Rip by Rachel Van Dyken - Review and Excerpt

I am so excited about this book.  I have fallen head over heels for the Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken and this is just another fantastic addition to the group.  It is in fact close to one of my top favorites.  

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes&Noble ~ iBooks

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Publication Date:  20 October, 2015

Publisher: Rachel Van Dyken Enterprises

Series:  Eagle Elite Spin Off, can be read as a standalone

Genre:  Dark Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Age Recommendation: 18 and up

Rating: 5 Stars

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

Book Description:

Pretty things aren't meant to be broken.
But I broke her, and now we both have to pay the price.
I'm her nightmare.
I'm her savior.
And now that I have her signature on an ironclad contract, I own her body and soul.
She doesn't remember me.
She will.
It's inevitable.
Because as much as I know I need to stay away, for fear of unlocking the memories I helped her father bury--I can't.
She was the apple in the Garden, dangled in front of me, her core so tempting and sweet. A voice whispered. Just. One. Bite.
I bit.
I tasted.
I fell.
Welcome to the world of the Russian mafia, where death, is your only future

My Review

Rachel Van Dyken does it for me again.  She has drawn be back into a world that I never thought I would love so much and she's firmly planted my feet there.  

Rip is a pretty quick read, approximately 300 pages, and it is jam packed with goodies.  All the sexy moments you expect out of one of her couples, all the twists and turns you expect from Rachel's wickedly devious mind, and all the good and bad you expect from this crazy mafia family.  

I am not going to say you can't see how it's all going to end, because I don't think Rachel necessarily hides who is and who isn't up to any good, but you will be captivated by all the intricate details that bind together to make this an amazing read.  

I loved the chemistry between Nikolai and Maya.  They are both broken and scarred, so tragically beautiful that you can't help but fall madly in love with them.  What happens when the girl whose mind you erased at the age of 16 becomes yours by contract?  Her father never wants her to remember what she saw that fateful night, her sixteenth birthday, you never want her to know what you did to her...what happens if she remembers?  What happens if she hates you?  What happens if she never remembers?  What happens if she falls in love with you?

You guys are going to want to get comfortable because this book, like many of Rachel's is a wild and intense ride all the way to the end.  Just when you know what is going on you realize you never had a clue.  Pieces are falling all around you and your brain will scramble to put them all together and then you turn that last page and *BOOM* What the Actual F*&^, your answers are all right there and they are so much worse and so much better than you ever imagined.  I would love to live inside Rachel's brain for one day....I doubt the normal person could handle much more than that with out loosing their own minds.  I imagine she must laugh maniacally at her thoughts all day long!  

Our Eagle Elite family makes apperances in Rip, my Tex is better and badder than ever!  I loved that we get glimpses back to see how every one is doing these days, particularly Phoenix and especially our beautiful sad 'boy' Sergio...I am ready to cry for him all over again.  Can I have him please Rachel, (since Tex is no longer available, damn you Mo Abandanato!) he needs an HEA as much as it hurts to say that.  One of my favorite things about this group of ruthless killers and sexy men and women is their bond with one another, their compassion, no matter how brutal they can be even to the ones they love...their compassion for their little ragtag family is always at the crux of every decision they make and I love them for it.  

And can we take a minute to talk about the cover of Rip, just one quick minute.  Rachel always has amazing covers, (for example Tex's cover...if I can ever find a poster of that one it will hang proudly in my office so I can look at it daily) but this cover...well, the cover model, yeah, him...that is Rachel's husband!  And that is all I am going to say about that!  *grins*

This is a fantastic addition to Rachel's mafia world.  It is a stand-alone, but has ties to Eagle Elite.  You do not have to have read Eagle Elite to read this, but 1. you know how I feel about books that play off other books...I think reading them all in order is the best way to go.  It gives you the full effect.  2. You don't want to spoil anything and even though they aren't huge spoilers there are some, just keep that in mind if you plan to go back and read Eagle Elite.  Finally 3.  Eagle Elite is so worth reading, so just do it! :-)  This is a fantastic book for any Crime, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Dark Romance, Mafia, Contemporary Romance fan....it is just that good!

