REVIEW: Need by K.I. Lynn and N. Isabelle Blanco

RATING: ---

*Complimentary ARC received from author*

Please NOTE: For mature audience; graphic language/scenes

Synopsis

Sometimes love happens at first sight, even when you’re at an age where you can’t comprehend what it means. 

It was just a crush. They were only kids, after all. But what happens when that feeling never goes away?

Brayden and Kira have been neighbors for years, and best friends since they met. They have a connection that is evident to many, and it’s haunted them their whole lives.

Teenage hormones rage, turning their friendship into something neither can handle. The attraction is carnal, all-consuming, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Brayden loses control. 

Everything slams to a halt when their single parents decide to get remarried . . . to each other. Bad decisions and broken friendships make living across the hall from the one person you want above all difficult. Luckily for Brayden, it’s only for a few months before he’s off to college in another state, leaving Kira to face high school alone.

Brayden tries to stay away, to forget her, but it’s an impossible task he fails at time and time again. Kira is morphing from a sexy teenager to an irresistible woman, one that knows what she wants and seems hell-bent on getting it. 

As Kira’s eighteenth birthday approaches, Brayden has a decision to make. Does he keep running away from the thing he wants the most or does he run toward it?

Is it possible to ever be happy without the one person you need?

------------------------------------

"I'm Brayden, baby. The man you've been dreaming about your whole life. And I'm about to f*cking show you why."

Part 1 of a 2 part series.

Review

K. I. Lynn has been on my radar for a while now thanks to her Breach series. N. Isabelle Blanco is a new-to-me author…

Off the top of my head, I wanted to say I didn’t like this at all. BUT as I let my thoughts about this book swirl around in my head, I know I can’t really say that. It’s probably more apt to say that I want to dislike this book but I know that won’t be entirely true.

Courtesy of a Goodreads friend’s review, I learned that the blurb pretty much tells you the whole story. Was that good or bad? For me, it was, as it helped me frame my mind as I start reading this. At least I knew what I was in for.

Now, on to my feelings about everything else about this book…

The whole book is angst-filled from start to finish. Was that good or bad? Good, because it took me on an emotional ride. Bad, because, at some point, how much is too much?

Brayden, I loved to hate him, and hated that I love him. Wow, did I just sound like Kira there? He’s a d0üche, really. For all that feelings he had for Kira, he just couldn’t seem to keep it in his pants. I had to go to that part of my brain that concedes to the fact that he’s a raging hormonal teenager/young man. Nevertheless, does that really excuse it? Don’t think so. Yet, I felt for the kid to have such a visceral reaction to Kira at that young an age. And when I get to that place, I bought every word that came out of that kid’s mouth >.< Oh and is it ever the dirty mouth! He can give any full-grown alpha h a run for their money!

Kira, I like her, I really do. I felt every ounce of her insecurity and giddiness and pain and anger and angst. That’s how it is when you’re in love at that age!

Then there’s this pull between them. Did I really buy it? Yes and no. I’m enamored with the idea of something so magnetic between them that just tether them to each other. But when put in purely physical form, that’s just lust, isn’t it? Then what? Did I really see what binds them to each other beyond their physical reactions? I dunno.... Regardless, I’ll be the first to say that the heat b/w these 2 is thru the roof! I know, so right, yet so wrong, yet so right…

And then, there’s Ryan, Kira’s brother, the only one with sense, I like him.

Which now leads me to the ending… Seriously?!?!!? First, I didn’t realize this is book 1 of 2, which made me think that it’s a complete story. Second, after having all read that angst, I’m not sure how much of it I can take when it continues. Third, and consequently, the way it ended, if I didn’t get a sneak peek of book 2, I would’ve been gravely pissed, yes!

Oh, but here’s the real kicker, the way the sneak peek ended, how can I not wanna know what happens to these kids?!!?!? GAH!!!

And there you have it, folks! Clearly, this is not about the writing but more about what I felt while reading it… I’m not rating it this at this point, because it’s seriously a 5-napkin read one moment, and 1-napkin read the next. I may end making up my mind down the road, but not today. O.o


~Leftie

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: After Dark (Night Owl, Book 3) by M. Pierce

Title: After Dark (Night Owl Trilogy Book #3)
Author: M. Pierce
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Purchase HERE:

Amazon || B&N || iBooks || Kobo

Synopsis

In the final novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce, can a passion that has withstood many ordeals become a love strong enough to last a lifetime?

Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move back in together, and Matt attempts to put his demons to rest as they strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. But as the two become more and more entangled, and the heat between them intensifies in all the best possible ways, Matt's desire for Hannah ignites cravings he has kept at bay for a long, long time…

Hannah finally has the life she's always wanted: she's pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. But as Matt and Hannah explore a new intimacy, Hannah finds that there are parts of Matt--dark, wild, uncontrollable parts--that he has yet to show her…that he has yet to show anyone…Under the surface of Matt and Hannah's domestic bliss, deeply buried secrets burn, and all of a sudden, the least foreseen obstacle threatens to shatter everything they've worked so hard for.

Excerpt

Sleeping on the couch is a b!tch.

My back ached even after my morning run, even after a round of sit-ups and stretches—and a long, hot, lonely shower.

As I padded past the bedroom, a towel around my waist, I tried the knob once more.

Still locked.

I pressed my ear to the door and frowned.

Hannah had been bunkered in our bedroom all night and most of this morning. It was nearly noon. The AC ticked on and I sighed, roaming back to the kitchen.

“I am definitely in the doghouse,” I muttered to Laurence.

A notepad on the counter contained my list for the day.

FIX SH!T

- Talk about things w/Hannah (money, therapy, Chrissy)
- Date (picnic or dinner)

I peeled off the note and wrote another.

Hannah baby, please come out. You can’t stay in there forever. I’m sorry. I love you. I need clothes. XO

I knocked gently on the bedroom door before slipping the note beneath it. Then I retreated to the TV room.

Several minutes later, I heard the door squeak open and clap shut.

I returned to find it locked, a pair of my socks folded on the floor beside a note.

Here you go.

Grinning, I turned over her note and wrote another.

Where am I supposed to wear these? Or am I supposed to use them for something else? Take pity on a half-naked man. It’s getting chilly out here.

I flicked my reply under the door, then sat on the floor and waited. Soon I heard Hannah rustling in the bedroom. The door opened a crack and a T-shirt flew out.

She slammed it shut quickly.

Click went the lock.

“Goddamn it, Hannah.”

I pulled on the T-shirt and shot another note under the door.

Is this your way of saying you want to see my d!ck? So coy . . .

A moment later, the door opened and a pair of sweatpants hit me in the face.

Slam!—click.

“Hannah!” I lunged against the door. “Baby bird?”

No reply.

God, women are fucking mysterious.

Other Books in the Trilogy:

Title: Night Owl (Night Owl Trilogy Book #1)

Author: M. Pierce

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Synopsis:

"Tautly written, complex, and vibrating with a dark sensuality that will have you at once blushing and anxious. You'll think you have this book pegged . . . but you'll be wrong."—Christina Lauren, New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of The Beautiful Bastard series

From bestselling ebook author M. Pierce comes the first novel in a provocative erotic trilogy where an anonymous online writing partnership turns into an uncontrollable, passionate obsession

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers -- all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano is a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent...

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah. Hannah's picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that's passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.

Goodreads || Amazon ||  Target || Barnes & Noble || iBooks || Kobo 

Title: Last Light (Night Owl Trilogy Book #2)

Author: M. Pierce

Release Date: October 28, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Synopsis:

Tensions rise, secrets grow bigger, and passions run deeper—and hotter—in Last Light, the second novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce.

Matt Sky is missing. After a solo ascent of Longs Peak that left only a large blood stain, tatters of climbing clothing, and the tracks of an animal in the snow, he is presumed dead.

Hannah Catalano is guarding a secret: she knows Matt is alive. After Matt's memorial service, she lingers on the East Coast with his family, but it soon becomes clear that his brothers' motives are less than gracious. Nate Sky is bent on tracking down the author of Night Owl, a book that charts the last days of Matt's life with uncanny and scandalous accuracy, and which appeared only after his death. Seth Sky is bent on getting Hannah into his bed.

Hidden away in the woods, Matt and Hannah strive desperately to maintain their ruse and their relationship—but their web of lies only tightens as Matt struggles with the consequences of his decision, and Hannah tries to escape Nate's libel suit and fend off Seth's advances...until Hannah is put in danger, and Matt must make a life or death choice.

Goodreads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Target || iBooks || Kobo

Giveaway

M. has a great giveaway going on for the release – twelve total prizes including:

• Two SIGNED Paperback Sets (Night Owl, Last Light, After Dark)
• 6 Sets of Signed Bookmarks (3 bookmarks per set – one from each book)
• Alex and Ani Ode to the Owl Charm Bangle (Silver or Gold Finish – winners choice – picture attached)
• Owl Campfire Tshirt (Color and size – winners choice - picture attached)
• Two $15 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

M. Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence. 

Website/Blog || Facebook || Goodreads || Twitter || Pinterest || Tumblr || Amazon

 

Blog Tour via:

Thank you.

~Leftie

COVER REVEAL: The Traveling Woman (The Traveling Duet, Book 2) by Jane Harvey-Berrick

Title: The Traveling Woman (The Traveling Duet, #2)

Author: Jane Harvey – Berrick

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

  Blurb 

THE CONCLUDING STORY of Aimee and Kestrel, begun in THE TRAVELING MAN …… How many times do you gamble on love? When love has knocked you down, should you give it another chance? When does optimism become stupidity? And what happens when the man you’re in love with is never still, always moving, always traveling? Do you say goodbye, or do you leave behind everything that you’ve worked for, everything that you’ve ever known? Can a traveling carnival be my home Oh. You thought I had the answers. No, sorry. No answers, just a lot of questions—and a heart that wants to rule my head. Can one person be my home?  

Pre Order The Traveling Woman today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK

  The Traveling Man (The Traveling Duet, #2) 

  Now Available - Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

I was ordinary. Nice. He was extraordinary. And he wasn’t always nice. Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t. Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path. Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough.  

About the Author

I lived in London for over 10 years and have a love affair with New York. It's only since I have moved to the countryside, that the words have really begun to flow. I live in a small village by the ocean and walk my little dog, Pip, every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas. Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Twitter

 

Giveaway!

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~Leftie

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: G-Men Series Box Set by Andrea Martin

The entire G-Men Series is together for a limited time box set! Yes, those hot, alpha FBI agents, and their ladies, along with the spin-off characters of 'These Men' are packaged together for this limited time offer. This is your chance to meet Slate, Taz, Easton, Eli and Cain Maddox

if you haven't yet had the . . . pleasure!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US ONLY $0.99: http://amzn.to/1Hm5CII

Amazon UK ONLY $1.99: http://amzn.to/1HoNst6

EXCERPTS

Excerpt #1

Diamond Girl (Book #1)

Slate was waiting for me at the bus stop when I arrived. I shamelessly flew into his arms as soon as I stepped to the curb. "I f*cking missed you," I said, "And I don't want to hear sh!t about it, either."

He laughed softly, as he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closely as we walked to his apartment.

Once there, we were like two savages that hadn't been together for months instead of days. I tore at his clothing, and he tore at mine. Once naked, he unceremoniously lifted me from the pile of clothing and placed me on his bed.

Excerpt #2

Love Plus One (Book #2)

      My mom looked at me with a puzzled look on her face. She couldn't figure out why I would ask about Taz. Her eyes lowered to the 'FBI' hoodie I was wearing and her look of puzzlement swiftly changed to one of suspicion.

"That isn't one of Slate's hoodies," she noted, "He only wears the tee shirts."

I looked down, my fingers plucked a piece of imaginary lint from the front. "No," I borrowed it from …Taz," I replied slowly, looking back up at her.

        Her expression had now morphed into total confusion.

"Why would you borrow a hoodie from Taz?"

Ahh… geez.

"Because I needed something to wear to bed.

        There. I'd said it. The secret was out and I was relieved.

       

"Lindsey, no," she said in a loud whisper, clearly horrified. Her hand had moved to cover her mouth.

        "Mom, Taz and I have gotten…close. It's a caring relationship."

        "On your part, I'm sure," she said, "But, honey--Taz isn't boyfriend material. I mean the stories I've heard from Eric," she breaks off, shaking her head.

         I continued to watch her turning this piece of information over in her head. Waiting.

        "So…I take it you're no longer . . . Uhm…"

        Don't say it, Mom. Please. Don't. Say. It.

        "A virgin?

        Damn. She said it.

      "That's correct, Mom," I replied, hesitantly. "That's no longer the case."

Excerpt #3

Night Moves (Book #3)

"Easton," I said, trying to feel him out. "I'm getting some very mixed signals here." I tried to pull my hands back, but his grip was strong. He didn't release his hold.

"It's simple, I've missed being with you."

"What do you mean? We were just together last night. We spent almost all morning together at the office, we had a working lunch together, and now you've hauled me out for dinner. I'd say over the last 24 hours, we've spent more time together than most married couples."

"Don't play with me," he quipped. "You know what I'm talking about. This doesn't bode well for me."

I sighed audibly. The truth was, my body ached for him as well as for his discipline, but these newly adopted scruples of mine were wreaking havoc with my better judgment. What else could I do but be honest?

"Easton I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the experience of being with you. It was something else, no doubt about it. But things have changed. There's no getting around that. I told you how I felt last night. I need to get my priorities in order. Nothing's a given for me anymore. I have to earn my success. I really want to put my best foot forward with my career. You seemed to understand that last night. It's just not a good idea."

"Yes," he replied quietly, giving what I'd said some thought while rubbing my fingers with his. "Of course, you're right. It's not a good idea, assuredly. It would cross the line you set, which by the way, I totally respect and admire the fact that you're putting your career first, much like me, I suppose." His gray eyes studied me and my heart did a fast pitter-pat at the feel of his fingers intertwining with mine.

"I appreciate your understanding and thank you for noticing that I've taken this new role seriously. I don't want anything to jeopardize my ability to succeed," I said.

He was still holding fast to my fingers. My heart continued the pitter-pat rhythm.

"Absolutely," he replied, earnestly. "You're to be commended. Still," he said, his voice dropping an octave and his lips curling into that beautiful smile that couldn't be good for my pulse, "I just can't get that picture out of my head."

        Silence…

               

Author Information

I was born and raised in southern Ohio, and with the exception of a brief stint in Dallas, TX, have been an Ohioan most of my life. My dream has always been to write a novel, and back in the early eighties I tried to do just that, having been influenced by authors such as Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey, Rosemary Rogers and Laurie McBain. I remember writing to all of them through their listed publishers, and the only response I received was from Johanna Lindsey (who lived in Hawaii at the time. Ms. Lindsey advised me to continue with my dream; and to submit to various publishers again and again. Of course, at that time, publishing e-books yourself was not on the horizon; there were vanity publishing houses of course, but she advised me to avoid those. So my dream was put on the back-burner for more than 25 years until June of 2012 when suddenly I no longer had a reason not to write a novel. My sons were grown; I found myself without a career (blessedly) and the creative juices flowed once again. I finished my first novel, "Maybe Baby" in September of 2012; the next two books in the "Baby Series" titled "Baby Love" and "Be My Baby" were published in early 2013. I learned a lot in my first endeavor with self-publishing. I've made so many friends as a result that it is over-whelming. In the spring of 2013, I had an idea for a different type of Alpha, and wrote Book #1 of the "G-Man" Series, titled "Diamond Girl." This book was well-received, and I followed it with Book #2, "Love Plus One." These are stand-alone books. I am finally doing what I love and I sincerely appreciate the wonderful readers who provide feedback and take the time to comment. I hope that with each book, my writing has grown and improved as I strive to publish quality fiction.

STALK Andrea: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

$100 Amazon Gift Card

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THANK YOU!

REVIEW: Coda (Songs of Submission, Book 9) by CD Reiss

RATING:

Please NOTE: Mature readers only; graphic scenes/language

Did you want a pat little ending about Jonathan and I riding off into the sunset? Did you want flowers and stars? Man, I wish it was all soft filters and violins. I wish we could fight about who cleaned the bathroom or who was cooking dinner. But I knew I was never destined for simple contentment.
I almost committed murder for him. I almost tore us apart to save him. How do you get back on the horse after that? Because, I promise you, nothing is the same. Nothing.
I’ve earned our happily ever after. Now I have to survive it.

REVIEW

BRILLIANT!!!

What a beautiful poignant read!

I swear, CD never fails to leave me speechless after reading her books, and even more so with this one. I’ve been vested in Jonathan and Monica for a while now and to get this truly fitting perfect ending to their beautiful story was a real gift.

I swear, every time I try to write a review for one of CD’s books, I’m at a loss for words, and even more so with this one. I feel like I won’t do it enough justice to really describe the beauty of this book.

I’m gushing, aren’t I? I’m sorry, I just can’t help it.

I’m glad I got the chance one more time to see how Jonathan and Monica fared after whatever scares they went through. It almost felt humbling, to see them trying to get back to “normal” and along the way, face new challenges and deal with their own internal struggles. Understandably, they’re both dealing with uncertainties as they move forward, the what-ifs and the why-nots, while trying to stay in the present and not allowing one another to worry. Just like how a couple in love and devoted to each other should be. 

Monica and Jonathan each have their own fears, and they really did their best to deal with it, not just on their own, but also by being open with each other, and in turn, gave each other strength.

I love how what they feel for each other motivated them in the same direction. I love how Monica is without guile about her emotions. I love how Jonathan managed to stay as dominant as he is despite his inner turmoil. I love his doubts, I love his cockiness, I love his feelings and thoughts on Monica. I love how they truly understood each other to give what each other needed.

In short, I really love the voices that CD gave to these 2. I love how nothing felt manufactured, from their thoughts to their interactions. The unexpected humor in their conversation is so smartly done. The heavy emotions truly felt sincere despite its weight.

VIA

I almost want to say it’s a shame that this being erotica may prevent some readers out there in reaching out for CD’s books as really, I think this goes beyond erotica. Her background in screenwriting, I think, really allows her reader to imagine whatever world she wants to put you in. The emotions her words can evoke out of you have no bounds. The poetry in her words conjures all kinds of images that transport you to a whole different place.

I’m gushing again, aren’t I? I’m sorry, I really can’t help it.

Well done, Christine, well done!!! And thank you for your gift of words.

~Leftie