Review: Crown of Lies (Crown of Lies Duet #1) by Pepper Winters

*****5 STARS*****

I always find myself in utter awe of this author - she never fails to deliver. Just when I think I've read her best book yet, she releases another which blows me away. 

I honestly couldn't pick a favourite and this evocative, story is no different.There's so much emotion interwoven into this story - loneliness, guilt, passion and denial but above all truth and lies.

Elle has had her life mapped out for her and although she not ungrateful, she also feels trapped. 

When she dares to venture outside her routine, her life is altered irrevocably.The male lead in this book draws you in and keeps you hooked and just when you think you've got him figured out, the story twists and turns. He's possessive, protective and an utterly magnetic.

This story ends on a precipice and I'm itching to get my hands on book two. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Another unadulterated triumph from Pepper Winters.

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

“I met the boy I wanted. But then he vanished and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”

Noelle Charlston lived a fairy-tale life: a doting father, a powerful job, and a future blessed with financial security.

However, two meetings with two men changed her happy existence forever. First, she met the boy who made her heart sing. Second, she met the man who made her blood quiver.

Noelle’s freedom was no longer hers. It belonged to the man her father believed was the perfect match. The man who pulled his lies over everyone he touched.

Including her.

Seduced and manipulated, Noelle lives two lives. The one everyone sees on the outside and the one no one sees on the inside. The lies he spins, the truth he hides, the mystery he webs—it’s all enough to slowly erode the woman she’d been and turn her into something else.

Until her past collides with her present.

And it’s her turn to lie.

To everyone…including herself.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2kc3xuR

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jy9e4i

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Review: Call Me Daddy by Jade West

****4.5 STARS****

Books that involve a D/l storyline are always a bit of an acquired taste. Not everyone enjoys reading about Daddy kink. I'll be the first to admit it is not one of my favorite kinks, but when done well, it makes for an interesting and steamy read. In Call Me Daddy, Jade West tries her hand at this more unconventional kink (which has definitely gained more popularity in indie erotica in the last year) and she does an excellent job. I think even people unfamiliar or hesitant about this particular kink may enjoy coming along for the ride with NIck and Laine.

Laine is eighteen and has never had a father figure in her life. On a terrible rainy night, she runs to Nick for help and he not only rescues her, but turns her life into something unexpected. She never even realized what exactly was missing until he helped her see her need for a 'Daddy.' Soon, she is learning things she never imagined and finding a peace she could have only previously dreamed of obtaining.

For Nick's part, Laine turns out to be everything he needs to put the pieces of his broken life back together. He is on the other side of a tragedy and struggling to find his way past it. When he sees this sweet young woman, he is instantly drawn to her and soon his role of white knight evolves into a Daddy figure that fills him with both satisfaction and a sense of doubt.

West does an excellent job of showing us both Nick and Laine's points of view. I enjoyed how we are slowly engulfed in this world of D/l just as the characters are. We experience their doubt and hesitancy and ultimately their acceptance of a desire and relationship that not only works well for them, but completes them in ways neither probably envisioned previously. She isn't afraid to in moments that stretch the kink and make it feel taboo, all while making it steamy and mostly comfortable enough for someone not necessarily familiar with this kink. Jade West always pens a book that pushes the erotic envelope and ups the steam and this book is not exception.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

I want him to be my first.

I want him to be the one.

I want him to be my everything.

I didn’t expect to spend my eighteenth birthday stranded in the pouring rain with no way to make it home. 

I didn’t expect to be rescued from the worst night of my life by the most amazing man I’d ever seen.

His name is Nick, and he says he wants to take care of me, says he’ll look after me, says I don’t need to be alone anymore.

He treats me like a princess, like the fragile little girl he saved from the cold. 

But I like him… I like him like that. 

I’ve never liked anyone like that before…

And it’s weird, this thing we have… 

It’s like I can’t decide how we’re supposed to be… what we are… 

Until he says the words…

Call me Daddy.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ixwGy2

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jPAxYy

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Review: Grace (Disgrace Trilogy #3) by Dee Palmer

*****5 Stars*****

Dee Palmer has done it again! She's taken me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I'm yet to catch my breath.

