Monday, April 30, 2018

Book Blast: Kiss Your Scars by Avril Ashton #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway




KISS YOUR SCARS
LOOSE ENDS SERIES, BOOK 3
AVRIL ASHTON

RELEASE DATE: 02.20.18






BLURB
Being the king of Atlanta’s underworld used to have its perks, but lately all undercover agent Renzo Vega has seen is the downside. Someone is auctioning off women in his city, and he’s damn sure not about to let that offense stand. Just as he’s set to make a move, Renzo’s club is ambushed and he’s shot. Unsure of who to trust, he turns to the one man he definitely knows wants him dead.
Yanked from his bed, blindfolded and spirited away in the middle of the night, Lowell Scott is shocked to find the darkly gorgeous Renzo bleeding and in need of his help. The very last thing he wants is to come to the aid of the man responsible for his cousin’s death, but the knife at his throat doesn’t give Low much options.
Close proximity doesn’t temper the hatred Low harbors for Renzo, it only brings up new problems. Like the vicious attraction Low struggles to control, and bullets that won’t stop flying. It’s a tough sell to believe there’s anything good in a man as unapologetically dangerous as Renzo. And even if Low could forgive the unforgivable, Renzo is still shadowed in secrets. When they’re exposed, those secrets will bring far-reaching consequences that could sever not just their shaky bond, but Low’s family ties as well.

This is book three in the Loose Ends series, but can be read as a standalone.


Warning: Contains references to subjects that may be triggering. Please read with caution.





REVIEW

Like many of you, I'm a pretty voracious reader, averaging probably 4-5 books a week when time allows. I read a lot of different types as well but comparatively speaking, my list of auto-buy authors is pretty small. Avril Ashton has been on that list ever since I read Brooklyn Sinner years ago and she hasn't once let me down. I will buy and devour whatever she writes, no questions asked. No blurb necessary, just one click and I'm there. There isn't another author in the romance genre quite like her. Avril's ability to capture intense emotion, face the down and dirty of life with an unflinching eye, and make even the most despicable characters somehow likeable AND empathetic (I'm looking at you, Stavros!) is a talent few others possess. 

Her newest release, Kiss Your Scars, has been a long time coming. I wouldn't exactly say this book is a stand alone, even in the Loose End series. This is the third book in the series, but it's connected as far back to A Sinner Born, the third book of the Brooklyn Sinners series. For those of you who've read Avril's other series, you know Renzo Vega has been around for quite some time. We haven't gotten to know him very well--he's always been on the periphery--until now. And boy,  was the wait ever worth it! He's just as complex, just as calculating, just as cunning as the leader of Atlanta's underworld needs to be. Except when it comes to Lowell Scott. As she always does, Avril makes these two men run the gamut of emotions, because well, she's mean. Haha. No, well she IS, but as she always does so brilliantly, she makes Renzo and Low work for their HEA. They must face their pasts, face their fears, and be brutally honest with one another and themselves. 

It's an intense ride, watching these two come together. But it's so, so delicious. It's hot and steamy--there's no one who writes sex quite like Avril does--but it's also visceral and emotional. It's about connection and belonging and making yourself vulnerable to the person you want most in the world. And it's beautiful. 

I could say a lot about the plot, but if you have never read a book of Avril's, some things might not make sense. If you're as big an Avril fangirl as me, then I don't want to spoil anything and you know what you're getting into. The Daddy kink though?? *fans self* yes please and thank you. The appearance of a certain white blond haired guy with violet eyes was just awesome, too. I love him, he's always been my favorite of Avril's characters and anytime Syren Rua shows up is an excellent thing in my book. 

If you've never picked up a book of Avril Ashton's, I can't recommend them enough. Truly. Start at the beginning and read every single one and immerse yourself in this world of complex characters who you shouldn't like, but will love anyway. You won't be sorry if you do. 






EXCERPT
Everything about him was magnetic and dangerous, and he moved like a rogue wave on an abandoned beach, wiping away your foundation before you had a chance to prepare for the hit.

Right now his gaze devoured Low, making it hard for him not to squirm.

“There is something between us.” Renzo put his hands in his pockets. Low tried not to notice the way that action tugged his pants waist lower and rucked up his shirt. “You and I both know that.”

“No.” Low held up a hand when Renzo took a step forward, but that didn’t stop him from coming closer. “I have a boyfriend.” So yeah, he’d upgraded Chance. “I don’t want you.”

“Yes.” Renzo got in Low’s space, trapping Low between him and the locked door. “You have a boyfriend but here you are, sneaking off to see me. Why are you at my club? Are you here looking for love? Looking for a fuck?”

Low’s eyes widened and Renzo touched him, a slide of his knuckles down his cheek. That touch. He’d thought about. He’d fantasized about it. He’d grieved for the loss of it.

“Doesn’t matter which. I’m good for either one.”

Low jerked his head up and slid closer. He couldn’t help it, couldn’t fight the coil in his belly that pulled tighter with every word Renzo spoke, bringing them together until their bodies made contact, front to front.

Step away. He should step back. But Renzo kept him right there with his heat and the smell of him. Low leaned forward slowly, seeking more of it.

The heat.

The scent.

His lips brushed Renzo’s neck.

Renzo groaned. Low’s entire body clenched.

Have mercy. “Leave me the fuck alone,” Low whispered. But there was no force beyond that plea. Just empty words mocking him, because the truth was he wanted Renzo closer.

Renzo grabbed him by the arm and pushed him up against the mirror overlooking the main area of the club. They could see out, but no one could see them as they stood, Renzo at Low’s back, humping him, sliding his hardness all over Low’s ass. Slowly.

Fucking painfully slow.

“Watch him,” Renzo murmured at his ear. “Watch your boyfriend. Does he know he’s your second choice, Low?”

He shuddered, panting, but he still held his head high, squirming as he tried to get away from Renzo’s hold. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Renzo laughed. “You know.” His tongue slid over the shell of Low’s ear.

Low’s breath hitched as he locked his knees to keep from falling. Renzo melted him. He destroyed Low and he remained in that grip, loving their destruction.

“Where does Chance think you are, Low? Men’s room? Outside getting some air? When you leave here, will you tell him where you were, I wonder?” Renzo nipped at his earlobe and Low gave him everything. Every shudder, every gasp. “You gonna tell him you were rubbing your ass all over my cock, Low?”

“No.” He moaned. God. Fuck. Low gave up his moans, too. “Please.”

“You gonna tell him you can’t stay away from me? That you only brought him here to make me jealous?”

“I don’t want you.” His voice was an embarrassingly thin thread of sound that wavered under the weight of Renzo’s touch, like a ribbon wrapped around a tree branch, fighting against a heavy wind.

“Doesn’t matter how much you tell yourself you hate me,” Renzo whispered. “You still close your eyes when Chance touches you and pretend it’s me.”

The stark truth in those words buried him. “No.”

Renzo ignored his weak protest. “Does he know what you like, huh?” He touched Low, one hand at his chest, lips at his ear. “Has he fucked you lately?”

“Renzo.”

“Yes.” Renzo moaned, too, the sound hitting Low in the balls. “The way you say my fucking name.” He pressed closer, rocking against Low. He clasped Low’s throat, tilting his head against his shoulder. “Good?” he asked, voice turned husky. “He fucks you good, Low? The way you want, the way you need?”

“I don’t…” Low choked, but he was moving with Renzo, on him, sliding up and down, riding the hard ridge of Renzo. Unable to stop. Just for a second. He’d forget himself just for however long it took for this hunger to work its way through him.

“Does he eat you out? Lick it up?” The hand around Low’s throat tightened. “Does he tell you you’re the best?”

Low sobbed for him, trembling, fingers clinging to the hand Renzo had splayed over his lower belly. Done, he was fucking done.

“You’re the best I’ve ever had, Low, and I haven’t even fucked you yet. Let me get that.” He touched lower, cupping Low’s erection through his jeans and squeezing. “Let me tear it up while you call me Daddy. Let’s stay here, like this, you riding me till we both come.”

“No!” Low wrenched himself away, stumbling as he glared at Renzo as arousal crawled along his spine. “You killed my cousin.”

Renzo shrugged. “Did I?”







A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA. with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril's earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother

Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of '09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril's stories, but there'll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.

A lover of cake, the ID Channel and the UFC, Avril writes Erotic and GLBT Romance.










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Diverse Reader's Bi-Weekly Feature: TC Talks ~ Darkness Rising Part One #Giveaway



Darkness Rising
Part One


And once again, we’ve come to a standstill…

I have nothing to talk about, but rather than talking about how I have nothing to talk about (say that 5 times fast) I thought I’d share with you all a story. A horror story.

So, sit back. Relax. Grab yourself some coffee (or wine–I don’t judge) and enjoy.

By continuing to read this article you agree that T.C. Orton will not be held responsible for your therapy costs, nor will you seek damages for coffee being spat at your computer/laptop screen and/or dropped all over your sausage wallet.

Based on true events…

Picture this; a Craig in his drinking prime, with black skinny jeans and a sweeping fringe. He dances the night away in a thriving rock venue; the music reverberating as silhouettes jerk and jounce in the crimson-colored fog. There’s an electric energy in the humid air, and although no one can see further than their wrist (not like that), there’s a comforting sense of comradery culminating in the club by the time the clock hits 2 am.

The beer is as cheap as the morals of those who purchase it. Inhibitions have been left behind. The world beyond the sticky walls and red lights no longer exists. And everyone–from the bartenders getting hit on to that one person who always cries about their ex in the corner–is enjoying a moment of pure euphoria…

But there’s a darkness rising.

As the night hits its climax, Craig feels a stir deep within. A hot, violent, core-shaking stir that starts in the abdomen before surging to his puckered starfish.

It was the beer…and the onion rings…and that slice of pizza he found in the corner of the club. But still, he’s confused. He’s afraid. He doesn’t want to squat over the yellowed seats in the hetero venue, adorned with brown trim frosting and cocaine sprinkles.

No, he can’t do that. He must hold this steaming sweet potato between his cheeks and pray to all the deities for a fraction of mercy. And so, with a smile as fragile as a white man’s masculinity, he braves the next few hours with gentle sways and tame movements.

A few moments pass and Craig has convinced himself with his own alternative facts. He feels fine–and not at all like a flurry of last nights curry is going to stream down his pale legs. However, as he makes his way outside the club and begins the weekend ritual of “who is staying with who” with his friends, the inevitable happens.

A crippling pain forces Craig to keel over, striking fear in the hearts of those surrounding him. He’s offered jackets, medication, a piece of gum fresh out of the mouth of a random passerby… but none of these will suffice.

In a blind panic, he tells a white lie–
“I think I’m going to be sick.”

With the threat of a sweetcorn explosion looming, he darts away from the crowds, his prison purse slowly opening as tears form in his eyes and anal thunder rings into the night sky. He circles the club and makes his way to the furthest corner of a small outdoor carpark. Then, after a quick survey of the area, he jiggles out of his skinny jeans, squats to the ground and sprays brown molten lava into the gutter. (Sorry Pennywise)

What a relief. He thinks, intoxicated enough to believe that his glorious top-catcher is still in perfect condition despite the lack of wiping.

After a long, labored emptying of his burrito pouch, Craig arises a new man. He stands, sighs takes out his phone and checks his missed calls…

8? He blinks a few times at the number, then looks at the time to see a whole 45 minutes have passed.

His friends have long gone. Most of the clubs are winding down. The streets are emptying as the music fades, but there are still a few cold, sobering hours until the first bus arrives. On his own, he can’t afford a taxi home…so, he comes up with a plan.

At this point in his life, Craig had many-a-man to turn to within the city. A casual dom here, a blowjobs-only there, and a maybe when I get bored of being a hoe we’ll get together downtown. However, the person he decides on is someone new–someone he’s been texting with, but who isn’t associated with his friend circles or any of his other hookups.

He rings said man (who we’ll call Dan from now on) and Dan–who happens to be a nocturnal musician–answers happily. Craig explains he’s in the city alone at 4 am and Dan offers him a bed for the night, which Craig agrees to happily, quickly forgetting why he’s in his predicament, to begin with.

And thus, Craig sets out for his next adventure of the night…but little does he know that his flaming cum dungeon is about to erupt once more.

To be continued.


And you think Marvel movies leave you wanting more? Tune in next time to find out what happens (happened) between Craig and Dan! And yes, I will absolutely raid my own self-deprecating memories to use as filler for my articles. BYE. 


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Sunday, April 29, 2018

Random Review: Dead Reckoning by Pandora Pine #Review #Giveaway





Author: Pandora Pine
Title: Dead Reckoning
Series: Cold Case Psychic #2
Self Published
Publication date: February 6, 2018
Length: 211 pages

Reviewed by Jenn


Synopsis

When the spirit of a young male prostitute comes to psychic Tennyson Grimm asking him to find the john who brutally murdered him, Tennyson can’t say no. Only able to communicate through the use of images, rather than words, getting any information out of the young man is frustrating and slow going.

Cold Case Detective Ronan O’Mara has been on a roll solving cases since he and Tennyson last teamed up to solve the Michael Frye case. Unfortunately, the red-hot romance that had blossomed between them during that investigation is now off in a ditch, thanks to Ronan’s self-confessed pigheadedness.

Agreeing to work together despite the rift in their relationship, Tennyson and Ronan discover they are in for more than they bargained for when more victims start to reveal themselves to Tennyson.

Realizing they might have a serial killer on their hands, the two men work tirelessly to stop this madman from killing again, but when the killer targets the son of a prominent member of the Boston Police Department, can Ronan and Tennyson save him before it’s too late?




Links:





Review

Cold Case Detective Ronan O’Mara and psychic Tennyson Grimm are back and even better than last time. This time, Ro and Ten have some work to do on fixing some personal things between them. That will have to take a back seat though when the spirit of a young male prostitute appears to Ten asking for help. Ronan and Ten will work the case and their relationship together, just as they do best. The case is bigger than either man could have guessed and will make them both ask tough questions to each other and to themselves. Luckily their friends that are really their family, are always there to help and lend a hand and a psychic connection when necessary.

I absolutely loved Dead Speak, book one in this series and was so excited to read this one! I have to say, I couldn’t put this down! It’s my new favorite in the series and left me wanting more. This book is filled with mystery, drama, love and friendship....all with a backdrop from beyond! I cannot wait for the next book to come out, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger. I hope everyone gives these books a read, they really are great and something a little different! I think Pandora Pine has such a strong voice in these stories and I’m loving it.




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Saturday, April 28, 2018

Release Blitz: Love In Spades by Charlie Cochet #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway




LOVE IN SPADES
CHARLIE COCHET
M/M ROMANCE
RELEASE DATE: 04.24.18







COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

BLURB
Ex-Special Forces soldier Anston “Ace” Sharpe is fighting a different battle these days—one involving the world of private security across the state of Florida. As part owner of Four Kings Security, Ace and his fellow Kings tackle everything from armed transport and investigations to cyber intelligence and executive protection. Cocky, fearless, and brash, Ace isn’t afraid to take risks.

After years of working alongside his father, Colton Connolly is ready to take the helm at Connolly Maritime, but his father’s retirement is put on hold when Colton begins receiving death threats. If that isn’t bad enough, his father signs a contract with Four Kings Security to provide Colton with round-the-clock protection, despite his adamant refusal. Colton’s life has been turned upside down, the last thing he needs is a shadow, especially in the form of infuriating, sexy-as-sin Ace Sharpe, who seems to be on a mission to drive Colton mad.

Sparks fly the moment Colton and Ace meet on a sultry night club dance floor. But getting involved with a client, even one as fiery and beautiful as Colton Connolly, is a line Ace is unwilling to cross. Colton might be attracted to Ace, but he’d been burned before. He might be willing to put his life in Ace’s hands, but not his heart.
As the Florida nights heat up, so does their passion, and Ace and Colton are faced with a difficult choice—take the plunge and risk it all, or play it safe and walk away?

If Ace can keep a deadly threat from robbing Colton of a future….






REVIEW

A new series by Charlie Cochet makes this girl very, very happy! I was so looking forward to the release of Charlie's new book, Love in Spades. Romantic suspense? Yes please and thank you, sign me the hell up! Then to find out it's a series, that the guys are all in security, are badass ex-military men, and it's set in Florida? Well, I knew I was going to be in for one roller coaster of a ride (and I wouldn't expect anything else from the one what gave us the THIRDS series!) and boy was I NOT wrong! 

Anston "Ace" Sharpe is one badass dude. He growls and frowns, has a death glare that makes people stop in their tracks, and has no time for bullshit. But he's a professional now, and as part owner of Four Kings Security  with his brothers in arms, he takes his job seriously. Even if that job is protecting the most annoying, infuriating man in existence ... Colton Connolly. Colton is all set to take over for his father and run the powerful and prestigious Connolly Maritime but when he starts receiving death threats, his father wants to put off retiring and then hires the best security around--Four Kings Security. Ace, King, Lucky, and Red are the best at what they do, their reputation is stellar, and there's no one better to protect Colton than the Kings, the only problem is Coloton doesn't want to be protected. Like at all. Especially when it's decided that Ace will be his primary bodyguard. He does everything he can think of to make Ace's job as difficult as he can and yeah, you guessed it, the sparks start flying from the word go. 

I really enjoyed the back and forth between Colton and Ace. It was witty and funny and flirty. Sometimes it got a teeny bit old when it went on and on, but Charlie is a master of the snarky banter and Colton and Ace have it in spades. (see what I did there?) I have to say, the one issue I have with Love in Spades is for all that it was presented that Colton's life was in imminent danger, there wasn't a whole lot of action until about 70% into the book. I mean there were thumbprint scanners installed, armed guards walking around Colton's property, armored limousines stocked with food, water, first aid kits and satellite phones--just in case--but for all that, not a whole lot happened. Oh, I enjoyed watching Ace and Colton go from sniping to flirting and liked getting to know a bit about the other King's but as for action ... it was sorely lacking. There were also a lot of characters introduced that didn't seem like they really belonged (which by the end I got, but in the interim was a bit frustrating) so for me, Love in Spades wasn't a complete win. But definitely a great start and I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series. 

Fans of Charlie Cochet are going to eat this up, no doubt. And if you're new to Charlie's work, then Love in Spades will be a great place to begin. The pace was quick, the writing tight, and the characters were all extremely likable and sexy. I am always a huge fan of friends that are more like family and knowing we get more of Ace, King, Lucky, and Red is something to look forward to. I'm excited to see what comes next for the Four Kings!






EXCERPT
“We’d be honored to represent you and Connolly Maritime. First, why don’t you tell us a little about your son,” King said. “I’m assigning your son’s protection to Ace, Lucky, and Red.” He motioned to the three of them. “But one of them will personally provide round-the-clock protection to your son. To determine which one of them would be the best fit, I need to know a little more about Colton.”
Paxton nodded. “I love my son. He’s a good man, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. Speaking frankly, he can also be a little shit. Stubborn as the day is long. I wish I could say he gets it from his mother, but that would be unfair of me since he gets his stubbornness from me. From his mother, he gets his temper. His business sense is second to none, and he has a way with people, but when you get on his bad side, look out. He despises insincere flattery and personal questions, warm one minute and freezing your balls off the next. I already approached him with the idea of hiring private security for him over this, and he was completely against it. This is going to piss him off to no end. If there’s one thing my son won’t stand is loss of control. Whoever you send in, he’ll see as a threat to that control, and he will fight it with everything he has.”
Ace cleared his throat. “Permission to speak freely, sir?”
“Ace,” King warned.
“It’s okay,” Paxton said, putting up a hand. “You boys say what you need to say. No minced words.”
“Your son sounds like a pain in the ass.” Ace ignored King’s heavy sigh and the way he closed his eyes, clearly summing patience.
Paxton scoffed. “Understatement.”
“That’s why I’d be perfect for the job.”
King sat back and moved his gaze to the ceiling. It was clear he agreed, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. The room was quiet, all eyes on King. Several heartbeats later, he leaned forward, his gaze meeting Paxton’s and his fingers laced together on his desk.
“I won’t lie to you, Mr. Connolly. Ace’s methods are somewhat… unorthodox.”
“Meaning?”
Ace grinned. “Sir, I’m an asshole at the best of times, but I’m damn good at what I do. My job will be to protect your son, not coddle him or kiss his ass. If he wants a fight, he’ll get one, and believe me, he won’t win. I will protect him, by any means necessary.”
“In other words, you’re not going to take his bullshit.”
“Not if it interferes with me doing my job.”
“Good. We’ve already established a way to make this contract watertight, with an added clause stating he can’t fire you or cancel the contract. Anything and everything will have to be authorized by me.”
“Yes, sir.”
They all turned their attention to King, and Ace held back his smile. He could see the exact moment King made the decision. His friend actually flinched. It was subtle, but it had been there.
“Ace is correct. If your son is difficult to work with, Ace is the best King for the job. He’ll take lead on this, be your son’s personal security, assemble a team, and get started as soon as the contract is signed.”
“Excellent. I’ve forced him to take some time off under the guise he’s got vacation time he needs to use, but because he’s a stubborn pain in the ass, he’s informed me he’ll be working from home a good deal of the time. For all I know, he’ll show up at the office. Kid’s always done whatever the hell he wanted anyway.”
Ace liked the guy already. Too bad Colton was going to hate Ace. It seemed like the guy had finally met his match.









Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Twitter: @charliecochet










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