Release Day Review: The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey
Series: The Allure #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 29th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.com
To: LilyNBlack@gmail.com
Subject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!

Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT’s “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.

I GOT A JOB!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.

I know what you’re thinking- “But Jo, what’s the problem?”

Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling…Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.

Lord, help us all…

XO,
Jo

What a sweet, sexy, hilarious book! The Allure of Julian Lefray was exactly what I was in the mood for – it was sweetly romantic, with tons of laugh-out-loud moments and main characters with great chemistry. I adored this latest romantic comedy from R.S. Grey!

If I was a provocative temptress from a James Bond movie, I’d have picked up my champagne, held his eye as I took a sip, and then seductively whispered, “Is there room for two on that flight in your pants?” or y’know, something equally as seductive. But since I am Josephine, weird-girl-from-the-country, I stayed silent and took another sip of champagne.

Our heroine, Josephine Keller, is a fashion blogger who has just moved to NYC in hopes of making a career in the fashion industry. Jo is adorable, sometimes awkward, but she’s a sincere kind of heroine – basically, she’s endearing as hell, and I adored her. Landing a job is her first priority in NYC, since she’s close to broke and her parents aren’t exactly supportive of her dreams. Nonetheless, she is determined to accomplish her dreams, and though there are a few fumbles and awkward moments along the way, she gets a job working not for famous fashion designer Lorena Lefray, but Lorena’s hot, sexy brother Julian.

Julian Lefray is highly intrigued by and attracted to his new assistant, though he knows he shouldn’t feel the way he does about her. I loved that we get Julian’s POV in this book – it was fun to see his side and his struggles with fighting his desire for Jo. I liked that he wasn’t the clichéd manwhore – he’s a workaholic, but he’s sweet and loyal to the people he cares about, one of which Jo is quickly becoming.

I’d gone thirty-one years without knowing her, yet now it felt wrong to even go one weekend without speaking to her.

Jo and Julian have serious chemistry together, and it’s difficult for them to resist, but they set it aside to form a friendly relationship. Jo can’t risk losing her job if she sleeps with Julian, her boss, but they spend so much time together that their friendship quickly, genuinely turns into something more.

“What’s gotten into me, Jo?” he asked with an incredulous tone.
He took a step closer to me, pulling his body flush with his. His hands gripped my upper arms and his mouth met my hair, just above my ear. His chest pressed against mine so that I could feel his wild heartbeat hammering a crazy rhythm.
“You,” he bit out.

It gets pretty intense between Julian and Jo, but what I really enjoyed about this book was that it never lost its easy humor. I found myself smiling so much at the banter between the characters, and some of the situations they got themselves into were absolutely hilarious.

The Allure of Julian Lefray is a feel-good office (even though they’re technically not in an office for the majority of the book) romance that I couldn’t help but enjoy. It had sweet, hilarious, endearing characters I loved reading about. I’m really hoping the author will be writing a book about Jo and Julian’s best friends – she set up their story perfectly in this book. If you’re in the mood for an easy, fun, sweet read, The Allure of Julian Lefray is for you!

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

Reading Order: The Allure series

#1 ~ The Allure of Julian Lefray: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Allure of Dean Harper: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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29Jun2015

Release Day Review: Priest by Sierra Simone

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Priest by Sierra Simone
Series: Priest #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 29th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

There are many rules a priest can’t break. A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God.

I’ve always been good at following rules.

Until she came. Then I learned new rules.

My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I’m twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again.

I am a priest and this is my confession.

Oh. Myyyyy. Goodness. This book… was seriously dirrrrty!!! I mean, I was totally ~~wanting~~ expecting it, but I had no idea what I’d be in for. As an erotica, this book would be 10/5 for me – it’s seriously that hot, dirty, and raunchy. I’m nearly ashamed of how much I loved the dirtiness of this book. It’s taboo to the max – a priest who breaks his vows of celibacy… and is kinky as hell. (If you are sensitive about this topic, I highly recommend you turn away from this book.) I’ve read so much that it’s hard for a book to make me blush… but this one, this one set me on fire.

I knelt down behind her and spread her legs, spread them so that her cunt was gloriously bared to me. “My little lamb,” I whispered. “You are so very, very wet right now.”

I love taboo stories, and Priest was spot-on in its yummy taboo-ness. Twenty-nine year old Tyler Bell is a good priest who is faithful to his God and church – that is, until Poppy Danforth walks into his church one day and changes everything for him. From the first time he hears her voice, he is addicted to her, and try as he might to stay faithful to his religion, temptation wins, and so ensues an erotic journey between a priest and a woman who is temptation personified.