~ HAPPY READING ~

EXCERPT

“You are your father’s daughter.” His lips curved into a delicious smile, “You resemble each other, not in looks, but definitely in attitude.” His gaze was unapologetic as he tilted his head and started raking his eyes from my feet up my legs until finally settling on my face. I clenched my legs together tightly and forced a smile.

“If you don’t mind, Mr. Blazik, I’d really like to get on with the interview, I know your time is precious.”

As was mine, I wanted to stress, but didn’t, just barely restraining myself and clenching my teeth to keep from giving him a much-needed verbal lashing.

“I blocked out my entire day.”

Did he want applause? “Right, well, I assure you I can be fast.”

His dark laugh had me shivering and wanting to lean forward all at once. Men that good looking shouldn’t be blessed with chuckles like that—a freaking sirens call that’s what it was.

“Amazing… You truly don’t know why you’re here, do you?”

How many times did I need to repeat myself and why was I getting the sudden impression that the guy was on some seriously hard drugs? I looked closer; didn’t pinpoint pupils mean he was high or something?

“I assure you I’m not drunk, nor high, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He chuckled again and rubbed his hands together. “Though the idea does have merit, all things considering.” A muscle clenched in his jaw.

Oh good, so he was a doctor who liked drugs and had more money than God. That should go over well for addiction problems.

I scooted back against the leather and clicked my pen for, oh, I don’t know, the tenth time. “If you aren’t going to answer my questions, I should probably go.”

“You won’t be going anywhere,” he said in a quiet voice. “And for that I’m truly sorry.” His eyes met mine, and they seemed… apologetic.

“Pardon?” Was he threatening me? Warning bells went off in my head as adrenaline shot through my system.

“Your father…” He tilted his head. “He owes me a debt… of gratitude… I asked for something irreplaceable, something that’s been owed to me for a very long time.”

My stomach sank as my heart started hammering against my chest.

“What exactly did my father give you?” I choked out, hating that I probably knew the answer, because my father was ruthless, he was a business man after all, and he never backed out of a deal. It was business over family and our business was darkness itself, horrible, something I blocked out because it made me feel better when I woke up in the morning and fell asleep at night.

“Well…” Mr. Blazik stood. “I thought that would be obvious.” He turned his back to me and walked over to his desk then pressed a button causing blinds to creep down all the windows. When he turned, the room was already starting to blanket in darkness, making it so that his teeth practically glowed. “He gave me you.”

THE EAGLE ELITE SERIES

(Click the link for the series that started it all)

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!

Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ GoodReads ~ Newsletter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

The Fulfillment by Erin Rhew - Review and Giveaway

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble

Author: Erin Rhew

Publication Date:  15 October, 2015

Publisher: Book Fish LLC

Series:  The Fulfillment Series, book 3 (final book)

Genre:  YA Fantasy Romance
Age Recommendation: 16 and up

Rating: 5 Stars

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

Book Description:

Layla’s world tumbles out of control when she discovers the truth of her parentage and realizes the Prophecy—the one she upended her entire life to defend—is incomplete. When her new friends share the entire Prophecy, the revelations contained within it alter her destiny and challenge everything she and Wil believe in. Now, she must confront the Outlander queen to save the Ethereal kingdom while grappling with this new reality.

Tortured and imprisoned, Nash accepts his fate and offers the First Ones the one thing he has left to give: his life. In a desperate attempt to save the people he loves most, he surrenders himself to the Outlander queen and a destiny darker than he could have ever dreamed possible.

Wil, tormented by the consequences of his choices, realizes he may never be able to uphold his end of the Prophecy. His mistake casts a deep, foreboding shadow over his kingdom and those he loves, while its ripples threaten to shatter both the Prophecy and everything he and his family have sworn to protect.

In this epic conclusion, lives are lost, kingdoms clash, friendships are tested, and love and fate collide.

My Review:

This is one of those books that tears you apart piece by piece but still manages to leave you whole and hale by the end.  It is an emotional journey, you are going to gasp, cry (both sad and happy tears), cheer, and wish that it didn't have to end.  I have thoroughly enjoyed going along on this journey with Layla and the gang.

The Fulfillment picks up right where The Prophecy leaves off...we are thrust back into a world that is being torn apart and into the lives of the 'mere' children who are determined to save it.  They are being beaten down on all sides by an evil queen, a false king, and a religious zealot who strayed too far from his path a long time ago.  Their only guide a incomplete prophecy that they can't seem to unravel.  

The worlds that Erin Rhew created are magical and vivid and I would love to see them come to life on the big screen, but it is her characters that stole my heart.  

The strength of conviction in each of her characters had me both beaming in pride and wanting to shout at them just to let go...to let what WILl (ahem) happen be.  Layla, Grant, Samson, Wil, Nash, Vespa, and yes even Mia become an extended part of your family through this series and particularly this book.  Erin's characters are so well developed that you know them on such a deep level that it is impossible not to hurt when they hurt and smile when they are happy.  This is why even though the book leaves you completely satisfied with it's ending I say you don't want it to end.  You don't want to lose your connection to these amazing characters, they have settled themselves on your heart through three books and letting go while 'fulfilling' (seriously no pun intended) is also heartbreaking.  

Even the villains pull you in and while you may truly hate them you can't help but like how well...villainous they are.  Erin pulls no punches, her wicked characters are just as evil as her heroes are heroic, you will despise them as much as you love everyone else and that makes for a perfect balance.  There is very little, maybe they aren't as bad as we think or the desire to see the bad redeem themselves...no, they are evil and evil must be vanquished!

Then because you know, why put these kids through anything more.... there is love.  Love is at the crux of it all.  Who will Layla choose, should the question even have to be asked? What about Mia, how does she affect things (in a huge way, HUGE I tell you!), can Vespa and Grant stay strong together, what about our beloved goof Samson. Can the love of brothers and sisters stay strong or will they be torn apart by the difference that make them who they are?  Decisions come to a head, heartbreak can't be avoided (and I warn you now, your heart will break, be ready), lives will never be the same, but love...love will be found and your broken heart will mend even if it will ache a little ever after.

There aren't many things that can be said about the storyline because discoveries are made on every page.  Every action and reaction build the story to its ultimate (and perfectly executed) conclusion.  I worried because I couldn't see the end.  I couldn't see how Erin would make everything right and while things happen that you wish hadn't it is easy to see as you take a deep breath and turn the last page that this is the way it all had to end.  There was never any other option, some sad has to be blended with the happy.  With your smile tears must come, but peace is there.

I highly recommend this series to any fan of the Fantasy genre and do not let it's YA status keep you from reading.  I don't even know that calling it a YA is the right thing to do, because yes while it can be read by teen (older) readers, it is truly a fantasy series that will please any age from around 16 and up in my opinion.  This in the end is simply a beautiful story about love, friendship, conviction, honesty, survival.  This is a coming of age tale, it was wonderful to watch these characters grow into amazing people and leaders.  These characters shout that by believing in yourself and believing in the people you love you can accomplish anything..all you have to do is try!

  

~ HAPPY READING ~

Erin Rhew is an editor, a running coach, and the author of The Fulfillment Series. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police."

A Southern girl by blood and birth, Erin now lives in a rainy pocket of the Pacific Northwest with the amazingly talented (and totally handsome) writer Deek Rhew and their “overly fluffy,” patient-as-a-saint writing assistant, a tabby cat named Trinity. She and Deek enjoy reading aloud to one another, running, lifting, boxing, eating chocolate, and writing side-by-side.

Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peddler's Road by Matthew Cody - A Mom Monday Guest Post

MOM MONDAY

I am so excited to share this guest post from Matthew Cody, author of The Peddler's Road a Middle Grade read based of the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.  

Thank you Matthew for taking a bit of time out of your day to answer my questions...I can't wait to read this story with my girls!  

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBook ~

 The Book Depository

Book Description:

It is said that in the thirteenth century, in a village called Hamelin, a piper lured all of the children away with his magical flute, and none of them were ever seen again.

Today tough, pink-haired Max and her little brother, Carter, are stuck in modern-day Hamelin with their father . . . until they are also led away by the Piper to a place called the Summer Isle. There they meet the original stolen children, who haven’t aged a day and who have formed their own village, vigilantly guarded from the many nightmarish beings that roam the land.

