Release Day Blitz & Review ~ Tango for Two (Limelight #3.5) by Elisabeth Grace

Surprise release from Elisabeth Grace!!

Book Description:

Against her better judgement makeup artist to the stars, Jasmine Andrade, agrees to learn and perform a sexy tango live on television for a charity telethon. She’s hoping the dance classes from her youth will be enough to keep her from falling flat on her face in front of the nation.

The only trouble is the obnoxious celebrity she's partnered with AND the fact that she's falling for her charismatic choreographer, Eduardo, who’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t mix business with pleasure.

There’s a first time for everything, right?

Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31701346-tango-for-two

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bQXCpU

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bBdIJA

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2c6jVIQ

iBooks: http://apple.co/2bxXGjN

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2cbZf5u

Kobo: COMING SOON!

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars

***ARC received for an honest review***

“For now, do whatever feels natural.”

This was a super quick novella that was an intense dose of lust and love delivered in the trade mark romantic style of Elisabeth Grace. What this lacked in pages it sure made up for in chemistry as Elisabeth Grace perfectly brought the instant attraction between Jasmine and Eduardo to life.

This novella reminded me of Dancing with the Stars, a tale of a little known woman falling in love with a choreographer while training for a televised celebrity charity dancing show. Jasmine was a makeup artist to the stars. She was at the top of her field and had a great work ethic and this extended into her dancing. Having had dancing lessons as a child she throws herself into this new challenge one hundred percent much to the choreographer’s delight. The same cannot be said about her dance partner.

“…it’s not you it’s me…”

There is an instant attraction to the choreographer, Eduardo for Jasmine and she finds herself daydreaming about him constantly, this is only amplified by his constant touch as she is learning the dance routine. Each glance, each touch was pictured perfectly and only added to the chemistry that builds throughout between these two characters.

“I was a panting, quivering mess. And only half of that was from the exertion of the dance.”

My only complaint, I wanted more. I am greedy and these two characters were so lovable I just didn’t want their story to end. This could be a great foundation to a full sized novel if the author was so inclined.

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author, Elisabeth Grace, has a hot spot for alpha males and a soft spot for happily ever afters. She lives outside of Toronto, Canada with her husband, two small children, and killer cat. Her theory is that Satan himself spawned the white furball. She's almost always eaten a chocolate bar before 10am (don't judge) and has a mild, but healthy obsession with model David Gandy. ;) 

If you're a lover of romance novels, hot sex in obscure places, alpha males, and a little LOL on the side than you may enjoy her work! 

She LOVES talking with fellow readers about books! If you're the same she encourages you to reach out to her via one of her social media links! 

You can sign-up for her newsletter and get information on her books, signings, and more at Elisabeth-Grace.com

Connect with Elisabeth 

Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/bli-LP

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1WDZ3sM

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2c9tU3j

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2cmvGzi

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2bMAVYw

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2c3aZ73

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bvTdLF

Giveaway:

WINNERS CHOICE - $10 Amazon Gift Card or your pick of one Limelight Series signed paperback

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Release Day Review ~ Author Anonymous by EK Blair

 

The controversial true story of Author Anonymous written by EK Blair is NOW LIVE!!!!

Book Description:

A TRUE STORY told through the voice of New York Times Bestselling author E.K. Blair.

She’s an author.

She’s a mother.

She’s a wife.

She’s a fraud. 

A woman marked and bound by her own deceit, this is the astounding tale of how one choice knocked her world from its axis forcing her to battle through a year of scandal and betrayal, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. 

This is an intoxicatingly risqué stand-alone true story tangled in lust, heartbreak, and contrition.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bOcPbk

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bxlFzg

iBooks: http://apple.co/2968UKD

B&N: http://bit.ly/2bLRlvZ

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars

***ARC received for an honest review***

“…you swear those words aren’t cheap, but you just shit all over them, didn’t you?”

