Tame the Shame (Blogger Shame Review Challenge): Mad About the Major by Elizabeth Boyle

I'm on a roll here. I finished another book in the shame challenge. Woot! Now I have 20 left with till the end of the year. Oh goodness that seems like a huge feat. I don't know if I'm going to make it. Eek. It's not the end of the world if I don't make all 24, I will be grateful for whatever I accomplish. Anyway, todays shame is Mad About the Major by Elizabeth Boyle, so lets dive in:

Tame the Shame (Blogger Shame Review Challenge): Yours All Along by Roni Loren

Yeah, not doing so hot on this challenge. I'm going to blame my move. Yep, that is it. Well, this is number three in taming that shame. Woo-hoo! I'm hoping to get another done by the end of the month. Anyway, here is today's shame selection Yours All Along by Roni Loren. 

Dare to Stay by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

Before proceeding any further, you must read Dare to Run, because Dare to Stay picks up after a certain point. You have to read Dare to Run to understand why Chris is trying to break apart his road to hell. Stop right here, because there is a spoiler from the previous book. Sorry, it has to happen, because it's the starting point of Dare to Stay.

Chris was perfectly fine with building his personal road to hell. Hell he didn't mind lay brick by brick, but when he realize what he had become after Dare to Run he decided it was time to atone for his crime. Yeah, when you try to kill your best friend/blood-brother and make it look like his brother his brother was trying to off him is a pretty low point in life. Yep, my mouth dropped when I read that and that was when I knew I had to continue with the series, I had to find out how Chris's story played out. So, glad I did. Yes, I was a little hesitant at first, because I did have a rough start with Dare to Run, but Dare to Stay excellent read. I mean Jen had me at the beginning with Chris basically dying in the alley when Molly stumble upon him, and she decided to take him in. Granted it probably wasn't the best idea of Molly, I mean her father died by a thug. However, she felt this was a sign from her father to help Chris out. She definitely need a change in her life. Haha, I bet she never expected this.

Chris and Molly are polar opposites. She's sweet, bubbly, and light shines all around her, while Chris is dark, dangerous, and everything he touches dies. However, he would love to have a little light in his life even though he doesn't deserve that. However, throughout the story he aims to do things right through Scotty, Lucas's brother.

All right, Dare to Stay is pretty awesome. We get to see more of Chris's good side. You would never know he had one, but starts to show it. Yes, he's still a ruthless killer, but now he only kills if he has to. Molly makes him a better person. Miss Sunshine is great influence on Chris. She doesn't change herself to be with Chris; she tends to be her same self, which is pretty awesome. The Sons of Steel Row is something to keep an eye out on. This is a series you can't pick up in the middle, you have to read from book one. Granted you wouldn't be totally lost. If you are into dirty, gritty, underworld, gangs, The Sons of Steel Row might be your kind of read.

Copy provide by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt: Fighting Dirty by Sidney Halston

Fighting Dirty Worth the Fight #5

By: Sidney Halston

Released January 5, 2016 
Loveswept

Blurb

If you love the MMA romances of Vi Kreeland and Kendall Ryan, Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series will knock your socks off! In Fighting Dirty, a geek-chic cage fighter proves that appearances can be deceiving . . . and oh-so-tempting.

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo’s stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he’s around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he’s not . . . and everything he craves.

Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he’s got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

Excerpt:

Close to You by Kristen Proby

I don't know how many of you read the first book in Fusion Novels had you, you would remember Landon being seriously injured. Now he has to adjust to civilian life, which isn't the easiest thing to do. At the beginning of the story he's a little rude to Cami. Now Cami has had a crush on Landon FOREVER, and cause of the incident she has decided to give up hopes of Landon seeing her as more than Mia's best friend. Yet things are reveal as this story unfolds before our eyes. Not everything is what we see.

Basically, Close to You is Landon and Cami's story. You don't need read the first book to know what is going on between these two, but you might want to because the friends are a tight knit group. They are like family. What you will find here is two friends who becomes lovers. Yes, they were friends too. It was a little predictable up until a certain point. Now the story was an enjoyable read. Some might get a little weepy at one point, I did. I'm have to say I'm excited for the next book in the series, and I wonder who is next to fall in love. I think it's Kat, but I'm not sure. Anyway, the story is pretty good. If Close to You sounds like your kind of read you might give it a go.

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss.

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Close to You by Kristen Proby

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new Fusion Series from William Morrow, she seduces readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you CLOSE TO YOU, the second book in the Fusion Series! CLOSE TO YOU brings readers the next story in this amazing cast of characters. Grab your copy of CLOSE TO YOU today and check out the special offer below!

Blurb:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want…or so she thinks.

After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Earl is on Fire by Vivienne Lorret

This Earl is on Fire
Season's Original #2

By: Vivienne Lorret

Releasing August 2^nd, 2016
Avon Impulse

Blurb

The sheltered daughter of a country baron, Miss Adeline Pimm comes to London looking for adventure… and finds it in the form of a bloody, unconscious man slumped in the doorway of her family's rented townhouse. Though his identity is a mystery, Adeline is inexplicably drawn to the handsome, injured man and vows to nurse him back to health.

Liam Cavanaugh, the scandalous Earl of Wolford, is startled when he awakens in an unfamiliar bed, wrapped in bandages that hinder his eyesight, with no memory of why he was beaten half to death. Although he can't see the witty young woman who tends to his wounds, her alluring voice--and a single stolen kiss from her soft lips--help soothe his pain. But when he is fully healed, Liam is not ready to let go of the one woman who stirs his deepest longings.

Liam will do whatever it takes to see Adeline again, even if it means giving up his rakish ways. But his disreputable past is not so easily forgotten and his secrets are far more dangerous than he-or Adeline-ever imagined. 

My Thoughts:

Lusting for Covers (135): Seven Minutes of Heaven by Eloisa James

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James
Publisher: Avon (Jan 2017)
Series: Desperate Duchess by Numbers, 3
Genre: Historical

Blurb:

Ahhhhh! Not yet. Hopefully soon. However, let's just gaze at this cover.

Preorders Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Eloisa's Website

Why?

When I saw this cover I automatically thought of the song Maneater both version Hall and Oats and the Nelly Furtado. I'm going to leave at that. What do you guys think of my pick? 

PUYB Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Just Kiss Me by Rachel Gibson

Just Kiss Me

Rachel Gibson

Avon Books

July 26, 2016

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson returns with this dazzling love story filled with sizzle, sass, and just a bit of southern charm . . .

“Hello, Ms. Vivian . . . it’s been a long time.”

And with those words, Vivian Leigh Rochet nearly melted. It’s been years since she last saw Henry Whitley-Shuler. She was a teenager scrubbing houses for a living. He was the gorgeous son of rich parents, not fit for the likes of her.

Vivian had vowed to get out of Charleston, become a big Hollywood star, and stick it to the snooty girls who made her cry.

She got what she wanted—and more—but why does her glamorous life seem so trivial?

Henry got out too . . . making it all the way to Wall Street, until a heart attack forced him to trade in his cufflinks for a good set of hand tools.

Making furniture soothes his soul, but escaping the Whitley-Shuler heritage is nearly impossible. And now he’s come face-to-face with the one who got away. He’s not looking for love. He’s not even looking for sex . . . so why is resisting her the hardest thing he’s ever done?

My Thoughts:

RockStar Pr Spotlight + Review: The Theory of Deviance by Rebecca Grace Allen

The Theory of Deviance
Portland Rebels, Book 3
Rebecca Grace Allen
Samhain Publishing
Release Date August 2, 2016

Blurb:

Deviance is unacceptable. It's taboo. And it's the one thing he's always wanted.
Portland Rebels, Book 3

Painful shyness isn't the only reason Mikey Pelletier is a twenty-five-year-old virgin. Between working for his parents and volunteering at his church, he neither has the time nor the inclination to admit his bisexuality to the world—or to himself.

A visit from Krissy Porter will hopefully fix everything. After three months of chatting with her, Mikey's got one carefully planned week to win her heart and lose his V-card. He's hoping he can pull it off, even with her roommate along for the ride.

Krissy has been drawn to Mikey for a while. He's so easygoing, she thinks he could be the calm in her storm. But there's an extra complication when she comes to visit: her friend-with-benefits, "hetero-flexible" roommate, Rafe.

During a week of revelations, intimacy, and kink, Krissy and Rafe become the angel and devil on Mikey's shoulders, tempting him in different directions. And all three of them discover that a week of pure deviance can lead to the most uncontrollable emotion of all: love.

Warning: This book contains innocent board game-playing that takes a sexy turn, use of recreational substances, back-door action, and some smokin' hot threesomes. Plus, scenes of inner-demon slaying. Fans and tissues advised.

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Dare to Stay by Jen McLaughlin

Today we are celebrating the release of DARE TO STAY by Jen McLaughlin. This is the 2nd book in the Sons of Steel Row series. Check out the fantastic excerpt below, and grab your copy now! Visit more sites participating in the release day launch to read more of chapter 1!

DARE TO STAY

Sons of Steel Row, book #2

by Jen McLaughlin

Signet 

August 2, 2016

BOOK BLURB:

Fans of Katie Ashley, Joanna Wylde, Kristen Ashley, Sophie Jackson and Katee Robert will be thrilled by this dark, steamy series, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Out of Line novels, where one gang of criminals knows just how being bad can be so good... 

Bruised and bloodied on Boston's mean streets, Chris O'Brien is reeling from the loss of his childhood best friend. But after barely escaping a hit placed on his head, Chris is desperate to live. A safe haven comes to mind - the home of the perfect girl from his childhood, Molly Lachlan. Before he has fully considered what it would mean to involve her in his mess, he finds himself on her doorstep. 

When Molly agrees to let Chris inside her home, she realizes she's also letting him into her life. Danger and desperation are coming off him like steam, and yet she can't bring herself to turn him away. His bad boy charm always had a hold on her, but now there's a soulfulness and sorrow in him that she's never seen before. And despite the heart-stopping risk of helping him, she hopes against all reason that he'll stay... The stakes are dangerously high...and the passion is seriously intense. Follow the exploits of the Sons of Steel Row in Dare To Run and Dare To Stay.
Praise for the novels of Jen McLaughlin

“Addicting from start to finish!”—New York Times bestselling author Addison Moore

“With hot, sexy chemistry and heroes to die for, Jen McLaughlin’s books always deliver!”—New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye 

“Jen McLaughlin’s books are sexy and satisfying reads!”—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst 

EXCERPT:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Giveaway: United by Melissa Landers

United

Alienated #3

By: Melissa Landers

Releasing August 2, 2016

Ever After

Blurb

After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.

But the vacation is short-lived.

The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The Aribol, mysterious guardians charged with maintaining interstellar peace, deem the alliance a threat to the galaxy. They order a separation of the races, decreeing humans and L’eihrs must return to their own planets within the month or face extinction. In fact, they already have agents in place on Earth, ready to begin.

With the clock ticking, Aelyx and Cara assemble a team of colonists and race back to Earth, where they unite with old friends to solve the mystery of who the Aribol are, what they want, and the real reason the alliance has provoked them. As tensions build to a full-scale war, Aelyx and Cara must fight harder than ever―not just for their future, but for the survival of both their worlds.

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Sweet Carolina Morning by Susan Schild

Sweet Carolina Morning
Willow Hill #2

By: Susan Schild

Releasing August 2, 2016
Lyrical

Blurb

Life down South just got a whole lot sweeter in Susan Schild’s new novel about a woman whose happily-ever-after is about to begin…whether she’s ready for it or not.

Finally, just shy of forty years old, Linny Taylor is living the life of her dreams in her charming hometown of Willow Hill, North Carolina. The past few years have been anything but a fairy tale: Left broke by her con man late-husband, Linny has struggled to rebuild her life from scratch. Then she met Jack Avery, the town’s much-adored veterinarian. And she’s marrying him.

Everything should be coming up roses for Linny. So why does she have such a serious case of pre-wedding jitters? It could be because Jack’s prosperous family doesn’t approve of her rough-and-tumble background. Or that his ex-wife is suddenly back on the scene. Or that Linny has yet to win over his son’s heart. All these obstacles—not to mention what she should wear when she walks down the aisle—are taking the joy out of planning her wedding. Linny better find a way to trust love again, or she might risk losing the one man she wants to be with—forever…

Excerpt:

Fool Me Once by Katee Robert (Review)

When I read Foolproof Love I couldn't wait to read Quinn and Aubrey's story. It was bound to happen, because they had intense chemistry. Yeah, it started out as hate, but you knew it wouldn't last. Anyway, Quinn and Aubrey have been at one another throats for a year; I mean they had snappy comebacks whenever they talked. Basically, Quinn needed someone to help him while at his sisters wedding, and Aubrey needed someone to help her great Deathcon (a video game she's into). Since she has a fear of flying, they had to drive, which they were able to hash out their differences.

Yep, I enjoyed Fool Me Once. I thought it was a pretty good read. I mean Quinn and Aubrey were a fun couple to read. I like how Quinn was able to help Aubrey with her social anxiety. I wish I knew where and how it started, but hey it was a fairly quick read. One of my favorite parts would be the epilogue, because that was too cute. Anyway, those how love Katee's books will find enjoyment in Fool Me Once.

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley
Rating:
4 Stars

Lusting for Covers (134): A Date at the Altar by Cathy Maxwell

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

A Date at the Altar by Cathy Maxwell

Publisher: Avon (Oct 2016)

Series: Marrying the Duke, 3

Genre: Historical

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering Marrying the Duke series continues—Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.

Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would ever fall in love with.

She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.

However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in mind: In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.

And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Why?

I love the look on her face. I mean it looks like, "Hey what are you waiting for are you going to join me?" It's absolutely perfect with the bed. Reading the blurb, the cover totally works the with the blurb. What do you guys think of this weeks pick?

Worked Up by Tessa Bailey (Review)

Okay, Tessa Bailey is like the go to girl for dirty talking heroes, but she has a secret she has a punny heroine. Oh yes, Samantha Waverly is punny. She can crack some cheesetastic jokes, and they are cheesetastic. You can find them all over Worked Up. If you have been keeping up with the series you would remember Duke Crawford has a house full of women, and to find a moments of piece is a little hard. However, he's willing to add another woman to the mix.

These two are completely adorable. You have Duke who is a mans-man. He's not the typical guy you would find in a romance novel, but normal. The cover guy should have a little more hair on him, oh well. Anyway, what he lacks in the beauty department he makes up in the caring. He definitely has a heart, and he has a soft spot for all those around him. However, I think that is a secret. Samantha is too cute with her bad jokes and wanting to please her step-brother. Deep down she wants someone to care for her.

Yes, Worked Up has some steamy scenes, but these two are cute. I never thought I would use cute in a review for a Tessa book, but there you go. I think it has to do with Samantha tries to be funny, and Duke is smitten by her. Overall, had a good time reading Worked Up, and yes I did get a choked up in the book. Those who are a fan of Tessa's work will find enjoyment in Worked Up.

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley
Rating:
4 Stars

Blog Tour + Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Forbidden Fling by Skye Jordan

FORBIDDEN FLING 

Wildwood, 1

Skye Jordan
Montlake Romance

July 26, 2016

Blurb:

Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Pure Torture by Tania

Pure Torture
Oblivion on Tour #3

By: Tania Sparks

Releasing July 29, 2016
Self-Published

Blurb

Cody’s the sexy drummer extraordinaire of the hard rock band Oblivion.

Kitty’s the little sister of one of Cody’s band mates and she’s had a secret crush on him for years.

When the band are back home for a few days, the chemistry between them is both unexpected and undeniably off-the-charts.

She quickly realizes that the prospect of having what she’s always fantasized about is a very real possibility.

He quickly realizes that although he feels this mind-blowing attraction towards her, she’s the little sister of one of his band mates - he would get his ass kicked from here to hell if he ever laid a finger on her!

But can Kitty convince him? After all, no one else needs to know, a one-time hook-up might suit both of them…or could it ruin everything?

Excerpt

Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt (Review)

Now if you have read Duke of Sin you would remember Miss Hippolyta Royle had to make a harrowing escape from the Duke of Montgomery. Once she left in the dead of night, we didn't know what happen to her. Oh dear. Now we have her harrowing adventure in Once Upon a Moonlit Night.

Poor Hippolyta it's truly not her week, especially when she comes across Mr. Matthew Mortimer. He believes her to be a run away maid girl or worse. Technically, she's running away. We get to watch these two interact between one another. I feel bad for Hippolyta for her circumstances, but she's a strong person. When Matthew isn't acting like jerk, he's actually sweet and kind, and easy to fall in love. He redeems himself during the book.

Overall, Once Upon a Moonlit Night gives you closer on Hippotyla's part in Duke of Sin. It's great to see her get a happy ending, because she needed a happy ending. I mean she had someone trying to blackmail her, she deserved happiness. Elizabeth does a wonderful job with this story. Yes, the story is super quick read, but it's nice to know what happen to Hippotyla. If you have been wondering what happen to her, Once Upon a Moonlight Night will give you the closer you so need for her.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Portrait of Rage by Cynthia H. Wise

Portrait of Rage
The Marcel Experience #1

By: Cynthia H. Wise

Released October 31, 2015
BookLogix

Blurb

“The air became frigid and the lights flickered as they both watched a shimmering veil of mist rise from the hardwood floor. As it floated toward Kelly, the dim shape of an adolescent came to life in its veiling center. The little girl’s body grew more defined in its advance, until every detail of the portrait at Kelly’s back focused and came alive before them.”

Soon after Thomas Shear buys a house for his art gallery, the spirits of a killer’s child victims haunt his dreams. Believing they were conjured by stress and a vivid imagination, Tom hopes to vanquish the nightmares that leave him shaking and sweat soaked by creating a series of life-sized portraits portraying the suffering of each little girl.

When news of his portrait series spreads, Tom is confronted by the lead investigator for the missing children, Detective Mark Winward. Realizing he has become involved in something more sinister than he could ever have imagined, and becoming the detective’s number one suspect, Tom races to find the real killer before he is framed and someone Tom loves becomes the killer’s next victim.

Portrait of Rage sets the stage for The Marcel Experience, giving readers a glimpse into what is to come. Both horror and romance, real and fantastic, Portrait of Rage introduces real-world horrors into the universe of the supernatural.

Excerpt