Book #2 in the Disgrace trilogy ended on some earth shattering news and book #3 picks up right where we left off. This means that right from the start, my heart was beating a frantic beat in my throat.

This trilogy really must be read in order but it's worth starting at the beginning (if you haven't already read the first two books) as you'll be swept up in the story and fall for Jason in a heartbeat.

Having overcome so much, can Sam and Jason withstand much more? 

There is so much that happens in this final book of the trilogy. I've laughed, I've gasped, I've growled and I've even welled up.

This series, not merely this book but the whole series, is beautifully written, allowing the reader to be immersed in the story. It'll take you on a journey of emotions that you're bound to love as much as I did.

I highly recommend both this book, as well as the trilogy. 5 heart-pounding stars!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

Surprise is the understatement of the year and it hits Sam and Jason like a freight train.

Rocked and shocked, Sam needs to determine if this is a really good surprise, because as much as she loves Jason, any future they may have together could be doomed if he’s not 100 percent all-in. She can’t afford to settle for anything less since there’s so much at stake now.

Jason Sinclair will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves and keep her safe and shielded when ghosts of her brutal past rear their ugly head.

Truth is the biggest challenge these two face when confronted with the future, a truth in which Jason made his position crystal clear on. Will he test this hard limit to the point of destroying what is between them? Or will he save them both?

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2k3aukr

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jerhfN

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Review: Dark Hearts (Light in the Dark #3) by Micalea Smeltzer

*****5 Stars*****

I've been not so patiently waiting for this book ever since Micalea announced that she was going to give Nova and Jace a book of their own. These two characters have had me curious to know more about them since they got introduced in Rae of Sunshine which you don't have to read before this one, but I highly recommend!! This book was everything and more!! It was emotional and angsty and passionate and humorous and you couldn't help but to fall in love with these two amazing characters and the story that they tell. The ways in which Nova and Jace grew and changed one another just amazes me and has me falling in love with them even more. And let's talk about that gorgeous cover!! The cover models match Jace & Nova perfectly.

Jace and Nova are both running from and trying to hide from their pasts. They are proof that like and like attract just as much if not more than opposites. No one really knows Nova, not even her closest friends, but Jace sees the real her and the demons she is struggling with on a daily basis, but he's not afraid because he is just like Nova. However, you can never completely run and hide from your past because it always comes back to find you and change everything.

Jace and Nova are my favorite characters that the author has ever written. They have chemistry and such a strong attraction to one another, not just as lovers but they are best friends as well. I loved the connection between these two and how their friendship grew into something much much more. Jace is cocky, broody, and uber mysterious and you can't help but to fall in love with him and want to peel back all the different layers to him. Nova is sassy, smart, and spirited and the perfect fit for someone like Jace. They have both built up walls around their hearts and vowed to never fall in love but you can't choose who you fall in love with and when love knocks on their dark it is impossible to turn it away.

This is a story about love in it's purest form; A story of struggles, loneliness, friendship, love, and ultimately, healing. Dark Hearts will have you captivated and turning the pages till you are all finished and left wanting more which lucky for us Jace & Nova will be getting a second book!!! I can't wait for more from the author!

Reviewed by Ashley Ziegler

I’ve learned that not everything is what it seems. If you start to look too close, you uncover things people don’t want you to see. It’s why I hide. It’s why no one knows the real me. But he sees me. He sees the darkness in my heart but he’s not afraid, because he’s like me. They say opposites attract, but we’re proof that like-and-like are a far more potent combination.

Novalee Clarke is hiding from a past she wants to leave behind, and Jacen Kensington is running from his. 

The thing about hiding and running is eventually the thing you’re trying to escape catches up to you.

And when it does?

It changes everything.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2it1xAW

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jW7q9Q

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Review: The Room Mate (Roommates #1) by Kendall Ryan

****4 Stars****

Paige takes in her best friend's younger brother when he needs a temporary place to stay when a psycho ex does a number on his apartment. Cannon is training to be a doctor and has a bright future ahead. He's determined not to let women get in the way of his career plans but a spanner is thrown in the works when he moves in with Paige, the girl of his teenage fantasies, his big sister's best friend.

I enjoyed this book, I liked the premise of the story, I love the friends to lovers and childhood crush story lines. This is a quick read and a sweet story with just enough angst thrown in to keep you hooked. I didn't love this book but I did really like it, the only thing that held it back for me was the dialogue between the two main characters. Occasionally the dialogue during the sexy times was a little odd, it went a little too far for me. Some of the things Cannon came out with didn't work for me, it made the scene seem a little uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong he was super sweet and hella sexy most of the time, just the odd thing that came out of his mouth made me think "Wait, did he just say that?". This was the only thing that held me back from giving this book a 5 star rating. Other than that, and it's definitely a personal opinion and probably not one shared by the majority, this book is a great read and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read that although short doesn't scrimp on the quality of the story.

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

The last time I saw my best friend’s younger brother, he was a geek wearing braces. But when Cannon shows up to crash in my spare room, I get a swift reality check. 

Now twenty-four, he’s broad shouldered and masculine, and so sinfully sexy, I want to climb him like the jungle gyms we used to enjoy. At six-foot-something with lean muscles hiding under his T-shirt, a deep sexy voice, and full lips that pull into a smirk when he studies me, he’s pure temptation. 

Fresh out of a messy breakup, he doesn’t want any entanglements. But I can resist, right? 

I’m holding strong until the third night of our new arrangement when we get drunk and he confesses his biggest secret of all: he’s cursed when it comes to sex. Apparently he’s a god in bed, and women instantly fall in love with him. 

I’m calling bullshit. In fact, I’m going to prove him wrong, and if I rack up a few much-needed orgasms in the process, all the better. 

There’s no way I’m going to fall in love with Cannon. But once we start…I realize betting against him may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

THE ROOM MATE is a full-length standalone romance.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2jPw486

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2iCAfqe

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Review: Accidentally on Purpose (Heartbreaker Bay #3) by Jill Shalvis

*****4.5 Stars*****

Accidentally on Purpose is the third book in Shalvis' Heartbreaker Bay series and is Elle and Archer's story. What was especially fun about this story was their attraction for each other was obvious to everyone, but them. Elle and Archer were so inside their own heads, they couldn't see what was right in front of them. This leads to lots of stubbornness and bickering which was all kinds of entertaining.

Often, the couples in a Shalvis book have an undercurrent of fluffiness, here their was definitely a more combative element to their relationship which made for a nice change of pace. Shalvis is a master storyteller, so she is able to give us these two thick-headed, complicated and inherently sweet characters who somehow manage to not frustrate the reader in the least. There was also the trademark heat and fun dialogue one comes to expect from her books. This was another enjoyable read fans of Shalvis will enjoy greatly.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil

There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2k9CNLg

Amazon USA - http://amzn.to/2j6iegO

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Review: Preppy: The Life and Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Two (King #6) by T.M. Frazier

*****5 Stars*****

This is part two of Preppy's story and it continues from where we left off in book one following Preppy's recovery. I don't want to rehash much if any of the storyline for fear it would spoil it for those who are waiting on all three parts to release before diving in to the deep inner thoughts of Preppys mind.

Dre is our heroine of the story and her background is also a sad tale to be told, most of which we heard in book one but continues in book two. Dre can certainly hold her own especially when it comes to bantering with Preppy, some of it will make you chuckle and some of it will make you sad. Preppy brought tears to my eyes in this book on more more than one occasion. I wanted to wrap him in the tightest bear hug ever and never let go. One thing is for sure though, his time in captivity has broken him into a tiny million little pieces and who knows how it's all going to come together. However we do get some snippets of the witty Preppy we all know and love and you will laugh out loud at the things he says.

