REVIEW: Lust by Lola Darling

Amazon

Blurb

Darren Sundry needs salvation. He's fallen into the wilds of despair, beyond where anyone can save him. He finds redemption in the last place he would expect, on his knees.

Paul Kendrick needs control. His faith and his sexuality are warring inside of him. Living a secret life yet still seeking acceptance, he finds release with Darren.

When secrets and past sins are revealed, will their bond be torn apart? Or can two broken men pick up the pieces and save each other?

Review

RATING:

Needless to say, I FLOVE the series that spawned this story! By my recent re-read of that, and as I got more hooked on m/m rom, my thoughts meandered some more on Darren’s side… 

I guess the literary gods have heard my thoughts! 

For a really short read, I have lots of conflicting feelings about this:

1. This kind of taboo caught me off-guard as that wasn’t quite clear on the blurb. If it was, would I have been more interested? Not sure. I’ve been gearing myself up for this theme, so I can actually get to the number of what I was told are well written books I own already, call it a hang-up or whatever, but as it is, I wasn’t quite there yet. So let’s just say that Lola inadvertently forced me to dip my toes on this trope.

2. I’m not usually one for fanfics and when I read them as published works, they’re not of characters that are near and dear to my heart, so kudos to Lola for taking this on.

3. Stories of this length are always tricky. To be fair, I had to buy in some of the emotions really quickly.

4. I’m not sure how I feel about the timeline as it covered a painful part in the Submission series. As nice as it was to see a glimpse of Monica and Jonathan at a crucial part of their relationship, I’m ambivalent about how Darren saw it.

5. Lola gave me a Darren that I did not expect, so that was interesting. Did I like it? I think jury’s still out. This has got nothing to do with Lola’s writing but I just can’t help thinking if this is how CD saw him too, sorry.

6. Too bad about Adam…

7. As much as Paul had all the alpha qualities I like, some of his words threw me off. In my head, someone wants to have his cake and eat it too.

8. Yes, the smexy times are smokin’ hot!

9. While this is not quite a winner in my head, I actually enjoyed the writing, and thank god, for that, because this is a first Lola read for me even though I own some of her other books already. And I was actually looking forward to reading those.

10. The story continues, which I guess I should’ve expected… am I interested enough to find out what happens?

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

 

 

REVIEW: One by Jewel E Ann

Title: One Author: Jewel E Ann 

Genre: Romantic Comedy 

Release Date: July 28th, 2016

 

Synopsis:

Lake Jones is a cover girl for cutting-edge prosthetic legs, a binge-watcher of Netflix, known to spy on her neighbor through her door’s peephole, and fond of laser games with her hairless cat. She’s also a bit sexually-frustrated. Until … God bestows a breath of mercy upon her in the form of Minnesota’s NFL starting quarterback. But this gift is no stranger. Lake met Cage Monaghan three years earlier. It was one day. One moment. One kiss that resurrected her dreams of finding love. His dimpled smile distracts from his imperfections, which include: a love for country music, fishing, and a feline-hating girlfriend. When life finally gives them their chance, it’s a humorous and heart-wrenching journey to find their place in the world. "We would be Cage and Lake. We would be unpredictable. We would be reckless. We would give normality the middle finger.” ***This book is a standalone. However, it is HIGHLY recommended that any readers who have not, but may consider, reading the Jack & Jill Series, do so before reading this book. It contains spoilers to Jack & Jill.

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Purchase links:

AMAZON / iBOOKS

Review

RATING:

There is nothing, and I mean, nothing I don’t like about this book. You hear? Nothing!

What a total swoonfest!!!

I totally HEART everything about Cage!!!!

I’ve met Cage and Lake in the Jack & Jill series, back when they were young uns. Cage has my attention even then. Lake, well, she did too, but not always in a positive light. What can I say, the bratty sis role in some of the scenes got the best of me, but I got it, no biggie. 

And now, it’s their moment to shine, and shine they did!

Lake cracks me up with her thoughts and lingo. I love her lack of filter, her vulnerability, her humor, her compassion and her strength.

Cage, now him, I can keep going! #SWOON One of the best grand gesture and proposal as far as I’m concerned! #SWOON He’s so grounded despite his status. He’s a total sweetheart. He’s funny. He’s thoughtful. He’s adorable in a manly way. And he’s sexy as hell.

"Give me you. Give me every tear. Give me every breath. Give me every fear. Give me every touch. Give me every smile. Give me every day."... "... give me forever. Give me the one thing I cannot live without..."... give me you."

I love how their relationship blossomed in the most endearing way. I’ve practically highlighted every sweet moments they have. It’s the stuff of fairy tale in a grounded way, if that makes sense. It’s like every Nicholas Sparks’ movies (I haven’t read any of his books) done the Jewel way. I can’t even fully explain their story as a whole affected me. I felt the sincerity in every line. The lines grabbed me and just wrapped itself around me in an embrace. The emotions that flowed between Cage and Lake dug itself in my psyche and reminded me what good relationships are about- the highs, the lows, and the middle grounds that make it worth while and enriching.

“Don’t forget to love me.”

“Impossible.”

I love how all the characters enhance the story, and I mean all the characters. Not sure how Jewel does it but each character is layered even when they’re just on the periphery. I love how I saw familiar names. I love how the new ones I was introduced to intrigued me (hint-hint). 

Jewel is such a dynamic writer. From the first book of hers that I grabbed (Only Trick), it hit me that here’s an author who thinks outside the box. The nuances she imbues on her stories and characters guarantee you that each of her characters will bring something unique to the table and each of her stories will take you on a ride that you won’t quite expect. And I love her for that!

On a more personal note, I do have to thank Jewel as I read this during a short visit to the hospital and it was the perfect distraction that I needed. Mwah!

Now on to savor all these warm fuzzy feelings… and looking forward to reading the bonus epilogue:D

Author Bio

Jewel E. Ann

Adult Contemporary Romance Author

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree a a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course . . .heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Author Links

Email: author@jeweleann.com Website: http://www.jeweleann.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JewelE_Ann Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JewelEAnn Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jeweleannauthor/ Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WVClyu

 

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~Leftie

(*And I own a copy as well)

RELEASE BLITZ: One by Jewel E Anne

HEART Cage & Lake!!!!!!!!!

Title: One Author: Jewel E Ann Genre: Romantic Comedy Release Date: July 28th, 2016

 

Synopsis:

Lake Jones is a cover girl for cutting-edge prosthetic legs, a binge-watcher of Netflix, known to spy on her neighbor through her door’s peephole, and fond of laser games with her hairless cat. She’s also a bit sexually-frustrated. Until … God bestows a breath of mercy upon her in the form of Minnesota’s NFL starting quarterback. But this gift is no stranger. Lake met Cage Monaghan three years earlier. It was one day. One moment. One kiss that resurrected her dreams of finding love. His dimpled smile distracts from his imperfections, which include: a love for country music, fishing, and a feline-hating girlfriend. When life finally gives them their chance, it’s a humorous and heart-wrenching journey to find their place in the world. "We would be Cage and Lake. We would be unpredictable. We would be reckless. We would give normality the middle finger.” ***This book is a standalone. However, it is HIGHLY recommended that any readers who have not, but may consider, reading the Jack & Jill Series, do so before reading this book. It contains spoilers to Jack & Jill.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase links:

AMAZON / iBOOKS

 

Author Bio

Jewel E. Ann

Adult Contemporary Romance Author

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree a a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course . . .heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Author Links

Email: author@jeweleann.com Website: http://www.jeweleann.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JewelE_Ann Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JewelEAnn Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jeweleannauthor/ Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WVClyu

 

Keep up with Jewel & Sign up for her Newsletter:

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Review soon!!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

EXCERPT REVEAL: The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

Series: Slip of the Tongue #2 

Release Date: August 4^th, 2016 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis:

Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again. Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract. The First Taste, a standalone spin-off of the Slip of the Tongue.  

Excerpt:

  “What’re your plans tonight?” She scoffs. “It’s Friday night. What aren’t my plans? I have drinks with friends in an hour, then a late dinner, and who knows after that.” “Cancel them.” She gapes at me. “Cancel my plans? Why would I?” “Come out with me. Sadie says there’s a place around here with great pizza.” She laughs, tilting her head and exposing the smooth column of her throat. “First, I don’t eat carbs, so there’s no way you’re getting me to do anything with the promise of pizza. Second, I just told you—I don’t date.” “And neither do I.” “Then why are you asking me out?” she asks. “Because despite what you may think, I am a gentleman, and it’s only good manners to buy you dinner first.” “First?” she asks, wrinkling her nose. “What’s second?” We stare at each other. I let her figure it out on her own. It’s rare to meet a woman like me, someone who truly has no interest in finding a partner. I’ve heard that claim from enough girls to know when they’re bullsh!tting me, and unless Amelia is a Grade-A con artist, she definitely isn’t looking to get serious. When she understands, the wrinkles on her forehead ease, and she parts her lips. I answer with a knowing smile. Suggesting sex within half an hour of meeting someone might normally get me slapped, but I get the feeling Amelia appreciates a more direct approach. “I don’t date,” I say, “but I’m still a man with eyes.” She makes no secret of looking me up and down. “You’re not my type either,” she warns. “I like men who carry a briefcase and see a barber regularly.” I run my hand through my black hair, which I know is too long. “How’s that working out for you?” She narrows her eyes. “Fine. Perfect.” “I have some tattoos too,” I say. “And ride a motorcycle. Since that’s normally how I get most girls, I suppose those are turn-offs for you.” “They are,” she says immediately, straightening her shoulders. “I’ve never understood the appeal of a bad boy.” “Then tonight, we’re a match made in heaven, aren’t we? It shouldn’t be hard for either of us to say goodbye afterward.” She bats her eyelashes a few times, not because she’s flirting but because she’s thinking. Considering. Which means it’s basically a done deal. I’ve never gotten this far with a girl only to have her walk away. “Why even bother with dinner?” she asks. I take a moment to study her, her shoulder-length, perfectly coifed blonde hair. Her defined red lips that look like a heart when pursed, which is often. Yeah, based on the fact that I’m noticing details—something I try not to do anymore—I know I’m feeling her tonight. Most guys would jump at the opportunity to skip the small talk, but that doesn’t really appeal to me. I like women, always have. Just because Shana f*cked me in the head doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to spend time around them—just so long’s it’s surface stuff. I don’t want to scare her off by suggesting I might want to have a conversation with her, so I just shrug. “Because I’m starving.” “I’m not hungry.” “Indulge me then. I need my energy.” “For what?” she asks. I arch an eyebrow at her. I’ll definitely need my energy for a night with her. She reads my expression and her cheeks redden. “Oh.”  

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About the Author

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. To her, the most intriguing fiction is forbidden, and that’s what you’ll find in her stories. Currently, she resides wherever her head lands, which is often the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Website

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Perfect Rage (Unyielding, Book 3) by Nashoda Rose

 

Book Title: Perfect Rage (Unyielding, #3) 

Author: Nashoda Rose 

Genre: Romance 

Release Date: July 26th 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

This is Connor's story.

Unstable.Unpredictable.
Consumed by perfect rage.
I was fighting who I’d become and what I’d done.

There was nothing I cared about except her.
She was mine.
But I’d forgotten her—my shutterbug.
And I lost her.

Until now.

I’d do anything to possess her again.
Anything to keep her safe.
Protect her against my biggest opponent.

The monster.

Me.

Full-length novel: 93,000 words
Must be read in order:
Perfect Chaos (Unyielding, #1)
Perfect Ruin (Unyielding, #2)
Perfect Rage (Unyielding, #3)

RATING:

If you're a fan of this series like me, Connor would've caught your eyes the moment the events surrounding him opened up. How could he not! Although his story was just always lurking in the background, I couldn't help but just feel for him, seeing glimpses of what he's gone thru. And here, I totally fell for him. Because I've already seen the brutality that's been imposed on him, it just broke my heart to see the destructive direction that his life took. Seeing things from the start, to see the old him, thru his and Alina's eyes, and not just of his other loved ones, how normal he was before all those things happened to him and to Alina, it was touching... sigh... 

This is them facing the aftermath of all those horrific events. This is them finding their way back to each other. This is them forging their paths once again for a shot at a future together.

For me, this has a more emotional feel. And I thought that was more than ok. The first 2 books had some kickass actions because they were right smack in the middle of taking down certain people. Now that all those things are out of the way, it's about things settling down for everybody. Well, everybody but Connor and Alina. So this is their turn, rightfully so. And even without any a$$-kicking, it's all good. I still got more than a glimpse of these alpha dudes I heart much, Deck and Kai... sigh... and now there's Connor too! Le sigh... (and that cover!!!)
Who's next, Nashoda??? Deaglan?? Tyler??? Oooh, ooh, Vic!!!

Click through to read an excerpt from Perfect Rage by Nashoda Rose

   

Nashoda Rose is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave.

When she isn't writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dogs at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers and chatting about her addiction—books.

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie