Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Own by K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco

own-tour

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Own by K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco!

Own by K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco
Series: Need #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 28th 2016
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Kira’s finally mine.
Mine.
And nobody and nothing is going to take her from me. I’ll fight for her, to the death. Do anything for her.
There’s no more living without her. No more holding back my feelings.
If only it was enough.
We’re surrounded every day.
Watched.
Stalked.
Judged.
Everyone knows us. Now, they suspect. The odds are stacked against us more than before.
We live in the shadows, hiding our love from the entire world.
But not for long.
I refuse to live like this anymore.
I’ll do whatever it takes to own her. I’m waging a dark war against those that stand against us.
And I will win.
That girl is going to be mine forever, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

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“You own all of me.”

Y’all, I know the step-brother romance craze is basically over, but I have been WAITING for Own for forever. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m so glad to have finally read Brayden and Kira’s finale. These two have been through so much together – if you love messy drama, this series is it for you. And the best part? You don’t have to torture yourself with the wait for the next installment! The Need series is definitely one of the better step-brother romances I’ve read, so if you love forbidden romances, I’d recommend giving this a try. It’s also insanely hot too – Brayden and Kira are ON FIRE together!

I love Brayden, I do, but I don’t know how to handle this. We aren’t dating. We aren’t even boyfriend and girlfriend.
I don’t know what we are, because loving him doesn’t mean forgiving him.

I’d been dying to read Own ever since finishing Take, and while it wasn’t quite what I expected, I still loved how things ended for Brayden and Kira. Own is basically them trying to overcome the external obstacles that try to break them apart, which I appreciated because I was pretty done with the two of them trying to break themselves apart. I loved seeing both Kira and Brayden fighting for their love and relationship – the connection they have is raw and passionate and meant to be. There is no one else for these two but each other, and though their flawed pasts may cause trouble, as long as Kira and Brayden have each other, they know they’ll be okay.

I would give up everything I have, everything I am, my very life, for her.

If Own had focused mainly on Brayden and Kira’s repairing relationship, I probably would’ve easily given this a five star rating, but there is SO much drama and trouble included in the plot, especially having to do with Brayden’s dick of a father. I wish that the drama had cut down just a little – I love angst, but it was a little overdone in this book. Other than that, I don’t have very many complaints – I did enjoy getting back into Kira and Brayden’s story and finally getting to their HEA!

If you’re looking for a good step-brother romance, the Need series is one of the top ones I’d recommend. The writing is fantastic – the transition between the two POVs is flawless, especially for two authors writing them. The steam is off the charts – Brayden’s filthy mouth is to die for. And there is some fantastic angst to pull at your emotions and make you so invested in these characters. I’m excited for more from K.I. Lynn and N. Isabelle Blanco – I’m so happy they’ll be writing more books together! I can’t wait to read Kira’s brother and his girlfriend’s story next!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from Own! ❤

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Why the fuck is Kira at this party?

Stupid question.

I have no right to begrudge her this. She should be here, having fun, experiencing college to the fullest.

It just burns that she came here without telling me. That she didn’t even think of inviting me.

That she’s pushing me away while making time to sit on the grass with Austin.

If Dana hadn’t told Ryan to call me, I wouldn’t have known Kira was here.

This party is taking place in one of the student’s homes—a mansion so fucking big, it’s bordering on ridiculous.

I’m never going to find Kira here, and according to what Dana told Ryan, Kira’s shitfaced. Drunk out of her mind.

And Dana lost her.

Growling under my breath, I push past the crowd, ignoring every drunk girl who tries to grope me.

Sometimes I wonder how I ever got high off this kind of attention. How my ego fed on it. It’s annoying as fuck.

I’ve already checked the large ass kitchen. Two of the sitting rooms. The foyer. The pool room. And almost every room upstairs.

I get a text from Dana. Marilyn just spotted her going into the movie theater on the first floor. OMW there now.

Of course this place has a movie theater, too.

Fucking ridiculous, as I said.

I about-face and practically fly down the stairs. I have no idea where the hell the movie theater is, so I grab a few people as I walk and ask them.

All of them are as clueless as I am.

They look at me as if I’m crazy.

To them, I probably look like I am.

Finally, I find one person who knows. Don’t know who he is, don’t care. He points me in the right direction, and I rush away without even thanking him.

The theater is all the way in the back of the house, in an area that’s actually empty. I get there in time to see Dana opening the door and rushing in.

Man, she’s an awesome girl. I could never thank her enough for caring for Kira the way she obviously does.

I go inside and find the small theater empty, except for Dana, Marilyn . . .

And Kira.

My breath whooshes out of me at the sight of her. I’m instantly hard, aching, furious, and possessive.

We haven’t fucked in days and I’d be lying if I said my balls aren’t full to bursting. I need sex right now like I need air and she’s the only person to give it to me.

But she came here, in that tiny, dark purple dress.

I have no right to tell her how to dress–but what the fuck is she doing coming to a party dressed like that without me?

Kira’s leaning against one of the chairs all the way at the front of the theater, refusing to move despite Marilyn urging her.

It’s obvious she really is drunk as a motherfucker.

“I just want to be alone, guys,” she says, almost whining.

I refuse to be amused. Now’s not the time. I’m too pissed at her.

But, fuck me. She’s sexy, adorable, and those lips are begging for my cock.

“I know, sweetie. But it’s not good for you to be alone right now.”

Kira swats Marilyn away. “Stop your shit, woman. You’re not my mother.”

Even Dana laughs at that one.

“She’s not. But I’m your man. And I say you’re not going to be alone.”

They all turn to stare at me as I walk down the short steps toward them.

Kira’s eyes flare with resentment.

With lust.

She rakes me with a cold stare that still manages to burn my entire body with how hungry it is.

Damn. If any of these girls just happen to look down a bit, they’re going to get an eyeful of how hard my dick is.

“I don’t want you here, either.” She swats me away like an imperious little queen.

“Girls. Leave us.”

Marilyn and Dana hesitate at my tone.

I don’t have time for this shit. “Now.”

Dana snaps to action first and leads Marilyn up the stairs and out of the theater.

Kira’s still looking at me with that rebellious hunger, a lust-filled sneer on her face.

I have no qualms about reaching down and palming my dick in front of her.

Her eyes flare hungrily.

“We’re leaving, Kitty. Now.” I can’t fuck her until she sobers up considering how angry at me she is, but I’m getting her home.

Kira steps toward me and stumbles at bit.

I rush forward and catch her, pulling her up against me.

Contact. Seering, torturous contact. I have my arms wrapped around her, my hands on her ass, before I realize what I’m doing. As always, it’s an instant reaction. Absolutely zero control over my own body.

Kira pushes at my chest and that sexy small growl she gives me turns me on so much. “Don’t touch me.”

My barely leashed temper snaps free. “Like hell. You’re mine.”

She struggles against me, her body sliding along mine. “Excuse me if I don’t want to go back to fucking the dick I’ve seen inside Jennifer two too many times.”

She’s hurting. I get it. Shit, I’d be even more feral in her shoes.

But I’ll be damned if I let her pretend she doesn’t want me anymore.

Fisting her hair, I slide my other hand under her dress and roughly shove her panties to side.

Kira lets out a broken gasp at the feel of my fingers slipping inside her.

I move them around on purpose so she can hear how wet she is. “Lie to me again. Tell me you don’t want me,” I growl in her face.

Her arms wind around my neck and she slams her lips against mine. Growling at me like she  hates me and wants to eat me at the same time, she kisses me with everything she has.

Owning me.

Trying to control me.

I want nothing more than to show her who’s fucking in charge here, but she’s licking my tongue like it’s the tip of my dick, and her hips are thrusting up and down, fucking my fingers.

