Up by Five (Counting on Love) by Erin Nicholas
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
He’s got the last thing he ever wanted…and it’s the best thing that ever happened.
Counting on Love, Book 5
Ace paramedic Conner Dixon has sworn to never live with another woman after raising his four younger sisters. Now that they’re all in love, Conner’s ready to retire—from worrying, fixing problems, and cleaning up messes. Yet when fellow paramedic Gabrielle Evans’s apartment burns down and she needs a place to stay, he can’t say no.
Gabby’s penchant for poker and her ability to overhaul a transmission definitely make her different from Conner’s usual women—not to mention a total lack of interest in getting involved with him. With her sights set on medical school, Conner’s crazy mix of family and friends is the last thing Gabby needs right now.
But within forty-eight hours of moving in, Gabby’s up to her eyeballs in a family crisis and Conner’s got the last thing he wanted—a girl and all her stuff, all over his stuff. Still, the more she makes herself at home, the more he thinks that maybe this is exactly where her stuff should be. For good.
Warning: Contains a girl who thinks she wants to be just one of the guys, a guy who happily proves why that won’t work, and a very good reason to buy cinnamon roll icing—you know, other than for use on cinnamon rolls.
REVIEW:
Wow! Blown away! I have loved this entire series and couldn’t wait for Conner’s book. He was the doting brother in the first four books in this series and I just knew it was going to be excellent. Conner had worked with Gabby for years and thought of her as one of the guys until one night a fire ripped through her apartment building. When Conner saw Gabby with an oxygen mask on her face and her barely there pajamas he was awestruck. Her pajamas showed Gabby was definitely not just one of the guys and she was clearly one smoking hot woman. Gabby was everything that he never looked for in a woman. Tall, brunette, smart and fiercely independent. Conner could think of nothing else and since he had a spare bedroom insisted Gabby stay at his place after the fire. Gabby had always had a thing for Conner, but she tried to avoid even thinking about it because Conner didn’t do relationships, and Gabby didn’t do one night stands. With the sparks flying between these two they knew they would have to come up with a compromise because there was no way they could keep there hands off of each other. Gabby was starting med school in two months, so they set an expiration date and about set the sheets on fire with the passion arcing between each other. As their time together nears the end, will they be able to stick to their original plan? Or will Conner and Gabby realize they need each other? I absolutely loved this book. It was funny, romantic, and there was amazing chemistry between the characters. This book can be read as a stand alone, but the series, Counting on Love, is such a fantastic series I recommend reading them all.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.
Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…
I loved Dazed! Kim Karr delivered another amazing love story! I’m a huge fan of The Connection series and was so excited to read Jagger and Aerie’s story. Jagger is River’s cousin so I knew going in he had to be hot. Plus he graces the Dazed cover with all his hotness. If I wasn’t familiar with this series I’d buy it based on the cover alone. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved how Jagger and Aerie met and how they interacted with each other. Jagger is the perfect man for Aerie. Just a beautiful love story. Dazed is a novella in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is a complete story. I recommend the entire series though. Connected, the first book in the series, was originally recommended to me by a reader on our Facebook page last year and I am so grateful she did because this is a series I’ll read over and over. It’s a series the reader carries with them long after they’ve closed the book. I love them and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
Giveaway for 5 signed sets of Connected and Torn paperbacks (open internationally). a Rafflecopter giveaway
There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm… just thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.
Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark, day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true— opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.
“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says from behind me.
His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.
He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats.
My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is utterly beautiful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright white teeth.
“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.
“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.
This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy.
It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare, unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this man, captivates me.
“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.
He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles scripted across it.
“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks.
Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I glance at my number—97.
The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.
“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that holds his treasure.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take another number,” he says.
I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.
“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number being called.”
“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.
He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”
I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement, then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr…I’m so angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #2:
Title: TORN (Connections #2)
TORN SYNOPSIS:
Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…
Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.
River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?
** TORN ** (available now – follow up to Connected)
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #1:
Title: Connected (Connections #1)
CONNECTED SYNOPSIS:
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?
Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London’s soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.
When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.
Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia’s grief begins to lift–but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.
