C.J. Butcher's Blog, page 113

Review: Out of the Ashes

Out of the Ashes by R.C. Boldt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phoenix /fēniks/: (in classical mythology) a unique bird inhabiting the Arabian Desert that burned itself on a funeral pyre before rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.

This isn’t mythology, it’s war, and Hendy is left in the hands of Hell’s cruelest gatekeepers.

His team is killed before his very eyes, and despite his efforts to save them, he’s captured and subjected to merciless torture—losing virtually every piece of his identity but his pulse.

After his rescue, he returns home from Afghanistan, saddled with facing the daunting task of healing his physical scars as well as the invisible ones—his emotional demons.

Dr. Presley Cole isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Embarking on a new journey, she makes it her mission to prove to Hendy that his life isn’t over; that he’s worthy of love.

Because sometimes even a phoenix needs help to rise…

*********************************************

RC has become one of those authors that I don't really read the blurb, I just buy or request to review her book - because I know in my heart it's going to be 5 stars. This was NO EXCEPTION!!!! That girl can write. I met her at a book conference and I didn't fangirl because I hadn't read all her stuff...If I had read this book before I had gone I would have hugged the snot out of her. I absolutely adored this book. Can you tell that I loved this book?? I've already preordered it for 3 friends...1 of whom has PTSD. I work in mental health and I believe that this book is about as true in its facts as they come. Okay, enough of my word vomit of how awesome this book is and let's talk about the actual book...

My thoughts on Hendy (Aka Cristiano Hendrixson) and former Navy SEAL. He's one hot guy until he's taken hostage while overseas and his entire unit is KIA. He's tortured for an entire year and presumed dead before being brought back to life and the states. He isn't just scarred internally but externally and now he's jaded. Enter Dr. Presley Cole, chiropractor and Jeopardy enthusiast who wants to heal Hendy from the inside out. From the first page to the last page, I absolutely loved everything in between. I didn't find any inconsistencies or things that made me shake my head. Coming from a Navy family and having a dad who was Navy, I know the information that should be in there and I hate when I read a book and it's incorrect - this wasn't!! I want a Kane...I'll just throw it out there. The man is awesome and I can't wait for his story. If the cover looks just as good - If I lick it...it's MINE!! I've always had a thing for badass heroes but badass heroes who go through something that is tragic and come out on the other side better than they were before = Perfection.

The next time I see RC, she better prepare to get a giant hug because coming from a Navy family - she did an awesome job and deserves the accolades and then also PTSD is all too common among our veterans and us as a society need to open our eyes and see it. It's a problem when the suicide rate among veterans is higher than it is for teenagers. Sit on that for a minute. When a veteran can't go and watch fireworks because it throws them into an episodic nightmare - there's a real problem. When they wear earplugs to these events and they do...I've spoken with a couple that says it's easier to do that than to skip out on what their families want - What are we doing? For me, this is a real issue with no end in sight. It's my cause and this book touched me in a way that very few have. Some may say "Oh, it's just fiction!" but to be honest...we live in a world where this happens. Go to Walter Reed Medical and you'll see it. I had the pleasure to review this and I'm glad I did. If you get the pleasure to read it, then do it. It's worth your time. Veterans are worth your time and the next time you see one...Instead of thanking them for their service - Donate to the Wounded Warrior Project



Wounded Warrior Project

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher/author for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

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Ride Rough by Laura Kaye

  

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye brings you the second title in her Raven Riders Series, RIDE ROUGH, releasing today! A sexy romantic suspense, you might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series about a different kind of a motorcycle club with a protective mission stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! The Raven Riders Series takes you on a new adventure and kicks it into overdrive! Grab your copy of RIDE ROUGH today!About Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2, 4/25/17)Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.
Order on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo Add to your Goodreads

And don’t miss all the books in the Raven Riders Series!HARD AS STEEL now available RIDE HARD now available RIDE ROUGH coming April 25th, 2017 RIDE WILD coming October 31st, 2017
Order RIDE ROUGH by May 1st, fill out this form, and receive an email with a bonus short story of more of Hard Ink’s Beckett after Release Week! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!
 EXCERPT FROM RIDE ROUGH:
“What am I going to do? My entire life is wrapped up in him. My job. Where I live. My car. Where Mom lives. Everything. Oh, God. This is going to be a nightmare, isn’t it?”
Maverick grasped Alexa’s hands. “One thing at a time. You’re out. You can stay here as long as you need to. I have plenty of room. I’ll help you through it. That’ll give you time to figure out what it is you want. There’s no rush.”
“Okay,” she said. “Okay. God, thank you.” A shiver raced over her skin.
“You don’t have to thank me. I’m so relieved for you that I might fall the fuck over,” he said, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles. She almost managed a little smile. “Your hands are like ice, Al. I shouldn’t have made you stand her all this time when you’re soaking wet.”
Alexa shook her head. “It felt good to get it out, Maverick.”
“Glad to hear it. Would a hot shower make you feel better? I can find you a T-shirt and a pair of boxers to change into while your clothes dry.”
All the TLC and understanding he was giving her reached right inside her chest. When was the last time someone had taken care of her this way?
The last time you were with Maverick. The truth of that thought made her breath catch. “Yeah. I’d like that,” she managed.
He gave a tight nod and stepped back, and she missed his heat immediately. “Uh, good. That’s good. You remember your way around?”
“Of course,” she said. How much time had she spent here over the years? Even before they dated? At one point, Maverick’s place had practically been a second home.
“You okay?” he asked, watching her.
She pushed off the door. “I don’t know yet,” she said, coming to him. “But what I do know is how grateful I am to you. For everything. For being there when I told you not to. For listening. For just . . . being you.”
“Always.” He crossed his big arms and ducked his chin, like something about the exchange made him uncomfortable.
“I mean it,” she said, and then she pressed onto tiptoes and kissed his cheek, his stubble tickling her lips. “You saved me tonight.”
“No,” he said, eyes flashing, one brow arched. “You saved yourself, Al. I was just your getaway driver.”
Staring into one another’s eyes, the tender moment stretched out, morphed, suddenly flashed hot. Being so close to him set her body on fire, and finally she could actually consider acting on it. Need roared through her, a living, breathing thing. “Maverick,” she whispered.
“Fuck, Alexa, I think you better go take that shower,” he said, his jaw ticking. “Now.”
She released a shaky breath and nodded. He was right. Of course, he was.
So, showering. She could handle that. Afterward, God only knew what she was going to do.
Raven Riders Series Trailer: https://video214.com/play/r1VEuIF50oumtHVUulO2vg/s/dark

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTE3MmMxYTA5NWI0YjhkMjZkNWU0YzM1M2E1YzU2OjM2OQ==/ ?About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
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Oceanside Marine by Jennifer Ann

Will they be able to survive her insecurities and the scrutiny of their friends and family?
Follow the reveal and enter to #win an Oceanside Marine prize pack including a paperback copy of the book, $50 Amazon GC, adult coloring book, and Kate Spade clutchEnter at: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29349/?

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Title: Oceanside Marine
Series: Kendall Family #4
Author: Jennifer Ann
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Release Date: April 24, 2017Blurb:

Fresh out of the Marine Corps, Braden Kendall has settled into a comfortable routine in SoCal with his 3-legged dog and a handful of good friends. Despite being undeniably handsome and perceived as a lady’s man, he’s lonely and tired of meaningless hookups. After becoming pregnant in her teens, Katie Walker dedicated her life to raising her two sons, putting any romantic notions aside until they flew the nest. Now that she’s on her own and free to date, she struggles with putting her needs first.


Though Katie and Braden aren’t related by blood, their families are intertwined by marriage, making a relationship seem forbidden. Katie always found the cocky Marine attractive, but their considerable age difference made him off limits. Little does she know, Braden has been crushing on her for years and can’t get enough of her quirky personality. When they meet up in Vegas for a family celebration, Braden offers to show her a good time unmatched by anything she’s experienced. Once Katie decides she wants more of what he’s offering, can she survive a judgmental society, her insecurities, and the scrutiny of those closest to her?






Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon



Excerpt One:

Braden’s lips are suddenly on mine and I can’t process what’s happening. Can’t breathe. He smells like sin and tastes like heaven as his warm tongue strokes past my lips to lap against mine. His eager lips move with blinding strokes of fervency, coaxing me to join in. The citrusy taste of his tongue and the hardness of his colossal muscles render me weak at the knees. One strong hand cradles my head while the other grazes against my lower back with just enough pressure to keep me grounded.
Holy shit, the guy knows how to kiss with passion and purpose. Slipping my hands underneath his shirt, I stroke the smooth skin on his lower back and hum dreamily. My underwear becomes so wet that I’m able to smell my own arousal. Aside from the fact that Braden’s exceptionally skilled, it’s similar to the way my ex would kiss when we were teenagers. Eager. Reckless. Without abandon. The same way that led to me becoming pregnant—twice.
I won’t deny that I’ve made countless bad decisions in my lifetime. Some I still regret, others have molded me into the woman I am today—namely the fact that I did get pregnant as a young teenager with the biggest douchebag in the land. But I wouldn’t go back and change anything. My sons mean everything to me. I’ve structured my life around them, putting the idea of serious relationships with men on the back burner until they were out of the house.
Now that Allen and Connor are both off at college, I finally have time to focus on what I want. What I need. And at the moment, I need to relieve the red-hot ache rocking me to the core.
Finally my mind catches up to what’s really going on.
I’m. Kissing. Braden. Kendall.
The guy who knows how to rock Marine dress blues and make beautiful women faint with a mere flash of his thick eyelashes. The hottie with the highly impressive body who paraded around the Hamptons last summer wearing a pair of low-slung swim trunks like a male supermodel. The same younger man I’ve fantasized over too many times to count. The gorgeous creature with dark brown eyes that all too often makes me forget my own name, or the brutal fact that I’m over a decade his senior.
Evelyn’s little brother.
Holy shit, this is all kinds of wrong. And since I’m his elder, I’m the one who has to stop.


Excerpt Two:

Though it’s been over twelve hours since I grabbed a breakfast sandwich in the Newark airport and my angry stomach sounds downright demonic, I’m too tired to go through the motions of ordering a meal. I simply want to soak in the suite’s giant corner tub and pass out in the king bed. I’ll be amazed if I have enough energy to either throw on pajamas, or even pull back the luxurious bedding.
But the moment I round the corner to my hallway, I’ve never felt more awake.
Braden’s here.
Waiting outside my room.
I almost trip over my feet as I continue toward where he sits on the floor, head tipped back against the wall, eyes closed, thick arms slung over his knees. He’s not wearing anything special—a worn AC/DC t-shirt, faded blue jeans, and canvas flip-flops—but he’s so beautiful that I briefly wonder if I’m hallucinating from lack of sleep and starvation. With the sight of his protruding Adam’s apple and the dark scruff lining his thick jaw, the temptation to lick his neck becomes wicked strong. A bolt of desire strikes between my legs.
Keep your thoughts PG, Katie.
Gently nudging his calf with my bare foot, I call his name. He rouses slowly, wiping a hand over his face before his russet eyes focus on me. A brilliant smile spreads over his soft lips. The same lips that reminded me how it felt to truly be alive.
“Hey, beautiful.”
Face turning hot with his compliment, I fold my arms over my stomach. “What are you doing here? How’d you know I was in California?”
“Ev called a couple of hours ago, said you could probably use some company after what would likely be a hellacious day.” He pushes off his hands to stand. “No offense, but it looks like she was right. Have you grabbed supper yet?”
I nearly roll my eyes with the term supper. He sounds just like his sister. “No, I figured it’s too late. Between work and the long flight, I’m exhausted.”
“There’s a place around the corner that has killer fish tacos. I could grab some while you’re taking a bath.”
His hands disappear in his jean pockets and his chest strains against the cotton of his shirt. How I stop myself from running my hands across the valley of muscles is a mystery more complex than the Bermuda triangle. And when I picture myself naked in the tub with him in the next room, moisture pools between my legs. My body still wants him regardless of whatever my overactive imagination thinks.
Horrible idea.
“I guess I could stay up long enough for tacos,” I decide with a soft sigh. “But I’d rather eat at the restaurant. If I take a bath right now, I’ll be done for the night.”
His adorable dimples pop into place when his smile grows. “You won’t regret it. They’re legendary out here.”
But he’s dead wrong. I’m already regretting any decision that doesn’t involve sending him home and locking myself in the room.

