Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Frisk Me by Lauren Layne

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

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Frisk Me by Lauren Layne!

Frisk Me by Lauren Layne
Series: New York’s Finest #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 28th 2015
Publisher: Forever

After a photograph of Luc Moretti saving a tourist hits social media, he instantly becomes New York’s most famous and beloved cop. When a major network decides to run a special on the “American Hero,” Luc’s boss gives him no choice but to cooperate in the name of good exposure for the department. Luc doesn’t mind the celebrity status-what he does mind is the gorgeous brunette journalist who’s been assigned to follow his every move. Especially since she also happens to be the same knockout that rejected him rather publicly the week before.

Ava Sims is a woman who gets what she wants. And what she wants is to be CBC’s lead anchor-but to get there, she’ll need to nail the fluff piece on the playboy cop. Luc Moretti is everything Ava knows to stay away from: a stubborn charmer with a hero-complex. But the more Ava gets to know Luc and his oddball family, the more she realizes that beneath the swagger and the blue uniform is a complex man who makes her heart beat too fast. Soon, Ava’s doing the unthinkable, and falling for the best of New York’s finest …

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

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good man-in-uniform book, but Frisk Me, starring officer Luc Moretti, was an absolute delight to read. I was a big fan of Lauren Layne’s when I read one of her Redemption books, but Frisk Me only solidified to me how great of an author she is. This was a great first book in a new series (about some sexy men-in-uniform!) that I’m already looking forward to reading more of.

Luc has become a famous hero when he’s recorded doing something he feels any other compassionate person would do. The video becomes viral, and Luc is thrust into celebrity very unwillingly. All he wants is the media attention to go away, but he’s instead forced to let a TV reporter follow him around and write up a story about his life.

He was all over the place with her. Amiable one minute, prissy the next.
Kissing her one day.
Yelling at her the next.
A match made in heaven, they were not.

Luc’s moody brooding about his newfound celebrity was just… adorable. He’s normally a fun, charming guy, but Ava Sims, the reporter, gets under his skin. He’s annoyed with her, no matter how gorgeous she looks or how hot the chemistry between them is. Ava also doesn’t want to follow around the cop who gave her a ticket three years ago, but this ‘hero story’ will be the launch of her career. I loved that Frisk Me was a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance – the banter between Ava and Luc is hilarious and I could definitely feel the hot chemistry between them!

Slowly, Ava and Luc start to warm up to each other as they get to know one another. Frisk Me was a heartfelt book, and though it was slow in the beginning, I was soon rooting for Luc and Ava’s HEA. They just meshed so well together, and it was easy to see that they were perfect for each other.

“I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”

I also have to mention that the Moretti family is absolutely hilarious! I was laughing out loud at so many ridiculous things that Luc’s family says. Luc’s grandmother, Nonna, is a hoot. She has no shame in what she does, wears, or says. I loved her! I was also SUPER intrigued by Luc’s two older brothers, who will also be getting their books. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy Anthony and Vincent’s books even more than I did Luc’s.

Frisk Me was overall just a great read. There was just enough drama and intensity to balance out the lighter, fun moments to make this a well-rounded book. I had so much fun reading Frisk Me and cannot WAIT for the second book!

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

Reading Order: New York’s Finest series

#1 ~ Frisk Me: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Steal Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Cuff Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren’s gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

$50.00 Amazon eGift Card
Signed Copies of FRISK ME, ONLY WITH YOU and MADE FOR YOU
(Print US/Ebook INTL)

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20Jul2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Order: Mayhem series

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

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

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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

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6Jul2015

Early Review: Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters
Series: Pure Corruption MC #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 7th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • 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 Tess, Destroyed, 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!

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

Reading Order: Pure Corruption MC series

#1 ~ Ruin & Rule: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sin & Suffer: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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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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4Jun2015

Early Review: Zack by Sawyer Bennett

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Zack by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 9th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett goes for a hat trick with the latest romance in a sexy series about cool-as-ice hockey players and the women heating up their lives.

Warning: The following contains spoilers from a cliffhanger in Garrett.

Rising star Zack Grantham has been stuck in a downward spiral of grief that has put his career on hold. Back on the road with the Carolina Cold Fury, still crippled by emotional baggage, and now a single dad, he’s in need of some serious help with his son. But while the nerdy new nanny wins his son’s heart, Zack isn’t sure he’s ready for a woman’s touch—even after getting a glimpse of the killer curves she’s hiding under those baggy clothes.

