Thursday, February 27, 2014

{Review} Masked Innocence by Alessandra Torre


Blog Tour Stop

2/27/14

Masked Innocence 



Synopsis:
The man was sinful. It wasn't just the looks that made him dangerous, it was the cocky confidence that dominated every move, every touch. And the frustrating yet ecstatic fact about the whole package was that he could back it all up… 

Julia Campbell never knows what to expect with win-at-all-costs Brad De Luca. And she's starting to like it that way. She gave up safe, conventional relationships when she let the elite divorce attorney seduce her into his world. Now that he's determined to strip her naked of every inhibition, she's in danger of falling too deep and too fast. 

But their affair begins to feel even more dangerous when a murder leaves a trail of suspicion that points straight to the mob…and Brad. Trusting a man with a bad reputation and a past full of secrets seems like a mistake. But when she's forced to make a choice, the consequences will take her further than she could ever have imagined.

My Thoughts

Masked Innocence is the second book in this series and whoa was it frekking HOT!!! I thought I was going to get carpal tunnel before I even finished the book ;)...

This book picks up right where book 1 finished off with the "relationship" between Brad and Julia and one thing I absolutely LOVED about this series is, I can never guess what is going to happen or where Mrs. Torre is going to take me until I am already knee deep inside her world. 

By the end of this book, I was totally speechless because I did NOT expect this series to take the huge left turn into crazy town and I was pissed that I didn't have the next book in my greedy little hands yet!!

Brad was still as stubborn as he was in the first book. Julia was just as strong willed as she was in the first book as well. I LOVE that Alessandra really has a sense of her characters and does not change them just to fit her stories. She keeps both characters true to their roots and personality even when you want to strangle every single one of them. 

I LOVE that Julia is not a push over, she gives just as much as she gets. Even when Brad (AKA Joe Manganiello) goes all alpha male on her, she holds her ground and fights back. Determined not to let this massive character overshadow her spark. She's feisty and I loved it. 

What I found even more enlightening is the fact I have always been curious about this "lifestyle" for which Brad and Julia belong too and while reading I think it fueled my curiosity even more. I wanted to know more, the hows, what, whens... Good thing Discovery Health has a series based on the lifestyle so my curiosity can be cured... 

Now my husband thinks I am obsessed with it and is scared I am going to want to leave him and join... Silly husband it's called fantasy... ;)...

Overall, I give this book a 4/5 and I cannot wait until I can read the next!! 

Alessandra, my hand has had a nice break, now bring on the next one!!! 

Look Below For Giveaway, Excerpt, and More About this Author

EXCERPT

I was elbow deep in transcript review when Chace Crawford, in a tuxedo, appeared in my doorway. Okay, so it wasn’t THE Chace Crawford, but enough of a look alike for me to momentarily forget Drueit vs Pace Contracting, which was a feat unto itself. I collected myself and waved him in.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Julia Campbell.”
“I’m Julia.” I stood, stepping forward and shaking the hand he extended.
“I’m Jeff Martin. I have a couriered item for Mr. De Luca, but he isn’t in. He said that I could give it to you.”
I looked at the embossed envelope he extended, my fingers reaching out and taking it before my mind had a chance to process the situation. “Thank you,” I said, smiling at him.
“Certainly.” He gave a small bow and smiled, turning and leaving the room.
I sat back down, leaning the envelope against my computer monitor and staring at it for a brief moment. Being Brad’s girlfriend was turning into a full time job.
I ignored the envelope and returned to the depositions, reading line after line of transcripts until my contacts started to dry out and I leaned back to take a break. The envelope stared at me, beautiful calligraphy dancing beneath exhausted eyes. I reached for my phone, and called Brad’s cell.
***
Brad parked his cart, tipping the bag drop boy and stepping up the wide steps of the hundred-year-old clubhouse. It had been built at a time when opulence and masculinity ruled the design world, and every ounce of the building reeked of old money and tradition. He walked through the wide hall, oil paintings and trophy cases, seeing his group of friends at the entrance to the cigar bar. His phone rang and he paused, glancing down and seeing Julia’s name. That took longer than expected. He smiled, holding up a finger to the men and stepping aside, leaning against the wall and answering the call.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hey. You got something.”
“And…did you open it?” He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her response.
“No,” she said indignantly. “It has your name on it.”
“Well, I had the courier bring it to you for a reason. It’s an invitation to a party.”
“And…?”
God, the woman was feisty. “And, I’d like you to come with me.”
She sighed into the phone. “As your secret girlfriend, I think I’m exempt from any of the boring social events you old people go to.”
Brad smiled at her words, moving off the wall and stepping forward. “It’s an orgy.”
Her breath caught, and he wished he were having this conversation in person. “Oh.”
“But... if that’s too dull and old-mannish for you, I can invite someone else.”
She hissed into the phone. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I most definitely would.”
There was silence for a minute and Brad stopped walking and waited.
“Where’s the party?”
“Does it matter?”
“Humor me.”
“I’m assuming it’s at the hosts’ home. In Irongate.”
“Oooh ... fancy. Do you know anyone who will be there?”
“I know the hosts. They typically throw a relatively small party, fifteen or twenty couples, a few singles. There will be group play and private rooms. If you feel up to it, we could just observe, maybe hook up with a single or a couple in a private room if you want. Or, we can just stop in, let you see how it works, and leave.”
There was a pause, rustled papers, then an abrupt response. “Okay.”
Her agreement came quicker than he expected, and he grinned into the phone.
 “Okay. You officially have a date. Read the invitation, we’ll talk later.” He smiled into the phone, then looked up as one of his friends walked by, slapping him on the shoulder. “I have to go.”