Using me for her pleasure.

Her body locks up, her plump pussy swelling around my fingers. A throb, a rush of liquid, and she’s squirting into my hand, her sexy moans echoing between our lips.

God damn.

I manhandle her, my mind cracking under the pressure of so much need. Spinning, I fall to my knees on the short steps and place her beneath me.

The steps are short but they’re huge. Enough to accommodate her lower body on one.

Kira leans back with her elbows on the step above her. Head thrown back, gorgeous throat exposed, she struggles to pull in air.

I lean back on my haunches and yank my belt open.

The sound makes her raise her head. By the time her eyes are on my crotch, I already have my glistening cock out in my hand.

She whispers my name like a prayer.

Finally.

This is what I need. No more distance. No more pain. Just her and her nearly demonic need to have me.

And I need this even more.

I grab her thighs and tug her toward me. Kira says my name again. Her hands land on my shoulders, fisting my shirt.

I spread her legs wide, wider than I probably should, and slide that juicy cunt right onto my dick.

Her body arches off the stairs like she’s being possessed.

She is.

If I haven’t left enough of me inside her for her to understand—for her to accept—that I own her and always will . . .

I’m going to remedy that.

And there’s nothing she can do about it.

I pull my hips back, slow, hissing at the slick feel of her pussy walls tightening. Trying to keep me in.

Kira whimpers, clenching me even harder.

Wanting to let me go and powerless to do anything but keep me.

Using all my strength, I slam back into her.

One hard, vicious thrust.

She cries out and comes all over me.

Again.

Just like that.

I crack my neck, a growl purring through my chest, and lay into her. No mercy. No thought.

I’m close. Just a few more pumps into that slick cunt.

Kira fists my hair, her moans bouncing off the walls around us. I lower myself down and brace my elbows on either side of her head.

She tries to tug me down and kiss me.

I slide one hand beneath her head, fisting that beautiful hair, and drag her up to me. “Who told you that you could come here dressed like that?”

She bites my lip hard enough to make my vision snap white. I think I taste blood. “Fuck you. You don’t own m—” She chokes on her words with my next thrust.

I can’t stop groaning, yet somehow I’m laughing in her face at the ridiculousness of her statement. “You want to keep fucking lying to yourself, Kitty?”

She hisses like the wild cat she is and leans up to lick across my bottom lip. When she pulls back, I see it.

Her lips are stained with the blood she drew from me.

I press my lips to her, our tongues dueling. We’re nothing but a mindless mass of sex, and I can feel the come rising up my shaft.

In the back of my head, it registers that I hear people speaking.

Drawing closer.

On the other side of the door.

“That bitch ruined my life!”

“First off, don’t ever call her a bitch in front of me. Got it? Secondly, you have no proof it was her that sent your parents that video. Third, back the fuck off, or I’m going to forget we were ever—”

The door opens.

I raise my head enough to look up. For a split second, the fact that we’ve been caught freezes me.

Then I see two pairs of familiar blue eyes locked on us.

Jennifer.

Austin.

Reading Order: Need series

  

#1 ~ Need: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Take: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Own: EbookGoodreads (Nov. 28, 2016)

Get the boxed set of the first two novels for $0.99!

Amazon

about the author button

K.I. Lynn is the USA Today Bestselling Author from The Bend Anthology and the Amazon Bestselling Series, Breach. She spent her life in the arts, everything from music to painting and ceramics, then to writing. Characters have always run around in her head, acting out their stories, but it wasn’t until later in life she would put them to pen. It would turn out to be the one thing she was really passionate about.

Since she began posting stories online, she’s garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination…or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain… Usually it’s cheese.

 Website • Facebook • Twitter • Facebook Group • Goodreads

N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.

N. Isabelle Blanco spends her days working as an author, web programmer, marketer, and graphic designer. That is when she isn’t handling her “spawn”, as she calls her son, and brainstorming with him about his future career as a comic book illustrator.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + Character Interview & Giveaway: Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

fire-in-you-tour

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for FIRE IN YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout!! Check out a character interview below with Jillian!

Character Interview: Jillian Lima

What it was like growing up with your father?

It was never boring growing up with Andrew Lima. Since my father is a famous ju-jitsu and mixed martial arts expert, I grew up in the MMA world and the Academy. That was interesting to say the least.

What do your friendships with the other couples mean to you?

I love that I’ve found such wonderful female friends, but I also love that our significant others are close, too. It works out that we all get along.

How has your past shaped your future?

I eventually realized that I have to live in the present because there is no promise of tomorrow.

What’s your favorite holiday Starbucks order?

Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you and Brock could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

Traveling anywhere with Brock is an adventure. It really doesn’t matter where we travel because we enjoy all of our time together.

Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Wait for You #6 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 28th 2016
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From the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes

Pre-Order a digital or paperback copy of FIRE IN YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J.Lynn, AND fill out THIS FORM, and get an exclusive bonus scene-an Epilogue featuring POVs from all the major couples throughout the Wait For You World!

FIRE IN YOU will be available in paperback and eBook November 28th, 2016!

Just enter your name, age, email address, and the order number from your digial or paperback pre-order receipt at https://a.pgtb.me/M7KhMCto receive your exclusive FIRE IN YOU bonus scene! All entrants will receive the bonus scene on December 5th, 2016 through email using the email given when the entrant filled out THIS FORM.

Reading Order: Wait for You series

Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout Trust in Me by J. Lynn Be With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout Stay with Me by J. Lynn
Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout Dream Of You by Jennifer L. Armentrout Forever with You by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

#1 ~ Wait for You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Trust in Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Be with Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Stay with Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fall with Me: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Dream of You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Forever with You: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Fire in You: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (Nov. 28, 2016)

about the author button

Jennifer L. Armentrout#1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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Signed Set of the Wait For You Saga (not including FIRE IN YOU) for 1 winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

November 21
The Book Bratz-Review
This Wacky Mama Reads!-Review & Excerpt
Booklovers For Life-Character Q & A-Jillian

November 22
The Reading Geek-Review
Words With Sarah-Review & Author Interview

November 23
Grown Up Book Reviews (MundieMoms)-Review
Krista’s Dust Jacket-Review & Excerpt
Oh My Growing TBR-Review & Excerpt

November 24
A Bookish Escape-Review
Star-Crossed Book Blog-Review & Author Interview

November 25
Book Bitches Blog-Review & Excerpt
The Irish Banana Reviews-Review & Author Interview

November 26
Stuck In YA Books-Review & Top 5 List
Step Into Fiction-Review & Excerpt

November 27
Less Reality, More Books-Review & Character Q & A-Kristen
My YA NA Book Obsession-Review & Author Interview

November 28
RentasticReads-Review
Stuck in Books-Dual Reviews
Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It-Review
MEReadAlot-Review

November 29
Milky Way of Books-Review
Love Between the Sheets-Review & Character Q & A-Brock
Book Boyfriend Reviews-Review

November 30
The Cover Contessa-Review & Top 5 List
Deity Island-Review & Excerpt
All Romance Reviews-Review & Excerpt

December 1
Cocktails and Books-Review
Readers Live 1000 Lives-Review & Character Q & A-Avery & Cam
K-Books-Review

December 2
Tome Tender-Review & Excerpt
The Book Hookup-Review & Excerpt

December 3
Nose Stuck in a Book-Review & Excerpt
Kimberlyfaye Reads-Review & Top 5 List


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Blog Tour + ARC Review & Excerpt: Managed by Kristen Callihan

Managed by Kristen Callihan
Series: VIP #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 14th 2016
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It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big…ego.

I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.

That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.

I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.

If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Let the battle begin…

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes • Kobo

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THIS is the Kristen Callihan book I was expecting to get when I read the first VIP book! Managed was such a fantastic read – I loved the endearing characters, the sweet romance, the delicious chemistry, everything! This was the perfect, fun read that had me giggling and swooning simultaneously. It’s one of the best books I’ve read all year, and I’m already dying for more. If you love romances where opposites attract and main characters who love to get each other riled up with quips and witty comebacks, then Managed will be perfect for you!

Sophie thinks she’s hit the jackpot when her plane seat is moved up to first class on her way to an interview in London, but things don’t go quite as smoothly after that when she meets her moody, grumpy, handsome seat neighbor. Gabriel Scott is uptight and unforgiving – everything that Sophie is not. So she makes it plan to annoy the crap out of him to get him to lighten up – but when she discovers that Gabriel, aka “Sunshine,” is terrified of flights, she finds herself comforting him and keeping his mind off the fact that they’re thousands of miles up in the air.

Somewhere over the Atlantic, at thirty-five thousand feet, she wrapped herself around me, and my brain decided to equate her scent, the sound of her voice, the feel of her skin, with comfort.

As manager of one of the most famous rock bands in the world, Gabriel is used to control in all things. But meeting Sophie has changed everything for him, because he finds that he can’t keep his feelings under lock anymore. The more he knows her and is around her, the more he wants her. The tension between these two is seriously delicious and the chemistry is on fire – and when these two finally come together, it’s more than they could’ve every imagined.

Home. I have not thought of any place as home for so long I’m surprised I even remember the concept. … Yet from the first night Sophie settled her things alongside mine and filled those quiet, orderly spaces with her effusive nature, wherever she is feels like home.

I loved everything about Managed. The characters were well-written and their development, especially Gabriel’s, is fantastic. I loved getting to know more about Gabriel, who seemed like such an enigma in the last book, and Sophie is the ultimate bubbly sweetheart. The rest of the band is also featured heavily, and now I’m so excited for the remaining two members to get their books. Managed is a brilliant, romantic rock star read, though it’s a little lighter on the rock star aspect than Idol was, since Gabriel is only the manager. The romance, though, will definitely melt your heart – a cold-hearted man experiencing love for the first time gets me every time!

“I’ve lived my whole life denying myself what I truly want. And yet I cannot turn from you. Haven’t you realized it yet? I am yours. I will always be yours, whether I touch you or not.”

5 hearts
lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from Managed! ❤

excerpt button

In all this time, I had yet to see Gabriel without a shirt. He hides his body like a pious Victorian, never letting me see anything other than him fully dressed and polished. Now I know why. Had he let me get a glimpse, I might never have been able to form a coherent thought around him.

This man’s chest is a work of art. It’s every fantasy I’ve had about a man’s body made real. I don’t even know how that’s possible, but I’m not about to complain. God, he looks touchable. Olive skin, tight little brownish nipples, a smattering of dark chest hair over the most incredibly honed—

“You’re staring.” His tone is dry.

“Yes, I am.” I drag my eyes up and find his expression bemused.

A thick brow lifts. I try to mimic the look and fail when both of my brows lift as one. His lips twitch in amusement.

He shifts his weight, causing his abs to clench. Good Lord. He’s not some overdeveloped gym worshiper, just solid and strong, that perfect balance between defined musculature and healthy male—

“You’re still staring, Sophie.”

“You think it’s easy looking away from all this splendor?” I ask his belly button, licking my lips when he huffs out a laugh and just a little bit more of his lower abs are revealed, slanting toward the thick bulge of his cock, which is lamentably hidden behind his slacks.

“You’re impossible,” he mutters, though there is humor in his voice. He strolls farther into the room and then practically kills me when he sits in one of the low-slung armchairs. That body, sprawled out on display, those thick, long thighs braced as if to take me in his lap—it’s too much.

I want to straddle him and lick my way from the hollow of his throat to the tip of his cock.

