Saturday, December 31, 2016

2016 Favorite Reads

As 2016 comes to an end tonight, I can't help but think about my favorite books of the year. I've read over 300 books this year, and the following are a select few that are not only 5-stars for me, but really stood out from the crowd. Of course CoHo makes an appearance, no surprise there. So here they are, in no particular order.

 


What were some of your favorite books from 2016?








Thursday, September 22, 2016

Book Review: Tempt Me (Temptation #1) by Roxy Sloane #Giveaway


Jase Banner is a private investigator and he's good at what he does. He's also good at fucking his way through the women of Boston. When an anonymous client asks him to find the dirty details on Chloe Archer, he approaches her as any other job. Yeah she's a hot little number and he wouldn't mind getting in her panties, but he didn't expect for her to get under his skin so quickly. But she's engaged to Boston's wealthiest douchebag and he won't touch her until she takes that ring off her finger.

Chloe has been so wrapped up in the whirlwind romance with her "Prince Charming", that maybe she has had blinders on to reality. Having second thoughts about her upcoming nuptials already, adding a sexy, filthy mouthed Brit to equation only confuses her more.

When author Roxy Sloane posted the first chapter from this book on her Facebook page a few weeks back, I was instantly hooked. Her filthy alpha men always, ALWAYS make me melt and I couldn't wait to get my hands on British bad boy Jase Banner. And as always, Roxy and Jase did not disappoint.

That mouth, dear god that mouth, is deliciously indecent. If Chloe did not give in I was going to knock her out and climb the damn man myself.  As you can expect from any Roxy Sloane book, the sexy times in the book can be put into the hotter than hell category. {fans self} Add in a bit of angst and pinch of mystery (just who hired Jase anyway?) and you've got a very fun read on your hands. It ends on a cliffy but there is less than two weeks until the second and final book arrives so we won't be in pain for long. I can't wait to see how this ends!


Favorite Quotes
“That’s right, darlin’. I could make you come with just one finger, but we both know, you’ll like it better with two. Thick inside you, pulsing just right. Do you want that, Chloe? Knuckles-deep, stretching you out, getting you ready to take all of my cock.”

“You don’t love that Mainwaring asshole, and you sure as hell don’t want him. Not the way you want me. So when you’re done lying to yourself, give me a call. Because you damn well know the minute that ring is off your finger, I’m going to fuck you so deep, and so raw, you’ll come screaming for more.”

“You knew from the moment we met you’d be spread and naked and screaming for me.”

“That’s right, darlin’. This is what a real man feels like. This is the cock you’ve been waiting for your whole goddamn life.”



Marianna's Rating:

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




Title: Tempt Me
Author: Roxy Sloane
Series: Temptation Duet #1
Genre: Erotica, Contemporary Romance
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/31948885-tempt-me
Blurb:
I’ve never fucked a woman who didn’t lie.
Not to me. When I’m grinding eight inches deep up against your G-spot, you can bet you won’t have the mind to remember your own name. No, I’m talking about the next guy. And everyone who’s unlucky enough to come after me.
“That’s right, baby. You’re the best.”
“Nobody’s ever gone so deep.”
And this one, the classic. The biggest fucking whopper to ever cross a woman’s lips:
“Size doesn’t matter. It’s what you do with it that counts.”
Right, love. Say that again with a straight face once I’ve stretched you so wide, you’re begging me to stop and screaming for more, all in the same goddamn breath.
Go on, I dare you.
We’ve all got our secrets, but it just happens to be my job to figure yours out. I’m the best in the business, and I never back down.
But this case is different. This girl is different.
I don’t just want her secrets. I want everything.


Buy:

http://amzn.to/2dmqeLx https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/tempt-me/id1157013875?mt=11&at=11l5Yf http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7993791/type/dlg/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempt-me-roxy-sloane/1124736449?ean=2940156870271 





About the Author
Roxy Sloane is a romance junkie with a dirty mind. She lives in Los Angeles with her hot ex-military hubby and her two kids. She loves writing sexy, complex stories about pushing the boundaries and risking it all.

Website: www.roxysloane.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxysloaneauthor
Twitter: @Roxy_Sloane
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8178850.Roxy_Sloane


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Cover Reveal: The Temptation Duet by Roxy Sloane #Giveaway



From USA Today bestselling author Roxy Sloane comes a filthy, seductive new duet. Spare panties and extra batteries definitely required!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Watch: Fifty Shades Darker Official Trailer #FiftyShadesDarker

Today is the day all us crazy fanatic Fifty Shades lovers have been waiting for: the official trailer for Fifty Shades Darker is finally here! Eeeeeek! Let the countdown to February 10, 2017 begin.



Friday, July 22, 2016

Book Review: Bossman by Vi Keeland #Giveaway

Reese desperately needs to be rescued from the world's most boring date, she just didn't expect the sexy stranger who insulted her a few minutes ago near the bathrooms to be her savior. Not only is Chase gorgeous, but he has an uncanny ability to make up outrageous yet somehow believable stories on the fly. Too bad she'll never see him again. Except she does. And often. And then suddenly she's working for him. How the hell did that happen?

This book was just so much fun to read.  I cried a little bit and I laughed a lot and I just enjoyed it so very much. Chase and Reese both have painful pasts, and yes those experiences cause some angst and drama and pain. I definitely felt for both of them, especially Chase who clearly has not fully healed. Reese really tried to fight the attraction, and I give her credit for lasting as long as she did, I sure wouldn't have. But once she finally gave in, they were oh so good together.

I always enjoy a Boss/Employee romance but add in Vi Keeland's heat that I've come to love and the humor that kept me smiling throughout and you just have a great hot summer read in your hands. I definitely recommend this book and I continue to look forward to more from this author.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Filthy English (English #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills #Giveaway

Filthy English has all the makings of the type of romance book that I love:
  • Hot British tattooed bad boy? Check.
  • Second chance romance? Check.
  • Authored by Ilsa Madden-Mills, whom I would enjoy reading notes scribbled on toilet paper if they were written by her? Check.

(Did that sound creepy and stalkerish? I swear I'm not a stalker. Much.)

Bad boy Dax has a filthy tongue and he's not afraid to use it. He and Remi shared a memorable few days together years ago, but it went to shit rather quickly and they have avoided each other ever since. Now they stand next to each other in a bar in England, only they don't know it. That is until their mouths find each other again and recognition instantly sparks. As well as sexual chemistry. Can they have a each other again without dredging up past hurt and emotion?

So yeah, Dax is hot. I always love a sexy hero with ink, but throw in the British accent and it tips me over the edge, in the best way possible. I did enjoy him and his filthy mouth very much. Ilsa always has a way of making you just feel right along with her characters and boy did I feel with Dax. Not just the sex, and oh yeah I felt that, but everything else. Despite outwards appearances, Dax hides some major insecurities and it pained me to feel how vulnerable he was underneath.  I needed to see him realize how special and deserving he was.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Book Review: Stuck-Up Suit (Cocky Bastard #2) by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward


After reading the awesomeness that was Cocky Bastard, I could not wait for another book from this writing duo. I loved the premise of this book and how the Graham and Soraya meet: by her watching his hot, arrogant ass on the train and then finding his lost phone. What followed her discovery was pretty damn hilarious. She might have called some of the numbers stored in his phone. And she just might have texted some others. I loved this, it had me cracking up, and I really wish she did some more of that and we got to see his reaction to it. Then of course there is the entire returning the phone interaction that was just priceless. Followed by some fun and dirty banter. All of this together was really working for me and kept me laughing while I waited for the sexy stuff.

I liked Soraya a lot - her personality was fun and strong and really shown through the pages. Plus, her name is kind of kick ass. Sure Graham was arrogant and way too serious for his own good, but Soraya brought out the best in him. The progression of their relationship, however, fell just a bit flat for me. I can't really pinpoint why other than maybe it felt rushed? It's weird because it was good in so many ways but there was something missing that kept me from absolutely loving them together.

