Release Day Review: The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa

The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa
Series: The Bargainer #2.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 15th 2017
Links: EbookGoodreads

In the beginning, there was darkness.
Before he met Callie, before he became the Bargainer, there was Desmond Flynn, the bastard son of a scribe. A boy born to a weak mother, cursed with little magic, and destined to marry a slave.

But fate had something else in mind.

Till darkness dies.
From the barren caves of Arestys to the palace of Somnia to the streets of earth, this is how Desmond Flynn, a fairy who began with nothing, became the Emperor of Evening Stars.

***This is a roughly 200 page novella told from Desmond Flynn’s perspective.***

“Love costs even more than power, even more than revenge or hate.”

Laura Thalassa has given me exactly what I didn’t know I needed in the Bargainer series. I have loved Callie and Desmond and their story from the very first page, but after reading The Emperor of Evening Stars, I’ve come to love them even more – Des especially. This novella (which is a pretty decent length) is told entirely in Des’s POV, from his very beginnings in the Caverns of Arestys, to his rise in becoming the King of Night, and finally, his love story with his soulmate. If you’re a fan of the series, this companion novella is a must read.

I loved everything about this novella. We learn about Des’s past, which is heartbreaking, and about his quest for revenge against his father. But what I was really dying for was the moment Des would meet Callie, his soulmate and love of his life. When he first learns that his soulmate is human – mortal – he is appalled and not too keen on her. But after experiencing loss after loss, he realizes that he’ll do anything to find the woman who will stand by him and love him. So he does.

I swear to the Undying Gods that once I’m able to, I will scour the earth for me soulmate. I’ll put my past behind me and focus on the future. And when I find her—if I find her—I won’t waste time fearing what others will think. I’ll cherish her, respect her, love her.
For all the days of her mortal life, I’ll claim her as mine.

Getting Des’s POV about his first meeting with Callie, how he fell in love with her, how he withstood being without her, was perfect. If you didn’t love him in the first two books, you will definitely fall head over heels in love with him in his novella. He has been such an enigmatic character throughout the series in Callie’s POV, but we get so much insight in how he thinks and feels. The wait for the third and final Bargainer has gotten just the tiniest bit easier thanks to this novella. And I’m hoping we get a few more chapters in Des’s POV in Dark Harmony!

Can’t she tell that she brings me to my knees? Morning, evening, and night, she’s always right there in every beat of my heart. That sweet voice of hers sings through my veins. It calls to me across worlds. Everything she is, is mine, and everything I am is hers. Always.


lacey

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


Reading Order: The Bargainer series

  

#1 ~ Rhapsodic: My Review • Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ A Strange Hymn: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ The Emperor of Evening Stars: EbookGoodreads


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Blog Tour + Review & Excerpt: Racer by Katy Evans

Racer by Katy Evans
Series: Real #7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 28th 2017
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A bad boy with something to prove.
A woman with a mission.
The race of their lives.
The love of a lifetime.

I don’t think his parents expected him to live up to his name—Racer Tate—but once he felt the adrenaline rush behind the wheel, he was addicted.

He’s the fastest, fiercest driver around.

Scouting new talent brings me to his doorstep…
but his smile sends me to my knees.

The sexy, mysterious Racer Tate is not the kind of man a girl like me falls for. He’s secretive, reckless, elusive. But his proximity pushes me beyond reason, and his kiss….

This is our last chance to win, and he is our only hope. I’m supposed to watch him—make sure he doesn’t get into trouble. But it’s an impossible task. And now the one in heart wrenching, toe-curling, soul-crushing trouble is me. Because when your heart belongs to someone, their truths become your own, and their secrets become your salvation…or your curse.

He says he wants me. He says I’m the One. But he also thinks he’ll break my heart, one piece at a time until it’s gone.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes • Kobo

review button

Racer is a book I never knew I needed in the Real series! Racer is Brooke and Remy’s baby boy, but he’s all grown up now, and he’s just as potent, virile, and charming as his father was. But he didn’t take up fighting like his father – instead, he fulfilled his name’s destiny and lives to race cars.

All I know is that this guy is not just a star, he’s a comet, someone with rare talent that is near impossible to find. Sometimes there are drivers that when you watch them drive, you know they are destined for greatness. This guy is one of them….
But does he have it to shine in F1?

Lana Heyworth is desperate to find someone that will save her father’s Formula One team, which is standing on its last legs. Flying out to St. Petersburg, she hopes to see potential in some indie drivers, but on the way to the race, she bumps her car into a guy who steals her spot and has no driving etiquette… and is the most beautiful man she has ever seen.

There’s something inside of me screaming her name. Something like I’ve known her my whole life. Something the moment I locked eyes on her that whispered, you’re going to marry this chick. This girl is going to own you, and you’re going to own her, and that’s that.

Racer Tate never expects to meet the love of his life that fateful day in St. Petersburg, or to have the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in the F1. Because he’s not just an illegal car racer, but the BEST one out there. He has the raw skill and talent that it takes to win and take number one – he knows it and he’s going to prove that to Lana. All the while winning and claiming her heart for his own. But there are challenges he faces along the way, because he inherited not only his dad’s looks, strength, and determination… but also his Bipolar I disorder. Will Racer have what it takes to win the race, win the girl, and not let his BP-I define him?

Patience, I hear my father say, Rome wasn’t built in a day … and nobody said it was easy to fall in love with a Tate.

I adored this book SO hard. Katy Evans never disappoints with her epic love stories and intense alpha males. Racer is definitely up there with his father and the other heroes of the Real series. I also adored Lana and how much she wanted Racer, but didn’t want to fall immediately into bed with him. Their romance is slow and full of tension, which balanced perfectly well with the adrenaline and suspense of the F1 races. If you love Katy Evans, you will NOT be disappointed with Racer. It’s a beautiful romance that is as sexy as it is sweet, with all the excitement that is car racing!

“I’ve never loved anything in my life the way I love you. My crasher. You looked at me with these two eyes …  and I haven’t been able to see anything else. You little witch, you crashed my single party.”


lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from Racer! ❤

excerpt button

I’m still reeling. While people approach him, he cuts a path straight to me, his gaze penetrating and target-like; making me want to bolt.

His lips do that little upward tilt they do that seems so sexy, and for a second, I feel like I’m lightheaded.

I gulp, and then feel mad at myself for acting like some idiot as fucking devil-Racer Tate reaches me, throws himself into a seat next to me, and turns to look at me expectantly with the most gorgeous grin on his face.

I don’t know what to say.

This guy has left me sort of speechless.

“So … ” I say, staring in the distance at his beat-up mustang, then at him.

“So … ” he says too, in his deep voice, his smile a little more wicked than it was two seconds ago. He glances at my mouth.

Oh god.

Why am I licking my lips?

It only made his eyes narrow and darken.

I open my mouth to speak, failing to find words. He smells like sweat and soap and shampoo, and I feel my traitorous nipples push up to my top again. Why do they do that when he’s around?

“This is illegal,” I state.

His voice is husky from exertion, and his eyes glint with laughter. “That’s why it’s fun.”

I look away from his eyes, trying to focus and clear my head. He leans over and peers into my face, his face shadowed by the moonlight and his jaw now carrying a little scruff. “Are we in agreement?” he presses.

“No.” I glare and shake my head, meeting his cocky gaze. “You’re reckless, Racer.”

“So are you, Alana.”

“It’s just … Lana.”

His brows fly up in surprise. “And a bit of a liar too.”

I purse my lips, still glaring as my gaze goes back to his car. Girls are rubbing against it as if it were him, and I find it disgusting. Why are women always acting so slutty around race car drivers and bad boys?

“You crashed your car,” I say flippantly.

“You crashed my car,” he contradicts, amused.

I laugh, then scowl in his direction. “You crashed it more. I can’t believe you were making such a fuss about me crashing into you when it was just a little kiss—”

He leans in to peck my lips—fast but firmly. “That’s a kiss.”

I lose my breath.

My eyes wide.

He eases back, lips smiling as he comes to his feet and stretches his hand out to take me by the elbow and help me to my feet.

“Let’s get out of here.” He starts walking, leading the way.

“And go where?”

“Anywhere I can get my hands on you.”

Reading Order: Real series

Real by Katy Evans Mine by Katy Evans Remy by Katy Evans
Rogue by Katy Evans Ripped by Katy Evans Legend by Katy Evans 

#1 ~ Real: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Mine: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Remy: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rogue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ripped: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Legend: My Review • EbookPaperback • AudibleGoodreads
#7 ~ Racer: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads

about the author button

Katy 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.

