Fresh Friday: New on the shelves

This is something new I wanted to start for my blog and this is Fresh Friday. This is mainly going to showcase what I bought or received this week (a lot of other bloggers do this but their in my mailbox). I’m not sure why I have to be different but its something I’m good at 🙂

My TBR list is getting crazy long so I didn’t buy too many books this is certainly much less than normal.

Purchased:

Burn (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY) by Maya Banks

If You Leave: The Beautifully Broken Series: Book 2 by Courtney Cole

Galleys:
Drawn Together (A BROWN FAMILY NOVEL) by Lauren Dane

All of You by Christina Lee

Review: Kept By Him by Red Garnier

Release Date: 7/1/13

Pages: 100

Price: $2.99

From the Publisher:

Red Garnier takes readers deep into a world of power and possession—and passion…

Not everyone knows that billionaire Daniel Lexington gets a little dirty, a little dark, and will settle for nothing less than everything from any woman lucky enough to tangle his sheets. Handsome, rich and completely irresistible, Daniel can have any woman he wants. However, there is one woman he aches to possess, but has never touched: Monica Davenport.

Monica is one of the alarmingly few women in his life that Daniel has called friend and Daniel protects his friends—no matter what. But when Monica comes to him one night, asking him to make love to her, Daniel is not about refuse—he can’t refuse—even if it could cost him everything. Now, she has a shocking, erotic proposal that threatens to change everything between them because Daniel is a demanding lover who will accept nothing less than complete surrender…

Read all five e-novellas in this sensational series—and look for the full volume of THE BILLIONAIRE’S CLUB in January 2014 from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.

So, I really love the billionaires club series but I would have to say that out of the novellas so far this is my least favorite. I thought I would love it because Daniel is the head of the billionaires club. Not necessarily the head but he’s known as the Prince of Chicago. Monica Davenport is known in Chicago as the Ice Maiden. She is very stoic, unemotional and cold. The only person that she’s ever been warm to is Daniel.

Daniel and Monica were close 10 years before the setting of the story. She had just lost her parents and she moved in with the Lexington’s for a while before she got on her feet. During this tough time Daniel would comfort her night but they never went beyond friendly interactions. Except for one night. Monica being the Ice Maiden that she is refused Daniel and set their futures into motion.

Obviously, the two are meant to be together but since they are denying their attraction they tend to look for what feels safe in a relationship. For Daniel, this is one night stands, never sleeping over, and generally being alone. For Monica, this is older men, unemotional attachments, and generally being alone. What they’re both lacking is love and excitement in a relationship.

Monica runs into Daniel at a public event and then they end up leaving together. Monica tells Daniel that the reason her boyfriend broke up with her is because she can’t turn her mind off during sex. She then propositions Daniel to have sex with her and of course he accepts. Their chemistry is off the charts whenever they’re together. Monica tries denying the attraction she feels to Daniel but Daniel understands that this is his chance to have the one woman that he always wanted. Daniel is the one that ends up fighting for the relationship. Eventually Monica sees the light and they give it a go and they get their happily ever after.

Like I said overall the book is good but it’s not as good as the previous novellas in the series. To me it didn’t have the same heat and excitement that Chloe and Graves story had. I can only hope the other stories will be more along the lines of the first two that I read.

Waiting on Wednesday: Stripped by Jasinda Wilder

New meme for the blog! I feel like everyone and their mother does this but I feel like this is something that will help you all get an idea for what kind of books I like to read. Plus sometimes I don’t have a chance to review everything I read as well.

So, what book am I most excited about coming out this month…..

Stripped by Jasinda Wilder!

From the publisher:

So how did I get myself into this situation, you ask? Simple: desperation. When you’re faced with being homeless and hungry or taking off your clothes for money, the choice is easier than you’d imagine. That doesn’t make it easy, though. Oh no. I hate it, in fact. There’s nothing I’d like more than to quit and never go into another bar again, never hear the techno beat pulsing in my ears again, never feel the lecherous gazes of horny men again.

Then, one day, I meet a man. He’s in my club, front and center. He watches me do my routine, and his gaze is full of hunger. Not the kind of desire I’m used to though. It’s something different. Something hotter, deeper, and more possessive. I know who he is; of course I do. Everyone knows who Dawson Kellor is. He’s People Magazine’s Sexiest Man alive. He’s the hottest actor in Hollywood. He’s the man hand-picked for the role of Rhett Butler in the long-awaited remake of Gone With the Wind.

He’s the kind of man who can have any woman in the entire world with a mere crook of his finger. So what’s he doing looking at me like he has to have me? And how do I resist him when he looks at me with those intoxicating, changeable, quicksilver eyes?

