Review: Conviction by Lesley Jones

Book Blurb: 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 by her 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, 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 cruelest of ways.

Dirty filthy sex.
Love.
Heartbreak.
Betrayal.
High emotion.
And a bit more sex.

My Thoughts: I have a confession-I don’t normally enjoy rockstar books. Lesley Jones’ book are the ONLY exception for me.

HOLY SMOKES this was a beautiful reunion romantic story. Reed and Meeba’s relationship is heartbreakingly beautiful. Their love is what every person wants- that strong pull to that ONE person you know is for you. This story is full of romance and heartache. I enjoyed every moment. I LOVED the mention of CARNAGE in this book. I need to say I want to be Sophie. Every girls needs a friend like Sophie.

Lesley Jones write rockstar romance like no one else.

Buy Now on AMAZON.

-Romance Reader Girl

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Review: If the Viscount Falls (The Dukes Men #4) by Sabrina Jeffries

Blurb: From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries, the deliciously sexy fourth book in the “Duke’s Men” Regency romance series—the first of which was called “a totally engaging, adventurous love story” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick).

The heir presumptive to the Viscount Rathmoor, Dominick Manton once had his heart’s desire within reach—a bright future as a barrister and engagement to Jane Vernon, a wealthy baron’s daughter. Then a shattering betrayal by his vindictive brother George snatched away Dom’s inheritance and his hopes of offering Jane a secure future. Brokenhearted, and attempting to end their engagement without destroying Jane’s reputation, Dom staged a betrayal of his own to convince her that he’s not the husband-to-be that she thought.

Now George is gone and the viscountcy restored to Dom, since his brother’s widow, Nancy—Jane’s cousin and closest confidant—never bore an heir. But when Nancy goes missing, a panicked Jane calls on her former fiancé to track down her cousin. Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgiveable—but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with?

My Thoughts: Dom and Jane were once betrothed but to protect Jane from a life of poverty Dom sets up a farce for her to jilt him. After 12 years they are faced to work together to find Jane’s cousin, Nancy, which is Dom’s sister-in-law. The chemistry is still there and I enjoyed the twist and turns of the mystery to find Jane’s cousin. We can’t forget the Duke’s Men are all there helping.

I always know when I pick up a book by Ms. Jeffries I am going to enjoy it. This was no exception. It was a fun read with a mystery element that had me guessing to the end.

Buy on Amazon and other retailers.

-Romance Reader Girl

Book Review: Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Blurb: DETERMINED LADY

Tough-minded Jessica Trent’s sole intention is to free her nitwit brother from the destructive influence of Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain. She never expects to desire the arrogant, amoral cad. And when Dain’s reciprocal passion places them in a scandalously compromising, and public, position, Jessica is left with no choice but to seek satisfaction …

LORD OF SCOUNDRELS

Damn the minx for tempting him, kissing him … and then forcing him to salvage her reputation! Lord Dain can’t wait to put the infuriating bluestocking in her place — and in some amorous position, And if that means marriage, so be it! — though Sebastian is less than certain he can continue to remain aloof … and steel his heart to the sensuous, headstrong lady’s considerable charms.

My Thoughts: HOLY SMOKES what a read!! This is like no other historical romance I have read and believe me I have read a lot of historical romances. Jessica and Dain sizzle the pages with their wit and sexual tension. Both characters are blunt and it’s hilarious. The drama is fabulous and the dialogue is terrific.

If you don’t have time to read this book get it on audio becuase it is just as good. Yep, I got it on audio too, it’s just that good.

You can find it on Amazon.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review & Giveaway: A Walk Through Fire by Felice Stevens

Title: A Walk Through Fire

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: Adult, Gay Romance

Publish Date: November 25, 2014

Years after running away from an abusive foster family, Asher Davis still inwardly struggles with the guilt of leaving his foster brothers behind. He’s climbed to unimaginable heights as a ruthless, high-powered attorney, creating a life of power and control. He takes whatever and whoever he wants.

Blaming himself for the death of his parents, Dr. Drew Klein retreats into a shell of loneliness, merely going through the motions of life. After a disastrous, short-lived marriage, Drew decides to leave his lucrative medical practice to set up a clinic for abused young men and women. The decision has more repercussions than Drew could ever imagine when the dark and sensual Ash Davis volunteers to help.

Although Drew isn’t gay, Ash is inexplicably drawn to him. He vows to simply bed him and forget him like he’s done with every other man. However, Drew’s sweet and caring nature and unexpected passion stun and frighten Ash, who questions his right to any happiness at all. And when Ash befriends an abused young man who unwittingly draws the clinic into danger, threatening Drew’s safety and that of his beloved grandmother, Ash discovers that there is nothing he won’t sacrifice to protect the love he never thought he’d find.

 

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“Have a drink, Drew, and tell me why you’re here.” Ash sipped his vodka and stared at him over the rim of his glass.

“No, thanks, I’m driving. But I do want to talk to you.” The man was a study in contrasts. Drew couldn’t think of a time he hadn’t seen Ash perfectly dressed, every hair in place, looking like he’d stepped out of a men’s fashion magazine.

Tonight however…well he looked off-kilter. Though he still had on his clothes from earlier, that white button down shirt and black slacks, the shirt was wrinkled and unbuttoned lower than he’d ever seen. Dark stubble shadowed along his jaw, and his hair lay unkempt and disheveled. Drew shifted on the sofa. “Look, I know this may sound stupid, but my grandmother was concerned about you, so she asked me to stop by and check up on you.”

“And of course you do everything your nana says.”

Drew’s face flamed. “Fuck you, Davis.”

A tiny smirk hit the corner of Ash’s lips. “What’s the matter, Doc? The truth hurts?”

The bastard. After all the nice things his grandmother had said about him, how she’d worried about him, this was his response? To act like the snide sarcastic son of a bitch he was at their first meeting? How dare he treat her concern as if it were nothing? And to think he’d actually thought they were friends. “What the hell do you know about the truth, huh? No one knows anything about you; you have no friends, no lover.” He stood, ready to leave. “No wonder you’re all alone. No one cares about you. You aren’t worth it.” Shit, he’d never spoken so cruelly to anyone. But then again, no one had ever gotten under his skin like Ash Davis.

Like a snake uncoiled, Ash jumped off the sofa and grabbed him by the shoulder. “Take that back.”

“What’s the matter, Davis? The truth hurts?” He mimicked Ash’s earlier words to him, and saw a flare of anger gleam in those colorless, glittering eyes.

“You fucking bastard. Who are you to say I’m not worth it, that no one cares about me? I have friends. People like me. Don’t you ever say I’m not worth it. I matter goddamn you. I fucking matter.”

Ash tried to grab onto him, but Drew wrenched away and took off for the door, speaking over his shoulder.

“People don’t like you, Ash, they want to fuck you because you’re beautiful. That’s not liking. That’s not a friendship. How many relationships have you ever had with another man? You’ve never even had a boyfriend or a permanent relationship have you, because you have to have a heart. You have to care about someone. How can you value someone else in your life when you don’t even value yourself?”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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My Thoughts: It is a marvelous discovery when you find an author that you can put on your auto-buy list. You know, the one click no matter what. Well, I am happy to add Felice Stevens to that list. I adored Rescued but I LOVED A Walk Through Fire. The story is an emotional road with characters leaving footprints on your heart.If you want a story with unforgettable characters and a story that will have you giggling and crying this is the book for you. Oh, and the romance is hot and steamy.

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Review: How the Scoundrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men #3) by Sabrina Jeffries

Book Blurb:
The third deliciously sexy novel in the New York Times bestselling Duke’s Men historical romance series, featuring an investigator who sets out to find gypsies— and unexpectedly finds love.

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life— to make sure that his half-brother George can’t ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke’s Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn’t expect to uncover Lady Zoe’s family secrets, as well… or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

My Thoughts: This is the third book in The Duke’s Men series and I it’s my favorite so far. The chemistry between Tristan and Zoe is fantastic. Not only is there chemistry but the plot is really interesting with some great twists and turns. I really enjoyed how Ms. Jeffries did not create the typical regency heroine. Zoe is robust, colorful and not afraid to get the job done. Her strength makes her admirable. Of course, I cannot forget the mysterious Tristan. I enjoyed the depth of Tristan and his thought process was fun to read. I have to mention adding the Romany to the book was fantastic and added to the plot immensely.

I have to give a shout out to the American Jeremy Keane, he’s a scene stealer and I hope Ms. Jeffries writes his book. I am curious about him. And I am really looking forward to Dom’s book coming next year.

BUY LINKS: Amazon | B&N |

-Romance Reader Girl

Review & Giveaway: RESCUED by Felice Stevens

Book Blurb: Jason Mallory can no longer hide the dissatisfaction of his relationship with his longtime girlfriend. Her ultimatum to get married pushes him to break off their relationship and he’s determined not to jump into the dating scene. When a group of injured pit bulls are found on his construction site, he calls the neighborhood rescue for help.

After adopting one of the dogs, Jason finds he can’t forget Ryder, and the two become fast friends. Then one night, Ryder lets down his guard and Jason recognizes his desire. After Jason devises a plan to bring Ryder and his brother together, they can no longer deny the passion between them. Will family differences and ugly prejudices keep them apart, or can they fight to prove that love is precious, no matter the gender?

My Thoughts: Dogs + Romance = A Fantastic Read! Felice Stevens is a new author and I loved her writing style. I was hooked on page one and stayed hooked to the end. This m/m romance is full of love and discovery and I enjoyed every minute.

Ryder and Jason have a chemistry that lights up the pages. It is a joy to read two characters build a relationship based on trust, friendship, honesty and love. Don’t get me wrong this book is not all rainbows and butterflies; there is quite a bit of drama and that’s what makes this a great read. Ms. Stevens does not shy away from the hurt and real issues that many couples deal with. I won’t give anything away but there are moment in this book where the emotional is so raw you will have tears in your eyes and you will need a tissue. Let’s not forget this book is not only about romance between two people but loving puppies! It was great to read a story that focused on an issue close to my heart dog rescues.

I am so excited to read more from this author!

Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Loose Id | All Romance |

 

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-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Lady Wild by Maire Claremont

Official Blurb: This is a charity novella for Hospice with a goal of raising $10,000 for donation.

Victorian England is about to go wild…Lady Ophelia longs to be independent, daring and bold, but her mother’s illness has stolen the last of her creative fire. Condemned to an isolated country cottage after the death of her idealistic father, she and her mother are forsaken by family and all of society. Disappointed by those she once trusted, Lady Ophelia lovingly nurses her dying mother knowing that her own dreams of being an artist will never be realized. That is until she meets a devilish aristocrat who reawakens her desire to be wild.

Viscount Stark has never known love. Reputed to be a rebel and a rake by all, at heart he is anything but. When he meets Lady Ophelia, he is struck by her haunting presence, dignity, and honor. Will he continue to play his wicked games and risk ruining the last of Lady Ophelia’s wounded heart? Or will he dare to be the gentleman he always wanted to be and unveil a love he never thought possible?

My Thoughts: This story is about fate and love bringing two people together, and learning to tear down the walls and trust in that fate and love. It’s amazing how love can make a person realize how strong and independent they really are. Ophelia and Andrew come together under very sad circumstances but are shown how to live and love by a dying woman, Lady Darlington, Ophelia’s mother. Ms. Claremont does not shy away from the reality of death and the emotions that accompany it. While this story does have an undercurrent of sadness there is happiness and laughs. I adore Ophelia’s strong personality and willingness to be the woman she wants to be. Andrew is a true sweetheart and underneath the armor of being the rogue he is a romantic. I loved how he truly loved Lady Darlington and wanted her time in London to be memorable not only for herself but for her daughter. Oh and I have to note, Marcus, Lord Vane is quite the dark mysterious character and I am look forward to his book.

Purchase LADY WILD: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO |

Please read why Hospice care is so important to Maire.
Lady Wild is ready for you to snap up! I have a big goal for it. I’d like to raise $10,000 of profits for donation to Hospice. As many of you know, my mother died just a little under two years ago. She fought the battle with cancer and ultimately lost. Her last months were spent on Hospice. My father, too, died of cancer and spent his last 3 months on Hospice. It’s such an incredible organization and I don’t know how my mom or dad and I would have made it without the support of the staff. It’s wonderful that so many people raise money for cancer prevention! But I also think it’s important to help those who’ve sadly reached a point in which terminal illness is the reality. Death is expensive and painful. Thankfully Hospice helps with nursing, counselors, medication, and sometimes even bills. They provide relief for the caretaker. I can’t tell you how huge that is. I’m sure many of you already know. So, together, let’s help make the crossing over of a terminally ill person a little more peaceful, a little more loving, a little more free of fear.

-Romance Reader Girl

Blog Tour & Review: ALWAYS by Kindle Alexander

Official Blurb: Born to a prestigious political family, Avery Adams plays as hard as he works. The gorgeous, charismatic attorney is used to getting what he wants, even the frequent one-night stands that earn him his well-deserved playboy reputation. When some of the most prominent men in politics suggest he run for senate, Avery decides the time has come to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. With a strategy in place and the campaign wheels rolling, Avery is ready to jump on the legislative fast track, full steam ahead. But no amount of planning prepares him for the handsome, uptight restaurateur who might derail his political future.

Easy isn’t even in the top thousand words to describe Kane Dalton’s life after his father, a devout southern Baptist minister, kicks him out of the family home for questioning his sexual orientation. Despite all the rotten tomatoes life throws his way, Kane makes something of himself. Between owning a thriving upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and managing his long-term boyfriend, his plate is full. He struggles to get past the teachings of his childhood to fully accept his sexuality and rid himself of the doubts brought on by his religious upbringing. The last thing he needs is the yummy, sophisticated, blond-haired distraction sitting at table thirty-four.

My Thoughts: ALWAYS is truly a romantic story that will stand the test of time. There is often a moment in a book where you realize, “Oh, hell, this is going to be a great book”. This happened to me during Chapter 1. That’s right, readers, Chapter 1!

Avery Adams is an attorney destined to be great in the arena of politics. He comes from a line of statesmen and is eager to make his mark. Avery is a confident, arrogant, loyal and passionate man. He fights with everything and will not stop until a wrong has been corrected.

Kane Dalton is a southern gentleman; quiet, strong, resistant, brave and steadfast. Kane is the man stands quiet and assesses the situation, before taking action. He is the owner of the upscale restaurant Bella La Luna. He has a strong foundation in his religion and strongly believes his sexual preference is wrong and struggles with this realization. Yes, my heart is breaking for Kane.

What is absolutely unique about his story is the story starts the couple as young men and finishes at the end of their life. We get to read about their whole life. It was absolutely wonderful.

Avery and Kane together are a powerhouse. They make you want to fall in love and pray on your lucky stars that you have a small fraction of the love they have, because if you’re lucky you’ll be the happiest couple you know. You will see the triumphs and hardships the endure as a couple and in the time period the book is taking place. We feel Kane’s struggle with being homosexual and living the life he does. When things get tough Avery is there to take care of everything. There a lot of firsts in this book with the time period in the United States.

Finally, my view on life has changed by reading this book. My view on love has changed by reading this book. I know the man I married is the best thing to ever happen to me and I need show him like Avery and Kane showed one another in ALWAYS. Thank you Kindle for writing a book that has touched my heart so profoundly.

Purchase ALWAYS on Amazon, B&N and Kobo.

**Prizes & Giveaways!!!**

**Each day during the tour 1 blog per day will post a picture somehow related to Always by Kindle Alexander somewhere in their blog tour.  Your job is to visit each blog everyday and collect those pictures.  There will be 2 prizes that will be given away to the winners that successfully tell me each day the blog and picture that they found.  1 will win an Gift Basket filled with everything Italian Goodies.  The other prize is a (shhhhhhhh) Naughty Gift Basket.  There is a BONUS question and the prize is a custom made Kindle Alexander Rubicks Cube.

Question:  What is the reason behind picking the Rubick’s Cube as a graphic and bonus prize in the Scavenger Hunt?

Enter Scavenger Hunt here to win.

Follow the tour by clicking on the picture!

-Romance Reader Girl

Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend (Jewels of the Ton, #3) by Shana Galen

Today is the release day for Shana Galen’s Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend from the Jewels of the Ton series.

Offical Blurb: Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She’ll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke’s son.

Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily’s attention. When he uncovers Lily’s mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart…

My Thoughts: This story is truly about perceptions and reading between the lines, do not always believe what you hear or see. Not everything is as it seems. This book has it all; action, suspense, romance, steamy scenes, sexual tension, humor, sadness and mystery.

I really enjoyed Lily’s brave nature. She is a woman that doesn’t let action pass her by, she gets right into the middle of it. She is fierce and takes control. Lily’s backstory is heart-breaking but I admire her determination and strength to do better and help anyway she can. She is my kind of heroine.

Andrew, Lord Darlington (love that name) is a great hero. I love when he truly sees Lily for who she really is and not what the world thinks she is. It’s the best a-ha moment I’ve read in a while and he is in awe of her. Andrew has many secrets that you learn throughout the story and they are interesting. He may be “the Darling of the Ton” but he truly is a serious trustworthy man.

This was a great story to end the series. I enjoyed the mystery that was unfolding during the book. Ms. Galen provides another great historical romance! I recommend this book and series for anyone who enjoys a great suspenseful historical romance.

*Received an advance copy from Netgalley for an honest review. 

Purchase this book on AMAZON and B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

*Pre-Release* Review: Lady in Red by Maire Claremont

From the moment I finished reading The Dark Lady by Maire Claremont in February I knew I would read anything this amazing writer put out. Her deliciously dark stories grab at your emotions and you are not able to put the book down. Her second book Lady in Red is no exception. Once again my attention was grabbed from the beginning and stayed until the end.

The theme of this story is taking back control of yourself and fighting to regain your self worth.

Lady Mary Elizabeth Darrel has been locked away in an asylum by her father, a powerful Duke.  When Mary escapes she is broken but determined to never go back again. When she arrives on the doorstep of friend of her beloved mother’s her life will take a turn she never saw coming.

Edward Barrons, Duke of Fairleigh has spent years trying to fix his fathers mistakes by doing what he feels is right. He lives a very closed off life. One evening he see’s a woman that he can help save brining himself some peace and forgiveness. What he doesn’t see coming is this woman will change his view on life that he never thought possible.

I loved the theme of this book-fighting to regain your self-worth and power. Edward and Mary use one another as a pillar of strength to discover themselves and what truly is important in life, love and acceptance. There are many dark moments as Mary must fight to push out the evils done to her by her father and the people of the asylum, but with the help of Edward she is able to do it. Edward must fight his past and realize that what his father did was not his fault. He also must realize that to help Mary he must allow Mary to help him. Not an easy task. With the help of the Edward and his friend the Viscount Powers Mary is able to find the strength to face her father the man she once loved more than anything but also the man that locked her away.

This is an amazing read. The follow up book to The Dark Lady does not disappoint. Ms. Claremont brings a powerful read full of dark moments but moments of hope and laughter. You will be taken on a journey of self discovery through love, strength, passion, heart wrenching terror, sadness and hope. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend this book to lovers of historical romance that love to read deliciously dark stories that will have you crying one moment and snickering the next.

Lady in Red will be available for purchase on OCTOBER 1, 2013. You can find it on Amazon or B&N.

*A big thank you to Maire Claremont for sending me a copy for an honest review. 

-Romance Reader Girl