Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Release Blitz & Book Review: A Shameless Little Con by Meli Raine

A Shameless Little Con
by Meli Raine
Series: The Shameless Series #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 30th, 2018

Blurb:

I didn’t do it.
I never betrayed my friend.

Last year, I was kidnapped along with presidential candidate’s daughter Lindsay Bosworth, forced to help her assailants, my mother implicated in one of the biggest political scandals in American history.

I've been cleared of any wrongdoing, but that doesn’t matter. Once you’re tried by the media, you’re guilty as sin. The truth doesn’t get the public’s attention.

But shame? Shame sells.
And everyone assumes you’re tainted.

Now I have my own personal security team, courtesy of the United States government. Not the one you learned about in civics class, though.

I’m being tracked by the deep state. The shadow government. They’ve assigned Silas Gentian to be with me twenty-four seven. He thinks he knows everything about me – all of it bad -- and he does.

On paper.

Like everyone else, he assumes I’m a traitor. A backstabber. A betrayer. Someone who helped a group of violent psychopaths, puppets of powerful men in Washington who made me into a tool.

Yet I see how he looks at me. True desire can’t be faked.
Or hidden.

And that goes both ways.

He assumes I’m trying to fool him.
And he might be right.

But not for the reasons he thinks.

A Shameless Little Con is the first book in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine.
A Shameless Little Lie (Book 2 ~ Coming March 27, 2018)
A Shameless Little Bet (Book 3 ~ Coming May 29, 2018) 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36636115-a-shameless-little-con

 

 
Excerpt:

“Has it ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, if you thought it through, there might be a completely different angle on every part of this mess? That maybe I’m telling the truth?” I taunt him. That’s how this feels–like nothing but a nasty game. The push-pull of wanting him to treat me like a human being and wanting to lash out and hurt him is infuriating, but it is better than sitting here and taking his negativity like a passive little doormat.
“Of course I have.”
“And you’ve rejected that. Completely.”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re really bad at your job, Silas,” I say, letting all the bitterness and contempt come through my voice.
“You’ve wounded me, Jane.” Turns out he can do contempt, too. Better than I can.
“I mean it. Anyone whose job is to protect people can’t be such an absolutist. It makes you weak. Gives other people an easy shot at you.”
“‘Other people’? Do you mean people like you?”
“No. I mean people like the ones who attacked Lindsay.”
“Right. People like you.”
I shake my head slowly, the waves of panic flowing through me, giving in to them. Letting them come because what choice do I have?
And guess what?
You can feel all of that panic, let the anxiety overwhelm you, nearly black out from the incongruity of being shamed, driving toward an unknown destination where you have no control–
–and still stand up for yourself.
“I have nothing left to lose, Silas. My mom is dead, my reputation’s beyond salvageable, I don’t have a job or a place to live, and everywhere I go someone’s trying to kill me. Even my online world is nothing but garbage and threats from shitlords. So, as a simple thought exercise, can you try? You’re protecting me. Someone assigned you to me. Give me the courtesy of doing your job completely. If I’m stuck with you–and I know I am–I, at least, want you to do your best.”



COMING SOON IN THE SHAMELESS SERIES:

A Shameless Little Lie
by Meli Raine
Series:
The Shameless Series #2
Release Date: March 27th, 2018
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37714994-a-shameless-little-lie
Pre-order here:
by Meli Raine
Series:
The Shameless Series #3
Release Date: May 29th, 2018

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37715250-a-shameless-little-bet
Pre-order here:

About the author:

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them.
Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

  Website / Facebook / Twitter



My review:

OMG!!! A book hangover of a different kind. My mind can't stop spinning and thinking about this story – especially the ending and what it means for the rest of the series.