The obstacles they faced were pretty intense and I found myself extremely disappointed in their choices, particularly Soraya's. I went from adoring her to wanting to smack some sense into her. While this may not have been as big a hit for me as Cocky Bastard was (tough act to follow, honestly), it was still a good, fun and sexy read that I enjoyed. I hope this duo continues to collaborate on more books as I know it's a guaranteed good time.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Book Review: Hardball by CD Reiss #Giveaway

There are a handful of writers out there that I will read anything they write, no matter what, often without even bothering to read the synopsis. Of those favorites, there are only a few that cause butterflies to swirl around my belly and goosebumps to break out on my skin simply by reading the first word of a new book. CD Reiss is the top of that butterfly group for me. Whenever I learn that she's working on something new, the anticipation as I wait for it practically kills me. Her writing captures you and holds on tight and keeps you in its grasp long after you've read "the end." She will always be my #1 favorite because honestly I don't know what I would do without her books.

It's kind of daunting starting a new book by an author that you covet so much because you sometimes fear this might be the one you don't connect with. The one you don't like. It took about 1 paragraph for me to calm down and know that I had nothing to fear with Hardball. Dash is your typical superstar athlete - handsome and elusive with plenty of women to choose from. Vivian is a school librarian who has a big heart and is oblivious to her own beauty. An unlikely match for sure, but those are my favorite kind

Right off the bat you realize that Dash is a little bit quirky and not only was it endearing but sexy as well. Don't ask me how, that's just the brilliance of CD Reiss at work. I absolutely loved him! I mean, a sexy baseball player who quotes Shakespeare, has a filthy mouth and comes with a side of kink? Hell Yeah! Sign me up for one of those please.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Book Review: Sinful Love (Sinful Nights #4) by Lauren Blakely #Giveaway

I've been in love with this series from the beginning not only for the sexy love stories but also for the murder mystery aspect. Watching all the pieces of the puzzle fall together over the course of these novels has been very intriguing. So I couldn't wait to dig into this final installment.

Michael and Annalise were each others' first loves eighteen years ago, but time and distance took them away from each other. All these years later they are in the same city again, can they rekindle that old love? In the beginning of the book, I admit I really wasn't feeling it with Michael and Annalise. I love a second chance romance but there was just a disconnect for me here. I didn't particularly care for Annalise, not because she necessarily did anything wrong, she was just kind of "meh" for me. Michael. on the other hand, I absolutely adored. When he loves he give his whole damn heart away and it was clear he never got it back from this girl. I wanted to protect him and shield him from further heartbreak I was sure she was going to inflict.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Book Review: Hawke (Cold Fury Hockey #5) by Sawyer Bennett

Hawke and Vale have a deep history. They spent four years together and crazy in lover before it all came screeching to a halt. Seven years later, Hawke is now an NHL superstar and Vale is the new assistant trainer for his team, the Carolina Cold Fury. He thought he got over what happened ages ago, until he sees her again and is surprised by the surge of emotions he feels. He is still extremely angry at Vale but there is something else hiding there beneath the anger. There is no way he will acknowledge that feeling or admit what it is to himself. Can they get the closure and finally maybe give things another go or is there too much hurt ro ever get past?

The boys of the Carolina Cold Fury are back! Squeeee! I love me some Sawyer Bennett hockey smut! I've enjoyed this series and have been looking forward to reading about new Cold Fury teammate Hawke. The prologue really hits you right in the chest and hooks you and sets up what you know off the bat won't be an easy love story. But I love second chance romances  and was eager to see how this played out.