He eyes me as if he knows what I’m thinking, and the air thickens. So many things we left unsaid. I’m remembering his lips now, surprisingly soft, but strong with purpose.

From the way his lids lower, I wonder if he’s remembering things as well. But he doesn’t move. Tension glides over his body and snakes around the room. I feel it in my throat and down my spine. We’re closing up again, retreating.

Slowly, I toe off my shoes and set my gear down, never breaking eye contact. “I was being completely honest,” I tell him. “I see you like this and I want to stare forever.”

He snorts, shaking his head even as he rests his temple on his knuckles. “What do you mean ‘like this’?”

“Undone.”

He tenses. It does lovely things to that chest. I focus on his face, mainly to maintain some semblance of decorum.

“You think this is me undone?” he asks quietly.

“It’s a start.” I reach for my camera bag. “Will you let me photograph you?”

There is safety to be found with the camera between us. A way for both of us to hide until we’re comfortable around each other again.

“You’re serious?”

“You sound surprised.” Holding my camera, I sit in the sofa opposite him. “Don’t tell me no one has asked to take your picture before.”

“They’ve asked. I never saw the point.” He shrugs. “I’m not the story.”

You’re my story. You always were.

“This is just for me,” I say instead. “No one else.”

His shrewd gaze pins me. “Why do you want this?”

So I can have a bit of you forever. “Pictures capture moments in time. I want this one—when you finally let me see a sliver of the man behind the clothes.”

His nostrils flare on an indrawn breath, and he slowly lets it out. When he speaks, his voice is a rasp. “Take the pictures.”

Reading Order: VIP series

 

#1 ~ Idol: My ReviewEbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Managed: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author button

Kristen CallihanKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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Blog Tour + Review: Mr. President by Katy Evans

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Mr. President by Katy Evans!

Mr. President by Katy Evans
Series: White House #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 31st 2016
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He’s won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?

I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.

He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.

Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I’m determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I’m helpless to resist.

We’re stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt’s chance at the presidency on the line.

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes • Kobo

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If you know me, then you know I utterly ADORE Katy Evans and her alpha heroes. So when I heard she’d be releasing a new book in November, I was ECSTATIC because I know she never disappoints! And seriously, Matt and Charlotte completely stole my heart in Mr. President and I never want it back. These two were the epitome of delicious chemistry, and I’m dying for more of them. If you’re a fan of Katy Evans, you won’t want to miss this latest release of hers.

“One day I’ll do all the things I need to. And she’ll be mine. Mark my words.”
“Does she know this yet?” I ask, quietly.
“I just told her,” he says.

A Senator’s daughter, Charlotte Wells has lived her life surrounded by politics but has never really wanted to have a career related to it. She’s currently feeling unfulfilled in her life though – but everything changes when Matthew Hamilton, a former president’s son whom she met eleven years earlier, extends an invitation for her to join his campaign for the presidency. Both are determined and ready to make a difference in the world one step at a time, but with the simmering attraction between them, can they risk having an affair that could cost Matt his chances of becoming president?

What we’re doing is risky, but how can it be wrong when it feels so right?

If I had to describe Mr. President in one word, it would be TENSION. Katy Evans’ masterful build-up of the sexual tension and chemistry between Matt and Charlotte had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I was waiting to see what would happen with their relationship. There was surprisingly very few explicitly sexual scenes – most of the story is built off of the growing desires between the main characters. The passion they have – both for each other and for politics – comes off the pages so clearly. I am always in awe of how Katy is able to infuse such passion in her romances!

She grounds me.
She obsesses me.
She fuels me.
This woman not only makes me want to be a great man, she makes me want to be the best goddamn president that ever lived.
She’s what I never knew I wanted and have discovered that I need.

