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

SALES BLITZ: Overwhelmed By You (Tear Asunder, Book 2) by Nashoda Rose

Book Title: Overwhelmed by You 

Author: Nashoda Rose 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Love is ugly and secrets will destroy you.


KAT

I don’t beg.
I don’t cry.
And I don’t give second chances.

Ream, the lead guitarist of the rock band Tear Asunder, deserves a gold medal for best dick move ever when he ran the moment he discovered my secret after two days of hot sex. Then he brings some chick to my coming home party from the hospital—after being shot.

I hate him.

Until …

Ream’s six foot two frame unfolds out of the car after being gone on tour for eight months. I stared. And in my defense, any girl would stare. It would almost be rude not to because Ream was the type of guy who stood out. Not because he was loud and obnoxious. No, it was because he was the complete opposite. Subtle and dangerously quiet. If he spoke, you’d better hope he liked you because otherwise you’d be falling at his feet begging for mercy. Except me … I don’t beg—ever.

But when our eyes locked, it was Ream’s steady confidence that had my nerves shooting off like jet sprinklers.

Then…

Ream told me he didn't need a second chance because he was still working on his first.

REAM

Sex is ugly. It’s using someone for your own narcissistic pleasure. I did it, but hated it—until her. She was unexpected. Then I had to wreck our beginning with my screwed up past. I don’t deserve her, but I’m selfish and I’m taking her anyway. This is who I am and it’s too late to change me.

******Warning contains violence, sexual content, and coarse language. Some scenes may be triggers. Mature audiences 18+

 

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.

REVIEW: Rules of Seduction by Joya Ryan

Amazon || Kobo || B&N || iBook

He'll be the dream and the dirty fantasy...
Through with both her controlling ex and relationships, Ava Webber is determined to explore the spicy and sometimes forbidden appetites of the exclusive BDSM nightclub, Serve. Here, she'll get exactly what she needs...as long as it's from a man she doesn't know.
Nolan Hart ensures that Serve's clients get what they want, how they want it. But with one look at the curvy brunette, Nolan knows he’s the man to fulfill her desires. As the anonymous lover, he's Ava’s dirtiest fantasy. Outside of Serve, he's her charming, smartass friend.

But Nolan wants more. More than Ava is willing to give. And as long as the blindfold stays on, she'll never discover that the two men she's falling for are one and the same...

REVIEW

RATING:

*Complimentary ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*

So Nolan, who’s made an appearance in previous books, finally gets his story. He met Ava who was recovering from a past and trying to move forward, and felt that being at Serve is a step in the right direction. She has a very specific request and Nolan took it upon himself to fulfill that and along the way, a friendship with potential started developing outside of Serve.

It was a really quick read. There’s an ease to their interaction both in and out of Serve. While I wasn’t fully on board at all times with their connection or their individual struggles, the funny times b/w them made up for it. And there’s the sizzle of course. That, I can’t deny, for sure.


Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

COVER REVEAL: Wasted Lust by JA Huss

Wasted Lust (A 321 Spin-off)

By JA Huss

Romantic Suspense

To be published: June 24, 2015

BLURB

A GIRL WITH REGRETS…

Sasha Cherlin died the night she let Nick Tate walk out on her for a life of crime. Her very essence was destroyed when they broke their promise to one another.

A MAN WITH REMORSE…

Nick Tate made his choice with her future in mind. He loved Sasha enough to know that leaving her behind was the only way to keep her safe.

A PATH TO REVENGE…

Special Agent Jax Barlow understands the bond of love and he plans to use it to get justice. Nick and Sasha will do anything to rewrite their past. He’s counting on that to bring them down.

Wasted Lust is a 321 spin-off, full-length, romantic suspense filled with lies, secrets, and the power of redemption by the New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss.

NOTE from AUTHOR:
This is a story about Sasha Cherlin who appears in Slack, Come, Come Back, Coming For You, 321 (unnamed at the very end), and Meet Me In The Dark. It CAN be read as a standalone, but readers should be aware that this book is meant to be “The End” for Sasha and her life in the Company. Wasted Lust occurs ten years after Coming For You, two years after Meet Me In The Dark and AT THE SAME TIME as 321, so it is a parallel book, and although there are no real spoilers for 321 (I was very careful to avoid them) the plots converge in the middle of Wasted Lust. I would consider this to be a traditional romantic suspense and it is not dark.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).

If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Author Links:

http://jahuss.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss

https://twitter.com/JAHuss

www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446815.J_A_Huss

THANK YOU!

I am beyond stoked to participate in this! Cannot, cannot wait for the release!!!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Strike by Heather C Leigh

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

 NOW AVAILABLE

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1HaMTE2

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Gp8DfF

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1APfX1J

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ALgfkw

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

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1GTREwg

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ImHvOr

iTunes: http://apple.co/1FU51QN

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANK YOU!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

EXCERPT REVEAL: King by TM Frazier

Excerpt

WARNING: Graphic language

“I hate the way you made me feel. Well, most of the time.” I spat. I was tired of dancing around the truth. “I hate the confusion you bring into my already confused life. I need this back and forth sh!t to end.” I took a deep breath. “I can’t take it anymore. You like me. You hate me. You like me. You want to kill me. You want to f*ck me. You want me to stay. You want me to live.  My head is f*cking spinning over here.” My buzz faded faster than the setting sun. "You should leave. I don't want you here," I added.

"I know. I don't care." King said.

"Oh, I’m fully aware that you don’t care. That I know.”

"You don't know sh!t, Pup." King barked.

"Oh yeah? So you didn't just spend the entire night at the carnival all over me, saying sweet sh!t to me, making me feel like this stupid thing between us is something more than just a stupid thing, only to whip out your dick with someone else the very first chance you got? Go back to the f*cking house, King. Go back to that girl. I hope she's everything you wanted.”

"I can't," King said evenly.

"Why not? Seemed easy for you before."

"Because, Pup, I can’t because I don't want to. No matter how hard I try to fight this, I'm drawn to you. You think I like this back and forth sh!t? You think you’re the only one who’s f*cking confused here?" He shook his head like he couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his mouth. "I'm drawn to you," he repeated turning my chin up to him.

“What do you expect? Am I supposed to fall at your feet and thank you for being ‘drawn to me’?” Not only was he confusing, he was f*cking infuriating. "Drawn to me? You're drawn to me! Well, let me just take off my f*cking panties then, and let's do this sh!t. Yeah, you were really drawn to me. Tell me something, KING. Do most first dates end with the guy getting sucked off by another girl? I mean, I've never been on one, so you tell me. I could be wrong here. Because if the answer is yes, then this date has gone f*cking swimmingly!"

"I'm...F*CK! “You think you know everything but you don’t. All you do is run those pretty lips of yours and expect me to be able to just give into you!” King threw his hands up in the air. “You make me f*cking crazy, you know that!" he shouted.

"I make YOU crazy? How the f*ck do you think I feel? Most of the time I don't know if you want to kill me or f*ck me!" I screamed, every single word he spoke ignited my anger until it wasn’t something I could even begin to hold back.

King had the audacity to actually smile. He leaned forward and whispered seductively against my cheek, "Can't I want both, Pup?"

I pulled back and stood up.

"NO! You can't! And stop calling me, Pup. It's a stupid f*cking name. I'm not your f*cking pet!"

I paced the dock. My rage was at a boiling point I couldn't turn off. This was his fault. He’d made me into this lunatic.

King stood and grabbed my face with both hands, forcing me to look at him. "Yes you are," he said, as he lowered his lips and brushed them softly against mine in a move so gentle, so unlike him, it took me a few seconds before I registered what was happening.

Then, my anger returned, in full force. Using both my hands, I pushed against his chest until he had no choice but to release me.

"F*ck you! You don't want to keep me!" I shouted over my shoulder as I made my way to the front of the house and started down the gravel driveway. "Do you think I’m stupid? You wouldn't be getting your jollies while I'm in the next room if it was me you wanted."

A large hand grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.

"Let go of me!" I shouted.

"Listen, Pup. I’ve tried it your way. I tried gentle just now, but you didn't listen. Now, we're going to do it my way, and you're going to f*cking listen. Don't make me have to cuff you again." He warned.

KING. IS. COMING!

Meet King on June 15th!

Add to your TBR at:  http://bit.ly/1RHJAGk

Blurb

Homeless, hungry and desperate enough to steal, Doe has no memories of who she is or where she comes from.

A notorious career criminal just released from prison, King is someone you don’t want to cross unless you’re prepared to pay him back in blood, sweat, pu$$y or a combination of all three.

King’s future hangs in the balance. Doe’s is written in her past. When they come crashing together, they will have to learn that sometimes in order to hold on, you have to first let go.

Warning: This book contains graphic violence, consensual and nonconsensual sex, drug use, abuse, and other taboo subjects and adult subject matter. Although originally slated to be a standalone, KING is now a two part series.



About the Author:

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier resides in sunny Southwest Florida with her husband and three feisty fur kids. 

She attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she specialized in public speaking. After years working in real estate and new home construction, she decided it was finally time to stop pushing her dreams to the back burner and pursue writing seriously. 

In the third grade she wrote her very first story about a lost hamster. It earned rave reviews from both her teacher and her parents.

It only took her twenty years to start the next one.

It will not be about hamsters.

Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

THANK YOU!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie