One to Keep by Lexi Blake - Release Day and Review

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Author: Lexi Blake writing as Sophie Oak

Publication Date:  7 August 2018

Publisher: DLZ Entertainment

Series:  Nights in Bliss, book 3

Genre:  

Age Recommendation: 

Rating: 

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Stefan Talbot likes order and control. He approaches his life with the same meticulous precision that he uses to put paint on his canvas. Nothing good comes from chaos, and that is why he has refused to allow himself to get close to Jennifer Waters. They are like fire and ice. Though she is younger, her talent as an artist is unquestionable. But she lives her life like she paints—with wild, passionate abandon. It is intoxicating and terrifying, and he can’t get her out of his head.

Jennifer ran from Bliss to put Stef behind her. She had come to the mountain town seeking a mentor but found much more than she bargained for. Cool and distant, Stef was like a marble statue and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break through his shell. She moved to Dallas to start over, but nothing is going as planned. When the art gallery where she works is robbed and a precious painting is stolen, Jen is accused of the theft. Jen is thrilled when her bail is met, until she realizes her savior is Stef and he has a few conditions. First and foremost, she has to return to Bliss.

Against the backdrop of the Winter Festival, Stef and Jen’s attraction catches fire. But the dark forces behind the robbery in Dallas have followed Jen home. A criminal syndicate believes she still has the stolen painting and they’ll kill to get their hands on it.

     

My Review:

I just fall harder and harder with each of these books that Lexi Blake re-releases from her Sophie Oak days.  I wish in a way that I had found these sooner so I could have enjoyed them before we knew it was Lexi under Sophie's pen name and then reading them again with the little tweaks that Lexi gives each book.  

I was really happy to get to Stef's book.  He's been such a major fixture in all the Night's in Bliss stories, what with being the town proclaimed 'King' of Bliss.  Stef controls every aspect of his life and his life revolves around the town of Bliss, his happiness revolves around the town of Bliss so he controls Bliss (don't think tyrant or dictator just a man in control, in need of control.) and the people who live there with him.  He has the means to take care of his little town and he doesn't hesitate to do it.   He is exactly the person that I expected him to be, though a little more broken.  Luckily he has a woman who refuses to give up on him and teaches him that love doesn't have to be shown by using 'giving' your cash, but by giving your heart.  

I will say that the back and forth between Jennifer and Stefan did get a little frustrating there for a bit but once you know the whole story it is easier to understand and accept and the moments when they are together and not worried about the world around them are the best moments.  I loved that Stefan does what he feels he needs to do no matter when or where it happens.  I so enjoyed meeting Stef's dad and I would love (and maybe it happens and I just don't know it yet) to get a book for him with more back story.  I was ENTHRALLED with Alexei!  Honestly, he took over the story just a little bit, he's such a compelling character.  I am THRILLED to know that we will be getting his story.  

This is another wonderful addition to the series and is a total 'wet your appetite' book getting you ready for more of Bliss.  One thing, all these books can be read as standalones, though it's nice to meet each character as they are introduced but totally not necessary.  So jump on in where ever you want and just enjoy the fun of Bliss!  

~ HAPPY READING ~

Excerpt:

Stef turned back to Jen. “Let’s move, Jennifer. I have a plane ready. We need to be at Love Field in an hour. I have an officer waiting to process you out.” Jen’s head whirled. “Plane?” “Yes, plane. We’re going back to Bliss.” “No way.” Cool, gray eyes slitted, and she could practically feel the will rolling off him. Stef was tense, and she knew it was a bad idea to push him, but she couldn’t help it. “I’m serious, Stef. I’m not going anywhere with you.” She couldn’t go back to Bliss. Panic threatened to swamp her. He was here. He was right here in front of her, and her heart didn’t give a damn that he was a bastard. For the first time in months, she felt desire for something besides her art. She couldn’t, wouldn’t, go down that path again. He got into her space, a move he’d perfected seemingly long before he met her. She held her ground. Even though he didn’t touch her physically, he seemed to surround her. Suddenly her whole world was Stef, his gray eyes, the heat of his body, his masculine, clean scent. He filled her every sense. “I’m not going home with you.” She forced herself to say the words. His lips hitched up. “At least you admit Bliss is your home.” That wasn’t what she’d meant. Bliss, Colorado, had felt like home when she’d been there, but she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bliss wasn’t big enough for the two of them. “It’s your home. Hell, Stef, it’s your little kingdom, and you like to play the king, don’t you?” “Yes, because everyone does what I say.” Stef’s low growl made her breath speed up. “Everyone in Bliss bows down to me. Have you been gone for so long that you forget Max regularly kicks my ass? And Nell and Henry are currently protesting my gardening practices.” He was too close for comfort. She gave in and took a step back. She could see plainly that he was satisfied with her discomfort. “Don’t try to play the poor rich boy with me. You’re a puppet master. You like to pull the strings and see how people dance. Well, I’m not in your kingdom anymore, and there’s no way you can get me there again. So you can take your money and go back to Colorado.” It was stupid. Even as she said the words, she wanted to take them back. She’d spent the last twenty-four hours terrified in a jail cell. She would have to be the stupidest woman in the world to turn him down, but she’d never thought around Stef. Since the moment she’d met him, she’d been a quivering mass of emotion and desire every time he entered a room. “Stubborn thing. I’ll make it easy on you.” His hands caught hers, and before she could think she felt cold metal surrounding her wrists. He flicked the cuffs on with the cool precision of a man who often cuffed the women in his life. “What are you doing?” She stared at her hands. At least this time they were in front of her. She preferred it that way. Damn, her life had taken a wrong turn when she could compare and contrast her experiences with men who handcuffed her. “Taking you home, Jennifer. Whether you like it or not.” He leaned down and picked her up. She was in his arms, nestled close to his chest. She looked up at the square, inflexible line of his jaw. His arms tightened around her, and she was caged more closely than she’d been in the holding cell. She had the suspicion that this time Stef would be harder to escape from than before. He kicked open the door and started down the hall. Yep, like it or not, she was going back to Bliss.  

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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Away From Me by Lexi Blake (writing as Sophie Oak) - Release Day

    

 

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Author: Lexi Blake, writing as Sophie Oak

Publication Date:  6 February 2018

Publisher: DLZ Entertainment

Series:  StandAlone

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, BDSM

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 4 stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Re-released in a second edition with updates. 

 Shattered by the loss of his wife, Callum Reed is a man surrounded by rules designed to protect him. He rebuilds his life with careful discipline, but can’t deny what he feels when he meets the lovely Gabrielle Sullivan. She’s everything he wants in a woman, but he views all relationships as contractual. Despite her misgivings, Gaby signs his contract and becomes his perfect partner. Until the night she breaks his cardinal rule. After three years of perfect obedience, Gaby declares she wants love and she isn’t settling for less. Love isn’t in their contract, so Cal lets her go. But Gaby has a secret reason for leaving. When Cal discovers the truth, nothing will stop him from following her. On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect husband for his defiant love.            

      

My Review:

This was an enjoyable quick read.  It was also rather emotional, something I wasn't quite as prepared for as I should have been *wipes away tears*.  This is only the 3rd book ( the first two being the Texas Siren series) from Sophie Oak (AKA Lexi Blake) that I have read and while it was more emotionally challenging to read it definitely has the feel of Lexi Blake to it.  I especially loved that since she has brought these books back into print she has added some moments with our favorite Masters and Mercenaries characters or in places that we are familiar with from their stories.

Away From Me is a beautifully told story about learning to love again and finding your way back.  It is about accepting your failings and discovering that you are more than your outside appearance.  Because this is a short novella length story, I don't want to give to much away.  I will say that there is a lot both of these main characters have to go through to learn how to accept, forgive, and love.  There is one character in particular that I absolutely despised and one of my beef's with the book in general is that I never fully understand where she is coming from, this being Gaby's best friend.  I love that we get the closure we do between our two main characters, as we should, but I felt really left hanging with the rest of the books characters.

Both Callum and Gaby have fault in how this story plays out.  Callum for being quite the jerk and for simply being scared and Gaby for not being truthful, to either Callum or their friends.  I was actually quite put out with how she allowed things to play out and had a little more trouble forgiving her never correcting false assumptions then I did Callum being a jerk, honestly to me most of his problem was plain thoughtlessness.  Yes she had a lot going on, her would got turned completely upside down but to allow others to believe a falsehood such as that is a pretty huge deal.  I loved seeing Callum grovel though, ha, and he deserved to need to.  There was no excuse for quite a bit of his behavior and he did need to be 'brought to the light' so good on Gaby for forcing his hand.

Like I said this is a novella so it is a quick read but Lexi gives us a big punch in those pages.  Bring your tissue, a good bottle of what ever your drinking choice is and settle in for a emotional, sometimes frustrating, but beautiful, and steamy read!  If you are a fan of Lexi Blake you will totally enjoy this book, same if she's new to you but you are looking for a quick read with a lot fo heart and some *eyebrow waggle* sexy times. ;-)

~ HAPPY READING ~

Excerpt:

“Hello, Cal,” she said evenly. “How are you?” He looked her up and down, his dark blue eyes showing absolutely no expression. Those eyes assessed her, roaming every inch of her body in a decidedly clinical fashion. “I’ve been perfectly fine, Gabrielle. How have you been?” His hand was suddenly on her elbow. Her skin tingled where he touched her. He didn’t pull at her, merely squeezed gently, and she let him lead her. Yes, that was a force of habit, too, but perhaps her Irish friend was right. If they had any hopes of being comfortable around each other, they had to talk. They began walking slowly away from the pool. “I’m well.” That could have come out a little stronger. She sounded like a scared rabbit and that wasn’t at all the impression she wanted to make on Cal. “That’s nice.” Naturally, his voice sounded perfectly even. He could be negotiating a deal rather than talking to an old lover. “From the evil glances I’m getting from some very old friends, I would think I had tried to kill you.” “I’m sorry, what?” This wasn’t the way she’d expected their first meeting to go. She’d kind of avoided thinking about it. His jaw went tight. “I’m talking about all my friends looking at me like I’m some kind of criminal. I’ll admit I haven’t exactly been social lately, but I didn’t expect to walk into a party and find myself completely unwelcome. The only thing that’s changed is the status of our relationship, so I’m wondering what’s been said about me.” Damn Heather and her big mouth. It was supposed to be a secret. She smiled brightly and slipped her arm through Cal’s. Yes, she needed to handle this. She’d never intended to make anyone hate Cal. He simply hadn’t been able to love her. She had no interest in the two of them becoming a focus of gossip. If she seemed comfortable with her ex-lover, perhaps the other guests wouldn’t talk about them. She tried to look nonchalant. “I have no idea why. I haven’t seen any of these people since I left town ten months ago. Maybe it’s me they’re wary of.” “I doubt that, pet,” Cal said, all silky and smooth. His voice had a direct line to her soft parts. “Even my oldest friend seems to have turned on me. Greg barely spoke to me this evening. His friendliest words were to tell me to leave you alone. I swear, Gabrielle, if he didn’t need me to broker his deals, he might not talk to me at all. Now I wonder why that is.” Gaby flushed, guilt flooding her system. She truly hadn’t meant to hurt him, but she didn’t want to rehash the end of their relationship. She’d kept the secret this long. There was no reason he should know about it now. “I don’t know. I have never spoken to Greg about us.” “I’m sure Heather talks enough.” Gaby felt her heels sink into the grass as they left the deck. The evening grew darker as the lights from the torches got further away. The gazebo in the distance seemed to be Cal’s destination. She followed willingly. If they were going to talk, it was best to do it in private. “I can’t control Heather’s mouth. That’s supposed to be Greg’s job. He’s her husband, after all.” Cal helped her up the gazebo’s steps. He was always solicitous. It was one of the first things to attract her. He was a Dom of the first order. Gaby had been looking for someone like Callum since the day she realized there was a whole world out there for people like her. She’d gone through a couple of men who claimed to be Doms but really just used it as an excuse to be selfish. A real Dominant was someone like Cal, who always took care of her, even if he didn’t love her. “Well, as it was pointed out to me recently, a Dom only has as much control as his sub allows him.” His deep blue eyes were almost black in the moonlight and there were lines around them that hadn’t been there before. There was a weariness to his frame that called to her. She fought the urge to smooth down his tie and snuggle in his arms. He wasn’t hers to take care of anymore. He turned to her. “So what have you been up to since you left?” Her hand unconsciously went to her breast, thinking of the pain that centered there. “This and that.” He leaned back, staring at her as though trying to decide something. “I never could figure you out, Gabrielle. I didn’t know if you were simply content to be kept or if there was some ambition lurking under the placid surface.” The darkness was a welcome ally as she felt herself flush. If they’d been under even the soft lights of the party, he would have known how much that hurt. “Well, you weren’t interested in my ambitions.” He shrugged. “I just wondered what you did all day.” Her laugh was bitter and without an ounce of humor. “I ate bonbons and watched soaps. I counted the hours until you got home.” She turned away from him and looked out over the yard. In the distance, her friends mingled and laughed. She still seemed so far away from them. Maybe she would always seem far away now. Distance had given her some perspective, especially when it came to her old Dom. “You weren’t interested in who I was as a person, Callum. You were interested in who I was as a sub. My submissive self was docile and sweet. That was what mattered to you. I didn’t ask questions or make demands. It was a D/s relationship. It wasn’t a love affair.” She knew the difference now. His fingers ran across the exposed skin of her shoulders and she held on to the railing of the gazebo. The spaghetti straps that held her dress up offered little protection against his gentle assault. She shivered at the touch. “And you don’t want that anymore, do you? You don’t want a man to dominate you? You don’t want a man to take charge?” Oh, there were certainly parts of her that did. His hands ran down to her waist, settling on her hips. Push him away. Do it now or this is going to go poorly. You are not capable of handling this. But she’d waited too long. When he pressed his groin against her backside, she could feel the hard ridge of his erection, and she knew she wasn’t going to walk away. It was only sex. Sex with Callum had been mind-blowingly good. There wasn’t any reason she couldn’t enjoy it again as long as she held herself apart. It had been so long. And tomorrow morning, she would be on a flight back to her island, where she was surrounded by gorgeous men she couldn’t fuck because they were either an employee or a guest. She was starting over. Shouldn’t she honor her past with one last nice night? Yeah, her girl parts were super stupid and they were firmly in control. Cal pressed his hard dick against her and her brain no longer mattered. That dick had been the best she’d ever had and her whole body reacted. It was like her body knew what it had been through in the last ten months and was demanding payment. That big, hard dick was payment for all the pain. She could handle it. Hell, after what she’d been through, she could handle anything.    

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ WEBSITE ~ AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Small Town Siren by Sophie Oak (Lexi Blake) - Review

   

 

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Author: Sophie Oak, A.K.A. Leki Blake

Publication Date:  9 January 2018, second edition

Publisher: DLZ Entertainment

Series:  Texas Sirens, book 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, MFM 

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Re-released in a second edition with a prologue and three new chapters. 

Two cowboys looking for love… 

Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood met in foster care. Over the years, they’ve become best friends and partners. They share a business as cattle ranchers and a house. There’s only one thing missing: a woman to share. The men are sure they’ve found that woman when Abigail Moore arrives in their small town, Willow Fork, TX. 

A woman trying to find her place in the world… 

Abby left her hometown twenty years before under a cloud of scandal. She’s raised a daughter, forged a new life for herself, and is ready for the next phase when she meets the handsome cowboys. 

One small town that’s ready to explode…

They’re a dream come true—Jack is the sexy Dom, and Sam the playful lover. It’s everything she’s ever fantasized about. There’s only one problem. She’s still not welcome in Willow Fork, and someone is willing to kill to keep her away.    

     

My Review:

First let me say that if you have seen the original cover for the series you will know how awesome the new cover is.  I love it's simplicity and the tie in to the series so much better than that original cover.  That being said I can't put any of that on the author as they rarely have a choice in their cover art, so it gives nothing and takes nothing away from my rating of the book itself, I just want to make a note of saying how much better this cover is and I am thankful that Sophie (just going to call her Lexi from here on out due to habit) and her publicist took the time to revamp it as well.  

Second, I have read a lot of Lexi Blake books and I had no idea that she had this other pen name or books until I stumbled upon a hint of it is her last book, Master Bits and Mercenary Bites.  It's like a whole new world opened up and angels sand the song of Menage to me and I rejoiced.  I am doubly thankful that Lexi Blake was able to get the rights to this series returned to her so she could put it back out into the world, bigger and better than ever.  

So, onto the book.  This was just an all around fun read.  I loved the bits of drama, and I am not a drama fan normally.  I do not like angst in my reads, but that was what was great about this read, while there was drama it was pretty much angst free.  I didn't want to throw my kindle or scream obscenities...okay well, that part might not be true, there is one woman I would have like to given a good shake and a few foul words, but it wasn't anything that made my heart hurt (in that negative kind of way) or my anger to flare.  

The characters are wonderful.  I adored Abby.  She was strong in the face of fear and hatred.  She was understanding and compassionate when the same was never given to her.  She was loving and fearless, though she had every reason to grow hard and cold hearted.  She is just an amazing heroine who has absolutely no trouble standing on her own and doing what it takes to take care of herself and those that she loves and calls family, but she is also (with a little push perhaps) willing to see that those that truly love her should also be given the opportunity to care for her in return.  She is a bit older than the heroes and while it is mentioned a few times it is never much of a big deal and for the majority of the book I honestly forget that there is supposed to be an age difference.  

Sam, what a character.  I loved him, I think it would be hard for anyone not to love him.  He is sweet, kind, a bit of a horn dog, a tad guileless, a fun character to be around, and one of the biggest hearted Heroes I have had the pleasure of 'meeting' in a long time.  Sam goes in heart first and when he does e does it big, but thank goodness he has Jack at his back to temper his spirit a little and to pull  Sam back in when he goes to dive into the deep end with all his clothes on and head first.  

Jack is the strong broody hero that I adore in my books.  He has a lot of baggage that he keeps locked down tight, too afraid to let someone truly love him until he's built a wall so high around his heart that it takes a wreaking ball ( you're singing it, I'm signing it...why do we do this to ourselves? haha) to eventually tear them down.  Luckily for Jack he has his best friend, the one he's constantly trying to tame at his back to keep life in Jack's eyes and to show him that it's okay to be loved, and it's okay to let your heart bleed a little for others because despite the pain that might come with loving others, they will also bring you so much joy that the pain is worth it. 

All three of them together are a perfect compliment to one another, they truly round each other out and making a whole.  I loved how Lexi built their relationship and how they worked with one another to make their lives together fit their needs.  I love the little sign of what might be to come with two of the characters, I am curious to see where that goes and if or how it might change the dynamics.  In the end I just loved that these three characters found joy, happiness, and love together and that they don't give one hoot what any one else thinks.  This isn't some hidden secret in the town, I liked that while Jack and Sam weren't out there telling everyone how they chose to live their life they also weren't keeping it this huge secret.  I loved that while I am sure some in town are scratching their heads or giving a bit of side eye, in general Jack, Sam, and Abby's life choices are accepted.  Wouldn't it be nice if that was the way of life for all of us.  That people can just say, welp, it's their life, live and let live and all that.  Anywhoooo, that's another topic for another day, but, thank you Lexi for not making this book about some taboo secret between the couple, but just saying, this is who we are, take us or leave us.

Finally, Sophie Oak is Lexi Blake, do we really need to talk about the steam level in this book, nah, I didn't think so, ha.  Let's just say total swoon worthy moments between these characters.  I loved each an every one, whether it was all three or just two of them, each one was steamy and special.  I know some of you will say 'Eh, its a menage book, it's going to be all about the sex' and I can say that's not true for this book.  Are there more sex scenes than your average Contemporary Romance, yes, but remember this book has to balance a relationship between three people?  Does that make it more about the sex and less about the story?  In this book I don't believe so.  The story of finding yourself and letting those that love you care for you is beautiful.  The story of breaking down the walls surrounding a harden heart, a heart afraid to love is there.  The story of acceptance and finding your own happiness is all there.   Yep, the romance is there in all the glory that Lexi Blake gives us, threads of BDSM, and just plain hot steamy scenes, but there is also a beautiful story woven all around those moments and luckily for us there is more story to come.  I can't wait to see where this couple goes in Siren in the City and I hope you will join in on the journey of Abby, Jack, and Sam.  You won't regret a minute of it.  

~ HAPPY READING ~

Excerpt:

 The door to the women’s room slammed open. Abby practically jumped, ready to beg whoever was walking through to give her some privacy. Jack filled the doorway with his presence. “You can’t come in here, Jack.” She smoothed down her uniform and swept back her hair, trying to retain as much dignity as she could. “Why not, darlin’? I am going to admit that I’m not a man who tends to let things like social conventions keep me out of a place I really want to be in.” Jack walked right up to her. The man really wasn’t big on personal space. Sam walked in and closed the door. He leaned with his back against it. One boot rested negligently against the painted pink door. “Sam, tell him he can’t come into the women’s room.” “You’re the one who chose the venue for this particular conversation, Abigail.” There was nothing vaguely resembling a joke in Jack’s voice now. Abby looked to Sam for help. Sam shook his head. He was grinning like an idiot. “Hell no, honey. You’re gonna have to learn that when Jack gets that hard edge to his voice, he means business. Besides, I’m happy with the way things went. Thank you, baby. You made this so much easier. Jack was talking about dating you and treating you like a lady. That was gonna take forever. It’s much simpler this way.” “What’s simpler?” Abby was unable to keep the trepidation out of her voice. “Taking you home, taking you to bed, and showing you where you belong,” Sam replied with a wink. “Where do I belong?” Abby couldn’t take her eyes off Jack. There was a simple smile on his face that held a wealth of arrogance. He’d been serious. He really had been playing the gentleman. Abby got the feeling she was about to get a full dose of Jack Barnes, and damned if she wasn’t looking forward to it. “Always between me and Sam.” Jack reached out and put his hands on her shoulders, his expression intense. “Tell me you don’t want us, Abby, and I’ll walk away right now. I won’t bother you again.” “Don’t give her ultimatums.” Sam sounded a bit desperate. “I thought we’d give her a taste before we forced her to make a decision. Baby, why don’t you let us play around a little? I promise you’ll want us.” She looked up into Jack’s forest-green eyes. They were very serious as he stared at her. His hand came up to cup her face. He forced her to look at him and Abby felt his will. It should scare the crap out of her, but she found it amazingly sexy. This was a man who would always keep his promises, no matter what it cost him. “She already wants us.” Jack brushed his thumb across her mouth. It was all she could do to not open her mouth and suck his thumb in. “She just needs to admit it. Can you tell me you haven’t spent the last few weeks thinking about this? Thinking about you and me and Sam coming together in bed?” “No,” she said. Jack’s eyes flared, and she felt compelled to continue. “I have thought about it, but I’m scared.” The time for honesty was here. She could run, and they would probably accept her decision. She could give in and enjoy the sex and walk away. Or she could ask for what she wanted. She could be brave and tell them what she needed and what she was scared of. If she did that and it all fell apart, then she would have to forgive herself. She’d learned that one of the great joys of maturing was learning how to forgive herself. “What are you scared of?” A deep crease appeared in Sam’s forehead. He walked up to her and leaned forward. “Honey, we want to take care of you. We don’t want to hurt you.” She felt tears pricking at the edge of her eyes. Everything in her was screaming for that to be true. She wanted them. She craved them. “You could be lying to me. You could want to make me look bad.” She could hear her teenaged self in the statement. She felt every bit as vulnerable as she had then. The last month she’d spent with these two disparately different men had been one of the best of her life. Every evening they’d spent together over the last month had made her want them more. More than once, she’d fantasized about them sweeping into the diner and carrying her away. Lately, when things went wrong, her first thought was to call Jack. Now that her fantasy seemed to be coming true, she didn’t trust fate. Jack’s hands came out and soothingly rubbed the back of her neck. He hadn’t stopped touching her once. “Sweetheart, why would you say something like that? Why would we want to make you look bad?” “Because the Echols family wants me out of town.” Her heart soared when she saw the complete confusion on their faces. They couldn’t make that up. “Are you talking about that crazy old biddy who runs the church socials?” Jack seemed to struggle to place a name with a face. “She always looks at me funny.” “Ruby. That’s her name.” Sam frowned. “She’s real unpleasant to me. Why would we do anything for her? For that matter, why would she care that you’re in town?” Hope swelled inside her. They really weren’t gay, and they really weren’t working for Ruby Echols. If that was true, then she had to assume they wanted her. It suddenly didn’t matter that they were in a bathroom in a public place. She couldn’t wait to feel their mouths pressed to hers. It wasn’t forever. The universe didn’t work that way, but she could have this moment. She could have a few weeks with them. “It doesn’t matter. Kiss me.” “Which one?” Sam asked. Abby continued to smile, looking from gorgeous man to gorgeous man. “It doesn’t matter, but one of you should kiss me.” Jack’s eyes never left her face. “Sam, take care of that door. We wouldn’t want anyone walking in.” Sam cursed and bemoaned his fate, but he walked back and took his previous position. Jack took Abby’s face in both his hands. “I’m completely crazy about you, Abigail Moore.” He leaned over and finally, after what seemed to Abby like a lifetime of wanting, pressed his mouth to hers. Abby felt helpless against the onslaught of desire that rocketed through her as Jack took her mouth. He plundered it, his tongue gently forcing its way in and dancing strongly around hers. She held on to his lean waist for dear life as he slanted over her mouth again and again. He poured his will into her and everything inside her responded. She felt that kiss in her pussy and already she was slick and warm. Jack’s hands reached up and pulled at the band that held up her hair. He set it free and pulled back to look at the mane of auburn locks he’d unleashed. “You’re so fucking gorgeous,” Jack breathed almost reverently as he stroked her hair. In that moment, with Jack’s green eyes looking at her like she was some goddess he was worshipping, Abby felt gorgeous. “Why don’t we take this home, people?” Sam’s voice was tight. Abby looked back at Sam, and his blue eyes were dark with passion. He wanted to go home so he could join in. He wanted to have his turn. The thought should have turned her off, but all it did was get her hotter. Jack’s lips turned up in a lazy smile. “You’ll have to forgive Sam, darlin’. He’s always so impatient. Always has been.” Jack suddenly lifted her up and set her on the counter. He looked back at his friend with great affection. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve told him that anticipation is the best part?” Jack’s hands pushed up the skirt of her uniform. “Anticipation is damn frustrating, Jack. And I’ve been anticipating for weeks,” Sam complained.  




 NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen - Cover Reveal

I am so excited to be helping release the new cover for 

Sarina Bowen's Goodbye Paradise.  

Goodbye Paradise is a M/M Contemporary Romance with the setting of the cult that Zach from Keepsake came from! 

 *whispers, if you haven't started Sarina's True North Series I highly recommend it.  You don't have to have read it for this series, I simply recommend it because it's just darn good!*

  GoodBye Paradise releases 21 March! 

Check it out and get more info below!

GoodReads 

Book Description:

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home. 

In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.

But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord's name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone.

Questions & Answers:

Q. How can readers be sure they didn’t read these books before?

A. The previous edition of Goodbye Paradise was titled In Front of God & Everyone. I had to change the title because the religious overtones of the old title led a few readers to believe that this was a religious book. (Spoiler: it’s not!) To prevent confusion, I've made the book’s description almost identical to the old one. The setting is rather unique, and I doubt that many readers will forget they've read an LGBTQ romance that begins in a cult...

Q. This plot reminds me of Zach’s upbringing in Keepsake. Did Josh & Caleb leave the same cult as Zach?

A. Yes! Same setting, different characters, different story. Zach didn’t trust that he was lovable. Caleb and Josh, on the other hand, are afraid to admit their love. Same origin, different journeys.

Q. Will these books be up for pre-order?

A. Yes—in early to mid March.

Q. And what about Goodreads?

A. The book will be listed at Goodreads. But it’s entirely possible that the fervent Goodreads librarians will lump the new title in with the old one. Or not? Authors can’t really control much of what happens on that platform. But we shall persevere!

Q. What else is in your pipeline?

A. On May 2, Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) will publish! You can always stay up to date with new releases and publicity contacts at www.sarinabowen.com//publication-schedule/

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermont's Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.

In 2016, Sarina became a Rita Award winner! The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

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Steele Brothers Series by Jennifer Probst - Cover Reveals and a Surprise!

Today we are sharing the brand new covers for Jennifer Probst and her Steele Brothers Series. 

This series includes the titles Catch Me, Play Me, and Dare Me, but we have a surprise with this reveal! 

Jennifer has added a new book to the series, Beg Me, that will also be coming soon! 

Check out the details below for all the re-release dates.

 

CATCH ME (Steele Brothers, #1)

Re-releasing October 27th

Book Description:

Rick Steele has avoided relationships since he caught his fiancée cheating, but when his friend refers him to the exclusive agency, FANTA-C to experience the night of his dreams, he's not prepared for his emotional and physical reaction to his date. Tara shows him a raw passion and honesty he’s never encountered. For the first time, Rick wants more than one night, but he needs to catch her first... Tara Denton escaped a brutal past and needs one night with a stranger to get beyond her sexual and emotional limitations. On the brink of recovering her strength and independence, she wants nothing to do with a relationship. But Rick Steele does more than rock her body…he rocks her heart. Tara has to make a choice, but is she ready to get caught?

 

PLAY ME (Steele Brothers, #2)

Re-releasing November 3rd

BookDescription:

Professional gambler Sloane Keller is tired of dating weak willed men and longs to meet a man who challenges her dominant personality and forces her to submit. As the Queen of Cards, she’s used to making her own rules and craves the excitement of Vegas. But her inner heart cries out for someone who can be her match, both inside the casino and in the bedroom. As the new dealer in town, Roman Steele is burnt out on women looking for a quick penny and a man to follow. He craves a woman with fire in her soul and a keen intellect who can challenge him. When his brother recommends the exclusive agency, FANTA-C to give him one perfect night, Rome is amazed at the complicated woman who challenges both his body and soul. But when the evening is over, will she be gutsy enough to offer him forever?

 

DARE ME (Steele Brothers, #3)

Re-releasing November 10th

Book Description:

As a military leader back from the war, and the youngest of his two dominant older brothers, Rafe Steele struggles with a secret. He craves surrender in the bedroom under the controlled hands of a Dominatrix. When his brothers offer him an experience through the exclusive agency, FANTA-C, he jumps at the chance to experience one perfect night. After one experiment, he’s sure he’ll be able to move on. But he never counted on Summer Preston to strip down his walls and make him want more so much more... An elementary school teacher with a girl next door, fresh face, Summer is constantly barraged by men who want to take care of her, but she longs to meet a strong man who can handle her dominant ways in the bedroom. Trapped in her own storybook life, she books a one-night stand to finally experience her fantasy. But she never counted on Rafe Steele to push her boundaries in both the bedroom...and her heart.  

 

BEG ME (Steele Brothers, #4)

Brand New Release - Coming November 17th

Book Description:

Remington Steele comes to Vegas to be with his brothers and try to get over the one woman he's never been able to forget. As childhood sweethearts, she hadn't been able to handle his Dominant tendencies, choosing to run away without a good-bye. But when he's suddenly face to face with Cara Winters, all grown up and finally ready to be his, Remington needs to make his own choice. To leave the past behind forever, or forgive and be with the woman he's always loved? Cara wasn't ready to be the type of woman Remington needed in his life, so she disappeared and broke his heart. But she's changed, and is ready to embrace the woman she always craved to be. She begs him to take her for one night, and Remington finally agrees. Will they get a second chance at love, or are the scars from their past too deep to heal?    

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

AUTHOR LINKS:

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