~ REVIEW: I Like Your Form: Confessions of a Personal Trainer by JD Holmes ~

After graduating from high school and working several dead-end jobs, JD lands a job as a personal trainer at a newly opened gym. At first he is inexperienced and shocked at how much money people are willing to drop to train with him. But soon he starts to learn the ropes of the business. It’s not long before JD carves a niche for himself training well-to-do housewives and successful older women. As he gives into these women’s demands, he is faced with an internal struggle: he wants to make money and retain clients, but he knows that what he is doing is wrong. If his girlfriend or one of his clients’ spouses ever found out about this other life he’s leading, everything could blow up in his face and it could mean the end of his career. But for the time being, what’s wrong with enjoying the attention of many attractive, sexy women who seem to be more than willing to please young JD? This hilarious and honest collection of stories includes advice for both personal trainers and clients and a look at the lesser-known-side of personal training.

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

To be honest with you, I don’t read biographies. I like to read to escape from real life, but I was glad I did read this. You get to see what it would be like as a personal trainer, and laugh a little along the way.

J.D. does a fantastic job with going into detail about what he has experienced so far during his time as a personal trainer. When I first picked up the book (and after I read about the synopsis) I figured I’d be reading about him having a good ole time with all the gym bunnies and what not. I mean, what guy denies a hot chick throwing herself at him (if I was a guy, I probably wouldn’t), but it’s not really just about that. He talks about how the things he enjoys, and maybe something’s he might have done differently.

All in all this was a really great book! Even if you aren’t really into the biography books, I would still recommend this to you. If you have some time to read this book, you won’t regret it.

~ REVIEW: Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood ~

Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch. She just wanted to start her life over again after a series of misadventures. She didn’t count on rekindling a lost love when she came home to Talbot…or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life.

Grant Michaels, police officer. He thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger…but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it’s too late?

Malcolm de Sade, cunning vampire, imprisoned underground for a year by Charlotte Fanning and Pike Mahonen (“Mist and Midnight”, Midnight Thirsts). His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town…

***

Facing the past can be a nightmare. It’s worse when a vampire is stalking you.

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I received and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rayvin hasn’t had the easiest life. Her mother died while she was young, and she was pretty much ran out of her home town after a tragic accident that she was blamed for. But after having another speed bump thrown into her life, she is left with no other option than to go back to the home town she promised she’d never go back to.

Of course the first person Rayvin sees when she gets back into town is the one man she’s never really been able to forget.  She has always had this weird connection with the new town sheriff Grant Michaels that she’s always tried to fight, but this time, it seems that the connection is even stronger than before.

Since Rayvin has come back into town, there have been strange things happening. Grant isn’t sure what to think about the beautiful woman who has come back into his life. After strange events come into play and bring these two together, will he be able to forget about the past?

Once they finally give in to temptation, there is a kink in their reunion (of course right?) Now there is a sexy vampire to add to the mix. Malcolm de Sade is ready for his revenge after being imprisoned, and the one thing he needs is a powerful witch. This is where Rayvin comes in to play (but you already guessed that 🙂 ) The cat and mouse game they play leads us all the way up to the cliff hanger ending. It definitely leaves you dying to know what happens next.

I really enjoyed reading this, I love it when a book leaves you clues throughout and has you guessing what’s going to be happening next. Tori L. Ridgewood does a fantastic job of give you a thrilling read with some steamy scenes. I can’t wait to see what happens next with all the characters!

~ REVIEW: Cain’s Salvation by Sarah O’Rourke ~

When Dr. Cain Turner’s life was literally blown apart in a small province of Afghanistan, it was only the hope and memories of one woman that propelled him forward. But there were more demons to face.

In the small country hamlet of Paradise, Tennessee…Faith waits. Surrounded by her loving sisters, Faith McKinnon had faced her own demons, having thought that the love of her life had deserted her.

But fate…and a few meddling McKinnon sisters…conspired to bring the two star-crossed lovers together again.

