REVIEW: BENEATH THE SURFACE BY M.A. STACIE

Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of the bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win. That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother’s assistant should be off limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets.

When Dale agrees to Kyran’s relationship stipulation of no labels she’s sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can’t hide her true feelings any longer.

Has Kyran finally met his match? Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?



Published: August 29th 2013 by TWCS Publishing House
Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley for review
Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

So this is not your typical fighter novel. It's more like rich guy fights to rid himself of angst novel...but really, that's splitting hairs: hot rich guy + fighting + angst + hot sexy times = hot rich fighter guy, RIGHT?!!!! Completely right. Doesn't matter what the reason...that combination will draw us in like moths to a flame. Shameless, we are.

Anyway, Kyran meets his brother's (Taylor) new assistant and it's game on. Dale is a smart mouthed, spunky, take no shit off of anyone--even if he is the CEO of the company she just got hired on at. The chemistry between them is almost instantaneous and ever present. We gets drips and drabs of their story between the fight and sex scenes and while it's no American Horror Story, they've both had some hardships to overcome. The biggest hurdle for them is trying to keep the 'just sex' title on their relationship that is quickly becoming more than just sex. To their credit, while they aren't always able to verbalize their TRUE emotions, they are able to be honest and upfront with their sometimes uncomfortable and awkward feelings and that is something I can always get behind with my characters!! Yep! Can I add here that Dale is really, really funny. She's young and she said spunky already, but she owns who she is...and has learned not to take crap off of anybody. She has a little more learning to do herself before this novel is done, but Dale is a strong character that I enjoyed.

I liked that they steamed up the pages a bit, and Dale definitely gave as good as she got to Kyran because she didn't let him walk all over her at all, hot steamy CEO title or not. What I liked, and wished could've been even more fleshed out (and it was pretty fleshed out...so don't worry) was the family dynamic aspect with Kyran and his father and Taylor. Those boys have some serious issues to overcome, and they are even more cray than Dale and Kyran trying not to love each other. I also liked that there wasn't a huge deal with the fights for Kyran. It was definitely something he enjoyed doing, but with everything else he has going on it was just the pure simple enjoyment of fighting for him. He's not getting richer, or famous off of it that I know of...and that was a nice change from the usual M.O. of CEO hotties that fight. So...I liked that it made that trope it's own, and that worked me over for a few of the details that I thought might be missing.

This story was super quick to read. There were points when I wished there had been more back story or more information provided so that I felt more engaged with them..but ultimately I found them to be likable characters. Ditto, sister. I liked that the story lines that I needed to know more about at least were answered before the end, but I would have liked to see a scene getting down to the nitty gritty with those guys. I'm thinking that Taylor needs, I won't daresay is getting a book...but his story is the most undone, and I needed more of that! :) Other than that, I really enjoyed this book that like she said is sexy, fun, and super quick to read on a cold day that requires lots of snuggling under the covers! 

Shelley: 3 1/2 Stars
Courtney: 4 Stars

About the Author

M. A. Stacie is never without a book or her eReader. A voracious reader, with a love of sexy, yet angst ridden novels, she loves getting lost in new worlds. Her need to write did not grip her until after her second son was born, when her previous rambles became fully fledged stories.

She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Along with running, knitting, and listening to loud music. However, she is yet to work out how to do them all at the same time.

M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and three sons.

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PRE-RELEASE SPOTLIGHT: SAY YOU WILL by KATE PERRY (SUMMERHILL BOOK ONE)

NEW SERIES

BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR KATE PERRY

SUMMERHILL

Summerhill, #1

An Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing December 4, 2013

Published by Phoenix Rising Enterprises, Inc.

To Purchase: iBooks | Amazon | KP

Kate will be hosting a contest on her Facebook page in honor of Say You Will's release! If you would like to check it out, please visit her page.

Over 3 million readers have fallen in love with the women of Kate Perry's bestselling Laurel Heights series... Now meet her Summerhill sisters.

Summerhill, Book 1 Rosalind Summerhill is on the verge of becoming the next Vera Wang, as far away from her family and their drama as she can get. The last thing she wants is to leave San Francisco for London, especially not to deal with her father's latest scandal—dying in his mistress's arms. At least she can find comfort in knowing she can leave after the memorial. Little did she know. Not only is her father's will missing but, according to his lawyer, her mother will lose everything if it's discovered. Reluctantly joining forces with her sisters to seek and destroy the will is the only way of ensuring her father doesn't win in the end. Enter Nick Long, the one bright spot about being in London. Nick's everything she's ever dreamed of in a man—supportive, eager to help, and bone-meltingly hot. But Nick's motives aren't as pure as they seem, and the secret he's keeping may tear Rosalind's family and fortune apart.

      

About the Author 

Kate has tangoed at midnight with a man in blue furry chaps, dueled with flaming swords in the desert, and strutted on bar tops across the world and back. She’s been kissed under the Eiffel Tower, had her butt pinched in Florence, and been serenaded in New Orleans. But she found Happy Ever After in San Francisco with her Magic Man. Kate’s the bestselling author of the Laurel Heights Novels, as well as the Family and Love and Guardians of Destiny series. She’s been translated into several languages and is quite proud to say she’s big in Slovenia. All her books are about strong, independent women who just want love. Most days, you can find Kate in her favorite café, working on her latest novel. Sometimes she’s wearing a tutu. She may or may not have a jeweled dagger strapped to her thigh…

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REVIEW+GIVEAWAY: THE THRILL OF IT BY LAUREN BLAKELY

THE THRILL OF IT Synopsis:

A new adult story of Love. Sex. Addiction. Blackmail. And Power...

Some say love can be an addiction. Others say it's the thing that makes life worth living. Let me tell you everything I know about love...Love isn't patient, love isn't kind. Love is a game, a chase. A thrill. Love is wild and war-like, and every man and woman must fight for themselves. At least that's how it was for me. A high-priced virgin call girl by the time I started college, I was addicted to love and to sex. Even though I've never had either. I controlled love, played it, and held the world in the palm of my hands. Then I fell down from those highs, and I'm being blackmailed for all my mistakes, forced to keep secrets from everyone, except the only guy I don't regret.

Trey...

With all the other women, I knew what they were. They were temporary. They were pills, they were bottles, they took away all the pain, and numbed the awful memories that wore down my ragged, wasted heart. Until I met Harley. She's the only girl I ever missed when she walked away. But now she's back in my life, every day, and there are no guarantees for us, especially since I don't know how to tell her my secrets. What happened to my family. All I know is she's the closest I've ever come to something real, and I want to feel every second of it.

How can you love with no regrets when regret is all you know?

OUR REVIEW:

Wow, that synopsis is something else, isn't it!? And as contradictory as it seems, Harley is exactly as described--a high priced, virgin, call girl. But she's more than that. She's a very lonely girl. She's a young woman who had a messed up role model for a mom and NO role model for a dad. She's closed off to connecting with anyone, really...until she has the epic one night with Trey.

I was very intrigued with that description. One of those "things that make you go, hhmmmm." Call girl. Virgin. Sex & Love addicts? But I thought she'd never been in love? I was a smidge confused for a bit there, but I was on the hook to figure out how all of this goes down and how they got from point A to point B! and she's being blackmailed? How! Why! Why is she putting up with this crap? So my description...intrigue x 1000! 

Trey is a very lonely guy. He's got parents who are cold and non-communicative. He's used sex to fill a void that can't seem to be filled--until he met Harley. 

Here's the problem--they are worried that being involved with each other will ruin any forward progress they are each trying to make in controlling the problems they have. They both have feelings for each other but worry about voicing them--worried that the other won't reciprocate or will only want the other in a moment of weakness, not because of true feelings. So what we have is a novel full of doubt, over-thinking, and a strong desire (on the reader's part) to push these two together. 

Yeah...that whole pesky don't be with anyone for an entire year while going through group therapy in the SLAA (Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous group) really seemed to be getting in the way of things. But lucky for them, they met the day before and had one last hoorah together before meeting again in their new group. As much as I wanted them together, I was still stoked that at least they had each other through everything that went on and become best friends. The tension is still reallllyyyyy thick, so good luck with that!

For me, the first half of this novel moved a smidge slowly; I felt like there was a lot of rehashing of internal monologues but not enough moving forward of the plot. I wanted more, quicker. The last half of the novel explained more and I felt more connected to the characters...and then we got to the last page and I had a WTF moment..you might too. 

Agreed! There were a lot of details falling from a lot of places through the first 25% or so...but then we finally start getting a bit more information to put together and like you said were able to really connect to the characters. Things really sped up after that, and were enjoyable to the point that an unlikely character becomes one of my favorites by the end! Who knew...*hint* Bridget Jones' Diary...and the end. I think that my head about exploded with that one. Still not 100% sure how I feel about that particular turn of events, but I did enjoy this book. :)

Shelley 3 1/2 Stars
Courtney: 4 Stars

Lauren Blakely Bio:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat,
heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He's Mine, Playing With Her Heart, Trophy Husband, and Far Too Tempting. On November 21, she'll release the edgy new adult novel THE THRILL OF IT. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Buy Links:                                                            

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

iTUNES

Links:

Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/

Blog: http://laurenblakelybooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3

THE THRILL OF IT Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18457861-the-thrill-of-it?ac=1

Lauren Blakely Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW+ GIVEAWAY: REMY BY KATY EVANS

Book Title: Remy

Author: Katy Evans

Date of Publication: November 26, 2013

Publisher: Gallery Books

Blog Tour Hosted by: The SUBClub Books

Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control.

Through it all, there's been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he's ever had to fight for.

Goodreads Link

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Our Review:

I was ridiculously excited this morning when I woke up and realized, Hey. I get to read Remy today. Really, really, really excited. So I had the day pretty much off, with nothing to do until the afternoon...so what did I do...I stayed in bed all morning (hey, it was ok. It was raining, and the perfect day to snuggle in bed all morning.) So I finished it so fast...and didn't even really mean to, but I think you'll agree that if you loved Real and Mine, then you'll probably be the exact same way! Hey, I snuggled in bed with Remy too...and what a delicious way to spend a Sunday morning!

I have to admit though I was a wee bit nervous how this re-telling of this series from Remy's point of view was going to go. Some are good, and some just are ok...And can I just say I really, really loved it. To help this love along to full blown omg love, Katy included moments from the present...or past some of the events in Mine and they were small bits and pieces that were very very nice to have. And it probably helped that it had been quite a while since I read Real so those parts even felt fresh today, and not boring.

I, too, was curious about how the story of Brooke and Remy would be retold from his POV. I hoped that it wouldn't be stale or boring and it wasn't--it was so interesting. Katy really captured Remy's uniquely alpha male perspective in a way that was endearing and compelling and sexy. Their story felt completely fleshed out and reading what he was thinking in during some of the major plot points from Real and Mine endeared Remy to me even more than ever before.

THEN....there are those parts that about ripped my heart in two (okay, did rip it in two) during Real...you know the parts...the BIG parts towards the end...yeah. Those from Remington's side of things were not any easier, and I might have had glassy eyes. Shel, I won't say I cried...I know...me...not cry...right? (One tear might have slipped out, but don't tell anyone...) Hahaha...shocking that you cried. SHOCKING. 

The inner workings of Remy's mind though were beautiful. We know that he goes through a lot of stuff to keep him blue and as happy as they can get him, but to read what is going through his mind when he gets "speedy" and black were just...whew. Hard. I might never be able to be a good psych-nurse, but mental illness is no joke. And it was portrayed beautifully. My thoughts were spinning almost as fast as his was through some parts I think, and I had to try hard to slow myself down. I thought these parts were so introspective and insightful--I don't think I've ever read a perspective quite like it. I really loved that Katy Evans tackled what she imagined he felt in his 'black' moods.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book...and even I was exhausted after their marathon sexy times...geezus...but I am ecstatic to have more Remy (Sorry, Brooke. I love your man) and mostly to relive the moments with them choosing songs for one another to listen to. I have a soundtrack to my life not all that unlike Remy, and I think sometimes those melodies and lyrics can say things better than we can. We still heart Katy Evans, and even though these two's love story is done, I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next! What she said!! All of it!!

