RELEASE REVIEW: Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen

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Summary

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh & Caleb called it home.
In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.

But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone. For more about its previous publication, you can read this blog post.

Review

Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen is a refreshing, heart-warming M/M story with a unique and intriguing story line – one that illustrates how one group’s gospel and prescribed dictates should never be taken as absolutes and one that proves that life is to be lived according to one’s own beliefs and feelings because man’s most basic need is to be loved and accepted for who he is and what he deserves due to the person he is NOT his “sinful” sexuality.

Caleb Smith and Josh Royce have been best friends since they were kids – both raised on a compound that adheres to a set of strict rules/laws – mandates that must be unilaterally followed despite contrary views and ideas. It’s clear from the start that Josh doesn’t belong in that environment, and while he’s been brainwashed enough to make him feel ashamed as well as afraid, his thoughts about Caleb and what Caleb means to him are not something he can willingly change nor does he want to because all he wants in life is to profess his love to Caleb and have Caleb reciprocate those feelings.

Caleb and Josh’s story truly begins once they are free from the strictures of the religious cult they were born into and “allowed” to explore what they feel for each other. Sarina Bowen does a fantastic job of illustrating Josh’s confusion and his fear of not being accepted because he’s gay. Josh is much more innocent when it comes to the ways of society outside the compound, and that’s clearly shown when he withdraws from Caleb despite how much Josh wants and needs Caleb. It’s extremely difficult for Josh to not think about how the leaders of the cult viewed someone like him and to change his mentality…his way of thinking and accept that he can no longer be punished for his “sinful” thoughts and actions is not something that will instantly occur. Josh has been wrapped in shame and discomfort for many years, so it’s a difficult process to accept that it’s okay to feel the way he does for Caleb without worrying that he will go to hell for those feelings.

Caleb may only be a year older than Josh, but he was seen as a “promising” member of Paradise, which meant he was given a bit more freedom, and on his journeys outside of the compound, he experienced many things that Josh has never done, so Caleb always knew that when Josh left, he would leave as well because Caleb wanted to protect Josh as well as finally show him what he means to Caleb now that there are not disapproving eyes watching their every move.

Caleb and Josh’s assimilation into society is definitely not an easy one, but it’s one that they must have the courage to experience because it’s their chance to be together in every sense of the word. There are definite obstacles in their way, namely Josh’s fear and Caleb’s need to protect those he feels responsible for, but at the heart of Goodbye Paradise is the true love that exists between Caleb and Josh and their willingness to see past their old world’s mandates and accept that the new society they live in will accept them for who they are and who they love.

Goodbye Paradise is a great read that questions one’s view of sin and illustrates the fact that there is more to life than obedience and subservience, and while shedding the warped values of the only community they have ever known is difficult, Caleb and Josh work to realize that life is meant to be lived for themselves just as much as for others, especially those who make them feel nothing but pain and loneliness.

4.5 Poison Apples

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REVIEW: Devil You Know by L.A. Fiore

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Synopsis

Damian Tate. One look into his sad green eyes and I was hooked. I wanted to be the one to make him laugh, to make him smile. I hadn’t expected him to be the one to make me blush, to make me hot…to make me fall in love. He was my first kiss, my first love, my first everything. I wanted forever with him, but life got in the way.

He enlisted, I went to college, and for years we were never in the same place long enough to pick up where we left off.

Thirteen years after he left, tragedy brings him home. The stoic boy I fell in love with grew into a quiet, dangerous and wildly sexy man. He still tugs on all the right strings for me, but he seems determined to keep me at arm’s-length.

However, when trouble comes knocking at my door, he is the one to put himself between that trouble and me.

Spending time with him might drive me insane, or it might be our second chance at first love.

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Review

I can only imagine the undertaking it took for L.A. Fiore to bring Thea and Damian’s story to life. Thea always has so much to say in the text while Damian is the silent and brooding type – a man who thrives on discipline and control because his childhood, namely his mother, made him feel like a worthless monster not fit to love or be loved by anyone. But even though Damian is a man of few words, it’s essential to understand his thoughts about Thea and his love for her as well as the reasons he had to let her go all those years ago, allowing them both to focus on themselves and achieve their individual goals.

While Devil You Know is told mainly from Thea’s perspective, Damian’s voice is there to shed light on his time away from the girl who has owned his heart since they were 17, and while Thea, readers, and maybe even Damian’s friends/family may not understand why Damian did the things he did, pushing Thea to let him go and forcing himself to keep his distance from her, because readers are privy to Damian’s thoughts and the complicated mindset that he has when it comes to his mother and the devilish person she made him out to be, we can fault him for wanting to find his place…to find a new way to define himself away from his mother’s venomous words…to become a man deserving of Thea’s love.

Thea and Damian’s story spans over a decade, and while most of those years were spent apart, they were never far from each other’s thoughts, and they never stopped loving one another or hoping for a chance to stay true to their younger selves and the promises that were made all those years ago. Timing is everything, and for many years, it was always the wrong time and the wrong place for Thea and Damian to reconnect as adults, and unfortunately, the events that bring them back together and force them to address their feelings for each other are exactly what prevent Damian from losing his disciplined and controlled manner and giving into his reckless feelings for Thea.

The love that Thea and Damian have for one another has never been in question, but sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances that prevent even a bond like theirs from having a chance at forever, and while I never doubted that they would ultimately find their way back to each other, the struggle to get there along with Damian’s hands-off, closed-off approach and the dangerous situations that Thea finds herself in definitely made me nervous, frustrated, and a bit out of sorts; a love like Thea and Damian’s love should always reign despite the outside pressures and self-recrimination, but that didn’t seem the case for much of their story, so waiting for their time to come had me wanting to shake Damian even though I completely understand his frame of mind and his reasons for waiting to claim what has always been his.

Like all of Fiore’s other stories, Devil You Know has an amazing cast of supporting characters – ones who are family even though they’re not blood related…ones who have Thea and Damian’s backs at all times and ones who would willingly take on their burdens just so they didn’t have to deal with them alone. Thea’s family and best friends along with Damian’s teammates and friends are a testament to the kind of people that Thea and Damian are and they are there to protect as well as comfort them throughout the course of their journey to happily ever after.

L.A. Fiore definitely knows how to write broken alphas, and while I’ve adored her other heroes, there’s something about Damian Tate that stands out above the rest…I’m not sure if it’s his incredible discipline or his need to do right by Thea and her family at all times…maybe it’s his unwavering sense of honor or his ability to remain focused despite the chaos surrounding him.

The idea that Damian sees himself as a monster…a devil that will only drag those he loves down to hell with him is meticulously displayed, but as much as the ghosts of his past remain an albatross on his back, constantly negating any successes he’s had to unburden himself by reveling in Thea’s love, it’s also clear that Thea and those who love and support Damian don’t see him as a burden; they see him as a truly magnificent man – one who has battled the sins of his parents and found his salvation with his band of brothers and the woman who has always held his heart.

L.A. Fiore is an amazing storyteller; every time I dive into one of her books, I know I’m going to be immersed into a passionate, thought provoking story – one whose characters are meticulously developed and one that fosters a bond between them and the readers who Fiore allows into her characters’ world.

Damian is no longer lost, so now that he’s found, I’m hoping L.A. Fiore helps Anton find his way to redemption as well because out of all of the men introduced in Devil You Know, he’s the one whose story I need to read next!

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Poison Apples

Devil You Know Teaser January 31

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L.A. Fiore is the author of several books including: Beautifully Damaged, Waiting for the One and A Glimpse of the Dream. She’s also the social secretary for her two children, a tamer of ill-mannered cats, the companion to one awesome dog and married to her best friend. She likes her wine red, her shrimp chilled and her social gatherings small and intimate.

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Delayed Call (Assassins #10) by Toni Aleo

 

 #NewRelease #DelayedCall #Assassins #ToniAleo #SportsRomance 

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Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins’ star player. He’s brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn’t afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self.

Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders. As the staff reporter for the Assassins, she balances a high-profile job and its heavy travel schedule with being the sole provider for her adult brother with Down syndrome. Sure, she’d like to find love. But who has time for that when there are bills to pay?

Brie has been the match to Vaughn’s gasoline since the day she first held out her microphone to him. They strike sparks off each other, keeping their friends, the team, and the Assassins fans in stitches. Brie’s refusal to fawn over Vaughn sets his teeth on edge and his blood boiling. Especially in that body part…

Brie’s been let down by love before, but she knows she deserves nothing less than real, forever love. Vaughn’s past has left deep, hidden scars, and there are some secrets he cannot bear to reveal. As much as Brie wants him, Vaughn may be too big a risk for her wary heart to take. But he’s is at his best under pressure. When the delayed call is in effect and he has no choice but to score, Vaughn always delivers.

Excerpt

“I need help with a couch.”

“A couch?” Vaughn asked, sliding his feet into his tennis shoes as Jensen did the same.

“Yeah,” Shea said as they both followed him out. “Brie Soledad was telling Elli she wasn’t sure how she was going to get her couch up into her apartment because it won’t fit in the elevator, and I said I’d come help. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem, the doorman can help or something. But apparently, he’s on restriction from lifting shit, so that brings you two into this. Plus, this couch isn’t cheap, and it’s heavy.”

Hearing Brie’s name, Vaughn stopped, glaring. But Jensen pulled him along, shaking his head to keep him from saying anything. Which was probably the right call. Shea didn’t need to hear his drama, and also, there was the possibility of dropping the couch on her.

He didn’t mean that.

Okay, he did, but he didn’t want to kill her. Maybe just break her toe.

No one needs all their toes.

Well, she would if she wore those naughty red peep toe boots she had…

Rolling his eyes at his pathetic obsession with her, he looked at the ground as they rode the elevator down as Jensen said, “I don’t know why she didn’t hire someone to move her.”

Shea shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t think she has the money,” Vaughn found himself saying, and Jensen looked back at him.

“Don’t be a douche.”

“What? I meant that nicely,” he tried as the doors opened. His eyes landed on Brie, who was standing by a big-ass sofa, her arms crossed over her chest and her little chin up in the air. She didn’t want this, it was written on her face, but then, no one said no to Shea Adler.

Well, except Elli Adler.

And his daughters.

“Nothing you say is ever nice,” Jensen shot back as they got out, and Vaughn’s eyes met Brie’s. Heading toward her, Jensen called out, “Brie, I told you that you could call me to help.”

“I don’t ask for help very well. Elli had to ask Shea,” she admitted with a shrug.

“Sorry about this.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s fine.”

“Yeah, it’s only six floors worth of stairs, but who’s counting?” Vaughn joked.

Brie’s gaze cut to Vaughn’s. “I didn’t ask you to help.”

“Technically, you didn’t ask anyone, but here we all are.”

She glared, and he glared back as Jensen rolled his eyes. “They fight a lot.”

“Are they dating?” Shea asked.

“God, no,” Brie yelled, which made Vaughn scoff.

“She wishes.”

“Please.”

“No, thank you.”

“No? No, thank you, what?”

“No, I won’t date you,” he said calmly, which only made her face turn bright red as the rage settled in her eyes.

“You asshole, I was saying please because I wouldn’t date you if you were the last man on earth and I hadn’t been laid in years!”

Vaughn paused as Jensen shook his head and Shea looked on excitedly. “Well, that’s not nice. How dare you not want to help the world make a comeback? Do you not care for humankind? It would be our job to bring back the human race.”

“No, and I’d probably kill you just to make my point.”

Feigning shock, Vaughn held in his laughter as he accused, “You’re ruthless,

Ms. Soledad.”

“You have no idea, JoHo.”

TRAILER

Watch the trailer HERE

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: TAKE ME BACK by Meghan March

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We fell in love on a beach, got married in paradise, and I carried her off into the sunset. It should have been perfect, but saying “I do” doesn’t guarantee a happily-ever-after.

Two years later, I barely recognize either of us behind the walls we’ve built.

It’s time to bring it full circle. Back to a tropical paradise. Back to find out if we can still make this work.

I’m not willing to give her up, but to save us, I have to risk everything.

Two damaged people.

Countless secrets.

The fight of our lives.

We might be broken, but we’re not done.

 

 

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Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

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COVER REVEAL: A Love FOR Romance Anthology

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Book Info

Book Title: A Love For Romance Anthology

Release Date: April 24, 2017

Cover Designer: Freya Barker

Read more about the Anthology click here

About the Anthology

Do you have a love for romance stories? Included in this anthology are stories that will have you intrigued; make you swoon; all the while warming your heart.

Fifteen SBR Media authors present to you: A Love for Romance.

♡A preview of Trading Yesterday by USA Today Bestselling Author Kahlen Aymes

♡ The Break (Breaking Free, Part 1) by USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Presley

♡ Always Too Late by Micalea Smeltzer

♡ Until the Stars Forget to Shine by Amber Garza

♡ The Only Chance by Magan Vernon

♡ Awakened: A Leila Marx World Novella by Amber Garr

♡ Do You Mind? by Freya Barker

♡ Cock-Blocked by W. Ferraro

♡ What Happens on Spring Break by R.C. Stephens

♡ Always There by Elizabeth Hayes

♡ Falling for Lindy by Ashlee Taylor

♡ Burning the Midnight Oil by Elison Grace

♡ Babysitting for the Biker by Sammi Starlight

♡ Chasing Love by Misha Elliott ♡ Spellbound by Ashlee Sinn

*** NOTE *** After you pre-order A Love for Romance fill out this form to receive SEVEN books free! That’s 22 books for $0.99! *The seven free books are available for pre-orders only. Offer ends April 23, 2017. I pre-ordered → http://bit.ly/2mm0y5y

Read more about the Anthology click here

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COVER REVEAL: The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

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THE HOT SHOT

GAME ON Book 4

By Kristen Callihan

Release Day: April 17th

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First we were friends. Then we were roommates. Now I want more…

What can I say about Chess Copper? The woman is capable of bringing me to my knees. I know this about five minutes after getting naked for her.

No one is more surprised than me. The prickly photographer my team hired to shoot our annual charity calendar isn’t my usual type. She’s defense to my offense, a challenge at every turn. But when I’m with her, all the regrets and darkness goes away. She makes life fun.

I want to know Chess, be close to her. Which is a bad idea.

Chess is looking for a relationship. I’ve never given a woman more than one night. But when fate leaves Chess without a home, I step up and offer her mine. We’re roommates now. Friends without benefits. But it’s getting harder to keep our hands off each other. And the longer we live together the more I realize she’s becoming my everything.

Trick is… Now that I’ve made her believe I’m a bad bet, how do I convince her to give this player a true shot at forever?

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AMAZON:  http://amzn.to/2n5HpFZ

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About the Author

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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RELEASE TOUR: REVIEW, EXCERPT, AND GIVEAWAY: Who We Are by Nicola Haken

 

Title: Who We Are

Author: Nicola Haken

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 13, 2017

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32493413-who-we-are

Since putting his life on hold ten years ago, Oliver Clayton doesn’t know who he is anymore. To his clients at the hair salon, he’s the sassy and confident stylist. To the crowds who come to watch his drag act at the club, he’s the fierce and fabulous Miss Tique. He’s popular. Talented. Out, proud, and self-assured.

He’s also a good actor.

Sebastian Day is content with life’s easy, if not a little monotonous, routine. After several failed relationships, he likes the simplicity of being alone in his truck at his job as a heavy goods driver, spending the weekends with his teenage son, and putting the world to rights with his cat, Marv. He’s not lonely. He isn’t hiding.

At least…he doesn’t think he is until he meets the mesmerising stranger with the red hair and purple lips.

Can Oliver and Sebastian help each other embrace who they are? Or will a cruel twist of fate end their journey before it’s even begun? 

Angie at Wicked Reads ~ “Very heartwarming story, the banter between these guys is so sweet. I can’t say enough about this book to do it justice, just read it, you will love it.”

Beverly at Southern Babes Book Blog ~ “Sebastian and Oliver’s story is beautiful and heartbreaking… These two amazing men are trying to figure out who they really are and together they figure out that they can do anything.”

Jodi at Alpha Book Club ~ “Oliver’s story will make you cry and stand up and cheer for how strong of a human being he is… Loved this story and would recommend to anyone.”

MJ at Alixzia Reading Corner ~ “I ache and bleed with this book for every page turned! Highly recommend!”

Deanna at Two Chicks Obsessed ~ “This might be my new favorite Nicola Haken book. Broken nearly broke me, thus becoming my favorite; but this one left me far more emotional and thoughtful. I think it’s taken the crown.”

Every time I enter one of Nicola Haken’s books, I’m immersed into a well-thought out story with dynamic characters – heroes who learn how to accept themselves and find a way to deal with their insecurities and fears and allow themselves to live without hiding who they are and what/who makes them happy.

Oliver Clayton’s uniqueness and flair are the first traits I recognized in Olli as Haken introduces him in Who We Are, and despite his claim that he pretends in many aspects of his life, he does the best he can with the hand that he was dealt and he works hard to provide for both him and his brother, even when he feels he’s not enough.

Sebastian Day has always felt like he needed to conceal parts of himself, never fully showing who he is – a bisexual man – because society’s preconceived notions and opinions were too hard to deal with to confront everything head on, but when Oliver enters Seb’s life, Seb learns to accept who he is, understanding that hiding any part of him, especially when it comes to who he is at his core.

Olli and Seb’s story is one of self-reflection and personal growth. Both Oliver and Seb learn throughout the course of the text that it’s absolutely essential to not conceal parts of themselves because once they’ve been stripped away, it’s difficult to get them back, especially when society doesn’t want to see them.

