Thursday, November 30, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Van by Sawyer Bennett


VAN 
by SAWYER BENNETT

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

Sawyer Bennett’s New York Times bestselling Carolina Cold Fury series can be read together or separately.


REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"God, you're a fucking hot lunatic."

Another Sawyer Bennett book being reviewed by ME? Who woulda thunk it, right? I know, I have an irrational love affair of all things Sawyer, but I just can't stop reading her books. This book ended up being a very good story, if not one of my favorites in the series. And once I got into it, I was turning the pages rather quickly to see how it all went down. She always has a story that flows and reads quickly. In this one, Simone and Van are two very different individuals. They couldn't have been any more different. They had two very different upbringings, live different lifestyles, and possess warring personalities. But one thing is for sure, they are combustible. Sparks fly when they are together, which leads to a tantalizing read. The dynamic between these two characters was very different than any of hers I have read and I loved it.

At first, Simone was the younger sister; the innocent sister we met in Lucas. But in this book, she was this wild, brash, and quite unapologetic go-getter when it came to Van and his affections. I wasn't entirely sure how to take her. I mean, she seriously was ridiculously confident, and I'm still battling if it was strength or if it was arrogance. I told a friend while I was reading that I wasn't sure if she was super confident, or if I was jealous of her confidence, but that girl didn't quit. AT. ALL. She knew she wanted something, and she went after it. Stalker mode and all. I may have been a little concerned for Van's safety in his own bedroom for a minute there.....

Van, he was a seriously closed off, looking-from-the-outside-in, asshole. Genuine. But once we figured out the actual reason for his abrasive and boorish attitude, there was a little leeway in my heart for that kind of personality coming from him. We met him in Lucas, and the stories do overlap, but we didn't really 'know' him, and so that led to some serious wondering on my side which helped build up the anticipation for this one. Oh man, I am pretty sure I fell hard for him after getting to know him.

"Her fierce determination, snarky attitude, and weirdly sweet disposition makes her beyond intriguing to me."

There were some honest to goodness, serious heartfelt moments in this book and Van had me wrapped around his pinky. I mean, given everything that happened to him growing up, and the fact that he never really got a chance to discuss his past with anyone, my heart just broke for him. I am glad Simone was the one that was able to ease it out of him and be there for him. Their relationship took a 180, but it was a necessary one and the old adage is true that there is someone out there for everyone. That ONE person will make you rethink your own answers, and that is what I loved about this book. Inside and outside of the bedroom, these two pushed every button with each other, and it was so necessary and it worked. I loved how these two were there for each other.

One thing has to be said about their attraction: While Simone knew what she wanted, Van fought it all the way, but once he finally gave in? Oh man, that dominance he had in him was so freaking sexy. And Simone giving in and allowing him to own her like that? It was the sexiest and most insanely hot thing to see happening. Their growth in this book was easily one of my favorite things to read! She was so forward and he was so closed off, but their role reversal in the bedroom was all sorts of HOT. So very hot. Woah! I feel like there was such an emotional exchange of power in this book, and it was a subtle one the way it was written. We went from a sexually heavy 'hookup' with little conversation between them, to a story with an intense relationship brewing between them. I truly felt that after everything was said and done, Van came out stronger than ever. I honestly loved how this one all worked out.

I don't know how she does it, but Bennett keeps writing this series, story by story, player by player, and I keep getting sucked into it, one book at a time. Yes, I openly, actively, and continually admit that this is one of my favorite series from her, and she proves why with each new installment. Each player gets their own story, and I keep getting roped into them. So yes, I'm looking forward to Reed and Marek so very much. I don't want this series to end, but I know she only has so many teammates.....but hear me out, Sawyer. We have trades? We have kids? I don't want it to end!!!

"I know you, Van Turner. And I think you're mighty fine."
~BEE



The Carolina Cold Fury series can be read together or separately:


ALEX: http://amzn.to/2zCm9z7


GARRETT: http://amzn.to/2BmSwPH


ZACK: http://amzn.to/2iT5IUT


RYKER: http://amzn.to/2A6eaJA


HAWKE: http://amzn.to/2hRYO12


MAX: http://amzn.to/2hRZ1Bm


ROMAN: http://amzn.to/2iT6ocT


LUCAS: http://amzn.to/2zq9kDV


VAN: http://amzn.to/2Bm75mi


REED: http://amzn.to/BiVhmE


MAREK: http://amzn.to/DRttFU





◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     ◆     

~ABOUT SAWYER BENNETT~
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.

~CONNECT WITH SAWYER~

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Monday, November 27, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Bad Habit by Charleigh Rose


BAD HABIT
by CHARLEIGH ROSE

BRIAR
I was infatuated with Asher Kelley the moment he came tumbling through my brother’s window five years ago.
Even bruised and bloodied, he was the most beautiful boy I'd ever seen.
We couldn't ever be together.
I was too young, and he was too untouchable.
He was too troubled, and I was too naive.
But the heart is rebellious, and mine decided it didn’t care about any of those things.
As I got older, harmless flirting turned to stolen moments in dark corners.
Until one day, he was gone without a trace.
Now, three years later, he’s back.
Callous and cruel.
He’s my brother’s best friend. My parents’ worst nightmare.
I should hate him.
But like a Bad Habit, I can’t quit him.