EK Blair has always been a top favourite author of mine, from the days of Fading her writing has always captivated me and has always taken me on an unforgettable journey and Author Anonymous is no different. But, and this is a huge BUT, this is unlike anything else she has written. Author Anonymous is either a clever marketing tactic or Author Anonymous is one of the most selfish authors imaginable and no wonder she wants to remain anonymous. But, and this another one of those huge buts, kudos to the author for telling her story warts and all, knowing that she is not painting a pretty picture of herself, her actions and her thought processes. This was an honest, recount of real life, a life that I would guess anyone could be sucked into if they so inclined, a life where the grass looks greener on the other side never mind the repercussions.

“Life is messy, and you can’t compare reality to fiction because you’ll always wind up disappointed.”

EK Blair captured this story perfectly, the story was addictive, totally unputdownable, it was the car crash of all car crashes, yet the deeper EK Blair takes you, you just cannot look away, bracing yourself for impact. The way this story was told was masterful in its delivery, essentially making a cringe worthy story, exciting, compelling and unmistakably real. This story runs you through a gamut of emotions, it was intoxicating, infuriating, maddening, suspenseful, alluring, insanely hot and one huge guilty pleasure.

I do not condone Anonymous’s behaviour in any way shape or form and to be honest I couldn’t really understand her thought processes because as a stranger looking in, she had a great life, a fantastic life even. She was doing what she loved, she had a husband that adored the ground she walked on and was making a better life for them all and two adorable children. Yes, her husband worked long hours getting his business off the ground, but this gave her the capacity to write and be a mother, she was successful in her own right and had no money worries. She seemingly had it all. But sometimes having everything is not enough.

“There’s nothing left. I can’t pull on your heartstrings when they’re no longer attached to anything.”

Having been a reader and a blogger for years and years it is apparent how much research authors put into their stories, after all, all these stay at home mums can’t possibly all be privy to sex clubs, whips and chains et al. Writing about these women that are essentially swept off their feet by multi-millionaires with extreme sexual proclivities must make you wonder what living in your heroine’s shoes would be like. But what happens when real life makes that wonderment a potential reality? Well, if you are Anonymous, you grab it with both hands.

“You didn’t even care enough about me to say good-bye before you found someone else.”

I feel bad passing judgement on a complete stranger, but if Anonymous is putting her story out there she is essentially asking people to do that and despite your best intentions you cannot help but have your own thoughts and opinions on her character. As I said above, it is extremely honest, brutally honest and it is this honesty that gives you the greatest ammunition to come to conclusions. Anonymous was selfish, manipulative, conniving and deceitful. She lost track of who she was and was swept away with the illicit, the exciting, the unobtainable, she was an attention whore who was self-absorbed and readily discarded, manipulated and hurt those closest to her. We all read to escape, but it remains just that…an escape. Most would never act upon it, wouldn’t dream of it, after all it is fiction. What hurt the most with this book though was her family, her total lack of thought towards her kids and her husband. The way Anonymous toyed with her husband’s heart, his feelings, his emotions was brutal, I shed the most tears for him. The way she ignored her kids, totally unacceptable and totally irredeemable, they were innocents in all this. But mostly I hurt because she seemingly got her cake and ate it. And yes, I hurt for the third party, because despite everything, I actually believed he cared and loved. Everyone got hurt, there was definitely no happily ever after for anyone in this book.

“One year of fighting after we’ve spent thirteen years building this life together, and you’re ready to walk away? I’d fight for you till the death.”

The insight into the book world was both intriguing and disgruntling. Snippets of hearsay and social media ramblings by many authors actually had credence as the cloak surrounding signings and author relations was lifted for just a little. How an author can hit bestselling lists after knowingly turning out sub-par work and relying on marketing, fans and reputation to sell basically portraying readers as obedient lap dogs. How disheartening it is, especially for me as a blogger to finally realise how and why they can do this when many, many spectacular books fly under the radar.

“Love is not the same as obligation.”

In summary though, it was EK Blair that made this book, she made this story, it was her writing that made it addictive and unputdownable, it was her that pulled at my heart strings, it was her that made me so angry I was on the verge on combustion. She didn’t sugar coat it, it was naked in all its fucked up glory. Do I like Anonymous…no, do I wish I knew who it was…yes, would I read her books if I knew…hell no…but the worrying thing…I probably have read her, I probably will remain to read her because she knew this was commercial suicide, hence the veil of anonymity. Yes, it would have been great fiction, but this was real, it was someone’s life and at the end of the day my compassion lies with her husband and kids.

Trailer:

Author Anonymous: A True Story from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo. 

Play List:

 

About the Author:

 

New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Author E.K. Blair, takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her dynamic and intense writing style. Noted for her ability to create fleshed-out characters that will evoke a realm of reactions, you can be assured that her stories will linger with you far beyond the last word. A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath. Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

http://www.ekblair.com/2016/08/an-inside-look-author-anonymous/ http://www.ekblair.com/2016/08/part-2-of-an-inside-look-author-anonymous/ 

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Excerpt Reveal ~ The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken

THE BACHELOR AUCTION

By Rachel Van Dyken

Release Day: Oct 4, 2016

Book Description:

Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. That is, until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. A prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if that is just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while he and Jane may not get a fairy tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . . .

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bT1bxM

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2c02gWm

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bAhvBG

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2bO0JPM

iBooks: http://apple.co/1rtMiaC

B&N: http://bit.ly/1SKyEdn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2bgINiM

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2bNZuQE

Excerpt:

Thick wavy auburn hair fell in disarray over his forehead. It was lush, shiny, perfect. Were guys born with hair like that? Or was his somehow chemically engineered? His full lips pressed together in a secret smile as the equally handsome man next to him said something, then erupted in laughter.

The first man stiffened, then shook his head. His broad shoulders seemed to grow tight as a drum. A slight tic in his jaw was the only clue that he was irritated or maybe outright angry.

And then his shoulders slumped as he was handed another drink and then another.

Nervous. He must be nervous. But what could a man like that possibly have to be nervous about?

He easily towered over most of the men in attendance. Suddenly his posture changed, then he smiled.

Jane felt her mouth drop open in shock.

Dazzling.

He was…like a duke or a lord or a prince from a storybook. Clearly, she read too many romance novels, but his entire presence demanded attention; screamed authority, importance, and sex. Lots and lots of sex.

Yes, his virility was a tangible thing, as if she could reach out and grasp it with her fingertips.

“What are you doing?” Esmeralda yelled in her right ear, interrupting her blatant sexual fantasy about a complete stranger. Great. That’s what her life had come to. And sadly? It was the most fun she’d had all night.

Jane turned to Esmeralda, prayed for patience, and answered. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

“You’re so boring.” Esmeralda rolled her eyes. “No wonder you got dumped.”

Another fun fact? Esmeralda was mean when she was drunk.

The reminder of the breakup burned like acid.

It had been a year ago, not that it mattered. It still hurt that the last guy she’d dated had told her that although she was cute, she wasn’t really doing it for him anymore.

Right. Doing it.

Maybe that was because she hadn’t done anything for him or with him, and he found that lacking. But they’d only dated for a few weeks. Did normal girls do that? Put out after a few weeks? Apparently.

She wasn’t normal.

But if that was normal, maybe she was better off being strange.

“Jane, are you even listening to me?” Esmeralda whined. “Essence needs you to dance next to her for a bit. I’m tired and tipsy. I want to sit. Plus your dress blends in enough that it won’t take attention away from her.”

No way. What? What had she just said?

Jane wrapped her arms around her middle. “I’m sorry, what?”

Without warning, Esmeralda grabbed Jane’s hand and jerked her toward the dance floor, causing Jane to lose her footing and crash directly into Esmeralda’s back. Then, like a domino, she slammed back into Essence.

Jane opened her mouth to shout out an apology, but Esmeralda was already too drunk to listen to reason. With determination in her eyes, she reached for the pearls at Jane’s neck but grabbed the fabric of the dress instead.

