Sunday, January 27, 2013

Island Pleasures (1Night Stand)


Island Pleasures (1Night Stand) is the latest novella release from author K.T. Grant. The publisher is Decadent Publishing. From the author’s website.~

Carly Kimball, columnist for the popular magazine Chit-Chat Weekly, is going undercover to reveal the truth behind Madame Evangeline and 1Night Stand. She’ll infiltrate the Grand Turk Castillo hotel and resort for her tell-all article. But Carly is in for an even bigger shock when she comes in contact with a man from her past, Quinn Alfasi, who she shared one passionate night with back in college.

Quinn never thought he’d see Carly again, and now six years later she’s come back into his life. He’ll do whatever he has to in order to expose her as a liar and a fraud. But then his best friend Woody shows an interest. Quinn won’t allow her to fall for Woody’s charms even if he has to team up with his Lothario best friend to claim Carly as his own.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author with the promise of an honest review. I’ve read many of K.T. Grant’s books and really enjoy her voice.

Island Pleasures (1Night Stand) was a really fast, fun and sexy read. Carly Kimball is probably the worst liar in history when she goes undercover for work to get the truth behind Madame Evangeline and 1Night Stand. It was really pretty laughable how bad she was at keeping her cover. Partly because I don’t think she much had it in her to lie, and partly because she has to lie to 2 guys she knew from college, Quinn and Woody. I felt the connection between Carly and Quinn from the moment they met again, and was really hoping they could find a way to get back together. Have to say her attraction to Woody came as a bit of a surprise, but it still worked for me.

Grant gives her readers some pretty sexy scenes between Quinn and Carly, and an even sexier love scene between Quinn, Carly, and Woody. I really loved how Grant handled the romance with this story. I loved watching Quinn and Carly reconnect and really loved how Woody stepped in to help them figure out their feelings for one another.

Island Pleasures (1Night Stand) is the perfect read for anyone looking for a fun and sexy story. It is a novella length story, so the story wraps up pretty quickly. I really enjoyed the story and hope we will get Woody’s story from K.T. Grant in the future. For more information about the author or her books, check out her website.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

All He Ever Dreamed


All He Ever Dreamed is the newest book in the Kowalski series from author Shannon Stacey. The digital release date was January 21, 2013 and the publisher is Carina Press. From the author’s website.~

Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort—better known as the Northern Star Lodge—while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.

As the daughter of the lodge's longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she's always been "one of the guys", her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it's clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.

Katie's been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she's afraid it's too late. Giving her heart to a man who can't wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave—could it be that everything he's ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?

I have to say thank you so much to the publisher for approving me for this book from NetGalley. I’m counting down the days until I can add the print copy to my keeper shelf with the rest of my Kowalski collection.

I’ve wanted Josh and Katie to get together pretty much since we met the Kowalski cousins. I love a friends to lovers story and have to say Shannon Stacey hit it out of the ballpark with this one. I’ve laughed over the course of the series that Josh is so clueless to how Katie feels about him. She has been in love with him for years. I have to say one of the funniest parts of the entire book is when mistletoe is put up at the family Christmas party and Josh and Katie kiss for the first time.  I loved the chemistry between Katie and Josh so much. They have been best friends since they were kids and I loved they became even closer once they started dating. Josh has wanted to leave Whitford for as long as he can remember, but has stayed to keep running the family’s lodge. Everyone knows Josh wants to leave, and even after he starts dating Katie, him leaving town is still in the works. I thought Shannon did a wonderful job with the development of Katie and Josh from friends to lovers and loved how she dealt with Josh’s dream of leaving town.

I also loved watching Katie’s mom Rosie finally admit to her feelings for her husband’s best friend Andy. I’ve been waiting for them to admit their feelings for one another almost as long as I’ve been waiting for Josh and Katie to get together.  I seriously loved we got 2 romances for the price of one with this story.

I’m now ready for Liz Kowalski’s story to be released. As of now there isn’t a set release date for the final Kowalski cousin’s book, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it is sooner rather than later. For more information about Shannon’s books, check out her website.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

How to Misbehave


How to Misbehave is the newest novella release from author Ruthie Knox. The publisher is Loveswept. From the author’s website.~

What woman can resist a hot man in a hard hat? Beloved author Ruthie Knox kicks off her new Camelot series with this deliciously sexy original novella, in which a good girl learns how to misbehave . . . with all her heart.
 
