Book Review: The Thrill Of It (No Regrets #1) by Lauren Blakely

Harley is a nineteen year old call girl. And a virgin. Which seems impossible given her secret profession. But it's not sex that she loves, its the power. She is addicted to the thrill of men falling at her feet and the power her beaut has over them. But she gets caught and now she has to the pay the price. Her blackmailer is not only making her write a book about being a teenage call girl, but also attend a sex and love addicts support group.

Trey is addicted to women. Specifically older, usually married women. To mask his own pain, he has slept with virtually every older woman in is parent's apartment building. It too for him to hit rock bottom before seeking help from the same support group.

The night before the first group meeting, Harley and Trey meet for the first time and have an amazing night of walking and talking and okay, a lot of making out. But it can't go beyond that since in 24 hours, they are starting over. Little do they know that they are both in the same group. As the two battle their own personal demons, they also have to battle their intense attraction to one another. Can they make it through an entire year without giving in? Or will they relapse and dive back into the life they are trying to leave behind?

2,000 Facebook Likes #Giveaway

Thank you so much to all my followers, authors and bloggers for your support and getting me to 2,000 "likes" on Facebook! As a thank you, below is my 2,000k giveaway which includes prizes like signed paperbacks, Amazon gift cards, eBooks and more! Some prizes are US only and others are International and this is indicated on the Rafflecopter with either a (US) or (Int). Good luck!

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Cover Reveal: The Start of Us (No Regrets #0.5) by Lauren Blakely

A new adult story of First Times. Last Times. Connections. And No Regrets...

Cover Reveal: Letting Go (Anchored Hearts #1) by J.M. Witt

When your past threatens to destroy your future; how long will you hang on before Letting Go?

Book Review: Searching For Someday (Searching For #1) by Jennifer Probst

Kate has a special ability that goes back for generations of women in her family. She has a special touch that not only will tell her who her true love is but helps her find true love for others. She uses that to help with her matchmaking business, Kinnections, that she started with her two best friends. But while she is great in sensing that electricity between others, she hasn't felt it for herself yet. Until him.

Slade is a top divorce lawyer in New York City, a career that has left him more than a little jaded on love and relationships. Bottom line: he doesn't believe in love or a happily ever after. When he discovers that his little sister is using Kinnections to reenter the dating world, his over protective nature kicks into hyper-drive. He storms in there determined to prove them all frauds but he wasn't expecting to be attracted to co-owner Kate. Or to get knocked on his ass by the zap of electricity that hits them when they touch. To keep an eye on his sister, Slade signs up for Kinnections to help him find the perfect woman. But how can he date when the only woman he wants is Kate? Will Kate be able to keep denying that electricity between them or that her gift says that he is the one?

Cover Reveal: Pieces For You (For You #2) by Genna Rulon

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

Book Review: Infinite Possibilities (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #2) by Lisa Renee Jones

Infinite Possibilities picks up where Escaping Reality left off - Amy has just overheard Liam and Derrek having a discussion about her and it did not sound good. it sounds like Liam is keeping secrets from her and isn't who he says he is. Is he one of the "bad guys" she has spent her life hiding from? We don't get a chance to find out as Amy does what she does best: she runs. But she's delusional if she really thinks Liam will let her go that easily. When he catches up with her, will we find out what that discussion was about and what his true intentions are?

Once again, Lisa Renee Jones weaves an excellent web of deceit, suspense and super hot sex. I almost forgot how delicious Liam was since I read book one, but there is no way I am forgetting tat now. He is passionate and possessive and alpha all the way. And I  love it! Although Liam denies any involvement in Amy's past and says he is just trying to protect her, I was left questioning him through most of the book. The author did a great job of keeping a mysterious air about him, not allowing yourself to fully trust Liam 100%.

As Amy's blackouts/flashbacks become more frequent, she starts to put together the pieces of the puzzle that make up her past. She remember more about suspicious interactions with her family and more of what happened the night of the fire. As it all starts to slowly come together I kept wondering just what in the hell her family was involved in!

Book Review: Disclosure of the Heart (Beside Your Heart #2) by Mary Whitney

In Beside Your Heart, we followed the story of Nikki and Adam as they fell in love as teenagers. We felt their happiness as well as their heartbreak as an ocean separated them. Then we concluded in present day with them both working in the White House and seeing each other for the first time in sixteen years. This book picks up where the first left off. Nikki is the deputy press secretary to the President of the United States while Adam is the BBC White House corespondent. After not seeing each other fro more than a decade, now they will be working together every day. It is quite obvious that they are still attracted to each other but they are both trying to cover up the deeper feelings they still have and try to be "just friends."

While I was happy to see them building their friendship again, it was hard watching them skirt around their true feelings. And the most frustrating is Adam because he doesn't explain why after all of this time he is here now. Is it a coincidence that he has a job that puts him near Nikki or did he arrange it intentionally? If he did - why? I swear it felt like forever before we got a straight answer out of him and forever before they finally give in to their desires.

I did enjoy their banter once again and Adam has grown into a sexy man who's accent that I hear in my head slays me. I only wish there was some more interaction between Adam and Nikki. No, I don't mean just sex... OK fine, I mean more sex. What can I say? I just felt that by the time we got to it, the book was over. And they are just so good together that I wanted more.

Cover Reveal: My Beautiful by J.M. La Rocca

It has been eight months since Scarlett Moore last saw Kade Evans. After being left hurt and confused she tried to forget about him, but he wasn’t easy to forget. She found herself thinking about him often. Even her best friend Jules did her best to get him off her mind by pushing her toward Bryce, the one person Scarlett was not sure she wanted to be involved with.  When a new job opportunity is offered to her and Jules, they jump on it. The idea of starting over again and forgetting the past is enticing to Scarlett even if it moves her to Los Angeles, the same place Kade lives.

Alice Clayton Announces Sequel to Wallbanger

Hold on for just a second...

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Alright, now that I have gotten that out of the way, let's move on to the juicy details.We aren't talking about just any old book here. We are talking about a sequel to Wallbanger! Wallbanger is one of my all time favorite books and also happens to be the first review I ever posted on this blog. All of Alice Clayton's books are the perfect blend of sexiness and humor and to say I am excited for this is an understatement.

But wait, there's more! Not only are we going to get that sequel, but also two more books after that in what is now called the Cocktails Series:

1. Wallbanger - My Review | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
1.5 Last Call (January 2015) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
2. Rusty Nailed (June 2014) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
3. Screwdrivered (September 2014) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
4. Mai Tai'd Up (December 2014) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

If that wasn't enough, in January 2015 she will be releasing a novella that will be the start of her new Hudson Valley series. As someone who grew up in New York's Hudson Valley, I cannot wait for this!

Connect With Alice Clayton
Website: www.aliceclayton.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AliceClayton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorAliceClayton
Twitter: @alice_clayton






Giveaway
One (1) winner will receive a paperback set of the Redhead Series by Alice Clayton, which includes The Unidentified Redhead, The Redhead Revealed and The Redhead Plays Her Hand. Open to US/Canada residents only.

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Book Review: Crossing the Line (Battered Hearts #3) by Kele Moon

Wyatt has only ever loved one girl. When she left him without a word more than 10 years ago, she took his heart with her. Now she is back in Garnet and no one is going to stop him from seeing her. Tabitha didn't leave Wyatt because she stopped loving him; she left to protect him. But protect him from what, only her and a few other people know. Now that she is in town to help her sick mother, she will have to come face to face with the man she broke. Do they have any chance of reconciling with her secret still looming over them?

I have to say that I was apprehensive when I started this book because I wasn't very fond of either character. From the bits and pieces Jules mentioned of Tabitha in book two, I hated her fro breaking Wyatt's heart. But then I also thought Wyatt was a complete jerk for saying some hurtful things to Jules when she finally found her own happiness. It didn't take me very long to change my tune though.

This book is broken up into several "parts", many of which take place in the past showing us how Wyatt and Tabitha got started. Tabitha was the poor girl from the other side of the tracks while Wyatt was part of the well loved Conner family and grandson of the Sheriff (and then son of the Sheriff). At 5 years old, Wyatt didn't care about their differences. All he saw was the pretty red headed girl whom he instantly fell in love with. Over the years, with his ridiculous persistence, Wyatt wormed his way into her life and her heart and they become good friends. However she never let on how bad her home life is with a neglectful alcoholic mother and a verbally and physically abusive older brother. I could tell the direction Tabitha's story was going in and it broke my heart.

Book Review: Star Crossed (Battered Hearts #2) by Kele Moon

Juliet :Jules" Conner is a strong independent woman who also happens to be the only lawyer in town plus a Sheriff's deputy.  As co-owner of Garnet's MMA training center with her brother Wyatt and long time friend Clay, she has also spent considerable time training in the ring. The last thing she expects is to finder herself in bed with their enemy.

