November 28, 2015

Book Review: Make You Burn by Megan Crane

at 11/28/2015 11:28:00 PM 0 comments

Meet the Deacons of Bourbon Street, bad boy bikers who are hell on wheels—and heaven between the sheets. Megan Crane revs up an irresistible new series co-written with Rachael Johns, Jackie Ashenden, and Maisey Yates.

Sean “Ajax” Harding’s oaths are inked into his skin. Once second-in-command of the Deacons of Bourbon Street motorcycle club, he left New Orleans to protect the brotherhood, and only the death of his beloved mentor, Priest Lombard, could lure him back. Walking into the old hangout gives him a familiar thrill—especially when he gets an eyeful of the bar’s delectable new owner. A wild ride with her is just the welcome Ajax needs. Then he realizes that she’s Priest’s daughter, all grown up and totally off limits.

Sophie Lombard loved her father, not his lifestyle. She’s done with bikers . . . until Ajax roars into town—arrogant, tough, and sexy as ever. And although he treats her like the Catholic schoolgirl he once knew, Sophie’s daydreams tend to revolve around sin. With the very real possibility of heartbreak looming, Sophie knows better than to get too close to an outlaw. But every touch from Ajax is steamier than the Louisiana bayou—and heat like this may just be worth getting burned.

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  kobo  |  iBooks
Read an excerpt here!

WOW! I was so blown away by this book. I bought this on a whim because it was only 99¢ and as luck would have it, I was given the opportunity to review the second book in the series. I had already read the second book without realizing it, but I felt that I would have understood past events more quickly if I had read the books in order; though it's entirely possible to read the books individually. This book series is written as a collaboration of four authors: Megan Crane, Rachael Johns, Jackie Ashenden, and Maisey Yates. There are four books in total and each book features one of the brothers of the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC club. In this book, we meet Sean “Ajax” Harding, the club's VP. He and three others return from exile after they hear news of the club president's death. Despite being exiled for the past decade, Ajax is still loyal to the club and is disgusted with the club's subsequent decline in reputation and members. After the major four members were exiled, the club president, Priest, tried the get the club to go legitimate. Some members didn't like that and either joined the rival MC called "The Ministry" or quit altogether. Out of the four exiled members, Ajax and Blue are still loyal to the club. However, Cash and Prince, have moved on with their lives and started legitimate careers. They just want to pay their respects and go back to their everyday normal lives. Too bad Ajax and Blue are having none of that. 

Sophie, Priest's only daughter, is running the Priory, the club's legit bar. Although her relationship with her father was unconventional, they loved each other and his death is hitting her hard. When she runs into Ajax, there's explosive chemistry between them and it wasn't long before they were banging each other's brains out. As unromantic as that sounds, the intimate scenes between these two was hotttttt! From the start, Sophie admits that part of her always resented the fact that her father always put the club before her, but another part also wanted his attention and loved the club atmosphere. When news confirms that Priest's death was shady as all get out, Ajax is hell bent on finding out what really happened to Priest. The story itself earned a 3.5 star rating, but the ultra sexy sex scenes gave it the boost to a 4.5. I gave this book 5 stars because of Ajax and how in touch he is with his emotions. I just love guys who can go from bad ass alpha biker to loving teddy bear. ;) 

5 stars!

Check out the next books in the series!

Book Two~~Available NOW!

Check out my an excerpt of book 2 here!

Book 3

**Not yet published; will be on 12/8/2015

Book 4

**Not yet published; will be on 1/5/2016

About the Author

Photo Credit: Author's Goodreads Page

Yes, I write under two names. It's me penning the story whether I am wearing my Caitlin hat or my Megan hat. Yes, readers will see a lot of similarities in the writing. No, I don't get confused. I'm a Gemini. I like duality.

When I started writing Harlequin Presents my other writing was still considered Chick Lit. (Yes, it was that long ago.) For a whole host of reasons, I thought it made sense to make a clear distinction between the two kinds of stories I was telling. Time went on and I shifted more to romance, but still, Harlequin Presents are a very particular kind of love story. I think it makes sense to keep them under the Caitlin Crews banner. Everything else I write is Megan Crane, which has the bonus feature of actually being the name I answer to in public! Try it next time you see me. I answer to Caitlin too, but it takes a minute.

I discovered my first romance novel at the age of twelve in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates and grand adventures on the open sea, but even better: a heroine with a mind of her own and a seriously mouthwatering, masterful hero who swept her away no matter how clever she was. I was immediately smitten with all kinds of romantic themes, to the detriment of my middle school social life. (I was born in Texas and raised in New Jersey, which means I am genetically and geographically predisposed to big hair and broad gestures. You can see the conflict.)

I had grand plans to star on Broadway-preferably in Evita, just like the great Patti LuPone, who I was lucky enough to see perform in New York City more than once as a child. Sadly, my inability to wow audiences with my singing voice required a backup plan (this despite the fact that I have seen Les Miserables 15 times. If you count the movie and various PBS specials, then up that to 20. Yes, really.)

I launched myself into academics instead. This was not a good fit for someone who liked lounging about and reading books a lot more than dissecting them in classrooms, but did allow me to live in England for half a decade. As a result, I developed in a deep addiction to travel, and there are few things I love more than taking off on my next adventure. Whether in real life or through my books; I'll take either.

I didn't find my own hero for a little while there, but I had my romances to keep me warm. I spent many, many Saturdays in badly-heated used book stores throughout the greater New York Metropolitan Area, stocking up on the books of authors who would become auto-buys in later years (and still are!), immersed in all things romance novels. I read romances everywhere, in public and private and without fake covers to hide the titles of the books from view, because I'm a rebel like that. For some reason, it took me a while to figure out that I ought to write the books I loved the most.

But some 50 books in, I'm still plotting my Broadway debut.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

November 27, 2015

Book Review: Played by Clare James

at 11/27/2015 07:54:00 PM 0 comments

In PLAYED, the newest book in Clare James’s Elite PR series, it’s play or be played as sexy country singer Aaron Major engages in a game of give and take with PR pro Melody Sharp in this steamy, must read fall title releasing October 19th from Entangled Brazen.

Play. Or be played.

The music should be enough. End of story. But Aaron Major is finding out it's not, and now his agent has hired a firm of suits to help launch his debut album, turning his life into a goddamn circus. Smile here. Play there. Be nice. Well, screw that. If Aaron wanted to spend his time shaking hands and kissing babies, he would've gone into politics.

Helping launch the career of country singer Aaron Major should be a cakewalk for PR pro Melody Sharp. Aaron is charming, sexy, and oh-so-appealing when he's on stage. Off stage, though, he's her worst nightmare. A stubborn, ornery, reclusive nightmare without a lick of business-or fashion-sense. The only way he's going to make it in music is with a serious makeover-and quite possibly a personality transplant.

Soon, they're engaged in a game of give and take, and though it's Melody calling the shots, it's Aaron who holds all control...

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

So this is the second book in the Elite PR series (I hope it's a series). We start off with Melody Sharp, another gifted go-getter at Elite PR. She's friends with Viv from book one if you have read the first book, though IMO you could read this without reading book one. Reading book one first gives you more context. Anyway, Mel is looking for her way to shoot for the top spot at Elite and it just so happens that Mel's new neighbor is just the PR opportunity that she's looking for. Aaron Major's a sexy, country crooner with all of the goodies. The only thing holding him back is his demons and anxiety about going mainstream again. The first time around, Aaron crashed and burned just a bit. After Mel misses another rent payment and is locked out of her apartment, Aaron gives her a helping hand or two. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and it wasn't long before they were gettin' down. :) I loved the characters in this book and the background info on what it takes behind the scenes to make it to the big times. I really do hope this is not the last we hear of the Elite PR girls. 





4.5 STARS!!!!

Check out the first book in the Elite PR series!
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
She was hired to clean up his image. He wants nothing more than to get her dirty.