Excerpt Three:

Charlie wraps his arm behind Evelyn and kisses the side of her head. Then he whispers something that has her giggling and her cheeks pink. I almost groan out loud.
Why do things always seem to effortlessly work out for so many of my siblings? Evelyn left the farm in Minnesota to live in New York with Sharlo, a friend she met online, and bam, she met Charlie—a famous rockstar no less. The effect continued to trickle from there. Our brother James came to New York to drag Evelyn back home and met Sharlo, a hot Brit with a sizable trust fund. Not even an attempt on Sharlo’s life by some psycho and the loss of their first baby could tear them apart. Then as a good friend of Sharlo’s, Nolan, The Millionaire, swept my middle sister off her feet. The rest is history.
Now they’re all rich as hell, making it hard to keep up with all the trips they want me to constantly take across the country to Brooklyn. I know they all had their issues to get past, but they make it look easy to find the right person and settle down for a happily ever after.
At least Angelina and Hunter appear equally annoyed by the dopey love-birds surrounding us. Well maybe just Hunter. Angelina almost seems…out of it. I feel like I hardly know my oldest sister, especially since she lives way the hell down in Miami, so I can’t even guess what’s going on with her. It’s honestly surprising that she hasn’t settled down yet, even though I heard someone mention she’s dating. She’s beautiful and wicked smart. Everything she does comes off as being graceful, reminding me at times of that famous dark-haired princess from England. Maybe she hasn’t found anyone because she’s literally waiting for a prince.
“You alright?” I ask, lightly nudging her in the side with my elbow.
She merely hums in reply, blinking heavily like she’s fighting off sleep. I never heard where she and the others ended up last night. Maybe they never went to bed.
Setting my arm behind her chair, I lean in. “Want me to order you a coffee?”
“No, I’m fine.” She suddenly sits taller, wiping a hand over her face. Then she gives me a little smile. “Just tired from trying to keep up with Hunter.”



There were a couple times in this book that I wanted to knock Katie out and take Braden myself.  Maybe it's because I'm an older woman and I KNOW how hard it is to find a guy who is that perfect and I'm sitting here scratching my head.  She frustrated me so much sometimes that I wanted to toss my kindle at the dog...poor doggy (I wouldn't do that) I tossed a pillow instead and it was because she was scratching constantly and bothering me!!  I wanted to also take little jerkface (Allen) and rip him up by his underoos and give him a wedgie so bad, he'd quit acting like a self-centered 5-year-old to his mama.  These were just some of the thoughts running through my mind at 5 a.m. in the morning while I'm reading this book.  I can't wait for Asher's book!!!  I'm already drooling over his description...Anywho, there's ALOT of sex in this book - like my kindle caught on fire at some point and I had to spit on it to put it out...It was that serious.  It singed off my eyebrows and now instead of having 2...alas, I only have one.  It's that HOT!  You think I'm joking but if all men are to be rated by Brendan's standards then EPIC FAIL.  Ladies, this is why we read fiction - because in real life NO man will measure up.  Just saying.  You have a hot marine, who can go all night and not stop, loves older women AND he loves injured dogs and wants to be a physical therapist???  Find him and I'll marry him...Immediately!!!  Buy this book...Immediately!



About Jennifer Ann:
Jennifer Ann is the author of nine contemporary romance novels with complex love stories. Like her characters, she's in love with the city of New York, trips on airplanes or the back of her husband's Harley, and everything rock and roll. Sometimes you can catch her driving a tractor alongside her husband in southern Minnesota while trying to keep up with the madness of their four active children.You can connect with her online at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

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RELEASE BLITZ PACKET - Unfinished Night: The Complete Duet by Violet Duke

Title: Unfinished Night: The Complete DuetSeries: Unfinished Love #1-2Author: Violet DukeGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: April 24, 2017


Blurb
THE COMPLETE USA TODAY BESTSELLING DUET 
Love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will run--and chase--when their past threatens their future. This bundled box set contains both books in Caine & Addison's bestselling duet (Bk 1: Before That Night and Bk 2: Every Night Without You).
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Before That Night

Before that night, Addison Milan had been just a college dropout secretly raising her two young siblings in a beat-up minivan she'd bought with her first semester's tuition refund--the only money her addict mother hadn't taken off with when she'd abandoned them nearly two years ago.

Before that night, Caine Spencer had been just a rough, gruff cop sent to check out the phoned-in claims of suspected child neglect involving the same woman he'd met just months prior when she'd first served him the city's worst diner coffee...which he'd been drinking daily ever since.

Before that night, Addison would never have thought the man she'd been fighting hard not to fall for--her only friend in her new shadow of a life--would be in a position to rip her family apart.

Before that night, Caine would never have believed any woman could make him fall head over heels, let alone make him feel so damn compelled to look the other way when it came to his job.

Then that one perfect night changed everything.
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Every Night Without You

Seven years. 

Seven damn years of wondering whether the woman was still alive...whether she'd spent the last two thousand five hundred fifty-five days wondering if he was still alive.

