Early Review: Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters
Series: Pure Corruption MC #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 7th 2015
Links: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“We met in a nightmare. The in-between world where time had no power over reason. We fell in love. We fell hard. But then we woke up. And it was over . . .”

RUIN & RULE

She is a woman divided. Her past, present, and future are as twisted as the lies she’s lived for the past eight years. Desperate to get the truth, she must turn to the one man who may also be her greatest enemy . . .

He is the president of Pure Corruption MC. A heartless biker and retribution-deliverer. He accepts no rules, obeys no one, and lives only to reap revenge on those who wronged him. And now he has stolen her, body and soul.

Can a woman plagued by mystery fall in love with the man who refuses to face the truth? And can a man drenched in darkness forgo his quest for vengeance-and finally find redemption?

He touched me like a man in love. He touched me like a man who knew me. Who adored me and wanted me for just as long as I’d wanted him.
It was a lie.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!!!

This book was just – WOW! Stunning. Captivating. Dark and gritty. So epically written and handled. I loved it!

I’ve only read three other books by Pepper Winters – Tears of TessDestroyed, and Debt Inheritance – and while I liked them… they were nothing compared to Ruin & Rule. Ruin & Rule was truly an experience – it’s the type of book you get absorbed into and never lets you go. It’s so addicting and beautifully written – it’s definitely the best Pepper Winter book I’ve read so far.

The heroine wakes up with no knowledge of who she is – her memories are a complete blank slate. She doesn’t know her name or where she’s from and most importantly, why she wakes up bound and captive.

How could I deal with this new world if I didn’t know what skills I had to stay alive? How could I hope to defeat my enemy when my mind revolted and locked me out?
Who am I?
To have who I was deleted… It was unthinkable.

She finds herself held hostage by the Pure Corruption MC – by the MC president who she believes she knows from her past. Every look into Arthur Killian’s eyes is like coming home… except he looks at her with hate. My heart was aching for the heroine, for how desperate she was to find out who she was and who Kill was to her. She starts remembering snippets of memories, nothing concrete, but she knows Kill recognizes her. But unless she can prove it, she stuck as a hostage about to be sold.

Once upon a time, I’d loved him in a nightmare so much worse than this one. I’d grown wet for him in another reality, all while he worshipped me, adored me.
It wasn’t my fault I couldn’t separate fact from fiction, truth from fable.

This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I wanted so badly for the heroine to remember who she was – I wanted to know who she was – but nothing would force the memories back into her brain. And Kill – oh my god, Kill! I loved him. He’s powerful, dark, dangerous, and NOT a good man… but I was freaking addicted to his character. He’s a man who lives on vengeance and hate but is inexplicably drawn to the woman who reminds him of his lost love.

The undeniable chemistry between Kill and heroine took my breath away. Their connection is strong and raw and intense, and when they fall into bed with each other, it is scorching. It gets seriously HOT between them – the sex is off. the. charts! There’s an animal-like intensity between them that I freaking loved.

Ruin & Rule is not an easy read. There are so many layers to this book, so many questions and only a few of them are answered. Pepper Winters masterfully creates a plot that is as puzzling as it is intriguing. Her writing is so, SO good – almost poetic. I loved the writing, I was addicted to the story, and I was intrigued by the characters… this book is just a MUST READ! I couldn’t put it down for a second. And the ending! Ruin & Rule ends on a cliffhanger, and while I normally don’t like cliffhangers, this one didn’t bother me very much. I was expecting it, and it felt like the right place to end the first book while still leaving you wanting for the second. I highly recommend this book – it’s so worth the read, even if you don’t like cliffhangers!

4.5 hearts
lacey

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


Reading Order: Pure Corruption MC series

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

#1 ~ Ruin & Rule: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sin & Suffer: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Insider by Olivia Cunning

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Insider by Olivia Cunning!

Insider by Olivia Cunning

Insider by Olivia Cunning
Series: Exodus End World Tour #1
Publication Date: June 30th 2015
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Toni wants to be an insider.
Logan just wants inside her.

She’s finally ready to rock…

Toni Nichols set aside her dreams to raise her little sister, but now she’s reaching for the stars as the creator of a revolutionary interactive biography about Exodus End. She’s on tour with the rock band to immerse herself in their world, but how will she ever gain the trust of four veteran superstars who’ve been burned by the media before? Nobody said this was going to be easy. Then again, good things can come in hard packages.