Kate Francis usually keeps men like Zack at a distance. Though his athlete’s body is honed to perfection, he refuses to move on with his life—and besides, he’s her boss. Still, the sparks between them are undeniable, tempting Kate to turn their professional relationship into a personal one. But before she makes a power play for Zack’s wounded heart, Kate will have to open him up again and show him that love is worth the fight.

OH MY GOD. YES. I. Loved. Zack! I’d been seriously SO excited for Zack’s book after reading what happened to him in Garrett. My heart was devastated for him… But I knew that his tragedy would make for an even better book. And yes, Zack absolutely did not disappoint! It’s currently my favorite of the Cold Fury Hockey series, which I highly recommend! It’s a fantastic series about hot, sexy hockey players who fall hard for their women… what’s not to love!?

Zack is a lot different than the two previous books in the series. It has a more serious tone to it, and at the same time, I laughed the hardest in this book. An odd combination, but Sawyer Bennett rocked it. I was a bit worried about how Zack would play out, but I should’ve trusted the author from the beginning. I absolutely adored Zack and Kate’s story – I loved the angst, the forbidden-ness, the sweet moments… it really was a fantastic book.

My insides feel dead, my capacity to care for much of anything seems lost, but there are two things that still keep me functioning. It’s the prospect of playing hockey again, and, most important, my son, Ben.

Zack Grantham is grief-stricken and devastated over the accident that led to the death of Gina, the mother of his son, Ben. Even though he never married Gina, he still loved her, and his heart is still in mourning over her. But life moves on, and when Zack is finally able to get back into hockey, he needs to hire a nanny to take care of Ben when he’s away.

Enter Kate Francis. A dorky, nerdy, hilarious twenty-three year old woman working her way through college. Kate is seriously the most endearing, adorkable heroine ever. I honestly love Kate more than Zack, because she’s just so funny, heartwarming, and incredible. I love Zack too, but he got frustrating sometimes… But Kate is pure heart and gold. I adored the way she took care of Ben and grew to actually love him. She’s so great with him, and she’s fantastic with dealing with a grieving Zack. She’s the only person to have been able to make him smile and laugh since Gina died.

Zack may not have thought much about Kate when she first starts working, but one glimpse of Kate in her short, revealing pajamas and Zack is hooked. The tension between Kate and Zack is out of this world… this book is hot, hot, hot!!! I was fanning myself like crazy once they start a sex-only relationship. Some scenes, like the one in Zack’s man cave… hot. damn. Of course, Zack doesn’t want feelings involved between them because he thinks he’s no longer capable of love after Gina. Which I get, but Zack is stubbornly oblivious to his own growing feelings for Kate.

There’s a part of me that wants to show her everything.
To show here all about exploration and intimacy and all of the different ways I could make her come. I want to learn her body and have her get to know mine. I want her wild with abandon, and every time I take her I want it to be in a way that completely possesses her.

Zack was frustrating in this book, with his refusal to accept his loving Kate, yes, but it was the kind of frustrating that I could understand. Sawyer Bennett did an excellent job in writing and explaining Zack’s character – we can appreciate how he loved Gina, but we can firmly see that Zack grows to be IN LOVE with Kate. His love for the mother of his son doesn’t at all diminish his love for Kate.

“You were what has been missing all my life.”

What was so unexpected about this book was how funny it was. I was expecting the angst, what with the guilt and forbidden aspect to Kate and Zack’s relationship, but I had no idea I would be cracking up so much throughout this book! Kate is so, SO funny. She says the most hilarious, crazy, adorkable things… she’s a complete dork! And Ben was absolutely adorable too – Ben and Zack together totally melted my heart.

If you’re a fan of the series, Zack is a must read! It wrung so many feelings out of me, but by the end I was smiling like a goofball. It was the perfect combination of sexy, angsty, and emotional. Aside from Zack’s frustrations, this book was nearly perfect!

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

Reading Order: Cold Fury Hockey series

#1 ~ Alex: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Garrett: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Zack: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Ryker: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Hawke: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Max: Ebook • Goodreads (Dec. 13, 2016)

Check out a special guest post with Sawyer Bennett, in which she interviews the Cold Fury players!

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