As program director for the Camelot Community Center, Amber Clark knows how to keep her cool. That is, until a sudden tornado warning forces her to take shelter in a darkened basement with a hunk of man whose sex appeal green lights her every fantasy. With a voice that would melt chocolate, he asks her if she is okay. Now she's hot all over and wondering: How does a girl make a move?
 
Building contractor Tony Mazzara was just looking to escape nature's fury. Instead, he finds himself all tangled up with lovely Amber. Sweet and sexy, she's ready to unleash her wild side. Their mutual desire reaches a fever pitch and creates a storm of its own--unexpected, powerful, and unforgettable. But is it bigger than Tony can handle? Can he let go of painful memories and let the force of this remarkable woman show him a future he never dreamed existed?

I was lucky enough to get a copy from NetGalley thanks to the publisher.  I’m a huge fan of Ruthie Knox and couldn’t wait to read the first story in her Camelot series.

I loved sexy blue-collar worker Tony Mazzara, who Amber thinks of as the Italian Stallion. The description sex on a stick comes to mind when thinking about Tony. Amber is ready to step out on the wild side, and Tony is just the man to help her do it. I’ve come to expect some pretty sexy stories from Ruthie Knox, and she delivers once again with How to Misbehave! Loved how sexy Tony and Amber are together. Pretty sure my kindle screen steamed up a few times with this book. I also loved how Tony and Amber could share things with one another they really never shared with anyone else.

How to Misbehave is a great start to the new Camelot series from Ruthie Knox. The official release date is January 28, 2013, and can be purchased from your favorite online retailer. I’m so excited to read about the rest of the Clark family with Along Came Trouble in March 2013 and Flirting with Disaster in June 2013. 

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Crossing Lines (Heat Wave #3)

Crossing Lines (Heat Wave #3) is coming soon from author Alannah Lynne! Have to highlight this book, as I'm very excited to get another book in this super sexy series.


Back Cover Copy:
 
The world’s best-stocked toy drawer can only take a gal so far. Bored with her current assortment of vibrating, plastic pieces, Sam Wallace decides to add a new sex toy to her collection: Kevin Mazze. The sexy Italian is more than happy to help her live out her long-held sexual fantasies, and trusting him with her body is easy. Trusting him with her heart, however, is not… especially when he commits an unforgiveable sin.

Kevin Mazze is one of the good guys. He’s spent his life always doing the right things and making those around him happy. When he meets the woman of his dreams, at the worst possible time, he finds himself making bad choices in the name of good and crossing lines he never thought he would… while praying she never finds out.

I don't have an official ebook release date yet, but will post an update as soon as I have the available date. To tide you over until the release of this book, check out Savin' Me (Heat Wave #1) and Last Call (Heat Wave #2) out now.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Warrior: The Elect 3


Warrior: The Elect 3
Years ago, former Special Ops officer Carter Owens made the biggest mistake of his life. He met the woman of his dreams—and didn’t fight to keep her. Now that he’s learned Jamie Wade is still alive, and that she bore him a son, Carter plans to protect his family at all costs. Right after he’s rescued her along with several other Elect members being held prisoner in a private hospital.

He isn’t prepared to find her battered, drugged-up, and half-starved. Whatever her captor wanted, the madman hadn’t gone after it humanely.

When Jamie awakens, she’s stunned to find herself free of the abuser who tried and failed to make her admit she’s a telepath. As a police detective, she is driven to join the investigation into the organization that held her and her son captive. But first she’ll have to overcome Carter’s overprotective nature.

Which isn’t going to happen anytime soon, because first she has to recover—and convince him that their out-of-control sexual chemistry isn’t a good enough reason to stay.

Loribelle is offering up 1 ebook of any of her books, including Warrior as a prize on this blog tour. Please leave a comment to be entered. I'll draw a name from all the comments left and email the winner on February 4, 2013. Please leave your email address in the comment so I have a way to contact the winner.

Excerpt from Warrior: The Elect 3 below. I want to thank Loribelle so much for allowing me to help spread the word about her newest book in this series, which releases on February 5, 2013.



Jamie awoke groggy and afraid, waiting for the nightmare to start over again. Her tormentors never left her any respite—never gave her time to recover—and punished her when she refused to cooperate. The fury directed at her lately had been so much worse than the beginning. She was sure she wouldn’t live much longer, and that sucked. Regrets. She had so many.
As her mind started to clear and no orderly rushed in to drug her up again, she realized something was different. It took effort to pry open her eyes, which wasn’t so unusual, but the surroundings were. The first thing she noticed was the small body tucked up next to her. Kaden. Her son was safe and with her. Hope and loved filled her, making her chest hurt the relief was so intense, but her sense of well being was quickly replaced by fear.
Was Kaden safe or were they both prisoners now? Where were they? The room they were in was spacious and bright. She could see a balcony outside the double doors at her right and rolled her head to look at what was on the left. The impossible. Carter Owens—the man she’d never been able to forget. She was reminded of him every time her son smiled. She hadn’t heard from him in seven years, and there he sat sleeping in a chair. Her mind might have been clearing, but this was too unreal. She just couldn’t believe it. Had her tormentors added hallucinogens to their drug cocktail?
“Carter,” she tried to say, but it was more of a croak. Her throat was dry, parched and hoarse from weeks of screaming. It didn’t matter, though—he was awake in an instant, then on his feet and moving toward her with a smooth masculine stride she still dreamed about.
“Good morning, Jamie. How are you feeling?”
“I’m alive? I’m really here with you and Kaden?”
“Yes, sweetheart, you’re alive and with us.” Something in his expression made her think it had been a damned close thing too.
“Where are we?”
“Someplace safe. No one will get to you here.”
That didn’t tell her anything, and she shifted into cop mode. Moving hurt, but she managed to sit up. As the sheet fell to her waist she saw she was wearing a man’s T-shirt and nothing else, and had an IV in her arm. She kept Kaden tucked to her side—protecting him—and watched Carter. She was wary—suspicious. She was all for being free, having her son back, but it seemed too sudden and Carter too secretive.
She’d always had an uncanny ability to read people, to know when they were lying or telling the truth, and she reached for that talent now. Focused on the man she hadn’t decided yet was real or apparition.
“Okay. How did I get here, then? How long I have been here?”
“I went in with a team and brought you and my mother out two days ago. We just moved you out of our infirmary last night, once Esme was convinced you were stable.”
She knew Esme was his sister, but she’d never met the woman. She’d ask about that later. Right now she was more concerned with her injuries and how long it would take to recover.
“I was out for two days?”
His eyes darkened with fury, then narrowed on her when she flinched. “The last injection they gave you would probably have killed you. We got you here just in time.”
She wasn’t surprised. The more she’d fought that sadistic bastard Dr. Stine—the more she refused to cooperate with him—the more insane and rabid he’d become. He had to be stopped.
“The hospital. That place needs to be shut down. I need a phone. I need to call my supervisor and make a statement.”
“That’ll be a little hard to do, baby. You’ve been officially dead for six months.”
That was crazy, but her talent for truth reading had her believing it. That talent had made her an excellent detective and it didn’t fail her now. But her memory was full of holes. She’d lost six months? And for what?
“I think you need to start at the beginning, but can I have some water first?”
“Of course. Are you hungry?”
Surprisingly, she was. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt real hunger. The drugs had kept her body numb along with her mind. She nodded as Kaden stirred at her side.
His eyes opened and he gave her his pure innocent smile. “I told Dad you were alive. I told him to bring you home.”
“And he did.” She smiled back at her son—the joy of her life. He looked happy and healthier than he ever had. She blinked. “You’re not sick?” she asked carefully.
“No.” He shook his head. “Dr. Zach said as long as I take my medicine I won’t get sick again.”
She shot Carter a questioning look. “We’ll explain everything, I promise. Let’s get breakfast first,” Carter said. She didn’t want those answers delayed, but she guessed by his warning expression a lot of the answers shouldn’t be shared with a six-year-old. “Okay.”
“I’ll go see what I can find. Kaden, why don’t you come with me?”
Her arms tightened around her son, unwilling to let him go yet. Afraid this was all just a dream. He snuggled closer and the terror began to recede a little. He tilted his head back to look at her.
“I’m glad Dad brought you home, Mom. Everything is okay now.”
God, she hoped so. He wiggled out of her arms and bounced across the room to take his father’s hand.
She was stunned seeing them standing together. They looked so much alike and so in-accord. Not for the first time, she thought she should have told Carter when she discovered she was pregnant.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll get to that.”
She blinked. Surely she had not just heard his voice in her head. Maybe she was still at the hospital. Maybe this was a delusion. Stine had kept insisting she was a telepath and didn’t believe her when she said she wasn’t. God, she was imagining things now.
“You aren’t imagining anything, Jamie,” Carter said from the doorway. “We’ll back in a few minutes with food.”
“And clothes,” she called after him, but that wasn’t what occupied her mind.
Had she really heard him mentally? It seemed insane, but… She could hear the truth in his voice and sometimes Kaden just knew things he shouldn’t. The same intuition she had. Or something more? She spotted a stack of gauze on the nightstand and picked a few up. Then she yanked out the IV and pressed against the welling blood. Sighing, she swung her feet over the side of the bed and rose cautiously. She needed to use the facilities and was desperate for a shower. She also needed to get a look at how badly injured she was. Every inch of her body hurt, but nothing felt broken or cut.

Author Bio
Loribelle is a former Army MP who traded in her combat boots for motherhood, flip-flops and all the Diet Coke she can drink. (She almost misses the combat boots.) She’s the author of more than twenty books, none of which her children are allowed to read. Ever. Visit her website, www.loribellehunt.com, or www.facebook.com/loribelle.hunt for information on new releases.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Beautiful Scars


Beautiful Scars is the newest ebook release from author Shiloh Walker. The publisher is Samhain Publishing, Ltd. and the official release date was January 15, 2013. From the author’s website. ~

Some scars cut right to the heart.

Three years after her divorce, Chaili Bennett is over her ex. Her only problem now? Of the few men she’s dated since, no one “gets” her. Not like Marc Archer—a man who’s never seen her as more than a friend.

Marc Archer needs a date for a last-minute charity event, and he needs it fast. Not that women aren’t throwing themselves at his world-famous face and body, but sometimes it’s less messy—as in less personal—to use his sister Shera’s escort service.

The last woman on earth Marc expects to see in his sister’s office is Chaili. There’s something different about her, but nothing pleases him more when Shera sets them up. That simple date quickly evolves into much more as they both discover the other fills a deep, secret need they’ve shared with no one else.

Though Chaili insists one night is all she wants, Marc isn’t walking away now. Not until he discovers what put the shadows in her eyes. And the scars on her soul.

Warning: This book involves soulful songs, soulful sex, a soulful singer and lots of heartbreak. But no worries, there’s a happy ever after.

I’m a huge fan of Shiloh Walker’s books. I love her voice whether in a romantic suspense, contemporary romance, or erotic romance. I have to say she totally delivered a moving and super sexy story with Beautiful Scars.

Let me just say I really loved Chaili and Marc both as individuals and as a couple. I’m a huge fan of the friends to lovers story and thought this one was done well. Chaili has loved Marc pretty much her entire life, but never thought he would ever see her as more than a friend. When she steps in to be his date, Marc suddenly sees her in a whole new light. After one night of incredible passion, Marc wants so much more, but Chaili claims that is all she wants. I have to say Marc is such a fun character for me. He doesn’t always think before he opens his mouth, so he tends to come off as an ass at times. When he messes up, he messes up in a big way. He also has one of the biggest hearts and loves in a big way too. Chaili has been burned in the past by her ex-husband and others and has scars both on her body and her heart. I loved how Marc wanted to take care of her in every way. I especially loved how protective he was of Chaili anytime her ex-husband was around.

Both Marc and Chaili enjoy some kink in their sex lives. Not to the point of a D/s relationship, but Marc does like to be in control in bed and Chaili is fine with being submissive to a point. I loved the sexual chemistry between Marc and Chaili. I thought Walker did a great job exploring the relationship between Marc and Chaili, while showing how each of their past were coloring the future. I do wish Chaili would have let March beat the crap out of her ex-husband at least once.

I absolutely loved Beautiful Scars. Shiloh Walker gives her readers an emotion filled sexy ride with this story. I look forward to more stories like this one from Walker in the future. For more information about this book and others from Shiloh Walker, check out her website.


Monday, January 14, 2013

The Devil's Thief


The Devil’s Thief is Book One, in The Saint’s Devil series from author Samantha Kane. The publisher is Bantam Loveswept. From the author’s website.~

In Samantha Kane’s sensual tale of wicked passion, a desperate woman must resort to burglary—but the beautiful thief ends up stealing the heart of a rogue.
 
