REVIEW: Leveled by Jay Crownover

We all need a hero...let the Saints of Denver begin

Orlando Frederick knows what it is to be leveled by pain. Instead of focusing on his own, he’s made it his mission to help others: sports stars, wounded war vets, survivors of all kinds. But when Dom, a rugged, damaged, sinfully attractive cop, makes his way into Lando’s physical therapy practice, he might be the biggest challenge yet. Lando loved one stubborn man before and barely survived the fallout. He’s not sure he can do it again.

Dominic Voss is a protector. The police badge he wears is not only his job, it’s his identity, so when he’s sidelined because of an injury, the only thing he cares about is getting back on the force. He expects Lando to mend his body, he just doesn’t realize the trainer will also have him working toward a hell of a lot more. As attraction simmers and flares, Dom sees that Lando needs repair of his own...if only the man will let him close enough to mend what's broken.

An Avon Romance

Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published November 2nd 2015

Source: Purchased

Purchase a copy: Goodreads | Amazon

OUR REVIEW

Court: So, I am a little bit ashamed that it took me a bit to remember who Orlando was, but once he voiced the connection to our Marked Men that we love so much...I gasped! And was so excited that Dominic (a favorite) was getting to know THIS MAN...because they both really, really deserved it. Jay's note was much appreciated at the beginning; I am appreciating this novella for it's own special content, and also for being the connection for the upcoming Built (MY EXCITEMENT FOR THAT CANNOT BE CONTAINED!!!)Shel: YES to all of this but especially that Dom got his book and that Built is coming (insert me saying it in an Oprah voice--BUILT IS COMING!!!).

Court: Dominic is Royal's partner, and after his injury we saw her have a very hard time...but on the outside...Dom is looking out for her and we didn't really get a in depth look at how he really felt about being shot and falling off of a roof. Well, now in written form is that story, and his road to recovery was a long and hard one. Shel: Dom's healing was a lot less traumatic than I thought it might be and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well adjusted he was. Actually, he's just a strong character, period. He may have been leveled by Orlando, but he was so level headed and he exuded this calm strength the entire novel...I loved him. Orlando is completely the opposite in his emotional pain, and I liked that contrast between the two of them, and their journey to try to heal Dom physically, and Orlando's emotions. Their story is epic and hot, and was a great addition to my day! I am SO GLAD we read this! Shel: Dude. Orlando was a little more of mess, emotionally, than I was expecting..and maybe than what he was expecting too. I think it surprised him a little at how much and deeply Dom impacted him and how unprepared he was for it. I very much enjoyed watching him figure it all out. These two were just so much fun to read and *fans self* so hot.

Court: On a harder note, I think this is the FOURTH story in a row that has taught me a little something, something. That sounds great, right? It is truly, but the tears I have shed as I get a little bit of prospective on grief, and words that are healing for characters, and even if they're not meant to be a bit healing for me. That was a complete surprise, too, and makes me even more in love with this story. Every little bit helps, so thanks Jay, for Orlando and the Archers...and your stories that we fall in love with every single time. Shel: Great start to this new series! I can't wait to read all of the new stories and read about the new (and old) characters. 

REVIEW: SHADE BY KETLEY ALLISON

Famous boyfriend, penthouse on Park Avenue, full scholarship and best friend along for the ride?

Awesome.

A smartass drummer boy, dark obsession and a hint of betrayal? 

Unexpected. 

Murder?

Inevitable.

Charlie Miller’s life in New York City is just getting started.

Shelley:  It's hard for me to write about Shade without being spoilerific so I'll just give you a rundown of some of my general thoughts:

THERE IS SOME FUCKERY GOING ON. <-- and that about sums it up. For real. Who do I trust? I already felt suspicious of the way 3 of the 4 characters were acting in Snapped and this book just solidified it for me. Friends not being very friendly, deception, and discomfort--these are all ways I'd describe what I was feeling as I read. Boy, if we had friends like these, why would we ever need enemies?? But yes. There is some wicked fuckery going on...and even though that is going to make me have to seriously edit the fuck out of my review just to get it to post on Amazon...that is about all I've got. 

My salute to a couple of characters and their assholery behavior...

I'm eager to get to Sin to see if we begin to get answers. I have so many questions about who these characters are and what the hell they think they're doing. We're like...this happened, and this happened, and oh, can't tell you that. FECK! 

And then, I'm all...don't buy that shit. Don't be a moron. *falls over dead*

Also? I want to shout at Char to freakin trust her instincts. TRUST THEM. She isn't. She's doubting herself, and that is why I think I want her to find her inner badass early! I need it! 
And also? I want people to quit assuming crap and USE THEIR WORDS and not just allude to things. This is painful--in the best way because I'm totally engaged. IT IS SO HARD! Because guess what folks, in a short month, the honeymoon phase is over, and we FINALLY have some real life, bad ass, hard shit going on between these people. Adult like things, that ouch, they hurt when we have to go through growing pains like that...but the writing is spectacular for me, and I feel like we're really hitting a stride with this story and these characters and I am so engaged and enthralled with this story. I am pimping it out left and right, and YOU will be next! 

Well done! Bring on Sin! 

About the Author

Ketley Allison began her career by writing books as birthday presents for her friends (with her friend as the main character and opposite a super sexy lead, of course) before ending it in order to walk down a path she thought she was supposed to follow.

The writing bug never left her--and, in fact, would often bleed into the official papers she was supposed to write--so now Ketley's putting down her suit and finally following her dream. While her friends are no longer the stars of her books, she still throws in bits and pieces of them into each and every one of her characters.

As a result, her books tend to focus a lot on friendships as well as love, because let's be honest, friends are what really get you through--especially when your epic love turns into epic heartbreak.

Learn more about Ketley by visiting her website at www.ketleyallison.com

NEW RELEASE + GIVEAWAY: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU BY JESSICA SCOTT

NEW RELEASE!

Title: All I Want For Christmas Is You

Author: Jessica Scott

Release Date: October 24, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Novella (108 pages)

Summary

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left - and she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what's coming for them. It's going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart. 

Excerpt

It was not a gentle kiss. It was not tame or timid or questioning.

It burned her down to the root of Sam's soul. It touched something deep and dark and hidden.

Something she'd thought was long since dead and buried and gone.

Patrick’s tongue slid against hers, stroking to life the very sensations she thought she'd never feel again.

It was electric, the feel of his mouth against hers. The scrape of stubble against her chin, the taste of him. The smell of his skin.

He nipped her. Pinched her bottom lip between his teeth and sucked it. And she sighed at the pleasure, at the raw ache his taste and touch aroused in her, pushing aside the darkness that haunted her.

Sam felt him. Felt everything. The heat of his skin. The warmth that drew her closer. That made her want to crawl into his lap and unzip his pants and push up that damned flannel shirt until they were skin to skin and there was nothing between them but sweat and heat.

One hand slid down her side. Tugged at her fleece and...

"Dear lord how many layers of clothing do you have on under this thing," he muttered against her lips.

She smiled. "You weren't wondering why I wasn't cold?"

"Well you'd be a champ at strip poker right about now," he murmured.

Then his fingers found her skin and she was no longer thinking.

Goodreads Link

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23359177-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you 

Buy Links 

Amazon - http://bit.ly/aiwamazon

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/aiwbn

iBooks - http://bit.ly/aiwibooks

Kobo - http://bit.ly/aiwkobo

Google Play - http://bit.ly/aiwgplay

Biography

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and has served as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas.

She's pursuing a PhD in Sociology in her spare time  and most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.

Social Networking Links

Website - http://www.jessicascott.net 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JessicaScott09 

Goodreads -  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131118.Jessica_Scott 

***

The novella ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU is also included in November 11th release HOME FOR CHRISTMAS with Joann Ross.

Buy Links

Amazon.com:  amzn.to/1D7xcZO

iBooks: http://bit.ly/hcfibooks

Kobo: http://bit.ly/hfckobo

Google Play: http://bit.ly/hfcplay

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COVER REVEAL: OUR SONG BY CASEY PEELER (A NOVELLA)

Synopsis

Belle Montgomery is a small town Carolina girl. She leaves her simple life, family, and friends behind to open for the one and only country music mega star, Jake Bryant. With a break in their tour, sparks are bound to fly when Jake visits the small podunk town of Lattimore. That is until Belle's long-time friend Chase McSwain makes his feelings known. Will sparks fly between Belle and Jake, or will Chase extinguish them before they start?

Preorder #OurSong on iBooks and post your confirmation number here, for a chance to win $50 Amazon or iBook gift card! (Winners choice)

  [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_QbDyWNTPE]

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

Excerpt

As Jake finishes his finale, he takes a bow and runs offstage toward me. He lifts me off the ground and spins me around.

“Glad to see me?” I ask.

“You have no idea what it’s like to look out into the crowd and find eyes that you know. Really know, Belle.”

“If I didn’t know better, Mr. Bryant, I’d think somebody had a crush.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you liked it.”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a country boy in tight ass jeans that knows how to work a stage.”

About the Author

Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book. Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!    

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REVIEW: CASTLE HILL BY SAMANTHA YOUNG (ON DUBLIN STREET #2.5)

A Joss and Braden Novella

Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again

Kindle Edition, 97 pages
Published December 3rd 2013 by NAL (Intermix)

Source: Netgalley

Purchase: Goodreads 

OUR REVIEW:

This was a great addition to the On Dublin Street series. It gives you that sense of closure and HEA for Braden and Joss that you may have speculated about at the end of their book. Of course you have to do a little work to get to that HEA because Joss and Braden aren't easy peasy..but the end definitely makes the work worth it.

OMG. Ok. So, we've been wanting to read this for a while. And now that we finally have...omg. The emotion in this novella brought back for me all of the reasons why I loved On Dublin Street to begin with. The writing: like sipping your favorite drink...or listening to your favorite song on repeat. It was perfect for me, and let me just say I had to try really hard to hold back ugly cry tears as I was sitting in my favorite Chinese food joint having a nice lunch by myself, reading this novella. I was almost a bit embarrassed by my behavior, because I try to save that for when I am alone. 

In addition to seeing what's happening with Braden and Joss, you get to see little snippets of all of our other favorite characters in the series..and that always makes it interesting. It does! It makes me excited for all of the other installments that are out, or to come. Have I said yet again how much I love this novella? No? Yes. Okay, I have. I loved it, a lot. 

After reading this quick novella, I think Joss and Braden have solidified their place as my favorite couple in this series. Love their dynamic..even when I want to throttle them. No doubt, do they make us work for every single second of happiness. This one had some tough themes for them, again, and I loved it! Yay, Samantha Young.

Shelley: 4 Stars

Courtney: 5 Stars

About the Author: 

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has sold in twenty-five countries.

For more info on Samantha's adult fiction visit http://www.ondublinstreet.com

For info on her young adult fiction visit www.samanthayoungbooks.com