I’m so greedy for more Matt and Charlotte. I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of books where I don’t know whether it’s a standalone or not, but I’m lenient when it comes to favorite authors because I know I won’t be disappointed. That being said, I hate that I have to wait for Commander in Chief! January seems like an awful long wait – but I’ll wait with bated breath because I adore these characters and can’t wait see how it all ends!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: White House series

#1 ~ Mr. President: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Commander in Chief: Goodreads (Jan. 11, 2017)

about the author button

Katy EvansKaty Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

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Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Beard Science by Penny Reid

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Beard Science by Penny Reid!

Beard Science by Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: October 11th 2016
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Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So… what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

Buy Links:
Amazon • iTunes • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

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I had such high expectations for Beard Science ever since first meeting Cletus and being utterly intrigued by him. He was unlike any other character I’d ever come across, and now that I’ve read his story, I can still say he’s one of the most unique characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Seeing him fall in love was something I never knew I wanted, but Penny Reid gave me this wonderful experience that I totally adored. If you’re a fan of Penny Reid or wonderfully quirky characters you can’t help but love, I highly recommend this book!

I felt hushed. I felt smothered. I felt suppressed and . . . ignored. Not just by my parents and their expectations, but also by me. I’d been ignoring myself. I’d been ignoring my own wishes and hopes.
So indeed, I decided to feel motivated, determined, ready, and . . . excited.
I was excited, ready to find my spirit.

Jennifer Sylvester is known as the Banana Cake Queen… and she hates her title. She’s always followed her parents’ rules and has never truly done anything for herself, but she’s ready for a change. And the perfect opportunity comes in the form of Cletus Winston – she blackmails the king of blackmail to get him to find a suitable man for her to settle down and start a family with.

“You’ll know one day, Cletus. You’ll discover what it’s like to find the other part of yourself. You’ll know it’s her, only her, always her. Maybe not right away, but eventually you’ll know. She’ll be your beginning, middle, and end. And your intentions won’t matter. Love brings its own intentions, and all other plans, hopes, and dreams fade to insignificance in the face of love.”

Cletus, my love! Cletus is totally up there with Jethro as one of my favorite Winston brothers. He’s just so unexpected and unique – there’s no one quite like Cletus. He made me laugh, smile, swoon… Penny Reid definitely didn’t disappoint with his character. And his heroine, Jennifer, was perfect for him! The two of them don’t have the best first impressions of each other, but after spending time thanks to Jenn’s blackmail causes them to develop feelings they’ve never felt before. It’s a bit of a slow burn romance with neither of them recognizing what they’re feeling for each other, but once they do… it’s the most romantic thing ever.

“You want to know what you are to me? Fine. You’re my beginning, middle, and end.”

I loved Jenn and Cletus individually. Jenn’s transformation from pushover to a woman who goes for what she wants was so impressive and admirable. Cletus is, well, Cletus. His falling in love humanized him a bit more, so to speak, and I love him even more for doing so. Theirs is a relationship that is supportive, respectful, sweet, and sexy as hell. Just saying, Cletus is a man who knows what he wants, and he GOES FOR IT.

She was so beautiful, my Jennifer. And not because of her eyes, or face, or any other outward attributes. The person she was held me transfixed. How could I have disregarded her? How could I have looked at her with anything but wonder and respect and desire?

Beard Science is another wonderful installment to the Winston Brothers series. I loved getting to know Jenn, Cletus, and the rest of the brothers even more. I felt so many emotions as I read this book – I was so hooked, I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m seriously dying for the remaining brothers’ stories, especially Billy and Claire’s. I have a feeling that one will be an agonizing one.

4.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Winston Brothers series

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid Beard Science by Penny Reid

#1 ~ Truth or Beard: My Review • Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Grin and Beard It: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Beard Science: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Beard in Mind: Goodreads (2017)
#5 ~ Dr. Strange Beard: Goodreads (2017)
#6 ~ Beard Necessities: Goodreads (2017)

about the author button

Penny ReidSEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Prize Pack from Penny Reid

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