No one knows why the Piper stole them, but Max and Carter’s appearance may be the key to returning the lost children of Hamelin—and to going home themselves. But to discover the secrets of the Piper, Max and Carter will have to set out on a mysterious quest down the dangerous Peddler’s Road.

1. Since the story is based off of the Pied Piper of Hamelin I was curious to know when you first came across this story, was it as a child or an adult and what drew you to it so much so that you decided to write an adaptation?

I honestly can’t remember when I first heard the story, but I think it’s always been special to me because it’s the fairy tale without a happy ending. Spoilers here, but in the original tale the Pied Piper steals away the children of Hamelin and that’s that. No brave princesses or heroic farm boys coming to the rescue. The Piper just leads the children away into a mountain never to be seen again. It’s a darkly ambiguous ending that obviously stuck with me.

And the other reason why I’m so fascinated with this tale has to do with the real life town of Hamelin. I’ve talked about this before, but it’s just so creepy that I want to tell everyone I meet! In Hamelin, Germany there is a piece of the old town wall that roughly translated reads, “This wall was built in 1556, 272 years after the magician stole 130 children away.”

I mean, come on! It gives you goose bumps, doesn’t it? Suddenly the fairy tale becomes a mystery. The moment I read about it I just knew that I would write about it. It percolated in my brain for a few years until I had enough of an idea to begin the Secrets of the Pied Piper series.

2. Did you find this adaptation to be more difficult to write than your previous two books?

Well, this is actually my sixth book all told, but yes it was pretty difficult (you’d think it would get easier!). It was challenging because that rather than being a straight adaptation, or reimaging of the Pied Piper of Hamelin story, The Secrets of the Pied Piper series presents the original tale pretty much as it’s been told, but then uses it as a jumping off point. So we begin with the premise that the tale was factually true. The Pied Piper did steal away 130 children from Hamelin in the year 1284, but why did he take them and where did they go? Our heroes, Max and her brother Carter, learn the answers to those questions only to discover that there’s a whole lot more to the story than we’ve been told, and that their own lives are hopelessly intertwined with the truth.

3. Loyalty is a strong theme in your previous books and I wondered if that is a theme that you found yourself carrying though into this story and more importantly what you are hoping readers will take away from the 'adventure' that Max and Carter find themselves on?

I agree that loyalty is a strong theme in literature for younger readers, my own work included. Most people think about things like loyalty and responsibility as more mature, grown up themes – work, parenthood, etc. But childhood and young adulthood are filled with conflicting loyalties and responsibilities. There’s the loyalty to friends and family, the responsibility to watch out for younger siblings. And I think most interesting of all, there’s the question when you are young of where do your own moral loyalties lie? Young people are still choosing what kind of person they are going to be and there’s a lot of soul searching that goes along with that. Great stuff for drama, and even better when you add magic and a few monsters into the mix!

In the end, I hope that readers will see a little of themselves in Max and Carter. I can confidently say that my very astute readers won’t be facing witches, ghosts, and hangman trees anytime soon, but I still think there’s something to be learned in sharing Max and Carter’s adventures. Safely, of course, in the comfort of one’s own best reading spot!

Originally from the Midwest, Matthew Cody now lives in New York City with his wife and son. When not writing books or goofing off with his family, he teaches creative writing to kids of all ages.

Website ~ Twitter

Make Sure to stop by the other fabulous blogs on the tour to see what they have in store:

Week 1:

10/19 - Reads All the Books 

10/20 - On Starships & Dragon Wings 

10/21 - Such A Novel Idea 

10/22 - Lili's Reflections 

10/23 - The Cover Contessa 

Week 2:

10/26 - Bookiemoji 

10/27 - I Turn the Pages 

10/28 - The Book Cellar 

10/29 - Swoony Boys Podcast 

10/30 - Alexa Loves Books

The Collectors' Society Encyclopedia by Heather Lyons - Release Day Launch

I am so excited to share Heather Lyons' THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY ENCYCLOPEDIA with you today!

 THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY ENCYCLOPEDIA is a compendium to the Collectors' Society Series and includes a wide range of character stories, facts and little known tidbits.

It’s a must for the true collector in all of us. 

The books in The Collectors’ Society Series are Adult Romantic Fairy Tales, full of adventure and fantasy.