I’m a virgin, and he’s an American icon of male sexuality. I’m a stripper, and he’s a man used to getting anything and everything he wants. And he wants me. I know I should say no, I know he’s the worst kind of player…but what my mind knows, my body and my heart may not.

And then things get complicated.

 

Release Date:

August 16, 2013

Review: Lick by Kylie Scott

Release Date: 7/1/13

Price: 3.99 for ebook

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

After reading the synopsis I figured this could be really bad or be really good. I’m glad to say that this was a pleasant surprise. This was much better than I thought it would be. Long story short, Evelyn goes to Vegas to celebrate her 21st meets a Rockstar and he falls for her and they get married. Biggest problem: She doesn’t remember most of the night and he does. This causes him lots of frustration because he doesn’t readily trust people and he let her in. Evelyn has had her whole life mapped out by her parents and getting married strays from that. she realizes through the course of things that she doesn’t want what her parents want for her. Since David (tattooed Rock star that she married) kind of wants to try things to see how they go, she is willing to step out of her shell and see what life would be like with him.

They have their ups and downs at the beginning but as they work out their issues they have some really hot sex. Kylie Scott is an incredible writer (this is the first book I’ve read by her). The banter between the characters was fresh and didn’t feel forced as it sometimes does. Overall, I really liked it and honestly that was a surprise. I felt like this was different enough to distinguish it from other Rock star books. I would definitely recommend that you read it if you like books that are mildly humorous, sexy and with a touch of rock n’ roll.

Favorite Quotes:

“They’re love songs, baby. Love isn’t always smooth or straightforard. It can be messy and painful,” he said. “Doesn’t mean it isn’t still the most incredible thing that can ever happen to you. Doesn’t mean I’m not crazy about you.”

 

Review: Archer by Debra Kayn

Release Date: 7/2/13

Price: 2.99 for ebook

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

She’s on the run . . .

Jane Beaumont currently has in her possession: a cat, a hundred grand in cash, and a pistol. She’s on her way home to Bay City, Oregon-and away from the nightmare of her violent ex-boyfriend. She’ll lay low at Beaumont Body Shop, a car detailer that runs a private investigation agency in the back. The only wrench in her plan is Kage Archer: sexy, strong, and intent on protecting Jane at all costs. She’s wanted Kage forever, but putting him in harm’s way is not a risk she’s willing to take.

He’s not going anywhere

Kage is no stranger to the dark side of life, but he’s always walked on the right side of the law. Yet when Jane expressed her interest in him years ago, he pushed her away for her own good. Now, after learning of all she’s endured, Kage can’t leave her side-or hide his need for her. When a frightening situation turns dire, can Kage convince Jane that the safest place to be is in his arms?

Hot cover? Check. Intriguing synopsis? Check.

I devoured this book. This book had a great balance between the back story and the sex. The sex was hot but not overly in your face or on every single page. Sometimes I like that but most of the time I need it to balance within the story. So, about that story….

Jane is running away from her abusive ex boyfriend who may or may not have some ties with some dark people. She also stole his money. Not so smart. Good thing she has her bother and Kage to protect her. The both run the private investigation service that is fronted by the body shop. They know that he is going to come after her but they don’t know all the details of their dysfunctional relationship. Jane and Scott had a semi D/S relationship that started out concentual and turned into something that Jane could not control. Feeling helpless and guilty over her father’s death she knows that she has to get out of the relationship.

Jane returns home, see’s Kage and all of her feelings for him reignite. Jane tries to ignore her feelings for Kage as a precaution since she knows that Scott is coming after her and is dangerous. They cannot contain their feelings for one another and things heat up between the two of them. Jane isn’t completley honest about her past relationship and Kage is afraid of getting too close. Jane is a shell of her former self and Kage see right through that. I love that he had this alpha personality but he was always building up Jane. He wasn’t alpha to the point of overwhelming her but used it to encourage her.

I really liked the book and I think it is a great start to a new series about some sexy PI’s. Book 2, Weston, will be released January 7, 2014

Favorite Quotes:

He gave her the breath to breathe, her strength to be strong and her will to overcome her past.

Current To Be Read List

This is just a small snapshot of my TBR list. I literally have over 600 books on my iPad probably 200+ that I’ve read so that leaves a lot of stuff for me to read. This is just what I have in my iBook folder titled TBR Next. I must have a specific folder for this because I buy too many books. I will read them all eventually. Ha!

The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst (I got an ARC of the Marriage Merger and realized that I haven’t read this one yet!)

Up In Flames by Nicole Williams

True by Erin McCarthy

Tempted by Her Boss by Karen Erickson

The Pleasures of Summer by Evie Hunter (Loved the Pleasures of Winter)

Forever You by Sandi Lynn (I really like Forever Black, this is from his perspective. I started reading but it literally tells the same story so far so I haven’t been able to get into it)

Rock With Me by Kristen Proby (part of the With Me in Seattle series)

Safe Word by Teresa Mummert

Fall Guy by Liz Reinhardt

Rule by Jay Crownover

Kept by Him by Red Garnier (Part of the Billionaires Club story probably one of my favorite series out now)

Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley (I love Bikers and KA so I need to read this)

Paint Me Beautiful by C.M Stunich (love this author)

Review: Beauty From Pain by Georgia Cates (Beauty Series #1)

Released 1/29/13

377 pages

Beauty from Pain (Beauty Series #1) $3.99 on Amazon.com

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

They agreed on three months…but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he’s ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

When I read this book I was on a roll. I seriously read one incredible book after another. I really love when that happens. It’s so hard when you read a book that you really get into and you love the characters and then you start reading another book after it and it’s just not the same, not as good. Imagine that times 5. The poor book that I read after this didn’t stand a chance.

Anywhoozle onto the book. I really didn’t know what this book was about when I decided to read it. I just go through the iBookstore and buy books in bulk. Then I look through my bookshelf on my iPad and totally judge a book by its cover. I thought the cover was demure yet sexy so I figured I would give it a try. I was pulled right in once I started reading.

So like it says in the blurb Jack doesn’t do long-term relationships, he even prefers to use fake names! That being said, he is romantic and the two of them have a very playful banter between them. Laurelyn is coming from a break up which is why she is in Austrailia with her best friend for three months. She meets Jack while she’s out one night at a bar. What she doesn’t know is that he’s instantly attracted to her and trying to figure out a way to get into her life. They later meet at her best friends brothers wine tasting and the attraction instantly ignites.

Laurelyn is intrigued by Jack but she’s not quite sure when he describes his terms. The funny thing is, when they choose their fake names they both just something that’s really close to their birth name. The more time that they spend together the more they end up falling for one another. I loved the dynamic between the two. They have great chemistry; they just couldn’t get it through their thick skulls that they were a good match and serious about one another until it was too late. Things end between them and their story continues in Beauty from Surrender (Beauty Series #2) ($3.99 from Amazon or Free for Amazon Prime Kindle Users)

Favorite Quotes:

I think the odds of her killing me with sex are good, but what a way to go. At least I’ll die happy.

“Jack, you don’t always know the true worth of a woman’s love until it becomes a memory.”

I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty—my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never want to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.

 

Review: With this Collar by Sierra Cartwright (Mastered #1)

From the Publisher:

Julia Lyle will have nothing to do with domineering men, no matter how tall, dark, and sexy. But Dom Marcus Cavendish will be satisfied with nothing less than collaring the fiercely independent Julia.

Nothing could have shocked her more…

Julia Lyle is invited to her best friend’s wedding and is stunned when Lana kneels to accept her husband’s collar. When Julia starts to object, firm, relentless hands land on her shoulders. The man behind her threatens to turn her over his knee if she interrupts. She’s outraged, but there’s no doubt he’s serious.

After the ceremony, he offers her a glimpse into her friend’s lifestyle, if she’s brave enough to accept.

Master Marcus Cavendish is everything she doesn’t want in a man—dominant, self-assured and arrogant. So why can’t she resist him?

Telling herself that learning about the lifestyle will make her a better friend, Julia agrees to submit to Master Marcus, but only for the evening. Firm and unrelenting in his handling of her, he introduces her to his tawse and the pleasure/pain of a spanking delivered by a competent Dom. The experience unnerves her, making her question everything she thought she knew about relationships, and his forced orgasms leave her shattered.

No doubt the scene seduced her, and that makes her doubly determined to avoid him. She has fought hard for her freedom and vowed only to date nice men, and Master Marcus is anything but safe.

Marcus is undeterred. Julia is a natural sub. The way she responded to his touch, his voice, his punishment proved it. Now he has to convince her to yield to him, submitting to his tawse as she kneels to accept his collar.

240 pages

Released 2/18/13

With This Collar (Mastered) .99 on Amazon.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

So, I’ll admit the I like to dabble in BDSM erotic novels. I don’t like anything super extreme. Sometimes it’s good to read something a little different. That’s kind of what this novel is about. Julia is a normal woman going through life and everything is a little bland.

