Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Review: Lauren Blakely's Forbidden Nights

FN RDL 19

FN Teaser1

  FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is the next novel in the Seductive Nights Series and can be read as a standalone.
FN iBooks


ABOUT FORBIDDEN NIGHTS: She has been the star of his dirty dreams for years. Sexy hotel CEO Nate Harper has lusted after his good friend Casey Sullivan for a long time, and she’s cried out his name in pleasure countless times in his fabulously filthy fantasies. But even though he’s quite skilled at pleasing a woman, he won’t act on his intense desire because he knows he’s no good for her. After the kind of hurt his ex inflicted on him, he’s a committed playboy for life, and Casey only wants true love. All that changes one hot night when she comes to him with a proposition he can’t resist — she wants him to teach her to be submissive in the bedroom. Casey soon learns how very much she likes letting go of control to him. She’s never been more turned on in her life than she is in Nate’s arms. And he’s never been more taken by a woman. The only trouble is as she experiences what it means to let go, he starts to experience what it means to feel again…And the lessons in seduction threaten to turn into so much more than either one bargained for… What happens when years of desire and lust ignite a passion that can’t be denied?

Excerpt: 


As soon as Bryan and Kat left, Nate shut the door, then locked it. She glanced quickly behind her at the window that provided a view of the sea of rabid fans. The stadium shook with excitement. Cheers from the crowd vibrated throughout the house of Ruth. Nate stalked down the three steps separating them. When he reached her, a vein twitched in his neck. His mouth was a ruler-straight line. His jaw was set hard. His stare undressed her.
“I was wrong,” he said. Each word possessed a hard edge.
“Wrong about what?” Was he talking about the dress? Or about wanting to be her teacher? God, she prayed he wasn’t backing out.
“I was wrong about tonight’s lesson. It’s not spanking.”
“What is it?”
“It’s role-playing.” His voice was hot and rough. His dark eyes prowled over her body.
“What kind of role playing?” She didn’t even bother to hide her nerves, but the  nerves also excited her. Or maybe he was simply the one who excited her. It seemed whatever he did turned her on. The fact that he was standing here, a solid mass of muscle and strength, of extreme and utter sexiness, sent shivers across her skin. She drank him in: the wavy mess of his golden brown hair, the stubble lining his jaw, the exposed patch of skin on his chest where the top two buttons of his white shirt were undone. All of it, all of him, made her tremble with want.
He took one step closer, and reflexively she backed up so her spine hit the wall behind her. She was caged in, and against her better judgment, she liked it. She liked the fact that it was starkly quiet inside the suite, and that it was intensely noisy outside, a white noise that masked all that she was feeling.
“I’m going to be playing the role of the jealous lover,” he said, his voice still laced with the same frustration she’d picked up on earlier. Was he annoyed with her?
“What do you mean?”
“I’m the jealous lover who can’t stand the thought of his woman wearing a gorgeous, stunning, absolutely fucking breathtaking dress on a date with another man.”
A wild thrill rushed through her veins from his words and what they meant. “But I thought you didn’t like the dress?” she asked, coyly, playing along.
He lifted his hand and brushed the tips of his fingers against her wrist. She shuddered from that one subtle touch. Her body begged for more, and she was almost ashamed at how much desire flowed through her bloodstream right now. She hadn’t been completely aware of how very much she had wanted to see him tonight, of how truly disappointed she had been for the first eight innings that he wasn’t here by her side. Now that he was here, she wasn’t sure how she’d survived the game without him.
He brushed his fingers along her arm, across the crook of her elbow, and up to her shoulder. Goosebumps rose in his wake.
“I don’t like the dress if you wear it for another man,” he said, keeping his eyes locked on hers the whole time. “And sometimes that means I’m going to act like a dick and tell you I don’t like the dress at all.” He brought his hands to her hair and she wanted to cry out because it felt so fucking good to be touched by him like this, with hands that were both tender and completely possessive. He speared his fingers into her hair. “But what I really don’t like is the idea that another man might look at you in it, and want to touch you the way I touch you.”
He leaned into her neck, and pressed his lips against her skin. There was nothing gentle in the kiss. His lips were hot and angry, and she felt his teeth nip her skin. A sting of pain raced through her, but it was a good pain, a pain that made her long for more.

