Broken at Love - By Lyla Payne *Review*

Whitman University Series - Book 1 | Add to Goodreads
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When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.
College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.
But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?
Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.
To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.
I feel the need to rename this book "Asshole's Redemption." The first chapter of this book had me in rage mode - think hulk but a 5'7" girl with curly hair = me. Quinn treats girls like shit because his tennis career came to an early end and he has nothing better to do. I'm not joking that's essentially what this idiot does. I'm going to forewarn you I'm a not pulling my review punches. He was a douchebag wallowing in self pity who needed a solid and resounding slap of reality. Quinn's brother is a wanker who should be checked into a psychiatric ward for excessive misogyny and manipulation. I don't think he even has real human emotions. Emilie is a bit of a pitbull, which is great because she refused to let Quinn treat her like all the other girls. Unknowingly of course because she really had no clue HOW much douchebaggery Quinn  was capable of. Typically Emilie is "not like the other girls" and spawns Quinn's self discovery mission to be a better person. They get their happily ever after and Quinn the asshole is redeemed. Buuuuuuut I couldn't feel sorry for Quinn, there wasn't a single part of me that was happy for him. I didn't think Emilie would forgive him because to me what he did was beyond a forgiving chat. I definitely did not like the whole "love will make you a better person." Why couldn't Quinn just grow up and stop acting like a spoiled baby? With or without Emilie there to be his purpose?

I like the way Payne writes and despite hating pretty much every character I still managed to finish the book so there is something to be said about that. 


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Werewolves of the West Series - By Carol Van Atta *Spotlight*

Werewolves of the West - Book 1 | Add to Goodreads
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Chloe Carpenter isn't like other women. She can communicate with animals. A gift she unwrapped following one of her frequent dances with death.
In her otherwise wacky life, she's finally found a semblance of sanity working at the Plum Beach Wildlife Park, where her unique talents can make life or death differences for the animals in her care. That semblance is shattered when a new veterinarian roars into the park in his spiffed up sports car and sets his golden gaze on her. If she had her way, he'd roar right back out.
Problem: He's her new coworker and he's saved her life twice - in the past twenty-four hours.
Zane Marshall, Enforcer for the Pacific Pack of purebred werewolves, has a job to do - figure out who or what is mutilating the young men of Plum Beach.
With orders to find the woman who talks to animals, he accepts a position working alongside the fiery Chloe Carpenter, a female who ignites his interest far more than he ever expected.
Remarkably, she's the one elusive female with potential to bring meaning and passion to his empty existence.
Problem: She despises him.
Together, they're forced to unravel a mystery of supernatural proportions, a murderous mystery with eternal implications for everyone. In the process, they discover opposites really do attract.
Major Problem: Zane is pledged to another woman, and she'll do anything to keep him from Chloe.

Werewolves of the West - Book 2 | Add to Goodreads
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Best selling author Melanie Larson’s relationship with her friend, Chloe Carpenter, is bleak. Falsely accused of murder, Chloe’s future rests in the hands of her mate, Zane Marshall, and the Pacific Pack’s purebred werewolves. In an effort to help, Melanie joins forces with the pack and soon discovers the monsters she writes about in her paranormal novels really do go bump in the night.

As Chloe struggles with legal troubles, an unwanted blood bond with a master vampire, and a reunion with her mate, Melanie untangles the attention of multiple supernatural suitors determined to claim her as their own. Strangely attracted to a brazen vampire, she must decide if the blurred line between passion and pain is worth crossing.