Her best friend is getting married and the wedding turned out to be extremely bizarre from her perspective. At the wedding she meets Master Marcus who forces her to stay and watch the ceremony when she wants to leave. There’s an immediate connection between the two of them. Master Marcus invites her to stay after the wedding for the party afterwards. Things get a little serious at the after party for Julia and Master Marcus; Julia instantly responds to his touch and Master Marcus is intrigued.

Of course, Master Marcus is never seen with the same sub twice. Julia is okay with this because she only wants to try the lifestyle for one night. After their blazing hot night together they decide to continue Julia’s training with Master Marcus. As they train together they begin to fall for one another. The problem is neither of them is looking for relationship. At the end of the day, Julia ends up running from Marcus and the lifestyle that he offers her. The question is will she come back?

All in all, I was impressed with this novel. I tend to choose novels based on their cover and the title as well as if I know anything about the author. I’ve never read anything from this author before. I have to admit of course but I was drawn in by the cover it supremely hot yet subdued. The novel is well-written, there were incredible scenes between the two main characters Julia and Marcus. I wasn’t really sure what to expect out of this. I thought it would be possibly a pretty intense BDSM novel but it turned out to be relatively mild in my opinion. It had just the right amount of kink.

Favorite Quotes:

“How many spanks have you had, Julia?” Damien asked. “Two, Sir.” “What colour are you on?” “Mortification,” she mumbled.

Review: Wreck Me by J.L. Mac (Wrecked #1)

Yes, I will judge a book by its cover. This book is hot, steamy and just perfect.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From the publisher:

Life can be cruel. People can be ruthless and evil. The world can be cold and uninviting. No one knows these things better than Josephine Geroux. By her own definition, she is a twenty-five year old “nobody with nothing,” and she is content to stay that way. Growing up an orphan has made her tough and indifferent to the people around her until she meets a strangely familiar man with a face that haunts her for reasons she can’t understand.

Despite the pain that will inevitably ensue, she makes it her mission to discover what parts of her tragic puzzle she is missing. On her journey to discovering why the she feels an alarming connection to an absolute stranger, her greatest fear is reawakening the demons and darkness from the past that will surely overtake her if she lets her guard down.

Little does Josephine know that the past should be the least of her worries. She is toying with a man who has already broken her heart once. She just doesn’t realize it.
Although she makes it a point to avoid interactions with others, Josephine’s life becomes entangled with the enigmatic stranger. Before she realizes it, she has given herself over to the one person who is close enough to wreck her.

This is going to be a pretty short review seeing as I read this book ages ago but I really did love it so I thought it deserved its own post at least.

So, I’ve gotta say that I loved this book. JL Mac pulled me in and I was wondering where exactly this story would end up going. I’m pretty sure I knew the twist pretty early in the book but I was on the edge of my seat wondering when, where and how it would happen.

Josephine is a bit hardened by the life that she has had to lead so far. Orphaned at a young age and suffering through foster care and orphanages, she has seen and dealt with her share of undesirable people. Because of this she is distant from most people. She meets Damon on the anniversary of her parents death and he seems like a good distraction. Jo doesn’t do relationships but that doesn’t mean that she is some sort of spinster so when she meets the sexy and alluring Damon Cole, one night with a Greek god doesn’t seem like a bad idea. What she doesn’t expect is the connection that she feels to him, for someone who keeps people at a distant she is drawn to him and how he makes her feel. The intense attraction is mutual.

The sex is steamy and well written. Of course, all good things come to an end, shit hits the fan and then the book freaking ends! JL Mac, I thought we were cool but you did me dirty on this one 🙂

Their story continues in Restore Me which is out now.

Favorite Quotes:

“You may not realize it yet, but you’re mine. Not because I am claiming you. You’re mine because that’s how it is. I feel like I have waited my whole life to find you. Before we met in that store I dreamed of you every night. I wondered where you were and when I’d find you. Now that I have, you’d be crazy if you think I would just let you go.”

“Even if it takes the rest of my life, I swear to you, I’ll make you forget every bad thing that has ever happened to you. We’ll make happy memories that will outweigh the sad ones ten-fold. I live to make you smile, Josephine.”

What I’m looking forward to!

Here are some release dates for some steamy, sexy books that are coming soon:

April 23 – Claim Me – J Kenner

May 7 – Down London Road (On Dublin Street) – Samantha Young

May 28 – Beautiful Stranger – Christina Lauren

June 4 – Entwined with You – Sylvia Day

July 30 – Complete Me – J Kenner

August 6 – The Dominant: The Submissive Trilogy – Tara Sue Me

October 1 – The Training – Tara Sue Me