About the Author

Alessandra Torre is a new author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks. The sequel to Blindfolded, Masked Innocence, will be released in February 2014.
Alessandra lives in the Southern United States and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.
Learn more about Alessandra on her website at www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or her Facebook fan page.





GIVEAWAY





Wednesday, February 26, 2014

{Review}{Giveaway} When I Break by Kendall Ryan


Blog Tour Stop 

2/25/14

When I Break


**Warning** 
This book is intended for a mature reading audience and contains adult language and themes. Contains a stubborn alpha male with addiction issues and loads of sexual tension between two damaged characters. Read at your own risk.

Knox Bauer's life has unraveled to the point of no return. Fighting to fill the emptiness inside himself, he seeks solace in unfamiliar beds with unfamiliar women. As guardian to his three younger brothers, he can't seem to do a thing right. But this can't go on...they look up to him in every way and all he’s done lately is prove how messed up he really is. Needing a change, he attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting, where he finds himself tempted by the alluring instructor, McKenna.

Twenty-one year old McKenna is trying to make amends. After losing her parents in a horrific accident, she knows if she can just be good enough, maybe she can forgive herself for what happened. With her newly acquired degree in counseling, she begins leading a sex addicts group where she meets the troubled Knox and her life takes on complications she never bargained for. She doesn't have time for a bad boy who only wants to take her to bed, even if her body disagrees. The fixer in her wants to help, but trusting Knox's true motivations might take more courage than she has.

When I Break is book 1 in a new series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan. When I Surrender, book 2, will be available April 7, 2014. Please note this is not a standalone, as the story continues in book 2.

My Thoughts

Ok I am going to do something a little different with this review because this is only book one, in what I think will be a really great series. 

The problem I am having is, I didn't really get a good sense of who these characters were. I felt there were too many internal monologues and not enough of what I wanted, which was to see the characters really "together". I don't know what it was but it was just not there for me... YET... I say yet because I still have a feeling this series will be amazing as the books continue. 

So, I'm not going to rate it, not yet anyway. 
I feel like this book was more of an introduction to the lives of Knox and McKenna rather than a book that I really could sink my teeth into. I kept looking at Goodreads and Amazon to see if the book was a prequel or novella leading up to the rest of the series and was sad to see it end, just as it was getting juicy!

But the whole concept is very intriguing and has me wanting to know what is going to happen with these characters and where the journey will take me in the coming books. 

Knox is swoony and even though I don't think he has a problem with sex we shall see what happens. McKenna is sweet and very Virgin Mary-like, complete with the halo and heart of salvation. Her situation with her roommate confused me more than shedding light on it but I won't go into much detail because that would ruin it for all you lovelies who have not read it yet. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am excited to pick up the next one to see what the future holds for these enigmatic characters

Below is some more information about this series, author and even a GIVEAWAY!!!



Bio
Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the contemporary romance novels, HARD TO LOVE, THE IMPACT OF YOU, RESISTING HER and WORKING IT.
She's a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss! She lives in Minneapolis with an adorable husband, two naughty puppies, and a brand new son. 
 She enjoys being naughty, reading, and anything girly. 

Social Media Links



Playlist
Come a Little Closer – Cage the Elephant 
Heart on Fire by Scars on 45
Love Don’t Die – The Fray
Teardrop  - Massive Attack
Fragments – Thievery Corporation
Letters from the Sky – The Civil Wars






Sunday, February 23, 2014

{Blitz} Unravel by Calia Read





Synopsis
Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine. 
One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward. 
Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind. 
Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help. 
A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past. 
And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me. 
Do you believe me?

