand in hand, but somewhere along the line twenty-six-year-old Angelina Rossi’s genes forgot their Italian love goddess heritage. She’s tired of relationships that fizzle the moment things start getting hot. At this rate she’s never going to experience the big ‘O’, proving her ex-boyfriend and co-worker at Sunset Travel right – there’s no thawing the ‘Ice Princess’. 

Thirty-year-old business executive Trey Landers isn’t surprised by much his best friend and neighbor, Angelina Rossi, throws his way. But this time she throws him one hell of a curve ball. She not only wants him to accompany her on a business trip to Las Vegas and pretend to be her lover in front of her ex-boyfriend, she wants Trey to give her lessons on seducing a man. 

A man of his word, Trey’s fevered kisses in front of her ex has the ass regretting his decision to break up with her. Not that she’d ever go back to him. How could she after experiencing such passion in Trey’s arms? If only what happened in Vegas didn’t have to stay in Vegas. Or did it?

My Opinion  5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Lindsey Brookes for an honest review**

I really enjoyed this book. It was light and fun and at times had me howling out loud and then telling my husband what had made me laugh.

Its you basic friends to lovers story, but it was put across well and i just could not put the book down. I read it in two sittings.

Would have loved an ending where Rick-the-dick got what he deserved.

Definitely a book I would recommend if you want romance and humour!

BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY - Pearl on Cherry by Chanse Lowell

The Book
Release Date:  29 December 2013
Genre: Historical Erotica

Clarissa Stone never thought she had a chance to make it on stage, but a strike in 1907 at the music hall in New York City opens up a door, and she races to it. The path isn't easy, and especially not after catching the eye of William Berling Ferrismore III. Money and power have gone to his head, and he uses that to his advantage, sating his sexual appetite with the women on stage. Clarissa won't be caught so easy, but William doesn't play by the rules. How can she prove her worth as an actress with his defaming ways?

CONTENT WARNING — This story contains scenes of an explicit, erotic nature and is intended for adults, 18+. Story includes anal sex (use of implements in the anus as makeshift butt plug toys), bondage, crude language, dubious consent and a primitive type of Dom/sub arrangement involving consensual sex. There is mention of rape and abortion—both more than once, but it is not shown. There is an attempted, unsuccessful rape scene that is thwarted. There are also punishment scenes with whipping and spanking some might find offensive, along with violence with fist fights. Characters portrayed are 18 or older.

Excerpt

“Quiet. Wait ‘til I have you in the motorcar, then you may speak freely,” he told her, helping her into his vehicle.

“Do you even know how to drive?” she asked when he was at her side.

“I drive this motorcar the way you drive me mad—with precision and a punishing force.”

She gulped and took to holding her wobbling knees.

“Tell me now—you will not leave, will you? Once I have you in my home, you will not desert me?”

“Why would I? Unless you mean to massacre me.” She chuckled, and it was nervous sounding.

Probably because the butterflies dancing in her stomach had taken to other parts of her body.

“I mean to devour you, lick you in the basest places and dig my fingers into you. I think you can withstand it—my cherry girl is built for my onslaught.”

She sucked in a tight breath, her abdomen caving in with the action.

“What if I taste wretched and am unflattering on the tongue?”

He laughed, and it was unsettling how free he sounded over these vulgar things they were discussing. And why did she want more of this type of talk?

“Oh, little cherry, how you amuse me. Have you forgotten so soon I have already had your cream on my taste buds? It still lingers and drives me to distraction. I want that flavor coated on my cock.”

“Oh, almighty Jesus,” she whispered under her failing breath.

“Oh, yes, I shall have it, too. Before you sleep this night, you shall do exactly what I say.”

She gripped her knees harder. They were close to shaking—her hands were not much steadier.

“I shall not request your obedience—I shall earn it and demand it. In return, you shall have unending adoration flung at your feet as I worship your gorgeous body built for my hands to explore. I shall respect you, find every way possible to keep you happy, but you will be mine, and you will submit,” he said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

His voice was hoarse, and his hands clung to the steering wheel. The pulse at his neck was visibly racing.

“When you say these things to me—do you expect me to respond?”

“Yes, but not with words. Those are unnecessary. I already know how you feel. I can taste it in the air surrounding me. I can hear it in your exaggerated breathing and in the grip on your legs. You are ready to drip at my command. And I can barely wait to give that order.” He turned to look at her, and she froze. “You may use words right now if you wish, though. So, say it . . .”

“Say what?”

“Say you are afraid of me. That you think me an unholy bastard. That you want to run right this instant and flee my wicked presence and salty tongue.” He turned his head back to the road, but she could still feel him watching her out of the side of his eye.

“If I said any of those things, would you believe them? And would it even matter? It is not as if you would take me back home,” she said.

The car jolted to a stop. He turned at the waist and braced her with his grip on her shoulders. “I will never take you against your will. Never. I am not about that. I want you to want this, too. I want your body vibrating with excitement and unadulterated bliss. I will find a way to get those reactions from you if it forces me to rip my bones out of my body. That is how committed I am to you.”

She dropped her gaze at his lap. She did not mean to. Her eyes just went there to his prominent bulge.

“Do you desire me that much?” She kept staring.

“I desire you more than a man should. You”—he swallowed hard—“will be my unending addiction I shall never break free from.”

My Opinion  3 STARS
** I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review**

At first I was unsure of what to make of this book, as I had not read a historical erotic book before.

It has kernels of FSOG in it however, coupled with the historical nature of the book it feels new and different.

Clarissa was just a down on her luck kind of girl with talent and William brought out her true nature.  It was a little strange however of how their relationship did not get stuck with the obvious class issue.  Even at that age, the big difference in their class would have given them many stares at their relationship.

They went through many events together and Clarissa seemed the strong of the two individuals, standing stronger for her man and for others, whilst William in his own way crumbled before she puts hi back together.

A decent read.

Author Bio:

 Chanse Lowell grew up in the desert southwest and still lives there with her husband, children, and pet cactus. She’s addicted to three things—reading erotica, writing erotica and sandwiches with a side of erotica to aid with digestion. She grew up watching programs with science fiction and historical fiction themes, and is determined she can combine her three favorite genres, creating a new breed of novel with scifi, historical and smut sandwiched in the middle.

The last thing she ever thought she’d do was pursue her dream to be a writer since her family tends to keep her busy. When she was introduced to fan fiction, she realized she wanted to see more science fiction and historical fiction to fill in the gap with lots of naughtiness thrown in, of course. Her true passion is creating her own worlds from scratch, letting her imagination go and take her to another place.

Having recently entered the BDSM lifestyle and discovering she’s a submissive herself has opened her eyes to how few stories there are exploring the softer side of the lifestyle. She enjoys chatting online with others with similar kinky interests and has advisers in the lifestyle that help make sure her stories remain true and don’t veer off into outer space. Although aliens probably enjoy kink, too, since they like to dress in rubber fetish-wear while traveling. At least that’s her argument for why her new genre she’s created is valid.
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GIVEAWAY

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Reforming the Playboy (Passion Creek #1) by Inara Scott

The Book
Release Date: 17 December 2013

Five years ago, she left without a word...

Internationally-renowned artist Max Estin is as well known for his million dollar commissions as he is his partying and clubbing. But Max is hiding a secret—for almost a year he’s been completely blocked. Unable to paint. And to unlock his art, and save his career, he’s going to need the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Now, he’s determined to make her pay...

Kira Estin never told Max exactly why she left, or what secrets forced her to return home to Passion Creek so abruptly. So when a chance reunion turns to seduction, Kira is more than a little suspicious. She knows better than to trust Max, but can’t fight the fire that he lights in her body—or her heart. But when everyone is hiding a secret, can even the hottest passion survive?

My Opinion  3.5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

This was a sweet read and it didn't take me long to devour it.

The story is based mostly on Kira's past insecurities and the fact that she has lived her life in the safe zone, pushing people away before they could leave and hurt her like her own mother did.

Max, a struggling artist has not painted anything since his accident and is not exactly happy when he finds he has to go to Passion Creek to see his old flame.

Things move fast for this couple and they soon find themselves back to the passion they formally had, but finding out new things about the other that they had never noticed before, finding that perhaps they hadn't been perfect for each other before.

The last five years have changed both of them and they are now able to talk about what they couldn't before and find a new respect for each other.  Each are told things that are hard to hear and have a little soul searching to do.

Each book i have picked up by Inara Scott has been a book that I have devoured and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Fighting Love (Love to the Extreme #2) by Abby Niles

The Book
Release Date: 31 December 2013

After the MMA scandal of the year, former Middleweight champion Tommy “Lightning” Sparks’s career is in shambles. While he fights to get back on his feet, he’s forced to swallow his pride and move in with his best friend, Julie. But righting his own wrongs won’t be his only battle. Another fighter has his sights set on Julie, and for the first time Tommy's place in her life is threatened.

Julie Rogers fell for Tommy the day he helped her find her lost puppy at ten years old. As a thirty-two-year-old veterinarian, she still has her love for animals—and for Tommy. Over the years, she’s come to accept that Tommy will never look at her with anything other than brotherly love. After he moves in, the feelings she’s kept locked away threaten to burst through their restraints.

Terrified of losing their friendship, Julie resolves to date another fighter and let go of Tommy. But as she beings to move on, Tommy starts to see her with new eyes. Now, he’s more determined to than ever to emerge the victor and become the man she deserves, before he loses the only woman who means everything to him.

My Opinion  3.5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

Ah.  The story of two best friends who end up getting together.

Julie has been in love with her best friend since they met at ten years old and she has remained his best friend through everything, even telling him what he needed to hear when he does something stupid.

Tommy lost his MMA championship match because he was cocky, now he has been banned from cage matches and he has lost his house.  It is Julie, his best friend,  who again comes to his rescue and gives him her spare room.

However it not long before Tommy sees Julie in a way he has never seen her before and he struggles with all that it encompasses.

There are however outside forces at work helping them pick their act up and yes, it is bone meltingly good to see them together after too much dancing around and I loved the intensity of their relationship.

I also loved Brody and so hope we get his story and one for Mac.  Both characters need a good ending for their help in this one.

The ending is sweet with its intensity and you truly feel like it was the best ending for them.  Perfect.

A good read.

Rebel (Renegades #2) by Skye Jordan

The Book
Release Date: 22 December 2013

Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

My Opinion  3.5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Cygnet Books for an honest review**

For me although this book was good, the first one was that much better.

Loved Wes and his easy going attitude and slight rebelness.

Rubi seemed more put together in the first book, and really fell apart at the seams in this one.  She also used the 'i don't know family life' too much as an excuse for the way she is.

It also seemed that Rubi was doing most of the changing and growing, whilst Wes stayed the same which seemed a little unfair.

It was good to see a little more of Jax and Lexi in this book, however it would have been nice to see more girl time between Rubi and Lexi as they can be a laugh when together.

On the whole not bad reading :)

COVER REVEAL + GIVEAWAY - A Beautiful Idea (Beautiful #1) by Emily McKee

The Book
Release Date: January 2014

Isabelle Clark always had ideas, but that’s all they ever were . . . until now.

She grew up in a world filled with poverty and hatred from the person who gave birth to her and had decided she would finally make her ideas a reality.

After moving away to college as a junior she ran into the University of Maryland’s walking one-night stand. Literally.

Ryder Mitchell was every girl’s wet dream all in one muscled, tattooed, pierced, baseball playing package. He thought he had the life: going to school, tattooing people by day, and giving girls the best orgasms of their life by night.

When he found out that Financial Aid didn’t fully cover Isabelle’s room and board Ryder had an idea: Isabelle should move in with him.

On the outside everybody sees Isabelle as a quiet bookworm and Ryder as a player, both on and off the baseball diamond. They soon learn who the other truly is.

Either way, they’re about to realize this idea was a beautiful one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For the past 21 years, I have been a planner and an organizer.  I always needed things a specific way and then everything changed for me.  I've always had a vivid imagination and thoughts racing through my mind.  I realized that life is way too short to let things pass me by, because in the blink of an eye everything could change.  So I decided to just live in the moment, taking every chance and opportunity led my way.  No second thoughts and just going with the flow.  

I decided to put the fictional characters and the conversations going on in my head to paper.  I know, it makes me sound crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I've embraced crazy and hectic and last minute because it's led me to making my dreams a reality.

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Reckless (Renegades #1) by Skye Jordan

The Book
Release Date: 26 August 2013

A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix's image means everything. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, her years of polish and hard work are finally about to pay off. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker who makes her realize how much living she's sacrificed for her success, one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life.

Jax Chamberlin has been screwed over by gorgeous gold-diggers one too many times. Though he runs his own stunt company, all of America knows his Hollywood face even years after he's given up acting. Finding a woman who doesn't plan to use him as a stepping stone to success is virtually impossible, so when the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a chance at a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more. Lots more.

But Lexi's got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle. And if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he's afraid the fantasy woman he's falling for might just end up like all the rest.

Warning: This novel contains uber-hot sexual encounters. For safety's sake, read along with pitcher of ice-water. Or...wine…

My Opinion  4 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Cygnet Books for an honest review**

I really enjoyed this book and loved the sexting scene at the airport. Just brilliant.

The dynamics between the two was really good and there was lots of passion between the two and both have brilliant careers.

I did however, think that perhaps Lexi was a little too perfect. She needed more normalness to her in the general way that makes the population.

The story did however grip me the whole way through and kept me magnetised to the pages, and i could hardly put the book down.

I look forward to the next book in the series and hope to see little peaks at the relationship in it :)

COVER REVEAL - Release Me (Callahan #3) by A.C. Marchman

The Book
Release Date: December 2013

Donovan Callahan started a relationship with the married Claire Dubois as a teenager. He was attracted to her beauty and raw sexuality, letting his hormones take control of him. He couldn't resist the woman all the guys at school could only dream about. 

As time went by, she sank her claws in deep, keeping his heart in a vice grip and toying with his emotions. He longed to be free, but was terrified of what this crazy woman was capable of. She had a way of keeping him in line, either by physical or mental force. She is manipulative, conniving, and just plain evil. She pulled him back in as he tried to push away. Donovan felt trapped in a web of lies and deceit. If Donovan was in a web, just call Claire the proverbial black widow.

Find out why Donovan is the way he is and how Claire screwed him up in more ways than one. Donovan has to take back control of his life. He wants Claire to release him, for good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

AC Marchman lives in Virginia with her husband Dan and their three children, Hannah, Jacob and Sarah. 

By day, she is a wife, mommy, and an x-ray tech for a doctor's office. By night (and nap time) she is a writer. 

She loves spending time with her family. She also loves to read. Her favorite authors being EL James, Sylvia Day, James Patterson, and Tess Gerritsen.

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