Early Review: Ruled by Elle Kennedy

Ruled by Elle Kennedy
Series: Outlaws #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 1st 2016
Links: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

In the latest novel in the series with the “sexiest, baddest, hottest”* outlaws around, one woman must choose between the two men who want to claim her…

…Or does she?

Despite his magnetic personality, Rylan can’t seem to seduce Reese, the deadly leader of their town of outlaws. Winning her over is a welcome challenge, but her indifference isn’t the only thing standing in his way. If he wants Reese, Rylan must also win over Sloan, her stoic protector…

Sloan has always loved Reese, but their painful past has stolen his chances of a future with her. Rylan’s interest in Reese only intensifies the tension—until Sloan begins to wonder if the reckless man might be the one person who can bridge the distance…

The last time Reese fell for the wrong man, she had no choice but to kill him. Now, she desperately wants to take what both Rylan and Sloan are offering. But if she makes the wrong call again, she risks losing them both.

To say I’d been dying to read Ruled ever since finishing the previous Outlaws book would be an understatement. You have no idea how READY I was for Reese, Sloan, and Rylan’s story because hello, THREESOME!!! And SLOAN!!! And now, all I can say is that Sloan is one of my favorite heroes from Elle Kennedy, and Ruled might be the hottest book she’s written yet. If you thought you were ready for the steam thanks to Claimed and Addicted, think again, because Ruled will seriously blow your mind with the chemistry between this threesome.

Reese is the queen of her outlaw community. She is fierce, independent, badass – she will do anything and everything to protect her people. But there’s only one person she allows to protect her and stand by her side: Sloan, her quiet, stoic right hand man. These two are tied to the knot, and there is essentially no Reese without Sloan, and vice versa. But what Reese doesn’t know is that Sloan has been in love with her since forever. Will Sloan ever be able to win his queen? Or will he need the help of a new man to get her to open up to him – to them?

The only thing he didn’t like about the man was this creeping feeling he had that he was losing Reese to him. But was he really losing her? Or was Rylan the key to winning her?

Rylan – the irreverent, perpetually horny Rylan – has also wanted Reese since the moment he met her, but he’s gotten nothing but rejections from her. But when the stress piles up on the outlaw queen, Rylan offers his body as a way to relieve it. But there’s only one catch from Reese – that Sloan has to be there to watch them. So what starts off as an insanely hot exhibition act turns into so much more when the chemistry between Sloan and Reese, Reese and Rylan, and even Rylan and Sloan ignites. This is a threesome with no shortage of lust and raw desire – but can Sloan and Rylan ever get Reese to be vulnerable enough to admit to loving them?

“There is nothing we won’t give you,” Sloan said softly. “Nothing you could want that we can’t deliver.”

The steam in Ruled went above and beyond my expectations. Elle Kennedy knows how to write erotica, and I’m seriously hoping this won’t be the end of the Outlaws series. I’ll admit, I really wasn’t that into the plotline regarding the evil dystopian government – all I cared about were the main characters. It just wasn’t as engaging as the love story, and some details about it were too rushed. So if you’re like me, and just want the sexy hot threesome to set your panties on fire, trust me, you won’t be disappointed with Ruled!

4 hearts
lacey

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


Reading Order: Outlaws series

Claimed by Elle Kennedy  

#1 ~ Claimed: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Addicted: My Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ruled: EbookPaperbackGoodreads (Nov. 1, 2016)


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Release Day Review: Tonic by Staci Hart

Tonic by Staci Hart
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: October 13th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Joel Anderson doesn’t take anything seriously.

Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he’s not the kind of man you cross, or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists.

Annika Belousov takes everything seriously.

Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn’t take lightly. When she’s tapped to produce a reality show at Joel’s shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way.

The second Annika walks into Joel’s shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she’s not having it. He’s all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn’t take her long to find out there’s more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line.

Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he’s found his tonic.

I was excited for Tonic mainly because of Joel – he was so intriguing in Wasted Words, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his story. It wasn’t quite what I expected though – I didn’t love Tonic or hate it. It was very meh for me, to be honest, and I just wasn’t feeling the romance or story at all. The romance was too superficial and not fleshed out enough for me, and the story dragged too much. That being said, it’s not a bad book. I’d say if you’ve been a long-time fan of the author and her writing, then you’ll probably enjoy Tonic.

Joel and his brother are tattoo shop c0-owners, and they’ve just signed on with a TV producer to film a reality show based off their tattoo shop, Tonic. Joel is reluctant to have anything to do with being part of a reality show, so he’s not going to make it easy for the producers to film. But when he meets Annika Belousov, he might not like her job, but he’s definitely intrigued by her as a woman. He can’t stop thinking about her, taunting her… trying to get her into his bed.

Annika is the total opposite of Joel – while he’s laid-back and relaxed, she’s uptight and serious about everything she does. She has an incredible work ethic, though they don’t call her an ice queen for nothing. But what happens when Joel starts to melt the walls around her heart? Can she choose between the man she’s falling for or the career she’s worked so hard to achieve?

While I enjoyed Tonic on a surface level, there were things that prevented me from connecting with the book on a deeper level. Some parts felt too forced and a little awkward – the author tried to fit in too many references to pop culture that it got old fast. I really only cared about Joel and Annika, but these two took too long to sort their problems out and used sex as an avoidance tactic too often. Joel annoyed me in the second half of the novel – he doesn’t seem to know when to take responsibility and likes to blame other people for mistakes that he’s a part of. His character also didn’t feel like a 38-year-old man – he seemed a lot younger and immature, which was not a good thing.

Tonic wasn’t a bad book, but’s it’s definitely one of my least favorites from Staci Hart. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to connect with her future novels more – I still have hope that she’ll write another book as good, or even better than, Chaser!

3 hearts
lacey


Tonic is a standalone spinoff of Wasted Words. Joel first appears here in this book!

Wasted Words: My Review • Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads

Tonic and Wasted Words are a standalone spinoffs of the Bad Habits series, a series of standalones with characters featured in the spinoffs!

Reading Order: Bad Habits series

With a Twist by Staci Hart Chaser by Staci Hart Last Call by Staci Hart

#1 ~ With a Twist: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Chaser: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Last Call: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + Release Day Review & Giveaway: Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

Happy Release Day to L.H. Cosway – Thief of Hearts is live!

Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 4th 2016
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Seduce the teacher.
Meet the cousin.
Make a deal.
Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU
iTunes • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • Smashwords

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I’ve adored every book in L.H. Cosway’s Hearts series, and though Thief of Hearts isn’t quite my favorite, it’s still a great addition to the series, and one that fans of the author should definitely read. This is the eldest Cross brother’s story, and we get to experience this ex-con fall for his teacher. A delicious forbidden love, a dirty-minded alpha, and a painting heist all made for one entertaining read.

Andrea Anderson may have been a widow for four years, but she hasn’t been able to let go of her husband and high school sweetheart. She works day to day at an adult school, barely making ends meet, and in serious hospital debt back when her husband was ailing. Things seem bleak until a mysterious, gorgeous bad boy enrolls in her class. Stu Cross is everything she should stay away from, but he’s the one man who’s been able to make her forget her troubles. She sees in him the intelligence and potential everyone seems to glance over – and can’t help falling for him because of it. But when he ropes her into helping him steal a painting, things start to get complicated. Can Andie really trust Stu’s feelings for her, or is he just using her for the painting?

Stu Cross made me feel alive. So much so that it took him coming into my life to make me realise I hadn’t been living. I’d been imprisoned in the past, hiding behind a future that was lost to me.

L.H. Cosway has such a quirky way of writing – I can’t say that I love it, but it’s different and a little refreshing to read. Andie was a sweet, adorable character I really felt for. Stu is a swoony hero – loyal, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. And he certainly knows how to use his mouth, the dirty talker. Their romance was seriously the sweetest thing – I was rooting for them from the start, though their story is certainly not the least bit easy. The plot with the blackmail and painting made things way more complicated, and I sadly didn’t find myself caring that much about it. All I really wanted to focus on was the romance, which was good enough for me.

Overall, Thief of Hearts is a great installment to the series, and though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading at least the book before it, Hearts of Blue, which is where the Cross family is first introduced. Right now, I’m dying to read the final Cross brother’s book – I love friends-to-lovers romances, and I can’t wait for Trevor and his best friend Reya to get their story!

3.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Hearts series

Six of Hearts by L.H. Cosway Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway
King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway Hearts of Blue by L.H. Cosway 

#1 ~ Six of Hearts: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hearts of Fire: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ King of Hearts: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hearts of Blue: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Thief of Hearts: Ebook • Goodreads
#6 ~ Hearts on Air: Goodreads (2017)

about the author button

L.H. CoswayL.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

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1st prize:
A collection of signed books by a number of different authors (Kristen Ashley, Samantha Young, Penny Reid, Mariana Zapata, Amy Harmon) including signed copies of the entire Hearts series and a selection of L.H. Cosway swag
2nd prize:
A signed paperback copy of Thief of Hearts, signed swag and a $15 Amazon gift card
3rd prize:
A kindle copy of Thief of Hearts and a $5 Amazon gift card

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Early Review: Four Letter Word by J. Daniels

Four Letter Word by J. Daniels
Series: Dirty Deeds #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 4th 2016
Links: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words “wrong number” in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend’s heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he’s quickly come to hate-until Sydney’s wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .

Ho-lee god, I was not expecting Four Letter Word to be as hot and dirty as it turned out to be! WOW. If all of J. Daniels’ books are like this, I think I’m going to have to start reading them, because seriously, this book nearly had me on fire. I loved it! I loved Brian and Sydney and I’m so happy about how their story turned out. I was intrigued by the idea of two strangers accidentally meeting by phone, and the execution, while starting off slow, didn’t disappoint. I’m very impressed with this story, and I’m definitely looking forward to more of the series!

After getting basically dumped by her husband of seven years, Sydney needs a break from her life, so she hides away at her best friend’s place. Turns out her bff, Tori, also has a man who’s scum – so with all her pent-up anger thanks to her husband, Sydney goes to dial the man who broke her best friend’s heart and yell at him and chew him out. Except she misdialed and called the wrong man – who would turn out to become so much more than just a voice on the other end of the phone. An exchange of texts leads to phone calls, which leads to sharing things about each other that neither of them have ever shared before. Who knew an accidental phone call would change a person’s life?

“You’re the best mistake I’ve ever made.”

Brian Savage lives for Sydney’s texts and calls. He thinks about her 24/7 – but he knows that nothing will ever come out of it, much to his devastation. The situation he’s in, the job he has, everything conspires to prevent him from being with the one girl he knows is meant for him. I’ll admit, when I found out about Brian’s job, I was wary of his character as a hero, but I really shouldn’t have worried. This is a man completely obsessed and into his woman – there is no one and nothing but her for him. If you know me, then you’ll know I kinda love that in my heroes, so Brian won me over pretty quickly. And holy smokes, does this man have a mouth on him! He’s a dirty talking alpha like no other, and I loved it. He honestly reminded me of Kristen Ashley’s heroes, but dare I say it… even better?

Best two and a half weeks of my life came from a girl who was never meant to give me anything. And she was giving me everything.

This book did get off to a rough start for me. It was kind of dragging and I was basically just waiting for when the main characters would meet. But once the story picked up, I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I got HOOKED onto the story, the characters, and their explosive love. The ending gets a little OTT, but that was easily forgivable because I was enjoying Brian and Sydney so much. If you love insanely hot books with a hero who is 100% into the heroine, you will definitely want to pick this book up. It was a fabulously dirty read – and now I’m crazy for book two! I don’t particularly care for Jamie (Brian’s best friend) at this point, but I love enemies-to-lovers romances, and I know Jamie and Tori will have one epic story. I can’t wait to read it!

Love was a risk. It was wild and unpredictable. You could either hold on for the ride, not knowing how it would end, or you could let go and never know the amazing you could’ve had.

4 hearts
lacey

quote

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


Reading Order: Dirty Deeds series

 

#1 ~ Four Letter Word: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
#2 ~ Hit the Spot: Ebook • PaperbackGoodreads (Dec. 6, 2016)


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Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader

Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 27th 2016
Links: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Kate Meader’s blazing Hot in Chicago firefighter series has “everything you want in a romance” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick)! The flames of desire burn out of control in this sexy third novel when ex-lovers unexpectedly reunite for a sizzling affair that will have the director yelling, “Quiet on the set!”

Actor Molly Cade, America’s fallen sweetheart, finally has her shot at a Hollywood comeback with a dramatic new role as a tough-as-nails firefighter that promises to propel her back to the big time and restore her self-respect.

Wyatt Fox, resident daredevil at Engine Co. 6, needs a low-key job to keep him busy while he recovers from his latest rescue stunt. Consulting on a local movie shoot should add just enough spark to his day. Especially when in struts Molly Cade: the woman who worked his heart over good, and then left him in the Windy City dust.

Their story is straight out of a script: irrepressible, spunky heroine meets taciturn, smoldering hero. But these two refuse to be typecast, and when the embers of an old love are stoked, someone is bound to get burned…

I have been waiting for this book from the moment I finished Playing with Fire (one of my favorite reads from last year) and Kate Meader didn’t disappoint. I expected a fabulous contemporary romance packed with heat and chemistry, and she definitely delivered. I’ve been intrigued by the eldest Dempsey sibling since the first Hot in Chicago book, and now that I’ve read Wyatt’s story, he just might be my favorite tall, dark, brooding firefighter I’ve ever read.

Years ago, before Wyatt joined the CFD and Molly became a famous actress, they were just two strangers who met at a bar – and had a week filled with mind-blowing sex. They never got each others’ names and never saw each other again… until Wyatt is hired to help out with Molly’s production of her new movie, and these two are thrown together once again. Time has definitely not put a damper on the wicked hot chemistry and lust they have – if anything, their chemistry burns even hotter this time around. But with Molly living the celebrity lifestyle with zero privacy and Wyatt living the quiet life with a secret he doesn’t want out in the open, can an actual relationship ever work out between them?

I loved how well Molly and Wyatt meshed, despite being total opposites. Molly is an outgoing, sassy sweetheart, though the past year for her has put her through the wringer and made her develop trust issues. Wyatt is protective, loyal, and is the only one of his siblings that likes to stick to himself. But he finds himself reaching out more when he’s with Molly, and I loved that she brought that out in him. These two are absolutely meant to be together – they make the sweetest (and HOTTEST) couple!

If you love your romances with sexy men in uniform, look no further than the Hot in Chicago series. These firefighters (and a mayor) will seriously melt your panties off – Kate Meader knows how to write her dirty talk and alpha heroes. And the tight-knit family relationship of the Dempseys is sure to warm your heart. I highly recommend this series if you like well written, steamy contemporary romances!

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Hot in Chicago series

 Flirting with Fire by Kate Meader
Melting Point by Kate Meader Playing with Fire by Kate Meader 

#0.5 ~ Rekindle the Flame: EbookGoodreads
#1 ~ Flirting with Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Melting Point: EbookGoodreads
#2 ~ Playing with Fire: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Sparking the Fire: EbookPaperback • Goodreads


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We are excited to do a Fire Giveaway to celebrate the third in Kate Meader’s Hot in Chicago series, Sparking the Fire. This giveaway will include Flirting with Fire (Book 1) and Playing with Fire (Book 2). You can visit all sites on the blog tour to enter the Fire Giveaways – but keep in mind you can only win once! U.S. only.

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$25 Amazon Gift Card: Kate Meader’s SPARKING THE FIRE release celebration

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Blog Tour

September 14:
RT Book Reviews – Exclusive Excerpt only

September 20:
Heroes and Heartbreakers – Exclusive Excerpt + Giveaway

September 23:
USA Today’s Happy Ever After – Exclusive Excerpt only

September 26:
Harlequin Junkie – Spotlight + Giveaway
Under the Covers – Interview
A Midlife Wife
Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It

September 27:
Collector of Book Boyfriends
Literary Gossip
The Romance Reviews
Once Upon a Twilight
Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews

September 28:
Four Chicks Flipping Pages
In Between the Pages
Reviews by Crystal
Read Love Blog

September 29:
Abigail Books Addiction
Read Your Writes
Booklovers for Life
Dirty and Thirty

September 30:
Lush Book Reviews
Art, Books & Coffee
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
The Lovely Books

October 3:
The Romance Dish
Margie’s Must Reads
Girl Meets Books
Dirty Girl Romance
Jen’s Reading Obsession
Jackie’s Books ‘n Bags
What’s Better Than Books?
TJ Loves to Read
Curvy and Nerdy
Hot Guys in Books
KT Book Reviews

October 4:
About That Story
Love is a State of Mind
Closet Geeks and Slow Mo
Book Junkiez
Books Are My Friends, Come See Why
Off-Grid-Momma’s Bookshelf
Fire and Ice Book Reviews
Polished Book Worm
Ingrid’s Book Blog
Thoughts of a Blonde
E-Reading After Midnight

October 5:
Cocktails and Books
WTF Are You Reading?
Alathia Paris Morgan
The Reading Café
Those Crazy Book Chicks
Anonymisses
The Sassy Bookster
Always Booking
I Love Romance
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Kitty’s Book Spot!

October 6:
Bea’s Book Nook
Kricket’s Chirps Romance Blog
Ever After Book Reviews
Marie’s Tempting Reads
Jenerated Reviews
I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore
Ebookobsessed.com
A Fortress of Books
Author Liaisons
Sexy Bibliophiles
The Librarian – Blog Talk Radio Author’s on the Air – Interview Only – Listen Live at 7:30 pm ET!

October 7:
Once Upon a Page
Ramblings from this Chick
Southern Yankee Book Reviews
Dog-Eared Daydreams
Oh My Growing TBR
Bujoijoi22
After Dark Book Lovers
Literary, Etc.
Misty’s Book Bin And More
Fiction Fangirls
The Book Quarry


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