Saturday, 13 June 2015

REVIEW: Strike by Heather C Leigh


Dax Davies has one job to fulfill in the Davies household. Earn money at the family business. The problem is that the family business was illegal underground fighting.

From a young age, Dax and his brothers are groomed to become money earners in their father's club. Broken bones and bruises are commonplace. Their father pits the brothers against each other to 'toughen them up' for the ring, using his rules to bend his sons to his will. His future is in the cage, not on stage where he dreams of making music.

Kate Campbell loves one thing in life. Well, two. Soccer and Dax Davies. Growing up in the poorest part of London, soccer is her personal escape from reality and from the fact that Dax doesn't seem to know she exists. She figures if she can be good enough at soccer, maybe she can get away from Hackney, and leave the poverty behind.

Kate doesn't plan on ever getting to know Dax as more than a passing acquaintance. In fact, she isn't meant to go with her friend to Dax's father's business, but that one night changes everything. 
***This is book 2 in the Sphere of Irony Series. It can be read as a standalone. This is a spin-off of the Famous Series***

REVIEW

*Contemporary ARC received from author*

I know I will be in the minority with my thoughts and feelings about this book so please take everything here with a grain of salt.

First, I requested this as I really enjoyed Heather’s Ricochet series. Second, I went in this blindly, not even refreshing my memory with the synopsis; therefore, I didn’t know what to expect. Third, I didn’t realize the characters are quite young, even younger than most NA MC’s that I usually enjoy. And fourth, not only were the MCs young, the timeframe is something that I didn’t expect. I’m more used to the story line moving fast forward a bit to a number of years so the MCs then are at least in their mid-twenties or older at the crucial point of the story. Such is not the case here.

Dax and Kate’s history started from when they were in their teens and the story took us thru their ups and downs in a span of 3 or so years with small gaps in between. It took us from Dax’ fighting days to his musician days, and Kate being involved in soccer all that time and pretty much in love with Dax all that time.

The story line was decent. The MC’s were decent. Their story was laid out realistically, showing the (potential) pitfalls of long-distance relationships, of young relationships, and of fame-filled relationships. It’s who/what one can expect from an NA read. It was me who wasn’t able to connect with the MCs so I couldn’t fully buy into their angst. I really wish I can say I loved this one, but sadly no.


Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

BLOG TOUR: Strike by Heather C Leigh




Meet Dax & Kate in the newest standalone in the Sphere of Irony Series.

 NOW AVAILABLE



Blurb
Dax Davies has one job to fulfill in the Davies household. Earn money at the family business. The problem is that the family business was illegal underground fighting.

From a young age, Dax and his brothers are groomed to become money earners in their father's club. Broken bones and bruises are commonplace. Their father pits the brothers against each other to 'toughen them up' for the ring, using his rules to bend his sons to his will. His future is in the cage, not on stage where he dreams of making music.

Kate Campbell loves one thing in life. Well, two. Soccer and Dax Davies. Growing up in the poorest part of London, soccer is her personal escape from reality and from the fact that Dax doesn't seem to know she exists. She figures if she can be good enough at soccer, maybe she can get away from Hackney, and leave the poverty behind.

Kate doesn't plan on ever getting to know Dax as more than a passing acquaintance. In fact, she isn't meant to go with her friend to Dax's father's business, but that one night changes everything.
***This is book 2 in the Sphere of Irony Series. It can be read as a standalone. This is a spin-off of the Famous Series***


Excerpt. Dax and Kate's 1st kiss. Kate's POV.

