Review: Wolf Nip by Vivian Arend

Format Read: e-ARC provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 117 Pages
Series: Granite Lake Wolves, Book 6
Genre: Paranormal / Shifters / Erotic Romance
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Goodreads.

Book Blurb:

Cat got your tongue?

Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.

Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.

But she’s a cat…and cats don’t do insta-mates.

The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.

Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.

Warning: One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans (read: nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!

Excerpt

My Thoughts:

You can always expect a good time when reading a Vivian Arend’s wolf shifters story. The Granite Lake shifters are an especially fun-loving bunch who enjoy life to the fullest. Book 6 in Arend’s series matches wolf shifter Mark Weaver with the high strung, success motivated cat shifter Tessa Williams. We met Tessa in the previously published Wolf Line when she supported her best friend Keri during the antics inherent to her shipboard romance with Jared.

Tessa is determined to establish a Bed & Breakfast offering excursions to visitors and has her eye on Mark’s unique inherited paddle wheeler home. Tessa submits an offer to Mark to sell but he is unable because of stipulations regarding ownership of the family property. Mark has a counter proposal which he sees as ideal as he has identified the bouncy, impulsive Tessa as his mate. The wrench in the whole mating forever is that Tessa is a cat and doesn’t have the immediate “we are meant to be together thing” going on. Tessa wants to mate for love. Mark therefore makes her a joint-business offer she can’t refuse and sets about to woo said cat in the sweetest of ways.

I loved both these characters. Mark is kind, very hard working and absolutely devoted to Tessa. In Tessa, Arend develops a stellar cat shifter, she moves like greased lightning, speeding around the paddle wheeler in the blink of an eye, bouncing on her feet and loves making dog jokes. Their romance is endearing and special, Mark is respectful of Tessa’s need to be head-over-heels in love before she mates. The sexual attraction burns between them and it’s especially potent for Mark who battles with his wolf who is desperate to have his mate. Tessa’s cat is unsettled but she doesn’t quite get what is wrong with her other half.

Keri and Jared make an appearance so we learn how their relationship is progressing. As well there is the visit to the Granite Lake wolves pack house where a particularly aggressive female has something to say about a cat shifter in their midst poaching one of their eligible males. Tessa handles that issue in an absolutely hilarious way.

Can a wolf and a cat mate and share all the special benefits that two wolves do? Well, you may like to give Wolf Nip a try and find out. 😉 Wolf Nip is a quick, fast paced read and my favorite of Vivian Arend’s shifter stories to date. This story can be read as a standalone but it will make you want to catch up on the series.

Oh, and by the way–the Samhain warning for this one? Perfect! 🙂

I give WOLF NIP 4.5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Review: Haunted Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 191 Pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Green Pines, Book 1
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: ebook Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info:Author’s Website, Publisher, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, Books On Board, Sony

Book Blurb

Eden Green can’t remember a time she didn’t believe in monsters—her cousin was born one. Her family’s dark past casts a long shadow, making it hard to make friends and harder to commit to a lover. She lives a quiet life in small-town Clover, Tennessee, but she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tired of the city packs’ corruption, yet too alpha to be a subordinate in a sanctuary town, Jay Ancheta satisfies his need to protect by serving as Clover’s Chief of Police. As much as he’s drawn to Eden, he can’t offer forever to a woman who doesn’t know what he is—or trust himself to let her go after one taste.

When Eden’s cousin and his battered pack stagger into town, their tormentors hard on their heels, Eden is bitten in the chaos. Now Jay not only has a traumatized pack to deal with, but a newly turned wolf with enough hungry alpha power to consume them both.

With their combined strength, they can create a new sanctuary—if their passion can survive the ghosts of the Green family’s legacy.

Warning: Contains a newly turned werewolf heroine who enjoys a little rough dominance in bed and a badass alpha wolf hero who’ll fight bad guys, ghosts and even the past to protect what’s his. Be prepared for violence, death and heartbreak on the way to a happily ever after.

My Thoughts:

Werewolves, a witch and ghosts, oh my!

A ragtag pack of werewolves flee Memphis after suffering significant physical and emotional trauma at the hands of a cruel, brutal pack taking over the city. Zack, their leader, takes the small pack of wounded werewolves to the small town where he grew up on a farm called Green Pines. Unfortunately the Memphis pack tracks them to the farm and a brutal battle breaks out.

Eden Green inherited Green Pines from her uncle so Jay Ancheta the police chief of the small town goes to see her to find out if she expected visitors. The farm has been empty for an extended period of time and has fallen into disrepair, visitors are not expected, the ‘commotion’ needs to be investigated. Eden insists on accompanying Jay to the farm to investigate. They discover the small-injured pack of werewolves fighting for their lives against the vicious attackers. Unknown to Eden, Jay is a werewolf and he jumps into the fray instructing Eden to remain in his vehicle. Werewolves keep their existence a secret from humans but Eden is familiar with the species because Zack is her cousin. During the height of the battle Eden is pulled from the vehicle, bitten and turned.

Jay has wanted Eden for a long time (the feeling is mutual) but avoided starting a relationship with her because she was human. Eden needs help and understanding to adjust and Jay becomes her mentor and eventually her lover. As Eden becomes acclimated to her new state it’s evident that she, like Jay is an alpha.