But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
** CONNECTED ** (available now – first book of the series)
FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL is joining the anniversary festivities too! In addition to the Nice Girl trilogy being free, the Nice GUY spin-off (the other brother’s HEA) is *** $0.99 *** this week only!
✦$0.99 Pre-Order Sale ➢ #DangerousDozen Romantic Suspense Boxed Set by Charity Pineiro, Tina Wainscott, Maureen Child, Paige Tyler, Tawny Weber, Nina Bruhns, Virna DePaul, Karen Fenech, Kristin Miller, Gennita Low, Joyce Lamb, Maureen A Miller
Kindle: http://georiot.co/WZ0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1fiGB2u
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1hM4mE0
B&N: not available yet
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✦$0.99 Sale ➢ Wish Upon a Tiger: A BBW Weretiger Shifter Romance (Fountain of Love) by A.T. Mitchell #PNR
Kindle: http://georiot.co/3MRV
Amazon Only
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✦$0.99 Sale ➢ Tattered Love (Needle’s Kiss) by Lola Stark
Global Kindle Link: http://georiot.co/l8E
Amazon Only
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✦$0.99 Sale ➢ Serving the Billionaire (The Silver Cross Club) by Bec Linder
Global Kindle Link: http://georiot.co/O9h
Amazon only
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✦$0.99 Sale ➢ Know Me (DEFIANT Motorcycle Club) by Cora Brent #BikerRomance
Kindle http://georiot.co/3hAn
B&N: http://bit.ly/1d8dVO3
Kobo not available
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✦$2.99 (Limited Time) ➢ Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire by Skye Warren, CJ Roberts, Aleatha Romig, Pepper Winters, Jasmine Haynes, Shoshanna Evers, Cari Silverwood, Eliza Gayle, Claire Thompson, Pam Godwin, Annika Martin, Annabel Joseph
Kindle: http://georiot.co/3z9h
B&N: http://bit.ly/1emsXhK
Kobo: not available
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KINDLE FIRE SALE: http://amzn.to/1fUBqYN
Limited-time offer: Get Kindle Fire HD from $119, Kindle Fire HDX $199, or Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″ $339.
If you like your heroes hot, the sex hotter, and a swoon-worthy romance to swoop in and save your happily ever after, Brazen has the story for you. Sinfully sexy soldiers. Alpha cops who demand control. Sweet guys with a naughty side in the bedroom. At Brazen, they’ve got the hero destined to melt your… heart. Visit the Entangled website, the Brazen Blog, follow them on Twitter, Like their Facebook page, and follow them on Pinterest.
Introducing Brazen’s March 31st releases:
Friends with benefits was never the plan…
Melanie Jacobs’s chances for having a family are shrinking with every passing day. Her only comfort is her best friend, sexy cowboy Colton Freeze, but when a heated argument between them turns into an even hotter kiss, the boundaries of their friendship are blurred. But will their new friends-with-sexy-benefits arrangement destroy everything they once shared?
DARK AND DEADLY: Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance
Jennifer Ashley, Alyssa Day, Felicity Heaton, Erin Kellison, Laurie London, Erin Quinn, Bonnie Vanak, Caris Roane
Eight hot paranormal romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Alpha-male bad boys will fulfill your darkest, most deadliest desires in these stories about shifters, werewolves, vampires, magic, special powers and other realms. But only if you dare…
BODYGUARD by Jennifer Ashley
Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed attacker by a Kodiak bear who shifts into a tight-bodied, naked human male. Ronan takes Elizabeth to Shiftertown, becoming her 24/7 bodyguard. The mateless Ronan has adopted a houseful of orphaned Shifters–having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth is touched by his protectiveness. Ronan only wants to keep Elizabeth safe, but the sassy woman is triggering his long-buried need to mate.
ALEJANDRO’S SORCERESS by Alyssa Day
He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.
BEWITCH by Felicity Heaton
A vampire with a bloodstained past and a soul tainted with darkness, Payne is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld reawakens long denied hungers and tempts him with pleasure. When one incredible night of fulfilling their fantasies leads to more than just keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?
DARKNESS FALLS by Erin Kellison
Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness.
ROGUE’S PASSION by Laurie London
Blaming himself for the death of a friend, Iron Guild warrior Asher Kane vows to bring those responsible to justice. After he’s hurt on a mission and nursed back to health by a beautiful yet mysterious woman, this dangerously sexy bad-boy finds himself falling for Olivia…even as he struggles to stay away. But stalking them on the streets of New Seattle is a cruel and vengeful evil—one that threatens to destroy them both…
THE FORBIDDEN LIFE OF ALEX MOORE by Erin Quinn
Alex’s mission: Kill the hellhounds that have invaded earth and return to his home in the Beyond. But from the start, things go horribly wrong. The hounds are cunning and a human female witnesses their attack—she intervenes and saves Alex’s life. Now he must keep the alluring Lilly alive while fighting his desire for her. When passion flares, Alex risks all to protect her and defend the forbidden life he craves.
THE MATING HEAT by Bonnie Vanak
Werewolf Kara Mitchell fled with her brother Aiden to Montana after their alpha father punished her for kissing sexy omega werewolf Ryder Carrington. Left scarred by her father’s cruelty, Kara believes no one can love her. After killing his alpha to save the pack, Ryder now rules, but needs a mate. His blood runs hot for Kara. Ryder will do anything to claim her, even risk an all-out pack war that could cost them everything…
TRAPPED by Caris Roane
Mastyr Vampire Zephyr, a one-man fighting force, struggles to save the life of a woman who despises his warrior ways. She’s been a thorn in his side, but he has one goal: to keep her safe. For Alesia, however, she just wishes he’d leave her alone since she can never approve of his profession. She broke up with him months ago and wants to start a new life. The trouble is, he’s still the one man who can curl her toes.
DARK AND DEADLY: Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance is due for release in ebook at all major retailers on April 14th 2014 so mark your calendars for your date with these eight hot alpha bad boys and have your darkest desires fulfilled.
✦Romance✦Paranormal Romance✦Erotica✦Romantic Suspense✦New Adult✦ *This list will be pinned to the top of our FB page and updates will be made throughout the week. Buy links for Amazon Global, B&N, Kobo, and Paperbacks. Genre codes included with titles. Key to codes listed at the bottom of the list.
FIRE INSIDE: A Chaos Novel by Kristen Ashley
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Paperback Release: March 25, 2014
Rated: 5 Stars
Lanie Heron isn’t looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .
For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She’s too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can’t say no. And he doesn’t regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that’s ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.
I loved Fire Inside! Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors. She always gives the readers hot, alpha men and lots of romance and she delivered with this book. This book is the second book in the Chaos Series and takes place after Motorcycle Man, which is the last book in the Dream Man Series. Lanie is Tyra’s best friend who is married to Tack, the leader of the club, and Hop is part of the Chaos Motorcycle Club. I recommend reading Motorcycle Man before this book to understand Lanie’s story. After losing her fiancé and almost dying herself, she is not looking for a relationship, but is attracted to Hop and decides to proposition him for a night of hot sex. They have an intense attraction and passion when they come together and after that one night, Hop decides he wants to keep her. He just has to convince her she belongs with him. Hop was not what I expected and really surprised me in this book. I loved him! This book was a little different then Kristen Ashley’s usual writing style, but I still loved it. Fire Inside was a hot, sexy, explosive romance that kept me captivated from start to finish. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one.
Go to our facebook page and comment on the giveaway post for a chance to win a paperback copy of Fire Inside.
Facebook Giveaway Link: http://fb.me/6zSspLF0e
Excerpt from FIRE INSIDE by Kristen Ashley:
Hop came out of the bathroom to see Lanie on her feet on the other side of the bed, panties on, hands twisted behind her back putting her bra on. Again.
He didn’t say a word. He prowled to her, reached out an arm the second he was close, yanked her to him and fell to his back in the bed, taking her down with him.
“Hop—” she started, pushing her weight against his arms, but he slid her off him then wasted no time rolling over her and pinning her to his bed.
“Sleep,” he ordered when he caught her eyes in the weak dawn. “After rest, I’ll get coffee, we’ll juice up, then round four.”
She blinked and breathed, “Four?”
“Got lots more I want to do to you,” he informed her and watched her eyes go soft, sexier, then her teeth came out to graze her lush lower lip, also fucking sexy, and her arms slid around him.
But she asked, “What about Tack and Ty-Ty?”
“I’ll make sure the coast is clear,” he told her.
“But they’ll see my car,” she told him.
“I’ll move it,” he offered.
Her hand slid up his back, around his shoulder, and then to his neck where her thumb moved to stroke him.
Her touch was light but, fuck, it felt good. He’d never had a woman touch him in an unconscious way like that, just a touch, a stroke, giving something that meant nothing at the same time doing it without thinking about it meant everything.
Shit.
Complicated.
“This is just supposed to be one night,” she reminded him quietly, but he saw it in her eyes. She didn’t even try to hide it. She’d bitten off more than she could chew.
He had too and he was nowhere near done eating.
She was cute. She was sweet. She was hot. She was better than he expected and he’d expected her to be pretty fucking good. All that wrapped in a package that gorgeous?
Yeah.
He was nowhere near done eating.
“Change of plans. A night and a morning and, maybe, an afternoon and, possibly, another night,” he amended, and her eyes got softer as her hand slid up to cup his jaw.
“I have to work,” she told him.
“Call off,” he told her.
“I can’t. I own the joint.” She explained something he knew, that she ran her own advertising agency. “And things are a bit crazy.”
Things were always crazy for Lanie. The woman lived crazy. She thrived on it. If there wasn’t crazy, she stirred it up because she couldn’t breathe without it.
“Babe,” he pressed his body into hers, “told you, got more I want to do to you.”
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.
Synopsis:
Former Marine scout sniper Seth Harlan is new to HORNET and anxious to prove he can still do his job despite an ongoing battle with PTSD. He remembers all too well what it’s like to sit inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. So when a black ops soldier contacts HORNET to rescue a buddy who was left behind, all sorts of nasty memories strain his newfound stability.
When an interview with a runaway Afghan child bride leads photojournalist Phoebe Leighton to an arms deal involving a suitcase bomb powerful enough to wipe out a mid-sized town, she realizes this is one battle she can’t win on her own. Forming an unlikely alliance with a ragtag team of military and government delinquents, she meets Seth, a sniper carrying as many emotional scars as physical, who impresses her with his steely will and ignites passions within her she thought long dead.
Suddenly this mission is about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of HORNET struggle to stop that bomb before it reaches it’s final destination: The United States.
Author Bio:
Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven’t put down my pen since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I’m now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.
When I’m not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let’s be honest, I’ll take a bad horror movie too!) I’m a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I’m also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.
I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. I’m from a small town in Western New York, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.
✿NEW AUDIBLE RELEASE: The Proposition: The Plus One Chronicles [Unabridged] by Jennifer Lyon (Author), Ryan Hudson (Narrator)
Audible Amazon: http://georiot.co/3xI1
RATED: 5 Stars
✿REVIEW:
I love this trilogy! I’ve read the series, but I wanted to give the audible a try too since I love the story so much. Ryan Hudson, the narrator, does an incredible job telling this story! He has an amazing voice and the way he delivers the story in different tones of voice really draws you in and makes you feel the story. He makes me want to search Audible for every romance he has narrated and listen to them all. Jennifer Lyon created a sexy and heart-wrenching romance and Ryan Hudson’s narration makes the reader really feel the emotions of her characters and it’s all delivered in a sexy voice. Hot! I loved it! My reviews for each book in this trilogy are listed below. I highly recommend it. It’s a heart-wrenching, emotional, love story about too people overcoming their past. The Plus One Chronicles was on our 2013 Favorite Romances List, but it’s a story that is going to stick with me and not be forgotten.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Note about Audible Books: Books are great to listen to when your driving to and from work, doing stuff around the house, working out at the gym or any other time you can’t have a book in your hands, but want to read. I listen to them on my phone with ear buds, but you can pretty much download the app to any device.
✦THE PROPOSITION (The Plus One Chronicles, Book 1) by Jennifer Lyon
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars
✿BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Rich, sexy and volatile, Sloane Michaels has a dark agenda that keeps his heart on ice. His extreme wealth gives him the control he craves and his skills as an ex UFC fighter the tools he’ll need to extract his ultimate revenge. But when the woman he never believed he’d see again crosses his path, Sloane is caught between the vengeance he needs and a sexual conquest he craves.
Kat Thayne has been in survival mode for six years, hiding behind the sweet creations for her bakery. But when a random carjacking brings her face-to-face with her darkest fears and hottest fantasy, Kat is forced out of hiding and offered a dangerously passionate proposition. One she knows she isn’t strong enough to refuse.
✿REVIEW:
Loved it! I’ve missed Jennifer Lyon! I loved her Winged Slayer Hunter series. This book is part of a new series she started that will be 3 books. The ending left me really wanting the next book! Sloane is a hot alpha hero that is an ex UFC fighter and he owns a chain of training facilities. I thought Kat was a great female character. She is learning to protect herself after surviving an attack in her past. She doesn’t want to be dependent on a man. These two have smoking hot chemistry when they come together! This is a super steamy romance with a great plot. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sexy romance book. I can’t wait for the next book!
✦POSSESSION (The Plus One Chronicles, Book 2) by Jennifer Lyon
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
✿BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Savagely sexy billionaire Sloane Michaels ruthlessly controls his life and everything in it. Even his sex partners are carefully negotiated plus-one arrangements, including his latest, the fiery bakery owner, Kat Thayne. But Sloane’s control is challenged when his mentor becomes seriously ill, and his need for Kat, his need to possess her at all costs, rivals only his single-minded goal of vengeance for the murder of his sister.
After surviving an attack six years ago, Kat Thayne escaped her fears in the protective world of her beloved bakery. Then Sloane Michaels storms into her life, making her feel beautiful, strong and sexy. Yet as Kat pushes her boundaries and uncovers a dangerous secret in her past, Sloane’s controlling side emerges. Worried that Sloane will possess her mind, body and soul, Kat fights to keep her hard won independence. But just as Sloane demands her complete surrender, she discovers he has a dark side that could destroy them both.
✿REVIEW:
I love this series! Possession is the second book in The Plus One Chronicles and picks up where the first book, The Proposition, left off. The series should be read in order. The Plus One Chronicles is full of drama, danger, mystery, and smoking hot romance. Sloane is the ultimate sexy alpha male and pushes past all Kat’s barriers in this book. I love them together. Not only do they have chemistry and passion that will leave you sweating, but Sloane helps Kat become stronger and to get past her fears while also giving her the skills to protect herself. They both have tragedies in their pasts that are coming back into their lives in this book. Most women want to use Sloane for his money, power and connections. Kat is the first plus one relationship he has had that only wants the man, and this is making him want to possess all of her. Jennifer Lyon makes you really feel and love these characters. I can’t say enough good things about this series. They have everything I look for in great books. Possession has an intriguing plot, great characters, danger, mystery and a great love story. I loved it and can not wait for the third book, Obsession, to be released in September. Jennifer Lyon is one of my favorite authors because she always delivers a great romance story and she definitely delivered with Possession. I recommend this book, and this series for anyone looking for a great story with lots of smoking hot romance.
*Review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
✦OBSESSION (The Plus One Chronicles, Book 3) by Jennifer Lyon
Publication Date: October 10, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
✿BOOK DESCRIPTION:
**Please Note: The Plus One Chronicles is a series of adult contemporary novels and are not intended for younger readers due to mature content.**
A PROPOSITION brings them together…Will an OBSESSION tear them apart?
In the explosive conclusion to The Plus One Chronicles Trilogy, obscenely rich, jaggedly handsome and still obsessed with love and vengeance, Sloane Michaels must face an impossible choice: lose the woman he loves or betray his twin sister’s memory.
Watching the man she adores destroy himself for revenge, Kat Thayne knows she should run and never look back. But running isn’t her way anymore. Kat has grown into a fierce fighter, and the man who helped her get there is the very man who needs her strength now. But as the sizzling passion and hard-won love bind Kat and Sloane even tighter together, old secrets and lies explode around them. Danger threatens. And Kat soon realizes that she’s risking more than her heart to be with Sloane…she’s risking her very life.
✿REVIEW:
Loved It! I have been impatiently waiting for Obsession to read the conclusion of Sloane and Kat’s story and I was left happy and satisfied after finishing the final book in this trilogy. I absolutely loved this trilogy! From the first book to the last we’ve seen Kat grow stronger and heal from her attack with the the training and support Sloane has given her. I loved that Sloane taught her to protect herself instead of just relying on someone else to protect her. We’ve also seen Sloane battle with his own past and loss and that all comes to a final decision in this book. Sloane and Kat’s passion and love grow binding them together throughout their story. Jennifer Lyon really made me feel for and love these characters. Heart-wrenching, emotional, suspenseful and filled with danger and passion. This trilogy is incredible! Obsession is the perfect ending for The Plus One Chronicles.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Lyon, who also writes as Jennifer Apodaca, lives in Southern California where she continually plots ways to convince her husband that they should get a dog. After all, they met at the dog pound, fell in love, married and had three wonderful sons. So far, however, she has failed in her doggy endeavor. She consoles herself by pouring her passion into writing books. To date, Jen has published more than fifteen books and novellas, including a fun and sexy mystery series and a variety of contemporary romances under the name Jennifer Apodaca. As Jennifer Lyon she created a dark, sizzling paranormal series, and The Plus Once Chronicles, an emotionally sensual adult contemporary series. Jen’s won numerous awards and had her books translated into multiple languages, but she still hasn’t come up with a way to persuade her husband that they need a dog.
What a Woman Wants (A Manley Maids Novel) by Judi Fennell
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars
What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman wants…
Resort entrepreneur Sean Manley was all set to buy an historic mansion at a great price, making a name for himself while making millions, when the seller and a poker bet change the game. Now he’s in the place as a hunky male maid and there’s one more complication: Livvy Carolla.
The house is Livvy’s inheritance. Her plan? Unload it to the highest bidder and use the cash to start her own bakery business. One look at “the help” and she’s hot to take him with her. Until she finds out he’s got a secret agenda.
But when Sean falls for the free-spirited, strong-willed Livvy, he has new ideas for the estate—and Livvy’s part in it. If all goes well, they’ll both be getting what they want. And then some.
What a Woman Wants is a fun romance that kept me smiling and laughing throughout the story. This is the first book in Judy Fennell’s The Manly Maids Series. It’s starts off with a poker game between 3 brothers and their little sister. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the characters at first because the brothers irritated me with their thinking when it came to allowing their little sister to participate in their manly poker game. The brothers lose to their sister though and have to deliver on the bet by working for their sister’s company, Manly Maids. And yes that is exactly what it sounds like. Hunky guys clean your house for you! Ummmm yep sign me up for that service. I really enjoyed the story and I ended up really liking the characters in this book. I will be looking forward to the rest of the brothers getting their books in this fun new romance series.
*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, winning my first writing award in a second grade Caldecott Medal contest. Readers’ Digest gave me my very first publishing credit in April, 1994, and I was hooked. I seemed to have followed writing contests around, being a finalist in such online contests as American Title III, sponsored by Romantic Times BOOKreview Magazine and Dorchester Publishing, and two First Chapters contests, sponsored by Gather.com and Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.
My imaginary friend was Casper the Friendly Ghost. The little ghoul even had a special place set for him at our dinner table and got blamed for many of my childhood mishaps. I grew up watching Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie and The Addams Family–my mom looked like Elizabeth Montgomery and I had a special Barbie outfit that looked like Morticia Addams’ dress. My favorite books are Bewitching by Jill Barnett and A Knight In Shining Armor, by Jude Devereaux, so it should come as no surprise that I like to write tongue-in-cheek lighthearted paranormals.
I love pop culture and manipulating language, so you’ll find lots of puns, double entrendre, plays-on-words, alliteration, clichés, and twisting of phrases, as well as several one-liners in my stories that give me a few chuckles. I studied Spanish at Penn State (Go Lions!), lived in Spain, and traveled throughout that beautiful country.
I’ve always written and still have my journal from fourth grade where, even then, my stories were full of fantastical creatures, whimsy, and magic. I wrote my first romance in 9th grade and still have that story in my memory chest. Even back then I dreamed of being a writer.
Now with kids, a husband, a house, a social life (Go Survivor Girls!), two cocker spaniels named Vixen and Raven, and a kitten named Pagan who won’t come near me unless I’ve got food, I get to live my dream of being a writer!
