If We Fly (What If Duet #2) by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor @InkSlingerPR

If We Fly was a beautifully written emotional journey in the What If Duet. In this continuation of Cole and Josie's heart wrenching romance, we finally discover all the circumstances which tore this couple apart. Secrets and mysteries click together to solve the puzzle which haunted Josie for over a decade. The realization of what happened that horrific evening undeniably proved the extent of Cole's sacrifices for the woman he truly and perpetually loved. I stood alongside this couple, feeling all their sorrow, passion and joy. And once again, Lane held my heart in her hands, guiding me through the many plot twists and turns. Anxieties ran high in this magnificent conclusion of Nina Lane's steamy yet heartfelt series. A story of unending love, forgiveness, hope and second chances, this series is a MUST READ that I highly recommend. As always, I am looking forward to falling into Lane's next adventure.          🕊️IF WE FLY🕊️ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2N1YWc6 Apple: https://apple.co/2Mse6vh Nook: http://bit.ly/2wgyXGP Google: http://bit.ly/2OOhYTS Kobo: http://bit.ly/2weMsa0             I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication

If We Fall (What If Duet #1) by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor @InkSlingerPR

Before I ramble on about my adoration for Lane's first installment in her new "What If" duet series, I highly recommend reading "If We Leap." It's free, a quick and steamy read with all the feels, and it introduces this lovable couple while giving insight into their beginnings. One click here: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MAEjHa Apple: https://apple.co/2N2MAR5 Nook: http://bit.ly/2nQIaSr Google: http://bit.ly/2Lc5jrE Kobo: http://bit.ly/2nZRqnz Eloquently written and highly emotional "If We Fall" is the continuing story of Josie Mays and Cole Danforth, two people destined to be together. From childhood friends growing up in the small town of Castille, Maine to teenagers falling hopelessly in love and planning a future, they were the perfect couple until one night changed the course of their lives forever. Tragedy struck the Mays family which tore Josie and Cole apart. Utterly shattered from the circumstances surrounding that ill-fated evening, Cole inexplicably decided to leave Josie in hopes she can find the strength to heal and move beyond her grief. Lost and alone, Josie fled to California devastated and heartbroken. After ten long unhappy years, she is called home only to find the sweet boy she once loved is gone and in his place was a stranger ~ a cold, calculated and vengeful man determined to keep his distance from Josie. Perception is not reality when it comes to Cole. At first, I disliked the bitter and ruthless man he became while mourning the beloved young boy that captured my heart. However, my feelings towards his character quickly changed when seeing his truth. A dark hero shrouded in mystery, he sacrificed all to protect the woman he so desperately loved. Unable to fight the magnetic attraction, all of  Cole's pent-up love and passion for his Josie Bird exploded as fireworks between this couple deliciously ignited. I enjoyed every lust-filled intense moment of their reunion. Josie's character touched my heart. Burdened with great sorrow, she suffered tremendously missing her family and Cole. Plagued with horrific nightmares, she sadly was unable to move on from the past. But through her pain, she found the strength to break through Cole's barriers in hopes of finding comfort and happiness. Tenacious yet compassionate, Josie was a force, and I absolutely adored her. There's so much more of their story to explore as well as discovering the missing pieces of the puzzle that caused Cole's separation. With "If We Fall" Nina Lane once again sent my emotions into turmoil. I love how this author and her characters touch the very heart of me as Josie and Cole's journey will stay with me for a very long time.  5+++ stars that is a MUST READ!! I cannot wait for this saga's conclusion in "If We Fly." Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PnF05m Apple: https://apple.co/2MmrxN7 Nook: http://bit.ly/2MIYGlq Google: http://bit.ly/2nNd8uG Kobo: http://bit.ly/2nOVmHt

Ruthless (Lawless #1) by Lexi Blake @authorlexiblake

4.5 Stars Lexi Blake is one of my favorite BDSM novelist and the absolute best when it comes to writing erotic stories that are not only off the charts steamy, but intriguing as well. Yeesh, found within the pages of her books are some of the sexiest flogger-wielding Alpha-Doms ever. (I freaking love all the McKay-Taggart hotties in the Masters and Mercenaries novels). When finding out there was a new series coming along, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the first installment, Ruthless. Even though Riley and Ellie’s romance was a departure from Blake’s BDSM style that I adore, it was no less captivating. Ruthless had everything I love whenever reading this author’s tales ~ an exceptionally written nail biting story line whose plot twists had me on edge; An un-be-lievably hot yet romantically sweet hero; a sassy heroine; And a cast of colorful characters that left me wanting to discover their stories. From the emotionally heartbreaking prologue that had me all teary-eyed, through to the last page, Ruthless was an angst filled passionate read that I consumed in just one sitting. As children, Riley Lawless and his siblings suffered the horrific tragedy of their parents’ murder, which was rooted by corporate greed. After years of plotting and positioning, it was time for those responsible to pay for their crimes. It was Riley’s responsibility to insinuate himself into Eleanor Stratton’s company and seduce her. Her firm, StratCast, was founded on stolen technology and his parents’ blood shed. Regardless of the fact that Ellie was not directly responsible for the Lawless’ death, she was instrumental in the grand scheme. “The sins of the father were about to be visited on the daughter’s doorstep. Ellie Stratton would have to pay her father’s debt.” Using her was just part of the plan. Consumed with vengeance, Riley was ruthless in his pursuit of bringing down his targets but surprised when the unthinkable happened… he fell hopelessly in love with Ellie. “I love you, Ellie. I'm going to say it until you understand that I mean it. This started out as a job, as a path I've been on since the night my parents died. But it led me to you, and though I wish my mom and dad were here with me, I have to be happy that I found you.” The chemistry between this couple was scorching. With their whirlwind insta-romance starting off hot and heavy, but based on Riley’s secrets and lies, I found myself anxiously holding my breath waiting for everything to unravel as the story progressed. All the passion and deceits frayed my nerves.  On top of all the relationship angst, there were plot twists, bad guys and circumstances that had me on edge as well. Secrets, betrayals, murderous plots, unending suspense… with each revelation more questions arose as I became fully immersed within Riley and Ellie’s story. I just love when a book is so gripping, each intricate detail has a meaning, and I’m forced to pay close attention while piecing together the puzzle. Ruthless was exactly that type of read. Riley was delectably sexy and so tenderhearted, he had me swooning. A shrewd lawyer with a plan of attack, he was fueled by his family’s need for justice. I loved the way his character journeyed from the stone cold man solely focused on revenge, to a true and dedicated hero willing to sacrifice everything for Ellie. And when her world came crumbling down, it was Riley who came to her rescue. Desperate for her forgiveness and affections, Riley worked hard to right the all wrongs that destroyed Ellie, despite his family’s thirst for vengeance. Once deceptive and later sincere, he won me over with his overly romantic ways.  “He'd seen everything he loved lost at one point or another, but she was different. He couldn't lose her.” Poor Ellie. She was everyone’s pawn and so eager to trust those who were part of her close circle. Friends, colleagues, family… all took advantage of her sympathetic heart. A businesswoman with ethics, Ellie found herself surrounded by conniving vipers, including the man of her dreams. Living a lonely life, she took a chance on Riley, which in the end shattered her to pieces. As naive and insecure as she first appeared, Ellie developed a backbone when her life spun out of control, and I admired the way she stubbornly stood her ground against those who betrayed her. But above all, Ellie was compassionate and regardless of her dire circumstances, she opened her heart to the entire Lawless clan. In the end, her love for Riley was genuine ~ she was the perfect woman to break through all of his defenses and help heal past heartaches. Ruthless was an extremely intense novel that had all the feels. I loved the McKay-Taggart connection and the Lawless family dynamics. Riley and Ellie’s journey was just the beginning of an intricate story line and I can’t wait for it to continue in Brandon and Andrew’s romances. Another great read from Lexi Blake and a perfect choice for lovers of steamy romantic suspense.

Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan @MSheridanAuthor

For heaven’s sake this has got to be the most challenging and difficult review for me to put together… period…and here’s why. Whenever I fall into a fan-freaking-tastic story such as Midnight Lily, I become so totally invested that it overwhelmingly consumes me. I feel compelled to pour my every emotion regarding the story-line, the characters, their journey to love and so on, into my commentary.  It’s just not possible for me to express all that I’ve experienced without revealing major plot twists. I will say there is so much to take in, to digest, to process and interpret, even days after finishing this read. My mind was turned inside out as my heart was flooded with a barrage of emotions. It absolutely kills me to cage in the whirlwind of feels I’ve survived, but any hint will absolutely spoil the story – and that would be an epic injustice. In penning Midnight Lily, Mia Sheridan proved once again she is a masterful storyteller and perhaps… just a tad bit crazed for conjuring up such a crafty tale. This story was an incredibly intense read for me and a bit different from the romances I usually gravitate too. Nonetheless, I was absolutely taken by the story line, hooked on these characters’ journey, and fell head over heals in love with both the hero and heroine. Their broken souls absolutely shattered me to pieces. It was hauntingly beautiful, so devastatingly dark and painful it hurt my heart ~ but, I savored every moment I spent in their world. As always, Sheridan held my hand tightly throughout this somber read and guided me to the other side, where I found peace of mind and contentment with their ‘happily ever after’. And that ending…holy moly…it was a total ‘mind fuck’ which left me speechless and a little confused (at first). Reflecting back on the story in its entirety I felt as if I was smacked so silly, I totally lost my sanity.  Midnight Lily was a beautifully written bittersweet romance, which drew me in and held me captive from beginning to end. Weaving passion, heartache and healing with a heavy dose of mystery, this story is a must read. But be warned – pay very close attention to every word and nuance because Mia Sheridan will fuck with mind and toy with your heart. She has outdone herself by creating such an unbelievably brilliant, poignant tale. ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Crush (Tainted Love Series #2) by Kim Karr @authorkimkarr

4 – 4.5 Suspense filled stars The saga continues to unravel in Kim Karr’s Tainted Love Series finale, Crush. I could not wait to get my hands on this sequel and glad when it quickly picked up, right where I was left dangling by my fingertips, over a cliff in Blow. Tensions escalated and ran sky high as Logan and Elle’s love and relationship strengthened despite unknown forces and past enemies working in a concerted effort to rip them apart.  There’s some push and pull drama at first as Logan struggles with his fears over imminent threats against his Elle. Nevertheless, his desires and the overwhelming need to safeguard her could no long be denied. I loved his determination and over-protective Alpha tendencies when it came to Elle’s safety. He claims all of her; works tirelessly to shield her from harm as no one, not the mob or the feds, will stand in their way. Logan was the perfectly sexy, dominating hero. Karr always delivers sizzling romances coupled with extreme angst and mysteries layered within its plot. I’m always on edge, fully engrossed, as the tension she builds skyrockets. In Crush, the web of secrets and dangers that surround this couple held me captivated as my nerves were frazzled, trying to piece together clues peppered throughout this fast paced story.  And as I tried to pay close attention to the tiniest of details, surprise plot twists had me gasping. Always expect the unexpected when savoring this author’s tales. Crush had it all – murders, mysteries, mayhem…the mobster element (which gave me a ‘Soprano’s’ meets ‘The Departed’ vibe), nail-biting drama and heart pounding moments. I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of this read. Although I would not consider this a dark romance, there were times of gloom and doom that crushed me with dread and sadness.                              A life for a life… Elle was a somewhat strong heroine who grew more confident as the story progressed, but Logan stole the show for me. He was just the perfectly devoted, swoon-worthy knight in shining armor whose raw passion and dominance caused my heart to pitter-patter. He was so sweet and gentle as he put Elle’s needs before his own. This series was a tense roller coaster ride and a good choice for fans of romantic suspense. I was totally consumed and pulled deeper and deeper within the story-line, falling in love with a cast of unforgettable characters. Another beautifully written, scorching hot romance from Author Kim Karr.  ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Hold On (The 'Burg #6) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68

Amazingly beautiful and poignant finale to one of my favorite series.   5 brilliant stars Once again, Kristen Ashley owned my heart and soul as her unique writing style and storytelling magic caused a whirlwind of emotions, I had no choice but to hold on tight, never wanting to let go of Merry, Cher and all my loves in The ‘Burgs. Reading Hold On took me to an entirely different level as the journey flooded my heart with a riotous amount of emotions. I’ve become tethered to these characters, feeling their passions, pains, heartaches and joys. This friendship turned true love story was touching, but what made this an absolute literary masterpiece was its brilliant epilogue…the best I’ve ever read. So, break out the Kleenex, you’ll need them. Jumping into this read had me feeling both melancholy and anxious.  I was a bundle of nerves and couldn’t wait to crawl inside of Merry’s head. He fascinated me since Golden Trail (Rocky and Layne’s book).  Throughout most of this series, he was pining over his ex-wife Mia, his supposed ‘soul mate’. I thought he wanted to fight and win Mia back. Next thing I knew, Cher’s really into Merry, but there were some unanswered questions. How and why did Merry push Mia away? When did a relationship with Cher become a possibility? Can Merry shake off his man-whorish ways and convince me he wants to win Cher’s heart? In addition, Merry’s story marks the end of one of my most beloved series, I had to get myself ready to say goodbye. With all of this in mind, I savored the hell out of this read. Taking my time to absorb every heart stopping drama filled moment, each plot twist, the hilarious banter between the main characters and every steamy love scene (Merry’s all Alpha-Dominant ass-smacking sizzling hot), while discovering the beauty of their relationship.  I should never doubt the course KA lays out. Merry and Cher were perfect for each other, feeding their desires while soothing their insecurities and working through a shit ton of baggage.   In a word, Cher “Cherie” Rivers is a survivor. Former stripper turned bartender, Cher is a hard working single mom to the adorably witty Ethan.  At first glance, she definitely gave me the tough chick, hard-as-nails vibe, which I adore (I tend to favor strong female leads). However, there’s so much more to her persona.  She’s thick skinned, stubborn and overly cautious since dealing with so many disappointments in her life. She’s a woman whose experiences taught her the rough lesson that dreams do not come true.   Poor Cher, she had my sympathies as well as my respect. I loved her realistic views towards life. She’s not a woman who wallows in life’s misfortunes, but one who perseveres and makes the most out of her circumstances.  I admired her protective motherly ways – she sacrifices greatly for her son – and when digging deep, I saw her soft, ‘gooey’ side.  Cher may be unrefined, but she is true to her family and friends. It’s her loyalty to Merry, when he was at his lowest, which led to a night of unbridled passion. After years of loving him from afar, her dream actually came true. Now she’s panicked that their one night tryst would either ruin the friendship or it could (hopefully) lead to something more…that means taking a chance on Merry. I so wanted Cher to finally find happiness and her dream man. The extremely sexy, outrageously dominant Lieutenant Garrett “Merry” Merrick is the perfectly flawed, self-sabotaging hero.  The horrific way he lost his mom scarred him so greatly; deep-seeded fears from the trauma led to a failed marriage and crippled future relationships.  When finding out his ex-bitch-wife Mia (oh yeah, she’s a major bitch-face) was moving on, Merry decided to have himself a pity party. The only person to have his back was Cher, which led to not only one night of hot sex and multiple orgasms, but also the possibility of more. It took a tiny bit of time for me to warm up to Merry. He had a hard, uneasy side in the beginning of the story that had me on edge.  There were times he pissed me off and I wanted to smack some sense into him, snapping him out of his funk. Although, it didn’t take Merry long to open up and show me all his beauty. I couldn’t help but fall in love with his gentle, protective side. I adored how hard he worked to break down Cher’s impenetrable walls, while trying his best to move past his fears. Merry also had me feeling all gushy the way he took Ethan under his wing and effortlessly became part of their small family. Merry is a controlling and dominating force in the bedroom. Their fierce sexual chemistry ignited my kindle as Merry proved repeatedly that he is one hell of a dirty-mouthed badass who likes it when his good girl’s being bad.Totally scrumptious.  I loved them together – both Cherie and Merry were powerful, dynamic characters that sometimes collided and were frequently sarcastic. They were as funny as they were passionate, and the things that came out of their mouths were hysterical. “You grabbin’ my hand practically before I could get in your door and draggin’ me to your bedroom so you could shove me on your bed and get your mouth on my dick?” His hold on me tightened slightly. “Awesome.” “You have a great cock,” I shared. His hips shifted and his smile didn’t get any less cocky. “It likes you too.” Now there’s always that one person in each KA series that I refer to as ‘The Sage’. That one special character that puts everything into perspective by imparting their wisdom, which usually leaves me a blubbering mess. For me, it was Dave Merrick, Merry’s dad. Father and son shared an enormously tender moment that was forever seared into my soul. Dave, a man burdened with his own pain and regrets, lovingly takes his son’s hand and guides him into the light. Dave lays it all out for his son, telling him to grab hold and fight against these fears with the help and love of a strong woman… that woman being Cherie. It was one of the most touching moments in this read. As I reached the 95% mark on my kindle, heart palpitations and panic set in when reading the one word that made me realize this is it…the end of an era…EPILOGUE.  Holding my breath, I pushed forward and became fully engrossed in the best ending I have ever read, bar none. Told from various points of view and spanning over a decade, Kristen Ashley gifted a phenomenal insight into the lives and loves of all The ‘Burgs characters. Weaving each saga within this series together, tying all loose ends into one spool of thread, KA magnificently spun all of the happily ever afters I craved.  It was a beautiful pain seeing all these characters one last time. I laughed, I swooned, I cried happy tears (Joe Callahan made me sob…again), and I was overjoyed with the journey this author paved.