REVIEW ~Two to Tango by Mimi Strong~

Title: Two to Tango
Author: Mimi Strong
Release Date: January 10, 2014

My Rating: 3 Stars

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Peaches Monroe series and Borrowed Billionaire, comes a hilarious new story of unstoppable passion.

Skye Evans is a former stripper, trying to live a "good" life teaching dance to kids. She also hates rich people. Really hates them.

Charlie Ward is rich. He's twenty-nine, and caught between partying and growing up enough to have a relationship with someone besides his best friend.

When Charlie finds Skye crashing a party at the exclusive country club he owns, he's captivated by her long, beautiful dancer's legs. He takes her on a private tour of the pool, where they discover perfect chemistry.

Unfortunately for these two lonely lovers, Skye still hates rich people, and Charlie's still rich.

Charlie and Skye fit together so well when they're naked, but they must find creative ways to get over their differences and let themselves love.

Two to Tango was a first for me. It was the first time I read a romance book where I was more interested in the story and I was able to get passed my inability to connect or believe the romance between the main characters. The story was good. It was an enjoyable and quick read for me. And the sex between Charlie and Skye was incredibly hot. However, I found myself not believing the connection between Skye and Charlie on a romantic level. I got their physical chemistry but, to me they just seemed better suited as friends, or maybe their story just needed to be developed a bit more. I'm not sure, but I can't say that I was displeased with the book because I did find myself invested in the story and its characters. 

Two to Tango follows a down on her luck ex-stripper, Skye, who has never once caught a break and fate isn't about to start being nice now. She meets Charlie while scoping out the country club that is threatening to steal her dance students. It's definitely lust at first sight for the pair. I think Charlie senses Skye's need for help and is attracted to that part of her and of course he has a major fascination with her dancer legs. It's over a couple of months until the pair actually meet again and strike up a fast paced relationship. Charlie is a fixer, and somewhat of a bleeding heart. So when he finds Skye hurt and obviously spiraling down the drain he has no choice but to help. Skye being the tough bird, that her circumstances forced her to be, tries to refuse his help, to no avail. This is where the story gets a little murky. Through a string of poorly misplaced blame and misunderstandings Skye and Charlie are once again separated. In which time Skye falls back on her true and tried methods of surviving until Charlie comes to her rescue once again. 

I think my biggest problem was Skye. She was a slave to her past and circumstances and I didn't feel like she tried to redeem herself. Charlie is a great guy, who has a bit of a hero complex but, I had no real beef with him. I can definitely see these two as Friends with Benefits but not a real couple. True, it didn't bother me all that much but, I do see where the story could have gone differently. All of that said, the story is very interesting and intriguing. It wasn't predictable and I loved the premise of the storyline. So the bottom line. Would I recommend it? Yes, this was an iffy one for me but, I can see where others would love it! Will I read the author again? Absolutely! Mimi Strong's writing style is unique and refreshing. And I already have more of her books waiting on my TBR shelf :) 

Happy Reading!

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

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ARC REVIEW ~Bare Essentials by Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly~

Title: Bare Essentials
Author: Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly
Release Date: January 28, 2014

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Naughty But Nice
by New York Times Bestselling Author Jill Shalvis

Lingerie model Cassie Tremaine Montgomery intends to have her revenge on the citizens of her hometown—starting with seducing the sheriff, Sean "Tag" Taggart. Tag, however, isn't cooperating. He's more than willing to set the sheets on fire with her, but he's asking for more than just sizzling sex…. He knows Cassie's not as tough as she pretends. And he knows she cares about him—even if she won't admit it. So he'll just turn up the heat until she concedes there's more between them than this red-hot passion.

Naturally Naughty
by New York Times Bestselling Author Leslie Kelly

Kate Jones, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, is home. And she's got an agenda. To get revenge on the man who humiliated her mother, Kate's going to seduce that man's son—the town's golden boy, John Winfield Jr.—and then leave him drooling in a puddle of lust. However, when she finds herself seduced by a sexy stranger named Jack, little does she guess that the tables have just been turned….

Naughty But Nice
The first story in the Bare Essentials duo begins with Cassie who is running back to her hometown to escape a stalker. Hilarious, because ten short years ago she was running from said hometown because of the stigma that the Tremaine women carry. So, she's back with big chip on her shoulder and hell bent on wreaking havoc among the townsfolk that had once made her life hell. Of course, the only one who can steady her speeding, and music blaring is Sheriff Taggart. A different Taggart than the one who inflicted emotional damage on the night of Cassie's prom but, his son none the less. Everywhere Cassie turns Tag is there. Trying to be helpful but, also hoping to explore the connection they have made. But Cassie is gun-shy in this town and can't justify letting her guard down until Tag gives her no other choice. And since she is staying in town to open up a upscale sex shop, Cassie will be having to deal with Tag on a regular basis.

Naughty But Nice is the same quirky, light-hearted, fun read you usually expect from Ms. Shalvis. The chemistry is steaming and the dialogue is quippy. Cassie is a hell-raising, stubborn heroine trying to prove her worth. And Tag is teaching Cassie a thing or two about preconceived notions. They have a lot to prove but, more to each other than to anyone else. I think my favorite parts were the scenes in the store. It was hilarious to see Tag confronted with abnormally large dildos and the like. But of course that also lead to the hottest sex in the book. These two did have a complicated journey to explore but, in the end it was a good story with equal parts hilarity, sweetness and heat. Meanwhile...

Naturally Naughty
The second part of this duo happens simultaneously. Kate Jones is a Tremaine woman by blood. Which means she was held to the same low standards as her cousin, Cassie. Kate has her own revenge to seek in her hometown. After the townspeople ran out her mother for having an affair with the married mayor for several year, which only came to light at his death, Kate has nothing but contempt for this town. Imagine her surprise when her first day back she falls into a stranger's arms and they steal a quick tryst before parting ways. So... why can't I find a hot guy like this? Totally, not fair. Anyhow, Kate returns back to Chicago not expecting to hear from Jack (yes, she did get his name!), even though he said he would call. Not the least bit surprised when he doesn't Kate doesn't dwell on it, until she returns to help her cousin open another branch of Bare Essentials. And this is where she gets the biggest surprise. She and Jack have just started their rough road, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel so far.

The story is much like the first. The female lead is hell bent on exacting some type of revenge on the town that mistreated her so much, although Cassie and Kate seem to be just fine with showing off their success and then leaving the town behind. If one it were that easy. For Kate, their new store and her budding relationship with Jack entice her to stay a little while. These two have some of the hottest escapades... let me just say one thing: Public orgasm with no touching. Yes, you're rushing to one click this right now. It was the best scene of Kate's book.

Overall
These are both full length books. So you definitely get a fully developed story with each. They are both funny, and light romances. Perfect for quick reading and enjoyment. These are the books that fall under the category enjoyable but, not captivating. While they held my attention and I loved reading them, I probably won't keep them on my re-read shelf. And they won't make my beat reads list either. But in between those angsty, emotionally draining books that I love so much, Bare Essentials is perfect! It's a great duo that just helped me escape for a little while, without totally getting lost in my head. So, I do recommend Bare Essentials if you're in the mood for a fun, steamy romance with a lot of humor thrown in. It definitely does the trick of making you laugh and swoon.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the publisher/author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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REVIEW ~The Invitation by Erika Wilde~

Title: The Invitation
Author: Erika Wilde
Series: The Marriage Diaries #5
Release Date: January 10, 2014

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

THE INVITATION
After months of indulging in some of the hottest sex of his married life, Dean Noble intends to give Jillian a very special gift for their twentieth anniversary . . . an invitation that will take them beyond their wildest, most erotic fantasies.

THE PLAYERS CLUB
Jillian is more than willing to accept her husband's invitation, and together they enter a provocative world where boundaries are pushed to the limit, pleasure is the ultimate goal, and Dean is able to embrace those darker desires he's kept a tight rein on all these years. But when Dean's alpha tendencies extend outside of the bedroom, a battle of wills ensues, and it's up to Jillian to show her husband that she's all for submission games in the playroom, but when it comes to her needs outside the bedroom he'll have to learn to compromise

This series just keeps getting hotter and more amazing with each book. When we left Jillian and Dean in Volume #4 the ending was a little ominous. Not cliffhanger material, but a definite foreshadowing as to how Dean was going to push Jillian. And he pushed the limits almost too much. To celebrate their 20th Anniversary Dean gets Jillian and himself invited to an exclusive sex club. A sex club that has no restraints on the amount pleasure one can receive within its walls. Of course, in their recent adventurous state Dean and Jillian are eager to see what The Player's Club has to offer. But they may end up hitting Jillian's hard limits. 

I guess in a way, Jillian and Dean push the boundaries in this installment. Their marriage is tested but, not just from their sexual explorations. Jillian has become more independent since her horizons have broadened and Dean may not take too kindly to having his alpha toes stepped on. The Invitation offers more meat to Dean and Jillian's relationship than the previous books. I felt I got to know them more than just their sexual preferences or long-ago history. They face more obstacles than just trusting one another in the bedroom. 

With Jillian and Dean both being so incredibly stubborn, I thought The Invitation was going to end in a stalemate. After 20 years of marriage, it's hard for changes to be accepted at the drop of a hat. But, leave it to Jillian and Dean to end up taking their differences and coming out a stronger couple on the other side. Besides the fact that The Invitation has some incredibly hot sex and thigh-clenching moments it also builds upon the characters and sets the stage for an all-new spin-off series, aptly named, The Player's Club. Can I express how excited I got when I found that out? I was SUPER excited :) But, I still want/need more Jillian and Dean. I want to seem them finagle some hot trysts when their kids come home for the holidays, or some other daring escapades. I feel like their story is just beginning and I hope to get my hands on another installment!

Happy Reading!

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

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ARC REVIEW ~Wanted by J. Kenner~

Title: Wanted
Author: J. Kenner
Series: Wanted #1
Release Date: January 7, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.

Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.

Wanted is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

All book boyfriends please move aside because we have a new sweet, sexy, and filthy-mouthed leader! Evan Black is the absolute complete package in Wanted. He's got mysterious, charming, funny, sweet and sexy to the nth degree. I really didn't think Ms. Kenner could outdo Damien Stark but, I think she has with Evan Black. Wanted opens up at Angelina Raine's uncle's funeral. Which is almost ironic because he was her only tie to the infamous Chicago Trio- Evan, Cole, and Tyler. They were once students of Jahn's, who he stayed close with even after their departure from his class. While, Lina favors Cole and Tyler as her brothers she has never attributed that relationship to Evan. He's also been so much more, but always out of her reach. It was always an understanding between Evan and Jahn that he wasn't to touch his niece. But, when her grief is too much and Evan is the only one there, she tempts Evan until he can't say no anymore. 

"He was ripping me apart with every thrust, shattering me, breaking me. He was utterly destroying me, and yet nothing had ever felt so perfect as the sensation of this man inside me. With each thrust he took me higher. With each soft moan he brought us closer."

~Lina

Wanted has a lot of elements to it. There is Lina and Evan's relationship, the warnings Lina keeps receiving to stay away from Evan, and the restraint Lina must find to curb her reckless side. A side which Evan can satisfy unlike any other adrenaline rush she has experienced. Evan and Lina's heat meter was off the charts but, they also had a tenderness where you could see that they understand and support one another 100%. The absolute best part of this book though, was the fact that Evan may have been dark and twisty but, he could still have fun. He was still able to be there for Lina when her dark and twisty past would effect her. It never turned into a "who's past is worse" contest. It was him dealing with his problems and Lina supporting him. Then her dealing with her past and grief and Evan being right there talking her down off the ledge and giving her what she needed. But eventually secrets are unearthed that could jeopardize the future Lina was finally accepting and looking forward to. It was definitely not an easy ride for these two. And neither one is by any means perfect, but they're perfect for one another. They understand that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies. And despite the negative in their life, they choose to live for the positive, and make their own HEA. 

"I mean that there's never been another woman. It's always been you, Lina. Even before I realized it, you were always there inside me."

~Evan

I promise you that Evan Black has just made it into my Top 5 Book Boyfriends of all time. He makes this book absolutely sublime! Okay, enough gushing over the hunk. This entire book is magnificent, and Julie does a fantastic job of setting us up for the rest of the series that will feature Cole and Tyler. Wanted is one of those books that made me think my reading time increased substantially, because I absolutely devoured it! All I kept thinking was: "What's going to happen next?, Why can't I find a man like Evan?, Am I still breathing?" I really, and I mean really really, LOVED this book! Just a little housekeeping: this is a standalone (although I wish it wasn't!), the next books in the Wanted series will feature Tyler (Heated), and Cole (Ignited). I will say, I was kinda bummed that Cole's book is last and slotted for September (*pouty face*) because I know where his love interest is coming from and I am SO pumped about it! Anywho, I know I'll love Tyler's story just as much so I can't wait for that one in May. But, Cole and Tyler have mighty big *ahem* shoes to fill :)

Happy Reading!!

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

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COVER REVEAL ~Beauty from Love by Georgia Cates~

Title: Beauty from Love

Author: Georgia Cates

Series: Beauty #3

Release Date: January 28, 2014

]The epic romance between an all-American beauty and her Aussie continues in this final installment of The Beauty Series.

Jack McLachlan is fulfilled by more than he dared to dream possible. He finds everything he never knew he wanted—or needed—in Laurelyn Prescott, his last and final companion. Life is beautiful with his beloved by his side but their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her untainted by his previous life proves impossible when yesterday’s sins insist on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in their forever with a past like his?

Beauty From Love is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.

Meet Georgia:
Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

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