Her poorly sewn dress ripped instantly, causing the fabric to slink past her strapless bra. A diagonal slit split up her thigh almost all the way to her hip. In an effort to cover herself, she took a step and tripped, thanks to her clunky shoes.

And then she fell to the floor.

Hard.

Her sisters watched in horror—but neither of them offered a hand. They were probably kicking themselves for forcing her to come. Esmeralda leaned over but missed Jane’s shoulder by a mile, grabbing her hair and giving it a tug, which only made Jane wince harder.

Both sisters were completely tanked.

And she was less than two minutes away from being trampled by the other sweaty bodies around her.

She glanced up.

And into the eyes of the man she’d just been lusting after.

Oh God, the humiliation was complete.

That one glance told her he’d seen it all. She swallowed back the thickness building in her throat. Of course the only time he’d notice her would be when she’d ripped her dress and nearly took out a few guests on her way down to the dance floor.

The crowd gathered around her.

And the sexy man disappeared—probably off in search of a girl with perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect clothes.

She really should have stayed home.

Tears filled her eyes as a heel pressed into her right hand. With a jerk she tugged her hand free, struggling to get up to stand on her wobbly feet, when suddenly she was pulled to a standing position and then swept up in strong arms.

Jane’s eyes were still so blurry from unshed tears she couldn’t make out the man’s face as he carried her out of the crowd.

He smelled like heaven.

She fought the insane urge to press her face against his chest and just…close her eyes.

Because he felt safe.

Pathetic, when a stranger’s arms provided more safety than her own family. And yet he felt…right.

In a world where things for the past ten years had felt so wrong.

He felt right.

Maybe she’d had too much champagne. 

About the Author:

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!

You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com .

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Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Wait (Bleeding Stars #4) by AL Jackson

WAIT

A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

By A.L. Jackson

Release Day – August 23

Book Description:

From NYT & USA Today bestselling author comes a new Bleeding Stars stand-alone novel…

She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.

Edie Evans is gorgeous.

Sexy.

Kind.

She’s also the definition of off-limits.

But that didn't stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.

But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.

The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.

Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.

Austin Stone is dangerous. 

Alluring.

Tempting.

He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.

It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.

Our desire is overpowering. 

Our need unrelenting.

She is my hope.

He is my weakness.

We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/WaitGoodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2bsk4Iy

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bieEyi

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/waitibookspreorder

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/WaitKobo

Nook: http://smarturl.it/WaitNook

Google Play: http://smarturl.it/WaitGoogle

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 3.5 stars

***ARC received for an honest review***

“All the years we lost still belonged to you.”

AL Jackson always delivers an emotional read and this was no different. As usual AL Jackson’s writing style was stunning, beautiful poetic prose that totally consumes you with every word you read, that draws you into the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. Two broken characters that had both had more than their fair share of hurt and it seemed that life wasn’t done with them yet.

Throughout the Bleeding Hearts series, we have come to learn a little about Austin. While this book could be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series because the history and back story of Austin is touched upon and it was this early connection to him that really had me intrigued for his story from the beginning.

“It was a good day. A damned good day.”

Austin Stone is Baz’s little brother, a musician and singer in his own right but never seemingly been able to hold himself together long enough to make it with the band “Sunder.” Having left to “find himself” we catch up with him three years after and finally we get to know the story that has maketh the man. Guilt is mental torture and Austin is one tortured soul, it seems both Stone brothers are taking the hit for this one but both have lost more than they ever anticipated…each other.

Edie, Edie, Edie… Edie is Ash’s little sister, I wanted to love her so bad but I found myself having trouble connecting to her for some reason and I truly cannot put my finger on why. Edie too has her own issues and it seems fate has a way of making you confront them and her confrontation came in the form of Austin Stone.

“The first time I touched you was the first time I breathed.”

Austin and Edie were the best of friends until one mistake ripped them apart. They were each other’s confidantes, they were each other’s anchor, they felt safe and complete together. Being young feelings grow and these two really did love each other, but that is as far as it got. Never consummated, just a bone deep love and a soul mate connection…until it wasn’t.

“You’re the one who ran, Edie, and you took what was left of my heart with you when you did.”

It is this split that was my biggest issue with this book and it is purely a personal issue. When I read about these big splits, where impenetrable friendships are broken I expect something huge, something so unimaginable that you understand why, and for me I just didn’t get that. Yes, I could understand to a certain extent, but there would have been understanding on both sides and for me these two never took the opportunity, they just went their separate ways.  While the reuniting wasn’t instant, it was close and for a friendship to have been torn apart so severely to get back together so quick just didn’t ring true. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and these are my personal issues and preferences.

“…I wasn’t sleeping with her. I was falling in love with her.”

Austin and Edie’s story is emotional, yet beautiful, sad yet uplifting. This is a story of forgiveness in so many ways, from Austin to Edie, to Austin and Baz and Edie to Ash. Brothers, sisters and soul mates all estranged because of decisions made on a whim and emotion. Where mistakes are recurrent and talking could solve a lot, where a problem shared is definitely a problem halved.

“Loving her might be the best mistake I ever made.”

It was great to catch up with the other band members too, it seems our Sunder men are being paired off one by one and I cannot wait for the next one. I hope it is Ash because our prolific playboy needs someone to save his ass. He has a heart of gold underneath that manho personality.

Trailer:

Excerpt:

“Shit,” I hissed, bracing myself against the spray of the icy shards pelting from the shower head.

I sucked in a breath, released it between clenched teeth, and forced myself fully under it.

Head dropped and chest heaving as rivers of ice-cold water slicked down my shoulders and back.

But it did nothing to lessen the need. Gave me no sanity or pacification.

Because all I could think about was the girl on the other side of the door.

My girl.  

In my bed.

Wearing just her panties and my shirt.

An angel I wanted to dirty.

I always had.

Love was messy like that.

All of my restraint scattered. I gripped my cock. Squeezed the base. My mouth dropped open at the pressure of my hand against my rigid length.

A fool thinking it might be enough.

Shit.

God, I was a bastard, but there was nothing I could do before I was giving in, leaning forward and bracketing my forearm above my head to hold my weight.

Water pounded down on my head and back while I pounded my fist against my dick.

Trying to keep silent when all I wanted was to moan, teeth digging into my bottom lip as I pictured the girl spread out for me.

My breaths were coming short.

Panted and hard.

I gave into imagining the sounds she would make when I finally got to bury myself in her body.

A soft, soft gasp.  

I slowed, trying to convince myself that throaty sound was all in my mind.

Just another part of this fantasy.

Until I heard the small thump against the wall.

Shit.

I mashed my eyes closed, like it might hide me.

Conceal the depravity of my actions after I’d just been comforting her hours before.

Heart thrashing, I turned and moved far enough to peek out the small section where the fabric shower curtain hadn’t been drawn fully closed.

It was just a little sliver that left me exposed.

But it was enough. When I peered out, I was looking right at my girl pressed up against the wall.

She stared right back at me.

And I wanted to be horrified, my mind scrambling to conjure every weak apology I could summon. Ready to fucking grovel to keep her from turning and running once again.

Because that’s exactly what I expected her to do.

But her expression…her expression clutched me in the center of the chest and sent what little brain function I had left stampeding south.

Red, lush lips were parted, her hand pressed to her hollow of her throat, pupils dilated so big that her hooded, cerulean eyes appeared black. Needy breaths were coming at me from that sweet mouth like a goddamned freight train.

Desire swelled in the confines of the too-tight room.

Alive.

She pressed deeper into the wall as if it might support her weakened knees. Head rocked back. Thighs squeezing together.

Motherfuck.

My hand shot to the shower wall to steady myself. “Warning you, Edie, you need to get out of here. Right now.”