First off, if you haven't read the Harmless Series yet, I'd suggest you do that first because it's an awesome series and the Shameless Series is somewhat a continuation of it in the grand scheme of things which would spoil you Lindsay's story if you plan on reading Harmless anyway. But you don’t necessarily need to have read it before this one because there’s enough explained in this book to get you caught up – almost too much for me, as I’ve read the Harmless Series and felt a bit like skimming to get through all the stuff I knew already (I didn't though, because on the other hand it was a nice little recap).

This new book is about Jane's life and the aftermath of all that happened so far to her, Lindsay and everyone else involved in the cat and mouse game, run by some unknown key player. It's definitely suspenseful with some twists and turns, and surprises you won't see coming.
'Do we really ever know anyone, though? Especially in this crazy political world.'
The Story:
Although Jane was officially cleared of all the accusations, people still didn't believe in her innocence. It also didn't stop them from hating and threatening her, which is why the senator had security assigned to her. Though why did he care so much about her? Was he just trying to control her like everybody else? To have her out of the way and to steer clear of any reputational damage she could do?

Jane lost everything. Her mother was dead, she had no friends, no job and no home. The few belongings she had were confiscated. She was guarded 24/7 and the only place she could be alone was in the bathroom. So much for being innocent and feeling like a chess piece being placed where she couldn't do any more damage and put wherever she was needed to be without questioning. Jane was treated like a lab rat, like the enemy, some worthless person not worth a glance or second thought when it came to her comfort. All she got was hateful stares and more questions she had no answers to.
'Pitchforks and torches are so twentieth century. Now you tar and feather people with a Share button and a Like.'
Thoughts:
I liked Jane a lot more than I've ever liked Lindsay, because she's more mature, which could stem from her very different upbringing in which she had more responsibility from early on and also had to fight her fights alone in society since her parents weren’t rich or powerful like all the other kids parents.
Contrary to Lindsay did Jane think first before she spoke, which on the other hand gave us a looooooot of thoughts from Jane in this book – since she also didn't really have anyone to talk to.

The book started out really good and had me captured for most of it, but between 10% to 60% the story had a slow progress and often felt a bit dragging because of Jane's endless thoughts about everything and nothing, which is why I couldn't give this book five stars, although I absolutely loved the last 40%. I was also slightly annoyed by how she was always on the go, taken back and forth all the time, which felt like turning in a circle for a while. Why not keep her close in one place easy accessible to save all that trouble of traveling around?!

So, what's to say about Silas?! Still waters run deep. Since he thought of Jane as the enemy, it took a long time for him to reveal something about himself. I actually enjoyed it a lot how he was Jane's tough, dangerous shadow and to see him slowly thaw to her when more evidence was revealed about her innocence.
'When everyone around you questions your motives, the only sane reaction is to question theirs.'
I felt so sorry about what Jane went through; the danger, the fact that no one believed her and everybody thought she's the enemy, all the threats she's receiving without having anyone to turn to. She was all alone after her mother died and she couldn't seem to get any chance of a normal life back with all the threats against her. All the pressure on her mind and body weren't healthy and like a ticking bomb waiting to explode because one can hold on just for so long without breaking.
'I didn't do it.
I never betrayed my friend.'
Biggest bitch on earth - if you've read the Harmless series - you know who I'm speaking of -> Monica. I didn't know that it was possible to hate her even more. She's a great character because she elicits so many emotions from me – all bad ones. *haha*

The ending wasn't a typical cliffhanger per se in my opinion, but it will definitely take you by surprise and have you wanting more.

Ultimately, I loved this book A LOT! and I can hardly await the release of book #2!!

*grabby hands* GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!! NOW!!!! ... pretty please =P

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Give Me Books Promotions. --

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Release Blitz & Book Review: Reckless by Michelle Horst

Reckless
by Michelle Horst
Series: Enemies to Lovers Series #2
Release Date: January 25th, 2018
 
Blurb: 
 
I was in love with the boy. I’m obsessed with the man.
Logan is my older brother’s best friend.

My teenage years were spent dreaming about our future together.

He taught me how to kiss. He stayed up late with me while I studied. He escorted me to the prom.

But he is one of the Screw Crew and they only have one rule. I’m off limits.

I went to college and he started working. The secret messages stopped and I lost my first love before it even had a chance.

I’ve spent the past four years trying to forget the only man I’ll ever love. Just as I start to make a life for myself, guess who comes barging back into my life?

http://bit.ly/2gp3gHk


Buy now:
Amazon: smarturl.it/RecklessMH
Free with Kindle Unlimited


About the author:

Michelle Horst is a Bestselling Romance Author who likes her books hot, dirty, and with a touch of darkness. She loves an alpha hero who is not scared to fight for his woman.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in Michelle’s world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways → http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

Facebook / Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Instagram


My review:

Oh my. This is so hard to rate because I got really emotional with part of this story. It's no secret that the author is a great writer because I loved some of her previous books and she manages to touch me deeply with her words. So, I tell you what happened here...

I started reading this book and got confused right at the beginning because it moved so fast, I could not get young Mia out of my head and I pictured her most of the time as a teenage girl. And then everything happened seemingly all at once with her best friend, with her brother and with Logan. Maybe I'm getting old but my mind was spinning from all the events. I wish it would have slowed down because there was so much going on in this book but everything was rushed and some heavy topics just grazed and not dealt with properly. Maybe the author wanted to keep the story as 'light' as possible but I would have preferred for a few things to have more focus on instead of a ton of stuff just passing through, i.e. I didn't believe how Mia easily dealt with what happened to her without really dealing with it; if you get what I mean. Anyway, also the thing with the cell phone numbers and how Mia reacted on it. I don’t need so many things happening to give me whiplash but I want an honest story that shows me how the characters deal with their problems in life and how they work through them. Sometimes it actually felt surreal.

Like I mentioned before, the beginning was confusing for me, with how Mia and her brother separated for a few years which felt like no time at all and how she and Logan – without any real history besides friendship through her brother – were head over heels in love after years of separation. They did not waste any time either and jumped right into EVERYTHING there could be.
And since I still kept picturing her as a young girl, because there was just no development of her character, I had a hard time liking how fast and easy her romance went.

Suddenly the story changed course and Mia and Logan weren't in the center anymore. Although it was a bit strange to rush through their story and have other characters 'take over', I liked that we got more of the boys from the screw crew and no matter how sad it got later on, I enjoyed the chapters closer to the end more than the rest – which ultimately also changed my rating.

The writing was good and I liked a lot of the scenes separately but I can only repeat myself and say that it was too rushed and not enough elaborated.

No matter what, I will stick to the author because I know how awesome her books can be and I like her writing. I just wish she would focus more on one thing, although I know how hard it can be because my mind wanders all the time from one thing to the other. =P

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Release Blitz & Book Review: Undefeated by Stuart Reardon and Jane Harvey-Berrick

Undefeated
by Stuart Reardon & Jane Harvey-Berrick
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: January 23rd, 2018
 
Blurb:

A powerful contemporary romance set in the fast-moving world of international rugby.

When your world crashes down
When they all say you’re out
When your body is broken
I will rise.
I will return.
And I will be undefeated.

Nick Renshaw is the golden boy of British rugby. When a serious injury threatens his career, he starts to spiral downwards, a broken man.

Feeling abandoned and betrayed by those closest to him, he fights to restart his life. Maybe there’s someone out there who can help him. Maybe he can find his way back toward the light. Maybe … not.