Coming off his devastating loss to Clay Powers, Romeo Wellings is beyond frustrated with the people controlling his life. He wishes there was an easy way out for himself and his brothers. After becoming their sole guardian when he was only a teenager, this isn't the life he wanted for them. For one night he puts his problems away when he hooks up with Jules and the sparks fly. One night of incredible passion leads to months of texting, phone calls and video chats. And oh yes, that also means month of really frickin hit phone and video sex! But how can they be together when so many outside forces threaten to keep them apart?

Book Review: Defying the Odds (Battered Hearts #1) by Kele Moon

Melody Dylan has finally gotten away from her abusive husband and she is starting over in the small town of Garnet. Having left him with only the clothes on her back, she is starting from scratch and struggling to make ends meet. Her own problems don't keep her from doing something nice for a stranger. When she sees the handsome man sitting all alone in her station on Thanksgiving and looking a bit forlorn, she can't help but reach out to him.

Garnet is known for breeding world class UFC fighters and Clay Powers is the biggest and best of them all. While he loves fighting, and has multiple championship belts to prove it, he hates the media circus that comes along with it. His gruffness and surly demeanor keep most people at arms length. But that doesn't put Melody off which both surprises and entrances him.

Clay soon starts spending every meal at Hal's Diner and the two spend some time getting to know each other and connecting even more. While the sexual attraction is undeniable, there is also something much deeper there. Clay has really never had a relationship before but he knows he wants it all with Melody. After all Melody has been through, can she learn to trust a man again - especially one that  makes a living fighting? And when her past threatens to catch up with her, will she give up something great to go on the run again?

Dangerous Attraction Romantic Suspense Boxed Set

10 Award-winning, bestselling authors – 10 Hot Heroes – 10 Romantic Suspense Page Turners
99 CENTS THROUGH NOVEMBER 16th!

With nine full-size novels from bestselling romantic suspense authors and a brand new Christmas novella from New York Times bestselling author, Rebecca York, this boxed set can’t be missed. Sexy, steamy heroes to heat you up and twisting plots to keep you turning page after page well past midnight!Grab it at the introductory price of 99 cents. That’s 10 books for less than a buck!

From sweet to scorcher, these stories are a must read. Fall in love with our sexy cops, tough military heroes, and hot CEOs. Treat yourself to an amazing reading experience by top authors of romantic suspense collected in one boxed set at a price that can’t be beat.

Cover Reveal: Beck (Corps Security #3) by Harper Sloan

DEE

I’ve always been good at wearing masks. Not letting anyone see the real me. I’m content being the happy-go-lucky best friend. The strong willed boss. The independent woman who doesn’t need a man.

But the truth is I’m just as broken as the rest of you. I’m terrified that all it will take is one person to make all my carefully constructed walls crumble into fine dust. So I guard my heart with everything I have. Determined to never let anyone get close enough to hurt me again.

All is perfect until HE walks into my life. No…  he doesn’t just walk. He struts his good-looking, sex-oozing self right into my space and demands that I see HIM. Making me want what I know I can’t have.

So I did the only thing I know how to do.

I run.

But he just won’t let me go.

Book Review: Awakening (The Chrysalis Series #1) by Elene Sallinger

Claire Ryan has recently gotten out of a 10 year abusive relationship. The twist is that she is the abuser. Her body and mind crave physical pain so she would push her former lover to the point that he would hurt her. Not out of passion but out of anger. Now that they have finally parted ways, she needs to delve into that side of her and find out what it is that she needs. When she joins a book club at the local book store owned by Evan Lang, she is drawn to the erotica section and more specifically BDSM themed books.

Evan is still mourning the death of his wife and submissive, even many years after the fact. He refuses to let her go and move on with his own life. When Claire walks into his store, her vulnerability wakes the dominant in him, which pisses him off. He doesn't want to be attracted to another woman and he certainly doesn't want another submissive. Or so he keeps telling himself but his body has a mind of its own.

When Evan overhears Claire discussing her past relationship with their mutual friend Bridget, he realizes she needs some guidance into the BDSM world. Still refusing to be the Dom to instruct her, he continues to ignore her and instead he leaves appropriate books out where she will see them in his store. But how long can he keep lying to himself? How long until he gives in and gives them what they both need.

Cover Reveal: More Than Her (More #2) by Jay McLean

"For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction."
For every choice you make there are rewards, or there are consequences.
It was my choice to walk away the first time.
And my choice to chase her the second.
But sometimes you don't get a choice, and all you get are the consequences.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Unless that someone is Logan Matthews.
Because loving him didn't give me the strength to walk away.
It didn't give me the courage to fight for him.
And when it was over, all it gave me was a broken heart.

Cover Reveal: Wild by Adriane Leigh

Kat Kennedy moved to the rugged coast of Maine to start a new life, but encountered much more than she bargained for in dark, dangerous, and seductive Lane Wild…

Desire and temptation smolder before she succumbs to her darkest fantasies with the captivating stranger. She doesn't expect to see him again after an explosive one-night stand leaves her breathless and craving more, but just like lightning in the darkness, he shows up in her life at the most unpredictable moments.

A sensual game of cat and mouse ensues before the attraction between them reaches a fever pitch—the magnetism combustible, the sexual tension nearly unbearable—and Kat finally abandons inhibition and explores the cunning, selfish, and sexual side of a world she's never known.

They have the perfect non-relationship—passion-fueled nights with no strings attached—until lifegets real and the past and present collide in a dangerous storm of lust and obsession.

Book Review: Entangled (Evolve #2.5) by S.E. Hall

The Crew is back in this short, sizzling novella. And I mean sizzling. Entangled picks up where Embrace left off and gives us a peek at The Crew's summer through Laney's and Dane's eyes. Laney is set tipping up her duplex that Dane bought her and in the process their intimacy kicks up a notch. She is as stubborn and mouthy as ever which only fuels Deane's desire for her. W can see more of his dominant side coming out and it is magnificent and hot. I felt like there was more sex in this novella than in the previous full length novels and I loved envy single steamy second of it!

“Move your panties to the side,” he growls, voice and eyes hazed with lust and hunger, both imploring me before he leans down to suck along my chest, my throat, frenzied and impatient. “Do it, baby, just pull ‘em to the side, I need in you.”

“I love you like this, so untamed. You dance like you fuck, smooth and sexy.”

Meanwhile, Dane is contemplating making some big changes in his life. When his parents died, Dane was thrust into running a business that he never wanted to run. He doesn't hate it, but he doesn't love it either. He longs to be able to act more his age and be a part of Laney's college world. Can he make that transition without hurting the business and will his friends support him?

Book Review & Author Interview: Athena's Ordeal (The Haberdashers #2) by Sue London

Sabrina "Sabre" Bittlesworth is easily the leader of The Haberdashers trio. She may be petite and beautiful, but she is also extremely outspoken and can wield a sword better than most men. Quincy "Quince" Telford, Duke of Beloin, a fairly level headed man who is not driven by his baser desires. But when his eyes fall on the lovely Sabrina while visiting her older brother, he mistakes her for something she is not and impulsively asks that she be his mistress. Now on top of dealing with someone black mailing him, this insult sets in motion a force that Quince has absolutely no chance of fighting off. A force named Sabre.

We briefly met both main characters in book one as Sabre is Jack's best friend and Quince is Gideon's. I didn't see enough of Sabre for me t form an opinion of her before now, but I absolutely loved her in Athena's Ordeal. She is not afraid to go after what she wants. Sabre has her sights set on Quincy and she will not stop until she gets him. And she will get him, of that she has no doubts. I loved that her form of seduction was to plant herself into his daily life and basically take over running his household.

In Trials of Artemis it was quite clear that Gideon and Quincy had a strong difference of opinions in regards to politics. However now we see just how completely opposite they are which is actually quite amusing. Physically Quincy is handsome and blonde with perfectly coiffed hair while Gideon is dark and brooding. Gideon has a reputation as "Lord Lucifer" due to how he spent many years indulging in drink and women whereas Quincy always prided himself on not using women and was usually the person pulling Gideon from the gutter.

Book Review: Trials of Artemis (The Haberdashers #1) by Sue London

Jacqueline "Jack" Walters and her two closest girlfriends created a special group for themselves known as The haberdashers when they were just eight years old. These Haberdashers prefer boyish pursuits like weapons over girlish ones. Amongst the ton, Jack is known as a bluestocking and would rather spend time reading books than attending balls. So after two seasons, she has come to terms with not marrying and becoming a spinster. That is until an accidental encounter with an earl changes everything.

Gideon Wolfe, Earl of Harrington, has no intentions of on marrying. Ever. But when he is caught in a compromising position with Miss Walters, he does the only thing he: he offers to marry her. Jack is of course outrages as she has no intention on marrying either. She figures she will go along with the engagement for a few weeks and then break it off. But when someone leaks the scandal to the papers, it forces their hand into an immediate marriage. Can Jack survive a marriage to a brooding, overbearing man? And Can Gideon get used to his new wife's saucy mouth and headstrong ways?

While I may focus a lot on contemporary romance novels, I truly enjoy a good Regency Era historical romance story. The main characters in this are similar to what you may find on other books of this genre: a young virginal maiden and the older, rakish man. However the interesting twist here is the Haberdashers club and that Jack isn't your typical bluestocking. Not only is she smart and well read but she is also very accomplished in weaponry.

Gideon is exactly what I like in my English gentlemen as he has got that whole dark and brooding thing going on, with a slight air of danger. I loved how these two would butt heads and argue which would lead to incredible passion. I'm also a fan of stories in this era where the couple grows to care for each other after they are thrown together. This is a wonderful story that contained humor, a little suspense and a healthy dose of passion. I enjoyed all of it and dove right into book two: Athena's Ordeal.

Excerpt

“You hardly seemed shocked by my attentions." Jack gasped and looked up at him in outrage. "How dare you! Shocked is exactly what I was." She looked around to see that they had garnered the attention of a good number of the dancers. She grabbed Harrington's arm and dragged him toward the French doors that let out “onto the veranda. Once outside she pushed him into the shadows and drilled a finger into his chest. "What exactly is this about?" "You say you were shocked. You say a lot of things. But your body says something else. And I'm more likely to suspect your words to be lies." "You are the most outrageous-" Jack's retort was cut short by Harrington taking her lips in a swift kiss. She started to pull away but he wrapped one arm around her back, his other hand cupping her face as he deepened the kiss. He licked and nibbled the seam of her lips until she surrendered and let him plunder her mouth. She had never felt this before, as though she was floating, all of her nerves tingling in sudden awareness. The sensations were new, novel, wicked. The warm, solid strength of him pressed against her. The band of his arm across her back. The swirl of his tongue in her mouth. The gentle strength of his hand holding her head while his thumb stroked her jaw. As she melted into his embrace he turned and now she was the one hidden in the shadows with her back pressed against the cool stone of the townhouse wall. His mouth moved down to kiss the side of her throat, her ear. His hand caressed one breast, finding and teasing the nipple that had peaked. "See?" he whispered to her. "Your body welcomes my attentions. I imagine that with very little effort I could have you out of that dress and begging me for more. Why should I trust a woman who can be seduced by a man she doesn't even like?"

Read my review of Athena's Ordeal (The Haberdashers Book#2).

Marianna's Rating:

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title: Trials of Artemis
Author: Sue London
Series: The Haberdashers #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/17912308-trials-of-artemis
Website: bysuelondon.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bysuelondon
Twitter: @cmdrsue

Book Blurb
Loving Lord Lucifer...

An independent bluestocking sneaks into a library to read rare Greek texts and ends up with a husband instead.

Jacqueline “Jack” Walters loves archery and Greek military history. In her third season she has failed to inspire so much as one marriage proposal and is planning to settle into the quiet life of a spinster.

Gideon Wolfe, Earl of Harrington, has been avoiding marriage but a case of mistaken identity in the library has left him saddled with an argumentative and unwilling fiancee.

Buy:

Cover Re-Reveal: Lifeless (Lifeless #1) by J.M. La Rocca

After graduating from the University of South Alabama, Scarlett Moore discovers her boyfriend of five months is actually married with a child on the way. Feeling used and heartbroken, she decides it’s time to take her best friend Jules’ advice to move to Atlanta and live with her. There, Jules helps her get a job at Entertainment Atlanta, where she works as an entertainment insurance agent. It’s not Scarlett’s dream job, but it’s better than not having a job at all, and who would mind working with famous people, right?

Cover Reveal: My Life For Yours by Margaret McHeyzer

He’s lived a life of high society and privilege; he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Senator.

She’s lived a life surrounded with underworld activity; she had no choice but to follow in her father’s footsteps and take on the role of Mob Boss.

He wants to stamp out organized crime and can’t be bought off.

She's the ruthless and tough Mob Boss where in her world all lines are blurred.

Their lives are completely different, two walks of life on the opposite ends of the law.

Being together doesn’t make sense.
But being apart isn’t an option.

Book Review: Finding Cinderella (Hopeless #2.5) by Colleen Hoover

Dear Colleen Hoover: you are frickin amazing! I have not yet read one of your books that I did not love.

In Hopeless and Losing Hope, we get a few glimpses at Holden's best friend Daniel and Sky's best friend Six. While I honestly never gave much thought to Six, I loved Daniel and his sense of humor. So I was really looking forward to their story. Finding Cinderella is a novella about the journey of Daniel and Six from an anonymous school closet encounter to friendship and love. When they officially meet one year after their rendezvous, they don't understand how they can feel such an intense connection so quickly. They are so good together and I loved their back and forth banter. Daniel is absolutely hilarious, as is his family that we meet. When they finally figure out who the other is, there are some heartbreaking moments and painful truths revealed. I wanted nothing more for them to work it out and get the happily ever after they deserve.