Laura's Review: 

I loved, loved, loved this book! 
It had the perfect leading pair - hot, sexy, confident, with sexual chemistry off the charts - but it also felt good to read. Lauren Blakely has a talent of making characters that shouldn't be real seem like people you could hang out with. And therefore actually like reading about. Casey and Nate are perfect examples. Sure, it was predictable as every "friends-to-lovers" trope usually is, but it kept me hooked from the beginning and I stayed up half the night to see just how it would turn out in the end. Oh, and the excerpt posted above? Definitely one of my favorite scenes in the book - I had to go back and reread that one a couple of times! 

I was a fan of Ms. Blakely's before reading this book, but this one is my favorite, making her my new "must read" author! 

Forbidden Nights: 4.5/5 stars

Amazon **Amazon UK** iBooks ** Kobo ** Barnes and Noble ** GooglePlay

Author PhotoAbout Lauren Blakely: Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, and Fighting Fire. She recently released Nights With Him, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book in that series is Forbidden Nights, releasing in early 2015. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign)

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Friday, February 20, 2015

Release Day Launch and Giveaway: The Way We Fall by Cassia Leo

TWWF RDL banner

 Today we're hosting the release day launch for The Way We Fall by Cassia Leo!! I am so excited about this sexy new adult romance! Cassia is sharing a bunch of goodies with us today, so be sure to check them out, and enter her fantastic giveaway!!

Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch
Books to Breathe
Melissa's Book Obsession
mommas secret book obsession


  Exclusive Excerpt: August 13th Houston Cavanaugh. The first boy I ever loved. And boy, did I love him a long time. I loved him until he was a man. I loved him until he loved me back. At least, I thought he loved me. His eyes narrow and he appears confused for a moment. “Jamie?” My heart drops to my feet. He doesn’t even remember me. “No,” I say with far too much emotion. “Oh, my God. I’m sorry. I... I know you.” I clutch my chest, unable to breathe. Then his eyes widen with what can only be described as pure terror. “Rory? Aurora?” I let out a sharp puff of air. “Yeah.” His lips are still moving. I want to hear what he’s saying, but my thoughts are pounding in time with my heart. Images flash in my mind: our bodies tangled in his sheets; the breakfast bar littered with sticky shot glasses and empty beer bottles; my empty dorm. “Rory?” I blink a few times to focus on his face and he looks at the floor, as if the weight of our history is pulling his head down. “I’m sorry. Maybe I should come back later.” “What? No!” He looks up, startled by my outburst. “I mean, you came to talk about the contract, so... let’s talk. I’m...” I nod toward the chair for him to sit down, then I close the office door behind him. “I’m sorry for spacing out. I was just a little surprised to see you.” I take a seat in Jamie’s chair and yelp as it begins to tip backward. “Shit!” Houston laughs as I scoot forward and lean my elbows on the desk, hoping he doesn’t notice how the sound of his laughter makes the hairs on my arms stand up. “Sorry. Obviously, I don’t sit on this side of the desk very often, but Jamie didn’t want to reschedule this appointment. She should be here shortly.” “You don’t need to apologize.” The left corner of his mouth pulls up in his signature half smile and I grit my teeth against the surge of emotions welling up inside me. “I’m actually kind of glad we ran into each other.” “Really? You hardly remembered me a minute ago.” He chuckles again. “Yeah, sorry about that. I was just surprised.” I can’t argue with this when I just used the same excuse. But it’s no more true coming from his lips than it is from mine. We’re not surprised to see each other. We’re terrified.  

  The Way We Fall Synopsis: TWWF Amazon_1From New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo comes a twisted and passionate love story that pushes the boundaries of loyalty. Maybe we shouldn’t have fallen so fast and so willingly. Maybe we shouldn’t have moved in together before we went on our first date. Maybe we should have given our wounds time to heal before we tore each other to shreds. Maybe we should have never been together. Houston has kept a devastating secret from Rory since the day he took her into his home. But the tragic circumstances that brought them together left wounds too deep to heal. Five years after the breakup, Houston and Rory are thrust together by forces beyond their control. And all the resentments and passion return with more intensity than ever. Once again, Houston is left with a choice between the truth and the only girl he’s ever loved.

  The Way We Fall is the first book in The Story of Us series, which follows the tumultuous love story of Rory and Houston. The sequel, The Way We Break, will be released Spring 2015.

 
  Cassia Leo Bio: bored-bw-profile-pic

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time watching old reruns of Friends and Sex and the City. When she’s not watching reruns, she’s usually enjoying the California sunshine or reading – sometimes both.

  Facebook | Twitter | Blog

 Enter Cassia's Giveaway!!

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Release Blitz and Giveaway: Lauren Blakely's Forbidden Nights

FN RDL 19
It's here! Lauren Blakely's FORBIDDEN NIGHTS, the fifth full-length novel from her New York Times Bestselling Erotic Romance Series, Seductive Nights, is releasing today! Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories --one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. And FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is absolutely no different! Nate Harper and Casey Sullivan's story is sexy and will keep you asking for more! We can't wait for you to snuggle up with Nate Harper and Casey Sullivan in this fabulous, sexy novel. We have all the information on this book for you, but first, Lauren has an amazing giveaway for her readers!

Forbidden Getaway Giveaway

FN Teaser1
Lauren Blakely does it again and brings readers more smoldering, sexy nights in her Seductive Nights Series with her newest novel, FORBIDDEN NIGHTS. In Lauren Blakely’s newest Seductive Nights novel, Nate Harper knows exactly how to please a woman. And Casey Sullivan is convinced Nate is the one to give her some hands-on guidance. Lauren wants to deliver with some pleasure for her readers too -- so she’s offering an extra special Forbidden Getaway GIVEAWAY at a value of $500 with this novel! Back by popular demand, Lauren Blakely has put together an extra special Forbidden Giveaway for her readers-The chance to win your very own Forbidden Night, Seductive Nights Style! This is your chance to create your own Forbidden Getaway! You'll have the opportunity to win a night at your favorite hotel and dinner at your favorite restaurant, and all you have to do to enter is take the Be Seduced Trivia Quiz about the Seductive Nights Series in the back of the novel! This is your chance to discover a Forbidden Night of your own!* Readers can access the quiz in the eBook version of FORBIDDEN NIGHTS, and will have until February 21st to enter the quiz. To be clear, the back of the FORBIDDEN NIGHTS eBook is the ONLY location with the link to the quiz.**
  FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is the next novel in the Seductive Nights Series and can be read as a standalone.

* Forbidden Getaway giveaway is for a value of up to $500 only. **Paperback only readers can contact Lauren Blakely directly about how to enter the contest. FORBIDDEN NIGHTS is a full-length, standalone erotic romance novel that follows the love affair of a new couple, Nate and Casey, and does not have a cliffhanger. It’s priced at $3.99 across all retailers.

Message from Lauren

FN iBooksI'm so thrilled that the Seductive Nights erotic romance series is continuing with a new installment starring a new couple! This series has been such a joy to write since it started as a fan-driven series, with Julia and Clay, and then Jack and Michelle, and now this this new novel is about Nate and Casey. Readers requested that I write their story next, so I did! FORBIDDEN NIGHTS can be read without having read the earlier books. (Though, why wouldn't you want to meet the other couples?!) I can't wait to introduce readers to Nate Harper and Casey Sullivan. They’re a dynamic duo and many early readers are saying this is their favorite story yet! Nate knows exactly who, and what he wants, and is thrilled when the opportunity he’s dreamed about for years presents herself to him. Expect many steamy encounters between these two!

ABOUT FORBIDDEN NIGHTS: She has been the star of his dirty dreams for years. Sexy hotel CEO Nate Harper has lusted after his good friend Casey Sullivan for a long time, and she’s cried out his name in pleasure countless times in his fabulously filthy fantasies. But even though he’s quite skilled at pleasing a woman, he won’t act on his intense desire because he knows he’s no good for her. After the kind of hurt his ex inflicted on him, he’s a committed playboy for life, and Casey only wants true love. All that changes one hot night when she comes to him with a proposition he can’t resist — she wants him to teach her to be submissive in the bedroom. Casey soon learns how very much she likes letting go of control to him. She’s never been more turned on in her life than she is in Nate’s arms. And he’s never been more taken by a woman. The only trouble is as she experiences what it means to let go, he starts to experience what it means to feel again…And the lessons in seduction threaten to turn into so much more than either one bargained for… What happens when years of desire and lust ignite a passion that can’t be denied?

Excerpt: 

As soon as Bryan and Kat left, Nate shut the door, then locked it. She glanced quickly behind her at the window that provided a view of the sea of rabid fans. The stadium shook with excitement. Cheers from the crowd vibrated throughout the house of Ruth. Nate stalked down the three steps separating them. When he reached her, a vein twitched in his neck. His mouth was a ruler-straight line. His jaw was set hard. His stare undressed her.
“I was wrong,” he said. Each word possessed a hard edge.
“Wrong about what?” Was he talking about the dress? Or about wanting to be her teacher? God, she prayed he wasn’t backing out.
“I was wrong about tonight’s lesson. It’s not spanking.”
“What is it?”
“It’s role-playing.” His voice was hot and rough. His dark eyes prowled over her body.
“What kind of role playing?” She didn’t even bother to hide her nerves, but the  nerves also excited her. Or maybe he was simply the one who excited her. It seemed whatever he did turned her on. The fact that he was standing here, a solid mass of muscle and strength, of extreme and utter sexiness, sent shivers across her skin. She drank him in: the wavy mess of his golden brown hair, the stubble lining his jaw, the exposed patch of skin on his chest where the top two buttons of his white shirt were undone. All of it, all of him, made her tremble with want.
He took one step closer, and reflexively she backed up so her spine hit the wall behind her. She was caged in, and against her better judgment, she liked it. She liked the fact that it was starkly quiet inside the suite, and that it was intensely noisy outside, a white noise that masked all that she was feeling.
“I’m going to be playing the role of the jealous lover,” he said, his voice still laced with the same frustration she’d picked up on earlier. Was he annoyed with her?
“What do you mean?”
“I’m the jealous lover who can’t stand the thought of his woman wearing a gorgeous, stunning, absolutely fucking breathtaking dress on a date with another man.”
A wild thrill rushed through her veins from his words and what they meant. “But I thought you didn’t like the dress?” she asked, coyly, playing along.
He lifted his hand and brushed the tips of his fingers against her wrist. She shuddered from that one subtle touch. Her body begged for more, and she was almost ashamed at how much desire flowed through her bloodstream right now. She hadn’t been completely aware of how very much she had wanted to see him tonight, of how truly disappointed she had been for the first eight innings that he wasn’t here by her side. Now that he was here, she wasn’t sure how she’d survived the game without him.
He brushed his fingers along her arm, across the crook of her elbow, and up to her shoulder. Goosebumps rose in his wake.
“I don’t like the dress if you wear it for another man,” he said, keeping his eyes locked on hers the whole time. “And sometimes that means I’m going to act like a dick and tell you I don’t like the dress at all.” He brought his hands to her hair and she wanted to cry out because it felt so fucking good to be touched by him like this, with hands that were both tender and completely possessive. He speared his fingers into her hair. “But what I really don’t like is the idea that another man might look at you in it, and want to touch you the way I touch you.”
He leaned into her neck, and pressed his lips against her skin. There was nothing gentle in the kiss. His lips were hot and angry, and she felt his teeth nip her skin. A sting of pain raced through her, but it was a good pain, a pain that made her long for more.

Amazon **Amazon UK** iBooks ** Kobo ** Barnes and Noble ** GooglePlay

Author PhotoAbout Lauren Blakely: Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, and Fighting Fire. She recently released Nights With Him, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book in that series is Forbidden Nights, releasing in early 2015. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign)

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Pinterest ** Instagram ** Goodreads

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Review: Flirting With Disaster by Victoria Dahl

Flirting With Disaster (Jackson: Girls Night Out, #2)
Victoria Dahl
January 27, 2015
Harlequin
384 pages
There's no hiding from sizzling chemistry… 

Artist Isabelle West has good reasons for preferring a solitary life. Tucked away in a cabin in the woods, she has everything she needs . . . except a red-hot love life. That is, until a hard-bodied U.S. marshal threatens to unearth secrets she's spent years protecting. But giving in to the sparks flying between them can only lead to one thing…disaster.

Tom Duncan lives by the letter of the law. But no one has tempted him—or confused him—more than free-spirited Isabelle, who arouses his suspicion and his desire. As their connection grows, and their nights get hotter, they find their wild attraction might shake everything he stands for—and expose everything she has to hide.


Laura's Review:

I think the author wrote this book hoping we'd be so caught up in the "sizzling chemistry" (and yes, there was a whole lot of that), that we'd gloss over the huge plot holes in the story - there was great deal of telling us that something occurred without explaining exactly how that was possible. Because there was a lot that just didn't seem plausible. But, whether it was her intent or not, I was able to move past those things and take it for what it is at heart - a romance novel. And a good one at that. Not a great crime/suspense novel, but it's obviously not meant to be such. I loved Tom Duncan - he made this story and was the perfect lawman hero - protective and honest with a huge heart.
I had not read the first in this "series," but I don't feel like you need to. This definitely can be read as a standalone, but as it is after reading any great book in a series, I want to go catch up on what I missed.

Flirting With Disaster: 3.5/5 stars

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.