Trailer




Bio
Calia Read lives in Germany with her husband and their four kids.
She's currently working on the third book in the Sloan Brothers Series, Ruin You Completely
Social Media Links

 Giveaway


Calia is giving away:
·       10 ebooks of UNRAVEL
Rafflecopter Widget:

Buy Links




Friday, February 21, 2014

{Blitz} Evil of Love by N. L. Echeverria



Warning:
This book is for mature audience only due to sex, language and violence.


“I
can’t take it! I’ve been craving you ever since I saw you the other day. I
haven’t stopped thinking about you since you disappeared ten years ago! I need
you Steph. I’m sorry…” -Eric Sutherland

Stephanie Wilcox never saw it coming after giving up that life ten years ago of
constantly being verbally and emotionally abused by her drunken father. She
didn’t run, but when she left, she never looked back. Forced by her abusive
father to live with her Aunt Elizabeth, she had to leave behind the one person that
had shown her true love. In her mind, Eric Sutherland, deserved so much more
and being with her would only bring him down. She never stopped loving the
sun-kissed boy who held her hand and touched her kindly.

It was years later when Stephanie met Travis Barnes, a young self-made
billionaire who swooped in and helped mend some of her loneliness. However,
after marrying Travis, he began to show who he really was and he was the type
of man she was accustomed to, after growing up with an abusive father, and
regardless of his flaws she still loves him. After all, why would she deserve
any better?

Eric broke, his kindness, his pure heart, it all fell apart that day Stephanie
left. He did all he could to reach her, but it was hopeless. All the sadness,
anger, and sorrow built up inside him over time and no one could replace the
love he had for Stephanie. Fighting has been his outlet and now as a well-known
UFC undefeated fighter, his career is all he has, but no matter how hard he
tries to forget her, he can’t.

Ten years later he comes face to face with those large brown eyes that belong
to the one girl he’s always loved and everything changes. This time he won’t
let her get away. 





There are many versions of ME. I'm a wife of an amazingly
supportive husband, a mother of three beautiful boys that inspire me every day,
a friend, a dedicated worker always looking to succeed, an author with
characters and stories always on my mind and then there is Me. The woman that
loves to stay up late and sleep in, takes ten minutes every morning before the
kids are up to sit and have a quiet cup of coffee. The woman that loves staying
up late with a good book and getting lost in the words. Enjoying a glass of
wine with dinner to wind down from my long days. A person who is still a girl
at heart, loving to smile, laugh and have fun whenever the opportunity arises.
My favorite place is still the beach because nothing is more peaceful then
listening to the sounds of the ocean against the shore. This is all a part of
who I am and I LOVE being me! 




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Thursday, February 20, 2014

{Excerpt} {Release Blitz} Deviant by Callie Hart

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DEVIANT COVER


Synopsis:

SloaneI'm not proud of the things I've done.
The things I've had to do.
The things I've given away.
but I'd give it all over again to find her.Even if i die trying,
I have to find Alexis.Zeth

She wants me to help her,
But I won't.
She wants me to save her sister,
But I can't.
She wants me to be her hero,
But I'm not a good man.

I am her damnation.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt:

“You’re sick, you know that?” I say into the darkness. A soft rustling sound greets me, followed by the shift of movement. Yes, the lights are off but the corridor is lit behind me so it’s not like last time. I can see enough to make out the looming figure that slowly paces toward me.

“I know I’m not normal, if that’s what you mean.” A terrible devil’s mask appears before me, two feet away; Zeth is dressed entirely in black, the suit he wears obviously a thing of beauty even in the half light. His dark eyes shine from within the mask, sharp and hungry. “You’ve surprised me, Sloane. I like being surprised,” he rumbles.

“Well you’ve surprised me, too. Although I can’t say the feeling is mutual.”

He laughs, his voice so deep and powerful I can feel it in the soles of my feet. “You should open up a little. You never know what you might enjoy until you try it.”

“I know exactly what I enjoy, Zeth, and standing around watching fifty naked people grind on each other isn’t it.”

The eyes behind his mask flicker with annoyance when I say his name. He stalks toward me and reaches out, tracing his fingertips across my jawline. He seems pensive, intrigued by my stillness—I can’t freaking move—as he touches my skin.

“If you don’t like watching, Sloane, you can always join in.”

About The Author:

Callie Hart is a bagel eating, coffee drinking denizen of the greatest city on this earth. Born in Colorado, she moved to The Big Apple to study and undertake the Bar exam, and in the meantime she wrote this book! She lives on a ridiculously high floor in a way-too expensive building with her fiancé and their pet goldfish, Neptune. Deviant is the first instalment in her Blood and Roses series. The next instalment, Fracture, is scheduled to be released in April.

Stalk the Author:
(she LOVES it)




Purchase the Book:




tie



own me



mask


 fin you

Giveaway:

Win a Kindle Paperwhite or GC of same value, a Signed paperback of Deviant or one of 4 Deviant bookmarks!