Friday, October 14, 2016

Weekly Reading Update: 10/7 - 10/13/16

Another week, another update! It's been a very review-ful week for me, so this week won't be an overloaded one like some others. But just because it was light in quantity does not mean it was light in quality!

First up was Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. This is a well-known writing pair, and I absolutely loved Stuck-Up Suit, so I had high hopes for Cocky Bastard. Alas, it wasn't as good as I would have liked. I loved the beginning, and I absolutely loved Chance (and Mutton/Pixy!!), but Aubrey made me so mad in the second half of the book. That said, I'm very eager to give Playboy Pilot a shot!

Next up was Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The Dark-Hunter series was one of the first ones I read when I started getting into the paranormal romance world. I love all the mythology, the creatures, and even the characters themselves. And while I did enjoy Dragonmark - I'm worried this series is starting to lose its magic. Too many series are converging, and she's throwing in more than even she can handle. My review for Dragonmark will be going up on Romance Reviews Today this month.

Next, I went into graphic novel mode, reading Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I've been eagerly awaiting this book for months! I knew Coates would hit it out of the park, and he did. I just wish it had been longer, since it felt so unfinished. And I know, it's just volume 1 and the story will continue - but I needed a little more resolution before it ended. After that, I picked up American Vampire Volume 8 by Scott Snyder. I voraciously read this series back in the day - until I caught up with what had been released. Now that I have to wait for each new volume to come out.. while I still like the series, it just seems to have lost some of its magic. Probably because I can no longer binge read it.

Lastly, I read Charming by Elliott James for work. I am one of the staff moderators for the Positively Paranormal Book Club - a library lead book discussion about paranormal, urban fantasy, and science fiction reads. The club has been running for five or six years, and is one of the library system's most successful book clubs. Charming is an excellent urban fantasy read for fans of Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Richard Kadrey, and more. I loved it! And can't wait to continue the series.

That's it for me this week.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Release Day Launch: TONIC by Staci Hart!

Today is the release day of Staci Hart’s Tonic! I am so excited to share this great book with you. Check it out and grab your copy today! tonic-fb-banner Title: TONIC Author: Staci Hart Genre: Contemporary Romance tonic About Tonic: Joel Anderson doesn’t take anything seriously. Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he’s not the kind of man you cross, or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists. Annika Belousov takes everything seriously. Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn’t take lightly. When she’s tapped to produce a reality show at Joel’s shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way. The second Annika walks into Joel’s shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she’s not having it. He’s all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn’t take her long to find out there’s more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line. Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he’s found his tonic.   tonic-teaser       About Staci Hart: staci-hart-author Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.   From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics.   Connect with Staci: Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels.com Twitter: @imaquirkybird Instagram: @quirkybird Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/imaquirkybird Website: http://stacihartnovels.com Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Staci-Hart/e/B00BFCANRW/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1  

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Review & Promo: THE FIX-UP by Kendall Ryan!

Release Date: October 11th, 2016

Type: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Stand-alone, Friends-to-lovers, Alpha males, spin-off, Accents!!

My Review: The second I saw that Sterling was getting his own book, I knew I had to read this. I loved Sterling's commentary in the Hitched series, and it's about time this British playboy gets his own time to shine. And as my long time readers already know, I'm a sucker for arranged marriages, or marriages of convenience - and how lucky for me that Hitched had the former, and now The Fix- Up has the latter! 

I also have to commend the author for going against the whole "takes the player hero forever to realize he actually likes the heroine" trope. Very early on, Sterling knows he likes Camryn, but initially stays away because he can't see it going anywhere and he thinks she deserves more. And when he gets a chance to get close to her - he decides to take full advantage. I loved the banter between these two. I had some issues with the timeline, understanding how much time had passed between scenes, but other than that, I thought this was a truly fun read.

Cover Lovin': Yummy!

Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary! Born Sterling and Camryn had small roles in Hitched, but this works just fine as a stand alone.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! Adorably sweet, and fantastically fun. Kendall Ryan writes another winner!


Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~


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        the-fix-up-kendall-ryanFrom New York Times Bestseller, Kendall Ryan, comes a sexy new standalone novel. My tempting, and very alpha friend Sterling Quinn is someone I consider off-limits. It's not just that we're friends, he's also cocky, confident, and British, which means he's a walking aphrodisiac. But lately he's been giving me the look. You know the one. When he thinks I'm not paying attention, and his gaze lingers for too long. And then we start working together, and that's when the sexual tension between us gets so thick, I want to hack through it with a machete. I want to make all these deep feelings I've harbored for him disappear, because there's no way this can end well. The lines between business and pleasure become irrevocably blurred, and I'm stuck between a rock, and Sterling's very, very hard place. Rather than keep a level head about our growing attraction, Sterling wants to go all in, showing me just how explosive we can be together. But I've been around long enough to know that this British bad boy is more than my heart can handle. I'm not about to be cast aside like yesterday's underwear when he's done having fun. Sterling’s never been told no, and he's not about to put his ego aside and play by my rules. But I never thought he'd fight so dirty.    

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I twist the doorknob, and finding it unlocked, let myself inside. Sterling’s place is compact, but modern and classy. It suits him. After a quick glance around the living space, I spot him on the balcony outside, just beyond the glass doors at the far end of the living room. He’s facing away from me, his hands gripping the railing, his head bowed. My smile from moments ago is gone. Seeing him like this—looking distraught—brings the reality of our situation crashing back. Sterling suddenly turns and we lock eyes. A thousand emotions are revealed in his eyes, but mostly there’s anger. There’s also a sadness in his gaze that I’ve never seen. It’s haunting. I swallow a lump in my throat, wondering what’s going on. “Sterling?” I ask, slowly approaching the balcony. It’s beautiful—plush pillows and twinkling lights, and a chilled bottle of white wine all nestled together in a romantic picnic for two. He lets out a heavy sigh and runs one hand through his hair. “This is beautiful,” I say since he hasn’t spoken, hasn’t even moved from the spot where he’s rooted, and his stony silence is killing me. “Are you okay?” “Just fine,” he says curtly, his gaze looking past me. He doesn’t seem fine. He seems off. Why go through all the effort if he’s just going to act sullen and withdrawn? And what could have possibly changed in the twenty-four hours since we last spoke on the phone? He seemed so excited—like he hadn’t a care in the world. Now it seems he doesn’t want me here. “If this is a bad time, if tonight doesn’t work . . .” I trail off, my voice suddenly shaky. “The meal’s already prepared.” He brushes past me, headed toward the kitchen. Unsure what to do, I follow behind him. He’s acting like an asshole, and I suddenly feel so stupid for getting all done up tonight. I’m not going to stand around and embarrass myself by begging for his attention. “You know what? Never mind. This was a bad idea, anyway. I’ll see myself out.” I turn and head for the front door, anger and rejection dueling inside me. It takes all of three seconds before Sterling’s long strides catch him up to me by the door. His grip around my wrist stops me. “Wait.” I turn and face him. I’m halfway between wanting to flee and staying to hear his explanation. He releases a heavy exhale. “I received a phone call just before you arrived.” With him so near, the combination of his clean soap and his spicy cologne intoxicates me. Memories of our intimate dinner rush back. But apparently tonight is not meant to be a repeat. Waiting to see what he’ll say next, I inhale and hold my breath. When he doesn’t continue, I ask, “Is everything okay?”     tesaser11

 

Kendall Ryan Headshot 1 pic

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Review: SAY IT LOUDER by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Release Date: September 28th, 2016

Type: Series, Book 4, Contemporary, Romance, Rockstars!

My Review:  So this is one of those books I loved and hated. More like I loved some aspects, and greatly disliked others. I think my biggest problem was Willa herself. You know how in pride and prejudice, Elizabeth hates Darcy because he's so proud, but really it was because his comments burned her own pride that she was really upset? That's the kind of vibe I was getting from Willa. She goes on and on about how Dave must think he's better than everyone else because he has money.. but Dave was always super nice to her, it was Willa that acted like a stuck up bee-otch. She just rubbed me the wrong way.

I think what I liked most about this book was the drama - this author knows how to write a truly gritty story. Not only is Dave dealing with his past and demons (Kristina included), but also his feelings of inadequacy when it comes to the band. The soft hearted person in me wishes his band had backed him a little more, but considering their past issues and the future of their career, well... I can see why they did what they did. Overall, this was a good rockstar read, and I would gladly read the rest of the series. 

Cover Lovin': Love it!

Recommendation: I read this just fine without having read the first books, but I can't wait to go back and try them. Especially since the first book is free on Amazon!

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars. I liked this, but my issues with one of the main characters kept me from falling in love with it. 

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for review.


sil-bt-ban   One band. Five love stories. Too many secrets. We’ve been waiting a long time to find out how the band Tattoo Thief will deal with drummer Dave’s toxic ex—and the secrets she’s been collecting on everyone. It was worth the wait. You don’t have to be a fan of the series to love a book that starts fast with a huge wow moment and then unpacks the band’s secrets. In fact, you don’t have to read the earlier books because each book is a different love story about a different member of the band. About Say it Louder: say-it-louder
I had a choice—dump my toxic girlfriend, or break up my band. It should have been easy. But she’s been collecting dirt on all of us for years. Just when I think I’ve hit rock bottom, a pink-haired street artist rocks my world. They call Willa “the Parking Lot Picasso.” I call her my refuge, my center, my last reason to hope. When Willa’s life on the streets collides with a sudden spotlight on her art, I’ll stop at nothing to protect her. But when the spotlight turns on my secret shame, she might be my only salvation.   Grab your copy today: Amazon ebook | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Paperback sil-teaser-3     Get the first book in the Tattoo Thief series free (on iBooks, Amazon, Nook or Kobo), or dive in to Say it Louder by downloading a free extended sample for Kindle or all other devices. Check out this excerpt, and then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win a signed paperback and special swag.     About Heidi Joy Tretheway: heidi-joy-tretheway-author-photo Heidi Joy Tretheway is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.   Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, and chefs, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her tenth book from her home in southwestern Washington.   Connect with Heidi:
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Monday, October 10, 2016

Review: LOVE ME CRAZY by Camden Leigh!

Release Date: September 27th, 2016

Type: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult, Stand-Alone, Southern Gentleman

My Review: This was another one of those books that I chose randomly to be a part of the blog tour, so I could try a new author. And I'm very glad I did. This author hasn't moved herself to the insta-buy list yet, but I liked what I read, so definitely an author to keep an eye on. If someone asked me to describe this book in only a few words, I would probably go with Sweet But Spicy. Overall, the story itself is adorably sweet, but those steamy scenes mixed in add plenty of spice. 

I had a few issues that held me back from giving this a high rating, however. The timing felt a little off to me. I was never sure just how much time had passed between scenes, and this made the pacing a little off as well. A bunch of stuff had happened, but I was only 30% in, then it would drag a bit, and then was back to being heavy. It just felt uneven. I noticed it far more in the beginning, so by halfway through, the author got into a groove. I also was a bit thrown by how easily Quinn decided to stay. He was dead set on leaving, until he watched Cassidy for a couple minutes. I would have liked to see more familial reasons to stay - not that attraction isn't important. But clearly Quinn's family was important to him, yet it felt like they had little to no part in his desire to stay - at least at first.

But don't take my word for it - get a copy and try it out yourself! If you like new adult contemporary romance, this should definitely be added to your TBR.

Cover Lovin': So sweet!

Recommendation: Nada!

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars! This was a very enjoyable read, but a few things held me back from pushing for that extra star.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for review.

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Review & Excerpt: BOUND TO SUBMIT by Laura Kaye!

Release Date: October 11th, 2016

Type: Contemporary Romance, Series, Book one, BDSM, Kinky Clubs

My Review: Oh, wow. Okay. This might be a tough one for me to review because I'm afraid I might squee all over this while trying to gather my thoughts. This book was incredibly emotional, amazingly hot, and just all around spectacular. I knew when I read the prequel novella that this would be a series I'd love, but I couldn't imagine how much I would connect to the story and the characters. 

This series has a very similar feel to the Masters of the Shadowlands series by Cherise Sinclair. Which is a very good thing for me, because I fangirl all over Sinclair's stuff, and I'm always desperate for more. So now I have a new go-to for well-written, emotionally engaging, and super hot BDSM books. As I said when I read the prequel novella, I already had Laura Kaye's other books on my TBR, but they are quickly moving up the queue.

Cover Lovin': Sexy, yet elegant.

Recommendation: Book one! But check out Hard To Serve - which is a prequel. You'll love it!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars!!! A perfect score for a book that I couldn't put down. I loved this so much, I'm already considering a re-read!!


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~


Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for review.

EXCERPT:
Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share an excerpt from Bound to Submit, the first official book in my brand new and super hot Blasphemy series! This is an erotic second-chance love story featuring a tormented Dom and a veteran amputee heroine – and these guys surprised me in so many ways! I hope you’ll pick up your copy – and welcome to Blasphemy!
Now, here’s a little taste of the intensity coming your way in Bound to Submit – enjoy!

Later, in the car on the way home, with happiness and two rare cocktails flowing through her, Kenna’s joy made her so damn horny that she couldn’t stop shifting her legs. The second they got in the door of her apartment, she was gonna climb Griffin and ride him until neither of them had bones left in their legs.

“You’re killing me, Kenna,” he said from behind the wheel of the sleek Audi A7.
Her eyes flashed to him. “What?” she asked, though she could hear her arousal in her voice. No doubt he could, too.

“You turned on and it’s driving me insane.” He cut a knowing look her way.

“I can’t help it. You make me want you.”

“Fuck, baby. That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. Push your pants and panties down and make yourself come. I want to watch. I want to hear you. I want my car to fucking smell like you.”

A thrill shot through her, and she did as he told her. She slid down in her seat and let her knees fall open, and then she touched her pussy, her fingers immediately finding evidence of just how turned on she was.

“Fuck,” he said under his breath. They came to a stop at a light. “Finger yourself for me.” She did, throwing her head back on a moan.

“Christ, Kenna. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait to get in you.” He adjusted the bulge in the front of his jeans.

“Keep touching yourself like that,” she whispered. “Squeeze your cock and think about fucking me while I masturbate for you.” The groan he unleashed added urgency to the sensations spiraling between her legs. “God, Griffin.”

His gaze flashed between the road and her, his mirrors and her, and the road and her again. He turned off the music so that only her breathing and the wet sounds of her hand’s movements filled the luxury sedan.

And then it was all too much. “May I please come, Sir? May I please come?”


“God, yes, Kenna. Come. And know that I’m gonna be on you the second I park this goddamned car.”


bound-to-submit-tour-banner    

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

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About Bound to Submit:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

 

Order Bound to Submit in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/11/16

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    bound-to-submit-tour-teaser    
 
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"A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I've read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I'm eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!"

~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

"Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye's Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can't wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one."

~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

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Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available in paperback and ebook

    laura-kaye-headshotAbout Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.      

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