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25 August 2014

ARC Review: Guarding His Heart


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Oh Leo! I have always had a thing since I first met him in the Last Boyfriend. So, when I heard this book was going to focus on him, I was thrilled.

We already know how Leo feels about falling in love, getting married and having a family... not going to happen. Between Zane and Noah, Leo has no desire to be "whipped". Thanks but no thanks is his motto; famous last words!

Leo's father has had enough of Leo being a bodyguard/bouncer and has made him come and enter Corporate America as an executive manager in his company. Although Leo would much rather sit back and relax or surf, he knows it is time to man up and start to learn the company that he will one day be CEO of.

Bright and early Monday morning, Leo is taking his first steps toward his future when a sassy and very beautiful lady shares the elevator with him. She, Hannah, asks if he is new and he says yes; this is all fine and good, except she doesn't stop there. She precedes to tell Leo that she cannot stand her new boss which just happens to be the CEO's son! She feels that he is an entitled spoiled rich kid ridding daddy's coat tails. Leo, of course, finds all this amusing. Imagine her surprise when he gets off on the same floor as her and he tells her his name is Leo. After a couple of seconds, she puts two and two together and she is mortified. That was defiantly quite the first impression.

The banter between these two is thrilling. Leo and Hannah find each other sexy but due to the working situation, neither is willing to make the first real more. Leo just can't help himself; he is always making suggestive comments just to get a rise out of her. However, while on a business trip to New York, Hannah makes a move that will change their relationship.

From the start, Hannah knows how Leo feels about relationships but she cannot help falling for him after spending so much time with him in New York. Leo, on the other hand, is having to come to grips with his feelings. The way he feels about her, well he has never felt that way about anyone. And just as these two begin to realize what they have could be  deeper then expect, there is a bump in the road and that bump just happens to be Leo's father.

These two are both strong-willed and independent, so when things threatens to end a good thing before it even gets started, they have to decide if what they feel is worth fighting for. Luckily for them, and us, Lucky steps in to help clear the air. With everything is out in the open, can Leo finally open his heart to love or will he always be guarding his heart?

I love, love, love this book. The flirty banter, emails and texts are priceless. We not only get to know what Leo is thinking but also get to know what Hannah is thinking. Their dynamic is wonderfully written that you cannot help but fall in love with these two. Leo may have been the handsome surfer dude, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. I love his complexity. Hannah is smart and witty and doesn't take anyone's crap. She fits perfectly with all the other cast of characters... Zane, Lucky, the twins, Noah, Robin and Skyler. Thanks JS Cooper for another will written story that fits into the Forever Love Series perfectly.


*** ARC received from Author for honest review. ***

This is an erotic fairy tale inspired by Beauty and the Beast.


Yes or no? What will she do? Can Annabelle redeem Beast with her heart intact, or will her time at La Rosa Prison ruin her? Find out who Beast really is in the dark, erotic retelling of Beauty & The Beast.


Excerpt 
“You look nervous,” he says. His hand, still in my hair, turns to my cheek. It’s warm. Smells good. “Come and sit down.” 
He takes my hand and leads me to a window seat. A built-in bench, pressed up against a wall of glass. He wraps his hands around my waist and lifts me up. Sits me down up there. My eyes scan the patchy, dirt-strewn yard outside. The way the rain smashes off the ground and into something else. The sky is white. Stark white. 
“Just a minute,” he says. 
My mind screams as he steps away. He reaches onto some shelves along the wall and grabs an armful of navy blue blankets. Painters’ blankets, I realize as he holds them out for me. He sits them on the bench beside me. Smooths one out. Lifts me up and sits me on it. Then he tucks another one behind me. 
“Thank you,” I murmur. Despite the blankets’ tattered appearance, they seem soft enough. There’s no paint on them, and they don’t smell like it. Another one unfolded by his big hands, tucked around me. 
“You got wet. Warm up a moment.” 
I sit there because my brain is broken and my heart feels puffed up like a balloon. 
He climbs up behind me and gently nudges me forward. He leans his torso up against mine, spreads his legs around my butt and thighs. Strong hands begin to knead my shoulders. 
“Don’t be nervous here, Angel. I’ll take care of you. Always.”

About Ella James

Ella James is a Colorado author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone’s parents go to war over the placement of a comma.

Ella’s books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers and Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon’s Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012.

To find out more about Ella’s projects and get dates on upcoming releases, find her on Facebook -(facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage) or follow her blog, www.ellajamesbooks.com. 