About the Author:

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installments, WAIT and STAY, coming in 2016.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson - Sign up to receive her newsletter http://bit.ly/NewsFromALJackson or text “jackson” to 96000 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L. Jackson online: www.aljacksonauthor.com

Snapchat: aljacksonauthor

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Giveaway:

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Release Day Blitz, Review & Giveaway ~ Prisoned by Marni Mann

 

Cover Design: MadHat Books

Release Date: August 24, 2016

Book Description: 

When I opened my eyes, I was in a cell, my body covered in bruises.

Not a jail.

I’d been kidnapped and imprisoned.

I wasn’t alone. I shared the cell with Garin Woods, the man I’d loved since I was a kid.

The man I couldn’t be with because of the secret. A man who would kill me if he found out what that secret was.

Someone wanted to torture me.

Torture us.

One of us deserved it.

It wasn’t Garin.

Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28436321-prisoned?ac=1&from_search=true

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bz7CJ2

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2beaqG6

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bc0pim

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2bf0UHj

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars

***ARC received for an honest review***

“But there weren’t many more nights like that one… The ones that followed weren’t fun at all. They were tragic. They were devastating. And they were really fucking dark…”

My love affair with Marni Mann began just over three years ago after one fruitful trawl through Amazon desperately finding something to read and I have never turned back since. Having read everything that this author has written, it never ceases to amaze me how with every book she puts out, she just gets better and better. More layers, more depth, more emotion, just everything more. Marni Mann hones her craft with every book she writes and frankly you couldn’t ask for anything more.

Prisoned is more the original Marni Mann for me, the dark side, one that this author has always pulled off exceptionally well and Prisoned is no different. Having been away from this type of read for a few years, Marni Mann delved back in with both feet and has delivered one hell of a mind fuck. It is this genre that she seems to thrive in, as if given free rein to unload every dark thought that she has ever possessed. This seemingly sweet and innocent author who comes across like butter wouldn’t melt definitely has an evil streak and one that she manages to pen with finesse.

Prisoned is one of those books that will have you frantically reading between the lines trying to decipher what the hell is going on. Even when you think you have it all sussed, bam, blindsided and your thought processes have to start all over again. Layer upon layer this story builds, clues are smattered throughout with a fair few red herrings to throw you off the scent, but that is what makes a great mystery, that constant build of suspense, the curve balls, those A-HA moments all wrapped around a second chance romance with a huge difference.

“The Heart wasn’t well lit. Most of the streetlamps were out, so were the lights outside our front doors. Whenever the city replaced one of the bulbs, it was stolen within a few hours. Lights showed faces, they showed dealings, they showed things exchanged between hands, they showed evidence. The Heart didn’t like that. The things that happened here needed to stay in the dark.”

Kyle and Garin were kids of “The Heart,” an unsavoury neighbourhood born of poverty, crime, drugs and all manner of illicit activities. The kids were the victims, they had no childhood, no food, no warmth, they made the most of the shit hand they were dealt. Friendships were everything and they all stuck together, they had each other’s backs, they were family. Garin was the one that took responsibility for his “family,” he was the one that made sure that they were clean, warm, fed and watered, no matter whose back he had to scratch in order to get it done. He did what he had to, no matter how bad.

“It was named after the organ that gave you life…but there wasn’t any life around here.”

Kyle had always looked up to Garin, she adored him as a friend but the older she got the more she wanted more and just when it looked like it may finally happen, The Heart ripped them apart. The Heart takes everything away, it decimates, it destroys, it makes you it’s bitch.

“I believe our soul mate is revealed only once during our life. Maybe it’s a glimpse of a stranger. Maybe it’s our best friend. The timing may not always be right. But when they’re shown to us, we know it’s them. Then life happens. We grow. We age. We develop scars. And we remember that glimpse. Some are lucky enough to be spending the rest of their lives with that person. Some, like me, have only memories.” 

Years later, reunited in grief Garin and Kyle’s paths cross once again, but The Heart hasn’t finished with them, how much more can The Heart take? Secrets that were destined to be taken to the grave make their presence felt once again and Kyle and Garin find themselves held captive, prisoned with only their pasts for company.

“I’ve wanted to fuck you for fifteen years. Do you know what that kind of want does to you after a while?” 