The pull that Olli and Seb feel towards one another allows both of them to feel accepted and receive the affection that they deserve, and even when there are battles that have to be fought and won, together, they find a way to endure…a way to cope with the extreme situations they find themselves confronted with…a way to continue to grow as a couple despite the varying societal perceptions on who they are and how they act.

Life is meant to be lived, openly and vividly, and while accepting oneself and living according to one’s own dictates is difficult, especially with the prejudice that still exists in society, Who We Are proves that one’s commitment to do just that is beyond essential…it’s EVERYTHING!

4.5 Poison Apples

Who We Are
Copyright © Nicola Haken 2017
~ Sebastian~
I WAS JUMPING down from my cab after arriving back from my last drop of the day when my life almost ended. Okay, so maybe I was known for being a tad on the dramatic side, but when Benny – my oldest friend and biggest pain in my arse -jumped out from behind my trailer, I almost choked on my fucking heart.
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, breathless from the fright. “How the hell did you get in the yard?”
I’d been a heavy goods driver for thirteen years, working here at Patterson Haulage Ltd. for three of those – long enough to know they didn’t let pedestrians wander in off the streets to play hide and seek behind the lorries. Transport was in my genes, I guess. My dad had been a trucker all his life, and he met my mum at work – she worked as a clerk in the office. I never wanted to do anything else. I walked straight into my first warehouse job fresh out of school and stayed there until I was old enough to train for my Class 1 licence and could go out on the road. I loved my job.
“That old lady with the bright orange face let me in. Told her I needed to talk to you about Scott.”
“Scott?” Slamming the door to my cab closed, I fished my phone from the pocket of my Hi-Vis jacket and scanned the screen for missed calls. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Well, he likes Eminem, but hopefully he’ll grow out of that.”

 

“What?” Narrowing my eyes in confusion, I stared at Benny who looked to be admiring his thumbnail. 
“Nothing’s wrong with him. I just knew they’d let me come see your truck if I played the kid card.”
Rolling my eyes, I huffed as I turned and re-opened my cab door. Climbing the steps, I leaned inside to grab my holdall and tacho card before hopping back down. “You’ve seen a wagon before. You shouldn’t use Scott like that. There could be a real emergency one day.”
“And if there is I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be the one anyone’d call about it,” he said, his tone amused as he ran his finger along the curtain of my trailer. “This needs a wash.”
“You offering?” I asked as I locked up the cab and started walking towards the transport office. I found it highly doubtful as I turned my head to the side and eyed up his leather coat, and beige turtleneck that no doubt he’d paid upwards of a hundred pounds for. Benny worked in recruitment. In other words, companies paid him far too much money to find them suitable candidates for their businesses, money which he wasted on overpriced shit he didn’t need. “Or did you come here for another reason?”
“I came because, as you know, it’s my birthday on Friday. The big three-four. I want y…” Pausing mid word, Benny spun on his heels. “Holy hot ginger.”
I didn’t need to turn around to know he’d spotted Rod, seeing as he was the only red-headed bloke who worked at this depot. “Christ, Benny. Keep it down. I have to work with these guys.”
“Chill out. The fact you’re mates with a gay guy won’t give away the big secret that you like cookies and ice cream.”
“It’s not a secret,” I snapped. Or maybe it was, given that I’d never told anyone I worked with that I was bisexual. My last two relationships had been with women, and ‘passing’ as straight was simply…easier. I was a copout and a liar but I was tired of explaining, defending myself.
There are a lot of misconceptions about bisexuality and I’d encountered most of them during my twenties. Now, at thirty-four, I was kind of exhausted with it all. I wanted to fall in love and create a future with another person as much as anyone, but I’d given up on the idea a while ago. Relationships, for me, whether with a man or a woman, seemed to consist of me justifying myself, reassuring my partner, or hiding – as Benny would say – the cookies or ice cream part of my sexuality.
I couldn’t just be me.

 

wasn’t good enough.
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to sleep with everybody, and there weren’t twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay. The last one confused me the most. The number of people who believed bisexuality was a temporary label used to ease the transition to gaytown would never cease to amaze me. It happened, sure, but there were a hell of a lot of bisexuals claiming to be gay, or straight, for no other reason than they couldn’t face the stigma attached to it, too.
I was simply attracted to people. I got turned on by the way someone carried themselves, by their confidence, or even shyness. I felt the same stir in my cock and pull of excitement in my chest when I saw the rugged grooves of a man’s chest as I did the silky curves of a woman’s hips. People are beautiful. I couldn’t help it. It’s just the way I was made.
Thankfully, many people realised these days that being gay or straight wasn’t a choice. Unfortunately, some of these same people believed bisexuals were capable of making a choice, and that they should. Well, I tried that when I was a teenager. I tried to pick a side, to ‘fit’ in somewhere.
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work out too well.
“Just tell me what you came for,” I added to Benny, pushing open the swinging door that led to the warehouse which, in turn, led to the office.
“Do you have Scott this weekend?”
“No. Lisa’s taking him to see Jenny’s parents in Cornwall. Why?”
“Great! You’re coming to the village for my birthday.”

 

Ugh. “Ah, you know it’s not really my scene.” I had my reasons for not frequenting the village, unlike Benny who spent so much time there it could be considered his second home. Besides, after a day on the road my idea of a good time was Netflix and a takeaway. 
“Yes, Mr Misery, I know having fun isn’t usually on your To Do list but it’s my birthday and you’ll hurt my feelings if you say no.”
We’d reached the office now and I handed my keys over to June through the window partition while raising a sceptical eyebrow at Benny. “Fine,” I said. “But as soon as you’re too drunk to notice whether I’m there or not I’m leaving.”
“I love you.” He turned to June who looked rather amused by my dickhead friend. “I love him, you know.”
“Knock it off, moron,” I said, ramming my shoulder into his.
“Watch the jacket!” he shrieked as he rubbed at the tan leather that made him look like a seventies pimp. “You’re covered in dirt and smell like oil.”
“Please excuse my friend, June. They don’t usually let him out unattended.”
“Don’t mind me, lovey. I’ve seen all sorts in my time.”
I risked a glance at Benny, whose mouth had dropped ever so slightly open. For a man who wasn’t easily offended, the image was priceless.
“You’re on the Midlands run tomorrow, lovey,” June added as she tapped on her keyboard.
Nodding, I told her I’d see her in the morning, swung my holdall over my shoulder and started making my way to the car park, all the while trying not to laugh at Benny’s reaction.
“Did she seriously refer to me as an all sort?” he muttered under his breath when we neared my car. I knew he wouldn’t let it go so easily. “Clearly, out of the all sorts she’s met none of them have been make-up artists.”
“Stop it,” I said, snorting as I clicked open the central locking on my matte black Ford Galaxy. “June’s lovely. A little old-fashioned, but harmless.”
“I’m sure. It just wouldn’t hurt for her to go down a shade or twelve in the foundation department is all I’m saying.”
Opening the rear door, I tossed my bag onto the back seat. “Have you finished being a bitch?”
“God, I hope not.”
Removing my thick, Hi-Vis jacket, I threw that on top of my bag, revealing my dark green uniform polo shirt, before closing the door and getting into the driver’s seat. “Is that all you wanted? You could’ve called or text.”
Benny leaned against my open door, hand on hip. “Told you, I wanted to see your big truck.” He winked at me.
I wanted so badly to roll my eyes, or at least keep a disinterested expression, but I couldn’t help chuckle at him.
“I was in the area, and besides, you’d have said no without my pretty face to seduce you.”

 

Probably. 
“And hey, if you want to bring a plus one your red-haired co-worker is more than welcome.”
Shooing him away from the door, I pulled it closed and brought the engine to life before rolling down the electric window. “Let me know when and where during the week,” I said, dismissing the idea of inviting Rod. He’d only been here for three months and I didn’t know the guy well, but the fact he had a wife and three kids told me Rod wouldn’t be interested in the kind of socialising Benny had in mind for him.
“Will do,” he said, tapping the roof of my car before backing away. “Don’t forget I have expensive taste!”
Shaking my head, I bit my lip to suppress the grin that wanted to escape as I reversed out of my space. I already had his present – a bottle of Dior aftershave, same as every year. It was the only thing I knew the fussy bastard wouldn’t return in exchange for store credit.

Nicola Haken lives in Rochdale, England, with her five kids – one of whom is a grown man who many refer to as her husband. She spends her days writing about life, love, and all the beauty and angst that comes with it, and her nights binge watching Netflix or being the household slave. She’s also not very good at referring to herself in the third person, so if you’d like to get to know her your best bet would be to follow her on social media!

Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…

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COVER RE-REVEAL: THE DOLLAR SERIE$ by Pepper Winters

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NEW COVER AND BLURB REVEAL FOR THE MULTIPLE USA TODAY BESTSELLING DARK ROMANCE SERIES.

Please note: all ebooks and paperbacks will be the new covers. Ebooks will take a few days to generate. Paperbacks will take 6-8 weeks. Preorders will be delivered with these NEW covers. Interior content will not change.

Pennies and Dollars are OUT NOW! Pennies is only 99c. Hundreds will be releasing in a few weeks. Release date will be announced very soon!

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PENNIES BLURB

“I’m not the hero in this story, girl. You’d do best to remember that.”

Once upon a time, I was an eighteen year old psychology student.

Now, I’m a man’s property.

Stolen and sold, I’ve been decorated in bruises since the day my world changed two years ago.

I suffer in silence, I crave freedom, but I never break.

I can’t.

Until he arrives.

Elder Prest, the only man to look at me and see me. The only man more ruthless than my owner.

He wants me for reasons I don’t understand.

He claims me for one night then leaves and never looks back.

Until he returns.

And life becomes much more complicated.

PENNIES BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jRHjOl

iBooks: http://apple.co/22yGfPb

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1TXN1uq

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1WVHdEZ

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Plgtvw

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1X2jy4I

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/2n24rh0

Amazon.com.au: http://amzn.to/2n24rO2

Amazon.com.ca: http://amzn.to/2mvK7kR

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2m34KsD

ebook

DOLLARS BLURB

“I should never have asked for a night with you. This would never have happened if I’d had more willpower.”

Once upon a time, I was a mute captive who wished for death.

Now, I’m stowed away on a yacht.

Saved and taken, the thief who stole me demands my voice, my past, my everything.

I won’t give in.

But Elder refuses to take no for an answer.

He pushes and cajoles, slowly discovering who I am. Until I find out he plays the cello to escape his demons, all while his music conjures mine.

He’s rich, I’m bankrupt.

I’m mute by choice, he’s curious by nature.

So many reasons why we can never work.

But that doesn’t stop our connection, our passion.

Until one night, he ruins everything.

And our relationship becomes twisted and full of sin.

DOLLARS BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1t2hTBj

iBooks: http://apple.co/1ROpBTE

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1VxvqM7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1XKTYRS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/24jqbzX

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/22DyeZ8

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1UvlS1W

Amazon.com.au: http://bit.ly/1VxA6lc

Amazon.com.ca: http://amzn.to/1t2kQ57

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2mR7RTg

ebook copy

HUNDREDS BLURB

“Pim is the most dangerous woman I’ve met. Not because she can ruin me but because she has the power to steal my heart.”

Once upon a time, I wished to go home and forget.

Now, I’m strong and ready to fight.

Seduced and claimed, Elder no longer just demands my voice, he commands me to be a thief like him.

I refuse.

But he offers me things I shouldn’t want, favours I should run from.

In return for his protection, I’m ordered to steal enough pennies and dollars to buy back my freedom.

Only, we both aren’t prepared for how he changes me, evolves me.

It’s my turn to learn about him.

It’s his wish to teach me how to be normal.

Until something goes wrong.

And our life together comes to an end.

HUNDREDS BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1XQAiML

iBooks: http://apple.co/20U4y8E

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2e6rd42

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OZDwq2

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1UvlFM6

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ZkHqzI

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1TXNX1V

Amazon.com.au: http://bit.ly/1sNjevj

Amazon.com.ca: http://amzn.to/1Y3hiuB

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2nupCpA

ebook copy 4

THOUSANDS BLURB

Blurb to come…

THOUSANDS BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/20U37qG

iBooks: http://apple.co/1TKttYc

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1TYvR0R

Kobo: http://bit.ly/27ZPxrq

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1TQwkEe

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Y75K9I

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1ROqXOq

Amazon.com.au: http://bit.ly/1TQwY4v

Amazon.com.ca: http://amzn.to/1Y3hRVo

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2mv7ied

ebook copy 2

MILLIONS BLURB

Blurb to come…

MILLIONS BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/25yL2So

iBooks: http://apple.co/1sqg28W

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ZebBbC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1TOtyPS

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1sqgfcl

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1O7ZHQh

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1PlhcwB

 Amazon.com.au: http://bit.ly/22yHZYx

Amazon.com.ca: http://amzn.to/22yIgL6

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2mLpiCU

About the Author

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 19 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-six times in three years.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2017.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepperwintersbooks/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lLHxdG

Twitter: @PepperWinters

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1511645192400372/

Never miss an update! Sign up for Pepper’s newsletter today!

http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepperwinters.com

https://pepperwinters.com

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COVER REVEAL: DIRTY THIEF by Tia Louise

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Dirty Thief, an all new sexy standalone in the Dirty Players Series by Tia Louise is coming April 25th!

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Dirty Thief by Tia Louise

Publication Date: April 25th

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Cover Designer: Steven Novak

DIRTY * SEXY * SCANDALOUS

What do you get when you mix a brooding king with a sexy pickpocket? Not your usual fairy tale.

Ava Wilder is beautiful, she lives in a pink castle, and she’s a thief. Rowan Westringham Tate loves power, speed, and Ava.

Their romance is straight out of an erotic Cinderella story, until the one man Ava is running from shows up to claim what she stole—or to claim her.

Now Ava might be forced to take another thing to protect her happily ever after… A life.

iBooks: https://goo.gl/TmXoFm

Kobo: https://goo.gl/82sGoG

Nook: https://goo.gl/PqLE4G

Google Play: https://goo.gl/xsD55T

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/21zeMY

Start the Series with Prince and the Player Today

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nazEPu

iBooks: https://goo.gl/BLTZJ5

Nook: https://goo.gl/LT0q23

Kobo: https://goo.gl/MCOE3x

Dirty Thief by Tia Louise from Bibliophile Productions on Vimeo.

About the Author

“Queen of Hot Romance”; Award-winning, International Bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD series.

Her debut adult romance ONE TO HOLD was a 2014 “Lady Boner” award-winner, #1 in Military Romance, and a Top 20 Contemporary Romance novel for several months. ONE TO KEEP, #2 in the series of stand-alone novels, followed the same course, with the remaining performing equally well.

From being a “Readers’ Choice” nominee two years running, to picking up USA Today “Happily Ever After” nods, nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories.

A former journalist, Louise lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations…

It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction.

Connect with Tia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiaLouise/

Twitter: @AuthorTLouise

Stay up to date with Tia Louise by signing up for her newsletter:

http://smarturl.it/TLMnews

https://authortialouise.com

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COVER REVEAL: WICKED FAVOR and WICKED WISH by Sawyer Bennett

Sad to have seen The Wicked Horse come to an end?

Well, a new one’s been opened in Vegas and it’s hotter than ever!

Wicked Favor & Wicked Wish are the first two books in the new series from New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett.

Wicked Favor releases June 5th and Wicked Wish releases August 15th, both are standalones.

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Cover Designer: Hang Le

Wicked Favor AMAZONNew York Times bestselling author, Sawyer Bennett, is happy to introduce a new Wicked Horse club in Las Vegas and you’re cordially invited to attend the grand opening…

As the owner of The Wicked Horse, an elite sex club located along the Vegas Strip, Jerico Jameson never spends the night alone. Gorgeous, ripped, and totally alpha, Jerico doesn’t grant favors and will rarely give you the time of day—unless he wants you in his bed. So when the sister of his sworn enemy shows up asking for help, saying no should be easy. But when Jerico takes one look at her and sees an opportunity to help this beautiful woman while exacting revenge on her brother, he’s not about to pass that up.

Beaten and bruised, Trista Barnes is running out of options, and Jerico is her last chance to get out of the mess she’s in. She doesn’t know why Jerico despises her brother so much, but as long as he can help her, she doesn’t care. Jerico offers her safety while opening her up to a sinful world she never knew existed.

As she succumbs to Jerico’s erotic charm, Trista lets herself fall into the wicked world of guilt free pleasure with no regrets. Under his strong alpha hand, she blooms, and so does Jerico’s possessiveness. But what happens when Trista finds out she was a pawn in Jerico’s game all along, and that the price for his favor was steeper than she ever imagined – her heart.

Wicked Favor:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nsRbip

B&N: http://bit.ly/2mkqwE8

iBooks: http://apple.co/2mTmQwn

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2mfpTuZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2mkq5tr

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34537412-wicked-favor

Wicked Wish AMAZON

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett heats up Sin City when the Wicked Horse comes to Las Vegas. Stop by and visit the Wicked Horse Vegas to fulfill your Wicked Wish and to make your darkest desires reality.

B&N: http://bit.ly/2n21flH

iBooks: http://apple.co/2mF4nTI

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2niuUVb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2nxlggQ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34537418-wicked-wish

 

In celebration of the opening of The Wicked Horse Vegas, you can now purchase The Wicked Horse series as a boxed set!

The Wicked Horse Boxed Set is available for a limited time only.

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Never in your wildest dreams could you begin to imagine all the filthy and depraved things that go on inside The Wicked Horse. Step inside to make every one of your dirty fantasies come true.

GET MORE INFO HERE

AuthorPhotoAbout the Author

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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