The daughter of a reformed jewel thief, Julianna Harte knows a thing or two about stealth. When the foundling home she provides for finds itself in dire financial straits, Julianna is forced to do the unthinkable. In a bit of misguided Robin Hood derring-do, she slips through the window of a wealthy rake to search for a treasure she knows is there: an invaluable pearl. But when the towering and very naked occupant of the moonlit bedroom ambushes her with a bargain—a night in his bed in exchange for the pearl—Julianna doesn’t know if it’s masculine heat or sheer desperation that makes his terms so tempting.
 
Alasdair Sharpe had no intention of keeping his end of the bargain. Planning to offer his little cat burglar carte blanche instead, he promptly loses himself in the delights of unexpected pleasure. But when he awakes the next morning to find his family heirloom gone, fury quickly replaces sensual languor. Of course, Alasdair is more than willing to use seduction to reclaim his stolen pearl—and find the key to Julianna’s heart.

I was lucky enough to get a review copy from NetGalley thanks to the publisher. I love fun and sexy historical romances, and Samantha Kane totally delivered.

When Julianna Harte slips into Alasdair Sharp’s bedroom window to steal a priceless pearl, she has no idea how fast her life will change. First she is caught by Alasdair and bargains with him for the pearl. One night in his bed and she gets to take possession of the pearl. Neither Alasdair nor Julianna realize how much that one night will come to mean to them. Alasdair had never really planned to give Julianna the pearl, he planned to make her his mistress and give her even more. Of course the fact that he doesn’t actually know her real name makes for some comical investigating with his friends Roger and Hilary. Alasdair and Julianna both pretty much fell in lust with one another on the night they first were together. I loved watching them stumble along as they actually fell in love with one another. After Julianna sells the pearl to help pay the rent on the foundling home, she soon realizes she needs it back to give to Alasdair. Alasdair wants her to let him handle retrieving the pearl back from the unscrupulous man she sold it to, but Julianna is under the impression she must return the pearl to win Alasdair’s heart.

The chemistry between Alasdair and Julianna is really hot, even when it is Julianna’s first time.  Every time they get close to one another, they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. Love the romance between them too. While the passion is there, the sweet is also there. I loved getting both with this wonderful couple.

I really enjoyed The Devil’s Thief and can’t wait to read more books in this series. The official release date was November 12, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite online retailer. For more information about the author and her books, check out her website.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Dirty Little Christmas


Dirty Little Christmas is the newest novella release in the Marisela/Dirty series from USA Today and NYT bestselling author Julie Leto. From the author’s website.~

Marisela Morales has a secret...and after a year of successful missions as a security specialist, she knows how to keep one. But when a man on a mission to claim his birthright changes Marisela’s Christmas surprise into a treacherous game of cat and mouse, she’s forced to turn to the one partner who has never let her down—sexy Frankie Vega. Can they save an unborn child, caught in a deadly power-play...or will this holiday season end without a Christmas miracle?

Sex, lies and mistletoe...you can always count on Marisela Morales for a DIRTY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of Dirty Little Christmas from the author. I’m a huge fan of Julie Leto and promised to post an honest review.

I loved this sexy Christmas novella from Julie Leto!!! Her Marisela/Dirty series is one of my favorites ever and I was super excited to get a new book in the series.

The story is novella length, but is jam-packed with action, adventure and some super sexy times between Marisela and Frankie. This book is part of a series and while you can follow the story well without reading the other books, I think you get more out of the story knowing all the main character's background.

I’m hoping getting the Christmas novella means readers will get more Marisela books in the future. She is one of my favorite heroines ever! I love that she isn’t anywhere close to perfect and continues to make mistakes like the rest of us. I also love how she will do anything to protect her friends and family.


Friday, January 11, 2013

The Reluctant Countess Preview

Check out an excerpt of The Reluctant Countess by clicking on the link or download button below. 

Release date is January 14, 2013 and the ebook price is amazing deal at $2.99!

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Love in the Afternoon


Love in the Afternoon is the debut release from author Alison Packard. The publisher is Carina Press. From the author’s website.~

Kayla Maxwell is eager to shed her slasher-flick bimbo image--and she plans to do just that in her new role on daytime's most popular soap. With a chance to showcase her dramatic range, Kayla will be able to wash away the lingering betrayal and public humiliation left by her controlling, philandering ex-boyfriend.

Sean Barrett, the son of an influential, award-winning actor, is the hottest soap star in the country. Paired on-screen with the talented and beautiful Kayla Maxwell, Sean is determined to keep her at arm's length, burned before by fame-seeking actresses who had no qualms about using him to get to his famous father.

But when Kayla receives threatening letters, her past as a scream queen seems to be coming back to haunt her. Succumbing to an attraction neither one of them can deny, Sean and Kayla must face down her stalker and their own personal demons before trusting what they both feel--a love that lasts long after the cameras stop rolling.

I was lucky enough to get a copy of Love in the Afternoon thanks to the publisher through NetGalley. I watched soap operas all through high school and college and loved the idea of the story. I’m really glad I gave debut author, Alison Packard’s book a try.

I loved both Kayla and Sean from the moment they appeared on the page. Both are really strong characters and I was excited to see they would get a chance to work with one another on the show. Of course, the chemistry between them was pretty obvious from the moment they met, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen between them. Both had bad past relationships with other actors and have sworn off dating actors. However, neither can really fight their attraction for one another and it only gets stronger with each day they spend together. Sean becomes even more protective of Kayla once he discovers she is receiving threatening letters and has a stalker. I loved how he wanted to take care of her and protector from the unknown threat. I loved the build up for the relationship for Sean and Kayla. While they were attracted to one another from the very beginning, they didn’t act on their attraction right away. Once they finally made love for the first time, it was perfect. Reader gets both super sexy and sweet love scenes with Kayla and Sean.

With the stalker still in the picture and Sean being a jerk about an audition Kayla does, which he thinks his dad set up, things get bumpy for a bit between them. Luckily, Sean gets his head on straight in time to catch the stalker and find out the truth about his dad. I will say I figured out the stalker very early in the book, but liked the drama it added to this really wonderful contemporary romance.

The official release date for Love in the Afternoon was December 17, 2012. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read a new-to-me author with this story, and look forward to more books from Alison Packard in the future.

Sunday, January 06, 2013

2013 Blogging, Reading, and Fitness Goals

So I've been really bad about blogging this past week. I've been reading plenty, but haven't been good about posting about anything I've read. I want to do better about posting my reviews on books as soon as I read them this year, so thought I'd put it out there in writing to keep myself more accountable.

Here are my 2013 blogging, reading, and fitness goals.

1. Start new 5K training in February 2013 (already signed up, so this will happen)
2. Walk/jog the 5K race I am training for with my group.
3. Start training for the Women's Half Marathon with the group I trained with last year (I've already registered for the race for Sept 2013). My goal is to start out with the walking group and move up to the walking/running interval group.
4. I set my reading goal for 2013 as 125 books. Last year I read over 175 books, but I've already started out slower, and want to hit my goal. Will happily move my goal up once I get out of my reading slump.
5. Post all reviews as soon as I finish the book I'm reading unless there are restrictions from the publisher. Write up review and schedule the review if timeframe is set by publisher.
6. Read more new-to-me authors in 2013.
7. Read one historical romance book each month. I have so many in my TBR pile, and I really want to get them read.
8. Read one older book in my TBR pile each month. I buy new books every month and my TBR pile is now a TBR mountain. Need to work to get it under control.
9. I'd like to host an author on my blog each month to to a spotlight on the author and their books.
10. Post a list of books read in a blog post each month with ratings for each book. This way I can talk about all the books I read, even if I don't post reviews on each book.

I'm sure there are other goals I could add in, but I think these are the most important ones for me a this time.

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Release Me


Release Me is the 1st book in a new erotic series from J. Kenner. The publisher is Random House. From the back cover.~
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past-and risk breaking us apart.
But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him-and us-forever.
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Release Me thanks to the publisher through NetGalley. I’ve read Kenner’s books for years and was excited to read her first erotic romance.
I really enjoyed Release Me. I liked both Nikki and Damien and enjoyed learning more about Nikki’s past. I knew going in this was a first book in a trilogy and loved the hotness factor between Nikki and Damien, but really wanted to know more about Damien’s past to understand his character more. I have to say his past being a mystery really kept me guessing as I was reading Release Me. I know there is something in his past that makes him need to have so much control, and I need to read more to find out what happened.  The billionaire and the young woman is a pretty big trend right now. I liked Kenner’s take on Nikki and Damien’s story. I’ve seen many comparisons to the 50 Shades books, but since I haven’t read those, I can’t say if they are similar. I can say I loved the passion between Damien and Nikki and can’t wait to read the next book in this series in July.
The official release date for Release Me is January 1, 2013 and can be purchased from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.