Thursday 24 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Pride over Pity by Kailyn Lowry

Kailyn Lowry is the feisty, unapologetic, tattooed beauty whose determination to raise her son on her own terms has been documented on MTV s critically acclaimed, hit series "Teen Mom 2." Across five seasons, fans have watched her grow from a vulnerable, pregnant teen into a fiercely independent young mother. Through the breakup with the father of her child and the ensuing custody battles, her struggle to come to terms with her troubled childhood, her diagnosis with bipolar disorder, and relentless online bullying, Kailyn has faced it all with her head held high and her spirit intact.

But there is more to her story than what has been seen on television. In a moving effort to finally put the past behind her, Kailyn shares her troubled, often painful story and, for the first time, reveals the dark secrets she has so closely guarded. Guided by the single principle of helping other young girls like her, she takes the reader behind the scenes, writing candidly about her desperate stay at a homeless shelter to qualify for a program that would provide a safe home for her son, breaking her silence on the question of her sexuality, and sharing the traumatic sexual experiences that have left her deeply scarred.

"Pride Over Pity" is a raw, brutally honest, and ultimately inspiring account of a young woman s resolve not only to survive but to succeed."

WARNING THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!

I grabbed this book as soon as I noticed it was available on Kindle. I have to admit first off, I am a huge Teen Mom 2 fan and love all the girls. I was really looking forward to reading this.
It didn't take me long to read, a couple of hours this morning really. I think it's around 180 pages or so on kindle.

I didn't know what to expect from this book, I kind of thought I'd pretty much be reading the stuff I've already seen on Teen Mom. I was wrong. This book takes us so deep into Kailyn's life, and speaks so many stories we've never heard before. 

We learn a lot about Kailyn's sexual experiences, and a lot aren't good memories for her. She speaks of the first time she had sex, a bit of a fumble while she was rather young, 8th grade I think,  on the sidewalk. She mentions her and a female friend who experimented with each other as they were growing up. She speaks of a bad time with a guy when she didn't really want to do anything but thought she should just let him. And an even worse time later on as she was raped in her own home. I personally think she is extremely brave for speaking out about all of this, so well done to her indeed.
Kailyn tells us a lot of secrets in her book, stuff that was kept quiet on the TV show and it was kind of nice to hear these and seeing that Kailyn isn't always the irrational person the show sometimes makes her out to be. 

I really felt for her when she was talking about her mother. My mother is an alcoholic and hasn't been in ny life for 5 years now, so I could relate to where she was coming from.

It was lovely to read about Issac and Lincoln's births, and feel the love Kailyn has for her two boys. I enjoyed the whole book to be honest, and from the way Kailyn describes her and Javi's relationship, it sounds like they really do love each other a whole lot. I hope their marriage lasts a long long time. A beautiful family. 

Really good book.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Today, April 23rd 2014, is once again World Book Night!! I love WBN, and look forward to it each year/


This year the book I was given is Confessions of a GP by Benjamin Daniels. I was so glad this book was on the list as I remember very well reading it! I was in the hospital waiting room for a long time while my other half was having some tests done. I remember the book making me laugh out loud, an I mean to the point that other people were looking at me! Even the receptionist commented that I must be reading something funny.  This is why I chose this book. I think everyone needs to have something to make them smile, therefore I will be giving this book out with a smile on my face :)




Below is the complete list of WBN 2014 books, and you can click on each individual one to learn more about that book.

 For more information on WBN, go here http://www.worldbooknight.org/


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY WORLD BOOK NIGHT PEOPLE!!

 

 

 

 

 

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Four Warned by Jeffrey Archer

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie

Short Stories by Roald Dahl

Confessions of a GP by Dr Benjamin Daniels

Hello Mum by Bernardine Evaristo

Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon

Theodore Boone by John Grisham

The Humans by Matt Haig

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

Today Everything Changes by Andy McNab

Geezer Girls by Dreda Say Mitchell

CHERUB: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

Whatever it Takes by Adele Parks

Black Hills by Nora Roberts

The Boy with the Topknot by Sathnam Sanghera

Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith

59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman

Tuesday 22 April 2014

COVER REVEAL!!! Kristen Hope Mazzola 'Falling Back Togther' :D


Falling Back Together (Crashing #2)

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

ETA: May 20, 2014

Cover Artist: Cover it! Designs




blurb

“I don't know if it’s fate, coincidence, or my curse, but I'm still breathing, and my breaths are for you.”

Mags McManus is far from a normal woman in her mid twenties. Being a war widow, a business professional, and a brokenhearted train wreck only skims the surface of the layers of who Margret McManus truly is. Waking up in a hospital bed, alone and confused, Mags once again has to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. With her best friends by her side, Mags slowly starts to learn the answers she so desperately longs for. But is everything going to continue to spiral out of control? Or is there a light at the end of this dark, twisting tunnel where all the broken pieces can finally fall back together?

A portion of all royalties from Kristen's Crashing Series are donated by the author to The Marcie Mazzola Foundation.

**18+ for sexual situations, cursing, and adult content.***
{{ Please note: this is the second book in the Crashing Series, and should be read after Crashing Back Down }}

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Crashing Back Down (Crashing, #1)
Also by Kristen Hope Mazzola:
Crashing Back Down (Crashing #1)

Publication: November 4th 2013

Crashing Back Down is Kristen Hope Mazzola’s debut into the literary world. It is a New Adult Novel, with hints of contemporary romance and thriller.

Blurb:

Mags McManus has just become a war widow in her mid-twenties. Her late husband, Randy, left for the Army right after their wedding. Instead of celebrating his homecoming and living in marital bliss with her soulmate, Mags finds herself living in constant agony. Dealing with the guilt of still living without Randy, are Randy’s best friends and parents.

Rising from the ashes of this tragedy, Mags starts to learn how to love and trust again, finally being able to find happiness. But sometimes things really are too good to be true and again Mags learns how cruel the world can be as she crashes back down.



Hi! Thanks for dropping in...
You want to know more about me? Well, let's see...
I am just an average twenty-something following my dreams. I have a full time "day job" and by night I am author. I guess you could say that writing is like my super power (I always wanted one of those). I am the lover of wine, sushi, football and the ocean; that is when I am not wrapped up in the literary world. 
Please feel free to contact me to chat about my writing, books you think I'd like or just to shoot the, well you know.



giveaway


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Falling Back Together by Kristen Hope Mazzola

Falling Back Together

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

Giveaway ends July 01, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
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Monday 21 April 2014

Love's Sorrow by Terri Rochenski Book Blitz!!!

Happy Book Birthday to Love's Sorrow!
Today marks the kick-off of Love's Sorrow blog tour AND part one of ...
 a sneak peak at the entire first chapter!
Follow along during the tour for parts two through ten, and be sure to check out the rafflecopter below for some Love's Sorrow goodies!

Love's Sorrow
Means of Mercy #1
Historical Romance
Release Date: April 21, 2014
Publisher: Roane Publishing
Hired as a nanny for her cousin’s children, Anne Tearle finds security and a loving family. The children are a dream, but London society is a world of its own, one where a displaced farm girl has no business being. But, wealthy rake, Gavin MacKay, helps her to see associating with the upper class might not be as horrid as she first assumed.
Like all things worthwhile, love comes at a price, and the cost soon bestows more anguish than joy. Lost, but not undone, Anne must find the courage to begin life anew, or succumb to sorrow's unrelenting waves of grief.



Purchase Links: Print
Createspace (Best Option)
Amazon

eBook
Amazon
Bookstrand
Smashwords

Chapter 1 / Excerpt 1
With a loud grind and clanking, the train came to rest at King’s Cross Station. The engine car let out a hiss like the sigh that escaped my lips every night when I laid on my pallet after a long day’s work.
Pressing my face to the window, I stared in amazement at the mass of moving people. When boarding the train in Birmingham, excitement kept me from giving the well-to-do folks more than a mere glance, but I sat captivated as my fellow passengers disembarked around me.
Lavish bonnets and bright-coloured dresses of silky material made me ashamed of the threadbare gingham frock and tattered straw hat I wore.
Aunt Martha and Mary always tried to keep up with the latest fashions by ripping and sewing old dresses—garments beyond repair became an extra flounce or two, and the nicer threads unwoven and made into lace collars or cuffs. I hadn’t ever been allowed time for such frivolous activities, so I made myself content with proper skirt length and suitable patches for worn elbows.
Content, until I gazed upon the ladies of London in all their finery. Aunt Martha would say those folks sinned by squandering their money in such a way.
For about the tenth time, I imagined my aunt’s kitchen minus its scullery maid and target for hurled objects. I choked back a giggle for what must have been the fifth time that morning. My days of being a slave were over, for I had been offered employment.
Fingers trembling, I stood and wrapped my thin shawl tight around my shoulders, clutched my bundle closer, and walked the train’s narrow aisle. I stepped onto the platform and peered around the sea of faces for Joanna Telford.
I had never met my cousin from London. Until a few weeks earlier, I wasn’t even aware I had family beyond Uncle Edward and Aunt Martha. Mrs. Telford wrote to tell me she and her husband were in need of a nanny and governess for their two young sons, and being the merciful guardian he was, Uncle Edward decided to send me away from his wife.
Without her knowing.
Another smile lifted my lips, and I shifted on my feet, moving my tied bundle from one hand to the other. I grimaced as a whiff of body odour rose. Aunt Martha allowed me to bathe once a week, which would have been on the morrow, but asking to do so early certainly would have aroused suspicion. Sneaking away from her house before sunrise as I did would never have occurred with success.
No one spared the poor farm girl a second glance, and insides buzzing like a honey bee, I stood unmoving, a white-knuckled grip on my worldly possessions.
Minutes moved passed slower than a lazy stream and the surrounding crowd began to disperse. I waited. Despair crept closer with every passing heartbeat.
A stooped man in black livery made eye contact with me, and a pleasant smile lit his face as he started my way.
“Miss Tearle?” His voice rasped like a rusty barn door hinge.
“Yes. I am Anne Tearle.” I was grateful to my aunt for one thing. My accent matched almost perfectly with those buzzing around me. Aunt Martha's hatred of the Black Country we lived in and the cane across the back of my legs every time I slipped into the bouncing regional lilt had eradicated all but the barest traces of it.
The elderly gentleman removed his hat, tucked it under one arm, and dipped his head. "Welcome to London, missy.” His smile widened and the skin around his watery blue eyes crinkled. “I’m the Telfords’ coachman, Emanuel. The missus has sent me to collect you.” 
~~~oOo~~~
About Terri Rochenski
Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.
Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.
Tour Schedule
Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway
Signed paperback copy of Love's Sorrow, 
$10 Amazon gift card, & swag package.
Ends 5/16/2014
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code.  No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department.

Saturday 19 April 2014

***REVIEW*** One Foot in Heaven: My Last Gift to You by Kelsie Wakenshaw

“Paige was the most kind and caring person I will ever meet, she spent most of her time loving and caring for her many animals. I think from the moment Paige was born, she always had one foot in heaven”. Kelsie.
Paige Fenwick Wakenshaw was just like any other sixteen year old, until one fatal evening out with friends. The details of that night still remain unanswered for her heartbroken family. All that we know as fact is that Paige was left severely brain damaged after a terrible accident.

Her younger sister Kelsie was only thirteen when Paige fell from a flyover onto a busy stretch of the A1. Kelsie began writing these memoirs, which she describes as her real life story, two years later at the age of fifteen. Still a young teen herself, when her precious sister passed away.

She describes the effect it had on her and how her relationship with her family went from strength to strength as they fought to stay strong and dared to hope for a happy outcome.

Kelsie takes us on an emotional journey through the eyes and heart of a naive teen. We witness, through each chapter, Kelsie maturing into a caring young adult way before her time.

She describes with such innocence and honesty, the people and places that inspired her, and the people and places that left her disheartened in a PC system that seemed to work against her and her family rather than support them.

Being a teenager is tough enough without losing the one person who you could always turn to. Kelsie went overnight from being the protected little sister, to helping to take care of her best friend and older sister, Paige.

In these memoirs Kelsie introduces us to Paige, the Paige before the accident, before she became famous locally for all the wrong reasons. The Paige, Kelsie describes fondly as the biggest influence in her life.

This is a real life story of a sister’s love, and the real life struggles of a teen girl who bares her thoughts and emotions with the world as she struggles to put some balance back into her life.

Writing these memoirs has helped Kelsie move on in her life. Kelsie was restricted by those in authority in the amount of care she could give her sister. She was in their eyes, too young.

Kelsie opens her heart to the effect these restrictions had on her, how she allowed it to slowly eat away at her. So much so that she refused counselling in fear of been labelled as the ‘kid that couldn’t cope’.

It took Kelsie three years to write this biography and states this was her way of coming to terms with her bereavement. She is now ready to salvage what she can from this life changing experience, and grow from the many life lessons she has learned because of it.

Kelsie is eternally grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful sister, the precious time that they spent together was too short and serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of cherishing those that we love. 


REVIEW

I read about this book in our local newspaper a few days ago, and knew I had to buy it as soon as it was released, So I did. I remember this all happening. I didn't know Paige or Kelsie, but I did know their brother Ian, and know of her brother Kyle. I remember hearing of Paige's accident, and hearing about her passing a few years later.

This book was lovely, and absolutely heart breaking. Reading it, you can most certainly feel the love everyone had for Paige, and the devastation the accident caused not only for Paige, but her family and friends too. But mostly you get to see just how much Paige meant to Kelsie, and how Kelise was tog row up pretty quickly to take care of her sister. 

You see the trouble the family went through with court cases and social services, which to me is heart breaking. I mean, in my opinion, no one should ever come between the care of parents and their child. I really felt for the family reading those bits when they were told they weren't allowed to wash Paige and clean her up, even though the hospital care wasn't proving adequate. 

The funeral is described in the book and I have to say I shed a tear or 2 reading about how all of Paige's family and friends turned up in bright colours, and all released balloons after the service, that would have been a beautiful sight.

This was a really heartfelt book from one sister to another, full of happiness and sadness, and I would recommend anyone read this.

Friday 18 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Five Miles (Gypsy Brothers 3) by Lili Saint Germain

Five Miles (Gypsy Brothers 3) by Lili Saint Germain.

My father taught me the importance of an eye for an eye—a cardinal rule, ingrained in every club member.

A life for a life.

Seven lives in payment for an unimaginable list of sins.

People might wonder why I’m doing this. If this vengeance is borne from some noble cause. If I’m trying to prevent others from suffering at the hands of Dornan Ross and his sons.

But I’m no selfless vigilante.

I’m doing this for me. I’m doing it because I want to.

I’m doing this because I just want to be able to sleep at night without seeing their faces.

This is the fate they have earned. The penance for their crimes. Time to send some of these brothers off with a bang.

WARNING THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FROM BOOK 2 IN THIS REVIEW!!!

OMFG!!!!!! How bloody fantastic is this series!!! Book 3 has just threw me completely, wow.
Okay, so what the hell is going to happen now?! No spoilers here from book 3, but don't read this is if you haven't read book 2 yet!

Again I moved straight from book 2 to 3, I'm loving this series :) In this book we see Jase act a little more like his father and brothers, a little more mean than usual. But we soon see why.

It starts right where book 2 left off, with Sammi leaving the hospital, and visiting Elliott.  So in book 2 we see Sammi kill off another of the Ross brothers :) and she ended up in a little trouble herself while doing it.

Sammi continues on with her revenge plan in book 3, but this time its different than the others, that's all I'm gonna say!! I bloody loved loved LOVED the ending though!!  And I'm so damn excited for book 4 to come out!!! I don't know what else to say without spoiling it!!

Thursday 17 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Six Brothers (Gypsy Brothers 2) by Lili Saint Germain

Six Brothers (Gypsy Brothers 2) by Lili Saint Germain

I have lied.

I have cheated.

I have given my body and my life to the man who destroyed my family and left me for dead.

I have killed, I have sinned, and worst of all, I have enjoyed the misery of others.

I have licked the salty tears of a father mourning his firstborn son, and nothing has ever tasted so sweet.

I have died, and I have been resurrected, a phoenix from the ashes.

I know I’m going to hell. I’ll burn in the fiery pits alongside Dornan and his sons for the things I’ve done, and for the things I’m about to do.

But I don’t care. It will be worth every lick of the devils flames on my guilty flesh to destroy Dornan Ross.

One down, six to go.


WARNING!!! THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FROM BOOK 1 IN THIS REVIEW!!!
 
I jumped straight onto book 2 after finishing book 1 (Seven Sons), and I loved this one just as much! If you've read book 1 you will know that Sammi started her revenge by killing Chad (Dornans oldest son) at the end, by lacing his precious caffeinated drinks with drugs. Brilliant!! So book 1 starts a little after Chads death, and onto his funeral. There were times I felt bad for people, especailly Chads wife and daughter. But never for Dornan, and how Sammi kept everything quiet and went on as if she knew nothing, I will never know! 

In this book, we see Sammi and Jase's friendship blossom, and to be honest I hope they find each other again at the end of the series. But, Elliot is in the picture too, although rather quietly. And I know I've just said I want Sammi to end up with Jase, but there's a part of me that hopes her and Elliot get together too! Oh I don't know!!

We see a little more into Dornan's evil side too, his overprotective, infatuated side. He really does like Sammi, but he wants her to know for sure she is his and no one else's, that's when something a bit dramatic happens. Luckily Jase is there afterwards :)

I love this series so far, and am so excited to jump onto book 3!!! Does she get more revenge in book 2? You'll have to read to find out!!!

Wednesday 16 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Seven Sons (Gypsy Brothers 1) by Lili Saint Germain

Seven Sons (Gypsy Brothers 1) by Lili Saint Germain

My father was most certainly NOT an innocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers MC, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn’t commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

Including my innocence.

When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his seven sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

I’ve just turned twenty-one, and I’m out for blood. I'm out for revenge.

But I didn't expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

I didn't expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

Now, I'm faced with an impossible choice - Jase, or avenging my fathers death?

I grabbed this book free on Kindle (I'm not sure if its still free or not), and decided to read it yesterday. Its not a very long book so perfect for yesterday when I didn't have a massive amount of time to read :) I finished it all in one day, cramming the last chapter in before bed.
Holy-freakin-moly! This book was awesome.I loved it so much I am desperate to dive straight into book 2! I've heard a few people refer to it as an epic episode of Sons of Anarchy, and I can do nothing but agree!! This series of books are gonna be fantastic!

I've  read a few of these new dark eroticas lately, and this one has jumped quite high on my list of favourites. The darkness in the story is immense. The storyline behind Sammi's pain is sometimes hard to read, but necessary for where the story is going.

Sammi is a loveable character, too loveble in fact. I felt myself really feeling for her, the stuff she has went through is unreal, therefore you definatey feel prefectly fine for cheering her on in her 'mission'!

Dornan is a sleazy piece of shit! As are his son. Well, all except Jase. Jase seems rather sweet inside, and you can see how much he cares for Sammi. I'm ready to jump onto book 2 now so look out for my review of that one pretty soon!!

Monday 14 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Call The Doctor

Call The Doctor: The True Stories of a Dr. from 1910 - 1965 by Ronald White-Cooper, Edited by Deborah White-Cooper

Call the Doctor is the unique memoir of Ronald White-Cooper, who practised from 1910-1965, through two world wars and across two continents, during a time of dramatic change in medicine.

Ronald White-Cooper’s story begins with his school days then tells of his student life as a medic at Barts in London, a century ago, where he witnessed the first bombs drop at the onset of WWI. At the age of 24 he and four of his friends at Barts enthusiastically enlist. He recounts his experiences tending the wounded on the Western Front and then his fortunate return — of the five students he was the only survivor.

From 1920 Ronald White-Cooper ran his own General Practice in Devon and his memoirs colourfully depict the astonishing challenges and colourful characters the country GP encountered during the interwar years, World War II and beyond. He recalls myriad ailments and how he treated them, the often eccentric personalities that either made his day or confounded him, and the everyday dramas of ordinary people in a rural town. Also included in the book are recent testimonies from his patients, which show how highly regarded he was within the community he served.

He comments on the extraordinary technical and medical advances during his lifetime - the difference penicillin made to a doctor’s capacity to save lives, being able to do his rounds in a motorcar instead of on horseback, and the introduction of the NHS in 1949 – the latter change being one he presciently viewed with mixed feelings. Ronald White-Cooper then recounts the emotional farewells with his Devonshire community and the further adventures of his final working years, spent where his emigrant parents were based, in South Africa.

Ronald White-Cooper had a voracious appetite for the colourful characters of life and the twists and turns of fate, which he observes with compassion and humour. He delivers stories of hope, fear, courage and resilience in a life affirming bedside manner and not without a dose of quirky medical facts. Call the Doctor brilliantly evokes a bygone age.

 REVIEW

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review.

Well, after reading the information sent by the publisher, there was no way I could pass this one up! It reminded me of Call The Midwife (which I absolutely loved), therefore was really looking forward to it. I picked it up one Monday (the day I decided to try to give up smoking!), and the next morning, almost 300 pages later, I was finished.

I actually really enjoyed reading this. The stories from Dr White-Cooper were fantastic. Some very funny ones there too! Again though, it just made me realise (the same with Call The Midwife), how different medical practise was back then.

The book starts with Dr White-Cooper going through his medical degrees and qualifying as a doctor. He talks of his time working in the fields during the war, saving lives, and patching soldiers up. He tells of the fear and grief during times of both World Wars, and the devastation they left.

But the stories about his patients were the best part. A few that stick in my mind are:

The man (Dr Whites friend) who lost his mind and went a bit crazy
The lady who believed prayer and her faith cleared her cancer
The 50 year old woman who thought she was going through the menopause but was actually pregnant!
The man with breasts!

Honestly, the book was so compelling I could barely take my eyes off it. Those were the days of using a cloth and chloroform when an operation was needed! I liked the fact though that thee book also talks about his family, and how his family grows. We see him marry and have his own children, and we feel his grief when bad times come along.

All in all I loved this book, and I will recommend it to everyone! Such great memories from Dr White-Cooper, and wonderfully edited into a book by his granddaughter Deborah White-Cooper.

Ronald White-Cooper’s memoirs were found in an old trunk in an attic and have been edited by his grand-daughter Deborah White-Cooper, a trained journalist, with a background in television news.

Saturday 12 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Vodka Warrior by Mickey J Corrigan

Vodka Warrior by Mickey J Corrigan

Her life's as dull as light beer until the body god moves in next door; then she goes for the hard stuff.
 
Theresa Tierney is a lonely divorcee who lives in a ranch house in Golden Date Palms, a tacky development in Dusky Beach, Florida. An educated hick who likes her drink, she's lost her teaching job due to some questionable personal choices.

Next door to Theresa, eighty year old Oscar lives in a rental house. When Oscar's new roommate arrives, a good-looking body god, Theresa is both curious and disgusted. A brash New Yorker, Vario says what he's thinking and looks sexy as hell doing it. The brawny mountain of pumped muscle is mega alpha male.
 
Vario invites his friends from a local strip club to party in his backyard hot tub. This makes Theresa angry. In fact, Vario continuously makes Theresa feel and do things she wasn't expecting.

A rollercoaster ride of screw-ups, lust and love makes this sexy little story a fun read.


I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

After reading Mickey's first in 'The Hard Stuff' series and enjoying it, I couldn't turn down the second book, and I'm glad I didnt. A great novella, not a very long read.
 
When the very sexy 'bod God' as Theresa calls him, moves in as a roommate next door, he and Theresa don't exactly hit it off. In fact, she thinks he hates her! He's a pretty hot gym instructor, who seems to love playboy bunnies and hot rub parties. 

I quite liked Theresa, she just seemed like she'd hit a hard patch that she couldn't get out of. At first Vario seemed a bit if a pain in the arse to be honest lol! But I kinda liked his sass, and yeah I did like his character by the end.

I didn't feel any chemistry between the two though, although you could tell hiw he made Theresa feel when he was around her! 

A rather good little novella, and I really liked the ending.

Wednesday 9 April 2014

***REVIEW*** Auctioned to Protect by Doris O'Connor


Title: Auctioned to Protect
Genre: Erotica, Contemporary, BDSM




Dom/sub relationships by Doris O'Connor

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about BDSM relationships, and what a true Dom/sub relationship is or what it means to be in the lifestyle. I always smile when I hear clearly defined rules on how a Dom or sub should act.
The truth of the matter is, every Dom/sub relationship is unique and defined by their individual circumstances. As long as the parties involved are consenting adults, and everything is safe, sane, and consensual, then what they do, how they define themselves, is really no one else's business.
At the end of the day, these are people. Human beings with baggage and needs, and emotions that can make them act out character.
Take my relationship with my husband for instance. He's my best friend, my life partner of the last twenty-six years, the father of my children, and for the last two years also my Sir.
We came to the lifestyle late, though looking back on our relationship, he's always been the Dominant party, in the bedroom at least. Whilst I have no problems making decisions in every other aspect of our lives, I couldn't dominate myself out of a wet paper bag in a sexual setting, and the truth of the matter is, I really don't want to either.
There is something incredibly freeing about giving over control to someone you love and trust, someone completely focused on your needs, someone who will push you out of your comfort zone, and make you fly.
When Sir is, well, Sir, he does that for me. Does that mean he doesn't have moments of self-doubt? Or times when he needs me to simply hold him? Of course not. This is real life and we are a partnership. I may be his collared sub, but that doesn't mean I leave my brain cells at the door, or am not capable of running my own life.
I was once told by someone that I'm too bratty to be a sub.
*sniggers*
Well, I may have been too bratty to be his sub, but then, quite frankly that particular Dom was a pompous arse, as my Sir called him. In fact it was just as well this was on-line and not face to face or Sir might have taught that 'Dom' a lesson or two.
In my writing too, the rules blur. In fact, being a submissive myself, writing Scarlett was something of a struggle for me. In the end Sir came to my rescue. Don't get hung up about her being a Domme. Just listen to her and write how she feels. What will be, will be.
So, that's what I did, and as any relationship, Mike and Scarlett's is complicated, and so much more than just Dom/sub, whatever you perceive that to be.
One of my beta readers made me smile when she read the first draft.
"Finally, here is a Domme portrayed as a human being with emotions, not just a sadistic bitch."
*grins*
Don't get me wrong. Scarlett is very much in charge, and she does have a sadistic streak, but she is also fragile and feminine, and needs Mike as much as he needs her.
Their dynamics are as unique as they are, and I hope readers will like them as much as I loved writing them. J

Long Blurb:

Tough undercover cop Mike Anderson does not submit to anyone, let alone a pint sized bundle of curves with a Mistress Complex, who stands for everything he despises about BDSM.

Thrown into a world where the rules make no sense to him, he has to rely on his instincts, and they all scream one thing—submit to His Lady.

Scarlett Simpson is one of the most feared Mistresses at Club Spectrum and she has a score to settle. Mike's atrocious behavior needs addressing. If only she wasn't so attracted to the big hunk of a man, and he didn't prove so utterly responsive. As she explores his boundaries through Shibari and Knife Play, Scarlett can't help but get emotionally involved.

Submission freely given is a gift she treasures, but can she trust Mike to stay around once the case is over? When danger comes knocking, will Mike be able to protect her, or will this end in tragedy?




“Fuck, you feel so damn good around my dick, Scarlett. Look at us. Look how I stretch your tight hole. Jesus, baby, tell me this is as freaking good for you as it is for me.”
Scarlett dug her finger nails into his shoulders in answer and clenched around him, and Mike roared. He pulled out and thrust back in again, ramming her into the wall, as she hung on for dear life. Pain mixed with pleasure so intense she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t talk, just hung onto his big shoulders and took all the passion he gave her.
Here was a man brutally taking his own pleasure and sending her body sky high in the process. When he pulled out of her and dragged her over to the sink, Scarlett bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. Mike kicked her legs apart and then slammed back into her from behind. This position drove him deeper than before and when he reached around and stimulated her clit at the same time, Scarlett saw stars. Her whole body tightened in ever closer spirals of pleasure that started from deep inside her core. Impaled by his hot member, his harsh breath in her ear, one hand digging into her hips, the other mercilessly fingering her swollen clit, he pushed her toward a mind-splintering release. Higher and higher she climbed, and when Mike grasped one of her legs and shoved it over the edge of the sink, the move sent her over the edge.
He yanked her torso up and pulled it up against his chest, allowing him to sink deeper still into the clasp of her body. Ripples and waves of pleasure crashed over Scarlett, and she let her head fall back and gave herself up to the sensation rocking her body as Mike increased his tempo even more. Every forceful thrust lifted her off her toes, and Scarlett came a second time, or was it the third. Sensations merged into one, fire raced over her skin, and she screamed his name when he grew bigger still inside her and then grunted his release into her shoulder, and warmth spread deep inside her.
Mike lowered her leg with them both still joined as intimately as two people could be, and he locked his arms next to hers on the sink. By the time her breathing had slowed down enough to speak and her hazy vision cleared, Mike was slowly slipping out of her. She tightened her muscles to keep him in for longer and he groaned and rubbed his morning stubble across her neck. It left delicious tingles in its wake and Scarlett moaned her contentment.
Their gazes locked in the mirror and Mike smiled. Scarlett’s heart turned over in her chest at the open affection she saw in his azure eyes that seemed to bore straight into her very soul.
“Good morning, My Lady. I guess this beats coffee first thing.”

* * * *

She was so fucking beautiful, staring back at him with her huge green eyes, and her fair skin flushed from the force of her orgasms. A primitive sense of ownership grabbed him by the throat and squeezed the breath out of him, and he shut his eyes and nuzzled into the soft skin of her neck. A shudder went through her when he licked the rapidly beating pulse point and nibbled his way up to her ear. Scarlett ground her ass against his thigh and he groaned into her neck.
“You’re so fucking wet for me, baby.”
Scarlett turned around in his arms and gasped when he sat her on the edge of the sink and spread her legs wide. He dropped on his knees and inhaled against her wet slit. Scarlett’s intoxicating musk mixed with his own scent and he watched in fascination as their combined juices slowly trickled out of her pink flesh.
His cock signaled its interest briefly and Scarlett smiled down on him when he looked up.
“Have I broken you?” she whispered.
Mike laughed.
“Hardly, My Lady. Give me five and we’ll be ready to go again. In the meantime…”
He bent his head and delivered butterfly kisses along the incredibly soft skin of her inner thighs. It was one of Mike’s favorite places to linger on any woman, especially just after they’d come. Hot, sweet, and intimate, it called him to indulge, and he blew against her slit, causing an allover body shiver, as her clit contracted in front of his eyes.
“Mike, please… I’m so close again… Oh…yeees.”
It was all the encouragement he needed. Using short shallow strokes he cleaned her cunt, until no traces of their earlier encounter remained. He rubbed his beard-roughened chin across her clit, and placed her legs over his shoulder when she started to tremble. Scarlett’s fingers dug into his shoulders, and she pushed her hips up in a seeming effort to hurry him along, but Mike had his own plans.
He’d been far too rough on her earlier, regardless of how much she had been with him in the moment. Regardless of how much she seemed to have needed that brutal release. Besides he was fast getting addicted to the needy little moans and sighs she couldn’t stop from escaping. The way her fingernails scored his skin and her breaths grew choppier until her body tensed and her pussy clenched and unclenched, trying to draw in his tongue as her cream gushed into his waiting mouth.
He tunneled his fingers into her channel and her greedy little cunt clamped down on the digits, as she came in a series of delightful little tremors. Mike pulled out his wet digits and gathering up more of her cream as he went along, circled her anus and pushed in.
“Yes, there, take me there.”
Scarlett clawed at his skin and his semi hard dick roared into action. He added another finger to stretch her, and Scarlett bucked against him like a wild thing.

“Easy, baby, I’ve got you. I’ll make this so fucking good for you.”


Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris... at least that's what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

                                                                                




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REVIEW

Tough undercover cop Mike Anderson does not submit to anyone, let alone a pint-size bundle of curves with a Mistress complex, who stands for everything he despises about BDSM. Thrown into a world where the rules make no sense to him, he has to rely on his instincts, and they all scream one thing—submit to His Lady.

Scarlett Simpson is one of the most feared Mistresses at Club Spectrum, and she has a score to settle. Mike's atrocious behavior needs addressing. If only she wasn't so attracted to the big hunk of a man, and he didn't prove so utterly responsive. As she explores his boundaries through Shibari and knife play, Scarlett can't help but get emotionally involved.

Submission freely given is a gift she treasures, but can she trust Mike to stay around once the case is over? When danger comes knocking, will Mike be able to protect her, or will this end in tragedy?


I received a copy of this from the author in return for taking part in her blog tour, and giving an honest review :)

I've been looking forward to this book for along time now. I couldn't wait to see what happened with Mike, as if you've read the first book (Auctioned to the Honourable Dom), you'll know what I mean :D

I liked Mike a lot, after initially disliking him a lot in book 1. He is a pretty sexy cop, whats not to like?! Well at first he seems a bit of a tough guy, but you get to see the soft interior a bit, and see just how far his relationship with Ms Scarlett has developed.

Ms Scarlett, well what can I say? She's one tough lady! I mean, she has got a huge set of balls, but she's also a soft hearted woman on the inside who sometime just needs a cuddle and a bit of love too.

I loved the story of these 2, the whole undercover story of why Mike was there in the first place was really good, and finding out the reasons behind it all shocked me a bit!

As usual Doris writes her characters very well, and not just the main ones, but the small to the side characters who pop up once in a while.

Loved it!

***** 5 STARS