Release Day Review: Bind Me Before You Go by Harper Kincaid

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Bind Me Before You Go by Joya Ryan
Series: Serve #8 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 21st 2015
Links: Ebook • Gooodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

His heart is bound tighter than the bondage he craves…

Determined to put her past behind her, Cassidy Peyton moves to the Big Apple. But New York has a few dark secrets of its own, including Serve, an exclusive BDSM club. It’s a place she isn’t sure she’s ready for, until she sees him watching her. Hot. Intent. Knowing. With eyes that leave her stomach tied in knots, because the loneliness he’s trying to hide matches her own.

Security expert David Cavill has more secrets than any man should. Secrets that forever shut down any possibility of love, marriage, or family. Yet Cassidy draws him in, an intoxicating combination of strength, candor, and sensuality that David can’t resist. But as their bond deepens, Cassidy must decide if she can love a man whose heart is bound tighter than the form of bondage he craves…

Bind Me Before You Go is the latest addition to the Serve series, which I’m a big fan of. Though it’s a fairly good, enjoyable read, I wouldn’t say it’s my new favorite of the series. It was too short for my liking, but the characters were likable and the writing was solid. Harper Kincaid is a new author for me, but I would definitely read more from her if she wrote something a little longer.

Cassidy Peyton moves to New York looking for a fresh start. She feels like she’s missing something in life, so she agrees to go to Serve, a BDSM club, with her roommate. There, she meets David Cavill, an expert in the art of Shibari, Japanese rope bondage. They instantly feel a connection to one another, and they agree to have a two week affair where they learn to trust and explore each other with their bodies. Harper Kincaid can certainly write some hot, steamy scenes, and I was really intrigued by David’s rope kink.

The romance felt a bit lacking. It’s not exactly instalove, but the book is so short that they fall in love too quickly and unbelievably. Both have demons haunting their pasts, which I would’ve liked to be more developed, but again, the book was too short for the story development to be solid enough. Still, Cassidy and David really made a sweet couple, and I enjoyed their book for the most part. If you’re in the mood for a short, quick, steamy read, I’d recommend Bind Me Before You Go. The good writing and hot kink made this a worthwhile read.

Reading Order: Serve series

#1 ~ Owned by Fate (Tessa Bailey): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Exposed by Fate (Tessa Bailey): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Mistaken by Fate (Katee Robert): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Betting on Fate (Katee Robert): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Driven by Fate (Tessa Bailey): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#6 ~ Protecting Fate (Katee Robert): Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#7 ~ Rules of Seduction (Joya Ryan): My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#8 ~ Bind Me Before You Go (Harper Kincaid): Ebook • Gooodreads

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21Jul2015

Release Day Review: Playing with Trouble by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Playing with Trouble by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Capital Confessions #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 21st 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The author of Flirting with Scandal presents her second book in a sexy contemporary romance series about three sisters in a powerful political family, the scandals that threaten to destroy them, and the passion that drives them…

The daughter of one of the Senate’s most powerful figures, Blair Reynolds was ready to become the ultimate political wife—until she caught her fiancé cheating on her wedding day. Law school is a fresh start, her shot at putting the pieces of her life back together. That’s the plan, at least. Until trouble comes in the form of her Torts professor, the man whose arrogance infuriates her in class but haunts her private fantasies.

Graydon Canter had a fortune and a place on all the hottest “Thirty under Thirty” lists, until a series of personal missteps nearly destroyed his career. A year teaching at a D.C. law school is just the break he needs to get his life back in order, as long as nothing—and no one—trips him up.

When Blair and Gray are forced to work together, their explosive attraction becomes impossible to resist. But Gray’s demons have drawn him dangerously close to the edge, and Blair has spent her life playing by the rules. Will she break them for a shot at love?

This is the first book I’ve read from Chanel Cleeton and it certainly won’t be the last! I enjoyed Playing with Trouble SO much – it’s a deliciously sexy, forbidden romance between a law professor and his student. There’s TONS of hot chemistry between Blair and Gray, which I thought the author handled so well. This is definitely a must-read for fans of forbidden romances!

It was the cruelest irony that the man I despised, the man who tortured me from the front of the classroom three days a week, was the hottest fucking thing I’d ever seen.

After the mess her life became after catching her fiancé cheating on her with the best man, Blair Reynolds enrolls in law school to get her life back on track and to please her Senator father. Unfortunately, law school is kicking her ass, and it doesn’t help that her Torts professor, Graydon Canter, is serious sex-on-a-stick.

Gray notices Blair on the first day of class, but obviously, he can’t act on his growing lust for his student, even if she is only seven years younger than him. Gray is a deeply flawed man who’s haunted by the mistakes he made that ended up ruining his law career, but he’s on his way to straightening out his life. He hates teaching, but the one good thing to come out of it is Blair. When they’re unexpectedly thrust together for a project, tensions run high and it isn’t long before they can’t resist each other’s pull.

I really liked the dual POV between Blair and Gray, although sometimes it switched around too many times for my taste. I could feel the chemistry that Gray and Blair were both feeling – there’s a serious case of insta-lust, but I actually loved it in this book because the characters can’t DO anything about it, at least not for a while. As Gray and Blair continue meeting up for the project, the chemistry between them only grows hotter. But they also start getting to know one another on a deeper, personal level, and I loved the way their feelings grew naturally and believably. Gray and Blair grew up in different worlds, but the two of them just clicked together. I’m just really impressed with the way the author handled their forbidden romance.

“You tempt me. So fucking much. I want to think I can be better for you. That I can change. But what if I can’t? It’s one thing to hurt myself, what if I hurt you, too? What if I let you down? I break things. I don’t want to break you.”

There’s a lot of depth to Blair and Gray’s characters and lots to overcome before they can even think of reaching a HEA, but these were two characters I couldn’t help but root for. There are some frustrations, with Gray’s back-and-forth feelings, but it was nothing too annoying. I loved the sexy times, but I also really enjoyed the deeper, meaningful parts to Blair and Gray’s relationship. The forbidden aspect was expertly handled, I really enjoyed the writing, and overall, Playing with Trouble was worthwhile read. I’m thinking I should definitely read the first book, which I skipped, since I enjoyed this second book so much!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Capital Confessions series

#1 ~ Flirting with Scandal: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Playing with Trouble: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Falling for Danger: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads

Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure.

Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her husband.

Chanel writes contemporary romances. She is published by Harlequin HQN, Penguin/InterMix, and Penguin/Berkley and is the author of the International School, Capital Confessions, and Wild Aces series.

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20Jul2015

Cover Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans

Posted in Cover Reveals by Lacey

AAHHH!!!!! I’m absolutely thrilled to share the cover of Legend, the next and final book in Katy Evan’s Real series!

Legend by Katy Evans
Series: Real #6 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 9th 2016

Can love really conquer all? – Book 6 in Katy Evan’s breakout New York Times bestselling series that began with REAL.

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town–and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

Preorder Links:
Amazon • iTunes • B&N • BAM • IndieBound • Kobo • Google Play

Reading Order: Real series

#1 ~ Real: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Mine: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Remy: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rogue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ripped: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Legend: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads (Feb. 9, 2016)

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

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20Jul2015

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Chaos by Jamie Shaw

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour.

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Chaos by Jamie Shaw!

Chaos by Jamie Shaw
Series: Mayhem #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 21st 2015
Publisher: Avon Impulse

From the moment she saw Shawn Scarlett perform at a school talent show, Kit Larson has loved two things: the guitar, and the gorgeous, green-eyed boy who inspired her to play. But one careless night in high school shatters her hope of ever being more than a notch on his bedpost.

Six years, two bands, and one mostly-mended heart later, Kit’s about to make her rock star dreams a reality as the new guitarist for Shawn’s band, The Last Ones to Know. He may not remember their reckless night together, but Kit has never forgotten… and she’s determined to make him eat his heart out.

The release of their new album means a month cooped up on a tour bus, sleeping inches away from the ridiculously sexy musician she’s never quite gotten over. And as Kit gets to know the real Shawn—not Shawn Scarlett, the rock god, the player—their attraction becomes too hot to resist. But the past is paved with secrets, and when they finally surface, Kit could lose everything: the band, the music, her dreams… and Shawn.

Buy Links:
Amazon • B&N • iTunes • Kobo • Audible

Wow!! I’m surprised by how much I adored Chaos! I was expecting to enjoy it, since I enjoyed the previous two books, but Chaos took me by surprise with the way I fell so hard for the story and characters. This book truly made me FEEL, and it’s definitely my favorite of the series so far.

I’m a sucker for rock star books, but add in a second chance romance, and I’m a goner. I was absolutely swept away by Kit and Shawn’s fantastic romance – Jamie Shaw did an incredible job in balancing their history with their present. Six years ago, back in high school, Kit had the hugest crush on Shawn. He was the reason why Kit grew to love playing the guitar. She adored this boy and ended up giving her virginity to him – but he crushed her heart by never calling her or contacting her after their one night together. Six years later, Kit, with a mended heart, is determined to chase her dreams of becoming a rock star. So what if one of the members of the band she’s auditioning for is none other than the boy who broke her heart?

Just because I wouldn’t change what happened that night doesn’t mean I want to do it all over. I don’t want to fall for him again–not when the ground comes so quick, and not when it hurts so damn much.
I fell for Shawn Scarlett once.
And once was more than enough.

I adored Kit – she has her faults, but overall, I just really loved her character. She has so much passion and determination for playing in a band. She’s a girl who’s truly meant to be a rock star. And all while she’s chasing her dreams, she’s also going to make Shawn regret ever forgetting about her and breaking her heart six years ago. But… the feelings she thought she’d gotten over come rushing back once she sees Shawn again. The last thing she wants is to fall in love with Shawn Scarlett again, but it’s hard to resist when he’s so sweet and romantic towards her.

“You’re everything I never knew I wanted. I didn’t realize what perfect was until I got to know you…”

Shawn stole my heart. He’s a jerk at first, but I slowly warmed up to him. He’s grown up from that boy who went wild with women and the rock star life. He’s the self-appointed manager of their band The Last Ones to Know and it’s clear how much he cares and looks out for his bandmates. What’s also clear is how much he adores Kit – although Kit is rightfully angry that he can’t remember her, though she never mentions their first time together. Even though they both keep secrets from one another, they can’t deny the fierce, passionate chemistry between them. Kit and Shawn are seriously hot together – Chaos is more of a slow burn book, with tensions running high, lots of frustrations, but when Kit and Shawn get together, it’s so worth the wait. They are perfect and so meant for each other!

“You asked me if I was half a person, and I asked you how I’d know.” His thumb grazes my cheek, his eyes clinging to mine. “You. You’re how I know.”

My favorite part of Chaos, besides Kit and Shawn’s wonderfully sweet romance, was the secondary characters. Leti, Kit’s newest best friend, was a breath of fresh air and a much-needed conscience for Kit’s occasional stupidity. But who I really loved the most were KIT’S BROTHERS. Her four loud-mouthed, over-protective, hilarious older brothers. I was laughing my butt off and smiling so much in Chaos because of them – I kind of wish they’d get their own books because I could read about them forever.

Chaos is definitely a must-read for fans of the series or any fans of rock star books. I was impressed with how seamlessly the author wrote about the rock star life – I was definitely sucked into the Mayhem world. I liked seeing the other band members again (can’t wait for Mike’s book!) and I just really enjoyed the writing. I was hooked in to Chaos from the beginning and couldn’t put it down! Chaos had my emotions all over the place, but I can’t deny that I loved it. I highly recommend it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Mayhem series

#1 ~ Mayhem: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Riot: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chaos: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Born and raised in South Central Pennsylvania, Jamie Shaw earned her M.S. in Professional Writing before realizing that the creative side of writing was her calling. An incurable night-owl, she spends late hours crafting novels with relatable heroines and swoon-worthy leading men. She’s a loyal drinker of white mochas, a fierce defender of emo music, and a passionate enthusiast of all things romance. She loves interacting with readers and always aims to add new names to their book boyfriend lists.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

Digital Download set of MAYHEM and RIOT (Books 1 & 2)

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18Jul2015

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway!

King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: July 16th 2015

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.

There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.

I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.

I could feel it the very moment she walked into the interview, with her outspoken charm and vivacious personality. She cast all the others in shadow, made me laugh when life held no humour. Our friendship should have remained professional, but it wasn’t long before the lines started to blur.

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…

You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Smashwords

“I never stopped loving you, not even in my darkest hour.”

Oh, how I adored King and Alexis’s story. I’d been so looking forward to it – from the moment I met Oliver King in Hearts of Fire, I needed to know how he became such a broken man who drinks away his pain. And L.H. Cosway absolutely doesn’t disappoint with King of Hearts. I was swept away by King and Alexis’s beautiful romance – I couldn’t put this book down!

King of Hearts is split into two parts – the before and the after. The before takes place six years prior to the start of Hearts of Fire, when Oliver King is a wealthy, successful businessman. He’s mysterious and intriguing, and his new assistant, Alexis Clark, finds herself fascinated by her new boss. But she places her feelings on hold so that she can do her job… even though the chemistry between them is incredibly hot and intense. I absolutely LOVED the banter between Alexis and King – Alexis herself is a feisty, funny woman, but the two of them together is like magic. The banter only ups the sexual tension between them, and soon enough, the lines become blurred, and King and Alexis can’t stay away from each other.

“I could lose the run of myself inside a woman like you, Alexis.” He paused before muttering under his breath, almost absently, “And I fear if I made you my queen, I could no longer be a king.”

I adored the way Alexis and King slowly fell for each other – they felt so real, and did I mention how HOT the chemistry is between them? They have a bit of a forbidden thing going on, since they are boss and assistant, but I was rooting for them from the start.

As much as I enjoyed the budding romance, I was also on the edge of my seat, waiting to get to the after. We find out how King tragically fell from grace, and my heart broke for both King and Alexis. Years pass, and Alexis manages to find her lost love, but he’s changed dramatically from the man she fell in love with all those years ago. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the fierce love they have that’s absolutely worth fighting for. I so admired Alexis’s strength and tenacity. King has always been IT for her, so of course she’ll fight for him, for them.

Even though it had taken years, finding him had been the easy part. Healing him would be the greatest challenge I’d ever faced.

King of Hearts was an absolute delight to read. I highly recommend this book, and series. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Hearts of Fire first. Also? I just want to say that I’m SO GLAD that there’s going to be another book in the series! I can’t freaking wait for Hearts of Blue – I totally squealed when I saw who it’s going to be about!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Hearts series

#1 ~ Six of Hearts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hearts of Fire: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ King of Hearts: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hearts of Blue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Thief of Hearts: Goodreads (2016)
#6 ~ Hearts on Air: Goodreads (2016)

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

The author is giving away one prize pack open international which includes:
Signed King of Hearts paperback, King of Hearts tote bag, King of Hearts key ring and L.H. Cosway swag

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