January 13, 2015

Spotlight & Review: Falling Away by Penelope Douglas

Falling Away by Penelope Douglas
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.

I started the year off reading this book and I’m so glad I did. I loved Falling Away so much! It’s one of those incredible love stories that sticks with you long after you close the book. Jax and K.C.’s story was beautiful, heart wrenching and had everything I enjoy in a great romance. The romance was hot and the story captured and held my attention. It was one of those books that you don’t want to put down and if you do the story keeps playing in your head until you can pick it up again. I loved these characters and their story so much and can’t say enough good things about this book. Go get it and devour it! I highly recommend it!

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

Falling Away – Chapter 9 Excerpt

“Jax, I can’t,” she breathed, placing her hands on my chest. “I . . . ,” she stammered, “I don’t exactly dislike you anymore, but this isn’t a good idea. As much as I’d like to give in, I can’t be that girl.”
“What girl?”
She stared at me. “A one-night stand.”
My fists tightened around her shirt. So that was what she thought I wanted?
My voice hardened. “What makes you think you’d be a one-night stand?”
“Because you’re Jared Trent’s brother. Because you’re young. Why would you want more?” she asked, her tone light. “I’m not trying to be prissy, okay? You get to me. I like the way you feel. I’m just not ready for this.” Her lips pursed, and she started to rise, but I pulled her back down.
“Ready for what?” I bit out, getting seriously fucking annoyed at her assumptions and the fact that she compared me to Jared. Two minutes ago she’d had her arms and legs wrapped around me.
Her eyebrows shot up, challenging me. “This,” she spat out, and dug into my pocket, pulling out my knife. “It’s been digging into the back of my thigh since I sat down. Why do you have so many computers? Why do the cops let you get away with anything? What do you do to make a living? And why do you carry a knife, Jax?”
My chest filled with delight at her anger. She was getting ballsier by the minute.
I shot her a smirk. “Because it’s quiet.”
And I almost laughed at her arched eyebrow. She was asking why I carried a knife, and I just answered why I carried a knife instead of a gun.
She averted her eyes, but I caught the annoyed expression as she raised the knife up to her face, studying it. She hit the button, and the blade shot out right between us.
I had only a moment to wonder what the hell she was doing before I reared back, seeing her jab the knife into my space.
“You think you scare me, don’t you?” she taunted, holding the blade to my neck, playing with me.
I sucked in a few quick breaths and let out a startled laugh as my heart slammed against my ribs. Well, this was new.
I swallowed, meeting her triumphant little smile and leaning into the blade, feeling the sharp, cool steel bite into my neck. “You want to play? You don’t know how to play my games, Juliet.”
And I snatched the knife out of her scarred hand and brought it down to the hem of her shirt, slicing it up the middle.
“Jax!” she screamed, fumbling with her now useless T-shirt as I threw the blade onto the floor. “What are you doing?”
Grabbing her around the waist, I stood up, whipped her around, and planted her in front of the window looking down onto the backyard full of partiers.
I wrapped my arms around her shaking body and growled into her ear from behind her, “God, Juliet. You think I just wanna fuck? You think I wanna keep myself hidden and mysterious, because it’s my play to get women into bed? Huh?” I pressed. “No, baby. I could fuck ten different girls tonight if I wanted to. I don’t want to do that.”
Her chest shook, and she squirmed against me, probably scared that we could be seen out the window.
“So, what do you want?” she cried. “If not a one-night stand?”
I closed my burning eyes, and buried my lips in her hair. “I want to terrorize you,” I confessed. “I want to cut you without drawing blood. I want to break you.” I pulled her into me. “And then I want to fuck you.”
From the moment I laid eyes on her I had wanted to break her out of her shell. I wanted to see her undone, and I wanted to take her over. For how long, I didn’t know, but I knew it would be for more than one night.
I also knew it wouldn’t be forever.
Her breathing slowed, and she stilled, staring out the window. I straightened behind her and peeled off the T-shirt she was holding closed.
“Jax,” she whimpered, turning her face to me. “They can see us.”
Reaching around, I turned her chin back toward the window. “They can’t see you. The window’s tinted.” The shirt, sliced up the front, fell down her arms and spilled to the floor. “But you can see them, Juliet,” I pointed out, gently running my hands up her bare arms. “They drink, they laugh, they have meaningless conversations about what’s trending on Twitter.” I paused and dug my fingers into her hips, pulling her ass into me and breathing into her ear, “And I’m so jacked up I want you so bad.”

Kindle $5.12 http://amzn.to/1HuiOMF | Amazon PBK $10.15 http://amzn.to/1xpuUUx | B&N (PBK $10.15/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/14n7CUa | Kobo $5.99 http://bit.ly/1rTRjs8

Penelope Douglas was born in Dubuque, Iowa and has a Mastersof Science in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. She lives with her family in Las Vegas.

Stalk for News:
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Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, romance reviews
Tagged Penelope Douglas, Spotlight & Review: Falling Away by Penelope Douglas
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January 2, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Blood Assassin: The Sentinels, Book 2 by Alexandra Ivy

Blood Assassin: The Sentinels, Book 2 by Alexandra Ivy
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: December 30, 2014
Reviewed by Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned. . .

Out Of The Shadows

At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again. . .

Into The Fire

Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger–and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?

I loved Blood Assassin! This is the second book in Alexandra Ivy’s Sentinels series. The Sentinels series is a unique and exciting paranormal world and has become one of my favorites to get lost in. Blood Assassin is Serra, a telepath and Fane, a guardian’s story. It’s full of action, suspense, conflict and hot romance. Alexandra Ivy kept me on edge and flipping the pages from start to finish. I loved the characters one minute and wanted to shake them the next minute. I love when writers can portray characters this strongly. I highly recommend this series and this book for paranormal romance lovers. This was one of my favorite releases in 2014. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you start with book one.

*Review copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $5.84 http://amzn.to/1H8J5jh | Amazon PBK $7.99 http://amzn.to/1xreg5p | B&N (PBK $7.99/ Nook $5.84) http://bit.ly/1D1TIlB | Kobo $6.89 http://bit.ly/1CZcmxw

Check out Book 1 on Sale for $1.99 ➢ Born In Blood: The Sentinels by Alexandra Ivy ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1JWQ9C0 | B&N http://bit.ly/19P0IBJ | Kobo http://bit.ly/1eSWuxz | iBooks http://geni.us/17AT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother’s knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library.Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.