Watching sex tapes at the office is just part of PR professional Vivian Blake's job, especially when she has to clean up a celebrity's image. Except that her newest client isn't quite that easy. Racecar driver Jarod Cage is beyond hot, and his onscreen "performance" is already compromising Viv's cool professionalism.
While Jarod hasn't exactly been discreet about his personal life, he never thought his reputation could cost him both his sponsor and his racing career. Now he has to put his future in the hands of a tiny, pixie-like publicist. Which is becoming a problem, because the heat between them is about to redline. But when you go this hard and fast, putting on the brakes is the most dangerous thing you can do...
About the Author

Clare James writes contemporary romance and new adult novels with spunky heroines and sexier-than-sin heroes. Her books have made several best-selling lists including the tender love stories in the Impossible Love series; the steamy romantic comedy Dirty Little Lies; and the touching family drama Wednesday. She’s also the author of a new series with Entangled’s Brazen line about the women of Elite PR and their very naughty clients. The first two books in the series are out now!

A former dancer, Clare still loves to get her groove on – mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and young son, and is always on social media chatting with readers.

Connect with Clare:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

Want to get to know Clare better? 

Check out her Dear Reader letter!

Blog Tour Promo Post: November Nine by Colleen Hoover

at 11/27/2015 07:41:00 PM 0 comments
"November 9 is yet another breathtaking novel by Colleen Hoover that's full of blushing, gushing, and heartache. I loved every page and breathed in every beautiful word."
—Anna Todd, Author of the After series


Visit www.November9.com for teasers, tour dates and more.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day of her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?


IndieBound  |  kobo  |  Google  |  nook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, This Girl, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Maybe Not, and Confess. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys.

FIND COLLEEN ONLINE:
Twitter: @ColleenHoover
Instagram: @ColleenHoover

Don’t miss Colleen on tour for NOVEMBER 9:

DALLAS, TX
Monday, November 9th
HALF PRICE BOOKS
10:00 PM
5803 E Northwest Hwy
Dallas, TX  75231

CINCINNATI, OH
Tuesday, November 10th
JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS
7:00 PM
2692 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208

CHICAGO, IL
Wednesday, November 11th
ANDERSON'S BOOKSHOP
7:00 PM
26 S. La Grange Rd.
La Grange, IL 60525

RIDGEWOOD, NJ
Thursday, November 12th
BOOK ENDS
7:00 PM
211 E. Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

WHITE PLAINS, NY
Friday, November 13th
BARNES & NOBLE #2202
7:00 PM
230 Main Street
White Plains, NY 10601

MIAMI, FL
Saturday, November 14th
BOOKS & BOOKS
5:00 PM
265 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134

BOSTON, MA
Sunday, November 15th
BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH
5:00 PM
279 Harvard St
Brookline, MA  02446

LOS ANGELES, CA
Tuesday, November 17th
CHEVALIER'S BOOKS
7:00 PM
126 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004

AUSTIN, TX
Tuesday, December 8th
BOOK PEOPLE
7:00 PM
603 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
512-472-5050
http://www.bookpeople.com/

Now for the fun….the #November9 Contest!


Prizes: Win 1 of 5 prize bundles of one signed copy of NOVEMBER 9 and a pair of #November9 sunglasses! Contest is open until November 30th.


November 20, 2015

Blog Tour Book Review: Reaper's Fall by Joanna Wylde

at 11/20/2015 12:00:00 AM 0 comments
Reaper’s Fall is the newest standalone in the Reaper's MC Series.  Painter & Melanie's story is FINALLY here!


The New York Times bestselling author of Reaper’s Stand is back in her “uber-alpha rough world of MCs”* as one woman’s future is rocked by the man whose hardcore past could destroy her…
He never meant to hurt her.
Levi “Painter” Brooks was nothing before he joined the Reapers motorcycle club. The day he patched in, they became his brothers and his life. All they asked in return was a strong arm and unconditional loyalty—a loyalty that’s tested when he’s caught and sentenced to prison for a crime committed on their behalf.

