REVIEW ~Last Light by M. Pierce~

Title: Last Light

Author: M. Pierce

Series: Night Owl #2

Release Date: October 28, 2014

My Rating: 3 Stars

Tensions rise, secrets grow bigger, and passions run deeper—and hotter—in Last Light, the second novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce.

Matt Sky is missing. After a solo ascent of Longs Peak that left only a large blood stain, tatters of climbing clothing, and the tracks of an animal in the snow, he is presumed dead.

Hannah Catalano is guarding a secret: she knows Matt is alive. After Matt's memorial service, she lingers on the East Coast with his family, but it soon becomes clear that his brothers' motives are less than gracious. Nate Sky is bent on tracking down the author of Night Owl, a book that charts the last days of Matt's life with uncanny and scandalous accuracy, and which appeared only after his death. Seth Sky is bent on getting Hannah into his bed.

Hidden away in the woods, Matt and Hannah strive desperately to maintain their ruse and their relationship—but their web of lies only tightens as Matt struggles with the consequences of his decision, and Hannah tries to escape Nate's libel suit and fend off Seth's advances...until Hannah is put in danger, and Matt must make a life or death choice.

I've come to the conclusion I have no earthly idea how I truly feel about this series. I love. I don't want to love. I have a strange and strong dislike for some aspects of it. And I'm always left feeling like I got hit by a semi. The fact that this book was yet again one of those books that was hard for me to put down should indicate my love for it. Unless you're inside my head experiencing the very tumultuous feelings. Then you're probably as utterly perplexed as I still am. A month after reading this book and I still can't pinpoint how I feel. 

I will say this, I think I've nailed down part of my problem. I definitely do not like Matt. There is one of his many personalities that I love to pieces, but he doesn't show that character enough for me to give him the benefit of the doubt anymore. So why did I continue reading once I found that I have a strange disdain for the lead character? Simple. The other lead, Hannah. I love her story. I know their stories are intertwined, yet I can oddly separate them in my mind. I am enthralled in her story. As for Matt, I though he was just crazy going into this book, and then, well, he straight towards Bonkersville. He can't just dedicate himself to Hannah. If it's not his writing taking priority, it's another woman, or his brother. He can't let anything be just theirs. Which may be why I don't care for him too much. He doesn't give me any confidence that this series will end well with a happy ending. Yes, I'm a must-hate happy ending person. I don't read books to have it end in devastation. I do like hard journeys though. That's what I'm hoping for the third book in this series to put forth. A journey well worth the work and effort for the bliss waiting at the end. But I have a sinking feeling it's not going that way. 

It's almost like the movie The Lake House. They're trying to get to one another, but Hannah is firmly planted in reality whereas Matt is treading the deep ocean in fantasy land where everything revolves around him. I will say his obsession with Hannah is endearing. And when they can just be together, I like those times best. Yet, at every turn Matt has another secrets, or ludicrous idea that ruins everything. I can't even blame Hannah for some of her actions in this book. She was trying to escape her one-way ticket to Bonkersville and made some very choice mistakes. However, Matt, oh the unending list of choice mistakes, or just intentional screwing with everyone.

So my end result for this book, I love it as a book, but not as a romance. It is erotic. There's sexy, steamy, hotter than hell scenes. However, the love and relationship just isn't there. Matt's version of a relationship is two high speed trains driving head on into one another. While Hannah is just trying to stay afloat int he crazy world she's willingly chased him into. This book did command my attention and I did devour it, which is why I do recommend it if you're in the mood for an extremely well-written, yet peculiar book. But if you're a lovey-dovey person, wanting a sweet romance this is not it. I'll absolutely be waiting to read the conclusion to see how this crazy train ends. I'm sure it will capture my attention just like it's predecessors. I just hope it surprises me as to the fate of these two individuals that I want to find a true HEA so badly. 

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Links to Buy:

THE NIGHT OWL SERIES

(click on the title to go to Amazon)

Meet M. Pierce:

M. Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence.

Connect with M. Pierce:

RELEASE DAY + REVIEW ~Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson~

Title: Game for Tonight

Author: Karen Erickson

Series: Game For It #3

Release Date: November 17, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

She'll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time...

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she's the one he can't resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey's boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn't know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

Ohhh this is a FANTASTIC one! I sincerely do NOT want this series to end. It combines two of my all time favorite things - hot men and football. But Game for Tonight offered so much more. Flynn is a good guy. He just is. He has the perfect makings of a guy you would want to be with. He has his pride, but can share his feelings too. And let's not forget he can have a dirty mouth when the situation warrants it. Aubrey, she's his equal. A perfect compliment to his good guy image, is a good girl. One with loyalties, and ethics. And who also has no trouble burning up those sheets with her aforementioned good guy. These two are polished and demure on the outside, but when they close the doors they can get down and dirty in a hurry (unintentional rhyme).

Flynn and Aubrey together made this a gripping read. I just love them. I can't even pinpoint one specific thing, but they mix the ultimate perfect blend of sexy and sweet. When their hands are forced into keeping up the appearances of their one-night stand and turning it into a relationship a lot more is on the line than Flynn realizes. Although, let's be real here - Aubrey may  feel guilty, but I swear from the very beginning the feelings were there to justify a relationship on both of their ends. So while she should have told him the truth, I don't think it demeans their relationship at all throughout the book.

I will be completely honest, I thought I wasn't going to like the one aspect of Flynn's love life that was brought to attention before their first encounter. I won't ruin it for you, but it had the potential to be a no-go for me. Only for the fact that things could get real awkward. HOWEVER, my dear, genius, Karen Erickson handled it beautifully, and I think realistically.Making this book a no holds bar a must read for me. I loved every bit of it. I got to see my favorite couples from the past two books. Mix that in with Flynn and Aubrey being a sickeningly adorable couple. I just couldn't handle my joy while reading this book. As much as I don't want this series to end, Flynn and Aubrey were they way to end it. They gave me the utmost warm and fuzzies when "The End" came.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Links to Buy:

THE GAME FOR IT SERIES

Game For Marriage 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Game For Trouble 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Meet Karen:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.



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EXCERPT TOUR + GIVEAWAY~Rumor by Skye Jordan~

Title: Rumor

Author: Skye Jordan

Series: Renegades #3.5

Release Date: November 4, 2014

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Former Navy SEAL Josh Marx thinks he has it all figured out. He’s living the bachelor lifestyle in southern California, running risk assessment for the Renegades, but most importantly, he’s finally gotten over the unrequited love he’s harbored for his former teammate’s ex wife. Then his buddy calls from overseas, worried because he hasn’t heard from his ex, and asks Josh to check in on her. Josh doesn’t want to get involved, but the same code that urged him to walk away in the first place is suddenly pushing him to change his Christmas plans.

Grace Ashby doesn't appreciate the sexy SEAL trying to step in and take over. He thinks she’s hit rock bottom by working at a strip club, but she knows differently. She could set him straight, but he’s already rejected her once, and she doesn’t need one more man judging her.

She tells him to butt out of her business and her life. But Josh’s conscience won’t let him walk away this time.

Josh turned to face a tiny woman with big brown eyes—and big, bouncy tits, barely covered in a green velvet halter. She, too, wore a Santa-style hat, this one green to match the elf getup, sporting a big fluffy white fur ball at the point. She caressed the sleeve of Josh’s sport jacket with one hand, the other holding an empty tray against her hip.

“I’m Stephie.” She tipped her head and looked up at him through thick, black lashes, heavily coated with mascara. “Why don’t you buy me a drink while we get acquainted?”

A heavy, powdery scent wafted off of her, along with her body heat. His nerve endings seemed to spread along the surface of his skin and sing to attention. Which meant, yeah, definitely too little sex in way too long, because she wasn’t his type at all.

“Actually,” he pulled a twenty from his pocket. “I’d appreciate it if you could point out Nicole for me.”

Her eyes lowered to the bill, then returned to his, a sly little smile on her lips. She slipped the twenty from Josh’s fingers with an enthusiastic, “Easiest twenty I’ve made all night.” She turned and pointed toward a shadowed corner where a group of rowdy younger men sat near the stage. A woman stood between two chairs, her back facing Josh. She was leaning forward, her hands braced on the men’s shoulders.

She wore a one-shouldered, skintight black dress that clung to every luscious curve and barely covered her ass. Tanned legs stretched long and lean beneath the hem, made even longer—and sexier—by the sparkling spiked heels she wore. One side of the dress had diamond-shaped cutouts, showing a nice amount of evenly tanned skin all along her body, right down to her hip. The fabric gathered and was held together with clear rhinestones down her side. There was no way she was wearing anything underneath.

Josh didn’t recognize her as Grace. This woman had copper colored hair, falling in curls to the middle of her back. Right color—wrong length. And Grace had always been thin, with a more boyish straight-up-and-down figure. Josh would have noticed curves like those.

Wouldn’t he?

“In the black,” Stephie said. “Nicole. That’s who you’re looking for, right?”

“Don’t think that’s her,” he told Stephie. “But thanks.”

“Can I get you a drink?”

“Yes, please. Jack and Coke. Double would be good.”

“Be right back.”

He took off his blazer, tossed it over the back of the chair and rolled up his sleeves before sitting, his eyes locked on the woman in black, waiting for a glimpse of her face. But his peripheral vision was picking up the brazenly erotic moves on the stage, and combined with the music, the lyrics, and the atmosphere, Josh’s body was definitely responding. His cock had grown thick and the confinement of his slacks added pressure along his length. His heart was beating too fast, his body was too hot, his throat too tight.

I really and truly love this series. Right away I could tell that Rumor was going to affect me the same way the previous books had. To be honest, I didn't really love Josh in Ricochet. However, I've repented and he has absolutely won my heart now! I guess since I didn't get his point of view and story in the previous book I didn't really know him. In Rumor, you will finish having no doubt that Josh Marx is a man among men and one of the best types of guys. Grace, well, she is that woman we all hate because she's just too good. Yet, she takes zero s-it from Josh, or anyone for that matter.

Their story is one of once forbidden love. Said forbidding came from the fact that Grace used to be married to Josh's former SEAL teammate. When an injury forced Josh back into life stateside he gets dragged down into an all work and no play reality until his buddy calls worried about his ex. The same ex that Josh has had a fair few fantasies about long before the divorce papers were signed. When he finds Grace living the less than perfect life he last saw her in warning signs fly up and he's rushing to save the day. But Grace doesn't want to be saved. And definitely not by the man that's she's loved for years without returned feelings, and who went MIA on her a year ago. 

You know how I told you Josh was the best of the best? Well he sure let his colors shine after Grace put him in his place. He stopped trying to change her and instead helped her make the best of her situation. And let's not forget that these two can't even be in the same room without combusting. It wasn't too long before their passion won out over his sense of duty to his friend, and her fear that Josh would leave soon. 

First off, the subject may be a precarious one for some, but the reasoning and characteristics of those involved really come to light and I had zero issue with Grace and Josh striking up a forever romance. Josh is just amazing. He's such a great, realistic guy with the charisma ladies love. Meanwhile, Grace is hell bent on making it on her own, and she does. She's a tough cookie that inspires. Their banter is flawless. Their sexual escapades are hotter than hades. And their love is just oozing sweetness and passion. This book really struck a chord emotionally as well. I don't want to ruin it, so you'll just have to read it, but let it be known I'll be keeping this on my re-read shelf for a feel-good quickie every once and a while. All in all, a fantastic addition to the Renegades series!

Happy Reading!

Links to Buy:

MORE IN THE RENEGADES SERIES

Book 1 - Reckless - Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Book 2 - Rebel - Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Book 3 - Ricochet - Amazon | B&N | iTunes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Skye:

Skye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan. Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.

And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better. Skye (aka Joan) lives on the central coast of California in the heart of wine country with her husband and two daughters. As often as possible, she retreats to a hotel with critique partners for a power-writing week where much drinking, laughing, and yes, even working, ensues. When she’s not writing, Skye goes to breakfast with her hubby, attends her daughters’ barrel races, and spends a lot of time with her own horse, Riddle…while her two dogs, Paxton and Indie, tag along. She also loves to read, knit, craft, row, ride, and dabble in photography.

Connect with Skye:

REVIEW ~Unbroken by R.E. Hunter~

Title: Unbroken

Author: R.E. Hunter

Series: Disclosure #2

Release Date: November 6, 2014

My Rating: 5+ STARS!

She was running toward her future. He was running from his past. When their worlds collided, nothing could prepare them for what was to come.

Reeling from Luke’s betrayal, Embry Jacobs is lost and looking for answers. His lies have ripped them apart, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about the man she loves. But to give Luke another chance, she’ll have to forgive his lies and risk her already fragile heart.

Luke Brody’s past has finally caught up to him — in more ways than one. After losing the only woman he’s ever loved, he’ll do anything to get her back. But when he finally has the chance to make things right, unforeseen circumstances threaten to tear them apart once more.

When the truth comes out, will it set them free or break them both?

If I had to pick a conclusion for Bree and Southern Sexy's story this is 100% how it would go. Angst, Passion, Heartbreak, Love. All wrapped up in one mind blowing and perfect ending. I absolutely waxed poetic about book 1, Undone, and without a doubt R.E. Hunter is making me swoon to the max once again with her innate ability to make me fall head over heels in love with her characters and story. Unbroken picks up pretty much where Undone left off. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but it's looking pretty grim for Luke Brody and Embry Jacobs right about now. His lies have once again torn them apart and Embry is forced to weigh the hurt he's caused, and as the ability to cause, against her undying love for this man. 

In short they don't have an easy road in Unbroken. A lot of trust has to be re-built, a lot of relationships are tested, and the monkey-wrench of all monkey-wrenches just won't take its skanky ass back to where it came from. Luke and Embry do a lot of growing in this book. It was a thrill to see them grow closer, and adjust to the changes they experienced. And good heavens I. NEED. MY. OWN SOUTHERN. SEXY. Imagine me pouting like a two year old. It's just not fair. This man, while he may have flaws, owns said flaws, has a dirty mouth that's oddly endearing, and is just a complete package. Embry, in all of her superwoman power, stands up for herself and is a great heroine to read. She's someone incredibly relatable and lovable. Together they're unstoppable. Until someone decides to try to ruin all their hard work. And to that I say - "Aww, you must be new here." Let me repeat myself - THEY'RE. UNSTOPPABLE. Didn't you hear me the first time? These two are the epitome of meant to be, forever and ever amen, enter all cheesy love stereotypes here.  I mean their tenacity and all-consuming love just leaves no room for them to be apart. And I love it. 

I love that they're obsessed, in a healthy way, with each other. I also love that they don't actually consume one another, so much as their love consumes them as a couple. It's hard to explain. Just know, these two are in the top 3 of my favorite book couples ever. Because while the sex is blush-worthy, and the two together can melt you heart, the story is also amazing. Every aspect of this book is a winner for me. And let us not forget that one of the best BFFs ever, Jeremy, is still expecting his story. Which he SO deserves. After this book, I feel like baking that man a cake. And I wouldn't be opposed to a prequel of how Morgan and Brett got together. That would sure to be a killer read as well. Basically, Ms. Hunter whatever you pen, I'll devour. As for now, Embry and Luke are leaving up the life with the sweetest, and most well-deserved HEA and I think everyone should march those one-clicking digits over and buy this AMAZING book!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Links to buy: 

UNDONE (book #1)

ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS!

Five years ago, Embry Jacobs ran...

She ran from a past that still hasn’t let her go, but her dream of becoming a lawyer is stronger than her fear of confronting that past. Embry’s sole focus is to get through law school—with the help of her best friend, Morgan—and make something of the broken girl she became. Not thinking about falling in love, being in a relationship or even entertaining the idea of romance, Embry is moving forward one day at a time.

Luke Brody is charming and sexy, and has a past of his own. He wants nothing more than to put his demons to rest and move on with his life. But, when Embry enters the picture, is he destined to repeat those same mistakes?

Blindsided by their instant attraction, neither Luke nor Embry are prepared for the feelings they’re developing. But will it all be for nothing?

Will they let their pasts destroy them, or will they risk everything to fight for their relationship when it all comes undone?

Links to Buy:

Meet R.E. Hunter:

Rose Hunter is a native New Yorker currently living in Austin, Texas with her husband and their crazy kitten. Surviving solely on Iced Chai and KIND bars, she spends her days writing angsty romance and chasing happily ever afters. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the beach with a glass of wine and a book in her hand.

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