Website • Twitter • FacebookInstagram • Goodreads


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Release Day Review: Act Your Age by Eve Dangerfield

Act Your Age by Eve Dangerfield
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 27th 2017
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Just because Kate ‘Middleton’ McGrath, wants a man to call ‘daddy’ in bed doesn’t mean–

Oh, you stopped reading. Cool.

Kate gets it. Kinks aren’t for everyone. Hell, they’re probably not for Mr. Henderson, her grumpaholic boss. She really shouldn’t have crush on him, but the man is just so goddamn stern. Sure, a lot of that comes down to ‘being her boss,’ but still, it feels like there might be something there.

Tyler Henderson is a golden boy who’s lost his shine. He’s old, his dream career is over, his fiancée’s left him. Now all the former firefighter can do is to try and bury his troubles in paperwork and hard liquor. He says ‘try’ because he can’t get Middleton out of his head long enough to wallow properly. He’s not going anywhere near the girl. HR issues aside, he’s done with sweetness and things don’t come sweeter than a cupcake-baking engineer who knits her own hats.

A case of mistaken identity causes Kate and Ty’s attraction to give way to blistering sex. They have more in common–and more to lose–than either of them realized. When it comes to unreasonable attraction you can rarely change your mind but can you act your age?

OOOOOHH. MY. GOD. This is without a doubt one of the BEST books I have read all year. I loved Act Your Age so hard. GAH! I haven’t read some good erotica in ages, but this book hit all the right buttons for me, though it might not for everyone – because daddy kink! I highly recommend this book if you love kink, humor, older, grumpy heroes, and adorable, flawed heroines!

Kate wasn’t sure why she had the kinks she had. She’d done enough research to know it wasn’t as simple as the vending machine theory of ‘insert daddy drama, out rolls a can of kinkiness.’

I’ll admit I’m one of the few who doesn’t mind the word ‘daddy’ in romances. Besides, whatever floats your boat, right? Well, as soon as I read the blurb for Act Your Age, found out it had daddy kink AND the hero was an older boss, I was sold. Turns out this book went above and beyond my expectations – I loved everything about it, from the funny characters, to the angst, to the hottest sex scenes I’ve ever read. I’ve become a fan of Eve Dangerfield for life thanks to this book!

Ty didn’t think Middleton was a great girl. He thought Middleton was a pain in the ass. Waltzing around with her shiny hair and long legs and her throaty voice, being cuter than a fistful of buttons. Where did she get off?

Can I get an amen for grumpy, surly heroes? Tyler Henderson is as grumpy as they come, though he has his reasons. His fiancée left him for another man, he’s no longer a firefighter (a job he loved), his current coworkers are sexist pigs, and oh, he has a kink that others might see as disgusting. The one good thing going for him is Kate McGrath, who everyone calls Middleton. But even his crush on her is a reluctant one, not only because she’s under his employ, but also because she’s twenty years younger than his forty-five years. But when the opportunity of a lifetime lands Kate in his bed, and he finds out that they share the same kinky tastes, who is he to refuse to take this perfect woman for him?

“Can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to do this,” he muttered, seizing her plait and winding it around his fist. “Can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about fucking your sugary little cunt ’til you screamed.”

I love Kate so, SO much. She’s such a unique heroine – she’s tiny and adorable and quirky. She has ADHD, which has caused a lot of hurt in her past, but she doesn’t let that define her. She tries her hardest at her male-dominated workplace, and she tries to be social by joining a roller derby team. I have so much love and admiration for this girl!

Of the two of them, Kate is the one who is fearless in wanting to go all in with Ty. She doesn’t let her daddy kink shame her or hold her back. The chemistry between Kate and Ty is off-the-charts hot – these are two characters who want each other badly. But the emotional connection they share is what made this story.

“Do you think we’re weird?” Kate asked, because that was the thing she’d always been afraid to ask.
Ty pulled her into his arms. “We’re weird in the best possible way.”
“So… yes?”
He laughed. “Everyone’s weird Kate, we’re the perfect kind of weird for each other.”