Werewolves, vampires, and fae royalty race to unearth an ancient artifact with the power to extend their existence. Can Chloe and Melanie restore their friendship in time to stop magical mayhem from ruining everything they have worked so hard to redeem?
Melanie Larson
With a giant on both sides and Ava trailing close behind, I made my way down the faery equivalence of a Hollywood red carpet, my bare feet sinking into the squishy-soft fabric. If moss and velvet mated, this carpet would have been the result.
 I was grateful for Ava’s sound advice. She’d suggested that I go barefoot to show my respect for nature, something faeries valued, and more importantly, so I wouldn’t fall flat on my face. I was glad I’d listened. For some reason, I felt almost powerful. Ready to react to whatever misadventure found us. I’d been warned, again by Ava, that this would be a night to remember, and not for its quality comforts and peaceful prattling, but for its raunchy revelry and gross indulgence. The atmosphere already hinted at the debauchery to come.
Frighteningly beautiful creatures, scantily dressed, lounged around tables overflowing with obscene amounts of food. They stopped their celebrating as I was paraded by with my own unique entourage. My appearance causing them to murmur and giggle amongst themselves. For most, their eyes remained cold and hostile contrary to their blinding smiles. They found me interesting, perhaps even intriguing, but that was as far as their favor extended. I was an unwelcome outsider who’d caught the fancy of their prince. Though honoring me was required etiquette, liking me was not.
Ava had made certain to explain the importance of this event. I was the honored guest of Prince Kellen, The Dark Court’s future sovereign. His father alone outranked him. From what I’d learned while she completed my dazzling hair design, Kellen had always been domineering and indulged to the extreme by daddy-o, the Unseelie King. No one knew for certain whom his mother was considering the current king preferred young men in his bed.
According to Ava, he’d bedded the previous queen and then banished her to the human realm following the birth of their son. Others believed Kellen was an adopted child, possibly negotiated away from the Seelie Court and their light worshiping brethren. It was rumored that he bore resemblance to the light court twin, Nox. Lux, the other light twin, had been missing since early childhood. One more unsolved faery mystery.
I didn’t have time to ponder further. An elevated dais, featuring one grand table laden with colorful foods and floral arrangements, rose up in front of the room. Kellen had risen and extended his hand, waiting for my arrival.
 A hush fell over the rowdy room. The gleam in his strange swirling eyes told me everything I didn’t want to know. He found me far more appetizing than the exotic foods. My heart stampeded and I trembled in his presence. My heightened senses, though somewhat decreased since my initial reaction to Ava’s blood, still intensified my responses.
Kellen looked like a golden sex god. His hair tumbled over sculpted shoulders and seemed even longer than I remembered, its length doing nothing to diminish his masculinity. He was shirtless, his lean form rippling with muscled perfection. I heard Ava gasp behind me, equally taken by his untamed sensuality. Even with my bond to Alcuin and Ava’s blood donation, I wasn’t immune to his appeal. He’d managed, with the help of his father’s magic, to turn up the dial of his desirability to a whole new level. If they succeeded and somehow found a way to break my blood bond, I’d be doomed for sure.
He helped me up the few stairs onto the platform and kissed my forehead chastely, making me shiver. Heat spiraled down my legs, and I swayed toward him. He chuckled and ran his finger over my cheek. I leaned closer to my sworn enemy, disgusted by my body’s betrayal. I was beginning to doubt my faery helper. What if her blood had made me more susceptible to Kellen? I had a terrifying feeling that I might have been conned by the one faery I’d so wanted to trust.
“Ava, you outdid yourself this time. She is exquisite. You have earned a place at my table this evening, as an equal.” Kellen gestured for her to join us.
Her sharp intake of breath told me this pronouncement was unexpected and highly unconventional. “My Lord?” Her voice shook.
“Please, you have earned it.” He directed her to the seat on my left, forcing another fae to move aside.
The king, who appeared no older than Kellen, clapped his hands together three times. The crowded hall erupted into conversation and music, surprising me. I hadn’t realized just how quiet the room had become. With everything back in motion, the king directed his attention toward me.
“She is indeed lovely. Breathtaking even. Maybe I should make her my queen and extend my reign. What do you think, son? She would produce a remarkable heir.”
The whole table paused, all eyes on their king. The audience suddenly silent again, seemed to collectively hold their breath, their shock tangible. I was as dumbfounded as the rest. This was a turn of events I hadn’t anticipated.
“Father …?” For the first time, the prince looked like a lost little boy about to lose his favorite toy.
“Don’t look so surprised, Kellen. You have assumed that I am ready to step aside and transfer my kingdom to you. Unfortunately, you are impulsive and have little skill in governing. How would the humans say this? Ah yes … ‘it’s all about me.’ In this case, it’s about you. It’s always about what Kellen wants.” He sniggered at his humorous attempt. The others laughed on cue, but were clearly made uncomfortable by his puzzling comments.
Glancing between the two faeries, I wasn’t sure who was the lesser of two evils. Kellen was a known commodity. His father, especially after his outburst, was a mystery.
I decided to test the water and bowed my head. “You flatter me, your Lordship.” I lifted my eyes in what I hoped was a coy demonstration of my approval.
The king’s face blossomed with light, his pleasure evident. “Kellen, move next to Ava. Melanie will sit at my side. I find her a refreshing breath of air.”
The prince’s mouth had fallen open, and he looked ready to cry. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost. Ava looked pleased and winked in my direction. I wondered what she was up to now. Maybe she was on my side after all, though I didn’t doubt that her personal satisfaction would always come first.
“A toast!” The king rose.
 Everyone clamored to their feet, goblets raised. Unsure what to do, I followed along.
“We drink to my future bride!”
Refusing to drink, Kellen glanced between me and his father before snapping his fingers. An assortment of fae separated themselves from the audience, swords drawn.
“I’d hoped to avoid this awhile longer,” Kellen said and then shrugged. “You should have left what is mine alone.”
“What is the meaning of this?” the king sputtered. “Sit down, son, before I have you removed. I will forgive this transgression with the understanding you think you’re in love or some other nonsense.”
Kellen made no move to obey. Instead, he glowered at his father who was beginning to look alarmed. Ava tapped my leg and pointed under the table. Together we slid beneath.
The last thing I heard before the clashing of metal was a swooshing sound and a loud thud. Turning toward the thud, I found myself looking into the still aware eyes of the king—the king’s head minus his body to be more exact.
Holding back my scream was impossible. I wailed like a banshee and grabbed for Ava as my forced engagement feast erupted into a Dark Court civil war.