Court: 5 Stars
Shelley: 5 Stars

A Little Taste of Remy: 

The Seattle crowd is wild tonight. Backstage, the noise reverberates between the walls, bounces off the metal lockers in the room where I prepare with some of the other fighters. I watch Coach bandage the fingers of one hand, and all I can think of is how Brooke Dumas is out there among the spectators, sitting in one of the seats I bought for her.

I’m so jacked up I feel like I’m plugged into a fucking electrical outlet. Blood pumps heady through my veins. My muscles are loose and warm and ready to contract and strike anything in my path. I’m ready to put on a fucking show and there’s one girl, one lovely girl, that’s got me tied up in knots, that I want to see me fight.

I hand Coach my other hand and stare at my bare knuckles as he shoots off the same instructions he always says.

My guard . . . patience . . . balance . . .

I zone out, letting his words slip through me and into my subconscious, where they belong. Right before a fight, I find a calm. I can hear all the noise but listen to nothing. A clarity comes with fighting. Every detail sharpening in your mind.

This sharpness and awareness makes me lift my head to the doorway. She stands there like out of some childhood dream, looking at nobody but me.

She wears a pair of white jeans and a pink top that makes her skin look even tanner than it is and so damn lickable my tongue hurts inside my mouth. Neither of us so much as twitches as we stare.

Hammer steps into my peripherals, and when I see him head straight for her, my anger ignites.

With deadly calm, I grab the tape from Coach and throw it aside as I stalk over to her. Then, I position myself directly behind her and to her right, taking my spot in a way that lets the dipshit Hammer know I was born to be here. Beside, behind, and by her.

“Just walk off,” I warn him, my voice low but lethal.

He doesn’t seem inclined to listen, instead narrows his eyes in contest. “She yours?” he asks with narrowed eyes.

Nodding, I narrow my eyes and let my gaze burn into him. “I can guarantee you, she’s not yours.”

The asshole leaves, and I notice Brooke doesn’t move for a long second, as if she doesn’t want to step away from me in the same way I don’t want her to go anywhere. Holy god, she smells good.

I drag her scent to my lungs like a junkie, and suddenly every inch of my body wants to cup her hips and draw her into me so I can scent her more. She turns her head to mine and softly murmurs, “Thank you,” but quickly leaves. I duck my head and haul in as much as I can before she walks away.

I remain standing there, feeling dizzy, my shorts ridiculously tented.

“Riptide! Hammer! You’re up next!”

Exhaling as I hear my name, I glance narrowly at Hammer across the room, who seems amused as fuck that I am clearly in deep shit with this girl.

He’s in even deeper shit with me.

“Remington . . . are you listening to me?”

I whip around to Coach, who’s fixing that last bandage he couldn’t secure. I keep glaring at Hammer as Riley extends my satin robe, and as I ram my arms into the sleeves, I decide Hammer better be prepared to vacation in a coma for a while.

“I said don’t let that bastard get to your head.” Coach knocks his knuckles to my temples. “And that girl neither.”

“That girl’s been in his head since the first fight here,” Riley tells him with a smirk. “Hell, he wants to carry that girl around with him like an accessory on tour. Pete is drafting the contract as we speak.”

Coach pokes a finger into my chest and I feel it almost bending. “I don’t give a shit what you’re planning to do tonight with the girl. You keep your head in the fight going on right now. You got that?”

I don’t answer, but obviously I get it. I don’t need to be told these things. Half a fight is in your head. But Coach likes feeling useful, so I just roll with it and trot out. I’ve fought all my life to stay sane. To keep focused, driven, and centered. But tonight, I fight to show one woman my worth.