Dr. Anna Scott might be the one person who can help Nick, but she has her own secrets. And when Nick’s past comes back to haunt them both, the enigmatic doctor is more vulnerable than she seems.
Broken and betrayed, the struggle to survive seems intolerable. Who will give in, and who will rise, undefeated?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36571304-undefeated---a-rugby-romance

About the authors:

Stuart Reardon

Stuart is a retired England International Rugby League player who’s career spanned 16 years as a professional playing for several top League clubs. He has had several major injuries that nearly ended his career just as in Undefeated, the amazing collaboration with Jane.
Currently he is a Personal trainer living in Cheshire, and has an online fitness program: Fear Nothing Fitness.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / Tumblr

Jane Harvey-Berrick

I enjoy watching surfers at my local beach, and weaving stories of romance in the modern world, with all its trials and tribulations.
It’s been the best fun working with Stu on this story. And yes, he did think about joining the Marines once.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Instagram


My review:

What a beautiful story about the highs and lows in life, the hard work and long progress it takes to get back up again, and the importance of acceptance.
‘When your world crashes down...
When they all say you’re out...
When your body is broken...
I will rise.
I will return.
And I will be undefeated.’
I was pleasantly surprised about the very realistic feel of this story. The writing was very detailed and made it one of the best sports romances that I've read because it was really about the sport. It focused on the sportsman dealing with the ups and downs of working in this industry and I loved following his thoughts during the games and troubles with injuries. The romance was a slow burn but this didn’t bother me at all because it was so much better than all the other so-called sports romance books whose only connection to the genre was the character’s job that often wasn’t further elaborated. But fear not, there’s a love-story for all the romance fans out there. And boy, not an easy one either but one that will have your emotions all over the place. This definitely is a must-read for all the sports fans out there, even for those that don’t usually like to read books.
'Rugby was a hard game, a brutal game, even when you weren’t getting tackled, kicked, punched or head-butted. He loved it.’
The story was written in the Third-Person POV which made it harder for me to connect with the characters on a deeper level but that's just a question of personal taste because the writing was absolutely amazing and I still felt with them but just not on the same level as I probably would have if it’d been in the First-Person POV.

Nick’s life was like a rollercoaster ride. He was riding on a high, just to hit his lowest point in life shortly after. But sometimes one has to fall far to appreciate when coming out on top. Anna wasn’t spared of the rocky parts in her life either and had her fair share of falling. The characters had to struggle through a lot and there was never a dull moment which made the story a lot more interesting and had me glued to the pages.
‘Beat me, break me, butcher my heart.
I’m coming for you. And this time…
I’m going to win.’
It was a wonderful story that did not just revolve around love and romance but dealt with real life problems. The characters had great personalities and best friend qualities. This book’s the whole package and I’m sure it will receive a lot of love from readers. Happy reading.

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Ardent Prose PR. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Release Blitz & Book Review: Guts & Glass (#6) by Skyla Madi

Guts & Glass
by Skyla Madi
Series:
New York Crime Kings #6
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 23rd, 2018

Blurb:

I dream of Emily…
I dream of Tuscany…
I dream of seeing her in a white dress…

But she’s slipping further and further away from me, her will bending to those who seek only to hurt her—to own her.

I crave to feel Skull’s blood splash against my skin, to peel the fleshy ink from his bones, and I know that time is coming.
 Soon.

I’m at the end of my chain and, with some help, he will suffer for all the pain he’s caused.
I won’t stop.

Not until she’s safe and he can no longer leave his fingerprints on the world.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25160688-guts-glass


Buy now:

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE NEW YORK CRIME KINGS SERIES:

Box Set 
by Skyla Madi
Series:
New York Crime Kings #1-4

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31354901-new-york-crime-kings-box-set
Buy now:
by Skyla Madi
Series:
New York Crime Kings #5
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30654523-ink-bone
Buy now:


About the author:

SKYLA MADI is an International bestselling romance novelist from Brisbane, Australia.
Skyla started her writing career fresh out of high school and at 24 she is a giver of both real and fictional life.
She is an aquarian, lover of the written word and author of the #1 BESTSELLING Consumed trilogy.

Facebook / Website / Amazon / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads


My review:

Now what?! Skull has them all at his mercy and it's just a matter of time until they'll be killed, if they can't find a way out first.