ASHER
I was drawn to Briar Vale from the first time she looked up at me with stars in her big, blue eyes.
She was just a kid, nothing but elbows and knees, but she was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen.
We could never be together.
I was too old and she was too off limits.
She was too good and I was too fucked up.
Eventually, the temptation became too much to resist.
I risked everything for a kiss and she betrayed me.
Three years have passed and I’m forced to see her again, but now she's all grown up.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister. My downfall.
I hate her for what she did.
But she's always been my drug of choice.


REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
"Two selfish hearts, hiding and lying and sneaking, with blatant disregard to anyone else."

Welp!!! It's official....I read and enjoyed my first Charleigh Rose book! She is a very new to me author, and she writes taboo/forbidden romance and we all know how much I love that, so picking this one up was an easy decision. This one, yep. yep. yep. I enjoyed this one. Age gap and all. There was a lot more good than the bad, but this book had a little bit of both. Having said that, I cannot wait to read more from her after this one. With an easy to follow storyline, and a pull between two characters that they couldn't fight, this one really worked well for me and I didn't want to stop reading it.

I feel like Charleigh Rose captured some emotions and actions perfectly for this type of story. I was able to feel the giddiness of a young, first love, and I enjoyed remembering those butterflies and doing the things that made me blush. This is a young love book. Young love making mistakes and fixing those mistakes. Young love finally understanding what true love is. Asher was fighting a moral fight, for all intents and purposes. I mean, how does an older guy love a younger girl!? It messed with him bad. It messed with her even worse. A conundrum of epic proportions. The build up of tension, desire, need and teenage lust was all there.

FYI -- For those that don't enjoy taboo/forbidden love stories, this might offend some, but I always say, love doesn't always have an age barrier. As horrible as that sounds, it is a very valid truth. I realize the age difference between the two characters can be problematic for some, and I respect that, but it didn't bother me at all. I remember being 14 and in love with my 17 year old boyfriend...and we dated until he was in college and I was still in high school. We were both young and dumb, so this was just one of those books that made me remember when I was that young and doing dumb things I probably shouldn't have been doing. Was it/ is it right? Probably not, but memorable in many ways. Everyone reads a book through their own eyes and is able to apply their experiences to the books that we are reading. This one, I loved it for the simple reason that it gave me an escape, with some butterflies and some swoony times to boot. It’ll probably come across as juvenile to some, and it may have been in some aspects -- the characters were young and they had a very young love. It may come across as not deep to others. Maybe it wasn't, but this type of read was definitely nice when I didn't need heavy and emotional. This book checked off every single box I needed for an easy, good read this holiday break. So yes, I really enjoyed it.

WHAT DID I QUESTION OR HAVE A HARD TIME WITH?

Honestly, not a lot really bothered me with this book because I enjoyed it overall, but some things just didn't sit well with me. Charleigh did a good job separating the rich lifestyle with the boy from the other side of the tracks; showing the privilege and the unprivileged, the give in one life and the take in the other. However, her leaving and her parents never questioning it? I realize this was a book about privileged kids, and I certainly remember some kids from my little town that had SO much freedom growing up that it shocked me what they could get away with, so this wasn't so entirely far-fetched for me, but that seemed off. I have seen it, but I just had a hard time with it in this story because of how far reaching it felt. Like I said, not completely out of the norm for me growing up in a small town, but.....yeah.

The drama in this one was a little over the top for me, but it worked well in the story. I know that is very contradictory, but I wanted to mention it because I hate drama for drama's sake. This one didn't feel like it was for drama's sake, per se, but it was a little dramatic for me. While I didn't truly understand the reasoning as to why they were separated, it seemed to be the catalyst for the story and sort of pushed it along, but it was definitely proof of their maturity level and age in this book. But again, they were very young kids and so they didn't make the best choices or decisions sometimes.

Some small inconsistencies that were missed in the beta/editing stages, as well as some timeline issues, caused a few double takes for me (June party/August breeze). Easy to gloss over, but they gave me pause a few times, almost as if parts were pieced together. Also, some of the action sequences and transitions didn't line up completely, or we missed some steps along the way. Some things were discussed in depth, and some were skipped over completely. Again, not a deal breaker for me since the story kept me entertained the entire time I read it, but they were things that caused a read/re-read scenario for me so that I could figure out where I was going (laying down/standing up kind of issues). I am just glad that the story was entertaining overall, so I was enjoying it while I read it.

FINAL OPINION: For me, this was nice. It wasn't heavy, but I felt the emotions behind their actions. It wasn't deep, but I felt the growth behind their love. It was an easy read that I didn't have to think about while reading and it was the greatest escape for me after this holiday weekend. So easy to follow, so easy to read, so easy to fall in love. Charleigh Rose created this world of characters that I can’t wait to read more of. I’m excited for more in this standalone series, because the baseline story has already been set and I want to get to know them better. While it sounds like I am just tearing this book apart in my review, I'm not. I don't want it to come across as me hating it because that couldn't be farther from the truth. I can and will read more by Charleigh Rose. I really enjoyed this book and loved Asher and all his brooding ways. I loved Briar's attitude and her carefree outlook on life. I loved that these two fought to do the right thing, but couldn't truly fight it within each other's presence and that was what I really enjoyed. That push and pull between the two characters; knowing that what they were doing would have been frowned upon by everyone in their lives. I look forward to more reads from her because she definitely has a knack for telling a story.

"Being loved by him is magic, but being left by him is tragic."
~BEE


AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED


~MEET CHARLEIGH ROSE~
 Charliegh Rose just outed herself in this book. I will allow you to read her bio at the end of this book so that you can get a better understanding of who she is.

~CONNECT WITH CHARLEIGH~

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Monday, November 20, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for Defiant Queen by Meghan March


DEFIANT QUEEN
by MEGHAN MARCH

I’m his entertainment. His toy. Payment on a debt.

I tell myself I hate him, but every time he walks into the room, my body betrays me. How can I want him and fear him in the same moment?

They told me he’d mess with my head. Make it go to war with my body.

But I didn’t realize it would be complete anarchy.

I should’ve known better. When Mount’s involved, there are no rules.

I will not surrender. I will not show weakness. I’ll stand my ground and make it out of this bargain with my heart and soul intact.

But he has other plans . . .


REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Mount is turning me into an addict, stripping me of control of my own body and compelling me to hand it over willingly at the same time."

Well, for being the second book in a trilogy, this one had plenty to offer and it definitely didn't feel like a filler book....thank gosh!!! I think I honestly liked this book better than the first one, and I really enjoyed the first one. I loved the fact that this one gave me a more inside look at what makes Mount tick. I got to know the emotional side to him and I really liked getting to know him on an intimate level, but also the fact that more questions were answered, and of course, more were asked as well. So much was done, so much was said, so much was learned....but so much still has to be accounted for with this couple and this story. I am thoroughly enjoying this story and am so glad that Meghan's writing has been easy to follow throughout, in turn allowing me to fall into this story and letting it whisk me away. Literally an easy read; I started reading and next thing I knew, I was at 59%. It reads so fluidly. It really is nice to get immersed in a book and you lose track of time.

But, alas, being the second book, there isn't a lot that I can tell you that won't give away too much of the first (especially if you are waiting to read the entire series at once) and not spoil this one as well. I do know that this book allowed me to fall more in love with Mount's reasons for doing what he does, but that deeper look into his childhood and psyche was a sad, sad reality. With the cliffie from book one being as jaw-dropping as it was, I didn't like how that one thing buttoned up so quickly, but I think that also showed me the power that Mount wields without abandon. The ability to take care of anything and everything, without a single soul to answer to, definitely proves how far his reach goes. In a way, that just solidifies the earned fear that the darker side has for him. Some good with the bad, I suppose.

"Maintain control. That's what I do, and I can't let Keira Kilgore change that." 

I will say this, while Keira is desperately trying to gain a foothold in her line of work and maintaining her pride while doing so, Mount is trying to help her in the only way he knows how. But, I giggle while saying this: not always does Mount know best. I like that "G" was there to help him out and learn him a few things. I will admit....this couple has a lot of learning to do together. But holy cow, that learning will be both HOT and SEXY, as well as combustible!! With Keira still questioning her attraction to him, but also giving into said attraction, it sure makes for reading their sexy scenes a good time. *wink*wink*

Once again, with another cliffie holding me hostage, I am awaiting Sinful Empire with bated breath. December 19th is thankfully a quick month away. I love that Meghan chose to have these all release a month apart, giving us just enough room to squirm with anticipation while breathing a sigh of relief knowing the wait isn't too long. 

"Mount is breaking my rules one at a time, and with each one, I lose a part of the woman I've always been, but gain a piece of the woman I never knew I could be."
~BEE


PURCHASE RUTHLESS KING: http://amzn.to/2hE6vb0
My spoiler free review of Ruthless King: http://bit.ly/2gUUmi0

PURCHASE DEFIANT QUEEN: http://amzn.to/2hO4hcW
PREORDER SINFUL EMPIRE: http://amzn.to/2jEKo8J


~MEET MEGHAN MARCH~
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

~CONNECT WITH MEGHAN~

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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner


ON THE WAY TO YOU
by KANDI STEINER

What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers.

One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.




"This is it, Cooper. This is life calling."

This review will be one of the hardest ones I have had to write this year because I am not sure if it was a 'me' thing, or a 'mood' thing, but whatever it was, this book wasn't my favorite of Kandi's. In the beginning, I struggled with this one quite a bit. It wasn't the writing, because Kandi's writing has always flowed for me. She tells a story easily, and the words have always worked for me. This time, I think it was more the storyline than anything else that really made me take pause. Between Emery's actions and Coopers snooping, I had a little bit of a struggle. I have really enjoyed Kandi's books in the past and this one sounded so good to me, alas it just wasn't my cuppa. Needless to say, I pushed on and finished.

During this book, we took a cross country journey with Cooper and Emery, who just so happened to connect immediately upon meeting at the diner she worked at. I was a little shocked on her willingness to go along on this journey after only meeting him, but that also told me a lot about her personality. Cooper, oh my gosh. She was so optimistic, so lighthearted and joyful. She was easily likable with a sunny outlook, even though she was given many outs to feel otherwise. I thought she was the picture of perseverance, and that was my favorite thing about her. She was a caring one, but she was a snooper too! I had a really hard time with her actions regarding Emery's journal -- she read his most personal thoughts behind his back. Even after she had a few eye-opening moments about her behaviors, she still did it!!! It really was bothersome for me and I don't understand why she did it. Not even a little bit.

Even though I saw a glimpse of Emery's sweetness, his sexiness in between his dark periods.....I am not entirely sure I truly connected with him or his character. Which kinda sucks, because I saw where she took this, but I just couldn't connect, and that seriously makes me sad. I know that I didn't like that he had other girls along this trip either, but that truly bothered me a lot. I am not sure I understand why, because Cooper mentally knew that he wasn't hers and that she had no right to his affections or attention either.....but it really struck me hard. I was just frustrated on her behalf.

While I understood the story, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wished I had. This book dealt with some very tough subjects and definitely tackled some rough moments between these two. The LOVE WAS THERE; THE EMOTIONS WERE THERE, but I just didn't like the premise after it was all said and done. That really is hard for me to put into words because I have loved and connected with every other one of Kandi's stories I have read.

Not sure I can put a rating on this one about how I felt. While I went until 58% before I finally saw some spark and balls emerge in Emery, it was a long first two-thirds of the book for me to get to the good part at 66%. This was definitely a journey, and one I got to take along with Cooper and Emery, but it was almost boring for me. I know!! I know!! GASP. I just didn't love this one. <sigh> I wish I did. It just felt as if I were reading a story....not necessarily loving or hating it, which is so not my normal with her words. No angst. No real propulsion of the storyline...it just kinda went on, it just kinda happened.

~BEE

PURCHASE: 
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2hEwOBH

Comment below on this blog post for your chance to win an ecopy.


~MEET KANDI STEINER~
Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order. 

Join her group Kandiland HERE.

~CONNECT WITH KANDI~

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Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for He Loves Me Knot by RC Boldt



HE LOVES ME KNOT
by RC BOLDT

Sometimes love needs a second chance…

I never looked back after skipping out on my own wedding, even if it did leave me estranged from most of my family. Eight years later, I have the life I’ve always wanted. As an advertising account executive, my world is damn near perfect.

Until I come face-to-face with my past. With the man I once loved. The man who holds my future in his hands. The man who’s hell-bent on getting even with me for leaving him at the altar.

Even with all the unfinished business between us, I still love Knox Montgomery. The only problem?

He loves me…KNOT.


REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Sometimes perspective comes with time."

I AM SO GLAD I read this one!!! I have been happily reading RC since she was introduced to me earlier this year, and this one has been on my TBR since I heard about it. A second chance romance with some easy going characters? Sign me up!! This book flowed, as usual, and I even got some giggle worthy moments...totally signature RC. She is a strong writer, and that showed in this book. She always has a lighter feel to her words, and her storylines are always easy to follow. I *really* enjoy her writing, and this one was no different.

"It's because there's still something here."

An eight year gap between the breakup of their wedding and seeing each other in their new lives would cause one to start proffering guesses as to what actually caused said rift, and I definitely was. My head was spinning with 'what ifs'. One thing about Emma Jane was that she was NOT a weak girl....oh no. She stood up for what she believed in and backed it up 1000%. You know, unless it was Knox and you couldn't stop staring at him or remembering how things used to be! These two characters were both cognizant of this hesitant need for each other, but were caught between allowing past actions and current desires to cloud their minds. It was evident that these two were made for each other, and as Granddad would say, you can't interfere with fate. They had to learn and grow before they could be together. With Fate's path set, it was only a matter of time before they figured it out. But, old hurts don't go away easily, and neither do old feelings. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the draw was insatiable. Just them being around each other added an electrical current to the air that surrounded them. I was giddy every time touches whispered close, when eyes instinctively locked, when breaths became shallow. You could just feel their chemistry!!

Knox was a man that was in touch with his softer side, with his feelings he knew to be true. He had a naughty mouth, a good head on his shoulders, and could literally do anything. He was a man of many talents. In and out of the sheets. Yes, it's not like me to say that....but he was just delicious. He isn't like most men we read about; super alpha, boss their way around, be jealous, etc. He was refined, but dirty. A businessman in a suit, but knew how to get dirty fixing things up. He was well rounded and super delicious!! Wanna see his naughty mouth? Yes....I think you'll enjoy this here:

“Get on the bed.”

He utters this command in a low, silky tone while he strokes his cock. His eyes remain locked with mine as his hand works his length, still slick from my mouth, from root to tip. As I scoot back onto the cool, cotton sheets, the sight of Knox’s large hand sliding up and down his thick shaft in tantalizingly languid elicits a rush of wetness to my core. I press my thighs together to try and ease the pressure, the flicks of heat setting my body aflame.

“Do you want my tongue inside you?” His voice is a low growl. “Or my cock?”

My tongue darts out to wet my lips before I answer, and his eyes track its movement. “Both.”

His grin can’t be classified as anything except predatory. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

I would be remiss if I skipped over the lifesaver by the name of Becket. He swooped in when Emma Jane was at her lowest, and yet he saw something in her that he knew he could trust. The way their relationship started out, it made me smile, and it made for a lifelong friendship. I loved Becket and I fell hard for him. There wasn't anything he could do wrong, even if he forced Emma Jane's hand a few times. He knew what was right for his best friend, and he had no shame. Such an amazing character!

This book now has one of my favorite cast of characters!! They were likable and really easy to fall for....all of them, and not just the main characters. Emma Jane, Knox, Becket and Madison made this story. Seriously. LOVED them. Especially all the secondary characters: I love when there are characters that help give the story an extra oomph. They were all enjoyable and added a level to the story that made it so much fun to read!!

The lead up to this big 'issue' was one that kept me turning the pages because I had to know what would cause this huge rift. Knowing their feelings manifested themselves almost instantly the minute they were near each other again, this had to be a juicy one, right? I liked that it wasn't easily figured out as we went along, but we got little tidbits along the way and it was almost as if we were being fed the story from front to back, and back to front....two very confused characters trying to come to terms with what happened, all the while trying to guard their hearts. All throughout, and up until the end, this was a sigh-worthy read. Their love was meant to be. RC did their story justice. 

"When the past knocks on your door, it's because there's unfinished business."
~BEE


PURCHASE:





~MEET RC BOLDT~
RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

~CONNECT WITH RC~

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Sunday, November 12, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway for American King by Sierra Simone


AMERICAN KING
by SIERRA SIMONE

They say that every tragic hero has a fatal flaw, a secret sin, a tiny stitch sewn into his future since birth. And here I am. My sins are no longer secret. My flaws have never been more fatal. And I’ve never been closer to tragedy than I am now.

I am a man who loves, a man whose love demands much in return. I am a king, a king who was foolish enough to build a kingdom on the bones of the past. I am a husband and a lover and a soldier and a father and a president.

And I will survive this.

Long live the king.



REVIEW: 4 FANTASTICAL STARS
"His power is his love, his command is his affection."

OK, So after reading the first two books and falling in love with this triad, I was out of my mind awaiting this third and final book because I needed the LAST FREAKING CHAPTER of their love story!! I want to say the wait was worth it, because it was totally worth it, but I did have a few issues with this book, and I'll explain. Thankfully I made it through three quarters of the book before I had a total WTF moment, causing it to lose some steam for me. But, I needed this one to finish out this series and I am so glad I read it! The pull and play Ash, Greer and Embry had on each other’s heartstrings was a carnal and meticulous one. This love, it was one borne deep within and there was no undoing it. It was almost as if it was necessary to be near one another in order to breathe. I felt this visceral need that swam between them all, and I will admit that I honestly feel lost without more of them to read. I loved their love and I loved their story. I found way too many quotes in this book, and I wanted to quote them all!! So. Very. Good.

"My love for the two of you exists inside your love for each other -- when you love each other, you are loving me."

--> If you haven't yet, you can read my spoiler free reviews for AMERICAN QUEEN and AMERICAN PRINCE. While I admittedly had some issues with the demeaning side of their sex life in the first two books, it didn't turn me off from their love story. I knew it needed to be told and I knew I needed to read it. I was completely addicted to them and was totally invested in this series, so I desperately wanted to finish it out.

"It's my actions that earn the love in my life, and I can never stop working."

There were so many intricacies in this book; it was a very busy read, but it was also a deep, emotional read. I loved that this one wasn’t dirty or raunchy (just uber hot!!!), but it was full of a love that was unconditionally strong. Sierra writes these intimate scenes as if you are there, in the room, looking on as they are happening and you can’t help but feel the emotion pouring off the page. The way she described the delicate transfer of power, the immense trust that is willfully given to their lover(s), was truly beautiful and it was without a doubt, insanely HOT. GOSH!! Intense love. Intense respect. She writes with an intimate knowledge of the pain these characters endure emotionally, and she masterfully guides you through it. I loved the love these three had for each other, and even the way they showed each other. I felt every beat of their heart and every breath they pulled for each other. I felt their yearning and their devotion, even when it was mucked up by circumstances. So many feels in this one.

"The most important part of wearing a crown and using a sword is knowing when to set them down."

This book was so freaking DEEP and LONG. I did feel that it was long winded in general, but it was necessary discussion. The hindsight alone was very eye-opening. This one was told primarily in Ash’s POV, and I'm so glad it was because I was so curious about his backstory and what made him tick, so this book spelled it all out for me quite nicely. I definitely needed this discussion, otherwise I don't think I would have liked Ash as much as I did by the time it was all said and done. I definitely wasn't his number one fan after the first two books. This was THE BEST book for Ash. It explained his character more and it allowed me to understand him so much better. I saw the mental and emotional torture Ash was going through with the departure of Embry from his team and his marriage. I felt his pain throughout the entire book -- I seriously hurt for him while I read. Ash was angry and he acted out at times, and I think that was articulated very well. Sierra did an amazing job showing how hurt he was, but also showing his internal struggles with his own place in his marriage.

"You are more dangerous wielding love than you are wielding pain."

There were some sobering topics that were addressed in relation to their relationships and their lives; ones that were innocent actions in the past only to be consequences for their futures. I loved that Sierra showed us the inner workings of Ash and how his feelings grew and how he accepted his truths and his new realities. This read of a man discovering himself and accepting his known facts: he was part of a three and his heart would always and only accept that fact as truth. I loved how deep and bold his convictions were, too. He loved with everything he had and he made NO apologies for it. It's no secret that I didn’t like how Ash treated Greer and Embry in the first two books, even though he loved them deeply and religiously. I thought he was an ass, but after gaining a different perspective from this one, I have a newfound love for him. I do. But Embry is still my favorite!!! Love him. Love love love him.

"I craved him like I suppose addicts crave things; it was blood deep, restless, dangerous."

The rehashing of the past was pretty helpful; the ‘now’ and ‘then’ chapters allowed me to put everything into perspective. It helped me remember the small intricacies of the first two books that I may have forgotten and it sure made it a lot easier to put the final chapter of their story together.

I’ll be honest (as usual). that brick wall I hit at 76%? It was because the of the directional change of the story. I was heated for a bit, so much so that I even mad-texted a friend that had read it and she had to talk me off the ledge to continue on. I needed to remember that this was Sierra’s version of King Arthur's tale and that she was telling this story TO me, not FOR me. So I reluctantly and begrudgingly carried on, but that unexpected genre jump threw me for a complete loop. I don't pretend to understand why it was thrown in there because it then became 'mythical' in a way after that. It sorta took out some of the reality behind this story for me. So.....weird? Yes. So, for 3/4 of the way through the book, this was a 5 star, fantastical read. The love, the devotion, the intensity was all there for me. The ball dropped then and I don't even know how to process it. I'm still trying to accept and understand it.

After reading all three books, I have a better understanding of this triad's dynamic. It was hard at first, but if you read my reviews, I admitted it was hard, but I also said that it was an addicting love. A love that I wanted to continue to read. And now that I’ve made it through all three books, I can better appreciate their love, as well as their differing needs for power and submission. This was such a great story. So heavy, so deep, so memorable. I’m glad I got my closure.

I have to mention this cover. It is my favorite of the series, and is the most fitting for me because it shows the struggle Ash had. I love this cover! I need this entire series signed on my shelf.

"It is a weighty blessing to feel, knowing that your very existence is to make someone happy."
~BEE


PURCHASE:
AMERICAN QUEEN: http://amzn.to/2jknYJy
AMERICAN PRINCE: http://amzn.to/2iOOnLN
AMERICAN KING: http://amzn.to/2zAFkYL

The characters as seen by me:
Ash had such disciplined control over himself. It was such an interesting thing to read. I loved seeing this manifest itself throughout the book, and it sure made me think back to the first two and allowed me to see things clearer.

Embry was a man that loved hard with a hint of alpha, but a need to submit to his king. He possessed this desire to love Greer with a different level of affection than he did with Ash. He had his own way of loving Greer and Ash individually and I loved that side of him!

Greer was for me, an easy character to understand and love. She wasn’t meek, but she was a true submissive and I loved how Sierra betrayed her throughout the entire series. She had a refined strength that was understated in some areas and utilized in others.

Merlin played an indelible character in this series but I never trusted him. He appeared to be making respectful decisions on behalf of Ash, yet I still didn’t trust him. He was necessary for the plot to remain as thick as it was, but I still had issues with him.

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~MEET SIERRA SIMONE~
Sierra Simone is a former librarian who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk. She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.

~CONNECT WITH SIERRA~

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Wednesday, November 8, 2017

EXCERPT for He Loves Me Knot by RC Boldt


EXCERPT

PROLOGUE

EMMA JANE

“BLESS HER HEART.”

This—the quintessential Southern phrase “bless her heart”—is the ultimate kiss of death.

The irony isn’t lost on me since I just avoided my own kiss of death, figuratively speaking. Instead of walking down the aisle, I’m trudging along the Pensacola Beach boardwalk in my wedding dress.

Alone.

With tear-stained cheeks.

Two elderly women peer at me, blatant curiosity etched across their features, and one turns to the other to hiss, “I wonder if the groom left her.”

“Would you blame him?” the other woman responds, disdain dripping from her tone. “She’s got a”—she utters the next words much like they’re absolutely scandalous—“nose piercing.”

The dark glare I direct at them is concealed by my sunglasses, so with a dismissive huff, I continue plodding along, swiping a hand across my tear-streaked cheeks. Judging by the black smudges on my fingers, my waterproof mascara clearly lied.

Damn jackass mascara.

Damn jackass groom. I’m starting to see a trend here…

The longer I walk, the more stares I get. One little girl in a tutu bathing suit points to the top of my head and squeals with joy, “Look! A princess!”

Damn jackass tiara and veil my mother insisted I wear.

I march over to a large trash bin and—without any finesse whatsoever—begin tugging the pins holding this awful tiara-veil combo in place. As I’m attempting to remove it, agitation takes over due to my sad lack of progress. I bunch the veil in my fists and give it a firm tug from my elaborate up-do. Bobby pins shoot and ping in various directions, and I distractedly pray no one gets too close and loses an eye. Shoving the obscene length of fabric in the trash, I feel a bit lighter.

The June sun beats down on me as I stand on the stamped cement of the boardwalk, the heat radiating through the soles of my favorite flip-flops. My eyes flutter closed as I inhale a deep breath of the salty Gulf of Mexico air.

God, I love this beach. It’s always been one of my favorites, especially since it takes just under an hour to drive here from Mobile. The water is a gorgeous shade of blue-green, and the sand is perfectly white and free of pesky shells. Any other time, I’d be kicking off my flip-flops and running toward the surf. Now, though, I have different priorities: a stiff drink. Or ten.

Or twenty.

The challenge is finding a place where I might not draw attention—er, as much attention. I slowly survey the nearby choices of bars and restaurants lined up along the boardwalk; I scan and dismiss them one by one.

“No…no…no…n—”

Wait a minute.

One particular sign snags my eye. It has an outline of two men standing back to back, their forms filled with a swirl of rainbows and the name Be-Bob’s written in script-like font beneath it.

A gay bar.

Perfect.

With my key ring clipped to my small wristlet, I stalk over to the bar, doing my best to ignore the startled looks and gawking from other beachgoers. Tugging open the heavy door, I step over the threshold and into the brisk air conditioning.

Into a place where I might find slightly more acceptance.

I slide my sunglasses to rest atop my head and take a moment to allow my eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. There are only about eight people scattered about, chatting over drinks. When I don’t earn more than a brief glance before they return to their own conversations, I breathe my first sigh of relief. Most of the patrons are likely indulging in the great weather and enjoying a Saturday at the beach, not looking for refuge and hiding out like I am.

I scan the framed photos that adorn the walls featuring local drag queens and scantily clad male models before striding over to the bar. I hoist myself up onto a worn leather bar stool, and catch the eye of the only bartender behind the counter. He appears to be taking inventory of the liquor, if his clipboard is anything to go by.

When he turns around and gets the full visual of me, his expression is priceless, his eyebrows nearly hitting his hairline. I’d laugh if I had it in me, but I’m emotionally spent.

As he regards what’s visible to him from the top of the bar on up to my hair, his light brown eyes soften and the corners of his mouth tip up slightly. Without batting an eye, he reaches below the counter and produces a wet wipe. I gratefully accept it and he rests his forearms upon the lacquered surface, regarding me with interest as I rid my cheeks of the dark mascara streaks.

The bartender waits until I’m finished and then accepts the wipe from me before tossing it into the trash.

“Well, I can’t say I’ve ever served a runaway bride before.” My makeup-fail savior appears to gauge me, as if expecting me to burst into a river of tears.

Funny enough, the drive here has expended me of those and I’m firmly entrenched in the anger stage of my fiancé’s betrayal.

I prop an elbow on the bar, rest my chin on my palm, and offer what I know is the weakest excuse for a smile. “There’s a first time for everything, right?”

He doesn’t immediately answer, eyeing me curiously until his lips stretch into an easy smile. His eyes do that little crinkly thing at the corners and he has what I call “kind eyes.”

Then again, I remind myself, what the hell do I know?

I’m clearly not the best judge of people. That much has become all too evident.

The bartender reaches out a hand. “Casey.”

I grasp his hand, noting his impressive manicure. This guy’s cuticles are better than mine and I love the shade of metallic gray polish on his nails. “Nice to meet you, Casey. I’m Emma Jane.”

He reaches beneath the bar and I hear a clinking as he scoops ice, before he brings a cup into view. Then he works his magic, and pours in a bit of this and that from one bottle to the next. Finally, with flourish—and a maraschino cherry tossed in—he slides the plastic cup across the smooth surface.

“It’s my special, secret mix. I call it”—he leans in toward me and lowers his voice, his eyes dancing with mischief—“the Panty Dropper.”

One of my brows arches as I stare back at him with dismayed skepticism. “I hardly think I’m a prime panty-dropping candidate right now.”

Casey lifts a shoulder in a half shrug, his eyes flickering over my shoulder before returning to me. His smile grows wider. “You never can tell.”

With a tiny laugh, I shake my head and wrap my lips around the straw to take a sip of the concoction he’s made me. Just as I swallow the sweet drink, I both feel and smell a person sidle up next to me at the bar.

Hell. The reason I came here was because I thought for sure my chances of getting hit on would be slim to none. But, as I glance at him from the corner of my eye, I observe strong, muscled forearms, tanned and sprinkled with dark hair. The scent of him is appealing and masculine, a cologne that doesn’t overpower. Just the sight of those arms alone, however, makes me incredibly wary to see the rest of him.

Casey doesn’t address the newcomer, his focus still on me. “I’m all ears, Emma Jane. Been told I’m a great listener.”

Good Lord. Where do I even start?

Before I can answer, the man speaks up, his deep voice booming. “Are you cheating on me, Case?” He makes what sounds like a gasp of exaggerated indignation. “I can’t believe you’d betray me like this.”

I glance up to see Casey’s expression full of mirth, and he rolls his eyes. “You know better. I’m still waiting on you to switch over.”

A husky laugh greets my ears and it sounds far too male—far too appealing—which is why I refuse to turn and look at the man beside me.

“I might switch if you’d agree to root for my team.”

“Not gonna happen,” Casey scoffs before his gaze meets mine. “Isn’t that drink exactly what the doctor ordered?”

I muster up a smile because he seems like a sweet guy. “It is.” With a start, I realize I haven’t given him my card to pay or at least start a tab. I reach for my wristlet. “What do I owe you?”

He waves me off. “Honey, that one’s on me as long as you promise to dish before we get slammed in a few hours.”

A loud exhale spills past my lips. “It’s a pathetic story, really.”

“Let me guess.” Mr. Forearms’s husky voice is a deep timbre, amusement threaded in his tone. “You caught him with your maid of honor.”

I let out a harsh laugh and fiddle with my straw, using it to move around the ice cubes in my drink. “Nope.” If only it were that simple, I muse internally.

“Caught him with his best man?”

This time, his suggestion drags a lighter sounding laugh from me. “Not even.”

“Well, you know I can’t leave here without hearing the story. I’m intrigued.”

This guy is something else, that’s for sure. His voice is the epitome of sexy, and yet, even with all that’s transpired, I have zero interest.

Finally, I drag my attention from my drink and my eyes travel up those muscled forearms, over the bulging biceps stretching the short sleeves of a dark-blue polo shirt and up to the face that—

My breath catches in my throat as recognition floods me, my eyes widening as I take in the man beside me.

Becket Jones, the quarterback for the NFL team in Jacksonville, Florida. He’s a two-time Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Florida and had been the second overall draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adding to that impressive resumé, he’s been recently voted MVP and is also a Lombardi Trophy recipient. His face is in commercials and on billboards everywhere. Living in Mobile, Alabama, and in a state without a pro football team, most of us either gravitate toward the Atlanta Falcons, the New Orleans Saints, or the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I don’t follow NFL as closely as college football, but I’d have to live under a rock to not recognize Becket and his pretty-boy face. Even beneath the brim of the ball cap, which curls under at the edges and draws shadows over his eyes, I’d recognize that wide charming smile of his anywhere. He’s slouching against the bar but I know he pushes well over six feet.

His features cloud as he observes my response, his large hand reaching up to tug his cap lower. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to sell some seedy story about seeing me in a gay bar to a stupid gossip rag.”

“Of course not. I’m just…” I falter for a moment, “surprised.”

His chin lifts, gesturing to a couple of guys standing nearby a jukebox, laughing and talking. One of them is wearing a shirt with bright pink flamingos printed on it, along with a yellow feather boa draped around his neck.

“I’m with my brother, Brantley—the one who insisted on that crazy getup—and his roommate, Vonn, whose birthday we’re celebrating.” His eyes flicker to them briefly, obvious affection in his gaze, before returning to me. “I drove in from Jacksonville late last night to join them.”

I nod politely, not sure what to say. “Well, I hope you guys have a great night.” I turn back to my drink and studiously take another sip of the dangerous concoction while acknowledging Casey and Becket’s attention is fixed on me with unfettered curiosity. This drink is deliciously sweet and I know it’s masking the copious amount of liquor Casey put in it. And I can’t get hammered. I should—and I really want to—but I can’t. I have bigger fish to fry.

Like figuring out my freaking life.

With a long sigh, I unzip my wristlet and withdraw my cell phone—whose ring had been silenced—to face the “music” I know is about to blare at me.

Let this be noted as mistake number one. Because I’m certain my phone is going to overheat from the number of text messages and missed calls I’ve received already. Mainly, the ones from my father.

Dad: You’d better get back here now, young lady.

I continue scrolling past all of his other messages until I get to the last one, time stamped from about five minutes ago.

Dad: Consider yourself disowned. Don’t even think of coming back to this house after the way you’ve embarrassed everyone.

Huh. Well, thank heavens I’d already thought of that and had made a quick stop at the house before driving here. I’d scooped up the items I’d need most, knowing my father’s reaction would be extreme. Maybe I was delusional, but I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this.

Just as I’m about to place my phone back in my wristlet and avoid the remainder of the painful messages sure to come, another one comes in.

Dad: Forget your job at the magazine. It’s done. You’re done. You did this, Emma Jane.

My chest tightens and my stomach churns sickly. I knew it was coming but it doesn’t make it any less devastating. I’d worked my ass off for Southern Charm Lifestyle magazine at their new location in Mobile. I know I have the potential to rise up in the ranks.

But now it’s gone. Poof. All because of my father. The one and only Davis Haywood, city councilman, owner of the local newspaper and the city’s largest magazine, and commercial developer galore. He has the money and power to make things happen in Mobile.

I just never thought he’d use that money and power against his own daughter one day.

“So.” Becket startles me, so caught up in my own drama-filled thoughts. “You might not know this about me, but I was brought up to be a gentleman.”

I regard him warily, unsure where he’s going with this. “O-kay,” I drag out the word slowly.

“This means I can’t leave you sitting at this bar, staring down at your phone, looking like your puppy just died.”

I shoot him a hard glare that would normally cause people to rear back…but then I recall that this man faces the risk of being tackled by two-hundred-plus-pound men on any given game day.

So, as much as my dangerously narrowed eyes might flare with the “Don’t even go there” vibe, my glare does nothing.

He looks around first before slipping his ball cap around on his head, the brim now at the back. And honestly, on any other grown man, it would look juvenile. On Becket Jones, however, it actually looks cute.

Casey slides a bottle of water to him, which Becket uncaps before downing half of it. Resting his arms on the bar, he playfully nudges me with his shoulder.

“Go ahead. Spill.”

Exhaling loudly, I peer up at him skeptically. “You really want—”

“To hear all the sordid details?” He grins at me, nearly blinding me with his pearly white teeth. “Absolutely.”

Shaking my head at him, I take another sip of my drink and toy with my straw, making the ice cubes clink together within my cup. “Fine. But don’t you dare give me a bless your heart that’s chock-full of pity.”

“Deal.”

Letting a long sigh loose, I answer, my voice muted and laced with pain. And I hate the way it sounds.

“I’m running from a man who doesn’t really love me.”



Sometimes love needs a second chance…

I never looked back after skipping out on my own wedding, even if it did leave me estranged from most of my family. Eight years later, I have the life I’ve always wanted. As an advertising account executive, my world is damn near perfect.

Until I come face-to-face with my past. With the man I once loved. The man who holds my future in his hands. The man who’s hell-bent on getting even with me for leaving him at the altar.

Even with all the unfinished business between us, I still love Knox Montgomery. The only problem?

He loves me…KNOT.







~MEET RC BOLDT~
RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.

~CONNECT WITH RC~

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