  

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About Katy Evans

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Website: www.katyevans.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katy-Evans/521052267929550

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com

REVIEW: CRAVE BY MONICA MURPHY

Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride.

Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels.

But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.

ebook, 256 pages

Published August 6th 2013 by Avon Impulse
Source: Bought
Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

OUR REVIEW:

This short novel is just pure fun--no deep thinking or lots of angsty roller coaster dips and turns--just two gorgeous, rich, hot people and the chemistry that sparks between them. Totally fun! 

Archer and Ivy have known each other for years; they were neighbors and Ivy's brother is one of Archer's best friends...so of course this means that they are off limits to each other, right?! Wellllll...that's they way they played it for a long time but one night of total hot sex blew that boundary line right out off the map. Even though they both walk away from that encounter, they don't walk away unscathed. They absolutely cannot stop thinking about each other and yet they each try to talk themselves out of the possibility of anything further happening...GAH!

Which makes you as a reader, pretty dang frustrated. The sexual tension will practically kill you...and that alone is a pretty amazing feat since Crave is crazy short. We were dying for more, more, more. Monica, the awesomeness is too short lived, IMO. :) 

Luckily an opportunity arises that allows them to spend more time together. They have a chance to rekindle the chemistry and get to know each other as the adults they've grown in to. It takes a little manipulation on Archer's part, but Ivy finally gets on board. What remains to be seen is if they can learn to trust each other and allow themselves to be open to relationship possibilities. Can Archer avoid being an asshole long enough to open his heart to Ivy? Can Ivy be open to the idea of Archer being sincere and genuine about his feelings towards her? And, will this crazy bet get in the way of everything? Welll...hmmm...I guess you'll have to read and find out! Well gosh, I think you summed up the suspense all right there! Perfect! Besides, it was time for me to find some new billionaires to enjoy! 

This is a quick, sexy read--a great one to curl up with on a rainy, cold day. I really enjoyed it as well. A quick roll in the hay with Monica's writing that is amazing, and a set up for a fun series! Can't wait to see how things go in Torn

Shelley: 4 Stars
Courtney: 4 Stars

About the Author:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series. She writes new adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as Karen Erickson. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills below Yosemite.

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COVER REVEAL: CHARITY'S SECRETS BY MAYA JAMES

The unbridled heat continues between the beautiful Charity Powers and her gorgeous and passionate assassin for hire, Justin Collins. He exists only to love her and keep her safe, but that’s not so easy when she is such a force of life. Charity makes it her mission to heal Justin’s wounded path, but to do it, she must hide terrible, dangerous secrets from him that risk their entire relationship.

The holidays arrive filled with wonderful sentiments that leave each of these lovers closer than ever, but just as the celebrations come to a close, one of their dearest friends is brutally attacked. There needs to be retribution, and both Justin and Charity deliver it. In the process, evidence of a traitor is discovered on the Panther team, jeopardizing not just everything they’ve worked for—but their very lives.

Discovering Charity’s secrets devastates Justin, but his broken heart is no rival to the fury of learning that his beautiful obsession is being hunted. Rescuing her leads him to the truths of this past.

Nothing can contain Justin’s devotion and intensity. Charity has to be kept safe. The traitor and their enemies, personal and political, must be eliminated if they are going to survive.

 

Meet Maya

Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon / Twitter

Indie Author with my first Romance novel, Charity's Warrior, and now the second in the series, Charity’s Secrets, publishing on Amazon Kindle, Creatspace, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

I'm very passionate about writing stories full of love, lust, eroticism, and strong characters entwined around each other in an interesting, suspenseful journey.

East coast born and raised, I'm married, extremely happily, with 4 kids, 3 of which are now young adults (not sure when that happened).

I’m a COO in my technology-based "day job,” which requires a mix of technical and creative writing for both internal and client-facing materials, but it was not satisfying my artistic spirit. Writing the “Charity” series has been absolutely fulfilling and exciting.

My favorite writing takes place on my phone while lying on the Southernmost Beach in Key West, where I try to go at least twice a year.

Excerpt

  The sound of his footfalls fill the small space, approaching on me slowly, deliberately, until I see his feet on the floor between mine, his bare feet and bare legs. Strong hands lift the heavy coat off me and toss it to the floor beside us and then return to my shoulders where they begin to coil up my hair. A familiar hardness presses into the small of my back.   "I've been thinking about you all day," Justin whispers into my ear, making my knees weak. "And what, exactly, were you thinking about?" I breathe, praying for his magical hands.   His left hand pulls my hair, turning my face toward his. "I thought about making you cry with pleasure. It's the only way I can tolerate your devastating absence." He quickly bites my lower lip, tempting me. "I love you, Warrior. And I need you."  

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COVER REVEAL: THEIR MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS BY JESSICA INGRO

Title: Their Merry Little Christmas (Love Square #2.5)

Author: Jessica Ingro

Tentative Release Date: December 2013

Cover Designer: Cover It! Designs

 

 

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Synopsis

With the past behind them and all their skeletons out of the closet, the couples have just begun to settle into their relationships when they find things shaken up yet again. Will Sam and Aiden’s marriage be able to survive the demands of work, shopping, decorating, and of course… baby Tessa? Will Jacob make a good first impression with his future in-laws and secure Kara’s position by his side until death do them part? Join your favorite Love Square couples as they deck the halls and have themselves a Merry Little Christmas!

 

 

Excerpt

**Disclaimer: This content is unedited and subject to change** Copyright © Jessica Ingro “Fine. Bring me the damn suit,” I grumble begrudgingly. “You’re the best! You know that?” Kara kisses me chastely. Her father is still there after all. Bill laughs once Kara bolts up the stairs. “Laugh now. Next thing you know she’ll make you be my elf!” I threaten good naturedly. “I’d love to see that,” he says in between chuckles. “Ah crap!” I pull my hands through my hair, seriously wanting to throw a child-sized temper tantrum at this turn of events. “Think of it this way, son. It will be good practice for when you have kids. And you’re making those girls’ night.” “Yeah… alright. I guess I can try to look on the bright side of things,” I concede. The last thing I need is for my soon to be father-in-law to think I’m a big baby. Kara returns twenty minutes later with a giant red bag. I drag it into the bathroom and take my time changing. Part of me hopes that if I take too long the girls will fall asleep or something. Stranger things have happened. “It’s Christmas Eve, Jacob. The girls won’t want to fall asleep regardless, so don’t think you can get out of this,” Kara calls through door. How the hell does she do that? It’s worse than the eyes in the back of her head. “I’ll be out in a minute,” I yell through the door. After I velcro the giant pillow onto my belly, I turn to the side and stick my stomach out further, poking at my now enlarged gut. I roll my abdominal muscles making the pillow bounce and ripple. Chuckling at my nonsense, I step into the red, velvet pants. I pull the black suspenders over my shoulder and do a little jig watching as my stomach bounces around. Apparently this suit sucks the seriousness out of you. Maybe it’s a magic suit… I stop my musings and proceed to put the jacket on and button it up. I look damn good in red. Even with a giant stomach. Next comes the wig and beard, followed by the hat. Now I have absolutely no reason to walk out of this bathroom. Damn. Opening the door, Kara is the first thing I see. Her face lights up and she graces me with a wide smile. She lifts her arm, and then she does the unthinkable when she snaps a picture with her cell phone. “Lump of coal for you!” I shout and make like I’m going to attack her. When I lunge for her, she screeches and runs across the room. Once I catch up with her, she reaches out and rubs red shit on my cheeks. “Really?” I ask not wanting to deal with this shit. “You are so going to get lucky later,” she mumbles so only I can hear her. “Damn straight. You owe me one creative session, Sunshine.” “There is this new position I heard about that I’ve been curious to try.” “It’s a good thing this suit is big, otherwise my sister would think Santa was a giant perv. What do you think you’re doing telling me that now?” I gripe, knowing my nieces can’t sit on my lap while I’m turned on. “Sorry. I forget,” she says like that explains it all. “You’re lucky I love you.” I kiss her forehead and start towards the stairs. “Let’s get this over with.”

 

 

About the Author

Jessica is the author of the Love Square series. She grew up in Central New York, where she spends her days as a Security Analyst at an IT consulting company. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and developing ideas for her own stories. Writing is her secret passion that she's been fostering since elementary school, when she wrote her first book about a puppy. It has always been a dream of hers to be able to share her stories with the world. Jessica currently lives in New York with her husband and three dogs.  

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Love Square (Book #1) Information

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REVIEW+ TOUR STOP: FIGHTING TO FORGIVE BY J.B. SALSBURY

Fighting to Forgive

by JB Salsbury

What do you do when everything you avoid, turns out to be exactly what you need? Easy and predictable, just the way he likes it, Blake Daniels flies through life the way he burns through women: on his terms, no regrets. With his fighting career in full swing, he's on the threshold of title contention. But when his training is compromised by injury, the stakes grow impossibly higher. The rage that fuels his punches also chips away at his focus, and he risks losing everything he cares about. He won’t let that happen. Not again. Layla’s through with men. After a marriage that never should’ve happened, she hopes to reclaim the pieces of the woman she lost years ago. Emotional abuse has left her insecure and terrified. A master at faking what she’s not feeling, she masks her self-doubt in false confidence. She’ll never let another man hurt her. Not again. Chased by shadows of the past, Blake and Layla know what they don’t want, but their hearts have a different plan. As a web of lies and betrayal threatens to destroy them, they’re forced to make a choice. Is love enough to heal even the deepest wounds?

Purchase:

Fighting For Flight (Book 1) on Amazon

Fighting to Forgive on Amazon

Author Bio:

Bestselling author JB Salsbury lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page. Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing. Fighting for Flight is her first novel in the MMA romance series.

For more information on the series or just to say hello, visit JB on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.

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Our Review

For a while now I've been hounding Courtney to read Fighting for Flight because I had a sneaking suspicion she'd love it...I mean why wouldn't she? It has a smoking hot UFC fighter, a bad ass fierce woman, sweet hot rods, steamy love scenes and a story with all sorts of twists and turns. So if you haven't read it...click on over to amazon and one click that shizz!! She's right. I did. She's always right though. But as a mini-note on book numero uno...you really need to read it. While I loved this book even better, Jonah and Raven are pretty amazing. And a great introduction to this UFL fighting world/gym. I am a huge fan. 

I've been eagerly anticipating the release of one of the companion novels in this series and Fighting to Forgive absolutely DID NOT disappoint. From the first page of the prologue to the last sentence in the epilogue I was entranced; I only put it down to sleep or taunt Courtney with texts about how amazeballs it was...and perhaps to blow up J.B. Salsbury's twitterfeed (sorry for being stalkerish!). 

We're good little stalkers, yes? Yes. But you know...it really was amazing from the first page. I was like holy batman, prologue. Which is my favorite expression ever. But J.B Salsbury took my Kindle by storm when she started this book this way. It was deeper, and darker, and sadder. And really gave us a much more intimate look into who Blake was compared to the Blake that he portrays himself as today. I liked that book one gave us a pretty stellar look at Blake so we had some prelim info...which is nice! 

You are going to LOVE the story of Blake and Layla. Blake starts off this story with a painful prologue and then quickly fast forwards us years later to his manwhore ways. He's loving life as a single, badass UFC fighter. He's not keen on romance or relationships--any further than a night in bed--and if he weren't so damn funny and likable I'd probably find myself hating him lots. Fortunately, he's funny and fun and a great friend and sex on a stick and the way J.B. writes him ..well you can't help but like him. Layla couldn't help but like him either...even when he infuriated her and he did that lots. She and her daughter, Elle, are new transplants to Vegas. She's left her life and her soon to be ex-husband in Seattle to reclaim her life and try to give Elle a chance at a new beginning. She's working hard to make ends meet as the new assistant to Blake's boss at the UFC gym and is subjected to many run ins and sexy smirks from Blake. Whew...that chemistry...it's hotness.

