Dangerous Secrets (Tall, Dark and Deadly #2) by Lisa Renee Jones (@LisaReneeJones)

OMG! I recently read Ms. Jones' Secrets Exposed book which was a prelude to these books so when I realized they were sexy, hot stories that involved brothers, I went searching through Amazon. Turns out I had already downloaded several of her books so I got to reading!

Julie Harrison is a divorce attorney for the rich and selfish and is currently working on a case for a New York judge. Julie is very good at keeping men at bay, especially after she has seen the devestation left behind in relationships. Only one man has ever come close to bring Julie to her knees and that was Luke Walker.

Luke is a former Navy SEAL, who runs a security firm with his brothers. Walker Security is one of the best in the business. Julie and Luke had spent a month as lovers a few years prior until Luke had to go back to war and neither one of them had the courage to make a commitment. Since then they have been trying to avoid any entanglements with each other. Easier said then done. Royce, Luke's brother, is marrying Julie's best friend, Lauren. That makes Julie and Luke, the best man and maid of honor, which puts them together quite a bit.

When Julie gets tangled up in her client's shady dealings, she automatically turns to Luke for help. Delving into the world of drugs, cartels, and art these two take on a world of bad guys in order to save kids from tainted drugs.

Can Luke convince Julie to take a chance on their relationship or is he destined to remain a friend with benefits? This is an sexy story that draws you in and reminds you that sometimes you have to take a chance even when you are scared.

Rated 5 stars

The Secret Santa Wishing Well by Nikki Lynn Barrett

This was given to me by the author for review.

I have to tell you that this time of the year I tend to get very jaded just like Jacob was. My husband is currently battling cancer and the anger and helplessness that he feels in regards to his sister,Ada's illness, is something I understand well.

Cheyenne is a single mom raising a son, Ben and a daughter named Desi. Her ex-husband, Eric, doesn't want anything to do with baby Desi since he doesn't think she is his but likes to pretend he has a relationship with her son, Ben. Ben is an amazing kid who likes to help with food pantries and always seems more concerned with others.

Jacob takes a part time job at the local mall playing Santa at his sister's request. She knows he is suffering and she hopes this will help him find his missing Christmas spirit. Jacob is at the point where he wants to quit the job and then he meets Ben. Ben wants to make a wish into the secret santa wishing well. Jacob is impressed that his wish is for his mom and not for the lastest video game.

Chance meeting later and a news report on Ben's good deeds, leads Jacob to nominate Ben for a community award. Spending time with Cheyenne and the kids allows Jacob to realize how much he is beginning to care for this amazing family. When Jacob's sister dies and he realizes that Cheyenne's dad is the surgeon who couldn't save her, he is devestated. Storming out of the house in anger, Jacob feels like he has blown the love of an amazing woman and Cheyenne is confused. When Ben goes missing after a fight at his father's place, Jacob is devestated to think that he wasn't there for the boy and goes out of his way to bring him home. What happens when you realize that the magic of Christmas is real and that you are being given the gift of a lifetime?

This is a magical read for the holidays and I highly recommend it to all!

The Duke and I (Bridgerton Series, Book 1) by Julia Quinn (@avonbooks, @JQAuthor)

This is the first book that I ever read by Julia Quinn and it is still one of my favorites of all time. I have to admit that I have a thing for books with dukes and Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, is the type of devilishly handsome rogue that gets my imagination flowing! Simon has been accosted by debs and their matchmaking mamas at every turn and is exhausted by the endless parade of young misses.

Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of the Bridgerton family, and longs to have a huge and loving family of her own. The problem is that most of the men of her acquaintance see her as a friend and not a romantic interest. Enter the devious minds of two kindred spirits. These two decided that the best course of action to get the ton and their families off Simon's back and to show the world how attractive Daphne actually is, is for them to become engaged. The theory is that the men who have seen Daphne as a friend will look at her different if a duke is with her.

It works like a charm. Come and enjoy this humorous and romantic story about how the best laid plans can lead to an everlasting love.

Be sure to check out all of the books in the Bridgerton Series here.

Rated 5 stars

Let's Get This Blog Hop Started!! (@avonbooks, #avonaddicts)

What can you say when one of your dreams comes true?  I am a dedicated Avon books reader so when I was notified that I was an Avon Addict, I freaked out.  What is an Avon Addict, you ask?

Avon Addicts are specially chosen by the incredible staff at Avon Books.  We are given ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies), and ebooks to review for new releases by some of the best authors in the business.  We are also given some pretty cool swag that we like to include in giveaways on our blogs.  My sister addicts and I have decided that we want to celebrate the holidays with you in a BIG way.

Everyday visit one of these incredible ladies listed below at their blog.  Enjoy the fabulous reviews that they have posted and register for their contest.  Feel free to bookmark the schedule below and don't forget to come back and visit me on December 12th when I am giving out a collection of 5 Avon books!

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Secrets Exposed by Lisa Renee Jones

I have to admit that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this story but I found that I did.  I am not a big fan stories about lawyers and was surprised that this one read as well as it did.  Lindsey Paxton was a lawyer who had left her father's law firm in New York after a bad case.  She had been defending an accused serial murderer and won the case.  After he was released another girl was found and DNA evidence pointed to her client.  Feeling responsible for the death of the girl, Lindsey left law and moved to Washington to join the FBI.  Her father has been diagnosed with cancer and Lindsey has come back to New York on a temp basis to get the firm back on track.  Mark Reeves is an ex-partner of Lindsey's father and the one person Lindsey hopes will help.

Mark has no desire to go back to the Paxton law firm.  Edward Paxton was not the same man who had trained him for years and the bad feelings between the two were obvious.  However, after meeting Lindsey in person and not just in pictures, he feels a connection he has never felt before.  He agrees to help the firm for six months as long as she stays as well.  Lindsey is not happy with that since she wants to get of New York and away from a case that is strangely like the case that almost destroyed her to begin with.

Join these two has they unfold the mysteries of love and murder.

Rated 4 stars

Leather, Lace and Rock-n-Roll by Mia Dymond

Leather, Lace and Rock-n-Roll by Mia Dymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed Hawk and Rachel‘s story.

Hawk is a Navy Seal that is undercover as a international rock star. This gives his team a chance to fight terrorism all over the world. Rachel is being watched as a possible accomplice to a terrorist smuggling information through her firm.

Sometimes love develops in the most unexpected places. This was a good and I can't wait to read more from this author. I would be interested in seeing more back story to explain all the things that are going on with the characters in the book.

Fun read!

View all my reviews

Something fun for you guys!

I found this as I was searching the web and thought you guys would enjoy!

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!

I have officially validated my word count for NaNoWriMo and have been declared a winner!! This was an amazing opportunity and I can not even begin to thank all the new and old friends that have helped me along the way.

Now I just have to wrap up the ending to my book to submit to Avon publishing next month! Fingers crossed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings for the holidays!

Brandy

Don't Ask by Natalie Bell

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It is one of those books that you can sink into the head of the main character and really understand what drives her.

Julia is your typical college graduate with no really "career" prospects. She is locked into what I would describe as unhealthy relationships. There is Greg who is her drugged up sex buddy who wouldn't know a woman loved him if she knocked him over the head. There is Brian who is Bi, but I suspect as feelings for Julia. Then there is Duncan. He is the college boyfriend that cheated on her but she still manages to have a pseudo relationship with.

It was nice to read a story that was not front to back sex scenes. She alludes to sex between the characters but the story was more about Julia's interpersonal relationships. All in all a very good read, and I am happy to support a fellow Wrimo!

50 Shades of Grey by E.L James

I have to admit when I first became aware of this series, I was expecting something a little darker and more erotic. To hear some of the stories and television reviews, this was a truly naughty set of books. Now that being said, I really did enjoy this series. It took me 2 days to read all three of the books(thank goodness they were all available on my Kindle!). I laughed and giggled through most of the books, Ana really was very naive on so many levels. I did find it strange that a 21 year old in today's society wasn't a little more knowledgeable in some of the sexual areas. Not necessarily in the actual sexual acts themselves but she just seemed to lack some basic sexual knowledge. Christian, what can I say about him other than yummy? This is a man who knows what he wants and takes it. I am in awe of his prowess. I would recommend this series to anyone that wants a good love story with a little bit of edge to it.

Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett

I am considered a die hard historical romance lover. However, in the the past few months I have been trying to step out of my "comfort" zone and explore new genres. On a whim, I downloaded this to my Kindle and decided to try something new. Beauty and the Feast did not disappoint! The characters were well developed and passionate with just enough flavor to be amazing. The food descriptions are tantalizing and I love that the recipes were included! I can't wait to try Eva's rub

My Twisted Drink: A Vampire Romance by JoAnn Mayer

I am a vampire junkie and will read just about anything I can get my hands on. I was not sure how this story was going to go but I was blown away! It is a new spin on the story and I love that! Alexander is a love him, hate him character that you can't help but fall in love with! Charlotte frustrated me at times but when you understand her backstory, you realize she is a powerful woman. Take a chance and fall in love with a vampire story that is true to the heart of the characters.

Eternal Crimson (Tears of Crimson Vampire Series) by Michelle Hughes

Sex and Vampires. Does life get any better than that? I am huge fan of real vampire stories(Twlight was okay but not earthshattering)and Ms. Hughes knows how to bring the steam to the pages! Rafe is a creature that all paranormal romance readers would love to sink their teeth into and I am awed by how well developed his character is. Cara is an interesting heroine to say the least. The dynamics that arise between the main characters is amazing and I was surprised at the way it all played out. This is one of those books and series of characters that you find yourself longing for more of.

A Night at Tears of Crimson (Tears of Crimson Vampire Nightclub) by Michelle Hughes

This has to be one of the sexiest paranormal reads that I have found. When I first purchased this book I was unfamiliar with the work of Ms. Hughes but I decided to take a chance because lets face it, sex and vampires are pure seduction. I love the setting of a bar in New Orleans. I am from the south and those hidden little bars have some of the most fascinating stories to tell. Her characters, Rafe and Cara, are real. They feel a connection that doesn't happen everyday and seeing that passion develop is like watching a flower unfold.

Loving Control (Club Rio Brava, Book One) by Ann Jacobs

Elijah "Eli" Calhoun is a top-notch trauma surgeon who also happens to be a practicing Dom. Margaret "Maggie" Berman is a third year resident studying under Eli and is a submissive. A past Master has turned Maggie off of new D/s relationships but she is wildly attracted to Eli. She is afraid to be too direct because she wants a man to know what she needs and make her submit. Sensing that Eli just might be what she has been searching for she makes a move. She wants a true Dom in bed with her and is surprised when it turns out that Eli is just the man she has been needing. He is everything she wants in a Dom and he is so enthralled that Maggie is the perfect submissive that he proceeds quickly with claiming her as his.

This is a quick read and a good book. I would recommend this to those who are interested in wading into the BDSM world but not ready to go stock their own dungeon.

Rate 4 Stars

I haven't forgotten you!

I feel like I have been so lazy lately since I have not added any new reviews I have not forgotten you though, I promise. It has been hectic with trying to work on my own book. I am currently competing on NaNoWriMo and it has been taking up quite a bit of my time. I am not complaining though! Writing a book has always been my dream and even if it never sees the light of day, I will be satisfied.

Writing has always been a dream of mine and to think that for the first time in my life I am actually attempting it has been very surreal to me. I have to admit that I am terrified that someone is going to read it and ask me what I was smoking when I wrote it!!

Wish me luck and I hope to have a few new reviews for you in the upcoming weeks!

Avon Addicts

So, I am new to the blogging world and have decided to begin by expanding the topics on my blog. I do review for Avon books. I am currently an Avon Addict squared. We are a select group of women chosen from around the country and given opportunities to review and promote Avon books and Authors. Since quite a few of my favorite authors are Avon authors I am a very happy lady! I am also currently involved in NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. You have 30 days in November to write a 50,000 word novel. It is amazingly frustrating and I am loving the challenge. For more information, checkout www.nanowrimo.org.

I am open to request for reviews. I prefer romance and paranormal, but would be willing to persue other genres. If I don't feel like I could do your book justice or in a reasonable amount of time, I will let you know that. I have reviewed for several independent authors. I post reviews to goodreads, amazon, facebook, twitter, and my blog. If you would like to have me place a review somewhere else. Just let me know. As always, feel free to take a look around and let me know if you would like to see something in particular!

Brandy

Bonds of Trust by Lynda Aicher

I received this book as an ARC for review. This is one of those books that draws you in and keeps you there for the whole story.

Cali Reynolds is a 44 year old divorcee who is searching for something. She is hoping that she will find it at The Den, the Twin Cities most exclusive BDSM club. Her marriage fell apart since her husband seemed to have no interest in sex. On the first night at the club, newbies are usually paired with a Dom that helps them explore the club and become acclimated. The Den is owned by three "brothers." Jake, Deklan, and Seth all share in the responsibilites of the club. Seth has done the interviews for Cali and asks Jake to do a second interview with her. Jake is not sure he really wants to break in a newbie but he goes to meet her anyway. He is floored by the sensual innocence that Cali exhibits and decides to spend the evening as her Dom.

Her evening with Jake is everything sexual that Cali has been looking for her entire adult life. Jake is amazed at the feelings she brings out in him and the breathtakingly sensual submissive side she is exhibiting.

Her submission to Jake is everything that he has ever craved in a Sub and he is honored by her gift to him. His dominance of her is what Cali has always craved. This book wraps a sensual spell around the world of BDSM and draws you in, and leaves you longing to explore more.

New Year's Kiss (Wolf's Heritage, Book One) by Tielle St. Clare

Wow. It is the first word that comes to mind after reading this book. Mikhel is a werewolf who has gotten to the point where he has to leave his home. It is not possible to have two Alphas around and things are tense with is father. He doesn't want to start his own pack so he and his best friend Zach head out to the city. A few years pass and they are running their own businesses and have befriended a young lady named Taylor. When Taylor gets dumped (by text) right before New Years Eve, Mikhel sees the chance to make his move. He is a little surprised that Zach wants to make a move too. They can't decide which one will take her out on New Years Eve and Mikhel doesn't want to pull Alpha rank so they both escort her to a party. They take turns spending time with her and she ends up kissing Zach and getting "friendly" with Mikhel. They end up taking her upstairs in the hotel and offering her a choice between them. Smart girl that she is, she chooses both. When a werewolf has unprotected sex with a female, it can cause her to take on traits of the wolf. This allowed Taylor to be able to have sex dozens of times with both men without wearing out. Mikhel's possessive traits come out in full force and he finds himself wanting to turn Alpha on Zach and dominate both Zach and Taylor. Mikhel ends up leaving to calm himself the next day and heads out to the woods so his were can run free. Zach feels like Mikhel needs to assert his right as Alpha and establish the pack, so he brings Taylor out the house they own near the woods. When Mikhel comes backa and realizes that Zach is pleasuring Taylor, he goes crazy and attacks him. This allows Zach's werewolf to submit to Mikhel. They end up deciding that the two of them will share Taylor and she is fine with that. A year later, Zach has decided that he wants Mikhel to make love to him and Taylor is onboard with that. Mikhel is thrown for a loop cause he has never thought of having sex with a man before. So, on New Years Eve they decide to see how it goes.

This book is full of descriptive sex scences and has M/M/F situations. Not for the faint of heart!