Years later (no, I’m not admitting how many) I’m still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy.
For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.

Photo by Kade Photography
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Website: http://www.alexandraivy.com
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Posted in 5 Stars, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, paranormal romance
Tagged Alexandra Ivy, Blood Assassin: The Sentinels, Book 2 by Alexandra Ivy
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December 29, 2014

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Playing With the Drummer (Entangled Indulgence) (Head Over Heels) by Robin Covington

Playing With the Drummer (Entangled Indulgence) (Head Over Heels) by Robin Covington
Publication Date: December 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

Entertainment journalist Lita Matthews is on the verge of making it big. As in her-own-TV-show big. She just needs amazing inside scoop on the year’s hottest celebrity wedding. Instead, her big break is becoming a big nightmare—all thanks to rock star Rocky Cardano. Who apparently hasn’t gotten over what happened between them four years ago…

Rocky is pretty damn familiar with just how far Lita will go for a “scoop.” Hell, their unbelievably hot hook-up in Mexico years ago was the story of a lifetime. Rocky’s learned his lessons. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from the story—even if he has to seduce her to the point of distraction! But Lita has always had a way of getting under his skin. Only this time, he won’t be able to just walk away.

Another amazing book by Robin Covington! I love her books and this one is a new favorite. I loved Rocky, the yummy rock star drummer. He spouts these swoon worthy lines that just made me melt. Rocky and Lita together is scorching hot! I couldn’t put this book down. Robin Covington has a way of writing that grabs my attention and draws me into the story. Playing With the Drummer is the third book in Entangled Indulgence’s Head Over Heals series, but each book can be read as a standalone. These characters appeared in the other books though so I suggest you start at the beginning. It’s a great series and I recommend them all. Robin Covington delivers sizzling love stories that never disappoint.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle: http://amzn.to/13Dq3m7
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1GW6Z1k
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1wjiEzd
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1x9QRoG
Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1HWbrMn
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1rvjnBN

✦Resisting the Musician (a Head Over Heels Novel) (Entangled Indulgence) by Ally Blake ➢ Kindle http://geni.us/3oI2 | B&N http://bit.ly/1rNBYqb | Kobo http://bit.ly/UDFK8h
✦Reforming the Rock Star (Entangled Indulgence) by Christine Bell ➢ Kindle http://geni.us/157j | B&N http://bit.ly/1rCZVBu
✦Playing With the Drummer (Entangled Indulgence) (Head Over Heels) by Robin Covington ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/13Dq3m7 | B&N http://bit.ly/1GW6Z1k | Kobo http://bit.ly/1wjiEzd | iBooks http://bit.ly/1x9QRoG

Book Page on website with trailer, playlist and more: http://bit.ly/1A30act
Pinterest Board: http://bit.ly/1wE7hHm
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23723050-playing-with-the-drummer

Friends –

I love a good Hollywood romance. The glamour. The sexy vibe of the opulent life. Add in the edgy, exciting world of rock-n-roll and I jump from “yes, please.” to “gimme, gimme” at the speed of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar riff on “Hot for Teacher”.

So writing about a broody, Alpha, reclusive drummer from the world’s most popular rock band and an entertainment journalist hell bent on getting her own TV show¼was a ton of fun. Add in the fact that they have a combustible history and you’ve got a story I hope you cannot put down.

Warning: This book contains a sexy, Alpha rock star who just wants to be left alone and the gorgeous, super talented reporter who thinks that is the worst idea ever. When they are thrown together and forced to play nice, the competition begins in the bedroom but ends on the front page. The author is not responsible for spontaneous combustion of the reader.

To celebrate my release, I’m giving away a $50 giftcardand 5 SWAG packs! Enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win!

-Robin Covington

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy pics, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and obsessing over Dean Winchester. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

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They were still touching, from shoulders down to their thighs, bodies trading warmth in the slight chill of the night next to the lake. She was close enough to kiss, close enough for him to caress, and he bit back a groan when he recalled her curves. She was smooth muscle, silky skin, lush breasts that filled his palms with their delicious heavy weight. Rocky broke eye contact, taking the chicken-shit way out for a moment.
He should move, get up and walk around, but he wasn’t going to do it. The big, horny bastard who made poor decisions was super-powered by tequila shots. That guy was like the Hulk, except that poor schmo in the movie couldn’t fuck without losing control, and when you were green with anger-management issues— that was a big problem. But Lita loved it when he lost control, and he enjoyed it when she took everything he had and begged for more.
The silence between them wasn’t awkward, and it wasn’t empty. The drumbeat of what they were both contemplating was in time with the pounding of their hearts. His cock ached, strained against the fly of his jeans; his mouth salivated with the desire to taste her. Lita’snipples were tight under the flimsy fabric of her tank top; they rose and fell like she’d been running. He was waiting for some sign that she was on board for them to both make a poor drunken decision.
“I’m really sorry about Mexico…after Mexico,” Litawhispered as she looked up at him again, her breath warm against his mouth. He licked his lips, disappointed that he couldn’t taste her there.
“Let’s not talk about it anymore.”
“Do you believe me?”
Rocky sighed slightly, cataloging the hope in her eyes that maybe they could put this behind them. He reached out a hand, allowing his fingers to trace the arc of her cheek, the side of her neck, dipping into the hollow of her throat and coming to rest on the curve of her breast.
The tension was strung taut between them, but through it all, he realized that he owed her an answer before this went any further.
“I’m just tired of fighting about it.”
She closed her eyes briefly, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of his words or the effect of his gentle stroke against her flesh.
“That’s not a great answer,” Lita said, opening her eyes again.
She studied his face, her eyes processing each assessment she made, every calculation of pros, cons, and the absolutely insane. Rocky expected her to pull away, to end this detour and frolic into madness. He needed her to do what he could not do. He wanted her under him, around him. Wanted her in every way he’d had her those three days in Mexico, wanted to refresh those living memories with warm flesh, wet kisses, and pleasure. But he wouldn’t lie to get it.
“It’s the best I can do,” he whispered.
“I know for a fact that isn’t true.”
“You’re right,” he said as he slid his other arm between them and around her waist. He tugged her upward,and the movement put her eye-to-eye, mouth-to-mouth with him. This was without a doubt the dumbest thing he’d ever done, drunk or sober, but it felt incredible. He’d dreamed about this, woken achy and hard from his subconscious fantasies that involved Lita, a hammock on the beach, and not a stitch of clothing in sight. “You are so goddam beautiful.”
She inhaled quickly, her breath catching before stuttering out. “You’re drunk.”
“Yep. Enough to tell you what I want.”
“And what do you want?” Her eyes told him she knew what his answer would be. Her expression dared him to say it out loud.
He ran a thumb over her lips, dipping in when she opened, a shiver racking him when her tongue swirled around the digit. “I want you.”
Lita shifted, swinging a leg over him until she straddled his waist. On instinct, he moved his hands, cupping her ass and touching the sweet heaven of bare skin where her tiny skirt had shifted up. She leaned over him, mouth within kissing distance, one hand wrapped around his neck and the other around a long hank of his hair.
“You don’t even like me.”
“I’m good at pretending.”
She smiled, her eyes dark, smoky, tinged with mischief and softened by the tequila buzz. “For how long?”
Rocky leaned closer, a gentle brush against her lips catching her laughter and then stopping it altogether with a deep, hot kiss. He sank into her mouth, using his tongue and his lips to coax her first moan of pleasure. He pulled back, making sure she saw how very serious he was.
“For as long as it takes to make you come.”

December 22, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Marked (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti

Marked (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti
Publication Date: December 22, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life…

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice…

Love is about to start conquering…

I love this series! Marked is the final book in Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors Series and is Janie and Zane’s story. Their story began as children in the first book and spanned over the entire series. The conclusion was perfect! Sometimes when you get to a final book in a series you love you’re afraid the ending won’t live up to your expectations, but I loved everything about it. I felt satisfied when I closed the book with updates on all my favorite characters and Janie and Zane’s story was my favorite. There will be a spin off series involving the witch protectors and I hope we get occasional glimpses into the Karys family’s lives. The Dark Protectors Series is an incredible PNR series that includes vampires, shifters, witches and demons. I adore the hot alpha male vamps in this series. Rebecca Zanetti created a unique paranormal world full of action, suspense, and scorching hot romance. I highly recommend you read this entire series. I can’t wait to see what Rebecca Zanetti has in store for us in her Witch Protectors Series.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $5.38: http://amzn.to/1bX0T6S
Amazon PBK $13.50: http://amzn.to/1xnenvM
B&N: http://ow.ly/FQDWt
iBooks: http://ow.ly/FQEiC
BAM: http://ow.ly/FQE05
Book Depository: http://ow.ly/FQE4C

Series Reading Order: http://rebeccazanetti.com/bookshelf/dark-protectors/

✦DAY 11: CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY✦ Ebook Copy of Marked (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti.
ENTER ON FACEBOOK POST: http://t.co/LnMeOetywq

MARKED by Rebecca Zanetti – Excerpt – PG-13 rated

Janie’s fine eyebrows arched. “Isn’t that how you do everything? Alone?”
The soft question held a sharp edge. “No. Soldiers follow me, and I have a mother and two brothers.”
Janie began shaking her head before Zane had finished speaking. “Do you work with them or around them? Protecting them without sharing what you’re doing?” Her eyes darkened. “What you’ve done?”
Either insightful or psychic, the woman had nailed him. He removed his hand and settled back in his chair. Away from her . . . and the truth. “I do what I have to do.”
She glanced down at her hand and frowned. Taking a deep breath, she pushed off from the chair and landed between his knees, her palms on his thighs. The fire lit her from behind, turning the highlights in her auburn hair into compelling flames. “Working alone gets you killed. The people in your life, the ones who love you, they need to share in the burden. To help and to plan.”
Did she consider herself one of the people who loved him? “That’s sweet, Belle.”
Her fingers dug into his legs. “I’m not being sweet. This is smart, and you have to trust somebody at some time. Duty doesn’t always have to be painful.”
“Doesn’t it?” His voice lowered as he leaned toward her, his senses on alert. “When was the last time you shared? Stopped being a reassuring smart-ass and told somebody, anybody, how scared you are? How overwhelmed by fate?”
Her eyes dilated, and her mouth opened and closed before she pushed out words. “That’s different.”
“Is it?” Taken aback and getting pissed at her accurately profiling him, he flattened her hands under his. “Look at the position you’ve put yourself in, trying to share. You’re on your knees, as vulnerable as a woman can be.” He could break her neck without flexing a muscle. The woman needed to realize her precarious position and back the hell off.
Instead, she lifted her head and stared him right in the eye. “I do understand my position, and I do realize how dangerous you are. Yet I’m willing to take the chance, to be fragile, to show you what trust looks like. What courage can look like.”
The calm statement burned his ears and sped up the blood in his veins. She was braverthan any soldier he’d ever met. Lifting his hand, he allowed himself one moment to touch the smooth skin along her cheekbone, humming at the delicate structure. “You’re so soft, Belle,” he rumbled.
She swallowed and leaned into his touch.
Heat flowed into his torso, expanding him into somebody strong enough to protect her. Determination slid just beneath his skin.
As if reading him, sadness filled her eyes. “You’re not listening.”
He helped her up and stood, backing her into the wall. “I listened.” One knuckle under her stubborn chin lifted her face. Her scent surrounded him, driving him to follow his plan. “I just didn’t agree.”
Temper brushed a muted red across her cheeks.
Ah, the pretty one usually got her way, now didn’t she? He grinned, even knowing he played with fire. “Thanks for the suggestion, though. For the record, any time you want to get on your knees, I’m there.”
The punch to the gut was expected and thus didn’t hurt. But it did deserve a response.
His mouth connected beneath her jaw, pressing a hard kiss to her neck. The simple touch nearly knocked him back on his heels. Soft and sweet, her skin felt too smooth to be real. Her head fell back, anchored by the wall, her legs parting to grant him access.
He’d conquered before, and the urge now held a resemblance to battle. To triumph and take. So badly he wanted her under him, pinned for good. Sighing his name.
He kissed down her jugular, feeling the pulse pounding. She slid her hands up into his hair, holding him in place as she plastered her soft body against his. The soft tug awoke the beast inside him. The one who scented his mate. Those incredible curves molded to his hardness, giving way and cushioning him. The driving urge to pleasure her forced him to slow down and explore. To taste and tempt, wandering up to the soft spot behind her ear.
He wouldn’t go near her mouth, because if he kissed her, he wouldn’t stop. One taste of that mouth, of her, would seal his fate.

The Kayrs family leads not only the vampire nation, but also the Realm, which is a coalition of vampires, shifters, and witches. Years ago, an evil vampire race called the Kurjans declared war on the Realm by creating a deadly virus that infects vampire mates. The virus attacks chromosomal pairs and takes mates from immortal to human, and maybe down to death. No cure for the virus has been found for mates, and the vampires, who are male only, know that time is running short.

DARK PROTECTORS SERIES BY REBECCA ZANETTI – READING ORDER:

Series Links: http://amzn.to/1bX16XJ | B&N http://bit.ly/1P8pCEt | Kobo http://bit.ly/1HycUJQ | iBooks http://apple.co/1IyJ5sP

✦ 1 – FATED: Talen and Cara’s book http://amzn.to/14LSYPF
✦ 2 – CLAIMED: Dage and Emma’s book http://amzn.to/17aHoOS
✦ 2.5 – TEMPTED: Max and Sarah’s novella http://amzn.to/1bBosQW
✦ 3 – HUNTED: Conn and Moira’s book http://amzn.to/17dXl5R
✦ 4 – CONSUMED: Jordan and Katie’s book http://amzn.to/16s3IXG
✦ 5 – PROVOKED: Kane and Amber’s book http://amzn.to/1e2UnHe
✦ 5.5 – TWISTED: Terrent and Maggie’s novella http://amzn.to/17icSDG
✦ 6 – SHADOWED: Jase and Brenna’s book http://amzn.to/14OL5IN
✦ 6.5 – TAMED: Caleb and Lily’s novella http://amzn.to/1GOsYav
✦ 7 – MARKED: Janie & Zane’s Book http://amzn.to/1bX0T6S

✦The Dark Protectors Box Set (Books 1-4) by Rebecca Zanetti
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1bX1mpF
B&N: http://bit.ly/10j586d
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1avvIPu
iBooks: http://apple.co/1bX2REf

DARK PROTECTORS SERIES BY REBECCA ZANETTI

I was finally able to binge read this series and I’m so happy I did. The mixture of demons, witches, shifters and vampires can sometimes get muddled but Ms. Zanetti managed to blend them all into a cohesive action filled series. I have to say that the way she described the witch’s powers was crafty and ingenious. It added such a fun aspect to the overall story. Now the true pulse pounding force of these books is the hot alpha males. I fell a little in love with each of them even while wanting to box their ears…and loved every minute of it . Yes I could have taken a break between books but I didn’t want to. I had to find out what happens with Janie, Zane and Kalin. Their story evolved through the series and I didn’t know where it was going, I just knew I wanted to go too. The overall series grabbed me from book one and never let go.

Website http://rebeccazanetti.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Author.FanPage
Twitter http://twitter.com/RebeccaZanetti
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/rebeccazanetti/

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, paranormal romance
Tagged Rebecca Zanetti, Review & Giveaway: Marked (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti, Spotlight
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December 19, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: Cut and Run (Phoenix Code Series) by LARA ADRIAN and TINA FOLSOM

Cut and Run (Phoenix Code Series) by LARA ADRIAN and TINA FOLSOM
Publication Date: November 17, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

Darkly gifted and dangerously skilled, they were once the nation’s most powerful asset. Betrayed by unknown enemies, unable to trust anyone—not even one another—the Phoenix hold the key to unlocking a conspiracy steeped in blood and fire. To survive, they’ll have to solve… The Phoenix Code

CUT by Lara Adrian

Community college professor Ethan Jones is living a lie. A precognitive agent known as Zephyr, Ethan is accustomed to subterfuge and deception, but when the Phoenix program is betrayed, he’s forced to cut all ties to the life he’s made and everyone in it—including smart, beautiful Tori Connors, the one woman who tempted the cold agent to let down his impenetrable facade.

A chance encounter years later and thousands of miles away thrusts the lovers together again, and this time Tori refuses to let Ethan deceive her. Although he is a dangerous enigma, Tori still desires him, and soon their inconvenient reunion becomes a temptation too strong to resist. With assassins closing in, Ethan and Tori embark on a desperate race for their lives—one that will put their tentative trust to the ultimate test.

RUN by Tina Folsom

Motorcycle mechanic Scott Thompson isn’t the laid-back loner he makes everyone believe. Three years ago, he was known as Ace, one of an elite group of agents in a top secret CIA program. However, the preternatural ability that made him invaluable to the government could now be his downfall, when his skill alerts him to a disaster bound to kill dozens of innocents unless he intervenes.

Journalist Phoebe Chadwick needs to persuade her editor to spare her from department cuts that threaten her job. When a mysterious stranger prevents an accident that would have killed her and many others, Phoebe goes after the story. But bad boy Scott is a reluctant hero unwilling to answer her questions, despite the sizzling chemistry that ignites between them. As his enemies hunt him down, Scott must decide if he can trust Phoebe—and how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe at his side.

For more information on the series, visit PhoenixCodeSeries.com

I loved this book! I’ve read paranormal romance books by both Lara Adrain and Tina Folsom and was really excited when I saw this book pop up on my Facebook newsfeed. Both authors are amazing and write hot romances with great alpha heroes. Together they created an amazing series. Cut & Run is a romantic suspense with a slight paranormal edge. The men in a top secret CIA program have preternatural abilities and when the program is betrayed the team has to go on the run. Each story in this book is about a different team member and the series will continue. Cut & Run is full of action, suspense, intrigue and steamy romance. I couldn’t put it down. It’s fast paced and each story is a quick read, but the stories still felt complete. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and read stories about the other team members. This was a hot romantic suspense and I highly recommend you grab a copy.

Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/1GtNbjf | B&N $4.99 http://bit.ly/1y84unF | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1H5mSn7

Phoenix Code Prize Pack: Paperback and Swag
Enter on Facebook Post: http://fb.me/1xHwaZTA8

For more information on the series, visit PhoenixCodeSeries.com

LARA ADRIAN is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Midnight Breed vampire romance series and numerous other titles, now publishing independently. With nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide, and translations licensed in more than 20 countries, Lara’s books have been called “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “strikingly original” (Booklist) and “a must-read” (Fresh Fiction). She lives in New England with her husband, where she is currently at work on her next novel. To learn more about Lara’s books and to sign up for her email newsletter, visit http://www.LaraAdrian.com.

TINA FOLSOM is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She’s always been self-published and has found tremendous success with her paranormal series, Scanguards Vampires, Venice Vampyr, and Out of Olympus, selling more than 1.5 million copies of her 50 titles (which includes German, French and Spanish) in almost four years. Born in Germany, Tina has been living in English speaking countries for over 25 years, the last 13 of them in San Francisco, where she’s married to an American. Sign up for Tina’s newsletter at http://www.TinaWritesRomance.com to be kept apprised of new releases.

Lara Adrian Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaraAdrianBooks
Tina Folsom Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TinaFolsomFans
Phoenix Code Series Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixCodeSeries

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews
Tagged Lara Adrian, Phoenix Code Series, Review & Giveaway: Cut and Run (Phoenix Code Series) by LARA ADRIAN and TINA FOLSOM, Spotlight, Tina Folsom
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December 16, 2014

Launch Day Blitz, Review & Giveaway: KALEIDOSCOPE by Kristen Ashley

Launch Day Blitz, Review & Giveaway: KALEIDOSCOPE by Kristen Ashley
PAPERBACK RELEASE: December 16, 2014
EBOOK RELEASE: February 4, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

When old friends become new lovers…anything can happen.

Sexy, gifted, and loyal, PI Jacob Decker is a tall, cool drink of perfection who had Emmanuelle Holmes at “hello.” His relationship with Emme’s best friend kept them apart for years, but things have changed. Now that a case has brought him to Gnaw Bone, Colorado, the road is wide open for Emme and Deck to explore something hotter and deeper than Emme dreamed possible. So why is she sabotaging the best thing that’s ever happened to her?

It isn’t easy to catch Deck off guard, but Emme does just that when she walks back into his life after nine long years. The curvy brunette had her charms back in the day, but now she’s a bona fide knockout . . . and she wants to rekindle their friendship. Deck, however, wants more. Emme’s always been the one; she excites Deck’s body and mind like no other woman can. But a dark chapter from Emme’s past overshadows their future together. Now only Deck can help her turn the page-if she’ll let him . . .

Loved it! I adore everything Kristen Ashley writes, but Kaleidoscope blew me away. It’s a beautiful love story about two people meant to be together reconnecting. I couldn’t put it down. Kaleidoscope has great characters, a great plot, and includes plenty of action, and lots of steamy romance. Kristen Ashley describes her characters and delivers their stories in a way that really makes readers feel like they know the characters and along for the ride. This is the sixth book in the The Colorado Mountain Series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. I love the entire series though and highly recommend you read them all. You can’t go wrong with any of Kristen Ashley’s books. When I’m in a book funk, which is what I call that depressed feeling readers get after reading a bad or boring book, I pick up a Kristen Ashley book and get swept into one of her stories. This is one of my favorites.

*Review copy provided by Forever Romance in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $3.79 http://amzn.to/LpcWvQ
Nook $3.99 http://bit.ly/1agtFxg
B&N Paperback $7 http://bit.ly/12ZftGd
Kobo $3.99 http://bit.ly/1bilRpM

COLORADO MOUNTAIN SERIES BY KRISTEN ASHLEY ~ READING ORDER
✦#1: The Gamble – http://amzn.to/HIGoM4
✦#2: Sweet Dreams – http://amzn.to/1exgBV4
✦#3: Lady Luck – http://amzn.to/17L2Sbl
✦#4: Breathe – http://amzn.to/1aeYa3d
✦#5: Jagged – http://amzn.to/16FYDJX
✦#6: Kaleidoscope – http://amzn.to/LpcWvQ

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I looked out my office window, down to the yard, my eyes to the bustling activity, and I did this tapping my phone on my desk.
I should be working but I wasn’t thinking about work.
I was thinking about Jacob.
More precisely, I was thinking about calling Jacob, had an overwhelming urge to do so.
I was also trying not to do so because I had a boyfriend, even though he was a boyfriend I wasn’t all that sure about. He was sweet, he was into me, but he was just… off.
Then again, I didn’t have a lot of experience so what did I know?
Additionally, after my dinner with Jacob last night, within an hour, I’d called him after ten at night and now it was only eleven thirty the next day.
I didn’t want him to think I was psycho, and calling him would imply psycho behavior. Further, when I called him last night, I’d asked him to dinner, which was dinner two nights in a row with a woman he hadn’t seen in nine years, a woman with a boyfriend, and that was semi-psycho.
Okay, maybe it was totally psycho.
I didn’t want Jacob to think I was psycho.
Ever.
But I wanted to hear his voice. I wanted to connect with him on the phone. I’d missed him and I liked having him back. I liked it a great deal.
I also missed him a great deal.
And I needed to ask him something. Further, he was the only one I could ask.
I looked from the yard to my phone. My mind telling my thumb not to do it, my thumb not listening, I found Jacob’s contact and hit go.
I put it to my ear.
“I’m a psycho,” I whispered and luckily finished whispering two seconds before Jacob’s voice sounded.
“You okay?” he answered.
He kept asking that mostly, I figured, because I kept calling when I didn’t need to so he probably thought something was wrong.
Or that I was a psycho.
“I need to know if you don’t eat anything,” I lied.
Actually, it wasn’t a lie. Although I remembered a lot about Jacob (most everything, in all honesty), I couldn’t recall if there was something specific he didn’t like to eat.
I could recall how beautiful he was, how tall he was, how strong he was. I could recall how smart he was and how funny he was. I could recall how cool he was with me. I could also recall how much I missed him. But I couldn’t recall if he didn’t like chicken.
But that wasn’t the only thing I needed to know. I needed to know something else too.
Much like last night, when he didn’t make me feel like a psycho, in fact, the opposite and sounded like he was happy to hear from me and would be willing to talk all night, he again sounded like me psychotically calling him yet again in a precursor to stalker way was no big deal.
“I don’t eat it, I’ll pick it off.”
“You can’t pick it off if I cook with it in it or if the mainstay of dinner on the whole is what you don’t eat,” I informed him.
“You makin’ Indian food?” he asked.
“No. Don’t you like Indian food?” I asked back.
“Love it,” he answered.
“Then why’d you ask if I was making Indian food?”
“ ’Cause I hoped you were.”
I burst out laughing.
No, Jacob definitely didn’t make me feel like I was being a psycho.
When I quit laughing, I told him, “Sorry, honey, I don’t know how to make Indian food.”
“Shame,” he muttered, a smile in his deep, attractive voice, and if I was on an infrared scanner, specific parts of me would have shown up hotter.
You have a boyfriend, Emme! I told myself.
For a while, I answered myself.
Jacob is also your ex–best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Emme! I reminded myself.
So? I asked myself.
I shoved those thought aside, thoughts that, if anyone knew I was talking to myself in my head might prove I was indeed a psycho, and pointed out to Jacob, “You haven’t actually answered the question.”
“I’ll eat what you cook, Emme. Cook what you like.”
He was such a nice guy.
He always was.
Nice. Tall (very tall). Handsome (unbelievably handsome). Smart (so damned smart). Funny. Interesting. Gentlemanly. And a repeat of nice because it was worth a repeat since he was just that nice.
I liked all that about him. I liked that he wore his dark hair way too long. I liked that sometimes a thick hank of it fell over his forehead and into his eye. I liked that he was who he was and didn’t wear designer jeans or put gel in his hair. I liked that, even considering he was extortionately intelligent, in fact, a genius, he never made anyone feel less than him because they weren’t as smart. I liked that he never acted superior or arrogant and with all that was him,looks, body, brains, he was one person who could. And I liked that he liked to do what he liked to do, he did what he liked to do and wouldn’t get pushed into doing something he didn’t want.
Like Elsbeth tried to do.
He’d lost her to that and he’d accepted it. I knew it killed. He’d loved her to distraction. But he refused to be the man she wanted him to be and instead was the man he was.
She should have seen she had it all even if he didn’t make bucketloads of money and thus couldn’t give her the life she was used to getting from her daddy. Country clubs, tennis lessons, vacations in villas in Italy and beaches in Thailand, fabulous homes kept by maids and fabulous meals cooked by cooks.
She didn’t see all she had.
Stupid.

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake. Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Social Media Links:
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December 4, 2014

BLOG TOUR, Review, Interview & Giveaway: Hard to Come By: A Hard Ink Novel by Laura Kaye

Hard to Come By: A Hard Ink Novel by Laura Kaye
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars

Caught between desire and loyalty…

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team—sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he’s become. Derek’s easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn’t trust.

As the team’s investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away…

I was looking forward to Marz’s story and boy did it live up to it. The action and suspense kept me glued to the chair reading and when you add the hot steamy romance, well it was pulse pumping at it’s finest. Emilie was a great fit for Marz and I enjoyed how their romance blossomed and the easiness of their relationship. Even when things went bad for them. As always, the light banter and closeness of the group can choke you up one minute and laugh the next. It is one of those books that I couldn’t wait to see how it turned out but hated that it ended.

*Review copy provided by Avon in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle | Amazon PBK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

✿The Hard Ink Series by Laura Kaye✿
✦Book 1: Hard As It Gets ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/13UC9GX | Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/1eebKEO | B&N http://bit.ly/1epPOY9 | Kobo http://bit.ly/17Ftsjz | iTunes http://goo.gl/ND4kSg
Review 4 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-QY
✦Book 2: Hard As You Can ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/2eeV | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/43ks | B&N http://bit.ly/1jqTrzw | Kobo http://bit.ly/1pdXJ0S
Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-138
✦Novella: Hard To Hold On To (August 19, 2014) ➢ $1.99 Kindle http://georiot.co/12MC | B&N http://bit.ly/P621cf | iTunes http://bit.ly/1tbBqLg
Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1wB
✦Book 3: Hard To Come By (November 25, 2014) ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/2Xga | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/3rHG | B&N http://bit.ly/SfqFcW | Kobo http://bit.ly/1tpQD85

Praise for Hard to Come By:

“Rough sex and explosive fights power Kaye’s third Hard Ink novel, a thrilling adventure that feels more like an action movie with a romantic subplot than a typical contemporary romance. New readers will head straight for Kaye’s backlist after powering through this installment.” ~Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

INTERVIEW WITH LAURA KAYE
QUESTIONS FROM READING IN PAJAMAS/ Donna

Post for Reading in Pajamas 12/4/14
By Laura Kaye

I’m super excited to I’m very excited to be here today to celebrate the release of my new book, Hard to Come By! This book is part of my super sexy and suspenseful Hard Ink series about the surviving members of an Army Special Forces unit investigating the suspicious circumstances that got them dishonorably discharged from the military. Hard to Come By is about amputee hero and team techie Derek “Marz” DiMarzio, who finds himself falling for the sister of one of their known enemies.

Today, I’m answering some questions about writing the Hard Ink characters! Read on…

With such a diverse group of men and women in your Hard Ink Series (That I love immensely), I just have to ask: Have the characters deviated or stayed true to how you first envisioned them?

Yay! So glad you love them! *grins* Yes, mostly they have stayed true to how I first envisioned, with a few exceptions. First of all, Easy was a complete surprise. When I proposed the series, there were only four survivors. But when I started to write, all of a sudden there were five. And there was no changing that. He and Beckett were also super quiet characters to me through most of the series, making me worry a bit about writing their books. But as soon as I got to each of their stories, they finally started talking to me and telling me why they’d been so quiet. And it made me loving writing them even more. I think the other exception was that I had no idea how popular of a character Jeremy would become and how important of a role he’d play, so he probably surprised me more than anyone else!

Marz was a rather complex character, not only in how he viewed himself but how this teammates viewed him. You pulled in all the nuances of self-consciousness and guilt mixed with pride perfectly without overdoing it. Did you find his story difficult or were you able to pull from life experience to make it real?

Marz was actually an exceedingly cooperative character! LOL Sometimes a character fights you and you have to dig and dig to get at the heart of him. Not so with Marz. The only thing I didn’t realize about him at the beginning of the series was that he’d been orphaned. That clicked during writing Hard As You Can, the second book in the series. I suppose that is probably where I pulled most of myself into his characterization. My parents divorced when I was six and my dad was pretty much absent afterwards, so I could relate to some of his feelings. And once I knew that about Marz, I totally knew what his wounds were, and they didn’t have as much to do with his amputation as you might think on the surface…

From other authors’ interviews, I see that some stick with a strict order on storyline and character order but some let it flow as the series progresses. Where do you fall on that graph?

Mostly, I don’t plot or outline my books. I know all the big plot points, but not most of the connective tissue. Usually, I sit down to a blank screen and not much else. I haven’t been able to get away with that as much in this series because the suspense elements really do need to be plotted out, especially since they stretch over multiple books. I really did have to know, at a minimum, what questions they were trying to answer in each book and what answers would be revealed. So, I’m a reluctant plotter at best! LOL

Thanks for reading!
Laura

SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY OF LAURA KAYE’S HARD TO COME BY
http://is.gd/1uE99N

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE BLOG TOUR:
Dec. 1-Shh Moms Reading
Dec. 2-Vilma’s Book Blog
Dec. 3-Grownup FanGirl
Dec. 4-Reading in Pajamas
Dec. 5-Schmexy Girl Book Blog

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Blog Tours, Author Guest Post, Donna's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews
Tagged Blog Tour, Interview & Giveaway: Hard to Come By: A Hard Ink Novel by Laura Kaye, Interview with Laura Kaye, Laura Kaye, REVIEW
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December 4, 2014

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Falling for the Enemy (Entangled Brazen) by Samanthe Beck

Falling for the Enemy (Entangled Brazen) by Samanthe Beck
Publication Date: December 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

Caught between a rock and a rock-hard body…

Salon owner Virginia Boca has declared herself celibate…at least until she wins the election for mayor of Bluelick, Kentucky. No hot men. No sex. And her plan to play the good girl might have worked—if the mysterious, hard-bodied stranger she’s seen around town hadn’t pulled her from the street and saved her life. The least Ginny can do is offer her savior a free haircut.

But when an innocent haircut turns into hours of wickedly hot sex, former Navy SEAL Shaun Buchanan knows his plan to keep a low profile is shot. Especially once Ginny finds out he’s the current mayor’s son. With her reputation and the election on the line, Ginny seems determined to keep their nightly sexcapades a secret, but Shaun’s not willing to stay in the shadows forever…

Riveting! Once again Samanthe Beck has outdone herself writing a book that kept me hooked from start to finish. Virginia has lived in Bluelick, Kentucky her entire life and owns a salon in town. She decides it’s time to make some changes in her town. Her mission is to run for mayor and that means no men, and certainly no sex. Everything is going according to her plan until sexy Shaun Buchanan saves her from getting run over. Sparks fly when Virginia offers Shaun a haircut to thank him for his heroic deed. The chemistry between Shaun and Virginia is hot! Obstacles occur and they have to decide if love is enough to overcome all the obstacles keeping them from going public with their relationship. I loved the characters and the plot was great in this story. Samanthe Beck packs more and more passion into every book she releases. I love all of her books! She is an amazing author and I recommend you read all of her books. Samanthe Beck is on my must buy list and she should be on yours too.

*Review copy provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

$2.99 Kindle http://geni.us/2fuU | B&N http://bit.ly/1vylsNc | Kobo http://bit.ly/1tsgSvx | iTunes http://bit.ly/1tbYOF0

Additional Samanthe Beck Books on Amazon: http://geni.us/pRE

Excerpt from Falling for the Enemy by Samanthe Beck

Shaun groaned and let his head fall back, and all she could do was cling to the edge of the sink while he gave her exactly what she asked for. Thrusting, withdrawing, and thrusting again in thrilling succession, using the angle of their bodies to ensure he hit all the right spots along the way. The room spun behind her closed eyelids. A heady mix of pheromones, body heat and sex stormed her senses. With frightening speed, he had her trembling at the brink again, panting and shivering and striving for relief from the pressure building inside her. Her pulse pounded, setting off a surprisingly loud echo in her ears.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when Shaun called out, “It’s occupied.”
Holy crap, the pounding in her ears wasn’t her pulse. Somebody was knocking on the restroom door. A voice from the other side said, “Hurry up in there buddy. I gotta get back on the road.”

Shaun didn’t bother with a reply, but drove into her with renewed energy, dragging her agonizingly closer to the edge of control. Her body clenched around him in a fruitless effort to cling to the moment—to a semblance of sanity—but he thrust again and sent sanity hurtling out of reach. The pressure tightened, pulsed there for one heartbeat…two…she whimpered in the face of what waited for her, and a big, calloused hand gently covered her mouth to suppress the noise.

He withdrew and rocked forward again, then froze. His eyes drifted closed, and a groan rumbled from somewhere deep in his chest.

The pounding on the door came again. “What the hell, man?”

“I’m…not…done yet,” he growled, and unleashed a series of quick, jerky thrusts. The sink rattled on its pedestal. Between her legs, the clenching became spasms. Shaun cursed, and then groaned again, a low, long sound vibrating with relief. Hard as she tried to hold it back, her own jagged moan escaped, merging with his, outlasting it, until the high-pitched cry reverberated in the tiny room and slowly subsided.

The voice came again from the other side of the door. “Forget it. I don’t know whether you ought to burn a candle when you’re done, or set fire to the place, but I know I’m not going in. See a doctor, or something.”

Brown eyes opened and stared into hers, and she detected a gleam of humor in their depths. She returned his stare while footsteps retreated across pavement. After a moment, a vehicle door slammed and a big engine rumbled to life. Picturing some disgusted trucker opting for a nice, private outcropping of limestone along the Double A over what he imagined awaited him at the Gas ’n Go had her laughing on her inhale. The result was an inelegant snort.

He grinned down at her. “Admit it, I provide a refreshing break from rose petals and satin sheets.”

Print copy of Light Her Fire and Private Practice, Bead Bracelet + $50 Amazon Gift Card – US shipping ONLY

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Wine lover, sleep fanatic, and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy contemporary romance novels, Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California, with her long-suffering but extremely adorable husband and their elementary-aged turbo-son. Throw in a furry ninja named Kitty and Bebe the trash talking Chihuahua and you get the whole, chaotic picture.

When not clinging to sanity by her fingernails or dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks sexy ways to get her characters to happily-ever-afters, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Author Blog Tours, Dawn's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews, Teasers
Tagged Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Falling for the Enemy (Entangled Brazen) by Samanthe Beck, Samamthe Beck
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December 3, 2014

Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Schooled (Mastered #2.5) by Lorelei James

Schooled (Mastered #2.5) by Lorelei James
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

From the author of Bound and Unwound—an all-new novella in the New York Times bestselling Mastered series.

When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn’t ready for the level of his sensual artistry, or his need for extreme control. Nor was she prepared for the primal urges it released in her. Amery and Ronin were made for each other.

When they married they were certain their future would be a fulfilling journey of love and passion. But happily ever after is never so simple. Six months later, while in Japan, Ronin is training with his sensei, while Amery is consumed by her own burgeoning career, and a culture shock with which she is struggling to adapt.

Now, from the heady pleasures of Tokyo bondage houses to the unyielding family traditions pulsing with every beat of Ronin’s heart, Amery and Ronin find the limits of their relationship tested once again, and shocked to discover what they’re willing to do in order to save it.

Includes a preview of Unraveled, the upcoming novel in the Mastered series.

:
I absolutely loved this new addition in the Mastered Series. Schooled is a quick read that takes a deeper look into the love Amery and Ronin found in Bound and Unwound. Schooled is set in Japan where Amery and Ronin are spending two and half months on their honeymoon and Ronin is continuing his training while there as well.The time they spend together is passionate and the time they spend apart shows their deep love for each other. I enjoyed Amery’s quick wit and sense of humor. Ronin loves being in control and it was endearing to see him give some of that control to Amery. Another captivating book by Lorelei James. I would recommend that the series be read in order. I highly recommend The Mastered series for erotic romance lovers. It’s a great love story!

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle | B&N | Kobo | Goodreads

The bumps were jarring when the plane started to accelerate. When it lifted off the runway, so fast, at such a sharp angle, she felt like she was standing up. And for just a moment . . . she felt weightless, as if she’d entered a zero-gravity chamber. Despite the stomach-churning sensation, she turned her head and looked at him with a smile.
He wore a boyish grin. “Pretty cool, huh?”
“How’d you figure it out?”
“I crawled in bed before the plane took off one night and damn near ended up ass over teakettle.
It’s a steeper climb for smaller jets to reach altitude. Now, whenever I’m on this aircraft, I act like a kid who thinks he’s on a rocket ship during takeoff.”
She laughed. “Crazy man-boy. I thought you dragged me to the bedroom because you wanted me to join the mile-high club.”
Ronin rolled her on top of him and kissed her, mouth avid, keeping his hands clamped on her butt.
Between his all-consuming kisses, he spoke against her lips. “Maybe we should take the edge off.” He treated her lips to a few more teasing kisses. “You seem tense.”
“You’re up for a quickie?” She moaned when he nipped the side of her neck and then soothed the sting with hot, slow kisses.
“Who said anything about a quickie? It’s a long flight.”

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Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Visit her online at http://www.loreleijames.com, http://www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and http://www.twitter.com/loreleijames.

Posted in 5 Stars, Dawn's Reviews, Features, Blitz, Blasts, Giveaways, Romance Erotica, romance reviews, Teasers
Tagged Lorelei James, Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Schooled (Mastered #2.5) by Lorelei James, The Mastered Series
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November 28, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: FULL THROTTLE (Black Knights Inc.) By Julie Ann Walker

FULL THROTTLE (Black Knights Inc.) By Julie Ann Walker
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 5 Stars

Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…

Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved-who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him… for the second time?

Another great installment in the Black Knights Inc. story! Carlos is, well perfect and embodies all my points for a hot special ops member with a heart. Abby was so likeable and funny that it was a match made in heaven. I also need to mention that the fast paced heart stopping story started immediately and didn’t let up. This book was filled with humor, action, hotties, heroes and steamy romance. It hit all my checkboxes and then some.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1HLTEKn
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1vO67sN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/11CuRYo
iTunes: http://bit.ly/Z7gY3o

Exclusive Excerpt

Sniff…wuffle…baraaaaaag!

The elephant was getting frustrated at their continued ability to evade its searching trunk, and Abby could only pray the advice she’d read in those articles was correct. It was bad enough to think of dying at the hands of militants, but getting snuffed out by a pissed–off pachyderm?

PRESIDENT’S DAUGHTER DONE IN BY DUMBO…

Yep, she could see the headlines now. Definitely not the most respectable way to go and—-

Baraaaaaag! She jumped as another head–splitting trumpet blasted through the humid jungle air. Carlos tightened his arms around her, and she couldn’t help but think of what would have happened had the elephant not timed its arrival so precisely.

I mean, what the frickin’ sticks was I thinking? Oh, yes. She hadn’t been thinking. That was the whole problem. She’d simply been playing the part of Slutty McSlutNuggets, attempting to bang the one guy on the face of the planet she had no business banging.

Of course, in her own defense, it was a hard to say no to him when she’d been fantasizing about saying yes for most of her adult life. And then, as if that weren’t enough, there was the shock value of the thing. As in, Carlos Soto kissing her, caressing her, telling her to ride him and—-

She still had trouble believing it. Trouble believing he’d actually, factually wanted her. And, alrighty then, so maybe instead of seeing her as nothing more than that pesky undergrad who followed him and Rosa around like a lost puppy, she had, in fact, grown up in his eyes.

Still, you’re an idiot to have let things go so far, she admonished herself, even as she reveled in the feel of being held so tightly against his wide chest that she could hear his heartbeat thudding steadily beneath her ear. She wondered how it was he could remain so calm when they were ten seconds away from being skewered on a set of pointy ivory tusks. But then he moved his leg, just a little, and every thought in her head came to tire–squealing stop.

He was…hard.

***

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.