Before I can blink, Dax’s huge, calloused hands are framing my face and his mouth brushes across mine. At first it’s just a whisper, a tease, the contact barely there. Then, I hear him inhale sharply and his lips press down forcefully, melding with mine, urging me to open up with quick flicks of his tongue. I melt against his solid body as he dominates the kiss, completely under his spell to do with as he wishes. It seems to go on and on—a small slice of paradise in this blighted spot of East London.
When he finally pulls back, greedily stealing a few more nips at my mouth, he closes his eyes and moans. “I knew you’d taste like heaven. You’re an angel, I just knew it.” His voice is so quiet I wonder if he meant to say it out loud.
Naturally, I stand there like an idiot, saying nothing… doing nothing. I’ve been kissed into complete stupidity.
Dax swipes the pad of his thumb over my damp lips. “See you at school tomorrow.” Without giving me a single hint of what he’s thinking, he turns and leaves. I touch my mouth, running a finger over the same spot Dax touched. My heart leaps into my throat, fluttering so fast I fear it may explode.
Great. I’m ruined. My first kiss and it was nothing less than brilliant. Dax Davies just ruined me for every other man from now until the day I die.



Excerpt. Dax notices Kate. Dax's POV

I follow Adam’s gaze to see Ellie hurrying towards us, towing a friend by the hand. Ellie immediately latches on to Adam, prattling on about something or other. Tuning out the happy couple, I take a moment to check out Ellie’s friend, Kate. I’ve seen her around, mostly with Ellie, but she’s in my maths class as well. In fact, now that I think about it, we’ve been in school together a long time.
The fact that I didn’t remember her until now makes me frown, which in turn, makes Kate’s eyes go wide with fear. The girl is fiddling with her hair, pulling it up into a ponytail. She’s clearly uncomfortable around me, so, being the heartless prick that I am, I decide to make it worse.
“You’re Kate.”
When impossibly green eyes shoot up to meet mine, big and innocent looking, all of the smartass comments I have at the ready fall away. Smooth, lightly freckled skin flushes pink and full lips part, making my c*ck sit up and take notice. It’s then I realize I’ve never really looked at Kate before.
How did I not see how gorgeous this girl is? She’s not obvious or flashy—no, she’s very… girl next door. Sporty and fit with tawny brown hair always pulled up on her head, showing off two very high cheekbones. I’m surprised how affected I am by her. My heart has begun thumping hard and my palms are sweaty. How angry would Adam be if I shagged Ellie’s best friend?
Probably very. Not that I care much what he thinks.
While I’m thinking of how she looks naked, she gathers herself together and answers my question. “Yes. I’m Kate.” Sh!t, even her voice affects me—soft and slightly scratchy in a sexy kind of way. Now my d!ck is throbbing, pressing uncomfortably against my zipper. I need to hear that voice again.
“I’m Dax. You’re in my maths class.”
Those emerald eyes get even wider and her jaw hangs open. “How do you know who I am?”
Huh?
“Why wouldn’t I know who you are? Haven’t we been in the same year for ages?” I furrow my brow, trying to decide if I’m thinking of a different girl. But no, it’s her, I’m sure of it.
“Y-y-yes. Since third year.”
I hold back a smile, keeping my cool exterior. At least I got that right. “Well then, apparently I’m not as stupid as some might say.”
Kate’s fingers untwist from her hair, settling on her hips. Lush, ruby lips turn down in the corners and her eyes narrow. She looks downright offended. “Who says you’re stupid? You’re in my advanced maths class, so I know that can’t be true.”
For once in my life I’m speechless. No one ever gives me the benefit of the doubt or defends my intelligence. Do I bother explaining to her that most people associate a big, muscled guy with an empty skull? Add in the underground fighting and they assume I’ve taken enough hits to the head to be rendered daft and dumb.
No one talks about it, but the teachers here know what I do—what my dad’s business is. I am the fourth Davies son at this school after all and they treat me accordingly. They don’t even bat an eye at the bruises anymore.
I tilt my chin to look down at her. Kate’s not at my eye level, but for a girl, she’s fairly tall—maybe five foot seven or eight? In those eyes, eyes as green as the stripes on the Davies family tartan, I see something I haven’t seen on a girl’s face in… well, ever. Admiration? Respect, maybe? Is it possible Kate respects me? That she sees past my intimidating exterior to the man beneath the brawn? That she sees more than just a conquest to brag to her friends about?
One of dad’s rules pops into my head.
Rule 2—Never let your emotions show.
I lock down the surprise on my face, keeping it to its usual icy façade.
What if she doesn’t like what she finds? I don’t know why I care, but suddenly, I don’t want Kate to know about the fighting, the girls, my family… those goddamn rules. For the first time in my life I’m not proud of my wins, of all the girls I’ve shagged or had suck me off at the club or behind the school. For once, I’m truly ashamed of what I am.
 



Incite (Book One) The Sphere of Irony Series
Now ONLY $0.99

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1GTREwg
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1ImHM3N







About the Author:
Heather C Leigh


After growing up in New England, I currently live just outside Atlanta, GA.
I love the Red Sox and hate the Yankees.
I love hot, sexy romance novels, but hate long, drawn out misunderstandings as a plot line.
I love book series, but hate cliffhangers.
I love alpha males, but hate when they borderline on abusive.
Mostly? I love love love chocolate.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


GIVEAWAY
Strike Swag Pack (Includes a signed paperback)
Open internationally!


THANK YOU!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Monday, 13 April 2015

BLOG TOUR: Ricochet: Extraction Point (Ricochet, Book 3) by Heather C Leigh


series review tour - Extraction point.jpg


extraction point live.jpg


Read the final conclusion to the Ricochet Series!  
Extraction Point is NOW AVAILABLE!
ONLY $0.99

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Gq6ePa

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CmpXt3

richochet extraction point.jpg



Blurb


Rick "Ricochet" Brennan served eight years as an elite Marine special ops Force Recon soldier. After an injury, and the terrible memories from that night, he retires and goes to work for his former Command Officer, Howard "Mack" McEvoy, at his training center in Atlanta.

Sanctum MMA appears on the surface to be a normal gym, training elite fighters to be the best. Except each trainer, hand-picked by Mack, possesses a special background that allows Mack to run one of the best-kept secrets in the country.

When twenty-three year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.


extraction point teasers.jpg


Excerpt

*Warning: graphic

“Hey,” he said calmly. “Why aren’t you resting?” Rick put his hands on her shoulders, gently massaging her arms.
Quinn’s eyes grew large and went to his gloved hands.

F*ck, she hates fighting. Now I know why she looks freaked out.

Rick yanked his hands away and took a step back. “I didn’t mean for you to see me fight, Quinn. I’m sorry.”

To his surprise, Quinn stepped forward, closing the distance Rick had put between them. He watched as she hesitantly lifted her arms, placing her hands on his sweat-slicked chest. Her eyes met his and his breath left in a sharp huff. The fear he had expected to see wasn’t there. No… Quinn’s eyes were dark and glistening with lust.

“I didn’t know that watching you fight would be so comforting. It makes me feel safe, and… turned on,” she murmured. Rick shivered as her hands ran down his torso, moving over each defined muscle until they were resting on either side of his waist.

“Turned on?” Rick swallowed, barely able to speak with Quinn touching him like that. She was only just about healed from the attack. He figured it would be months, if not longer before she’d be interested in pursuing anything physical.

"Yes, turned on.” Quinn’s fingers dug into Rick’s waist, her thumbs making small circles on the ‘v’ shaped ridges of his lower abs. Scorching waves of pleasure rippled down his spine, instantly making his c*ck come to life.

“Jesus,” he muttered softly. Using every last bit of willpower he had, Rick captured Quinn’s wrists, removing her hands from his body. “Not here, doll.” He glanced around, but none of the other fighters were looking their way. Still, he’d kill them if they saw the lust in Quinn’s eyes. That was for him, and him alone.

Quinn pouted, crossing her arms and glaring like a kid denied her favorite candy.

He couldn’t help himself. The sight of this tiny thing trying to look intimidating was funny. Rick laughed. “You’re too much, doll.” The corner of her mouth twitched up—it was just a hint of a smile, but it made Rick’s day. Quinn hadn’t smiled once since his team rescued her. Seeing some of her personality coming back flooded him with emotion.


extraction point teaser 2.jpg



Review

RATING:




*Complimentary copy received from author*

So this picked up where Friendly Fire ended, as it should. And it’s a fitting end to Quinn and Rick’s story…

After reading part of Heather’s acknowledgment at the end about the things she did differently about this whole story, it made me realize that those are the things that I did think myself wouldn’t have worked for me either as a reader but it totally did! The dual POVs done 3rd-person style to the breaking up the story in 3 parts to the cliffie endings… I actually enjoyed them all.

 I also enjoyed all the action ala Tom Clancy movies. And I really enjoyed the suspense parts, constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. At one point, I kept thinking for those boys to just nail the SOB. Seriously!

This time, I was cheering for Quinn the whole time, just wanting her to stay strong and survive. And Rick, oh poor Rick. I think his heart just took a real beating first dealing with all the new emotions and then being put thru the wringer worrying about Quinn the whole time. How can I not love the dude!

I do wish that some scenes were given an additional line or 2 to maintain the pacing. It almost felt like Heather ran out of space to really round out the emotion that a scene was trying to convey. Just my thought, that’s all…


Over all, I’m really happy that I got a chance to read this. For a first Heather read for me, I’m quite pleased with it all. Now, I wonder if those other MMA boys are getting their own story… hmmm…
Ricochet Series Reading Order


ricochet series..png


Ricochet:  Locked & Loaded


Ricochet:  Friendly Fire

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CCMup2



Ricochet: Extraction Point
Releases April 12th

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Gq6ePa

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CmpXt3



Author Information
heather c leigh bio.jpg

After growing up in New England, I currently live just outside Atlanta, GA.
I love the Red Sox and hate the Yankees.
I love hot, sexy romance novels, but hate long, drawn out misunderstandings as a plot line.
I love book series, but hate cliffhangers.
I love alpha males, but hate when they borderline on abusive.
Mostly? I love love love chocolate.


Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


GIVEAWAY
Signed Paperback of Relatively Famous & Incite (1 Winner)


THANK YOU!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Tuesday, 7 April 2015

RELEASE BLITZ: Ricochet: Friendly Fire (Ricochet, Book 2) by Heather C Leigh


friendly fire rd blitz.jpg


friendly fire live.jpg


See what happens next in the Ricochet Series!  
Friendly Fire is NOW AVAILABLE!
ONLY $0.99

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1BZ2MWM

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CCMup2

richochet friendly fire.jpg



Blurb

Rick "Ricochet" Brennan served eight years as an elite Marine special ops Force Recon soldier. After an injury, and the terrible memories from that night, he retires and goes to work for his former Command Officer, Howard "Mack" McEvoy, at his training center in Atlanta.

Sanctum MMA appears on the surface to be a normal gym, training elite fighters to be the best. Except each trainer, hand-picked by Mack, possesses a special background that allows Mack to run one of the best-kept secrets in the country.

When twenty-three year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.


friendly fire teaser 2.jpg


Excerpt
*Warning: graphic

 “Law breaker? Hardly,” she scoffed. “I just don’t want to go through the trouble to get a license and then have to change my…” The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Quinn looked up at Rick slack-mouthed, with discernible fear in her wide eyes.

“Change? Change what?”

She waved a shaky hand in the air dismissively. “Nothing. I don’t know what I was saying.”

Rick knew she was lying. He didn’t even need the extensive interrogation training he received in the Marines to see the blatant lie.

What in the hell is she hiding from me?

He was getting damn sick of the evasiveness and the games that Quinn played. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time or the place to get into an argument with her and he promised that he wouldn’t push her to discuss things. Rick silently seethed, clenching his hands under the table.

The rest of the meal was finished quickly. Neither of them touched on subjects other than safe, impersonal ones, sports, traffic, and the weather.

F*ck! I’m sitting here discussing the mother f*cking weather while the girl I love slips through my fingers.

Love? A bolt of fear shot through Rick’s heart, jump starting it until it was pumping erratically against his chest.

I love her?

Rick mulled it over as they drove back to Quinn’s apartment, turning it over in his mind a hundred different ways with no clear answer. He walked her up the stairs, waiting for her to unlock the door. As he stood there watching her, the sun glinting off of the golden highlights in her dark hair, it finally hit him, sucking the air from his lungs.

Without a doubt, I f*cking love her.

Quinn opened the door, turning to say good-bye. This time, Rick wasn’t going to let her push him away. There would be no more keeping him at arm’s length. He loved her, and he wasn’t going to give up. Pride be damned, he’d f*cking grovel on his knees if that’s what it took.

Rick inhaled a deep breath and moved into the apartment, forcing Quinn to step back so he could fit through the doorway.

“Rick, what—”

Done with the bullsh!t dance they’d been doing, he silenced Quinn by crushing his mouth over hers, spinning them until her back hit the partially open door, slamming it closed. Rick pressed his weight against her, pinning her soft body against the thick slab of wood as he dominated her, thrusting his denim-covered c*ck against her abdomen. He could sense the exact moment Quinn stopped fighting, giving herself over to the pleasure. Her tense muscles relaxed and her mouth joined in, yet she allowed Rick to control the kiss.

Lips and teeth mashed together brutally, Rick’s tongue plunging into the depths of her mouth. This wasn’t a gentle kiss meant to be romantic. No, it was a rough display of possessiveness, of pent up desire. It was all of Rick’s love and anguish coming out in one overwhelming display of need and power.

He slid his arms around Quinn’s waist, gripping her round backside and pressing his fingers deep into the soft flesh. He tugged her hips forward, grinding their groins together almost painfully. Quinn moaned into Rick’s mouth, her desperate sounds acting like gasoline on the fire roaring through his body.


friendly fire teaser 4.jpg


Review


RATING:


*Complimentary copy received from author*

Please NOTE: For mature readers; graphic language/scenes.

As I was reading this, I really feel this shouldn’t have worked but lo and behold, it did. There was a whole lot of talk about emotions and at times, the angst was bordering on heavy-handed but it totally worked. For the most part, it felt like it was all about exploring their respective feelings for each other. Quinn continuing to do her best to move forward and not mess whatever it is she had with Rick, if she was lucky. I did want to wring her neck at certain times but I get it. I understood why she was struggling the way she was. And Rick was doing his best to be more comfortable about his feelings for Quinn, it was just endearing to see.

There was very little action except near the end and if you count the scenes with Rick and his buddies doing their MMA and covert operative stuff. I did enjoy those parts. It satisfied the 12-yr old boy in me, with the mention of St. Pierre LOL And all that talk about secret ops reminds me of the action/suspense film I’ve enjoyed in the past.

If the last part of the 1st book felt off for me, the last part here completely worked for me, when the real action started happening. The intense pull between these 2 was magnetic. And I knew with what scene that sh!t was about to go down. And down it went, leaving the readers with 1 big cliffie of an ending.

Gah!!!

Ricochet Series Reading Order


ricochet series..png


Ricochet:  Locked & Loaded


Ricochet:  Friendly Fire

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CCMup2



Ricochet: Extraction Point
Releases April 12th

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Gq6ePa

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CmpXt3



Author Information
heather c leigh bio.jpg

After growing up in New England, I currently live just outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox and hate the Yankees.

I love hot, sexy romance novels, but hate long, drawn out misunderstandings as a plot line.

I love book series, but hate cliffhangers.

I love alpha males, but hate when they borderline on abusive.

Mostly? I love love love chocolate.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads



GIVEAWAY
$25 Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANK YOU!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie
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