“This is so wrong,” I said, moving my mouth even closer. I could smell her, and she smelled like heaven, like soap and skin and the delicate female scent that every man hungered for. “But just one taste,” I murmured, talking more to myself that to her now. “God wouldn’t punish me for just one taste.”

Holy mother of god, this book is one of the dirtiest, filthiest books I’ve ever read. Priest is downright sinful, I tell you, but I LOVED the sinfulness. Sierra Simone’s writing is perfection, practically dripping with erotica and sensuality. I’m a HUGE fan of her writing in this book, so I’m sad that I didn’t actually love this book as a whole. I enjoyed it for the most part, the sex scenes were delightfully naughty, but I didn’t love it like I was expecting to. While the erotica and writing were superb, the actual romance and plot were weak in comparison. I loved Tyler, the hero, but Poppy, the heroine, I just never connected with. It’s not that she was weak or anything – in fact, she’s a strong, intelligent, independent woman. But I felt like her sole purpose in the book was just to be Tyler’s temptation and downfall, and I didn’t see any depth to her. We don’t really get her POV, mainly Tyler’s, so that might be why I couldn’t connect with her.

Tyler’s character, on the other hand, I really liked, though I had issues with him too. He is… an endearing sort of man. I loved the filth that came out of his mouth, definitely, but as a whole, he’s a kind, compassionate man. He’s funny sometimes, his narration is easy to read, and he has a dirty, dirty mind. He’s a likable character, but I thought he fell into his desire for Poppy way too quickly for a priest. I would have liked to see more resistance from Tyler, if only to intensify the forbidden aspect of the story. I also couldn’t understand how he fell in love with Poppy – but the two do fall for each other, which puts Tyler in a difficult situation: having to choose between his faith and duty, and the woman he loves.

“Whatever happens after this, I just want you to know that this was worth it. You were worth it. You were worth everything.”

The main things going for Priest were the smut, writing, and taboo. Those were pretty much perfectly crafted, but the plot and romance disappointed me. Still, it’s a provocative, addicting read that I was engaged in from start to finish. I honestly still can’t get over how fantastically filthy this book is – if you’re looking for a dirty read, look no further than Sierra Simone’s Priest.

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

Reading Order: Priest series

#1 ~ Priest: Ebook • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Midnight Mass: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads

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25Jun2015

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Maldeamores by Mara White

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Maldeamores by Mara White!

Maldeamores by Mara White
Publication Date: June 22nd 2015

Belén: I’ve loved Luciano ever since I can remember, desired him before I even knew what it meant. He’s always been the only man in my life—my constant protector, and his rejection only intensifies my need.

Luciano: I’ve never known a love more fierce than the one I feel for Belén. But I force myself to deny her no matter how much it hurts.

Our love is a sickness and both of us are infected.

Because there’s no cure for being from the same family.

***Warning***
This novel contains graphic sex scenes, including: incest, F/F, and ménage, M/M/F. Some drug use and violence.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • B&N • Smashwords • Kobo • Google Play

HO-LEE. SHIT. WOW!!!!! What. A. Read!

“Gene mutations I can tell you about, Belén. But love, that is the universe’s greatest mystery.”

First off, I’d never read a book by Mara White before – but now I’m thinking I should. The way she writes is just so captivating and addicting… I was hooked onto Maldeamores from the beginning. The taboo subject of the book isn’t for everyone: it’s about cousins who fall in love. I took a chance on this book because I LOVE forbidden/taboo love stories, and this one was calling to me. I wasn’t uncomfortable with the topic (first cousins can marry in many places, after all), but Maldeamores still held enough taboo to make my heart race. If you’re unsure about this book, I say GO FOR IT!!! The writing is spectacular, and it’s the kind of story that sweeps you away and emotionally exhausts you – I freaking loved it!

“I think that nobody can help who they love. That shit just happens and you’ve got to figure out how to deal with it. I don’t believe it’s a choice. Ever.”

Belén and “Lucky” Luciano have been inseparable since they were born – they’re cousins who grew up together, but somewhere along the way, their familial love turned into something more. I loved that we get to see Belén and Lucky in their younger years, how they grew up together and how they started falling for each other. Both knew it was something wrong – forbidden – but… you can’t help who you love. I never felt like what they did – falling in love – was wrong. It was just so right between them. The author wrote their characters in such a way that I was able to see how clearly they belonged together, no matter what their families or society think. The connection between them was as pure and passionate as it was gut-wrenching and emotional. Nothing is easy for their relationship, not that they have much of one in the beginning. As much as Lucky loves Belén, he doesn’t see himself as worthy of her, so he stays away from her, not letting himself fall into temptation. But when temptation strikes… the passionate scenes between them are so erotic and sensual, but of love and heartbreak. This book has SO MANY FEELS it was almost hard for me to keep track what I was feeling. Bottom line, though, I was seriously invested in Belén and Lucky’s love story.

“Loving you, Bey, should not be something that’s hidden from the world. Your love should be a privilege, not a dirty secret. I want you to have a happy life, one that you’re proud of.”

Now I have to talk about the writing!!! Oh my god, Mara White’s writing is seriously gorgeous. The writing SUCKED me into the story and never let me go. It’s beautiful, sensual, emotional – it’s the kind of writing that makes you keep on reading. Even when the characters had me feeling distraught, I couldn’t put this book down. I became addicted to the writing and story, to the ups and downs of Belén and Lucky’s epic love. The LOVE between them just shines so clearly off the pages and in each and every word of this book.

But why am I only giving this four hearts? Well… I loved everything – except for the ending. I almost want to pretend the epilogue never happened. I’m not saying it’s a BAD ending – it just wasn’t the ending I wanted. I won’t say whether there’s a HEA or not, but I just have to say that while I can understand why the author chose to end it that way, I really REALLY wish it ended differently. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it DID affect the way I perceived the book after I finished, and I just couldn’t give this book five hearts.

Maldeamores seriously fucked me up – in the best possible way. I don’t regret reading it (excerpt maybe for the epilogue), despite the emotional roller coaster this book put me on. The writing is flawless and the characters are the kind of messed up that I love to read about. One word to describe this book? Unputdownable. I’m so impressed with how this book was able to wring so many emotions out of me, but what I loved the most was the beautiful love story Mara White wove between Belén and Lucky. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

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

Mara White is a contemporary romance and erotica writer who laces forbidden love stories with hard issues, such as race, gender and inequality. She holds an Ivy League degree but has also worked in more strip clubs than even she can remember. She is not a former Mexican telenovela star contrary to what the tabloids might say, but she is a former ballerina and will always remain one in her heart. She lives in NYC with her husband and two children and yes, when she’s not writing you can find her on the playground.

Website • Twitter • Facebook

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24Jun2015

Early Review: Never Loved by Charlotte Stein

Posted in 2 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Never Loved by Charlotte Stein
Series: Dark Obsession #1 (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

Perfect for fans of Katy Evans, the first novel in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of a beautiful wallflower who falls for a chiseled street fighter—and learns just how dangerous love can be.

Beatrix Becker spent most of her life under the thumb of her controlling, abusive father. And now that she’s free and attending her dream college, she has no idea how to act like the normal crowd: partying, going on dates, even having a conversation. Then she meets Serge Sorensen. Big and surly with a whole host of riotous tattoos, Serge is supposed to scare the hell out of her. But beneath his harsh exterior, Beatrix discovers a kindred spirit who knows what it’s like to be a misfit. Most exhilarating—and terrifying—is what he does for a living: illegal street fighting.

There’s nothing like the rush Serge gets from the intense athleticism and brutal glory of combat—though his chemistry with Beatrix comes close. Slowly at first, he introduces her to his world, where he lives by instinct, passion, and desire. He even helps her out with her equally traumatized brother. But when Serge gets in too deep with the wrong people, he ends up paying in blood. And suddenly, just as Beatrix has been drawn into Serge’s perfectly sculpted arms, she’s thrown once and for all into the fight of his life.

This is my first Charlotte Stein book… and I’m quite sure it’ll be my last. The writing just wasn’t working for me – there was too much internal monologue and barely any dialogue. It was just so difficult and tedious to get through paragraph after paragraph of monologue and angst. I’m sad to say this was a disappointment for me. I’d really been looking forward to it based on the blurb, because I love fighter books, but the writing was a letdown.

Beatrix Becker has been sheltered her whole life by her abusive father, but she’s able to escape from under his thumb and go to college. She’s still not quite ready to venture out into the world, but then she meets sexy, tatted Serge Sorensen, a street fighter who intrigues her, though she knows she should stay away from. But there’s a connection between them and Serge can’t stay away from the shy, innocent Beatrix. These two could not be more different, but somehow, together, they make it work.

This book had potential, especially with Serge as the hero, but Beatrix’s narrative was just so incredibly boring. I found myself skipping ahead to parts where there would be dialogue so that the plot would move on. And speaking of the plot… there wasn’t much of one, besides Beatrix falling for Serge and giving up her virginity. Anything not related to that was weakly written.

Sadly, this book was not for me. While I liked how Serge’s character was written – he’s careful, kind, and wholeheartedly gives himself to Beatrix – everything else was hard to enjoy. I would not recommend this book if you like dialogue in books.

Reading Order: Dark Obsession series

#1 ~ Never Loved: Ebook • Goodreads (July 21, 2015)
#2 ~ Never Sweeter: Ebook • Goodreads (Feb. 2, 2016)

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23Jun2015

Blog Tour + Release Day Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey

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

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey!

Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey
Series: Crossing the Line #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: June 23rd 2015

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • B&N • Kobo • iBooks

I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. the previous book in the Crossing the Line series, Risking it All, so I was so, SO excited to read Up in Smoke! Connor intrigued me to no end when he first appeared in Risking it All, and I loved getting to know his story and the woman he falls for in Up in Smoke. Connor is… WOW, he is definitely, without a doubt, my new favorite dirty talker!!!! If there’s one thing you should know about Tessa Bailey, it’s that she writes dirty talk like no other. Connor melted my heart and panties in Up in Smoke, and I loved it!

Though Up in Smoke can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Risking it All first – Connor is introduced in the first book, and Up in Smoke follows up on the ending from Risking it All. As a former street enforcer and criminal, Connor has been given a new chance and a new life in a new undercover team in Chicago (formed by none other than Derek from Protecting What’s His!). When Connor meets Erin, another criminal in the undercover team, he is instantly and fiercely drawn to her. I absolutely LOVE the way Tessa has her heroes fall so hard for their heroines on first sight. Yes, a lot of it is definitely lust, but I just adore the way Connor felt protective and possessive of Erin from the get-go.

Erin, an arsonist with a huge case of claustrophobia, can’t stand when other people touch her… but she wants Connor to touch her. This girl is seriously messed up, but it’s hard not to find her – sassiness and all – endearing. She has issues, but when she’s with Connor, it seems those issues dull into nothingness. Connor is the only person she’s ever felt safe with, but he’s also the only person who sets her insides on fire.

She was drawn to fire. Connor had enough inside him to burn down a major city.

Connor is a tightly-leashed man and pure alpha-male – he is a bad boy with a heart of gold, and I fell so hard for his character. He is completely swept up in Erin – I seriously swoon SO HARD at how much Connor cares about Erin and her well-being. He does everything he can so that she’ll be safe and comfortable… all while desiring her with a wild, animal-like passion. The chemistry between Erin and Connor is H.O.T. I seriously think this is the hottest book I’ve ever read from Tessa, and Connor has the dirtiest mouth ever – I blushed every time Connor opened his mouth!

“Look at you. Grinding that little pussy on me.” His voice sounded raw, heated. “I’d fill you with every goddamn inch so quickly, you’d scream for me to take it back out. Maybe it’s better this way, giving just your clit a ride. But know that I’d like to be pounding you full of me, Erin. Full.”

“I’ve never begged a fucking day in my life, but you’re going to make me, aren’t you?”

It’s hard not to get addicted to Tessa’s books. It’s so easy to enjoy her books, and I was swept away in Connor and Erin’s story – although I do think they fell a bit too fast for each other. The book centered around Connor and Erin and them overcoming their internal issues, so the plot about their undercover mission felt weak in comparison. Nonetheless, this was fast-paced, smoking hot read that I highly recommend. If you’re a fan of the author, you definitely don’t want to miss this (and the wonder that is Connor’s mouth)! We get to see a lot of Bowen and Sera (from Risking it All) and Derek (from Protecting What’s His), as well as the couple featured in the next book, Polly and Austin, who are also part of the undercover team. I can’t wait to see what happens in their book!

“If I’m what you want, hope is futile, because I couldn’t belong to you any more completely than I already do.”

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

Now here’s an excerpt from Up in Smoke! ❤

As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.

Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.

Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”

The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”

Erin hissed again.

“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”

Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Shit like that.”

She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.

A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”

“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”

Reading Order: Crossing the Line series

#0.5 ~ Riskier Business: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Risking it All: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Up in Smoke: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Boiling Point: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Raw Redemption: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Thank you for your interest in my books! I’m Tessa and I live in the crazy, loud, overcrowded borough of Brooklyn, New York. I love it here. This city is a constant source of inspiration, which is why I’ve decided to set my most recent books in the Line of Duty Series here.

I moved to New York when I was eighteen, the day after I graduated high school. Threw my suitcase in the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier and drove across the country to find my adventure. I’m still finding it, little by little. Thank you for being a part of it.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

Signed Copies of RISKING IT ALL and UP IN SMOKE
$100 Amazon Gift Card

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