Although Emily isn't locked behind bars, she might as well be, living in this gilded cage. Is it a curse or a blessing that she's special to Skull?! At least she's still alive because of it, but what kind of life is this without Jai by her side?!
'I'm a prisoner in a place where monsters no longer lie under the frame of the bed, but nestle under the sheets with me instead...and this monster is no figment of my imagination.'
Skull is an enigma but we already got glimpses of his broken heart and sadness that he's hiding behind a thick wall of anger and evilness. I must say that I feel really sorry for what he's lost and I get that he doesn't give a shit about anything since the only people he cared most about are gone.
The only thing that bothered me a bit in this book was his gullibility because no matter how 'special' someone was, it was so out of character for him to believe everything that person said. He couldn't have survived for so long in this violent world if this was really the case.
'”He who casts the first stone sets off the ripple effect.”'
I love this series and its characters and I will stick to it until the end but this book felt a bit like dragging the story out a while longer. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it a lot and it was almost as good as the previous ones but I didn't understand some of Skull's actions – no matter how crazy he is or especially because he's that crazy. So why would he keep Jai and Joel alive?! I won't spoil you this book but I just wanted to say that some things just did not really add up for me (i.e. where were all the guards and people at the end?!).

Just so you know, there's a cliffhanger at the end, but I believe that if you kept around so far, you'll be like me and read the next book anyway, no matter what.
'”You should know by now, that you can't outrun me. I'll always catch you.”'
-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Give Me Books Promotions. --

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Release Blitz: She Asked For It by Willow Winters

She Asked For It
by Willow Winters
Genre:
Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 23rd, 2018

Blurb:

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.
You’ll tell me you don’t… but you already think you know what my story’s about.

You have no idea.
Just like the people sitting in this courtroom.
She asked for it. That’s what they keep saying.

And no, it’s not because my skirt was too short or I was drunk at a party.
It’s nothing like that. It’s because of what I like and how I like it.

They’re judging me as I sit in the front row, my eyes drawn to the man on trial.
If I’d known it was going to end like this, I never would have gone home with him.
But he’s the type of man I just can’t say no to.

I wanted to feel his lips kiss down my neck.
I dreamed of running my fingers along the rough stubble on his jaw.
I craved his hands on me, pinning me down.
I needed to whisper his name in the dark, late at night.

You still think you know what happened? You don’t.
He’s innocent and I enjoyed every second I was with him.

Let me tell you my story … all about how I asked for it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36286730-she-asked-for-it



ALSO AVAILABLE:

Too Easy
(a prequel to She Asked For It)
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37457617-too-easy

About the author:

Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Bestselling Romance Author. She likes her action hot and her bad boys hotter. She certainly doesn’t hold back on either one in her writing!

Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.

In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!

Newsletter / Amazon / Bookbub / Twitter / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Website


Giveaway:

Monday, January 22, 2018

Release Blitz: Until You're Mine by Cindi Madsen

Until You're Mine
by Cindi Madsen
Age:
NA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled
Release Date: January 22nd, 2018
 
 Blurb:

This fighter is about to meet his match...

You might’ve heard of me, Shane Knox, the guy who rose quickly through the MMA fighter ranks, only to crash just as fast. No one cares about personal reasons when it comes to losing fights and money. I’m determined to get back to where I was. For you to hear my name again. I’ve finally convinced the owner of Team Domination to take a chance and get me back in fighting—and winning—shape. What I didn’t bargain for is the guy’s spitfire of a daughter. Factor in her two professional-fighter brothers who are acting as my coaches and the fact that my career hangs in the balance, and Brooklyn’s the last girl I should be fantasizing about.

The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37080419-until-you-re-mine

 
Buy now:
 
 
About the author:

USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Visit her at www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter and learn about upcoming releases.

Cindi is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, Rift, Resolution, and Demons of the Sun, and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, Resisting the Hero, Cinderella Screwed Me Over and Ready to Wed.