NOTE: Romantica — this is a romance with erotica in certain sections!!

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4 Stars!!! This book is about two main characters, Cain and Faith, and their lives in the town of Paradise. They have known each other for years but only been together for a year and are newly engaged when Cain is called up from the National Guard to go to Afghanistan. Before he leaves, Cain asks Faith to marry him and she accepts. During Cain’s time in Afghanistan, he sees so much trauma and devastation, that he feels he is no longer the man that Faith loves and deserves and sends her a Dear Jane letter breaking things off. Faith is heartbroken and tries to understand why this happened. She lives with her 3 sisters and niece and runs the family-owned bar/restaurant. When Cain returns to Paradise, he is a broken man returning from war and suffering from PTSD. After one of Faith’s sisters, Honor, talks Cain into coming to work at the bar, Cain decides that he wants Faith back and is willing to do whatever it takes to prove his love for Faith. Faith still loves Cain but is scared to trust that he won’t hurt her again. Can Faith believe in Cain again? Can Cain work through his PTSD and find happiness again? Faith’s sisters, Harmony, Patience and Honor, have strong personalities in this book and I truly hope each one gets their own book. This is not only a sweet love story but the author, Sarah O’Rourke, knows how to spice things up in a book with some hot, sweaty sex! I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to others! I am looking forward to reading more about Faith’s sisters!

~ REVIEW: The Shrinemaiden by Annie Eppa ~

Adelai has known only one home – that of the Temple of Inne-annah, Goddess of Lust and Love. As a shrinemaiden, she was raised to be a graceful, high-society courtesan catering only to the rich and powerful, for a price.

On the eve of her auction, however, Adelai discovers treachery at play between two of the most powerful kingdoms in the land, and that she had become a pawn in a political game where the stakes are high, and one wrong move will mean war. The choices Adelai will make shall take her from gilded manors and fancy balls to a cruel king’s royal court, where secrets lurk and loyalty is an illusion. In the end, Adelai must use all the skills she’s learned both inside the bedroom and out of it to triumph against the men who want her, the men who would seek to possess her – and to win the man who loves her, against all odds.

The Shrinemaiden is the first of the Maidens trilogy, which takes place in the dark kingdom of Sarcopia, but remains a standalone.

Warning: explicit scenes, dubcon situations, sexy alpha males and some bdsm

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! Totally not what I expected, but in a good way. I figured there would be some sex scenes in the story (I mean, after reading the synopsis, how could you not expect it) but I didn’t expect them to be so HOT!

I really admired Adelai. Even with everything she goes through during the story, she is able to keep her head held high and remains strong. She will use what she goes through to become a stronger woman. I also really liked how she wasn’t like any of the other Shrinemaidens. She was extremely bright, and always wanted to learn more, even though it may have been looked down upon by others.

Then there is Thornton (fans face). He is one hot alpha male! Not only was he sexy as sin, he was extremely smart (which makes him even hotter) and always seemed to bring the best out of Adelai.

You’re taken through Adelai and Thornton’s story that is full of twists, turns and betrayals. This is a book that once you start it, it’s not one you’ll be able to put down. I would recommend this book to any of my friends that are into hot erotica books! I can’t wait to read more from Annie Eppa!

~ REVIEW: Domino Effect by Jill Elaine Hughes ~

Peter Rostovich is an enigmatic international artist with ties to the Russian mafia. He manipulates everyone he comes in contract with and nobody can figure him out—not even himself. More than that, he has a taste for bondage, which he infuses into his art.
Virginal Nancy Delaney is an aspiring reporter who tries to crack Peter’s shell. His work is like nothing she’s ever seen—complete with a live sculpture that gets the exhibit shut down by the police.
Peter hates reporters, but Nancy captivates him to the point where he makes her part of his exhibit within seconds of meeting her. He introduces her to the world of BDSM, but his involvement in the criminal underworld puts Nancy in the sights of his fiercest enemy.

Inside Scoop: This is the first part of a trilogy that blends sex, bondage and international thrills into one exciting read, but watch out for the cliffhanger ending. You’ll be hanging on the edge, waiting for book two.

 

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This is a BDSM thriller with the main characters, Nancy Delaney and Peter Rostovich. Nancy is a college student/freelance reporter who, as a favor to her friend, Hannah, attends a gallery opening featuring renowned Ukrainian artist, Peter Rostovich, to review his work. Peter is generally reclusive and doesn’t like reporters of any kind, however, a bond forms quickly between himself and Nancy.  Nancy is torn between her job as reporter and wanting to know Peter personally. Peter, as a dominant, knows that Nancy would be a great submissive to him sexually and wants her desperately, but also knows he must allow her to ask questions and get to know more about him and his past for her job. Peter tries to warn Nancy away from him due to people and things from his past that may put her in danger, but Nancy refuses to stay away.  Just as Nancy is uncovering more of the mystery that is Peter Rostovich, something shocking occurs that changes Nancy’s world. Just as this story builds to a crescendo, it ends with a huge cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more.  I enjoyed Nancy and Peter’s dominant/submissive relationship and watching their connection to each other grow.  I loved Jill Elaine Hughes descriptive writing that helps the reader to understand how the characters are feeling.  I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book of this trilogy, Butterfly Effect.  I would recommend this book to others, especially if they enjoy BDSM stories. 

~ REVIEW: Lost in Us by Layla Hagan ~

*New Adult Contemporary Romance*

Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . . The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking. Electrifying. And best not repeated. James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other. James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her. Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.

Amazon * B & N

~I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.~

 Lost In Us is the story of Serena and James. Serena has taken great care to control her life by not taking any risks after the tragic death of her sister, Kate. James is a successful entrepreneur who thrives on taking risks except when it comes to his heart. These two meet in a bar where Serena has gone to forget the breakup with her longtime boyfriend. James is a player with a capital “P.” Serena thinks this is what she needs to forget her pain. However, when these two beautiful, broken souls collide, life will never be the same for either one of them.

Honestly, when I began reading this book, I thought it would be just another story where boy meets girl. They fall in lust then love, only to run from their feelings by breaking up, and finally see clearly and have their HEA. It did follow that pattern up to a point. There is tons of angst and drama, but the author really delves much deeper into their psyches which makes the story much deeper. I did get highly frustrated with each character. I mean how many times can one couple break up in the first weeks of a relationship??? But, as I came to see, these two carry so much guilt from losing their loved ones. Serena feels guilty not helping her sister more with her drug addiction. James blames his jealousy for causing the death of his fiancée. I still felt like slapping the hell out of them though. Serena was so hung up on James not saying those three magic words, “I love you.” His actions clearly showed his feelings!!! How many men set up a special picnic in a forest to release balloons in memory of your dead sister on her birthday? What more could she want? Then, I got mad at him for not saying “I love you” when his actions told her exactly what his feelings were. To elicit these emotions in a reader is a mark of great talent in a writer though. When I feel sadness, frustration and finally happiness while reading, I know I have really enjoyed a book because I’m invested in the characters.

I found a quote in the book that sums up the book perfectly.

James to Serena. “I’m sorry I clung to the past. That I allowed it to terrify me so much. Losing someone we love shapes us, punches us in the gut until we bend and break, But, we must never let that pain define us.”

Even though my emotions were all over the place, I greatly enjoyed James’ and Serena’s story. It was filled with drama, love, and plenty of hot sex scenes. I am anxiously awaiting her second book in the series which will be about two strong secondary characters, Jess and Parker. These two look like they may generate even more drama and sex!

~ REVIEW: Wild Heart by Jennifer Culbreth ~

Ani Forrest has spent most of her life trying to find the right path. She’s spent the last five years attempting to experience the world. But no matter how hard she tries, nothing ever feels right. With her father’s health failing, she finds herself back in the sleepy Tennessee town where she grew up.
However, fate has a choice for Ani to make, does she resume the life she once had or does she take the opportunity for something different? Cash Roberts, the man who once held her heart, is vowing to win Ani back. But the temptation of something new is too strong to resist when a handsome stranger shows up in town. Knox O’Connell has brought his M.C. to Coker Creek in an attempt to get away from the anarchy and chaos of Ireland. The last thing he needs is the enticement of a free spirited woman. That is until she turns his world upside down.
Will Knox be able to win Ani over? In the midst of rival M.C. retaliation, will she be able to put her worries aside and follow the path that fate has given her or will she stay on the road that has always been familiar? What would you do if your past and present collided together, leaving you standing at a crossroad unsure of which path to take.

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4+ stars! I love MC stories and this one doesn’t disappoint! Aiyana “Ani” Forrest is returning to her hometown after several years away. Her high school flame, Cash, is ready and waiting to pick up where they left off, however Ani is unsure if that is what she wants. Ani still feels an attraction to Cash but then she meets a hunky biker named Knox and the sparks fly! “She had wanted to saddle this man and ride him into the sunset…” the passion and fireworks between Ani and Knox are HOT!!!! Ani is the perfect biker girlfriend in my opinion. Sassy, strong enough to deal with the chicks that just hang around the clubhouse waiting for a biker to screw and can deal with the lifestyle that comes with being in a MC. Knox has a typical biker, badass attitude that I love as well. My favorite line of his in this book is “I can’t promise you a happy ending, darlin’; but happy endings are for pussies.” But being in a relationship with a biker is never easy, as Ani soon discovers. There are always risks with being associated with a motorcycle club and Ani is going to be put to the ultimate test of finding out how strong of a woman she really is. Can Ani and Knox’s relationship survive? If you love MC club books, this is a must read!
**This a “to be continued” book, however it is not a huge cliffhanger that will piss you off. Definitely will read #2 and hope it comes out soon!

~ REVIEW: The Promise by S.L. Jayne ~

How far would you go to help your best friend?

Do you remember when you were young, and made pinky promises with your best friend about living together, dating movie stars, being famous and double weddings?

Ava and Rylee had the same plans. Knowing the home life Rylee had, Ava knew that all of those dreams of fun and freedom would always be just that. Dreams. That was until one night, Rylee asked Ava to pinky promise they would move away as soon as they were old enough and able to.

Ava’s advice to Rylee is to have fun and have faith, but most of all believe in herself and learn to trust that not all guys can’t be trusted… But can Ava learn to take herself own advice when it comes to her own heart?

This book is intended for age 17+ due to sexual content, violence and strong language.

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~I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.~

The Promise is a love story of sorts. There is romance and a bit of angst between Ava and her boyfriend, Ryan. However, their story takes a back seat to the true love story…the story of the undying friendship between Ava and Rylee. It opens with a pinky promise made between two girls when they were still children. The promise to leave their lives behind in Boston for a better place not because of Ava’s childhood but because of Rylee’s. Ava kept her promise to Rylee, and the two leave for sunny California with new jobs and new beginnings after college.

This book was quite different than what I was expecting. I was expecting two young, beautiful girls moving to California and all their partying and men. There were some partying scenes, hangovers, hot guys, hot dates, and guys who turned out to be jerks. But, the gist of this story was the beautiful friendship between them. Ava was there for Rylee as she journeyed out of her comfort zone and gave a guy her number and developed a friendship and possibly more with hot, sexy Matt. Rylee was there for Ava when she found out one of the guys she was dating was a class A jerk, and when a guy from Ava’s past returns and wants to make a go of the relationship.

I have to say I enjoyed The Promise. It was a nice break from the normal New Adult genre (which I love). Book One was told from Ava’s POV, and Book Two looks like it’s going to be from Rylee’s POV. The author did a great job of setting that up as Book One does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger and a real twist in the last few chapters about Rylee’s mother’s past. I didn’t see that one coming!  I can’t wait to read about Rylee and Matt and how her past will affect their future together.  It looks like it’s going to be really good.