I liked Vale despite the huge mistakes she made in the past. While I might not agree with her choices, I do get it. Hawke made some mistakes too and when you put all of it together its a colossal case of miscommunication. Seven years later I think Vale has grown leaps and bounds however Hawke really hasn't grown up at all. So I had some issues with him cause he really was kind of a jerl. Still partying hard and getting stupid drunk but it was that stubborn pride that really made me want to punch him. Even when truths come out he holds onto his anger and uses it as a shield and even a weapon, hurtling right at Vale. Not cool. So it left a bitter taste in my mouth for him.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Book Review: Ink & Lies by S.L. Jennings #Giveaway

August and Fiona have been the best of friends for the past decade. While he is excellent at writing romance novels, he fails when it comes to real life romance. Because he doesn't believe in love and happily ever afters, he doesn't see what has been right in front of him for years. But when he finally opens his eyes and his heart and admits how he feels, will it be too late?

I've read all but one book that S.L. Jennings has written (it's on my list, believe me) and I continue to be blown away by this author's versatility. She's written heartbreaking and emotional (Fear Of Series), sexy and dirty (Sexual Education Series) and even paranormal romance (Dark Light Series) and all of them she has written extremely well. Ink & Lies is completely different than any of those and it is my favorite of her books to date. The hero, August, is funny, self-deprecating and a bit of a man-whore, but Jesus he's got a heart of gold underneath all of that armor.

The tone of the story was so different and I think that is largely in part to it being told from the male's point of view. I love books written this way and Ms. Jennings absolutely nailed. While I was certainly frustrated with August and Fiona and their inability to just get out of their own damn ways when it came to their relationship, it just made the inevitable that much sweeter. Though I admit I had some serious doubts about the out come here.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Book Review: Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8) by Setta Jay

This series. Gah! While I have more than enjoyed all the male Guardian stories, I have been anxiously waiting for the next female Guardian to find a mate. We know that it is more difficult for the female Guardians to find mates because their male needs to be more powerful than themselves. Well who could be more powerful that a Guardian? A God of course! I don't know why I didn't see that one coming, but I didn't and it was a fantastic surprise for me.

Sacha has always been pretty low key in the previous books so it is almost funny that Hades would be her mate. I mean the God is anything but low key.  But as soon as he learns of his mate, you kind of see him just settle into the role of protective male and wow was it wonderful. He's still seriously intense, as are all these delicious alpha-males, but everything in him is focused on Sacha and it is both hot and heartwarming. I just loved mated Hades!

Now there is, of course, so much else going on in the story, like the small matter of the fate of the worlds. Throw in a new world with mysterious Gods and a smidgen of utter confusion and well, we have quite an awesome book!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Book Review: Wicked Sexy Liar (Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren

I can't believe this is the last book in the Wild Seasons series. It's been a fun and dirty journey that I did not want to end. I was a little nervous going in being that the hero, Luke, is ex of the first heroine in the series, Mia. What a pleasant surprise it was to learn that he was not a jerk after all. Sure he might be a bit of a manwhore (OK fine, a huge manwhore) but despite that he's genuinely a good guy with a whole lot of love to give the right girl.

London doesn't think she is that girl. Nor does she want to be. Just one night is all she needs. Or maybe two or three, but there is nothing more than that. She was a bit frustrating at times, to hung up on the past actions of others and too worried about what her friends might think. Anyone could tell that Luke was all in with her, but it too London a lot of convincing. Which I can't complain about too much because I very much enjoyed all of Luke's convincing.

This was a great end to a series that I loved reading. Each pair of characters brought their own uniqueness and made the series highly additive. So while I am sad to say goodbye tot his crew, I also can't wait to see what the writing duo of Christina Lauren has in store for us next.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Book Review: The Baller (Down & Dirty Football #1) by Vi Keeland #Giveaway

The last thing that up and coming sports reporter Delilah Maddox needs during her first locker room interview is a cocky football player giving her a hard time. However, that is exactly what she gets from star quarterback Brody Easton. Emphasis on cocky and hard. Brody isn't used to women turning him down and he wants Delilah badly, but she doesn't go out with "players." What follows is a relentless, sexy and comical pursuit that Delilah has no hopes on escaping. But Brody has some shit in his past so what happens when all of that resurfaces just when he's got Delilah right where he wants her?