One thing TM Frazier is good at is the unexpected twists that you continually get in this series. Sometimes I read books and think how does an author think these things up, where does it come from, but then I think maybe it's all natural ability where you have either got it or you haven't. Maybe they just had an evil mind and were Satan in a past life lol. Whichever way I am in awe of the writing abilities this author has got and I just can't get enough of this series. All in all you will cry, laugh then cry some more with this installment but you may want to wait until all 3 parts are out if you don't like cliffhangers.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb

Preppy finds himself back in a world he once loved, but no longer recognizes. His dim smile can’t hide his inner turmoil and the people he views as family all suddenly feel like polite strangers. 

Except for one person. A girl with dark eyes and even darker hair. 

A girl who isn’t even an option. 

At least, not anymore. 

Dre can’t decide who she’s going to listen to. Her heart, her head, or her body. Because two out of those three things have her heading right back to Logan’s Beach. Closure is what she tells herself she’s seeking, but when she unlocks doors that were never meant to be opened she soon discovers that when it comes to Samuel Clearwater, closure might NEVER be an option. 

This is book six in the King Series and the second part of Preppy and Dre's story.

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2jdvxhe 

Amazon USA - http://amzn.to/2jxMLFH

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Review: Blood Money by Tee O'Fallon

*****5 Stars*****

I am love, love, loving this series. Who wouldn't want a police force full of hot men like Gray?

Gray Yates is a sexy brooding cop with major trust issues due to an incident in Afghanistan years earlier when the woman he loved betrayed him. When investigating the Pyramid case he realises the one woman he has chemistry with for the first time in years is involved. However he doesn't believe Alex is as innocent as she says she is so how is he meant to protect a woman who won't open up and tell him the truth?

This was yet another brilliant read from Tee O'Fallon, I simply just couldn't put this book down. Alex was easy to love with her intelligence and sass but she had a soft side to her too in the love she had for her son and making sure she protected him with everything she had in her. Gray is that protective alpha cop and the battles he had with his inner self led him to quickly realise he couldn't go on without trusting. I like it when characters quickly realise their flaws and make amends like Alex and Gray as it gets boring when it drags to long. This is an action packed book that will leave you wanting more. I am hoping we get a book about Don, Grays partner in the force.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb

NYPD Detective Gray Yates has major trust issues. Protecting a serenely beautiful woman hiding enough secrets to take down an entire city wasn’t something he bargained for. She’s a loving single mother, hot as hell, and protecting her will test every ounce of his resolve. 

Alex Romano is being blackmailed by the Pyramid—an elusive international organization of assassins every cop in the world is after. When Alex tries severing ties with them they refuse to let her go. The darkly dangerous detective she’s irresistibly drawn to is her only hope of staying out of jail. He just might be her savior…or her downfall. 

Despite efforts to maintain his professionalism, Gray can’t deny the fiery passion Alex ignites in him. In an explosive confrontation, Alex’s lies are revealed and Gray is faced with the most important decision of his life: trust the woman he’s falling in love with, or arrest her.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2k9MLMG

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jKk8Wq

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Review: Friction by Emily Snow

*****4.5 Stars*****

Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!

I haven't read an Emily Snow book since the Devoured series and ok this book was a little slow to get going, if I'm being brutally honest and Jace Exley incessantly referring to Lucy Williams as, Love did become a bit too much at one point, but I cannot in good conscience give this book a lesser rating, because it became a book that I simply couldn't put down.

Lucy Williams, divorced & jobless finds herself in a position where her present collides with her past. At first glance she came across as Miss Prim and Proper and found herself way out of her comfort zone. She was incredibly likeable though and I found I was able to feel her emotions throughout this book.

Jace Exley is your quintessential bad boy. He's no stranger to sexual encounters and has a few things to hand that made him one hell of a sexy male lead. I reitterate that he overly referred to Lucy as 'Love' and being from the North of England, where that is often used as a term of endearment, we really don't say it as often as Jace did. But he more than made up for that in alpha-sexiness.

I would have loved a female antagonist, I think this would have propelled the story to a much greater level, but a damn good read nonetheless.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Former overachiever Lucy WillIams sucks at adulting. 

Recent divorce, check. 

Pending lawsuit, check. 

A move back to Boston to live with her mother, triple check. 

It can't get much worse, right? 

When she starts her new marketing job at EXtreme Effects, she's positive shit’s stopped hitting the fan. Sure, what she's advertising is a little ... unorthodox, but it pays the bills. And since she's seconds away from becoming Lucy Williams: Wednesday Night Bingo Enthusiast, she needs money to get the hell out of her mother’s house. 

The only problem is her boss, Mr. Extreme himself: Jace Exley. He’s everything any sane woman dreams of—alpha, successful, ridiculously gorgeous. He's also Lucy’s worst nightmare. Because like every overachiever, she has that underachiever she brushed off. The slacker who, once upon a time ago, was the object of her dirtiest schoolgirl fantasies. 

Jace Exley—with his sarcastic smirk and delicious accent—just happens to be that guy. 

And the friction between them? 

Well, that's the only adulting Lucy seems to be winning at.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2jGb9I6

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2jvKhYX

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Review: Candy Ever After (Hot Candy #2) by Jo Raven

****4 Stars****

Having very much enjoyed Candy Boys, I was quite excited when I discovered Jo Raven would be releasing an epilogue of sorts entitled, Candy Ever After. Having loved all three characters and their steamy menage relationship, I was very excited for them to get some additional page time.

Candy Ever After begins with Candy now living with Joel and Jet. All should be perfect and in theory it is, except the day to day life of a relationship tends to have some complications. Meshing two people and their personal baggage is hard enough, add in a third and there is bound to be some drama. Luckily for the readers, there is nowhere near as much drama in this story as their was in the original. In fact, much of the drama is the aftermath of previous drama or some minor residual drama remaining from last time.

One of the biggest source of unrest, not surprisingly, is what Jet faces. It isn't easy dealing with the aftermath of your father trying to kill you. He is having trouble sleeping and can't help still worrying Joel will Candy and him. Joel has his own issues, as he needs to be honest with his parents and lay the details of his unconventional relationship out for them. That scene was one of the most emotional in the book for me and I still want to run up to him and hug him and make it all better. Candy is also plagued with doubts. She knows that Joel and Jet love her, but she can't help worrying her perfect fantasy turned reality will vanish before her eyes.

My main complaint with Candy Ever After is that I went in expecting it to be an epilogue and as such, wanted a happy ending with all loose ends tied up. We didn't really get that and it is left quite open ended. I'm not sure if we'll see more of our beloved trio, but going off the title of this story, I'm not really expecting it. One of my favorite aspects was the interactions between Candy and her parents. You will literally laugh out loud (especially at her mom's antics). I enjoyed revisiting Joel, Jet and Candy, but can't help wishing their ever after was tied up a bit more neatly.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil

“Candy, why is your bed so big?”

“… to fit my two boyfriends when we snuggle together at night.”

Only that’s my father asking, staring at the bed in question.

Oops.

So yeah. Unruly Jethro and cocky Joel are now officially my boyfriends. My Candy Boys. I moved in with them, and I expected things to be tense, awkward. I was wrong. This feels so right, and well, hot. These boys are so hot.

But with college starting, Jethro returning to work at the bookshop, and Joel starting his own business, everything’s shifting. Not to forget the fact that Joel still hasn’t confronted his parents about our relationship, that Jethro is still recovering from his dad’s brutal attack, and that I feel insecure, well…

Wait a sec. Insecure? Come on, Candy. That’s BS. These boys love you. 

Yeah, I know. The boys and me, we’re solid. However, doubt still lingers. I mean, Joel’s parents hate each other. Jethro’s dad killed his mom, for chrissakes—and my mom has acquired a sudden interest in sex toys and escort services. 

So I wonder if true love really exists. Love that doesn’t fade over time. You know, the kind that withstands nightmares and bad jokes, unwashed dishes in the sink and lack of lube.

Yeah, that happened.

These boys own me. They’re sweet, sexy and caring—but will they break my heart, or is this our happily ever after?

Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/2j9KvDU 
Amazon USA - http://amzn.to/2iC8akd

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