Melanie Tucker may have had a rough start, but along the way she’s learned to fight for her future. She’s escaped from hell and started a new life, yet every night she dreams of a biker whose touch she can’t forget. It all started out so innocently—just a series of letters to a lonely man in prison. Friendly. Harmless. Safe.

Now Painter Brooks is coming home… and Melanie’s about to learn that there’s no room for innocence in the Reapers MC.


Available at the following retailers

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Nook  |  iBooks  |  Book Depository




Excerpt
“You want to watch a movie or something?” she asked, nodding toward the TV. I had a decent one, too. Giant-ass flat-screen—homecoming present from the club.
“Sure,” I said, reaching for the remote. I didn’t have cable, but Ruger had set up some kind of box thingie for me so I could stream shit. “Whatcha in the mood for?”
“Not horror,” she said quickly, and I laughed again, remembering that first evening I’d spent with her at Pic’s house. She’d been so young and scared and vulnerable . . . I’d wanted to eat her up.
I still wanted to eat her.
“I can’t believe that you and Puck were supposed to be watching over me, and then you put in a slasher movie. That’s not how you make a girl feel safe.”
“No horror,” I agreed, although the thought of holding her for a couple hours while she was scared shitless appealed way more than it should. Watch it, asshole. “How about Star Wars?”
“You like Star Wars?”
I shrugged. “Everyone likes Star Wars. You know, I’m pretty damned sure Han Solo was a biker.”
She giggled. “You mean, like a space biker?”
“See, when you say it like that it sounds stupid.”
“I wanted to be Princess Leia. She’s badass,” she said, taking a deep drink of her beer. I watched as her lips wrapped around the neck, her throat swallowing. Oh fuck, that was good. She set the beer down on the coffee table with a clink, then let loose with the biggest burp I’d ever heard.
“Fucking hell,” I said, stunned. “I didn’t think girls could burp like that. Shit. Impressive, Mel. Very impressive.”
She grinned at me.
“We’re friends,” she told me. “And friends don’t need to worry about stuff like that. Let me guess—you’ve never had a female friend before?”
“Not really,” I admitted. “I’m think I’m a little scared.”
Scared and turned on, which was weird.
“You should be. I can do the whole alphabet.”
Damn. I kinda wanted to see that.


We finally get to see Melanie and Painter's story!!!! Having met Jo in Vegas this year, I was very excited to read this book. Ever since they were introduced in the previous books, there have been hints here and there about the future of their relationship. For first time readers, Painter and Mel met when they were in their teens (Painter's a little older). Painter was starting out as a prospect for the Reapers motorcycle club and Mel was a friend of Jessica, London's niece. FYI, London is the Old Lady (wifey-like) to the club's president, Reese "Picnic" Hayes.  In flashbacks, we see the interactions between Painter and Mel that solidified their relationship….and then Painter gets sent to jail. While Painter is spending some time in prison, Mel is by herself and pregnant. Fast forward to present time, Painter is working as an artist with a unique painting style. He makes a pretty good living and is totally loves with his daughter, Izzy. He has a strained joint custody relationship with Mel, who works as an ER nurse. Mel gets set up on a blind date by a co-worker and crap on a cracker, he turns out to be a "hang-around" for another club. Painter loses his shit, pounds the sucker into the ground, and have some very hot hate-sex with Mel. Despite his affiliation to the club, he loves Mel and Izzy. I love the journey Mel and Painter had towards their HEA. While both parties were equally responsible for the deterioration of their relationship the first time around, they both made an effort to rebuilding their relationship from the ground up. I absolutely can't wait to read the next one.

5 stars

About the Author

Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | TwitterGoodreads

GIVEAWAY
$50 Amazon Gift Card

 

The Consummate Reader Copyright © 2010 Designed by Ipietoon Blogger Template Sponsored by Online Shop Vector by Artshare