Wondering whether that night was as burned into her memory as it was his.

Seven years having his heart tethered to Addison―and now she's back. With even more reasons to run than she'd had then.

Only this time, Caine isn't letting the gorgeous little flight risk out of his sight.

Regardless of how noble her reasons may be. 

“Violet Duke is my go-to read when I just want to immerse myself in a captivating romance.” – NYT bestselling author J.S. Cooper 
EVERY NIGHT WITHOUT YOU (Bk 2 of 2) takes place seven years after BEFORE THAT NIGHT (Bk 1 of 2), and is the conclusion of Caine & Addison's story of love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will run―and chase―when their past threatens their future.

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Author Bio

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Violet Duke is a former English Ed professor ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her acclaimed debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put Violet's “laugh & cry” contemporary romances on the USA Today bestseller list sixteen times, the NYT bestseller list three times, and the Top 10 charts across the major eretailers both in the U.S. and internationally.

When she doesn't have her nose in a book, Violet enjoys the live-out-loud-in-your-PJs sorta lifestyle she loves writing about, which involves lots of: 1) excuses to use her power tools, 2) doing stuff without checking the directions, and 3) impossible-to-be-duplicated 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. Born and raised in Hawai'i, Violet continues to live the no-shoes island way with her kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and husband (aka their ringleader...and her most devoted fan).



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Game Ender by BJ Harvey

Title: Game EnderSeries: Game Series #4 – The series finaleAuthor: BJ HarveyGenre: Romantic Comedy with HeatRelease Date: April 17, 2017Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Designs


From USA Today bestselling author BJ Harvey comes the fourth and final book in the Game series and this time it's the reformed playboy and the single mom. *** "You have chlamydia."  Three words no man wants to hear. I've always been liberal with my appreciation of the female form, a firm believer in the 'try before you buy' principle, but living life to the fullest obviously didn't end well for me considering the unexpected—and very unwelcome—consequence of my free and easy past.  After living through the horrendous experience that was informing my recent sexual partners of my acquired 'condition,’ I made a vow to myself – and a bet with my best friend—that the next woman I sleep with will be the ‘one.’ What I will learn is that even when something happens and the games come to an end, there's always the chance of something—or someone—crashing in and changing everything. So this is my story. It may start with a venereal disease, but I promise you, I’m determined to get my happy ending.



“I’ve narrowed it down to five reasons why a woman would throw a drink at a man.” He leans back and crosses his perfectly toned arms over his chest. “Impart your wisdom, oh wise bartender.” He takes another drink of his beer and—yet again—watching me like a hawk. I wish he’d stop watching me. My confidence wavers under his intense stare but when I catch a knowing glint in his eye, it riles me up. There’s nothing worse than a guy who hides his unease behind a cocky façade, especially when I know there’s something genuine hiding there. It’s one of the worst qualities a guy can have. It’s disingenuous and fake and if there’s two things I hate—in anyone—it’s that. I square my shoulders and stand up straight, deciding to let him have it, putting my hands out in front of me to count on my fingers. “One, you cheated on her.” He shakes his head, an amused smile playing on his lips. “Nope. Next.” “Two, connected to the first, you hooked up with her sister, best friend or mother . . .” He snorts at that one, chuckling under his breath as he shakes his head again. “Right, then, the last three,” I continue. “Three through five are offending her family/job/friends or outfit, asking her to pay for your date and lastly, giving her an STD.” His eyes grow wide and he sits bolt upright. Bingo.



BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper. An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. a Rafflecopter giveaway



"You have chlamydia." Three words no man wants to hear.I've always been liberal with my appreciation of the female form, a firm believer in the 'try before you buy' principle, but living life to the fullest obviously didn't end well for me considering the unexpected—and very unwelcome—consequence of my free and easy past. After living through the horrendous experience that was informing my recent sexual partners of my acquired 'condition,’ I made a vow to myself – and a bet with my best friend—that the next woman I sleep with will be the ‘one.’What I will learn is that even when something happens and the games come to an end, there's always the chance of something—or someone—crashing in and changing everything. 
So this is my story. It may start with a venereal disease, but I promise you, I’m determined to get my happy ending.