Zack is emotionally damaged and weakened because of his experience in Memphis, he is no condition to remain his pack’s leader. The small group of werewolves needs a place of safety and security and Jay steps in to become their de facto leader. He expects another attack from the Memphis gang for a variety of reasons so calls in friends, all strong alphas for support and deems the farm a sanctuary, a place of reverence and safety.

Haunted Sanctuary offers appealing protagonists and a compelling plot that incorporates action, emotion and humor. Eden is burdened with family secrets that she has kept locked inside since she was a child. As she embraces her newfound strength and power Eden realizes she must reveal the family skeletons to save Zack from a decent into madness. I really liked how the alphas respect and protect the beta wolves of the pack and give them the time they need to trust and heal. I loved Stella the witch who is called to Green Pines to help ward the farm against attack. Stella wields significant power but is also good fun. Jay and Eden’s relationship is a slow burn and I have to admit there were times when I wanted them to get on with it but Rogers makes up for it when they finally do the deed with an amped up sexual experience due to a special bond. Is Green Pines haunted? Well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out that one.

I’m sitting at the back of the bus, as this is the first Moira Rogers novel I’ve read despite a number of recommendations to try the authors work. Rogers kick starts the Green Pines series with excellent world building and I am excited to read the next book, Haunted Wolves. If you enjoy a good paranormal romance, you may like to give Haunted Sanctuary a try. 🙂

Coming in July 2013

I give HAUNTED SANCTUARY 4 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Guest Post: Katie Porter + Giveaway!

We are delighted to welcome back Katie Porter a.k.a. writing duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty to BLI today to celebrate the release of their Christmas story Came Upon a Midnight Clear, which released from Samhain November 27th! The ladies wow’d me with their Vegas Top Guns series and they have hit another home run with Came Upon a Midnight Clear, a sizzling m/m lovers reacquainted story layered with conflict and emotional undertones.

 

About Katie Porter:

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years.

Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran. Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative. Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Be sure to enter the Giveaway at the end of the post!

Take it away Katie!

That Holiday Spirit
By Katie Porter

We like to think that Nate and Kyle from Came Upon a Midnight Clear are more than your typical alpha gay leading men, mostly because we loved writing about them and giving them a perfect happy ending.

For a holiday romance, that happy ending has to be extra perfect. It’s not enough that all the Whos in Whoville get their Christmas presents back. No, the Grinch’s heart has to grow three sizes before he can cut the roast beast.

Now, I’m not going to give away any details, but the happy ending between Nate and Kyle ranks up there with the most perfectly perfect finales we’ve ever written. Why? Because of the Christmas miracles. (I was tempted to say “because of the Christmas miracles, dammit,” but thought that might be inappropriate.)

After all, we had a lot to pull off. Reunite long-estranged lovers. Heal old hurts. Resolve youthful misunderstandings. Make not one but two struggling Hollywood companies profitable. Complete death-defying stunts. And yes, help one character’s heart grow three sizes. All that with some smokin’ hot sex and a heavy dollop of Christmas-in-London sparkle.

Basically, everyone who had a wish in Came Upon a Midnight Clear needed to have that wish come true. A holiday romance isn’t a regular romance, because we expect even more magic than usual. Nate and Kyle had that magic, but they’re stubborn, powerful men with wounded hearts. Of course it’s going to take them a while!

 

Length: 221 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, m/m, Holiday Romance, Red Hots!
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb

Born to old Virginia money, film producer Kyle Wakefield’s conservative upbringing kept him in the closet. Only once did he venture outside: for a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. When Nathan’s self-destructive streak landed him in prison, Kyle slammed the door on youthful hopes. Despite Hollywood successes, he still hides his true self.

He thought he’d moved on, until his production company hires Nathan and his Second Chances stunt crew to work on the London set of a big-budget action flick. Watching Nathan risk life and limb with fellow ex-cons looking for a fresh start makes it tough for Kyle to keep his desires hidden.

Thirteen years have passed since Nathan’s teenage self-doubt led him to sabotage any chance of a future with Kyle. He’s come a long way since then, but despite their explosive sexual chemistry, Kyle treats their attraction like a deep dark secret.

Their matched Hollywood ambitions and a pain-in-the-ass director make cooperation essential. As the London holiday season casts its spell, the two men find themselves on the verge of falling in love again—even as old secrets and pain keep them shackled. The only hope of unlocking their hearts is a Christmas miracle.
Warning: This book features a snowy London Christmas, sex on a pool table, a hot-and-dirty gay nightclub, and naughty references to candy canes.

Excerpt

The snow was coming down now, gathering in swoops and crevices along the buildings and curbs. Nate’s levity dimmed. His expression was the one Kyle most often saw on the set, when Nate went over and over the details of a stunt. He was so damn clever. Only now, that calculating expression was unwelcome. It was a reminder of real lives waiting to drive a wedge between them.

“What is it?” Kyle asked.

“I want this snow to stop. Soon. The forecast said only a dusting.”

“Any more than a dusting means…?”

“Added risk for the jump tomorrow.”

A chill sank into Kyle’s bones that had nothing to do with the strengthening wind. “If it’s too bad—”

“Forget it,” Nate said with a dismissive wave. “Leave it for morning.”

At least that’s what he said. But as they walked on toward the exclusive jewelry boutique, Kyle could feel the tension in Nate’s hand and see the careful, assessing way he watched the sky.

Every shop was still brimming with people, and every pub was jammed with revelers. Some wore paper crowns from Christmas crackers. Most were smiling. Kyle wanted to be one of them.

“Hey,” he said, bumping their bodies together. “Guess what.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s Christmas Eve.”

Nate grinned. “When we were sixteen. That was the best one.”

A flush helped warm Kyle’s chilled cheeks. “The way that video store clerk snickered at us when we said we were twenty-one.”

“It was worth it. I got to see you turn just about as pink as you are now. Then we got to watch our first gay porn flick. A very merry Christmas.”

“Until you tried a goddamn mentholated blowjob.”

Nate’s laugh was the best, most wonderful sound on the whole planet. In that, Kyle was not being hyperbolic or a drama queen. It was true. “How was I supposed to know peppermint candy canes would sting?”

“The word pepper was a clue. Pepper and my prick shouldn’t be in the same thought.”

“It didn’t stunt your growth in that department,” Nate said with a cheeky smile. “And I licked you like that candy cane until it was all better.”

Kyle made an appreciative noise in his throat. “Yes, you did. And that was the night we both decided leather chaps would never, ever be our thing.”

“Well…” Nate licked his lower lip. “Never say never. I’d look amazing in leather chaps and you know it.”

 

They’re so cute! But…what about that ominous snow? What about the tension that still shoves between them when they reminisce about even the happiest of their youthful memories? Trust in your dear Katie Porter to deliver comfort and joy on all fronts. Nate, Kyle and our readers deserve no less.

***

What the critics are saying: Came Upon a Midnight Clear has been described as “masterful,” (Publisher’s Weekly), “a complex gift,” (Library Journal), and “the perfect piece of erotica: nuanced, complex, dirty, loving, and intimate (RT BookReviews). Not only did the folks at RT make Came Upon a Midnight Clear a 4½ Star Top Pick, they’ve selected it as a Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best Erotic Romance Ebook of 2012—the first gay romance to receive that honor!

Don’t forget about Katie’s “Amazing Race to a Kindle ” contest, which is going on now. Review Double Down on Amazon for your chance to win a gift certificate or even a Kindle Fire!

Thanks again to Booklovers Inc for featuring Katie Porter and  Came Upon A Midnight Clear!

 

Up next for Katie Porter, the co-writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown:

In January, LEAD AND FOLLOW will launch the five-part “Club Devant” series of erotic multi-partner romances set in a hot New York City burlesque club. RT BookReviews gave Lead and Follow 4 Stars and raved, “Fans of erotica will be left breathless as they cha-cha straight into a cold shower.”

Now that the first three of the RT BookReviews 4½ Star Top Pick “Vegas Top Guns” series have been released, readers can anticipate the final two installments, HARD WAY and BARE KNUCKLE, in 2013.

Where to Katie Porter:

Website | Twitter | Facebook
Or individually: Carrie Lofty @carrielofty and Lorelie Brown

Question: What do you most enjoy about holiday romances, or if this is your first, what are you looking forward to in reading one?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Katie has generously offered a digital copy of CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR to one lucky commenter (Winner’s choice of format)!

All you have to do is answer the question noted above!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open to International entries!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, December 8, 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

ARC Review: Rocky Mountain Angel by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Angel by Vivian Arend

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 301 Pages
Series: Six Pack Ranch Book 4
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Red Hots
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, iBooks

Book Blurb:

Sometimes even Angels must learn to fly…

Allison Parker needs a convincing excuse to come home to Rocky Mountain House. A hopelessly romantic reason that won’t let her mother suspect the truth—that Allison has discovered Mom is keeping a terrible secret from the family.

Gabe Coleman is struggling with two of the roughest parts of ranching: dealing with his bull-headed mule of a father, and making enough to pay the bills. When his old friend Allison offers to help him develop his ideas for organic ranching—in trade for pretending to be her fiancé—it sounds like the perfect set-up.

Yet the deception leads them in an unexpected direction, where their shared daily hells are erased by nights of heavenly distraction. It’s not supposed to be real, but once the gates are opened, there’s no denying they’ve found in each other a little bit of Paradise.

To break free of the past and face the future, though, will take more than temporary pleasures. It’ll take putting their hearts on the line.

Warning: Tortured hero with a guardian-angel complex, grief-stricken heroine willing to sacrifice everything for family. Break out the tissues, this trip to the ranch is a heartbreaker on the way to the HEA.

My Thoughts:

Thirty years ago four sons split an inherited spread in the majestic foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The people of small town Rocky Mountain House have given each family of ranchers a nickname: Angel, Whiskey Creek, Six Pack and Moonshine.

Gabe Coleman has a lot on his plate. The family ranch is in financial trouble and his old man is a miserable cuss with a chip on his shoulder the size of Mt. Everest and he won’t listen to son’s ideas to revitalize the farm. Then Allison Parker one of his high school classmates comes galloping into his life (literally) with a harebrained idea about becoming his fake fiancé. You see Allison found out from a close friend that her mother is dying of cancer. Allison’s mom made her friend swear she wouldn’t tell her two daughters and son. Allison loved her job and life in Red Deer, Alberta and had no intention of returning home to Rocky Mountain House, her mother knew this so would be suspicious as to why she suddenly decided to return home and work in the family restaurant. Allison approached Gabe with the fiancé plan because she knew of his desire to nurture and develop organic farming on the Angel Coleman land and she is an authority on the discipline with many connections in the business. Allison presents Gabe with an offer he can’t refuse.

Gabe built a log cabin that he owns free and clear on the Angel Coleman land. Living separate from the main house offers him independence and contact with his father is kept to a minimum. In addition, Gabe’s younger brother Rafe is able to stay over for a reprieve from what is a difficult home life. Gabe and Rafe’s mother is kind and sweet but it is Ben, their father who makes all their lives hell.

In Gabe, Vivian Arend develops a quintessential cowboy; he loves and is one with the land and certainly has alpha traits but I also saw beta qualities too. He has suffered a number of hard knocks and one particularly devastating loss that colored his life and formed his character. He is extremely kind, responsible and he demonstrates patience and maturity in dealing with his extended family. Gabe is the go-too guy when help is needed; he has a heart of gold, but it’s been broken and crushed. Gabe keeps a well of guilt and grief locked inside that gives him an enticing vulnerability. That said he shows strength and restraint when standing up to Ben. I felt I knew Gabe very well demonstrating how well fleshed-out this hero’s character is.

Allison and her family suffered during and after their father passed following a protracted illness. She is therefore not only dealing with the shock and grief of dealing with her mother’s diagnosis but, is fearful regarding her sibling’s reaction to the news. Allison is an intelligent career woman but a country girl at heart. She soon realizes that she likes being home, seeing her mother deteriorate is painful but the small town life and working in the family business again grows on her. The other person who grows on her is Gabe (he’d grow on me too).

I loved the way Allison and Gabe’s relationship progresses. To make things seem sincere to their families, Allison moves into Gabe’s cabin. They don’t share a bed initially but they establish a close friendship, which grows as does their sexual attraction and chemistry. There is spontaneity to their initial intimacy, both need comfort and a release but their  emotional attachment is realistic and special. This series is an erotic romance so there is explicit sexuality and some outdoor, um mud-play. lol

The Coleman’s know how to have a good time, which means a weekly family gathering at the local watering hole for drinks, gossip and shenanigans. There is a subplot involving tough guy Travis of the Six Pack Coleman’s who likes to find more than his fair share of trouble. Gabe is the one who is there to watch out for him and try to give guidance. And those naughty twins are coming to grips with their own emotional and personal growth issues. Arend introduces new Coleman gals whose stories I’m looking forward to reading.

Rocky Mountain Angel is an extremely poignant relationship driven novel that embraces themes of parental neglect and abuse, family dysfunction and grief following the loss of a beloved family member. You can feel the wind in your face while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the setting which this author describes so vividly. This one is the more emotional of the Six Pack Ranch novels to date. What stood out for me and made it a five-star read was Gabe and Allison’s devotion to their family and to each other, you can’t help but want them be together. Rocky Mountain Angel is a tear-jerker for more reasons than one but it’s also a wonderful, memorable read.

PS: I love the cover art. 😉

I give Rocky Mountain Angel 5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Review: Hold ‘Em by Katie Porter

Hold ‘Em by Katie Porter

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 271 Pages
Series: Vegas Top Guns, Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.

That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.

Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.

Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.

Warning: This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. Also: dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.

My Thoughts:

The synopsis offers an excellent overview so I’m not going to reiterate what’s already outlined regarding the plot or relationship dynamic penned in this delectable story. I wasn’t too sure about Leah and her hard-nosed living on the edge, ball busting attitude. However, the author(s) adeptly reveal Captain Leah Girardi’s inner conflicts and she impressed me as a remarkable, ambitious woman who aggressively fought and clawed her way in the man’s world of fighter pilots to achieve success and acceptance. Leah is a brilliant and gifted pilot but as her good friend Jon so aptly puts it:

“She’s a chick, but she’s a throttle jockey like the rest of us. So what does she like? Things that go fast. Things that are dangerous and stupid.”

Yep, that’s Leah, she craves the dangerous and stupid including over indulgence in alcohol, but she has cleaned-up her act because she wants a promotion and professional acceptance. Then along comes her old lover Michael who presents a whole new world of enticing danger and that scares Leah because she is drawn to him and the sexual world he offers like a bird is to flight.

Mike is Hot. (Note the capital H.) And, I will add a Damn, as in Hot-Damn. This guy is a manly-man who drives an amazing BMW motorcycle, is über laid back, comfortable in his own skin. Michael embraces the fact he is a sexual submissive, retaining his masculinity he merges his private proclivities and public persona seamlessly which creates a seductive hero. This guy loves to be aggressively dominated by a trustworthy, experienced femdom who knows his limits and can push him to the edge. He’s learned to keep his sexual preferences very private, therefore it is assumed by his flyboy colleagues that his call sign “Strap Happy” depicts his enjoyment of sexual dominance, not submission.

Mike and his former madam have parted ways but he continues to wear the symbol of belonging she gave him. When he sees Leah again he senses she may be a woman who would be tempted and enjoy an alternative sexual relationship. Essentially, Mike sees Leah as the perfect femdom and he isn’t wrong.

“So why haven’t you tried to kiss me yet?”

Mike pinched his fingers around the lip of the countertop.

“Because you haven’t told me I could.

The hauteur was gone. So was any obvious frustration. She narrowed her eyes, using her gaze as a pickax to dig into his brain. He opened up to her inspection. He had nothing to hide. Not anymore.

Hold Em’ © Katie Porter

Leah is a fledgling regarding D/s but once Mike offers her the freedom to experiment with certain provisos she becomes immersed in her role, she loves the power and trust this amazing man provides. There are a number of sexually explicit scenes, showing Leah in a dominant role. She enjoys pushing Mike to the limit both through pleasure and pain and he thrives on the rush of endorphins that accompanies the stimulus. Leah has worked hard to clean-up party girl image and prove she has what it takes to make Major. She is terrified their relationship will become known at work and damage her career. So as their emotional connection intensifies, dark clouds move in. Leah has personal vulnerabilities and insecurities that result in painful conflicts. I was moved to tears on more then one occasion, particularly during the riveting climax and conclusion of Hold Em’.

I have to say, initially, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book as much as Inside Bet, particularly because of Mike’s professional chauvinism and Leah’s reckless behavior. However, Katie Porter proved me wrong, the authors show personal growth in Leah and Mike as their special intimacy evolves and love evolves. Hold Em’ is a fast-paced, seductive page-turner, with laugh-out-loud dialogue spiced-up with guy dirty talk. The Vegas Top Gun series will be at the top of my list of favorites for 2012.

Just Awesome! 🙂

I give Hold ‘Em 5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Guest Post: Katie Porter + Giveaway!

Katie Porter (Writing Duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty)

We are so pleased to welcome back Katie Porter a.k.a. writing duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty to BLI today to celebrate the release of HOLD ‘EM the third book in their Vegas Top Guns series, which releases from Samhain today! I read INSIDE BET and can honestly say was absolutely WOW’ed and these ladies keep batting home runs because HOLD’EM is as good (my full review will be featured at BLI later today). This one features a tough independent female fighter pilot who is an adrenaline junky, an enticing hero & lots of  kinky sex…femdom style! 

 

About Katie Porter:

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years.

Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran. Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative. Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Be sure to enter the Giveaway at the end of the post!

Take it away Katie!

Femdom 101
By Katie Porter

Leah from Hold ’Em is a femdom.

Wait! No! Don’t run away, I promise she’s not scary! And I also promise Captain Michael Templeton, her hero, isn’t a snivelly whining dude either.

They’re a normal hero and heroine, I swear it. Michael is pretty much as alpha as they come. He’s a fighter pilot (Leah is too) and rides a badass motorcycle. He just…happens to like getting ordered around in the bedroom. And he really likes taking pain, in the form of spankings, paddlings and floggings.

The thing is, saying “femdom” to most people evokes a certain set of images. Women in black leather corsets with blood red lipstick and a riding crop between their teeth, towering over a man wearing panties. That isn’t Leah at all. Not that there’s anything wrong with that sort of femdom, either–it’s just not Mike or Leah!

Leah is an average chick. She’s just a little wound tight. In the previous Vegas Top Guns books, she’s let out her excess energy by partying hard and flirting with inappropriate men. When Hold Em starts off, she’s trying to be good, but it’s starting to wear on her. She need somewhere to vent. Where better than on the backside of a fit, sexy, tempting guy?

 

Hold ‘Em by Katie Porter

Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

Daughter of a world-famous motocross champion, and head-on competitor with three brothers, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi was born with a need for speed. No one tells her what to do, especially not men with chauvinistic “girls can’t be fighter pilots” attitudes.

That’s what ended her brief relationship with Captain Mike “Strap Happy” Templeton. Now, six years later, he’s been assigned to her squadron, and whoa damn, he’s filled out nicely. Plus he’s cultivated a Zen-like chill factor that pulls at her hormones.

Even after four tours, Mike’s the new kid in the 64th Aggressor Squadron. That’s not the only thing new. Since he last saw Leah, he’s learned a few things about himself. A female who outranks him still makes his teeth grind, but in the bedroom he craves the rush of pain inflicted by an adoring, powerful woman.

Their reunion is an explosive revelation. Leah is the beautiful mistress he’s been searching for, and she takes to her new role like a natural. But Leah’s aware one thing hasn’t changed. Loving him is still an all-or-nothing proposition. She’s not sure her reckless streak is wide enough to risk her career—and her heart.

Warning: This book contains a hot stud on his knees, a woman wielding a paddle, and filthy-gorgeous femdom sex. Also: dangerous rock climbing, two amazing motorcycles and some bad tequila.

Excerpt:

“What would it take?”

“To put me in a good mood?”

“Yes, ma’am.” His voice curled around them, keeping them apart from the crowds.
She shivered on the chilly burst of need that turned her veins to live wires. Two words were all she needed to become wrapped up in him. She shook off the high-strung buzz then reached for Michael. His hair was so soft, the strands barely long enough to wrap around her fingertips. She pinched and tugged. “This, pet? You’d offer yourself over a silly game?”

His eyes drifted half-shut. The corners of his mouth quirked. “That’s always an option.”
She leaned up on her toes, took his mouth. The shape of his lips was just right to fit hers. They slipped together, each taking a little at a time. She could get lost in him if she let herself—forget where she was, forget how everything would be different on Monday when they went back to work.

She nibbled his bottom lip once for good measure. “You taste like crappy coffee.”
“Gonna offer me something tastier to lick?”

“Is that what you want?” Unable to resist any longer, she snuck her fingers under the hem of his snug T-shirt. He was all thin skin over strong muscle. Lovely. “You want me to ride your face like the toy you are?”

Now he grinned with infectious humor, no matter the sex blazing between them. “If it would help your cranky-ass mood.”

With a grin she said, “So noble and sacrificing.”

Looping a finger through his belt, she tugged him back into the main stream of foot traffic. The touch of leather against her skin was changing her in irrevocable ways.

“You’re going to buy me cotton candy instead.”

“One does what one must,” he said with a put-upon air.

However, he didn’t let her drag him along. He needed only two strides with his long legs to eat up the distance between them. He walked at her side then took the lead.

That was hot. He really did mean “only in the bedroom”. Thank God. She wouldn’t have enjoyed their play at all had he been some sniveling sub who begged mommy to give him a spanking. Mike was one hundred percent man. He was strong, sexy and marvelously self-assured. Those qualities meant that when he gave over to her whims, he satisfied them both with explosive results.

A few minutes later, with his corndog already gobbled down, he presented her with a pink-and-blue cloud of cotton candy.

Because really, all femdom means is a woman who’s willing to take exactly what she wants from a man. And who hasn’t had that impulse now and then?

***

Question: Have you ever read a femdom book before?

Thanks again to Booklovers Inc for featuring Katie Porter and Hold ’Em!

Up next for Katie Porter, the co-writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown:

Now that the first three of the RT BookReviews 4½ Star Top Pick “Vegas Top Guns” series have been released, readers can anticipate the final two installments, HARD WAY and BARE KNUCKLE, in 2013.

November brings the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, and in January, LEAD AND FOLLOW will launch the five-part “Club Devant” series of erotic multi-partner romances set in a hot New York City burlesque club.

Where to Katie Porter:

Website | Twitter | Facebook
Or individually: Carrie Lofty @carrielofty and Lorelie Brown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Katie has generously offered a digital copy of DOUBLE DOWN, INSIDE BET or HOLD ‘EM to one lucky commenter (Winner’s choice)!

All you have to do is answer the question noted above!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open to International entries!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, October 6, 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

ARC Review: Silver Mine by Vivian Arend

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 214 Pages
Series: Takhini Wolves, Book 2
Genre: Paranormal, Shapeshifters
Release Date: September 11 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, iBooks

Book Blurb:

If a tree falls in the forest, duck…

Life in isolation is the safest place for Chase Johnson, a crossbreed who doesn’t know which form he’ll assume next—cougar or wolf. Once a year, his unelected position as spokesman for the Yukon outcasts forces him to visit civilization. This time he runs across someone unexpected. She’s not his mate, but she pushes all the right buttons.

It’s taken years for Shelley Bradley to gather the courage to return to her home pack. In spite of being the lowest of the low—a shifter who can’t shift—she’s determined to make a place for herself as the Whitehorse locals’ new vet-slash-doctor.

There’s definite electricity between her and Chase, but sex with fellow shifters and the inherent mind games got old a long time ago. Ignoring him seems best. When he shows up at her office with a wound that won’t heal, she’s stuck—yet drawn to solve this medical mystery.

As they journey deep into outcast territory in search of answers, their powerful sexual attraction crumbles her resistance. But time is of the essence. If a cure can’t be found before his human and cougar succumb to his injury, he—and others like him—will die.

Warning: Contains a silver-tongued, hairy-chested, lean-muscled Alpha who’s got what it takes to lead in the wilderness and in the bedroom. Yeah, I know…not really much of a deterrent, is it? Throw in continuing territorial wars and a domestic cat. Stir and enjoy the chaos.

My Thoughts:

Vivian Arend returns us to the breathtaking beauty and inherent dangers of the Yukon Territory in the second of her Takhini Wolves series. Sliver Mine is a unique shifter story for a number of reasons but most of all it’s about those considered misfits who don’t fit into pack life and therefore have chosen a solitary existence in the wilderness. Arend has obviously spent time in this part of the country because through evocative descriptions she brings realism that compliments a sometimes violent imaginary world that is brimming with humor.

These shifters are an irreverent bunch who normally enjoy life and their sexuality to the fullest. In fact, their biology is programmed so their wolfie side is triggered to emerge during the post pubescent period through sex. Half human/wolf shifter Shelly Bradley’s wolf has remained dormant, and attempts to trigger her she-wolf have historically failed. Shelly suffered significant ridicule by the Takhini pack during her youth which increased during her teen years and her suffering eventually drove her away to school where as mentioned in the synopsis she earned her credentials as a Veterinarian with a specialty in shifter medicine. Shelly has returned to Whitehorse determine to carve out her place administering to the locals. The other attraction is that Shelly’s headstrong human half-sister Caroline lives there and she is an accepted member of the pack for more reasons than one. Shelly has no intention of trying to ingratiate herself into pack life, however she is unaware of the positive changes that have occurred under the leadership of new pack Alpha, Evan and his brother Shaun who is the Beta.

Things change when the enticing, amicable Chase Johnson arrives in town and seeks Shelly’s expertise in treating a wound he received while fighting off an attacker in the bush. Normally shifter wounds heal when they shift into their animal form but Chase’s is worsening. When usual methods of treatment don’t improve Chase’s situation at all Shelly is stymied and insists on going into the bush to find the shifter that caused the wound. Shelly tries to resist, and keep her professional hat on but finds herself sensually drawn to the shifter who hails from unusual origins. Chase can shift into both cougar and wolf, but the thing is, he has no control over which of his ‘others’ will appear.

Like Shelly, Chase is an outcast but has eked a place out of the bush where he must fight and work hard daily for survival. That being said, he loves his life and as Shelly embarks on the adventure of a lifetime and spends intimate time with Chase she learns there is far more to this remarkable man then meets the eye. Sliver Mine offers sizzling sexual attraction and hot eroticism. What I liked, is this isn’t your typical shifters meet their mates and bond forever scenario, its quite different regarding two relationships that are integrated into the storyline. Moreover, there is back-country action and battle scenes as the author vividly depicts the protagonists quest for survival while faced with the outbreak of a vicious and deadly disease.

If you enjoy a paranormal shifter tale, Silver Mine has it all, plot twists, memorable characters, laugh-out-loud sarcastic dialogue, fun shifter high-jinks, action and suspense that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and an endearing love story. As well, there is a feisty little kitten named Enigma. Oh, and an unusual use for duct tape! 😉 What I also loved is that Arend uses the poetry of Robert Service as the foundation for each of 3 parts of the story. I was surprised, I thought one would be Evan’s story but the author creatively took the tale in an entirely different direction adding depth to the world, making for a winning read. I’m looking forward to the next tale in the Takhini Pack stories.

I give Silver Mine 5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Review: Inside Bet by Katie Porter

Inside Bet by Katie Porter

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 276 Pages
Series: Vegas Top Guns, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

As assistant director in an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn’t believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.

Her orderly life veers off course when she’s approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable façade for some well-deserved excitement.

Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather’s conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He’s stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.

After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon’s erotic limits. Soon he craves something he’s never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.

Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.

Warning: Contains hot power play featuring a fighter pilot who comes from old money but knows all about bringing the dirty. Also: a nipple ring, sex on the hood of a hella sweet sportscar, and one teensy, tiny, wickedly naughty fluid exchange.

My Thoughts:

Author Katie Porter (writing duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty) reached out and grabbed my attention from the first page of the second book in their Vegas Top Guns Series. As noted in the synopsis Inside Bet is Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle’s story. Carlisle is one of the hot shot F-16 pilots stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. This guy has a genius intellect, is über alpha, has a quick sarcastic wit, and he likes no-strings-attached kinky sex with a capital letter K. However when he zeros in on business woman Heather Morris at wine tasting event he has no idea how much kink he is letting himself in for with the seemingly reserved woman.

Heather initially presents as sedate and cautious, as she puts it she likes her life orderly. She is career orientated and in line for a major promotion at an accounting firm that values propriety. Heather learned the hard way that setting her wild side free leads to nothing but but trouble and regret. However, Jon is given a glimpse of the penchant for wickedness she keeps deeply subdued and he senses her need to be naughty like a hungry predator. He charms Heather to let down her defenses and allow the genie out of the bottle, if only for the evening.

Taking her hand once again, he traced the inside of her wrist. Her mouth made pretty protests, but her frantic pulse said otherwise. He drew his touch over the fleshy base of her thumb, down into the soft valley of her palm. If he’d known her even a little bit better, he would have used his nail to scrape a pale red line over her soft skin.

“Because you want to,” he said quietly. “You’ve been good for a very long time, haven’t you?”

Inside Bet © Katie Porter

The erotism in this novel is exquisite, vivid and daring. What begins as a one night stand escalates into a series of adventurous encounters that include D/s play. These two challenge each other with dares and as the stakes and danger increase Jon and Heather push each other’s sexual boundaries to the limit. What I loved was the power exchange, Jon is a Dom but Heather is strong and adventurous during their interludes, she also enjoys taking control and there is a scene where she is shown as a switch. Their affair is addictive, but there is a line drawn, there will be no strings, no commitment. Both Heather and Jon have significant relationship commitment issues and neither has any intention of giving their heart to the other. Famous last words.

She chose her words carefully. “Whereas you believe your self-control is beyond reach.”

He chuckled. “You want me to lose control?”

“No,” she whispered. “I want to make you lose it.”

Inside Bet © Katie Porter

Heather and Jon’s love story is emotional and complex and through stellar sensual prose and dialogue I was kept completely entranced. These people have painful secrets and vulnerabilities that are masked by well sculpted outer shells. The climax of their story tore at my heart strings. However, the novel’s emotional intensity is well balanced with laugh out loud sarcasm between the protagonists and secondary characters who are all extremely well-drawn and I loved sin city as the setting.