Garin was an enigma, he was intriguing, extremely guarded, resourceful and resilient. From what we knew of him as a kid and to the man he was today he was totally beguiling. For as much as he was dark, we were treated to those glimmers of light and those shone brightest when he was with Kyle. Despite their circumstances their time together gave them the opportunity to bare their souls but was it too little too late?

“The only thing we have inside this cell is words, Kyle. Don’t hold them back from me.”

Kyle was stuck between a rock and a hard place, eaten alive by a secret that had tortured her for years. A secret that forced her hand and her allegiances. While at first it seemed she was weak, she was strong, so strong. This was her chance, but would she live to reap the rewards?

“But underneath this cosmetic blanket, I was just a girl from the projects. A girl who had been holding in the biggest secret. A secret I had never spoken to anyone. The secret lived in this state so why would I ever come back here?”

This was one heck of a ride, one that had me chewing my nails and gave me palpitations. While some scenes are graphic in nature, nothing was superfluous, it all added to the story, to the scene setting, to the circumstances. Yes, it was hard to read, but as difficult as it was it was a necessary evil and Marni Mann really submersed you into their prison cell. You felt it, you lived it, you breathed it. This story was gripping from start to finish, totally unputdownable and totally unforgettable. I will be forever scarred by “the babies” and just cringe at the thought. Once again, Marni Mann has hit a home run and I cannot wait for the next one.

About the Author:

Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their two dogs, who have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.

Connect with Marni:

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Z8b5z

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ayhI8u

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2aKxNe4

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2arY2Yt

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2arYBBz

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2aKzvMr

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2avbGb2

Giveaway:

Giveaway $10 Amazon Gift Card & Signed paperback of Prisoned
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pre-Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway ~ Game Saver (Game #3) by BJ Harvey

Title: Game Saver

Series: Game Series #3

Author: BJ Harvey

Genre: Romantic Comedy with Heat

Release Date: August 25th, 2016

Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Designs

Book Description:

How do you know when fake turns real?

Abi Cook lives her life by her own rules. She works hard, plays hard, and knows who she is and where she wants to be. 

Following a repeat one-night stand with the dashing Dr. Cade Carsen, Cade asks Abi for a favor: be the fake girlfriend on his arm for the duration of his father's mayoral campaign.

Never one to turn down a challenge, she doesn't hesitate. I mean, who would when all that's involved is a little fake girlfriending with a side of hot sex, and with Doctor Hottie no less? 

But like any Game, there are always twists and turns, unexpected players, villains, heroes and ultimately, winners and losers. 

Game Saver is the story of what happens when two happily single people try for something less, but end up with something so much more.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30173763-game-saver

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29VTuFE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29YFwl6

Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/iaKkOf

Amazon AU: https://goo.gl/nLiVr8

iBooks: http://apple.co/1XdYfyi

B&N: http://bit.ly/2ajBxjQ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1YeyAVE

Google+: https://goo.gl/9PxUKV

Game Series Mailing List Link: http://eepurl.com/b4uznv

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars

***ARC received for an honest review***

“…don't rule out something more just because it started off as something less.”

BJ Harvey never fails to deliver with her hot men and sassy women, women that have embraced their femininity and inner sexual goddess and know how to use it. These characters, as the past two books and the Bliss series before that all culminate in a read that will have you laughing one minute, swooning the next and definitely fanning yourself too. Holy chemistry, this woman knows how to deliver between the pages and between the sheets.

Cade and Abi met ten months ago. Ten months ago they both had the best one night stand of their lives, one that while they knew what it was at the time had never left their memory. One night that was literally unforgettable. Now their paths cross once again and memories are suddenly becoming little sparks that definitely warrant reigniting.

“That was the only time we hooked up . . . until last night. Last night, everything changed. Whether that’s a good thing or not is yet to be seen. All I know is I’ve reviewed the forecast, and I’m predicting orgasms.”