**************Everything about this book I loved...Right down to Thomas' internal monologue.  He's one of those guys who's a player, he's unapologetic about it and he doesn't care about the fact that he's just doing him.  Until he gets the "clam" lol.  Then, he's all about making a bet with his best friend to wait until the next person he has sex with to be "the one."  I loved both of these characters so much and when they are practically thrown together by circumstances out of their control - you can't help but root for them.  Amy is such a strong character!!  She and Thomas together are like fine wine, they just make everything better.  Through this whole book, I was literally saying to myself "Self, we need a Thomas in our life...without the STD!!" All the friends were awesome, the interactions between them I could personally relate to.  The humor was off the charts at times and I found myself chuckling at the most inopportune moments. Overall, this was an awesome ending to the series.  Who would have ever thought an STD would be an answer to a prayer?  Pick this book up and if you haven't read any of the others in the series, then by all means...pick them all up!!!


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Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert

A First Look at Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert delivers the next book in her sizzling O'Malleys family series, hailed as "The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet." FORBIDDEN PROMISES features Sloan O'Malley and her mysterious new next-door neighbor, Jude MacNamara.
Meet Jude! Pre-order FORBIDDEN PROMISES and add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get a sneak peek at FORBIDDEN PROMISES and to enter the giveaway for a $15 Amazon gift card!



Title: Forbidden PromisesAuthor: Katee RobertGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 30, 2017Publisher: Grand Central/ForeverSeries: The O’MalleysPage Count: 336 pagesFormat: Digitial and Print
ASIN: B01KT7YSJMISBN-13: 9781455597031


Synopsis:
Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.
Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.

Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan-who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation-has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.







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Forbidden Promises ExcerptCopyright © 2017 Katee Robert
She nearly tripped over Jude when she opened the door, and that was the last straw. “What is your problem?”He raised a single eyebrow, not looking perturbed in the least. “Sorry?”“No, you’re not. You’re not sorry that you turned me down last night, or that you left in a hurry, or that you were an…an insufferable jackass this morning.”If anything, his eyebrow inched higher. “You’re in a mood.”“Are you kidding me?” She pushed at his chest, but he didn’t even pretend she had the strength to move him. “You weren’t interested last night, so you don’t get to waltz into the diner and order me to go out with you. I’ve taken orders my entire life, and I’ll be damned before I take one from you.” The outburst left her feeling deflated, but she clamped her mouth shut and refused to apologize. Maybe she was being the slightest bit dramatic, but that didn’t mean she was wrong.Jude took a step closer, towering over her, his shoulders so broad, they filled the doorway. “Are you done?”Just like that, she had a whole lot more to say. “Actually—”“That was a rhetorical question, sunshine.” His big hand cupped the back of her neck, his thumb tracing over her jaw and up to drag against her bottom lip.The touch shocked her into silence.For a moment. “Jude—”Apparently he wasn’t finished. “I didn’t say no last night because I wasn’t interested. I wouldn’t have apologized—twice—if I wasn’t interested.”“But—”“You want to know the truth? The truth is that I can’t look at you without wanting to strip you down, to run my hands over that tight little body of yours, to spread those sweet thighs and f*** you with my tongue until you’re screaming my name and begging for mercy.”She swayed, her anger, her ability to think or move or talk or do anything except stare helplessly at him, all gone. She licked her lips, forgetting that his thumb was there, and stroked him with her tongue instead. His chocolate eyes went even darker, and he suddenly seemed larger.Say something.“You shouldn’t say things like that.”“It’s the f***ing truth, sunshine.” He stroked her bottom lip with his thumb, his hand gentle yet holding her in place easily. “You’re a good girl. I don’t have to spend any time with you to know that. You deserve better than the likes of me, even for a f***. But that’s the difference between us. I’m not good. I might as well be the g**damn devil as far as you’re concerned, but I’ve never been good at walking away when I have my mind set on something. And, sunshine, I have my mind set on you.”She couldn’t speak, couldn’t take a step, though she was at a loss if she’d move away from or toward him. It was like he held her captive with only a single hand, stalling out any and all reasoning ability.Jude’s grip tightened, ever so slightly. “I was going to take you out. It’s not my scene, but I was willing to give it a shot. I changed my mind.” He stepped into her, his chest lightly pressed against her breasts, his thighs bracketing hers, his…Oh my good lord. His hard length pressed against her stomach, and it felt perfectly in proportion with the rest of his massive body, not that she was an expert on these matters.His other hand came to rest on her hip, fingers bunching the fabric of her dress as he kneaded her. “Tell me to stop, and it’s done. I’ll walk away, and I’ll do my damnedest to leave you alone. Tell me to walk away, sunshine. Just say the words.”She knew he was right. He was no good for her, and this would only end in tears on her part. The man wasn’t asking to date her. He didn’t want to get to know her. He was telling her all the things he’d do to her body.But she couldn’t say the words to make him leave.Sloan had never taken anything for herself in her entire life. She’d stayed in the background and gone with the flow and done everything in her power to play least in sight. Her brothers ran off any boy remotely interested in her, and she’d allowed it to happen. If her father had decided to move forward on his plans to marry her off, she would have walked down the aisle to a man of his choosing.She’d never done a single selfish thing in her life until she asked Teague to help her escape.Until she tentatively ran her hands up Jude’s chest, sucking in her breath at the way his muscles tensed beneath her fingers. Until she looked up into his stormy dark eyes and said the word that would damn them both. “Stay.”


Praise for The O’Malleys Series
"It can be hard to make a ruthless assassin into a sympathetic character, but Robert handles the task with ease. She also deftly shows Sloan’s transformation from a pampered and protected naïf to a strong woman with a backbone of pure steel. A tension-filled plot full of deceit, betrayal, and sizzling love scenes will make it impossible for readers to set the book down."—Publishers Weekly on FORBIDDEN PROMISES

“You will finish it in one sitting and die after you’re done because the next book isn't out yet. This was one sexy ride!”—Reviewer Top Pick, Night Owl Reviews on FORBIDDEN PROMISES

“Katee Robert's has created a fictional underworld of such veracity, that one almost expects the characters to turn up on the front-page news. It never feels over the top or implausible; the author writes extremely well-crafted stories… The romance between Cillian and Olivia is very beautiful, tender and real.”—Fresh Fiction on AN INDECENT PROPOSAL

“Will keep you turning pages.”—RT Book Reviews on THE WEDDING PACT

“If you like angsty reads, this book is right up your wheelhouse.”—Heroes & Heartbreakers on THE WEDDING PACT

"Dark, dirty, and dead sexy."—Tiffany Reisz, bestselling author of The Original Sinners series, on THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT


Other Books in The O’Malleys Series
THE MARRIAGE CONTRACTTHE WEDDING PACTAN INDECENT PROPOSALUNDERCOVER ATTRACTION (Coming soon!)



About Katee Robert
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it 'a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension." When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Damnable Grace by Tillie Cole

Amazon























EVEN THE BROKEN, THROUGH LOVE, CAN FIND GRACE...

Secrets never stay hidden.

The burden of guilt never lifts from the heart.

Born and raised in The Order of David, Sister Phebe knows nothing but cult life. Head of the Sacred Sisters of New Zion, Phebe was groomed from childhood for one purpose: to seduce. Prized as a harlot, as a New Zion whore, Phebe is taken from the doomed cult by Meister, the notorious leader of the Aryan Brotherhood. Taken as his possession. Taken to be the woman who will obey his every sexual demand. Under his heavy hand, Phebe finds herself in a place much worse than she could ever have imagined... with absolutely no one to help. And no glimpse of hope.

Xavier ‘AK’ Deyes is content with his life as Sergeant-At-Arms of the Hades Hangmen. Leader of the infamous ‘Psycho Trio’ and ex-special ops sniper, AK knows how to fight. Experienced in warfare and schooled in military operations, AK is vital to the Hangmen. When his Vice President needs help retrieving his missing sister-in-law, Phebe, from a Klan-funded trafficking ring, AK volunteers to go in. AK remembers the redhead from New Zion. Remembers everything about her from the single time they met—her red hair, blue eyes and freckled face. But when he finds her, heavily drugged and under Meister’s control, her sorry condition causes him to remember more than the beautiful woman he once tied to a tree. Saving Phebe forces hidden demons from his past to return. A past he can never move on from, no matter how hard he tries.

As AK fights to help Phebe, and in turn she strives to help him, they realize their secret sins will never leave them alone. Kindred broken souls, they realize the only way they can be rid of their ghosts is to face them together and try to find peace.

Despair soon turns to hope, and damaged hearts soon start to heal. But when their deep, painful scars resurface, becoming too much to bear, the time comes when they must make a heavy choice: stay forever damned; or together, find grace.

Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and very mature topics. Recommended for age 18 and over.





























Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Author Links
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Release Blitz: How We Fall By Melissa Toppen

Title: How We FallAuthor: Melissa ToppenGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: April 21, 2017 It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.

“This book was EVERYTHING. Melissa wrote such a beautiful story.” - Reader Review

“I enjoyed it and would definitely read a Melissa Toppen book again.” - MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews

“I'm In Heaven On EARTH!!!!!!!” - Reader Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway Melissa Toppen is a Reader's Choice Award Winning and Bestselling Romance Author of New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic and Romantic Suspense. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for Romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read. Melissa was born and raised in a small town in Ohio and now resides in Cincinnati with her husband and two children, where she writes full time. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Melissa loves going to concerts and is obsessed with the T.V. shows Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time and Outlander.

It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
*********************
I found myself crying a couple of times during this book. It was bittersweet for me to read. At some points, I was totally in the moment and at others, I totally wanted to smack both Melanie and Cole. I loved the flashbacks in this book. I think they are what really made it what it was, at least for me personally. It had that Amy Harmon feel to it. The sadness of lost love, love that is right there but you never told the other person...it just tugs at the heartstrings and I found myself thinking about my own high school love. It was a very personal book for me to read and I didn't want it to end. I loved the build up and I also loved that it didn't have a thousand and one problems in it. So many times authors make angst, drama and really all you need is really good storytelling...this had really great storytelling.

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Cover Reveal: Forging Forever by Dani Wyatt

Coming April 21st



Standing on her tiptoes at a Renaissance Fair, Lela Marshall catches a glimpse of just how hot a forge can get.  Even from fifty feet away, she’s never felt this sort of heat.  And it’s coming from between her legs.

Miller Rhodes has a gigantic problem.  He’s met the woman he knows is destined to be his.  Only, she’s disappeared into a crowd and took his heart and his future with her.  For once, even work can’t distract him from thoughts of the way her lips tasted for one brief moment under the July sun.

Can a sock-chewing puppy and a meddling mother be the solution to Miller’s problem?  Will this knife forging hard-ass find his soft spot in the girl that stole his heart after just one kiss?


Author’s note:  Lose yourself in the heat radiating from this filthy talking alpha.  He’s a man of few words, but he definitely isn’t lacking on how to use his mouth in other ways.  Suspend reality for a bit with this love at first kiss, happily ever after, scorching hot read.  Safe, indulgent and *touches finger to butt and listens for the sizzle*.









Dani Wyatt loves her alpha men; make them military, cowboys, MMA -- any uber alpha with a wicked possessive streak and an insatiable libido. Receive a free exclusive unpublished title when you join Dani's private readers group for updates, free chapters and discounts.http://eepurl.com/bubxzz
She's a 40 something regular lady who just happens to love badass alpha males who pull your hair and love their women with a lethal passion.
When she's not writing (which is not often) she is probably laughing about some irony (like A-1 Steak Sauce is vegan), riding her horse, wondering why The Walking Dead can't have a new episode every night, or looking cross-eyed at some piece of technology sent to ruin her day.Author LinksFacebook  Amazon page  Goodreads

Cover Reveal: I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen 5.5) by Tillie Cole

Pre-order for only 99c
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I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen 5.5)


WHEN DARKNESS AND LIGHT COMBINE, DESTINED SOULS WILL IGNITE . . .

Connected since childhood.
Two souls: one dark and one pure.
Bracing to take the greatest step of all.

River ‘Styx’ Nash loves his woman. Ever since he met Mae at the fence of the cult that had kept her captive as a child, he has never loved anyone else. He loves her black hair, her pale skin and of course, her ice-blue ‘wolf eyes’.

Since Mae came crashing back into his life, his only wish has been to marry her; finally to make her his wife. But now the wedding is booked, and only weeks from forever having Mae by his side, a lifelong problem is plaguing him.
He wants to marry her; he has never wanted anything more . . .
. . . if only he could speak the words and declare it to the world.

Salome ‘Mae’ Nash’s life had been filled with heartache and pain . . . until, at age eight, she met a strange dark-haired boy from the outside world. Years later, and reunited with her great love, Mae is ready to solder her heart to his. Finally, Mae is getting ready to marry her man. But her fiancé has become withdrawn. Something is deeply troubling him.
But Mae has no idea what.
Or what to do to help.

Can Styx open up and conquer his deepest pain? Or will the infamous Hangmen Mute allow his fears to overcome his love for Mae and watch their much-anticipated wedding crumble to dust?

Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 and over.
***I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen #5.5) is to be read AFTER Damnable Grace (Hades Hangmen #5)***














Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Author Links
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