Rock It by Jennifer Chance ..... review by Dawn

Blurb

Lacey Dawes is a total pro at the talent agency where she works, and it doesn't hurt that IMO Worldwide Media represents Dante Falcone. The rock god has starred in her fantasies since she was sixteen—and remains her secret crush to this day. So when Dante picks her to be the interim manager on his Dream It tour, Lacey can’t believe her luck. Handling Dante is sure to be the most exquisite, spine-tingling, nerve-wracking mix of business and pleasure ever.

 

Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.

I thought this book had an interesting primes... I know I still crush on some of the musicians from my long ago youth. Just thinking about getting the chance to meet them, let lone work for them. I would DIE! 

I was so hoping this would be just fantastic... Don't get me wrong, there are some really sweet interactions between Lacey and Dante. And some really HOT moments. I just had a problem with the lack of drama. You get this big build up of what is gonna happen when he finds this out... (Sorry I can't tell you) But nothing really ever happens when he does. Its just flat. I think this book would be great for girls ages 16 to 21 ... and I am soooo beyond those numbers.  

I really wanted the Lacey's boss to get the ass kicking she needed... and again nothing. I needed Lacey to have more of a backbone and Dante to be more of a ROCK STAR!

I am giving Rock It 3 clocks

 

Shredded ; An Extreme Risk Novel by Tracy Wolff

~Blurb~

Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s rash behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.

 

Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But after nearly dying in the same drag-racing accident that killed her boyfriend, she needs a place to heal, both physically and emotionally. The last thing Ophelia wants right now is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and reckless as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.

Feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But their tormented pasts pull them in every direction, forcing their relationship into a downhill slide before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.

I never thought I would get into this book honestly, It's not my typical type of read. I received this as an ARC from the publisher, so my review is based on the unedited version.

I SO ENJOYED THIS BOOK!!! Our lead characters were really great! I was immediately pulled into the story of Ophelia and Z. Both have suffered unimaginable loss and are dealing with it by Ophelia, running from it and Z, having a death wish... and there lies the trouble.

Z, is a hot shot snowboarder with amazing talent, he lives fast and hard, women, drugs, booze and pushing the limits. He is living to forget and burying his pain anyway he can. Which usually means flying off the side of a mountain. 

Ophelia, born and bread in New Orleans, the last place she ever imagined herself was in freezing Park City. But she had to leave NO she had to escape the constant reminders of the death of her boyfriend and the crash that almost killed her. She is one tough cookie. She has no time for games and the advances of these spoiled rich people. Working at her Aunt and Uncles ski resort, she meets Z and promptly dumps coffee into his arrogant lap. 

The banter between these two is so great! Ophelia doesn't let Z get away with anything. constantly call him on his inflated ego and attempts to use his cheesy lines on her. 
Z ordering coffee from Ohelia...

"What can I get you?"

"I like just about anything," I finally tell her.

"Yeah, I've heard that about you," she answers dryly, sounding less than impressed.

"Oh, really? And what exactly have your heard-" I glance down at the black-and silver name tag pinned to her shirt"-Ophelia?"

She rolls her eyes." I think you've got a pretty good idea what people say about you, Z. Now are you going to stand there all night batting your eyes at me or are you actually going to order something for your harem?"

"My harem?"

"I barely know those girls."

"Like that's suppose to impress me?"

"I don't know." It's the most honest thing I have said all day. "What would impress you?"

She eyes me disdainfully. "Way more than what you've got to offer."

This back and forth goes on and it is really great to read. It's fun to see how they respond to each other. The more she smarts off to him ,the more he wants to MAKE her smart off. 

Z is a great leading man, even if he is a mess. His need to keep those around him safe is really beautifully written. He puts himself last and beats himself up daily. Just living day to day is painful for him... the guilt he feels is crushing him.

Things happen that bring Ophelia and Z together and both are starting to see each other in a new light. His need to protect her and her need to get inside his head are really wonderfully played out. 

I will say the best part of this book for me, was the supporting cast. Many times authors just skim the surface of the non-leads. But each character has or does play a very important roll in Ophelia and Z's story. You really get to know each one of them and that makes for a very happy Dawn! I am excited to read the next book in this series and I love that the author has me wanting more! 

The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the amount of time it took to finally get to the root of Z's torment. It was skated over alot and left me saying       "will you just tell her, lord!" But other than that I really enjoyed this story.

I am giving Shredded 4.5

Review based on unproofed ARC

Tease.....Sexy Hart book 3 in the SEXY SERIES by Dani Lovell

Alex by Irish Winters....Review by Kathy

-Blurb-

He’s trying to forget . . . 

Alex Stewart, ex-Marine and tough as nails boss, ditches the success of his fledgling business and flees to his cabin in the deep woods. He’s had enough. Four years after the deaths of his wife and daughter, he’s stuck in the anger stage of grief. He wants to be left alone. Life used to make sense. It just doesn’t bring him joy. Nothing does. 

She’s trying to remember . . . 

Left to die in those same deep woods, Kelsey is the last thing Alex expects to find at his cabin. She’s everything he’s running away from. Responsibility. Memories. Having to care about someone else beside himself. To make matters worse, she can’t remember anything except her first name. Neither can she explain the marks on her body, nor why two darling baby boys haunt her dreams. 

But Alex can . . . 

So what do you do when you are in so much pain you strike out at anyone and every one?  Do you eventually "get over it" or is it something that will haunt you forever? I found this book on accident (shhhh I mistyped the book name). This is not an author that I was familiar with however, I am glad that I read the book.  I am going to tell you that I ended up crying and being totally shocked in this book. I just didn't see some things coming at all. It slammed into me and I admit I cried like a baby whose favorite toy was just broken. 

The main character Alex has suffered for years with survivors guilt at the lose of his beloved wife Sara and his 6 year old daughter Abby. He was out of the country in Afghanistan at the time of there deaths. He was a marine. He should have been there to save them. 

Then there is Kelsey. She can't remember where she is, who she is, or why she is all busted up. Alex found her, now he will have to save her. Can a man who can't get over his loss help this wounded woman? Will he be able to protect her or will his anger cause more of an issue?

"I wasn't always like this." She glared at him, her sorrow turning into anger. "I went to college. I loved my job. I was good at it, you know? I had a nice apartment. It wasn't big, but it was nice. Did you even know that?"
"Yes, I do know that about you."
She stared at him. Was he lying, too? How could he know ? The gentle squeeze of his fingers seemed to bridge the gap. All she saw was a friend and her strongest, heck, her only protector. he pulled the sodden mass of tissues from her fingers and replaced it with another batch, his gentle hands never losing hold of hers in the process. She glared at those blue eyes that had only moments before been cold and unfeeling. Whatever was happening between them, she wanted it out in the open, all the poison and anger, all of it. Now.
" you know, people think women lie me are stupid because we stay," she explained, " but it's not easy to leave. It's like I changed over night. One day I'm doing pretty good. I've got a job, and I'm happy, but the next day, I'm ugly and all beat up. It's hard to get away. I couldn't believe anyone could hurt me like he did. I 'd never been in a fight, not even once. Ever. i didn't know how to slap anyone."
I did enjoy the book. I loved the gentle way Alex dealt with Kelsey. I could see the effect that domestic violence would have had on a woman. How does anyone ever learn to forget and move on from that. How do you trust someone else? How do you love someone else? This book also deals with the death of loved ones, including children. This may not be the book for everyone. Like I said I was completely shocked at some parts of this book. I definitely got my heart engaged in Alex and Kelsey. I also told Alex to man up at one point in the story. I am giving this book 4 clocks. Nice debut book. I will look forward to the rest in the series. 

Knock Out by Michelle Mannon....Review by Dawn

~BLURB~

Logan Rettino never imagined she'd fall so far. Dropped by her ex on national TV, she's gone from prima ballerina to ring card girl, reduced to revving up the crowds before MMA bouts. However distasteful she finds her new job, it pays well...and she needs the money if she's ever going to rebuild her life. Promised a huge bonus if she can convince a brooding, gifted welterweight to keep fighting, she'll do whatever it takes to earn his trust.

Keane O'Shea is unbeatable in the octagon. A former marine, he fights with a ruthlessness no gym jockey can match. He knows his brutal strength is too much for the delicate ex-ballerina, regardless of how fascinating he finds Logan's tight dancer's body. But one private performance and he's drawn to her in a way he can't—or won't—resist.

As Logan discovers the heartbreaking truth that lies beneath this handsome warrior's rage, she'll need to forfeit everything she thought mattered for the one thing that matters the most: saving Keane from himself

When I received this book as an ARC I sighed, "ugh another bad boy fighter book, another Travis Maddox wanna be."  Well let me be the first to tell you, I WAS WRONG! 

 Keane O'Shea is sexy, fierce, a man full of secrets and most of all he is damaged and haunted by his Marine past  He is honest and up front about  "I don't talk and I don't want a woman for more than one night." . Keane is an amazing leading man, although at times the fact that he is a man of few words get a bit annoying. He never really offers any conversation, only talks back when talked to. I really can't get into a lot of his issues because that would spoil it for you. He broke my heart in different parts of this story.

Logan I really liked! She had so much growth in the story. Hell bent on revenge against her cheating, lying, thieving, fame whore of an ex. She must now work as a ring girl for MMA fights. He embarrassed and injured her on live television, taking away her status as a prima ballerina. She literally falls into Keane's arms one night as he is on his way to the ring.  But don't think that is all its going to take to make him notice. Her slimy boss wants to fire her daily, so he comes up with a plan to keep his money maker, Keane fighting, enter Logan. 

I was so glad that Logan went to Keane and laid it all out to him. I am not a big fan of the "hidden drama" in a lot of books, I appreciated that the author did this.  They disagree and he doesn't want to continue... she convinces him...  The connection Keane and Logan have is in a word, intense. She see's that he is damaged and does everything to get him to open up and the more she tries the more he resists.  
This is where the story got a bit, um, slow or tedious for me. The constant referencing to "his issue" was getting to be very repetitive.  I get it, he's not going to open up all of the sudden. The thought that was on repeat in my head was "beating a dead horse". There is a lot of back and forth between them and its the same argument. OH, and the fact that Logan said "well, bleeding leotards" drove me nuts!

They have chemistry, and lots of it and it's HOT! Logan's never been with a man like Keane and she is experiencing things she never knew were possible. Lets just say the ballet dance was smokin'... But OMG, the cable car ride, made my  list of  "places I need to ...." Holy crap it was HOT!!!

This book has a great message about PTSD and the issues that come with it. I also like the fact that Logan's priories changed, when you have someone in your life that is battling to just live another day, the little stuff falls to the wayside.

I am giving Knock Out 4 clocks!!

Review based on ARC copy

Ride by JC Emery... Review by Dawn



~blurb~

Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather. Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the future her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can't take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life. Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover. Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike —or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross. Love is never more tempting than when it’s forbidden.

From the blurb, this book has the making of exactly what I love to read about...bikers...badasses...a leading lady who is in trouble and of course drama and sex. I was set, ready to take the ride. Well, the idea of this book was great and full of promise. But for me the story fell a bit flat. I wanted more of her Mob family and the drama that would unfold when the Principessa walked away or rather was taken from that life.

At times the story was really quite good, but those moments would be followed up with me shaking my head and asking "what just happened?" or "well, once again no action ." I think I was 50% through this book before Ryan and Alex did more than kiss.  OH! and random make out with Duke, her "one and only friend who was a whore bag"... I was left very confused by this.

Her friendship with Nic, really was flat at best. They really didn't do anything or interact all that much with each other.

Ian was/is a HUGE mystery to me... as is her father and TWIN brother Michael. YES, I said twin. It would seem he would have at least played a MAJOR roll in her life. I mean yes, he comes back and all, but his reappearance is really a flash in the pan.

WHO, I did love was her "aunt" Ruby and uncle Jim, they were the bright spot in this book. They were loving, funny and we not afraid to tell it how it was. I like that in my strong characters.

I loved the dogs...

I even like the budding relationship between Alex and Ryan, it was slowwww.... but it still has a sweetness to it. Now, I am not going to tell you what happens when they finally do the deed, but it does NOT go as planned for Alex. It was kind of hard to read because you knew she was already in love with him and to be treated like that, it made you feel bad for her.

What I LOVED the most was the pinky thing...That was their way of connecting...

Like I said I like my bikers badass and that was the worst part of this book for me, there were NONE! or at least we didn't get to see it or I missed it.

I didn't connect with the characters and that makes me sad, because I really wanted to just love this book. With that said I am giving Ride by JC Emery 3.5 clocks... I will be reading the follow up Thrash, I have to see what happens to some of the other players. Ride does not leave you with a cliffhanger.

Amazon link

Ride by JC Emery

Bikers*Babes and Books...author event!

Hello all!  I journeyed to Houston to Stubbs Harley Davison to attend the
BIKERS*BABES & BOOKS author event... I had the pleasure of meet a FAB bunch of ladies..


I had a mission, meet Madeline Sheehan.... let me tell you when I walked up to the table and she said "you look familiar, you're Dawn." I may or may not have let out a little squee... I'll never tell! She was absolutely lovely, she took the time to sign all of my books and also give me some swag for contests over on the FB page. We had a little chat and I was super fangirling out ...

I also met the following ladies and let me tell you ALL of them were just super nice and super supportive of bloggers... JC Emery, Nicole Jacquelyn, CM Stunich, Kit Rocha, Laramie Briscoe, Bijou Hunter, Kim Jones, Joanna Wylde, Belle Whittington, Shauna Allen, Elle Chardou and Troy Mason.  It was a great event and really a total blast...


I have signed copies of books and so much swag that I get overwhelmed looking at it all. We are planning on doing a BIG giveaway when the FB page hit 1,000 likes, we are 88 likes away from that goal.... so go like our page Up all night reading its what I do.

Out of Turn (Kathleen Turner series) by Tiffany Snow..... review by Dawn

 

~Blurb~

Breaking up is hard to do, as Kathleen Turner discovers. After a falling-out with her ex, high-powered attorney Blane Kirk, she’s moving on the best she can. Unfortunately, someone from her past is set on revenge and nothing short of killing Kathleen will stop them.

Keeping his brother’s ex-girlfriend alive isn’t something new to assassin-for-hire Kade Dennon, but this time can he protect her from himself? She’s a woman he can’t convince himself to walk away from, no matter what it costs him.

Regret is a constant companion for Blane as he realizes the truth behind the lies he’s been told. Can love heal the past, or can some mistakes not be undone?

Murder reunites Blane, Kade, and Kathleen as the police put Blane in their crosshairs. Blane may lose everything unless he and Kade can find the real murderer before it’s too late. But if they can’t set aside their love for the same woman and work together, it will tear them apart.

In Out of Turn, Kathleen is caught between two warring brothers, and the consequences may be fatal.

Let me start off by saying I LOVE this series, I read the first 3 books in one weekend and then had to wait on book 4, Out of Turn... I am not quite in love with this one as I was with the first three. The intense drama and mystery surrounding Kathleen were still there and that is what I love about these books. But this one got really messy with the love triangle.., If you are not familiar with the series its, Blane, hot shot power attorney once fiancé of Kathleen.... Kade, your standard bad boy with a heart that is sometimes in the right place, a BAD ASS and also the brother of Blane and OH YEAH, he is in love with Kathleen also... confused... let me break it down for you...

 

Blane + Kathleen + Kade = massive messy love triangle!

This where it got a bit to messy for me... let me give you a little info first. The 3 of them are hiding in a closet at a murdered woman's home, they hear someone coming... Kathleen starts to have a panic attack ( I mean why the hell not, perfect timing!)

 Blane and Kade we silently still, Kade at my back ad Blane in front. I strained my ears, hearing the faint sound of footsteps on the stairs, coming closer and passing by our hiding place.

"Take it easy," Kade breathed in my ear, his voice a bare whisper of sound. His hands settled on my hips. "Breathe." I closed my eyes - not that it made a difference in what I could see, it was so dark- and tired to concentrate on breathing. I felt Blane's fingers curl over mine as he took my hand. Only then did I realize that tremors shook my whole body. I was breathing too fast and too shallow. Hyperventilating.

 

Kade's arm curved around my stomach holding me tight. "Don't think about it." he whispered. "Think about something else. You know how many women would sacrifice a limb to be stuffed in a closet with two hot guys like me and Blane?"

 His words penetrated my haze and my lips trembled in a faint smile.

Blane had both my hands now, then took my arms and wrapped them around his waist, as though to ground me in the present. He rubbed my arms, gently and methodically moving up and down to my elbows. I rested my forehead against his chest and closed my eyes, breathing in and out.

Kade pressed his mouth to my bare shoulder the gentle and silent. His hands lay low across my abdomen and she held me. Blane's scent clung to his skin, leaching through the thing fabric of his T-shirt.

Fingers lifted my chin, turning my face upward and I felt the barest brush of Blane's lips in a kiss. His palm cupped my cheek, a thumb brushing my cheek bone as his mouth moved gently over mine. It was unexpected and I gasped in surprise. Blane took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, forcing my breaths to slow.

Kade's touch was war against my shoulder the slide of his tongue on my skind sending a shiver through me. His hand had crept under my tank, the heat of his palm like a brand.

Ok, so Blane goes to check and see if he can see who is there, leaving Kathleen and Kade in the closet...

Kade's lips drifted down my neck to where my pulse was pounding. "You should stop," I manage to say. "I don't want to," Kade murmured against my skin. "Blane kissed you. Now its my turn."

 

Now I am not a prude at all, but this was just so bothersome to me. Here we have these 3 amazing characters individually, but you put them together and you get this messiness. I GET IT, the book is about a love triangle! The previous books all let to this and we could see it coming. BUT, and it its a BIG BUT, it was so IN YOUR FACE that it got old, real quick for me.

The idea of a love triangle is to make the reader choose, and I know who I want her with, as I feel she (Kathleen) has chosen also. But this time around I was just not happy with the actions of Kathleen. I just didn't like the way she handled things. I am sure, I'm pretty much out on my own on this one, but I just didn't like the sloppiness of it.

I still do love this series, the drama and action are still really great and make the stories so nerve-wracking to read, and I LOVE THAT! I was just very unimpressed with the actions of our heroine this time around.

 

Yes, I will read the next book in the series, because I believe Kathleen with redeem herself for me... I am giving Out of Turn 4 clocks, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Kathleen Turner Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTEST TIME....FOLLOW LINK TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO ENTER!!!!

 

 

 

LUCKY 7'S GIVEAWAY!!!

 

 

WE HAVE REACHED OVER 7,000 HITS ON THE BLOG AND HIT OVER 700 LIKES ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE!!!

SO IT'S TIME TO GIVE SOMEONE

EBOOK COPIES OF

UNTANGLE ME AND KAYDEN:THE PAST

BY CHELLE BLISS

Just follow the attached link to Facebook to enter!https://www.facebook.com/pages/Up-All-Night-Reading-its-what-I-do/597154340336207 

Kayden:The Past, Love at Last series by Chelle Bliss.......Reviwed by Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Blurb-
** CAN BE READ AS A STAND ALONE NOVEL**

Kayden Michaels has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. A past that he’s avoided sharing with the love of his life, Sophia, and held close to his core not risking rejection. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.

Kayden must recount every carnal act and the betrayal from those he’s loved to identify the triggers that spur his addictions and overcome it all to be worthy of Sophia’s love – his sole reason to exist.

I wanted to say a couple of things before I started this review. The first thing is that I was a beta reader for Chelle Bliss. The second is that this is an honest review of the book. So that being said.....

When my life spiraled out of my control, Sophia caught me in her web of security and love. She is my savior, the only thing that is true in my life. She can't know my entire story. Who would want to know the true story of the love of their life, the father of their child?
The thought of Sophia being with another man makes my skin crawl and pisses me off. She's mine, and I' like to think that I've been the only man in her life and the first one to taste her, but I know I'm ling to myself. ignorance is bliss, and I'd rather stay in the dark.
This is a book about the past loves and betrayals of Kayden Michaels. This is his journal and journey to find his triggers to his addictions. It is not an easy road by any means, but it is one that must be traveled. Could you write down all your past mistakes and have someone help you figure out why you do the things you do? Would it be easy for you? I know it wouldn't be for me. So where to start with Kayden.  Back to the reason's he became the flawed man that Sophia met. The beginning before Sophia.

The women started with Mindy. She was the first of many bad choices.

She timidly licked the tip as if checking the flavor of a lollipop. My cock was like a tootsie Roll pop;I had a surprise for her after we found out how many licks it took to get to the center or my end.She drew her tongue back into her mouth, looking up at me probably hoping I'd change my mind. I shifted my hips moving my cock closer to her, giving her the hint or encouragement she needed to continue.
Kayden has a lot of issues stemming from his past. His drinking started when he was in high school. So did his issues with women. He meets a lot of women and has no holds barred, holy shit I can't believe I just read that, steamy, HOT, OMG is that possible SEX. Oh Kayden the things you have done.....whew is hot in here? OK, getting back to the review...

Money's great, but love's more important. Love is the foundation that all else teeters on, the great precipice that can bring you happiness or total torture.
You get to meet many of Kayden's exes during the book. Bridget and Danielle are some of these women. What happens here them are really one of Kayden's main issues. I do not want to spoil the book so, I will just say this...There are 3 women in this book  I wanted to freaking slap. These are two of these women. I will say that  each of these women dragged him into an even bigger drunk/drug fest. These are not healthy relationships, of course it's always easy to see that from the outside.

The details about our relationship or the engagement aren't important; our downfall is what changed my view on love and fidelity. When I'm in a relationship, I'm in it one hundred percent; I only have eyes for my partner. I never will be a cheater.

Again that mother fucking statement. It just happened. "Cheating doesn't just happen, Danielle. No man just falls into your pussy by accident."  (Greatest  cheating line ever!)

Kayden tries so hard to find that love of a lifetime. The fairytale we all want...

"Eh, we've all been unlucky. No one has the fairytale we read about as children, at least not easily. Have to walk through the shit to appreciate the good, At least that's what my mom used to tell me."
He has to deal with the law and his ex. His life was no fairytale, but then he meets Sophia.

"She's my soul mate who I had to walk through hell to find."I love Kayden. He has had some horrible things happen to make him into the man that he became, Sophia's man. He has walked through the fires of addiction and loss. Chelle Bliss did a fantastic job of showing how a man can become so flawed and still fight his way to being a man that should be loved. I loved this book. It made me laugh, cry, gasp in shock, and damn HE is panty melting OMG I want him now HOT. I think this is a beautifully written story. I loved being able to delve into his past to find out why he chose to do the things he did. NO, you do not have to read the story of Kayden and Sophia in Untangle Me, but it is a fantastic read as well. Let me just say that Chelle has a way with words in this book. I usually find a couple of quick quotes in a book. This time I had to narrow these down. I am so looking forward to the new book about Suzy.(Write really fast Chelle) I give this book 5 clocks. Go get your copy and start getting to know Kayden. He is a hero you will fall in love with..

 

In Safe Arms by Lee Christine.... Reviewed by Kathy

 

Blurb-
Legal secretary Josephine Valenti has no idea why a notorious bikie president would be contacting her, but when he is murdered in front of her eyes, she knows that she is in very deep trouble. Fleeing to her home, she's intercepted by Nate Hunter, a man she used to know and lust after…a man she used to care about.

However, Nate has changed. His leathers and his bike tell of a lifestyle that Josie can't begin to accept or understand. His is a life of drugs, money laundering and prostitution.

Though, all is not what it seems, and Josie must fight harder than she ever has before — for the truth, for what's right, and, ultimately for the man who still has a hold of her heart.

This book starts off with a murder that was watched via a Skype call. One notorious bike president murders another in front of a legal secretary. The problem, someone saw her on the call and knows who she is. They know where she is, can she be saved?

Nate turned his head and stared at the computer monitor.
From the open Skype program, a woman watched in horror, eyes stricken, fingers pressed against her mouth.
Skirting around Mulvaney's  thrashing legs, Nate zeroed in on the computer. The woman's eye's widened and she jerked backwards, as if he could somehow reach across the digital divide and physically grab her.
Mulvaney was making gurgling sounds low in his throat, and the woman tore her gaze from Nate to focus on what was happening at the back of the room.
Nate swung around, the same instant Kennett crushed Muylvaney's windpipe in a sickening crunch of bone and soft tissue.
The bikie leader turned his back to the computer in an obvious effort to hide his identity, and lowered Mulvaney's dead body to the floor."Find her, and shut her up."
Nate let the container slip from his fingers and turned to face the woman. She lowered her hand, and in the moment before she killed the connection, Nate glimpsed her face.
Jesus Christ!
He dived for the outdated mouse on Mulvaney's desk and clicked on the woman's profile,the implications of the unfolding horror assaulting his mind like death metal music.
Behind him, Kennett splashed petrol over the shabby, mismatched furniture.
Contingency plans flooded into Nate's mind.
This was bad.
This was really bad


From the start of this book I was hooked. i couldn't put it down. The characters and the story  grabbed my attention. How many of us use Skype everyday? Can you imagine seeing something like a murder on it, who do you call for help? How can you tell the police where to go? How do you keep yourself safe?What would you do if you are sure you saw someone you know helping to commit the crime? I had all of those questions. Then Josie goes missing. Her car is found wrecked but, she is not there. Who took her? Is she alive?

Did I get your attention? I know the author sure had mine. I loved this book. So many twists. Just when i thought I knew who the mastermind of everything was, I was wrong. I honestly didn't see the mastermind coming till the end. I was shocked, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Josie was a great leading lady. She is smart, kind, and kick-ass when she needs to be. Nate is a total Alpha male. I loved that Nate gets her.He is just what she needs, right? Do they get their Happily Ever After? You will need to read this great book to find out. I am looking forward to more books by Lee Christine. I am giving this book 4 stars.

 

Conflicted Love, Needle's Kiss #2 by Lola Stark...... reviewed by kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Blurb-(Conflicted Love is book #2 in the Needle's Kiss series and should be read AFTER Tattered Love to fully grasp the story.)

Trip’s life motto is simple: get in, get off, get out. His lifestyle works for him, that is until he finds himself in an unexpected situation with the one girl he can't seem to get out of his mind.

Teeny has been strong for too long. One amazing crazy night, with her best friend's cocky colleague, leaves her with more than just unwanted feelings and cravings she just can’t seem to quench.

She's knocked up.

He's freaked out.

Life is about to get crazy for two people who can't stand to be close, yet can't seem to pull apart. Tension and confusion turn into mood swings and midnight snacks. How can things ever go back to simple times when every direction leads to chaos?I am going to start this off by saying that I loved the first book in this series and was anxiously awaiting this book. The first book made me laugh, sigh, and OMG the hot sex in that book. Whew. So yes I really wanted to read this book. I was not disappointed at all. At the end of the first book we find out that Teeny is preggers by Trip. They are/were friends before this but Teeny doesn't think Trip can ever settle down. He thinks he can be what she wants and needs. All they do now is fight or ignore each other. Oh Yeah Trip just found out he is the Daddy.......

The moment I stepped around the corner into the long walkway, I came to an abrupt halt. A mixture of emotions hit me all at once; jealousy, anger, protectiveness and something that made my chest tight.
Scar's voice drifted to my ears, 'The stress isn't good for the baby, sweetie. You need to tell him."
Teeny stood there, her back to us, Scarlett holding the tops of her arms. The second Scar lifted her gaze, her eyes flicked around and a whispered, "Oh shit!" escaped her lips.
Teeny spun around with an audible gasp, tears marking her face. Her hand went to her stomach along with my gaze.
WHAT THE FUCK!
I hesitated to move closer; annoyed she hadn't felt like she could tell me. I mean, she wasn't seeing anyone but the dude who knocked her up; I'd already decided that he'd better step up and help her, or I'd beat the crap outta him. A shadow of anger at the thought of her being in somebody else's bed, having somebody else's hands on her body, those lips around somebody else's--I shook my head to clear my shitty and confusing train of thought.
I took a few big strides putting myself in front of her small frame and asked, "Whose is it?"
Teeny's body went stiff, her face void of all emotion. Her hand pressed tighter to her stomach. She turned to walk away, but I reached out and gripped her free hand stopping her escape.
"Whose kid is it? " I asked again as Mace's hand connected with the back of my head,            "What the hell, dude?"
"Dumbass!" he muttered taking a step toward Scar and Teen. His insult rolled off my back; I didn't care if I was being an ass. I wanted to make sure Teeny's guy was gonna take care of her.
"Fuck you!" she whispered, not looking at me.
"I never pegged you for stupid, Trip." This from Scar.
"Me stupid? Why ? Wait--" My head was spinning like I'd drunk an entire bottle of Tequila. The air I was gulping wasn't getting to my lungs. " Do you mean--?"Ahh Shit, the nerves got the best of me and I started to ramble, " Is it broken? Oh God, it's broken, isn't it? Fuck me! You know, Mom never could give me anything as a kid. Toys. I'd break them, New clothes. I'd mess'em. Now, I fuck up my favorite part of my woman! Goddamn it! Tell me it'll be okay, Doc!" I rambled looking for assurance that my happy place was going to come out the other side okay.
"Holy shit!" I looked from between her legs up to her sweaty red face, "Babe, there's either a head comin' out or you're pissin' a fucking baseball! Holy shit Teen, it's the head!"
"I know. I can freakin' feel it!" she screamed looking like she'd take my head off if it were within reach. I peeked back down and heard her grunt.
Excitement filled me." The head! It's out!" My excitement fizzled when bloody water gushed out. Starting to feel woozy, I swallowed hard and my lip curled." Is it meant to do that?" My breathing became heavier. " I don't like that." I stepped back and away a little, my stomach rolling. " Nope. Babies are meant to be soft and fluffy. Teen's not having a demon baby." I held the wall for support, panting. " I'm in bad shape over here. You just keep doing what you're doing, Princess. I'll be right there." I doubled over, breathing deep and trying not to pass out.
Scar snapped at me from beside Teeny," Get your shit together. You got her here, Now pull up your lace panties and help her."
Teeny grunted and pushed again. I took a tentative step forward to see the doctor pulling and yanking at my kid's shoulders. Teen's bits looked like they might tear in half. I winced, " That's gotta hurt."
The sight of her vagina stretched so much made me want to cry or stomp my foot or something, just to show my distress. Perhaps, I'd have a meltdown.
The doctor pulled again. "Oh God, it's not a rubber band, It ain't meant to go like that! Put it back! Put it back!" I was sounding hysterical. At that point, Teeny and Scar both yelled at me to shut up.
I fisted my glove-covered hands against my temples finally, reaching freak-out mode. Mace may have been smart to sit this one out. I was sure that I had just witnessed what was the equivalent of watching your favorite bar burn down.
Ok I have to say that this scene totally cracked me up. I was laughing so hard, trying to read this to my husband. He said he understood what Trip was thinking. That set me off again. Have to say that this was by far my favorite birthing scene from any book. Kudos Lola for making this so funny and memorable. This was just one of many great funny scenes with Trip and Teeny. I loved these characters in the first book and totally fell for Trip in this book. He was so sweet and bad boy and  Alpha. I truly enjoyed the book and spent a lot of time laughing out loud at these two characters. I also truly believed that they loved each other. They fought, they laughed, they made up. Boy did they make up and damn it was HOT. Lola Stark writes some very hot scenes. There is a 3rd book coming and yea I want that one here now. I am really not a patient person. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.