Cade Carsen was a doctor and between long shifts and rest and relaxation he has not had the time for a relationship. He has made do with nights out with the lads often ending in a no names one-night encounter. No strings, no ties, no issues. Coming from wealth and a father in politics Cade Carsen III has to keep up appearances and a society wife was high on his parents list and at the bottom of his.

“She's the breath of fresh air I never saw coming.”

Abi was a hotel manager but supplements her income with a night of stripping. An income that is now not needed but once was her answer to settling the huge mountain of debt that her ex had left her with. Abi is not man friendly, after being burned once they only have one use and one use only, one night of hot sex and then see you later.

On paper, these two were perfect for each other, both not wanting a relationship, both the king and queen of no strings sex, but when their paths cross once again and they have a repeat performance it seems that these two have more in common than they thought. An agreement was made, no strings sex, fake girlfriend, whenever and wherever…of course no feelings would ever get involved…would they?

“I like this being real. A lot of my life hasn't been, so I like that I have a slice of real with you.”

“I think I'm falling for our real,”

“That's good, because I'm already gone.”

For the past few books one thing that I keep harping on about is the dialogue, BJ Harvey nails her dialogue, every single time. The wit and banter between these couples and their friends is hilarious. No topic is off limits, no subject unfiltered, just say what you feel and watch the fall out. These quite honest and frank discussions thought scream REAL and you can imagine this band of friends comparing notes, sizes and anything else that pops into their minds. I laughed a lot, I cried tears of laughter but underneath all this was a fantastic romance as ever, cementing the story perfectly.

“To taking the brown highway,”

I have adored this series from start to finish and cannot wait for the next one. These characters have become firm friends, after living in their lives for so long they are one of the team and I cannot wait to see what shenanigans BJ Harvey has in store for us next.

“He’s perfect. I’m just doing what I can to be perfect for him back.”

Excerpt:

“Are you at work already?” I ask, having a brilliant idea of swinging by her place for a quickie. 

“Yeah, I’m sitting in my office.” 

There goes that plan then. 

“Is the door closed?” I ask, a rather nice image of Abi taking care of herself in her chair and describing it to me in vivid detail flashing through my mind. 

“Cade . . .” she warns, but her tone is not cutting. There’s a vein of amusement and a raspy undertone running through it. 

I chuckle. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave.” 

“Good, because after last night’s efforts, I can still feel where you’ve been and that’s had me at level five all day. You instigating phone sex in my office when I can’t do anything about it for eight hours is just cruel.” 

My mouth goes dry, and my groin tightens. “You can still feel me?” I ask gruffly, thinking phone sex is another fucking fantastic idea as I scan for the next exit. 

“Cade, my vagina has had more of a workout in the past week than it’s had in the ten months between visits.” 

That grabs my attention. “Ten months?” 

“Shit,” she mutters. “Forget I said that.” 

“There’s no way I’m letting you out of this one. Are you saying you didn’t sleep with anyone else after me?” Why the hell do I like that so. fucking. much? 

“I was busy! Doesn’t mean I didn’t give my toy chest a good workout.” 

“Yes. The toy chest. Guess what just got scratched onto our to-do list?” 

“You mean the to-do-me-with list?” she says with a giggle. 

“That too.”

Other Books in Series:

Game Player (Game Series #1) - DOWNLOAD FREE

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/20WENDV

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1mZj2Wt

iBooks: apple.co/1Rma0h8

B&N: http://bit.ly/2a2GJJW

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1mWvsyd

Google Play Books: http://bit.ly/1qhM19x

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27779004-game-player

Game Maker (Game Series #2)

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XeIupD

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TcKe36

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/book/id1096092153

B&N: http://bit.ly/1WRsefb

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/game-maker

Google: http://bit.ly/GameMakerGoogle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29091810-game-maker

About the Author:

 BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.

An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it.

She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjharveyauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjharvs/

Tumblr: http://bjharveyauthor.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6886702.B_J_Harvey

Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/BJ-Harvey/e/B00C7DWYH0/

Bookbub Author Alerts: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bj-harvey

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway