ASA

by Jay Crownover

 

Today the 6th and final book in the Marked Men series released.  I have loved this whole series and while I am excited for this book, I am very sad to see it end.  If you haven't met the Marked Men yet, you definitely should.  They are all sexy and swoon worthy in completely different ways, and I loved each and every one.  I am sure that Asa will no different.

Synopsis:

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.
Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.
A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

EXCERPT:

I pulled the Nova to a stop in front of a duplex that had clearly seen better days. It wasn’t a rusted-out trailer in Kentucky, but it might as well have been. I turned off the ignition and sat back in the seat so I could turn to look at Ayden. She was watching me carefully and I could see how frustrated she was with the entire conversation in the way her shoulders were tensed up and the way her hands had curled into tight balls on her lap. It was the way she used to look whenever I got into trouble and she had to do something desperate and drastic to get me out of it. I reached out a hand and put it on top of her fists.

“I died in that hospital, Ayd. There were no angels playing harps. There was no redemption and repentance. I died and it was very clear that I was going to get exactly the kind of fate I had been courting with all the messed-up shit I had been doing to other people. All I could see was every wrong I had ever committed and every bad decision I had ever made exploding all around me. For once I could see how all of that affected you. I was dying, and I knew what was waiting for me on the other side, yet I couldn’t go knowing that was all you were going to have to remember me by. I had to come back and give you something else to hold on to, some kind of good memory to go with the endless miles of bad I laid at your feet. I wanted to have the chance to show you I could be the kind of brother you deserved all along, so no, I didn’t save myself—you saved me. Just like you’ve always done for my entire life.”

I saw her bottom lip tremble until she snapped her teeth around it to keep it still. Her fists unclenched below my palm and she curled her shaking fingers around my hand and her already husky voice rasped with even more emotion when she told me what I think I had needed to hear from her all along.

“I have always been proud that you’re my brother, Asa. Yes, there have been times in the past I would have gladly fed you to the wolves, and it’s no secret that I had to leave home because I didn’t know what to do to help you anymore, but we both made it out alive and are better people for it. I know you’re sorry for the way things went down when we were younger, but I need you to open your eyes and take some credit for the way you have turned it around to make things the way they are now. I’ve long since come to terms with the Asa from my childhood. What I want to do is love the Asa that’s here with me now. You need to let go of those boulders weighted with all the bad things from past that are dragging you down before you get crushed under them.”

It was eerily similar to what Royal had been telling me the deeper and deeper I sank in with her. I don’t think I was ready to let any part of those stones go just yet, but a sexy redhead was slowly and surely eroding bits and pieces of the rock the more and more time I spent with her. By the time she was done, maybe she would be able to carve out something that was worthwhile, something that didn’t eviscerate me to look at.

I leaned over enough that I could kiss Ayden right on the center of her forehead between her midnight eyebrows and I felt her let out a shuddering sigh.

“I’m never going to let you down again, Ayd. That is the one and only thing in the entire world that I can promise and know it’s a promise I will keep.”

We stared at each other for a long and silent moment. The seriousness of the words I had said to her and the fact that I could see that she understood that I really, truly meant them finally worked to absolve me of some of the guilt that seemed to suffocate me whenever I thought about the things she had done to keep me safe. 

 

 The author is also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card so make sure and enter

Giveaway link 

This book, along with all the other Marked Men books are available NOW!!  Purchase Link

The Consequences of Loving Colton

by Rachel Van Dyken

Let me start out by saying I love everything by this author.  And this book was no exception.  It was hilarious, sweet, and sexy.  I laughed out loud several times.  The characters were hilarious, and I cannot wait till she writes more books about them.  If you have read The Bet, this book is along the same lines, but I venture to say that I loved it even more.  

 

 

This teaser says it all!!

 

Synopsis:

It’s all fun and games…until someone’s heart is broken.
They’re not kids anymore, but Milo Caro is certain that Colton Mathews will only see her as his best friend’s little sister for the rest of their lives. After all, he made that clear the night before she left for college. But four years later, her brother is getting married and Colt’s the best man—and guess who is the best man’s last-minute date?
Milo vows to use the wedding to either claim the smoldering firefighter’s heart or douse this torch for good. When Max—her best friend from college, who may be carrying a torch of his own—crashes the party, they devise a plan to make Colt see what he’s missing. But after Colt catches on, he decides to cook up his own revenge.
Now it’s personal. Colt and Milo are at war, and between Max’s questionable acting methods, an unfortunate trip to jail, and a maniacal fiancée, what could possibly go right?

 

See what I mean by sexy!  I cannot say enough good things about this book, everyone should read it now.  And if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for FREE!

Purchase Link for The Consequences of Loving Colton 

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Conviction by Lesley Jones

 

Lesley Jones is an amazing author, I have devoured all of her books and I was so excited to delve into Conviction.

 

Synopsis:

 

She was mine. Our love, unquestioned. Our futures planned. But she didn't show. All that we had, all that we meant, and after all that was said, she just didn't show. That one act changed everything, but it especially changed me and from that moment on, there was no going back. No words of love, no whispered promises, just sex and drugs and rock and roll. No one gets a piece of Reed, but what they will get is the night of their life, the chance to let go, break their own rules and enjoy the best, the dirtiest, filthiest sex ever... along with the other four people in my bed.
I thought he loved me, I believed everything he said, every promise that he made but then, when I needed him more than I'd needed anyone in my life, and when I was at my most vulnerable, he let me down. He chose to take a different path and leave me to pick up the pieces of my now broken life. I was changed forever and chose the easy option letting others take charge of my destiny, until, once again, I'm let down in the cruellest of ways.
Dirty filthy sex. Love. Heartbreak. Betrayal. High emotion and angst.

This book sucked me in from the very beginning.  I feel in love with the characters.  Connor/Reed is a sexy and troubled rock star.  He is controlling but HOT!  As the story progresses and we get his whole story my heart broke just a little.  Lesley Jones knows how to write a good rock star.  He is funny, sweet, dominating, and did I mention HOT!!

 

Nina Matthews is the female character and she is a fair haired beauty who feel in love with Connor when she was 15 years old.  She is stable and married to a man she doesn't love in order to keep herself from being hurt again.  

 

This book is written from both POV's so you get into both characters heads.  It is full of emotion and angst, but it also funny and sweet.  There is a twist that I didn't see coming, and as the story unfolds it makes you want to scream at everyone!  I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to anyone.  It is a gritty rock star drama and it is fantastic

 

 

 

Conviction is a stand alone and it is available now.  If you haven't read anything by Lesley Jones, you need to!  All of her books are amazing and Conviction is no different!

 

Conviction Purcahse Link 

Becoming Rain by KA Tucker

I loved Burying Water so I was very excited to read Becoming Rain

Synopsis:

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it—the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set—one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.
Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game—at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington, DC, major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the West coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year-old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.
As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to. ​

This story started slow for me.  But once I got into it, I couldn't put it down.  I loved Luke from the beginning.  I thought he was sucked into something he didn't understand, and he really was a good guy.He was sweet and sexy and confused all at the same time.  Rain/Clara was a little harder, it took me awhile to get on board with her.  But as we got into the story I could feel her turmoil and heartbreak.  She struggled with her job and her developing feelings for Luke.  I felt for Luke and his heartbreak and confusion. 

This was story is definitely suspenseful and I had no idea where it was going.  At about 80% I had no idea how this could have a happy ending.  It was definitely a thrill ride, and I really enjoyed it. 

  

I loved also getting a glimpse of Alex and Jesse.  This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Burying Water.  We first meet Luke in Burying Water, and it's such a great story.  

Becoming Rain Purchase Link    

Ember by Rachel Van Dyken

 

I am in love with this whole series, so I was ecstatic to get my hands on Ember.  

Synopsis:

Everybody Loves A Bit of Darkness..Until It Consumes Them...
I am a Killer. A Rapist. A Monster.
I know only pain and survival.
That is until the Cappo's sister walked into my life.
And changed everything.
She's a light who makes my darkness darker, her smile makes my heart turn to ice, and I can't escape the fear her seductive looks instill--knowing it's only a matter of time before I fail--again, and take her for myself.
This is the story of my redemption.
But it's not pretty...I died, and now I'm alive, but not living, breathing but not surviving. I am Phoenix De Lange, son to a murdered mob boss, estranged brother, horrible friend, monster in the making, newest leader to one of the most powerful families in the Cosa Nostra.
And I will have my vengeance.
Or die trying.
I am Phoenix De Lange.
Death is all I know.
Until she offers me a piece of life--I can't resist taking

 

I did not want to like Phoenix, in the previous books he is awful!!  But you just can't help it!  I fell for him immediately.  I wanted to hug him and take away all the darkness.  He is tortured by his past, and he feel unworthy of any sort of happiness.  Even though he did awful things in his past, I couldn't help but love him.  

Bee was a sweet innocent girl that honestly drove me a little crazy in the beginning.  But as we get to know her  she broke my heart.  She is sad and lonely, and only has Phoenix.  But Phoenix is so scared of hurting her, he pushes her away.

Phoenix and Bee together were a match made in heaven.  They made each other better, they were sweet, sexy, and Phoenix made me swoon.  Which shocked the hell out of me!  This book is captivating from the beginning, full of darkness and twists.  I had no idea where it was going and I loved that!

Ember is Book 5 in the Eagle Elite series and I love them all and highly recommend them.  As always I can't wait for the next one.  Ember is LIVE now and the author is also having a giveaway for a signed paperback so make sure you enter.   

 

Purchase Link for Ember  

 

Giveaway Link 

Blurred Lines

by Jen McLaughlin

Blurred Lines is a new stand alone novel from Jen McLaughlin.  The characters from the Out of Line series show up, but it is definitely a stand alone. 

Synopsis:

Once burned…

Finding my fiancée naked on my couch might’ve been a good thing, if her ex-boyfriend hadn’t been with her. For the past eight years I’ve been a witness to the power of true love, but after getting burned I’d decided there wasn’t any hope for me finding it for myself. Until I met Noelle Brandt in a hotel bar. Maybe it wasn’t the most romantic meeting, but the moment I met her I knew I had to have her. The more I learn about her, the more I know I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.
Twice shy…
I’d already found the love of my life, but I’d lost that love forever. And I’d been lost ever since. But one night a wounded man makes all of that go away. He makes me laugh, live, and feel alive. When he tells me he has no intention of letting me go, I finally begin to believe in the power of true love again. That is, until I find out who he really is…and by then, it’s far too late to correct the mistakes we’ve already made. By the time we both know the truth, the lines have already been blurred beyond recognition. 

I fell in love with Riley and Noelle immediately.  Riley was sexy and made me swoon.  He was sweet and funny and I loved him.  Noelle was a romance novelist, so of course I fell for her.  She was smart, sweet and funny.  The beginning of the story happened really fast, and honestly, was a little unbelievable.  But we still rooted for them from the beginning.  They were great together.  I loved that we got a little of Finn and Carrie from the Out of Line books, but we were still focused on Riley and Noelle.  

Blurred Lines is available now, and the author is also having a giveaway for a Kindle paperwhite, and copies of all of the books from the Out of Line series.  
Giveaway Link 

  Blurred Lines Purchase Link

This book was a solid 4 stars for me, and I highly recommend it.   

 

Craving Resurrection 

by Nicole Jacquelyn

 

Craving Resurrection is book 4 in the Aces series.  I love this series, so I was very excited to read this one.  This book can be read as a standalone. 

Synopsis:

Patrick Gallagher’s future was mapped out—and it didn’t include Amy Henderson or the IRA.
She was everything he’d never wanted. Too young. Too naïve.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t help but be fascinated by the girl who took refuge in his old bedroom, staying with his mum more often than not.
She looked like a Renaissance painting and argued like a solicitor. He couldn’t resist her, and before long he didn’t even want to.
Instead, he loved her unreservedly… then he married her.
But he couldn’t have prepared for what happened after.
Actions, no matter how large or how small, have consequences—and when the IRA comes knocking, he’s sucked into a life that he’d never anticipated.
Choices were made.
Hearts were broken.
Trust was shattered.
Lives were lost.
Through it all, he loved her. 

 

We meet both of these characters 30 years ago when they first met.  They were kids and we follow them on an epic journey that brings them to the present.  I loved them both!  And also hated them both at times.  The whole story is heartbreaking!  We see how they come together, and are torn apart many times.  There were several times throughout the book where I thought there was no way this book could end well.  Even though it was heartbreaking, I rooted for the characters.  

This book was a solid 4 star read.  My only complaint was that I felt like it started slow and took me awhile to get into to.  I really enjoyed it though and is a good continuation to the Aces series.  It definitely could be read as a standalone.

 

 

 

 

 

Craving Resurrection Purchase Link