Book Review and Giveaway for Wicked Envy by Sawyer Bennett

WICKED ENVY
by SAWYER BENNETT

The best of friends.
Two men. One woman.
A sinful playground called The Wicked Horse.

Entrepreneur turned millionaire, Dane Hawthorne, has been known to get his kicks at The Wicked Horse Vegas, and he has no shortage of beautiful women waiting for a shot at him. Driven to succeed, no matter if he’s in the boardroom or the bedroom, Dane never backs down from a challenge.

Avril Carrigan isn’t the type of woman to take risks in her personal life but after a broken heart and too much liquid courage, Avril decides to best way to get over one man, is to get under another. Looking to experience all the debauchery she’s heard about from her best friend and business partner, Dane, she requests one thing of him—take her to The Wicked Horse.

The request seems simple. One friend helping another in her time of need. But now that they’ve crossed the threshold, things aren’t as easy as they once seemed. Not only is Dane looking at Avril in a new light, but so is their other business partner and best friend, Andrew Collings. As Dane’s envy blooms, he wonders if he made the right decision when he agreed to show Avril his wicked world.

What happens when the lines of friendship are blurred and boundaries are crossed? Will their relationships survive or will jealousy tear them all apart?

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4.5 Trusting Stars
"The sin is called envy, and I can overlook it when it's all about Avril being pleasured."

OOOhweee!!! Have you been following Sawyer Bennett's Wicked Horse series? Did you naturally progress on over to her Wicked Horse Vegas series like me?? While the original series was hot, I am finding myself enjoying the deliciously sinister and naughtier side to her Vegas series. I loved that this one was a true ménage in every sense of the word. AND Best Friends to boot?? Yes, please.

The love in this book was definitely the perfect kind of love, for me. It was far-reaching in Dane, Avril, and Andrew's friendship, not just a one time thing. Their friendship spanned years. Their love grew from a young, impressionable age and encompassed friendship, worries, happiness, sadness, and all other emotions combined. They loved one another solidly and completely, and I loved the way Bennett wrote this one. I truly truly do. The way these three started, the way these three grew together, and the way these three ended; this is what life-long friendships are made of. This is easily one of my favorite books in the whole series.

The way that Avril had control in her every day life, she was a very structured and well disciplined woman She was a workaholic. She had order. She took care of things. The minute you told her she couldn't do something, she proved you wrong. She was SO strong and I loved that about her. But I just melted at the way she purred when Dane spoke to her. It really was a true testament to her feelings for him, and the trust in her heart that she gave him. It was sexy AF too. I mean it. Strength in every facet of her life, yet she went soft for him and I truly loved seeing that. It warmed my cold little heart.

"Love is an illusion. It makes people feel good to believe in it, but I never have. I know it's as fragile as glass but nowhere near as clear."

This book had a lot more depth to it than her previous ones did. Now, before you think I am being mean, let me explain. There is always a little drama, a little emotional push in every book of hers. It helps the plot thicken and mature, and I get that. But this one, this one pulled at my heartstrings a little more than normal. Besides the turmoil between three best friends trying to make it a go intimately, there were some outside mitigating circumstances that just gave me pause and deep intakes of breath. Not heavy, just....emotional. If you slow down, and if you think about all the consequences and the reality behind what's truly going on in their world, not just the outside looking in, you get sucked into the quagmire of emotions they have to wade through to find their happily ever afters. I really, really enjoyed this one a lot.

While there was some repetitive wording jumping from character to character via their inner thoughts, with many descriptions given to us multiple times, this was the only reason I stalled on a full 5 star review. I felt that some of it was filler, but not enough to turn me off from the beauty of the story, because overall, this was a great story about love, triumph and personal growth. We got to read about jealousy, with the right attitude. We got to see maturity, with the understanding of the necessity for it. And we got to see temptation, and all the feelings that surround it. I loved Dane, Avril, and Andrew. This one was SO very good.

"The three of us through thick and thin."
~BEE

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2CsKtoy

B&N: http://bit.ly/2r90xFO

iBooks: http://apple.co/2q30ewl

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2q93an8

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2qd3dhI

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2lM5pMe

~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~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for A War Like Ours by Saffron Kent

A WAR LIKE OURS

by SAFFRON KENT

A liar…
Three weeks ago, James Maxwell’s wife died in a car accident, but he hasn’t been able to tell his five-year old daughter the heartbreaking truth behind her mother's death. Instead, he packs them up and leaves for a summer resort in upstate New York to spend a few peaceful weeks and to gradually break the news. But a spirited and outspoken maid at the resort has figured out his secret.

A hater…
After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of her stepfather, Madison Smith has turned aimless and bitter toward the world—men, in particular. Her dead-end job at the local resort and her convenient girlfriend barely keep Madison from falling apart. When she meets James, however, she’s driven to protect his child from the darkness she sees inside him.

A forbidden kiss…
But Madison doesn’t expect to find that very darkness irresistible. Drowning in guilt and memories, neither does James expect to be drawn to the sharp-witted woman who has made his life miserable. When their tempers flare, a brutal kiss triggers a need that blurs the lines of hate and desire. As their lust spins out of control, they must decide if their attraction is worth fighting for or if love is the real enemy.

** Author's Note: This book is intended for mature audience. It has trigger elements: Abuse, self harm, death. 18+ ONLY. Despite having an HEA, this story doesn't follow the usual or conventional rules. It's rough, edgy and yes, difficult to read in places. The characters are broken and jagged and so is their descent in love. Please proceed with caution. Thank you!

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Why the fuck were we so fucked up?"

What in the hell did I just read!!?? Yes, I said that! I don't read a lot of dark and I don't read a lot of psychological intensity. I don't ever push those boundaries -- at least not willingly. But reading this book, it made me glad I dipped my toe into those proverbial waters. So, I have already read Saffron's second book, The Unrequited, but I hadn't read this one, so it was like going back in 'writing time' for me and I must say, while I could definitely see the improvement she had from her first book to her second, one thing she does well is INTENSITY. Without a doubt, she has a knack for head turning curiosity.

This entire book was one big mind game. I felt like I was watching for the shock and awe, like I couldn't look away and I felt like I was peering into the insanity....and really enjoying it. There was a lot of unknown, some confusion, and a whole lot of curiosity. Now, sometimes we read a book with a twist and sometimes we can even figure out the twist, but it's usually a storyline we can settle into. I could NOT settle into this one. You know why? She changed it up at every.single.turn. The depravity and depth these characters had always kept me on the edge of my seat. They weren't right in the head! But, I'm going to say this....I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. It was so damn good!!! Weird....so weird, right?? But man! So good. There were some parts that were a little disjointed, some things that didn't make sense to me, but they worked with this story, and I think that is a true testament to how different and addicting Saffron's words are.

Madison and James had a profound pull towards each other, but the push was so unyielding at times as well. The book felt like it was this thick sludge of murkiness that I had to wade through to get to the other side. So many shadows covering the light, so much dank in such a vibrant world. I honestly couldn't tell which way was up. They wanted, but denied. They sought, but fought. They pushed, but pulled. So many contradictory things going on in this story, it truly kept me on my toes.

Above all, I will say this book may not be for everyone. It may rub some the wrong way because of actions and dialogue. It probably wont bring out the warm and fuzzies in others either. But you know what? That's what I felt was so great about this book. The depth, the inner workings of the characters, the meanings behind the words, the actions/reactions of everything that went on; it was such a different read. So much so that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like Saffron's voice. I like the way she tells a story. I like how different and quirky she is and it's without apology. She is not 'by the book' and that is what makes her stand out to me. This one, you could tell she was a little unrefined, but her voice has that artsy rasp to it that feels gritty and I love that about her stories.

"I know that I love you, Madison, with every inch of my insanity and darkness."
~BEE

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY

PURCHASE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CQwGs8

~MEET SAFFRON A KENT~

Writer of bad romances. Coffee Addict. White Russian Drinker. Imaginary Ballet Dancer and poetess. Aspiring Lana Del Ray of the book world.

I'm a big believer in love (obviously). I believe in happily ever after, the butterflies and the tingling. But I also believe in edgy, rough and gutsy kind of love. I believe in pushing the boundaries, darker (sometimes morally ambiguous) emotions and imperfections.

The kind of love I write about is flawed just like my characters. And I hope by the end of it, you'll come to root for them just as much as me. Because love, no matter where it comes from, is always pure and beautiful. 

If you ever get a hankering to talk about books or love, you can find me here:

Her book group: Saffron's Purple Hearts

Sign up for her newsletter

Follow her on Instagram

Follow her on Pinterest

Follow her on BookBub

~CONNECT WITH SAFFRON~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

AFFILIATE LINKS USED

COPY GIFTED OUT ON BLOG

My FAVORITE Books for 2017!!

WHAT A YEAR!!

This year, I found myself struggling more than usual to write my reviews. Not because the books were bad....quite the opposite, actually. The magnitude of the words I read this year had me scrambling to hope and wish my words made a mark just as the author's words had. I wanted my reviews to do their books justice. To convey the feelings these authors purged onto the pages of their manuscripts...I wanted my reviews to adequately purvey what they did to me. 

Some of these books fit into multiple categories, so I had to switch it up this year and just list off favorites and not break them down into categories. I couldn't choose just one in a few cases, but these books/couples are the ones that touched me the most....the ones that will stay with me and continue to invade my mind. 

I hope you enjoy this list. 
~Bee

SOMETHING IN THE WAY SERIES by Jessica Hawkins

"It's books like this one, series like this one, that remind me how much I love reading and reviewing."

This series hit me in a multitude of ways. It was a forbidden romance that really tugged at my heartstrings. There were so many volatile feelings that I felt while reading this one, I was shocked I made it through. The angst alone gripped me, but the emotions seared my heart. I was spitting mad at one character, in love with another, all the while raising a fist at yet another. But, the fact that it sits on my list is proof positive of the ability of Jessica's writing and how well she can weave a story that can make you remember that feeling of falling in love for the first time, your first kiss, your first touch. This series was such a great ride! Just announced, a fourth book in the series called Lake + Manning and that will be coming February 13, 2018!!

My reviews:
     Something in the Way: http://bit.ly/2mpydwI
     Somebody Else's Sky: http://bit.ly/2qc0xjt
     Move the Stars: http://bit.ly/2yBD7MK

Add the series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2mnAMiz

GRIP by Kennedy Ryan

"The words in this book emote more than anything I can describe and this love story will haunt me for a long time."

Ok, I just need to take a minute and breathe through this one. This entire series was such a memorable read, I am pretty sure I can almost talk anyone through it! Maybe. Possibly. When I say emotional overload, this series comes to mind. It was beautiful. It was lyrical. It was emotional. It was painful. But, my gosh....it was amazing. Social aspects included, the journey that Grip and Bristol went through was nothing short of passionate and awe-inspiring. It was a responsible series dedicated to truth and emotions in the cleanest sense of the word. This was a three book series and they must be read in order.

My reviews:   
     Flow and Grip: http://bit.ly/2mxgFP2
     Still: http://bit.ly/2xKPEL7

Add the series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2CfGmZO

WHEN LIFE HAPPENED by Jewel E Ann

"This book was full of truths and realities and trust beyond all measure." 

My gosh.....this is one of TWO favorite standalones of the year. This book, it wrecked me. I read this book and gasped so hard!! The twist in this one set me up and made me fall head over heels....for him. Now, one thing I have learned is that Jewel E Ann never disappoints. She has wowed me with all of her stories and I am officially in love with her words. Officially. I will easily and happily trust her with my heart, willingly handing it over with each book I read of hers. I have read 3 of her books, and I honestly cannot wait to read more because she always has a way of hooking you in, turning you upside down, yet righting you in the end. I love the way she tells stories!

My review: http://bit.ly/2szQiIn

Add to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2nzoalZ

THE UNREQUITED by Saffron Kent

"This book was nothing I expected and everything I needed in a new-to-me author....it blew me away!"

 For my first read by this author, I was taken aback. I was slack-jawed. While this was her second book, this was my first read by her and I was smitten. The quirkiness to her characters; the cadence to her words; she sucked me right in and held me close while she took me on a CRAZY ride with some very interesting characters. I have read more from her since, and her characters always have such a depth to them that is so different. I really enjoy her writing! This book was a ride on the wild side with Layla and her pursuit of Thomas, but it was a page turner for me and one that I have recommended time and time again!

My review: http://bit.ly/2tOBTJa

Add it to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2twwxo4

THE DARKEST SUNRISE/THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET by Aly Martinez

"The reality of the pain, the scariness of the possibilities, and the depth of the emotions I felt for these characters....my gosh. I didn't want to put these books down!!"

Oh my WOW. This was the most painfully beautiful duet I have read all year. Amazing. It pulled on every single emotional string my heart had to give. I was heartbroken, but falling in love. What a contradictory feeling, but that's exactly what happened in this series. Logically, I felt one way. Mentally, I felt another. Emotionally, I was torn. That should tell you something about Aly's words. I feel like she used them against me....making my mind truly war with my heart. It was such an amazing story and one that I will happily hold anyone's hand through. 

My review: http://bit.ly/2pHHpil

Add the duet to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2tjcCZx

EXP1RE and ETERN1TY by Erin Noelle

"Maybe I was awestruck. Maybe I was pulled in wondrously. Either way, I was able to enjoy this story with a smile on my face."

I do not read fantasy at all, ever. For a book to take me on a journey, to allow me to escape my own mental capacity for belief, that says something, but to be on my favorites list?? Erin did that with this duet. I loved these characters SO much. The love and the trust that Lyra and Tavian had for each other was beautifully written, and that makes me so excited to say I have my first fantasy favorite. With all the drama that happened, the love story was written beautifully and was not overshadowed. This duet was a fascinating read.

My reviews:     
     Exp1re: http://bit.ly/2hEOOZo
     Etern1ty: http://bit.ly/2BP6xEZ

Add the series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lxDiQL

IT'S YOU by Katy Regnery

"I don't take many liberties with my imagination in that aspect so when I read this one, I just let go. What a treat. "

The duet straddles my yearly favorites list with the first book on my Favorites List for 2016, but the second book on my Favorites List for 2017. Katy has sat on my favorites list a few years in a row now, between her modern fairytale series and this PNR series. I don't often read (if ever) Paranormal Romance, so this was a step on the wild side for me....literally. I knew that Katy could easily spin a story of love, so trusting her to take me away wasn't really a problem. But believing, understanding, wanting more in a story that tested my boundaries in this unknown-to-me world? Katy gave me more than I could have ever imagined, and I am so glad I read this story. I loved Jack and Darcy, and I cherish this signed duet that sits happily on my shelf.

My reviews:     
     It's You, book 1: http://bit.ly/2isDLAl
     It's You, book 2: http://bit.ly/2j51aIY

Add the series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lzX2TB













 



CLAM JAM and BLUE BALLS by RC Boldt

"RC Boldt is a special brand of funny. She just has this knack for putting you at ease in a situation that could be completely embarrassing, but is most definitely comical."

These books were the funniest books I read all year.....seriously, laugh out loud hilarity was enjoyed throughout both of these books!!! While the titles originally scared me off, the writing itself was a welcome hello to RC Boldt's style of writing. I have read every book of hers since, and that should tell you something. I enjoy her writing very much. Her stories are fresh and new, and her penchant for witty humor is not to be missed. I really, really, REALLY loved these two stories and it was fun letting go and giggling with both of these. I don't read a lot of comedy, but this duo ranks right up there as two of my favorites of all time for funny books. Truly, wit and sarcasm galore!!

My reviews:     
     Clam Jam: http://bit.ly/2iXSZih
     Blue Balls: http://bit.ly/2vhrCYi

Add them to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lupVl7

THE MARRIAGE PACT by K Larsen and Mara White

"I am still on a broken-hearted high from this book, as K and Mara know how to really bind your heart to their story and make you fall in love. Without choice, you FALL hard."

I don't cry often, but when I do, I will tell you ALL about it. Oh dear, I cried with this one!! Oh my gosh...this one got me really good and I was not able to stop the tears. When I think of true love, this book comes to mind, and has quite a bit this year. I am very lucky this year because I have read some really good books, but this one stuck with me because of the content and the characters' actions. The way this entire love story played out really kept me biting my nails. This one also left me brokenhearted, but in such a memorable way. I loved Ryan and Jackie's love, and K and Mara told this story with heart. So good. So sad. So amazing.

My review: http://bit.ly/2nT9Ghp

Add this book to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lkBhK7

RETURN TO FALCON RIDGE by DL Roan

"By the time it was all said and done, this book was dynamic, it was emotional, and it was HOT."

One of my favorite ongoing sagas is This McLendon Family and I have followed this series since October of 2013. I am fully and completely, 100?% wholly invested in this family and all their stories. I have favorite characters and I have favorite books in the series, but I have loved this entire series as a whole. This series started out with a polyamorous relationship in the first book, but the series touches on many different types of relationships with this book being a ménage. I loved that I got to see some of my favorite characters from previous books come back in this one. This series is so different than any I have read and I am just in love with every family member. I push this series all the time and it's for good reason. DL Roan is always a sexy read, with some tears and angst thrown in. She always delivers a well rounded story. I'm sadly aware there is only one more book in this series left to come. I will treasure it.

My review: http://bit.ly/2k1dqdE

Add this series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2q87kjD

DARKNESS MATTERS by Jay McLean

"This book, this story....it snuck up on me. It quietly kidnapped my mind. Quietly. Effortlessly. This was a one-sitting read, and I was blown away."

Once again, Jay McLean tempted me into reading another YA book. I always say I don't like this genre because I end up hating the characters and their maturity, or immaturity as it usually ends up being, but Jay McLean always makes me rethink that statement and makes me fall in love with her story and her characters. The drama is real. The characters are real. The story is always compelling. I am really enjoying her stories and am willing to admit I am looking closer at the YA genre.....as long as she writes them, I will read them.

My review: http://bit.ly/2zTSMs9

Add it to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2sBFwU2

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I always like to name off the couples that I loved falling in love with....all while they fell in love.

Manning and Lake from Something in the Way by Jessica Hawkins

Grip and Bristol from Grip by Kennedy Ryan

Jack and Darcy from It's You by Katy Regnery

Jude and Rhion from Singe by Aly Martinez

HEAD HERE FOR A GIVEAWAY

ALL LINKS USED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS

ALL TITLES ARE HYPERLINKED TO AMAZON FOR PURCHASE

Book Review and Giveaway for The Darkest Sunrise DUET by Aly Martinez

THE DARKEST SUNRISE:

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Whoever coined that phrase is a bald-faced liar. Words are often the sharpest weapon of all, triggering some of the most powerful emotions a human can experience.

“You’re pregnant.”
“It’s a boy.”
“Your son needs a heart transplant.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.
Syllables and letters may not be tangible, but they can still destroy your entire life faster than a bullet from a gun.

Two words—that was all it took to extinguish the sun from my sky.

“He’s gone.”
For ten years, the darkness consumed me.

In the end, it was four deep, gravelly words that gave me hope of another sunrise.
“Hi. I’m Porter Reese.”

THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET:

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.
Words destroyed me.

“I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”
“Daddy, he can’t breathe!”
“There’s nothing more we can do for your son.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

More lies.

Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.

Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.
“He’s gone.”

In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise.
“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 5 GUT-WRENCHING STARS
"He'd made the darkness a beautiful place filled with understanding and acceptance."

I am saying this now: this duet has got to be one of the most emotional reads I have read this year, if not ever. Not only do we get Aly's signature humor, but we get real drama, with consequences that are entrenched deep in this book. The reality of the pain, the scariness of the possibilities, and the depth of the emotions I felt for these characters....my gosh. I didn't want to put these books down!! Even though I read them both throughout the week leading up to Christmas, I had to step away repeatedly. It was awful putting these down, because not only did the 'problems' play on in my mind long after I stopped reading, but each time I got to squeeze in some of their story, I just had more time to think about it in between. Having read this slowly, having marinated in the drama, slowly rotating the what-ifs and the possibilities around in my mind, this duet took over my life for a week! I was so engrossed in Porter and Charlotte, I was daydreaming a lot just thinking about them. <sigh> So good!

"Happiness was a state of mind, not something you had to hold on to for fear you'd never get it back." 

I wrote this on my Facebook page:
As a mommy, my mommy heart is broken.
As a woman, my logical heart is broken.
As a reader, my emotional heart is broken.

Because it's TRUE!!! It's SO true!!! I was so heartbroken over everything that was happening, and I was completely enraptured from the first page of the first book until the last page of the last book. This duet picked on my fear as a mommy on so many different levels, but it also made me SEE the other side. The reality of the situation was nothing short of soul scraping; I was hurting so much. I purposely don't read books that have kids in pain in them. I can't allow myself to accept and deal with it fictionally because I never want to put myself in the parents' shoes, EVER. This book was going to test my comfort levels on all fronts: Love, Pain, Death, Loss. And boy did it ever. My heart ached the entire time I read it. It was beautiful....

In this book, words had a different effect. Words had a profound meaning. Words had an emotional punch. Anytime I read Aly's words, they trip me up. I always stutter-step when I read them, and not because I can't understand them....it's because of the force of her words give me pause. She breathes life into her words. She makes me think. She makes me question. She makes me feel. I 'heard' the rasp in his voice. I 'felt' the searing pain from her tears. Aly doesn't just tell a story....she makes me feel the story. Every. Single. Time. It tells me something when I've 'just' opened a book, but when I look down, I'm already at 24%. Her words, they move me. 

By 35%, I was gasping and giggling. I loved the way she brought Porter and Charlotte to life. If there were ever a book, a set of characters that were so right for each other, this one would definitely be at the top of that list. I loved Porter's strength in the way he handled things in the dark and brought them to the manageable light. I loved Charlotte's trust in his strength for her, but I loved seeing her grow and show her resilience in the face of all that life threw at her. Porter and Charlotte were definitely an amazing team when it came to lovers in life and dreamers in love. With all that these two went through; the heart-wrenching pain, the torture and the heartache, you most definitely got to feel their happiness as well. I felt all their pain, but I felt all their joy and love as well. I loved this couple SO much!! 

One thing Aly does with finesse is to not only match the perfect emotions with the storyline, but she can match the humor and the love that is necessary to make the book that much more real. The humor was tongue in cheek; Porter and Charlotte had this defense mechanism they used so well, but it just worked. It really worked. Nothing was over the top. The drama was intense and authentic, the love was strong and fathomable, and the reality was vital and true. Aly drew you into their plight while playing with your heart, only to push you away and hurt you with their sorrowful truths. The basis of this storyline will hit you in your core and it will drag you through the depths of your emotional lows to get to your unimaginable highs. This was an amazing duet, and Aly's words were phenomenal. Amazing. Just.....amazing.

"Our situations were different, but the same shade of black painted both of our souls."
~BEE

PURCHASE LINKS

THE DARKEST SUNRISE

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2Dky9Cz

THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2BVg1D3

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE DUET

~MEET ALY MARTINEZ~

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

~CONNECT WITH ALY~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER

ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED

Book Review and Giveaway for Sinful Empire by Meghan March

SINFUL EMPIRE
by MEGHAN MARCH

The Mount Trilogy concludes with Sinful Empire!
What’s mine, I keep, and that includes Keira Kilgore.

It’s no longer enough to have her in my debt. No longer enough to own her body.

I want something more.

She can try to resist, but I’ll never give her up.

Nothing will keep us apart.

Not her. Not my enemies. No one.

Her debt will only be paid one way—with her heart.

Sinful Empire is the third and final book in the Mount Trilogy.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Lachlan Mount isn't just ruthless - he's a study in perseverance."

Finally, the conclusion!! I needed this, and I am sooo glad I got it. The wait was hell. Pure hell. But that should say something, because not many authors can hold my attention through three books, and Meghan March was able to do just that with this series. I was easily caught up in this world of wicked that Meghan weaved and I loved that I could get lost and watch as everything unfolded. Like I said in my first two reviews, it was nice to be able to get swept up into this dark underworld of tunnels and lies, of danger and lust, only to be hit with a cold reality of an ill-fated love that was bound and determined to win. I loved seeing this variance in the storyline where there was a great deal of push and pull in all aspects of the storyline. Some outlined and detailed, some implied, but well-read nonetheless.

Behind this feistiness that we know Keira possesses, she has a very level head and a mind for business. She is quite meticulous in that aspect, and I did enjoy seeing her suss things out and get answers she needed before flying off the handle. This push and pull between these two characters was not necessarily because of the words between these two characters, but the definition of who they were to each other and how they morphed into what they were. Such a drastic difference from how they started out.

I love a he said/she said POV change in a book, and being able to read Mount's POV just gave me a deeper understanding to his reasonings for all things he did. He was a complex character that I enjoyed very much, with a good balance between sweet and control. There were some mitigating circumstances that gave me a gasp and some aha moments, but I love how they played into the storyline. There are some twists and turns that I honestly didn't see coming, and it really was neat to discover them as I read. The proliferation of this storyline, how these two grew so much in their relationship, was very intriguing. I liked seeing that take flight.

"Don't make this out to be a goddamned fairy tale, Keira. That's sure as hell not what it is."

There were some WTF revelations, but it made me push on to find out how it all worked together! I wanted to roll my eyes at some of the drama, I'll be honest - but as I read it, my trust in March's ability to NOT make me roll them based on the type of drama we had, much respect. She earned some more of my trust with my book-drama-hating heart. Even though I had a little bit of trouble with said drama and reconciling it within my mind, I can see how it could and would possibly happen. The truth and responsibility of Lachlan's heart and how he felt responsible for those around him helped me come to terms with it and how it was 'missed'.

"That's who I am, Keira. Harsh. Brutal. Without remorse."

This truly was a story about a man who wasn't going to give up his quest to obtain what he felt was rightfully his. But, it was equally showcasing a woman that was coming into her own realizations and taking her life into her own hands while running her empire. We already knew that Keira was a spitfire of a woman, and that is part of what Lachlan loved about her, so I liked seeing this power struggle with her mind and her heart throughout the first two books. But this final book allowed us to see less of a struggle of power and more of an acceptance of reality when it came to their hearts. Almost akin to some sort of exchange of power in some aspects, and an agreement in others.

Did this series need to be split into three books? Probably not, in my humble opinion. But knowing that I'm struggling with that question tells me I questioned it more than a few times. There was a lot going on, enough to obviously and easily fill three books, but I feel there were enough revelations in this third and final book to warrant it. Although some parts may have felt a tad slow or wordy, it was nothing to deter me from continuing to read. Not by any means. As far as this being the conclusion, I can say definitively this series was well worth the read.

All in all, this final book did hold me captive like the first two before it had. In this one, we saw a sort of 'softening' of Lachlan. I'm a teensy-weensy bit let down at how soft he went, but I couldn't help but fall in love with how deep his fight became to have Keira become his. No, I am not a fan of a softer man, because I'm like 'em in charge, but I'll admit that seeing some sort of reconciliation with the fact that Lachlan Mount does indeed have a heart was a really neat thing to read. This book finished really strong and I enjoyed this series, so I can easily recommend it.

The nerd in me loved the chess references in this one and they fit sooo well.

"When the prize is right, no amount of effort is too much."
~BEE

ENTER HERE TO WIN A COPY OF SINFUL EMPIRE

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

My spoiler free review of Defiant Queen: http://bit.ly/2z6bIQd

PURCHASE 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~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON      GOODREADS      TWITTER

ARC REVIEW

AFFILIATE LINKS USED