Act Your Age has everything that I love in a romance – an older hero, a sexy kink, a lovable heroine, and angst. Eve Dangerfield brought out all the emotions in this book, and I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s a beautiful, heart-wrenching, hilarious, sexy as hell story that I highly recommend!


lacey

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


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Release Day Review: The Learning Hours by Sara Ney

The Learning Hours by Sara Ney
Series: How to Date a Douchebag #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 26th 2017
Links: EbookAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

He’s not a douchebag; but that doesn’t stop his friends from turning him into one.

MY FRIENDS WANT ME TO GET LAID.

So much so that they plastered my ugly mug all over campus, in bold printed letters:

Are you the lucky lady who’s going to break our roommate’s cherry?
Him: socially awkward man with average-sized penis looking for willing sexual partner. You: must have a pulse. He will reciprakate with oral. Text him at: 555-254-5551

The morons can’t even spell. And the texts I’ve been receiving are what wet dreams are made of. But I’m not like these douchebags, no matter how hard they try to turn me into one.

THIS ISN’T THE KIND OF ATTENTION I WANT.

One text stands out from hundreds. One number I can’t bring myself to block. She seems different. Hotter, even in black and white.

However, after seeing her in person, I know she’s not the girl for me. But my friends won’t let up–they just don’t get it. Douchebags or not, there’s one thing they’ll never understand: GIRLS DON’T WANT ME.

Especially her.

There’s not much I can say about The Learning Hours without giving anything away regarding characters, plot, etc., but what I can say is how much I freaking LOVED this book with my whole heart. I fell head over heels in love with the hero and heroine, who felt so unique and refreshing to me. I was surprised by this book in the best way, since it is quite different from the previous two books in the How to Date a Douchebag series. It’s unlike any new adult college romance I’ve ever read, and for that, I’m grateful to Sara Ney. If you want a book with a unique take on an NA/college/sports romance, I highly recommend The Learning Hours!

After wholeheartedly loving the second book in the series (Zeke makes me do heart eyes), I had no idea if Sara Ney could top what is still one of my favorite reads of the year. Well, it turns out Sara is on a freaking roll because this book ALSO became one of my favorite reads of 2017. The Learning Hours is entertaining, romantic, sweet, funny, adorable – everything you can imagine a new adult romance to be, with some college wrestling sprinkled in. I had so much fun reading this book – my heart was swooning like crazy over the charming, wonderful, atypical hero. The chemistry between the main characters had me giggling and smiling near the entire book.

I honestly can’t recommend The Learning Hours enough. As soon as I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. It’s been a while since I read a good new adult romance, but this one had me addicted from the very first page. Anyone who loves romance or new adult needs this book in their lives!


lacey


Reading Order: How to Date a Douchebag series

  

#1 ~ The Studying Hours: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Failing Hours: My Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Learning Hours: EbookAudible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + Review & Excerpt: Dirty Filthy Rich Love by Laurelin Paige

Dirty Filthy Rich Love by Laurelin Paige
Series: Dirty Duet #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 11th 2017
Add to Goodreads

The conclusion to the story begun in the USA Today Bestselling Dirty Filthy Rich Men.

I’ve discovered Donovan Kincaid’s secret.

It’s dirty and filthy and rich – as dirty and filthy and rich as he is – and it haunts me as much as he ever did.

Even after knowing what I know now, I still want to talk to him, to touch him. But there’s an ocean between us, and I’m not sure it can be crossed with something as easy as a phone call or a plane ride.

Yet I’m willing to try.

He doesn’t know this yet, but this time I’m the one with the power. And maybe – just maybe – if the air were cleared and all our secrets bared, there could still be a chance for us.

And this dirty, filthy thing between us might end up being love after all.

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

I have been WAITING for this sequel ever since finishing Dirty Filthy Rich Men. After the cliffhanger from the first book, I absolutely needed to get my hands on this finale, and I’m so happy to say that Dirty Filthy Rich Love was the perfect conclusion to Sabrina and Donovan’s story. It’s erotic, passionate, emotional, intense, addicting – I felt so much while reading this heart-pounding book.

If you haven’t read Dirty Filthy Rich Men, stop right here and start reading the wild ride that is that book. You will definitely need to read it before starting Dirty Filthy Rich Love, as Sabrina and Donovan’s story is told through both books. Now, if you have read the first book, get ready to see Sabrina and Donovan overcome the biggest challenges to their relationship – and see Donovan proving his love to Sabrina.

Donovan was not an easy person to interact with, but I wasn’t a cakewalk either. I had my own issues. I was too proud. Too serious. And I had a borderline unhealthy comfort level with the kind of sex I liked.
We were both works in progress. I needed to be better about remembering that.

Now that Donovan’s secret is out, Sabrina needs to decide whether that secret will make or break their relationship. Going into this book, I was worried about Donovan and I thought he would continue to push Sabrina away. Thankfully, Donovan gets his head out of his ass in time and changes the dynamics of their relationship to something that includes honestly and love. He knows what he has with Sabrina and this time, he’s not about to make a mess of their relationship. He sets out to win the heart of the woman who has owned his for a very long time.

“You wanted to know what you are.”
“Okay.”
“What you are is mine.”

I LOVE Sabrina so much – she’s tough, unapologetic about who she is, and all-around an amazing, admirable woman. She definitely doesn’t make it easy for Donovan while he apologizes and proves he’s in it for the long haul. She demands complete honesty and open communication from him – which Donovan may struggle with time to time, but he tries, for her. I loved how much they grow throughout this book and this series. Their relationship truly shines in this novel.

“You’re such a dirty girl.” His tone was filled with mischief. He reached his hand out toward me.
“And you’re such a filthy man.” I put my hand in his, and it fit, exactly. “I guess we’re perfect together.”

Dirty Filthy Rich Love is dirty and filthy, no doubt, but it was also beautiful in the way it was told. I love Laurelin Paige’s writing so much. Her stories are always deeply erotic and romantic. I loved reading Donovan and Sabrina’s story and am sad to see it end. But I’m desperately hoping that Laurelin Paige will be writing books for all of Donovan’s business partners – she can’t leave us hanging like this!


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

Now here’s an excerpt from Dirty Filthy Rich Love! ❤

excerpt button

He took another step toward me, and I started to step back, but there was a counter behind me, so I had to stay put. And maybe I wanted to stay put. He was only a foot and a half away from me now.

“But I haven’t lied to you, Sabrina.” His gaze never left mine. “And I’m not lying when I say I don’t give a fuck about anybody else’s cunt but yours.”

We stood there, not touching, not speaking, each of us standing our ground. But I had no basis to keep my position, and it felt like he’d won so much already.

I couldn’t back down.

“Prove it,” I said.

His expression flared, his eyes growing dark and mean, and I realized what I’d done. Donovan wasn’t one to be provoked.

I’d just invited the devil out to play.

“Unzip your skirt and put your hands on the counter behind you.”

My heart hammered and my belly twisted. My panties were embarrassingly drenched all of a sudden, and I wanted him. But I stood completely still. “I didn’t—”

He cut me off. “No talking and unzip your skirt.”

My mouth slammed shut, but I still didn’t move. If I moved, I’d be asking for this. But if I talked, I’d be telling him to stop.

And I didn’t want this to stop.

I just didn’t want to ask for it because I was stubborn and stupid for wanting him in the first place.

But he would give it to me without the words, without my obedience. Because he knew me. He knew what I needed.

With his eyes never leaving mine, he found the zipper at the side of my waist and pulled it down. After that, the skirt was loose enough that all he had to do was tug it once and it fell easily to my feet. He nudged his knee against my inner leg, and automatically I stepped that foot out of the pool of material on the floor, widening my stance.

He gave a nod of praise, sending a jolt of warmth through my entire body.

Then he bent down in front of me.

Suddenly, breathing was harder than it should have been. My chest moved up and down, air passed through my mouth, but I couldn’t get enough of it to my lungs. And he hadn’t even touched me yet.

The sight of him alone—Donovan Kincaid, one of the most powerful men in the world, down on his knees in his black Ermenegildo Zegna suit—it was overwhelming and erotic, and by the time he put his hand at the back of my knee, I was already trembling.

Reading Order: Dirty Duet series

  

#0.5 ~ Dirty Filthy Rich Boys: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Dirty Filthy Rich Men: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Dirty Filthy Rich Love: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author button

Laurelin PaigeUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Amazon Page • Facebook Group • Mailing List


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