He’s always ready to roll…

Adrenaline junkie Logan Schmidt lives for the rush of playing his bass guitar before thousands of screaming fans. When he’s not performing onstage or in the bedroom, he’s looking for his next thrill in extreme sports. So why does a sweet, innocent journalist get his heart pumping and capture his full attention? Is Toni the real deal or just digging up dirt on his band? Logan’s eager to rock Toni’s world and roll her in the sack, but when she starts to get too close to his heart, she takes her insider look to a place he may never be willing to go.

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

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I LOVE Olivia Cunning!!! I’ve been a fan since I first read the Sinners on Tour series (which will forever be my favorite rock star book series ever) and fell in love with each and every one of her characters. Her writing is so fantastic, full of heart and humor – you just can’t not love her books! And did I mention how freaking HOT her books are!? I don’t know how Olivia Cunning balances the humor with the sex, but she does it perfectly.

So. Insider. This book – and the Exodus End series – has been a long time coming, and I’d been eagerly awaiting it ever since finishing the Sinners on Tour series. To say I had high expectations would be an understatement. And guess what? I LOOOOVED Insider! It. Was. AMAZING! I totally adored it – Logan and Toni were so much fun (AND HOT) to read about! I’m actually really glad Olivia Cunning choose to write about Logan first rather than Dare (Trey’s brother), even though I’m still dying to get my hands on Dare’s story. I freaking missed the Sinners world so much, so I absolutely LOVED experiencing it again, this time with Exodus End!!!

He lifted a hand and touched her cheek with his fingertips. His thumb brushed her trembling lips. “A sweet lamb left to fend for herself in a den of wolves. Whatever will we do with you?”

Toni Nicols has the enviable job of following around the members of Exodus End in order to write their interactive biography. She needs to tour with them all while trying to win their trust and individual stories. The thing is, Toni is woefully unprepared to be around the hottest, sexiest rock stars in the world. She’s had little to no social life, since her life revolved around taking care of her sister, and… she’s a virgin. I adored Toni – she’s sweet, awkward, and completely relatable.

Logan Schmidt is known not only as the bassist for Exodus End, but also as an adrenaline junkie as well. I loved Logan – he’s a daredevil, he’s hilarious in a dorky way, and so freaking sweet to Toni. He doesn’t understand why someone as awkward and innocent as Toni is intrigues him, but she does, and he can’t stop thinking about her or getting into her pants. The chemistry is explosive between him and Toni, and since they’re in such close proximity to each other on the tour bus, they just can’t resist each other.

Was she really going to lose her virginity? To a gorgeous rock god with a huge cock? Nice. That drunk stranger in college who’d made her feel like the homeliest woman on the planet could bite her fat ass. Logan Schmidt was going to have sex with her, and she was going to love every minute of it.
She assumed.

Logan and Toni begin a sort of friends-with-benefits relationship, which was so fun to read. Hot damn, the things Logan does to Toni. Olivia Cunning is one of my favorite erotica authors, and she definitely doesn’t disappoint in Insider. I believe this is the first virgin heroine Olivia Cunning has written, so it was such a fun change to have the hero teach everything related to sex with the heroine.

He grinned devilishly. “I need far more than twenty-four hours to do all the things I want to do with you.”
His lips brushed the side of her neck, and she sucked in a shaky breath.
“Mmm,” he murmured. “There are so many things I want to show you, Toni. Teach you.”

I really loved the character growth for both Toni and Logan. Toni is pretty clueless (in an adorable way), but she grows in self-confidence and learns to stand up for herself and for what she wants – which is Logan. She falls fast for this sexy rock star, though who wouldn’t? Logan was definitely the typical manwhore rock star prior to Toni, but once he falls for Toni, he falls so hard in love with her. I loved seeing Logan fumbling around with his feelings, but also knowing that he would do anything for Toni. Logan is such a sweetheart!

Maybe love was the adrenaline rush that had been missing from his life all these years.

If you haven’t read Olivia Cunning’s rock star books, you are seriously missing out. She is one of THE best erotica authors I’ve ever has the pleasure of reading, and she manages to write scenes that have you fanning yourself one moment, then laughing out loud the next. The characters in this rock star world are so real and full of life – I absolutely loved reading Toni and Logan’s book, and also getting to know the other members of Exodus End (DARE!!). If you’re a fan of Sinners, you’ll get to see some of them in Insider!

Insider was an absolute delight to read. It was hilarious, deliciously sexy, and so much fun – just perfect. And now I can’t WAIT for the other band members to get their books!

5 hearts
lacey

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

The Exodus End series is a SPINOFF of the Sinners on Tour series. Though you don’t have to read Sinners before reading Insider, I highly recommend it (because they’re just that good).

Reading Order: Sinners on Tour series

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning Rock Hard by Olivia Cunning Hot Ticket by Olivia Cunning
Wicked Beat by Olivia Cunning Double Time by Olivia Cunning Sinners at the Altar by Olivia Cunning

#1 ~ Backstage Pass: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Rock Hard: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Hot Ticket: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#4 ~ Wicked Beat: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#5 ~ Double Time: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#6 ~ Sinners at the Altar: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads

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Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, USA Today Best-Selling Author Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians.

Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She’s been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction — first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own.

Facebook • Twitter • Website • Goodreads

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10 Signed paperbacks by Olivia Cunning
(Sinners on Tour, One Night with Sole Regret anthologies, Insider)
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ARC Review: Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke

Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke

Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke
Series: Anderson Brothers #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 30th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Love thy sexy jerk of a neighbor…

CEO Michael Anderson might be something of a “control freak.” Still, he’s not quite sure why his therapist thinks dogsitting will fix anything, especially since he and the canine share a kind of mutual loathing. And to make matters worse, a house sitter moves in next door disrupting his peace-and his dates-with the worst possible music at the worst possible time… every time.

Free-spirited artist Mia Argaropolis has settled into the perfect gig-housesitting in NYC’s Upper West Side while working as an art therapist. Too bad she’s stuck living next door to a bossy control freak with a penchant for calling building security when she blasts music to drown out the noises coming through his bedroom wall.

Post-apocalyptic dinner rolls that nearly take her kitchen with them, a douchebag ex, and a Shih Tzu with the personality of Godzilla attack Mia in one day, and her unlikely neighbor comes to the rescue. Like it was her fault. And now, somehow, they find themselves engaged? Both agree, this neighborly feud just got taken to a whole new level.

This book was an absolute delight to read! I read it without having read the previous book (both can be read as standalones) but now I’m thinking I should go and read that one too! I was a huge fan of the humor and the charming characters in Neighbors with Benefits – this book had me smiling nearly the entire book. For those looking for a fun, sexy, romantic read, I definitely recommend Neighbors with Benefits!

Michael Anderson is kind of a stuck-up control freak. To get him to loosen up, Michael’s therapist gives him the responsibility of caring for an adorable dog named Clancy. Michael detests the dog, mainly because it’s the one thing in Michael’s life he can’t control. Actually, it’s one of two things – his sexy next door neighbor is the other.

Mia Argaropolis is the complete opposite of Michael – she’s free-spirited, messy, speaks before she thinks, an artist. She loves messing with Michael, getting his uptight panties in a twist, but even though they get off on a rough start, he comes to her rescue when an ex-boyfriend of hers starts harassing her. One thing leads to another, and Mia has a fake fiancé in Michael and Michael has a dogsitter in Mia.

I loved the hilarious, witty banter between Mia and Michael, especially since you can tell there’s some hot chemistry going on underneath it all. These two characters could not be more different, but together, they worked. Mia brings out a lighter side in Michael, and Michael protects and believes in Mia when no one has for her before. Their relationship is so sweet and genuine, if a bit rushed. The book is pretty easy and quick to read, so their relationship wasn’t as fleshed out as I would’ve liked.

Still, Friends with Benefits is a fun, quick read that I enjoyed so much. I was charmed by Michael and I adored Mia’s character. They made such a sweet couple (and there are definitely some sexy moments between them too). If you’re a fan of the ‘opposites attract’ phenomenon, Neighbors with Benefits is perfect for you!

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Anderson Brothers series

Sleeping with the Boss by Marissa Clarke Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke Chance of a Lifetime by Marissa Clarke

#1 ~ Sleeping with the Boss: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
#2 ~ Neighbors with Benefits: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chance of a Lifetime: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads


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Release Day Review: To Tempt a SEAL by Sara Jane Stone

To Tempt a Seal by Sara Jane Stone

To Tempt a SEAL by Sara Jane Stone
Series: Sin City SEALs #1
Publication Date: June 30th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

He can resist everything…except her.

For the first time in her life, art therapist Lucia Lewis is ready to live. And the masquerade ball in Las Vegas is just the place to find a ridiculously hot guy to complete her wicked to-do list. The only rule? Her elegant Venetian mask-which conceals the scars that have always held her back from the life she deserves-stays on.

Navy SEAL Cade Daniels heads to Vegas on a mission to keep his best friend’s little sister out of trouble. Except the woman he’s sent to find is all heat and flame…and perfectly capable of handling herself. And him. But the moment Lucia’s mask slips, the need to heal her, body and soul, is complete and absolute temptation.

But revealing himself could cost him the one thing he isn’t willing to risk…his heart.

This was a really sweet, enjoyable romance between a hot, sexy SEAL and a woman looking to fulfill her fantasies.

Lucia Lewis has scars on her face that have kept her from living life to its fullest – so when she’s in Vegas for a weekend, she decides to take charge of her life and find a man who will fulfill her ultimate sexual fantasies. And who better to fulfill those fantasies than one sexy, willing SEAL?

“From the moment I first saw you staring at the painting, I wanted you. Come to bed, gorgeous, and claim your fantasy.”

Cade Daniels finds himself tasked with secretly keeping an eye on his best friend’s sister, but he never expects the sister to be a gorgeous beauty. The chemistry between them is hot and he’s instantly attracted to her, so when he hears about her wanting to find a man to fulfill her fantasies, he’s game. It gets incredibly hot and steamy between them once they begin a no-strings sexual relationship, but both of them soon realize that once won’t be enough for them.

“You want to be the girl in my fantasies?” He took her face in his hands. “You are my fantasy.”

I really liked To Tempt a SEAL – the writing is on point, and the characters were likable and relatable. It might not be the most creative or unique book ever, but I still enjoyed what I read. I liked how well-developed the characters were and I definitely enjoyed the steamy parts of the book. Cade and Lucia only spend a few days together before they start falling for each other, which felt a bit unrealistic, but other than that, I have no complaints. This was an easy, sexy read and I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.

3.5 hearts
lacey

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


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Release Day Review: Caught by Clare James

Caught by Clare James

Caught by Clare James
Series: Elite PR #1
Publication Date: June 30th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

She was hired to clean up his image. He wants nothing more than to get her dirty.

Watching sex tapes at the office is just part of PR professional Vivian Blake’s job, especially when she has to clean up a celebrity’s image. Except that her newest client isn’t quite that easy. Racecar driver Jarod Cage is beyond hot, and his onscreen “performance” is already compromising Viv’s cool professionalism.

While Jarod hasn’t exactly been discreet about his personal life, he never thought his reputation could cost him both his sponsor and his racing career. Now he has to put his future in the hands of a tiny, pixie-like publicist. Which is becoming a problem, because the heat between them is about to redline. But when you go this hard and fast, putting on the brakes is the most dangerous thing you can do…

I was really excited for Caught after reading the blurb – it’s not often that I read about racecar drivers, so I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, the story sometimes came across as a bit flat. It wasn’t a bad read, but it wasn’t very good either. I didn’t connect well with the characters, so Caught was just an okay read for me.

Vivian Blake works in PR, and her latest client is famous racecar driver Jarod Cage. After his latest scandal with a sex tape gone viral, her job is to clean up his act and make his public image presentable so that he’ll be able to continue his racing career. But while she’s good at her job, she’s not so good at resisting Jarod’s tempting ways.

Jarod Cage is sexy, Southern, and a total ladies man. But for some reason, he’s incredibly drawn to his publicist, a woman who’s the complete opposite of him. As his publicist, Viv is in close proximity to Jarod many hours of the day, which causes the attraction between them to only grow. It’s not long before Jarod and Viv fall into bed, and they are explosive together.

I really liked how the chemistry was portrayed, and I definitely liked seeing Jarod the bad boy fall for a woman who’s nothing like him. Sadly, both their characters felt flat to me – I couldn’t connect with them and I wasn’t a fan of how the romance played out. This doesn’t mean I didn’t like Jarod or Viv – I mainly just wasn’t invested in their story very much. But the chemistry and racing aspect of the story was a definite plus in the book, so overall, Caught was okay – a good, but not great, read.

3 hearts
lacey


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