 

Amazon ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

Book Description:

CLASSIFIED MATERIAL

If you are reading this dossier, you have been granted Level Three clearance within the Collectors’ Society. Included in these pages are snippets from multiple key agent files as well as those on persons of interest. Please keep in mind that this compendium is considered highly sensitive and is illegal to share with anyone outside of your clearance. It is not to be removed from the Institute.

 Happy reading!

 —The Librarian

For those previously introduced to the mysterious Collectors’ Society and its mission, eager to discover more, The Collectors’ Society Encyclopedia is the perfect full-color companion piece to the series. Within are detailed entries elaborating upon various agents and employees as well as key villains suspected of targeting and destroying Timelines. Backstories, relationships, secrets, and clues are revealed alongside a thorough bibliography of important Timelines and their designations. Profiles are also included of the Institute in New York City as well as Wonderland. Society fans and lovers of classic literature will undoubtedly delight in unraveling the secrets that lay within these pages.

     

And don’t miss the first three books in Heather Lyon’s The Collector’s Society Series…

THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

 

THE HIDDEN LIBRARY

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

 

THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo

  About Heather Lyons: Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.    

    

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Author Goodreads ~ Encyclopedia Goodreads

   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thirty Nights by Ani Keating - Excerpt and Teasers

On November 17^th, Thirty Nights by Ani Keating will be releasing from Samhain Press. 

Today Ani is sharing some great advance praise and teasers!

   

Samhain ~ Amazon ~ iTunes ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo

Book Description:

Thirty nights. Two hearts. One fate. American Beauty, Book 1 After her parents’ tragic deaths, Elisa Snow wanted nothing more than to escape her past. Eighteen and alone, she fled her quaint English village and moved to the United States. A starving science student by day and an artist’s muse by night, Elisa has slowly built a new life. She never dreamed she would lose everything again. She’s one week from graduation when her visa is unexpectedly denied. Given thirty days to leave the country, she must face the one thing she cannot survive again—saying goodbye and leaving her home. Yet within minutes of her world shattering, she meets a man with the power to piece it back together. After finishing his tour of duty in Iraq, Aiden Hale traded battlefields for boardrooms, becoming one of the most successful venture capitalists in the nation. But all his wealth can’t buy him reprieve from the horrific memories of war. The only thing that gives him peace is a painting of Elisa. Drawn together by their invisible wounds, they begin a passionate affair as they race against the clock to defy their pasts—and fight for their future. 

Earlier versions of this book were posted on the author’s blog under the titles of The Master’s Muse and 30 Nights of Snow, using the pen name Ani Surnois, and has since been extensively edited.

 

  

  Exclusive Excerpt:

The light of his bedroom is muted. No sound but the night and my loud breathing. He is close, very close. I smell sandalwood. Cinnamon.  Aiden. I see nothing but him. And he has turned part beast, part man. The molten blue of his eyes stirs, melts, whirlpools, freezes and revives all over again, in some inner battle.   He caresses my cheek with the backs of his fingers, along my jawline, until he reaches my lips. He traces my lower lip with his thumb and the edge of his nail scrapes my skin lightly, back and forth, back and forth. My eyes close, my head lolls to the side. Then, both his hands frame my face. 

 “Open your eyes,” he whispers. I do, but my eyelids are heavy. 

 “Elisa, have you done this before?” 

His voice is low, almost part of the night. I can only shake my head.

 “La virgen,” he mouths. “Are you sure you want this?” 

 This, yes. What’s coming later, no. I nod. Apparently the powers of speech have deserted His lips hover over mine. I feel his hot breath on my mouth. 

 “I should stop you, but I won’t. Because every day, every hour—awake or asleep —since I saw your first painting, you have haunted me.” His voice is on a tight leash, and the fire in his eyes rages brighter. One of his hands leaves my face and splays at the small of my back. He presses me against his body. Hardened, coiled. For me. He brings his mouth to my ear. “I think it’s time I haunt you back.”   

  Advance Praise: “. . . [R]efreshing to discover a strong female protagonist, unwilling to compromise her morals and integrity for anyone, even her true love. . . I will be waiting patiently and excitedly for Book 2.”   “…Outstanding! Second to none! I consider myself very lucky to have found your story. I am so there for [sequel]!”   “I could pick out your writing anywhere, anytime and any place because you write like no other! Your style is incredibly unique and creative and rarely matched in this arena. I have several favorite authors, all incredibly talented, of which you are one. Your style certainly sets you apart.”   “. . . a must-read so good, that it is dangerous. . .”   “… This story is rich, pure, and a complete work of art on its own. . .”   “I want to read whatever you write forever. I couldn't put this down, but found myself slowing my pace to make it last longer, knowing it was soon coming to an end. I love [what] you've done with your characters, who they are, who they'll be. I would buy 100 advance copies of your book if it meant I wouldn't have to wait to read part 2!”   “I have felt a strong connection with this story from the very start, and it has been a one-of-a-kind experience watching it grow into the phenomenon that it is today. Thank you so much for this incredible ride. . . One day when your book becomes an international bestseller, I will look back and fondly remember that I was there when it all began :-)”   “. . . You have given me and many others a voice. . .”   “What you have created here is nothing short of brilliance! Seriously, there is none other like it... You cover subjects like PTSD and Immigration realistically and with sensitivity, dignity and respect... is absolutely brilliant!”   “I am a loyal reader, waking every Sunday to check for my [Thirty Nights] update, then proceeding to sit on the patio with my coffee and read (my Sunday ritual). . . Now that we are at the end of book 1 my only thoughts for you would be please don't make us wait to long to find out where these characters journey is going because I think it will kill me!”

 

About Ani Keating: Ani Keating is an attorney, daughter, sister, and wife, living in the City of Roses, Oregon. When she is not in court or at the office helping clients sort through legal issues (and complaining about the photocopy machine), Ani explores her childhood passion for writing. Her first novel, Thirty Nights, is a sexy and heart-tugging story about love’s power to save and guide us even at our darkest moments.   Thirty Nights was originally posted online on fanfiction and on Ani’s popular blog. Over the course of eight short months, the story received more than half-million hits, 63,000 visitors, over 1,000 followers, and over 3,000 reviews and messages. It will be released for everyone on November 17, 2015. Its sequel, Ninety Days, is currently in the drafting stage.   When she is not writing, Ani spends endless hours at Powell’s Bookstore, exploring classics and latest releases. She also likes to stroll through the Portland Rose Garden, drool over shoes on any store window, and dance to everything from Beyoncé to Johnny Cash.  

 You can connect with Ani on the following media:

 Web Site: www.anikeating.com
 Twitter: @AniKeating
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.surnois

 

  Enter Ani’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Saving a Legend by Sarah Robinson - Cover Reveal

The second book in the highly buzzed about KAVANAGH LEGENDS series by Sarah Robinson reveals it's hot, new cover! 

Coming to you in March 2016, but you can preorder now!

 Amazon US ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon AU ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ Books a Million ~ Goodreads

Book Description not yet available

The second book in the Kavanagh Legends series that focuses on a family of Irish alpha males in Woodlawn, Bronx, NYC that own a Mixed Martial Arts gym

---

READ BOOK 1 TODAY!

Don't forget to go read BREAKING A LEGEND (Kavanagh Legends, #1) right now! Available on all retailers! Click here to purchase for only $2.99!
 It's a standalone mma romance about the oldest brother in the Kavanagh family, Rory, and was #1 in Sports Fiction on Amazon! 

---

MEET THE AUTHOR

Aside from being a Top 10 Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller, Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in criminal psychology. She is newly married to a local police officer, Justin, who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiasts as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues including everything from mammals to reptiles to marsupials, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters.

Click on any of the links below to follow Sarah on social media! She loves talking to readers! Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Tsu ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Google Plus ~ Goodreads ~ Tumblr

Join Sarah's fan club and reader groups! Facebook Fan Club ~ Goodreads Reader Group  Kavanagh Legends Readers Group ~ Fight Club Readers Group

Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts - Review

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ Kobo

Author: Lisa Brown Roberts

Publication Date:  14 September, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Crush (MacMillan)

Series:  Stand Alone

Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

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

Book Description:

The Good Girl Vs. The Player
Round one begins...


Trina Clemons needed the money. Why else would she - the most organized, prepared student in school - spend the summer as a nanny and partner with the biggest slacker ever? Now she's ready to tackle nannyhood with her big binder of research and schedules. Just don't ask her about the secret job of "fixing" the bad habits of a certain high school player...

Slade Edmunds prefers easy hook-ups, and Trina is definitely not his type. She's all structure and rules, while Slade wants to just have fun. Fortunately, Trina has no idea about the bet Slade made with his best friend that he can totally get her to unwind by the end of summer...

Then the weirdest thing happens. There's chemistry. A lot of it.
But nothing gets between a boy and a girl like a big, fat secret...

My Review:


I really enjoyed this sweet YA romance.  Trina is me in a younger form.  A-Type, high strung, organized to a fault, always wanting to be the very best at what ever it is she is trying to do, even if it is to the detriment of the people around her.  I mean what 5 year olds don't want to better themselves by watching documentaries and learn about their states history?  I also loved that on the outside Trina may come across as timid and weak but really she is one of the bravest teen characters I have seen in a while.  She is brave enough to fight for her needs, her wants, against her fears and she is brave enough to know and understand when she is wrong or 'losing' a battle she should never have been fighting.

The book begins with Trina being offered a dream opportunity, a chance to earn double her pay, money that will go a long way to helping her and her mother, helping get her into college.  The opportunity?  Take a known slacker and turn him into a responsible member of society in just one summer, secretly.  As if that isn't enough of a challenge finding out that her new project is hot slacker, Slade...Trina knows this is doomed to fail.

Slade, I really loved him.  He's not the typical brooding bad boy we often find in teen romances.  He's definitely got some bad boy tendencies (he's hot, he knows it and so do all the girls!) and he has a don't give a damn attitude, but he is really just this ray of sunshine.  He is living everyday to it's fullest, finding the fun when other's can't see it (especially Trina), he's great with children (probably because of his child-like attitude), and he is an amazing friend.  Which, speaking of friends...I throughly enjoyed Alex, Slade's gay best friend.  He brought some wonderful moments to the book and while I wouldn't call him a life changing character for anyone, he does give the reader the chance to see someone being who they are and saying it is okay.  It isn't easy, but it is okay so do YOU.  I would really enjoy a follow up book to this one revolving around Alex.

 I would love to see more of this couple...moving them into an NA would be amazing...seeing them in college could be a really interesting book.  This is a dual POV, which is one of my favorite types of writing styles, I loved seeing both of their thoughts and feelings come to life on the pages and I think that was so important with this book because this isn't about just the growth of one character.  Both Trina and Slade learn so much through this book, they learn to let go, to know when things are important and when they aren't, they learn to do the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and they learn to love...which is just plain swoon worthy.

Ultimately this is really just a great fun, quick, sweet YA read and a wonderful choice for younger teens moving into more advanced YA romances. There aren't really any surprises, it is obvious the way this book is going to go from the beginning but that really just makes it more enjoyable.  This is a book you can just sit back with and smile through as you read it and feel good about having read when you are done.  I sense lots of covers closing and smiling sighs occurring as people get to the end of the book.

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Sometimes people ask me why I write YA novels, especially romance. Here’s just one reason (and believe me, there’s a long list):

My first car was an old orange Gremlin, a la Wayne’s World. Attempting to show off for the cute neighbor boy shooting hoops, I gunned the engine, accidentally hopped the curb, and crashed into a tree my dad had just planted. You may be shocked to learn this did not result in insta-love. But at least I made an impression, right?

That’s just one example from my angst-filled, ridiculous teen life. I think I was destined to write stories about smart, insecure, perceptive, funny teens who somehow manage to navigate life’s ongoing drama and fall in love. (And no, there wasn’t a romantic ending to my tree destruction…but if I were writing that story as fiction, you can bet there would be…eventually).

GoodReads ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Tumblr

Bait and Switch by Kendall Ryan - Cover Reveal

NYT Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan brings you a brand new exciting series, Alphas Undone. 
Each book is a standalone. 
We are very excited to announce the first book Bait & Switch, which will release on February 9th, 2016.  

Goodreads ~ iBooks (exclusive pre-order)

Book Description:

Love is a trap, a trick only other people fall for. Former Navy SEAL Nolan has no such illusions. The only things real in his life are his beloved bulldog and the two women who regularly share his bed. One is light—soft, innocent, and tender touches. The other is dark—and gives him all of the wicked things he craves behind closed doors. It’s not cheating when each is aware of the other. But when he begins to feel much more than he ever bargained for, the order of his carefully crafted world is shaken, and he stands to lose everything.

Nolan thinks we met by chance. We didn’t. I sought him out, seduced him, and in return got the sanctuary I needed to survive. But now, impossibly, I’ve fallen in love with him. I don’t care that he has another lover, because when he finds out who I am, it’s going to ruin any chance I ever had with him anyway. She’s the least of my worries.

Bait & Switch is Book 1 in a new contemporary romance series by Kendall Ryan.

EXCERPT

“So, how does all this work? Do you mind if I pry a little?” Her cheeks heated slightly, knowing all the questions spinning in her mind. It was one thing to hear about it over drinks the other night, it was quite another to see it with her own eyes.

“Pry away,” he chuckled softly, his hand slowly stroking up and down against her spine.

Awareness zinged through her. It had been a long time since she’d felt a man’s touch. Six months to be exact.

“How did she end up living here with you?”

“I knew her through a mutual acquaintance, and after breaking up with her ex, she needed somewhere to live. I offered my guest room up. Rent free. No strings. And she said yes.”

“That was awfully nice of you.” She blinked at him in wide-eyed astonishment. It wasn’t something many people would do.

“Trust me, I’m very far from being a white knight.” His voice dropped lower, and his hand came to rest at her lower back again. “Our relationship sort of evolved from there.”

He didn’t continue, leaving Lacey to guess if it was some type of BDSM interest that they shared.

“What else is going on inside that pretty head of yours?” he asked.

“H-how did you come to be this way?” She cringed when she realized how it sounded. As though he was damaged goods. Then again, maybe he was. Nolan didn’t even raise an eyebrow to her question.

“After a demanding career as a SEAL …” He let out a deep sigh, gazing down at the courtyard. “My goals are much simpler now – to enjoy life one day at a time and take pleasure where I find it.”

She simply nodded. He didn’t elaborate, but he didn’t need to. Growing up in a family of men who served, she knew he had seen too much, done too much, probably experienced losing teammates he fought beside. She knew it could mess a man up. At the very least, it changed them. And in Nolan’s case, it made him harder and closed him off to the hearts and flowers kind of love she hoped to find someday. He was surviving, in his own way.

“I need to know what you taste like,” Nolan murmured.

She blinked up at him, her eyes still searching his. There was so much she was unsure about, but the electricity buzzing between them wasn’t one of them. 

He leaned forward, moving slowly, and brought his lips to hers. Hesitating for just a moment, as if to give her a chance to decide, Nolan’s warm breath ghosted over her mouth. Lifting up onto her tip toes, Lacey touched her lips to his. With one hand stroking her jaw, his other came to settle against her hip, his thumb running along the bare skin at the waistband of her jeans. Nolan pulled her body close, until she felt the hard ridge of him against her belly. He felt massive. Her lips parted in a silent gasp and he stroked his tongue against hers.

His mouth seemed made to fit over hers. And the skillful way he moved his tongue provoked thoughts of what other ways he could use that tongue. While her panties grew wet, and her breathing turned ragged, they kissed deeply for several minutes.

Her hands wandered, running over his firm biceps, and down the front of his shirt where rounded pecs waited invitingly under his shirt.

Sex rolled off of him in waves. No, not just sex. Fucking. Lacey was sure that being intimate with Nolan would be unlike any other experience she’d had. And that excited the hell out of her.

“God damn, woman,” he murmured breaking away from her lips.

Lacey couldn’t disagree. Everything about that kiss felt right. Backgrounds ceased to matter. Messy entanglements forgotten. When she was kissing Nolan, nothing mattered except getting even closer. More, her body begged. 

 “Just keep an open mind,” he said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than 18 titles, Kendall Ryan has sold more than a million ebooks and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as enjoying success as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller list 23 times.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

Subscribe to Newletter

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page