I also very much enjoyed getting to know these two! I waasn't sure how it was going to work since Layla represented every single rule that Blake didn't want. Older, No. Kid, No. See. 0-2 for Layla...and somehow, someway I had high hopes that she would be able to break through all of the BS that he was spewing on a regular basis. Layla on the other hand, really didn't have time to be messing around with a playboy like Blake. Yet she lit up like the 4th of July every time he came in the room. Just like the titles say...fighting to...(insert your own word here) and really that makes up this story. They were fighting their pasts, fighting against their future, and fighting against each other. I loved every page of it! 

As hard as both of them try to avoid the magnetic draw that they feel for each other...and believe me they try hard...they just cannot seem to deny it. Layla has accepted a life without love so that she can focus on Elle and Blake has accepted a life without love so that he can never feel the rejection he's lived with for decades. Layla doesn't want to be with a bad boy/playboy and Blake certainly would never see himself with a mom, for pete's sake! The universe has other plans for them though...and we should all know that resistance is futile.

Oh, did the universe ever. I was on the edge of my seat for a huge portion of the end. I didn't know THAT was going to happen, and my anxiety for how things were going to turn out were pretty high. I couldn't put it down, and I suspect if you get as sucked in as we did, you won't either! 

I love Love LOVED Blake and his sweet and tender heart. I LOVED Layla for her strength and honesty. I absolutely am in love with this series of books and cannot wait for the very next one. It's a definite MUST READ. Ditto. And like I said...I really thought this book was incredible and even better than the series premiere...and I pretty much loved the heck out of Jonah...so the fact that Blake ranks up there too is amazeballs! Read it. Love it. Thanks.

Shelley: 5 Stars
Courtney: 5 Stars (Thanks, Shel for the introduction to this series and this author. I love it!) 

BE THE FIRST TO FALL: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway from BEFORE WE FALL by COURTNEY COLE!

One dark moment was all it took to turn twenty-four-year-old Dominic Kinkaide's world black. On the night of his high school graduation, a single incident changed him forever, and he became a hardened man-famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured inside. Now all he cares about is losing himself in the roles that he plays.

At twenty-three years old, Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but an absence of moments. She tries to find acceptance in the arms of men to fill the void-a plan that has worked just fine for her, until she meets Dominic.  When jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, the combination of his secrets and her issues turns their attraction into the perfect storm. It could change their lives for good-if it doesn't tear them both apart…

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A Lil' Tease of Before We Fall

“Are you feeling warm yet?”

I watch his lips as he speaks the words, husky and low.   His lips are full, yet manly and suddenly I ache to lean over and press mine to his, to touch them in any way that I can. 

But I don’t. 

Because I’m not a girl who gets used.  Not anymore. 

 “No, not at all.”

But Dominic takes that as a challenge.  He’s not used to hearing the word no and he’s not about to start now.  I see that in his dark eyes a scant moment before he dips his head and consumes my mouth.

I say consume, instead of kiss, because that’s what he does.

He consumes me.

His lips are fiery and hot and he kisses me with a fierceness that touches a secret part of me; moist, hot, firm, sexy.  I want to inhale him, to suck him down.  I vaguely feel his hands on my back, his warmth emanating through my clothes, his hardness pushing into my softness.

I’m breathless when he pulls away. 

“What about now?”

Bio:

Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives near Lake Michigan with her family.  She's always working on her next project... or staring dreamily out her office window.  To learn more about her, please visit courtneycolewrites.com 

Social Media Links:

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Prizes include a "Night Out with Dominic Kincaide" gift pack full of naughty and nice items reminiscent of Cole's hot new hero!

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