Like most authors, Carol Van Atta is no stranger to the written word. She penned a short novel at age 12 (somewhat frightening illustrations included, and lots of bunnies were involved), and had a creative writing piece published in her high school newspaper (about David Bowie's Diamond Dogs LP). Yes, she's an ex-80's chick.
Devouring books from numerous genres, Carol developed a deep thirst/hunger for more reading material, and could almost always be found with her nose in a book.
She has contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books, and lives in the rainy wetland of Oregon with a terrifying teen (another in college) and a small zoo of animals. She is taking an undetermined hiatus away from inspirational writing to delve into her darker side. (Though you can check out her latest spiritual suspense novel, Soul Defenders). It is rumored that this genre-jumping occurred after Carol discovered too suspicious red marks on her neck, and experienced an unquenchable urge to howl at the moon.
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Control - By Charlotte Stein *Review*

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When Madison Morris decides to hire an assistant to help run her naughty bookshop, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Aggressive Andy doesn't quite make the grade, but continues to push her buttons in other areas, while uptight and utterly repressed Gabriel can't quite take Madison's training techniques. One makes her grasp control, while the other makes her lose it. But the lines are blurring and she's no longer sure who's leading and who's following. In the midst of kinky threesomes and power plays, can Madison work out what she really wants?



5 stunning stars out of 5
This novel was completely unexpected. I believed it would be a typical Dom/sub novel but holy moley, this is not typical. I haven't read many Domme/Dominatrix novels because they've never appealed but I LOVE THIS NOVEL! The characters are beautifully developed and the Dom/sub relationship shifts seamlessly from Andy to Madison. I loved the dynamic between all three of the characters, their exploits were surprising and so well written. I was riveted from start to finish and I had no question who Madison would choose in the end but you're going to have read it to find out. I definitely recommend that you give "Control" a read!


Thank you to NetGalley, Charlotte Stein and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the copy.
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Leadership and Redemption Series - By Michael Cantwell *Spotlight and Giveaway*




Leadership and Redemption Series - Book 1
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Caeles Novo has lost count at how many times he has have taken a soul. He now fears his actions are not saving his existence, but damaging it. It is a painful transition when you question if your life has been a lie.



 Leadership and Redemption Series - Book 2
Caeles Novo continues his journey of seeking broken souls that he started in “Soul Intentions”. Caeles is now the leader of his disciples and must discover the mystery as to why so few soul stealers remain on earth. He learns the high cost of both leadership and success. Caeles is assigned to remove the soul of an internet blogger who is spreading false information for the President of the United States, a man who trains fighting dogs and others. He meets up with a Doctor about to cure cancer and a woman with multiple personalities. He does all this while attempting to lead his people and be a good husband and father.




Leadership and Redemption Series - Book 3
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In this third installment, Caeles Novo has been removed as leader of the Council. He now seeks revenge for those who have taken away his power to remove souls and is on a journey to return his disciples back to their original mission.

Michael Cantwell, CCIM (1958-present) is an author and commercial real estate agent in Florida as well as a published photographer. He was born in Ft. Campbell KY, raised in Trenton, NJ, graduated college at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He now resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. He is married with three children and one dog. He loves music and is a Miami Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers and Heat fan. He also enjoys strolling Florida with his camera at hand. He has served on many board of directors and volunteered many hours as a coach for baseball and basketball as well as for Junior Achievement in many schools around South Florida.

Web – www.ksmmike.com
Blog - http://ksmmike.blogspot.com/
Twitter - @ksmmike
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCantwellWriter
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6430576.Michael_Cantwell


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Magic Academy - By Jillian Keep *Review*

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Out of a young woman’s ambition comes a love triangle that could destroy more than her heart.
Firia has always wanted to be a witch, but even though she’s a natural in magic, there’s a problem: She’s human.
Considered by the elven elite to be inferior, Firia needs an edge to be accepted into the Magic Academy. Out of sheer desperation, she summons the demon Varuj, a terrifyingly gorgeous spirit who helps her win the entrance competition. But at what price?
As the commanding demon does everything he can to penetrate every aspect of her innocent life, Firia still finds herself drawn to her study partner, Mae’lin. Not only is the sweet elf completely different from the powerful Varuj, but their relationship is forbidden.
How is she supposed to choose between the demon she owes her life to and the innocent elf who makes her a better person?


This book truly befuddled me. At first it seemed like I was reading typical YA fantasy and I was totally okay with that. But the further the story got the more it changed until suddenly I felt like I was reading a demon fetish erotica. I was startled by how different the beginning was to the end. Firia is apparently set on becoming the most powerful sorceress despite her human origins. We meet her summoning Varuj, an extremely powerful demon who sports an exceptional "endowment" which is emphasized many times. I admit to laughing at a few of the excessive descriptions. Firia is focussed and with the help of the demon gets into a Magic Academy. Once there she gets into the swing of things only to get hooked on sex and suddenly her determination and focus go bye bye.

Varuj is a oddity. I thought he was simply a misunderstood demon who truly has a heart of gold but then he goes all crazy with possessive rage and spouts mine mine mine. At that point I was convinced he was solidly a "bad guy." He manipulates Firia, stole her father's soul, rapes her best friend, physically and mentally, and then encourages a plot to kill Firia and Mae'lin. Firia never catches on which is unfortunate but whatever right? She gets her demon lover. By the end of the book I still wasn't sure what Varuj's motivations were because I couldn't quite believe he loved her and being with Firia for power went out the window when she lost focus.

The poor third wheel Mae'lin is the sweetest elf man. He's good, kind, honorable and pretty much Prince fucking Charming but he doesn't measure up to forceful demon lover Varuj so he gets dumped. No joke. He's the best guy ever and Firia leaves him because of monster equipment Varuj has well, monster equipment. At the end I didn't even know if Mae'lin was alive, what happened to him - that's how little consideration his character got!

The ending was not satisfying and left more questions than answers. It reads like YA fantasy had a car accident with demon porn and the only thing I was certain of was that I didn't like any character but Mae'lin. I thought maybe it was part of a series but it's not so... yeah. Confusion is the prevailing thought here - utter confusion.


Thank you to NetGalley, Jillian Keep and Fido Publishing for the copy in exchange for a honest review.

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Uncovering You - By Scarlett Edwards *Cover Reveal and Giveaway*






Release Date - March 27th, 2014
Dark Romance

When I wake up in a dark, unfamiliar room, I have no idea what's waiting for me in the shadows. My imagination conjures up demons of the worst kind.

Reality is much worse:

A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning.

I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom:

J.S.

Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice:

Resist and die.

Or submit, and sign my life away.





I live near beautiful Seattle, Washington. I grew up reading all types of fantasy books before discovering the wonderful world of romances in high school. Now, I spend most of my time writing about sexy men and the women who love them. 

Website - www.scarlettedwards.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ScarlettEdwardsAuthor
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/ScarlettEdwards

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His Secrets - By Lisa Renee Jones *Review and Giveaway*




RELEASE DATE - FEB 24TH

Inside Out Series - Book 3.1 | Add to Goodreads
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In a world where my only escape has been my art, Sara has been the light in my darkness. And there is darkness, the kind of inky black that can bleed from my life to hers.
She doesn't see it. She doesn't understand what I've shown her. And my biggest fear is that soon...she will.



 
Despite starting this series at book 3.1 I was surprised that I came away from this novella with a quite a steady understanding of the characters and their lives up to this point. I've often huffed and puffed over how insubstantial novellas can be but "His Secrets" is a wonderful example of the opposite. Jones shares just enough information to ensure the reader knows what is going on and keeps the important pieces paramount. There was not a single word wasted and I was completely drawn into the story. I'll admit it struggle to dive into the nitty gritty but given the length it's understandable. I was enamoured with Chris and Sara from Part 1 - I adore the strength, love, trust and safety that oozes from their relationship. I'm definitely going to keep an eye of this series and add some Lisa Renee Jones books to my "to read" shelf!




New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland). 

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann. 

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. 

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily. 

Website - http://lisareneejones.com
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones
Twitter- http://twitter.com/lisareneejones
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/lisareneejones
Instagram- http://instagram.com/lisareneejones
GoodReads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73977.Lisa_Renee_Jones


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The Countess Conspiracy - By Courtney Milan *Review*

Brothers Sinister - Book 3 | Add to Goodreads
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Sebastian Malheur is the most dangerous sort of rake: an educated one. When he’s not scandalizing ladies in the bedchamber, he’s outraging proper society with his scientific theories. He’s desired, reviled, acclaimed, and despised—and he laughs through it all.
Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury, on the other hand, is entirely respectable, and she’d like to stay that way. But Violet has a secret that is beyond ruinous, one that ties her irrevocably to England’s most infamous scoundrel: Sebastian’s theories aren’t his. They’re hers.
So when Sebastian threatens to dissolve their years-long conspiracy, she’ll do anything to save their partnership...even if it means opening her vulnerable heart to the rake who could destroy it for good.
5 fabulous stars out of 5
Great historical romance. "The Countess Conspiracy" is not your typical wham bam thank you oppressed ma'am historical romance. Milan gives you headstrong, independent women who are giving "proper" society the middle finger. Violet is a wonderful leading lady who is an intelligent, dedicated scientist but in the set time period cannot claim her research without scandal. She pushes against the confines of societies expectations but believes herself unworthy of love. Sebastian is cast as the heartless rogue when in actual fact he is the sweetest, sappiest romantic. The pair make an unlikely duo and a very amusing story. I, personally, am glad not to have the typical simpering virginal bride or the raunchy deviant widow. I definitely recommend you add Courtney Milan to your list of authors if you love historical type romances!

Thank you to NetGalley and Courtney Milan for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.

Before she started writing books, Courtney experimented with numerous occupations. She has trained dogs, written legal briefs, sold newspaper subscriptions, and written computer programs. Having given up on actually being able to do any actual things, she's taken to heart the axiom that "those who can't, teach." When she isn't reading, writing, or sleeping, she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.

Courtney loves hearing from readers. You can visit her on the web and find out more about her and her newest releases at http://www.courtneymilan.com.