Questions or comments? Tweet her at @author_ellaj or e-mail her at ella_f_james@ymail.com.

Website       Facebook      Twitter    Amazon Author Page

22 August 2014

ARC Review: Colors of Us (McAvery Brothers Book 1)


Available on Pre-Order at Amazon. Release Date: August 26, 2014
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I have been dying to read this book for what seems like forever; I may have even bugged Sandra about it a time or two. So when I woke up one fine Wednesday morning to see this book in my email from Sandra, well let's just say I woke everybody up in the twelve block radius.

So we meet Michelle, a single girl trying to make it on her own as an artist and working in a gallery in SoHo. She is all alone with no family and only a handful of friends. Something happened in her past that keeps her closed off so that she can blend into the background. One fine cool morning, she goes off to get some free coffee from the new nearby coffee shop when a very handsome man starts conversing with her while waiting in line. He introduces himself as Hunter McAvery. The two have sparks flying all over the place but neither do anything about it. He does, however, buys her a cookie; it really was very sweet of him. As these two part, he wants to follow her but he can't bring himself to do it. See, Hunter has a troubled past himself and he has lived with that for some time. He doesn't think he has the right to be happy or to find love. 

Luck would be on their side and the two would be brought together by unlikely third person, Alex's girlfriend Jacey! Alex is Hunter's older brother and since his birthday is just around the corner, Jacey wants to buy a painting for his office. Of course she has to drag Hunter along for his help and the two almost give up when they stumble upon the very gallery that Michelle works at. Although she isn't there at the time, Jacey leaves her number for her to call because she really loves her work.

Michelle and Jacey agree to meet at the bar so that Michelle can bring some of her work and see what would go best in Alex's office. And when she walks into the bar, Hunter is instantly smitten all over again. But of course, nothing ever goes as planned. Alex, who was supposed to be out of the bar looking at chairs, finds them in the office with the painting that Jacey has picked out. Alex exams the work and instantly requests, well more like doesn't take no for answer, Michelle paint a mural on one of the bar's blank walls. Michelle, of course, ends up taking the job which will last some time. She has never done a job this big but she is excited for the challenge. This also means that she will be spend a lot of time at the bar, and more importantly, with Hunter. 

The chemistry these two have is electric but both try to fight it. Their constant will they won't they is intriguing and sometimes frustrating. But as their friendship grows, they begin to help each other get over their pasts. As Michelle begins to see her own strength, Hunter makes the decision to start living the life he really want. The only problem is that his new life is in California. Michelle and Hunter decide to spend the night together, just that one night, since he will be flying out on the morning. And boy what a night it is; a first time for the last time kind of night. So touching, so emotional. Oh the humanity, why must you do this to us Sandra! Get them together at last just to tear them apart!! ***cries***

But alas, Michelle and Hunter needed the time apart to realize what they really wanted... each other. Michelle is the one that ends up making the grand gesture and flies out to California. Of course there is a slight bump in the road, but after all make-up sex is grand! Awe, the perfect happily ever after beginning.

I am so totally in love with this book and with Hunter! Sandra, thanks for writing this story; having to stay up late was worth it! And yes, I'd choose the taste of Hunter over a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie any day of the week!

*** ARC received from author for honest review. ***

21 August 2014

Review: Limelight Series

Rumor Has It (Limelight Book 1) by Elisabeth Grace

"Dagnabit darlin', you sayin' you don't find me all kinds a sexy without this Southan drawl?"

Mason Nash is a rock star looking for a mini break from it all. So he rents a place away from it all in Virginia Beach, VA. 

Ellie Wagner is trying to live down an embarrassing YouTube video while working for for a realty company; although she is actively looking for a job that she can use her college degree. 

One day Ellie gets told to go to the rental home and retrieve the key that the housekeeper locked inside the house and return it to the lock box before the renter arrives. When she arrives, she is unable to get into the house she decided to crawl through the only unlocked window, the small bathroom window. And this is how Mason and Ellie meet; Ellie crawling through the window.

The sparks fly instantly between these two. Luckily for Mason, Ellie does not know how he is at first and get to know the man behind the image. They start slow just getting to know each other but as time goes on, they develop a deep affection. They have to fight to stay together and even though there are those that will stop at nothing to break them apart. But as the saying goes, you cannot stand between true love.

Rumor Has It was an amazing read that will keep you entranced until the end. Well done Ms. Grace; cannot wait to see what will come in the future! 


Picture Perfect (Limelight Book 2) by Elisabeth Grace


"... you have this innate sparkle about you that makes others feel better in your presence. Never, ever let anyone take that away from you again."

Skye Summers is trying to prove to everyone that she can be more then the daughter of the mayor. After her breakup, friend Katie takes Skye out for some drinks and fun at a local bar. While there, she has a few drinks and starts having some fun. She notices a very hot guy watching her and it excites her. After a rather drunk guy throws up on her, she runs to the bathroom to clean up as best she can. When she exits the bathroom she runs into the very handsome guy. They share a very steamy kiss but Skye soon realizes what she is doing and runs away. Although she found him extremely attractive, she never expects to see him again.

Skye was recently hired as an assistant to a PR entrepreneur Landon Steele. When she started her new job, her boss was out of the office so she did what she could in getting to know her fellow employees and the basics of job. When her new boss finally appears, she is stunned to find out it was the guy from the bar!

These two have sparks flying left and right but both are fighting their mutual attraction. But when they can no longer fight it, they become a very hot couple. They keep their relationship quiet at first, but when trouble is up they have decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.

I love this continuation on Elisabeth Grace's Limelight series. Landon and Skye are amazing individuals and together they could do anything their hearts desire. An quick and steamy read that could not be out down until the end. I, for one, look forward to book three of this series and any other projects Ms. Grace has to offer! 

Review: The Love Projects Books 1 and 2

Taking Chances (Love Projects Book 1)  by SJ Maylee

"Love is a strange and beautiful thing with smooth and rugged edges."

Lydia has been dealing with abandonment issues ever since her father left her and her mother when she was eight years old. Most people would say that she is shy and meek, but little they realize there is more then meets the eye. Jake is strong and very easy on the eyes. His dominate side always seems to make an appearance; he likes to be in control in every aspect of his life.

A new project has come up at work and Jake has been put in charge. He must pick someone to work with and he picks Lydia, much to her surprise. The sparks fly between these two but both are scared to act on it. However as the day progresses, Jake sees something in Lydia that his dominant side can not forget. After work, he accompanies her home and pushes Lydia's limits and to her surprise she enjoys it. As the night progresses, Jake comes to realize that Lydia may be just what he is looking for and someone that can make him forget his rules. These two are electric and even through their stumbling blocks, they become stronger. Jake give everything to her and Lydia lets go of her past and gives completely to him.

This book was very steamy read that I couldn't put down. Sexy, intriguing, electric, passionate! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Maylee has to offer next!



Taking Courage (Love Projects Book 2) by SJ Maylee

"She had a feeling his attention could be addictive."

Janna Hill just wanted a life that was controlled by her father. He had told her where to go to school, what to major in, where to work and even who to marry. But when her marriage failed after one month, due to his cheating, she wanted to start fresh; start over. On a business trip, she takes the opportunity to visit the local club as a guest. While there she meets Simon and he takes her on a journey that she will never forget. But things don't end in the best of ways, now she must decide if she will stand up for herself or continue following her father's demands.

So, with an act of courage, she moves to Chicago and starts a new job all the way gain her father's disapproval. However, on her first day at the new job, she is assigned to work on a new project with Simon. Since the night they met, she can not seem to get Simon out of her mind and having to work with him will be difficult.

Simon is still hurt and angry from his last "relationship" because she lied to him and several others. He was starting to fall for her and when the truth came out, he was devastated. On the night he met Janna, she to lied although it was a far smaller lie and she came clean as soon as possible. But he is still not sure he wants to trust her let alone forgive her. Luckily for us, Janna is on a mission. She will prove that she is worth a second chance because she wants Simon and will do just about anything to get him. Simon, on the other hand, fights her on it but as time goes on he will let down his walls and open up to her.

These two are perfect together. Each has something to learn from the other. Their relationship is rocky in the beginning but as time goes on, they become stronger. Even though Janna's father comes into town and tries to get her to come back home, she has come to far to let him control her any more. She is finally living her life her way and she wants Simon to be a part of it.


This second book in the Love Project Series is witty and very steamy. Through the twists and turns, this book keep me enraptured until the end. And having a little of Jake and Lydia thrown is was a plus. What's next Ms. Maylee? Cause I cannot wait!!

Review: Burn For Me

Burn For Me by Lauren Blakely

"He was commanding. He was Determined. He was a man who know what he wanted - and he wanted her."

Jamie and Smith have been friends for years. No matter what they are doing, they have fun together, their easy banter is amazingly stimulating. However, underneath their friendship lays something more. Each has been dreaming of the other but since they love their friendship, neither want to lose that and the sexual tension is high. So one night, during a party at the bar Jamie works at, Smith decides that its now or never and makes his move. Jamie is a little unsure but Smith is incredibly sexy that she gives into her desires. And what an experience it is, one that Smith wants to continue but Jamie is a little reluctant. Luckily for us, and Smith, Jamie thinks that maybe a one week, no-strings attached, friends with benefits would be the answer. Smith agrees but he vows to himself to make things last after the week but Jamie fights her depending feelings as the week progresses. Smith will have to up his game if he intends to keep the woman of his dreams.

This was a very steamy novella that was enticing and stimulating. The characters know what they want and aren't afraid to ask for it. I love how when trouble strikes, each know what they can do for the other because they have been friends for the longest time. This book had it all... passion, fire, love, steamy sexual tension, and even a cat in a tree! Lauren Blakely is an amazing author and I cannot wait to see what she will deliver us next. 

20 August 2014

Review: Make Me Stay

Make Me Stay by Ella Jade

When Cade told Gracie to leave, that is exactly what she did and Cade was devastated. He hired a private investigator to locate her but no avail. So when she shows up two years later, a cascade of emotions run through him. Gracie is more then pleased that Cade could still want her even after all this time. When Gracie left, she didn't know what to do or where to go. She ended up in New York visiting a friend and there is where her life was changed. She meets Martin and the two of them worked together to mold Gracie into the person that she is today. Although Martin loves Gracie, he knows she has always loved Cade and everything she does is for him. Now she returns to Boston and to Cade trained in the BDSM lifestyle and sets out to incorporate that into their relationship. Cade, of course, is a little reluctant but now that Gracie has returned he cannot image a life without her in it. So, they work together through several bumps in the road to work but their love is strong. 

This was a story about how love can over come any challenges. Gracie was weak when she left Cade but grew into a strong willed women. Cade was scared to hurt Gracie because he likes to dominate and now he has the chance to have the best of both worlds. With some help from Martin, Gracie and Cade have the life they always wanted. 

Ella's makes us fall in love with these two and leave us wanting to know more of their story! A great sensual story that makes you believe love can conquer anything!

Review: Rhett

Rhett by JS Cooper


Rhett Madison has it all... the money, the car, the looks, and an incredible best friend. So most people did not understand his friendship with Clementine, but Rhett did not care because she meant the world time. She was the one person he could always count on to be there for him, someone that he could turn to. When Rhett was little his mother left and he never really got over it. Since that time he vowed to never fall in love, never get married, never do relationships and since he had Clementine, he never looked at her in that light. But now things are changing, he is noticing Clementine as more then a friend, more then like a sister; she is beautiful and someone that he is becoming more and more attracted to. And when she starts dating, he has a lot to figure out before he loses the one person that stole his heart a long time ago.

Rhett is an amazing story of two friends that love each other and share a bond that cannot be broken easily. He is loyal and caring and charming and just a bit cocky, but that is what makes him so endearing. I love how he has to reevaluate his life when he thinks he has lost Clementine and then how he plans to win her back. I enjoyed this book so much that I had to stay up all night until I finished it; and it was well worth it. I am a huge JS Cooper fan and she does not let me down with this standalone book. 

Review: Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow

When I first heard of the concept for this book, I was a little weary. Not because I don't love Shannon, because I do, but how do you bring together a beloved story like Persuasion and Jane Austen. But as the writing slowly progressed, Shannon would share tidbits here and there (although not as many as I would have liked) and I just knew I would have to read it. SO, I when got this book and started reading it, I immediately fell in love.

First we learn of Jane's death, which by all accounts that we know of, is very sad indeed. Then we are taken back in time to when Jane starts writing her latest novel, Persuasion. Here we learn a bit of the "one that got away" and how he is, bits and pieces of his character and traits, featured in some of her heroes. And while writing it, we get to see how they meet, fall in love and then driven apart. And of course, all this is how Persuasion came to be.

But what if, just as in Persuasion, her Captain returns and this time doesn't let anything come between them.What if he seeks her out and hopes that she will throw caution to wind and run away with him. And what if, instead of dying on that fateful July day, she finally gets her happy ending. The one that we, as fans, always wished for her.

Oh how I enjoyed this book and it was well worth the wait. And I could tell you all the ends and outs of this love story, but what would be the fun in that. You must read it and fall in love with Jane all over again.

Thank you Shannon for bringing Persuasion and Jane Austen together!! This is by far my favorite book of yours thus far.

Review: Surrender To Me

Surrender To Me by Ella Jade

"You'll surrender to me over and over until you have no sense of time and place. You'll lose yourself in me. When I'm done with you, I'll be the only one who will ever exist in your world. You'll belong to me, Arianna."

Arianna is introduced to Martin through her cousin since Martin is looking for a new attorney. Martin is still a little heartbroken over Gracie's departure when he meet Arianna, but there is something about her that draws him in. Martin offers the job to Arianna with one condition, he will be her only client and she has 24 hours to decide. Arianna is stunned but intrigued and totally finds Martin gorgeous, so she goes against her better judgement and agrees. Now that these are working together, the sexual tension can be cut with a knife. But Martin sense something submissive in Arianna and starts to push her buttons, while Arianna grows more and more curious about Martin's lifestyle.

Both, finally, succumb to their attraction and now must try and make their relationship work. Martin is willing to give up his lifestyle for a more vanilla one and Arianna is willing to submit in every way, so will these two be able to make some sort of compromise that will be pleasurable for both? They will and enjoy the journey it takes them on.

I am a huge Ella Jade fan and this book does not disappoint. I loved getting to know Martin better and the chemistry between these two is amazing. This story has everything you want and then some. Arianna's sass and determination coupled with Martin's dominance and heart makes a winning appeal. Loved, loved, loved this book! One of my favorites by far!

19 August 2014

Review: Alpha Billionaire


Alpha Billionaire by Helen Cooper

OMG!!! What a start to a series!! 

I knew going into this book that I was going to be hot but I wasn't expecting it to this hot. A shy girl, Evie Johnson, reluctantly agrees to work for her friend at a strip club with the agreement that she doesn't have to be naked or do anything she doesn't want to do. While there she meets a strange, yet extremely handsome man, who offers her more money then she could desire for a night of whatever. Whatever being anything she wants, he won't push her to do anything she won't agree to. Now what could possibly go wrong with that?

The twists and turns as the night progress is provocative and intriguing. Tyler, the chaueffer, tries to warn her that she needs to leave; no smart girl would be in her position. However, Evie doesn't want to leave because Grant makes her hot and bothered and he is just so amazing in bed. By the next morning, things changed and now that she wants to leave, she can't. Evie has gotten into something she can't get out of, only now, she's in a game with two wolves!

I can't wait to see how this story will unfold in book 2!!

Review: Call It Fate

Call It Fate by Elizabeth Wyke

When I first heard of this book, I thought it sounded interesting and something that would keep my attention.  Boy was I wrong, because I fell in love with this book.  It captured me from the start and I couldn't put it down until I finished.  Lizzie Wyke is defiantly one of my favorite authors now.

Hannah is just trying to make her way in life, even though life has thrown her some curve balls.  Rush is instantly smitten with Hannah but she is leery.  But these two have a chemistry that will not be put asunder.  Their journey is full of ups and downs but fate has a way of working things out.  There is not much to say without giving everything away, therefore I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a book to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.  You will not be disappointed!

13 August 2014

Review: Cold Nights, Hot Bodies

Cold Nights, Hot Bodies by Lily Harlem

 This was my first book by Lily and it won't be my last. I picked this one because the cover called my name and boy did it ever keep my attention!

A shy, mousy, twenty-three year old that would rather read about love then to go out and look for Mr. Right. So Ashley is going to the end of year gathering of all the best sales rep of her company, but her best friend decided the best way for Ashley to come out of her shell was to switch Ashley drab dinner suit for a very stunning red dress. Although Ashley is reluctant to even go through with the dinner after finding her wardrobe switched, she does go and while there catches the eye of Shane. Shane is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome; a cool drink of water; very easy on the eyes. Although she is scared, Ashley goes for what she wants... Shane.

These two are very attached to one another share a couple of great days together, but as with life, things get in the way. She is out of sorts since Shane has been MIA but he's about to be part of her life and he isn't letting her go this time.

I love this couple and the HEA was brilliant. This is the perfect short story to keep you warm at night.