I have had the honor and pleasure of reading and reviewing most of Vi Keeland's book and I swear each one is better than the last. The Baller is by far my favorite from this author and one of my top 2 favorites of 2016 so far. It was just brilliant! It had humor and amazing tension and sexy times while also blending in an intense level of emotions. I loved Brody, of course (who wouldn't?), but who I really fell in love with was Delilah. It's not often that I like a heroine this much, as in never, but Delilah was awesome. So strong and sometimes hilarious. There was a certain scene with a certain outfit that had me hysterical I may have even peed a little bit. She is seriously amazing and I want to be her when I grow up.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Cover Reveal: Sinful Love (Sinful Nights #4) by Lauren Blakely


Book Review: Mastered (The Enforcers #1) by Maya Banks

I can always count on Maya Banks for a hot dominant hero in her books and Drake Donovan is no exception. Dark, beautiful and beyond wealthy, he can have any woman that he wants. And he does. Often. When Evangeline walks into his nightclub, he can't take his eyes off of her. She doesn't belong in his world with her beautiful innocence, but he must have her.Almost virgin Evangeline doesn't know how she let her girlfriends talk her into going to this sexy nightclub. This is not her. In here eyes, she's just a Plain Jane, but Drake sees something more and she just can't say not to him.

I found Drake to be very mysterious on top of all the sexy, which made him even more alluring. It is clear he does more than just own a nightclub, but we don't get any real clues to what he is. By the end I kind of hated him a little bit (ok, maybe a lot) and I need the next book to see if he can redeem himself.

On the other hand, Evangeline frustrated me a great deal throughout this book. I don't mind a heroine with insecurities, but dear lord I wanted to smack some sense into this one because hers were just too much. But then we ended with her finally growing a set and standing up for herself in a way and I was proud of her for that. I'm hoping to see some more growth from her as we continue on.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Book Review: Wicked Lust (Wicked Horse #2) by Sawyer Bennett

What's hotter than a sexy alpha cowboy that fulfills sexual fantasies? The answer you're looking for is nothing. Nothing is fucking hotter than that. Welcome back to The Wicked Horse!

When Sawyer first introduced Cain at the end of book one, I nearly exploded and I've been dying to read his story ever since. Cain is the head of security at The Wicked Horse as well as a fantasy maker for the dirtier side of the business. And a damn good one. He has no desire to be in a relationship again and this allows him to indulge in endless sex while working towards a good bonus.

Sloane is a reporter here only to sniff out a scandalous story on the supposed sex club. However, she did not plan on Cain. At first she thought to use their attraction to get the information she needs for the story. She soon realizes he is someone special and using him is the last thing she wants to do. But what choice does she have? Both are holding back secrets and it is only a matter of time before the truth is out and everything crumbles.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Book Review: Big Rock by Lauren Blakely #Giveaway

Spencer Holiday is one of New York City's most prominent playboys. But at least he is a gentleman about it. He always makes sure that a woman is well cared for and well satisfied before he sends them on their merry way. Now his father needs him to tone down his manwhore ways to help his father secure the sale of his business, so he ropes in his best friend and business partner, Charlotte, into playing the part of his fiance. Charlotte needs to get her ex off her back so she figures this fiance charade is the perfect way to do that. With a few ground rules in place, what could go wrong?

OMG I loved this book. L.O.V.E.D. It is told 100% from the man's point of view (yessssss!) and it is witty and hilarious and frickin hot. This was such a fun and lighthearted read and as soon as I was done I wanted to start it all over again. Spencer is absolutely delicious. Gentleman playboy might sound like a ridiculous oxymoron, but it truly is what he is. And trust me when I say it is a lethal combination. Poor Charlotte didn't stand a chance. And as it turns out, neither did Spencer. I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one has become one of my top favorites. I don't reread books very often (hardly ever, honestly) but this is going on my to re-read list. LOVE!

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