Inside Bet offers a fast-paced relationship driven story that isn’t overburdened with aerial maneuvers or technical information regarding the nature of Jon’s flying with the Aggressor Squadron. There is great camaraderie between Jon’s teammates and two closest friends and the author(s) builds the background for book 3 of their Vegas Top Guns Series, Captain Leah “Princess” Girardi’s story, Hold ‘Em, due out September 25th. And trust me Leah is a real weapon. lol

When I was half way through Inside Bet I downloaded Book 1 of the series but didn’t feel disadvantaged by not reading Double Down first, in fact I can’t wait to read it. Inside Bet is a toe curling rush and if you like a hot erotic D/s themed read you may like to give it a try.

I give Inside Bet 5 Stars & an added fist pump! 😉

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Guest Post: Katie Porter + Giveaway!

Katie Porter (Writing Duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty)

 

We are delighted to welcome Katie Porter a.k.a. writing duo Lorelie Brown & Carrie Lofty to BLI today to celebrate the release of INSIDE BET the second book in their Vegas Top Guns series, which was released by Samhain this past Tuesday, August 28th. I read INSIDE BET and can honestly say was absolutely WOW’ed (my full review will be featured at BLI later today). Hot fighter pilots, sin city and dares followed by kinky sex…INSIDE BET has it all!

 

 

About Katie Porter:

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years.

Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran. Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative. Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Katie is here today to talk about one of the main themes driving their new release–dares & be sure to enter the Giveaway at the end of the post!

Take it away Katie!

Dares, Dares and more Dares!
By Katie Porter

INSIDE BET is the second of the Vegas Top Guns series, featuring Captain Jon Carlisle and Heather Morris. Heather works in accounting, which might sound pretty boring (and it is. Don’t tell her. She loves it.) but that doesn’t mean she’s a boring person. She can’t be if she has a snowball’s chance in hell of hanging with Jon Carlisle. He’s a man who knows what he wants, when he wants it and he knows how to rock a girl’s world while he’s about it.

All the good hero stuff, in other words.

Inside Bet by Katie Porter

Series: Vegas Top Guns, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

As assistant director in an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn’t believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.

Her orderly life veers off course when she’s approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable façade for some well-deserved excitement.

Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather’s conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He’s stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.

After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon’s erotic limits. Soon he craves something he’s never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.

Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.

Warning: Contains hot power play featuring a fighter pilot who comes from old money but knows all about bringing the dirty. Also: a nipple ring, sex on the hood of a hella sweet sportscar, and one teensy, tiny, wickedly naughty fluid exchange.

But the thing is, both Jon and Heather like to be challenged. Love it, actually. Their entire relationship founded on dares, if you like. They up the ante on each other, flipping the scorecard back and forth. Their entire first date is a series of dares. Whether Heather will leave a wine bar with such a near stranger. The way they liven up a night of roulette with side bets. Here Jon and Heather spar in their sultry style:

Then for her ears only he said, “I also like seeing what you’ll do next. So tell me, Ms. Morris, what shall we do if that ball drops on twelve? Make it good. I know you enjoy surprising me.”

“The odds are too long to make that any real fun. How about if it drops on any red?”

“Too easy. You’ll hedge and give me something common.”

Her hip molded against the roulette table. If he looked down, he’d have a clear view of the cleavage he found so fascinating, but his gaze didn’t budge from hers. He was waiting, just as she was, to see how much daring she could drag into the light.

Taking the chance, Heather indulged the first of her many fantasies involving this man. She cupped the base of his skull. He smelled of something like Obsession or Pierre Cardin. Rich. Classic. Masculine. She pressed harder, rubbing a little, enjoying how his cropped hair scoured her skin.

“Not common at all, Captain Carlisle. If the ball drops on red, I’ll show you my tattoo.”

There’s just something about dares that can liven up almost any time. I remember playing truth or dare with a pack of girls at a sleepover. (Though trust me. Heather and Jon’s sleepover turns out much differently than the one twelve-year-old me was at. No one’s underwear get dipped and frozen.) Or there was another time when I was fresh from Army training and someone proposed a game of strip poker…. You’ll understand if I maintain a lady’s right to privacy on whether I took that dare up.

Double Down, Vegas Top Guns Book 1

Dares are special. Exciting. They’re everything from convincing your special someone to try a deep-fried steak finger (even if they spit it out in disgust) to more the more dramatic. Though I had problems over all with The Vow, that Channing Tatum movie that came out last year, one of the absolute best scenes was when Channing dared his wife into going near-skinny-dipping in April! (The other best scene being when he unthinkingly walked into the bedroom naked. Sorry. I’m shallow. It’s a personal failing.)

So get a peek in on Heather and Jon’s dares and the exciting places they lead in Inside Bet. I promise you’ll have almost as good a time as if you were taking the dares yourself.

Question: What’s the most exciting dare you’ve taken? (Most exciting you’re willing to admit in public, that is.)

Up next for Katie Porter, the co-writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown:

Now that both RT BookReviews 4½ Star Top Picks DOUBLE DOWN and INSIDE BET have been released, we’re looking forward to the September 25th arrival of HOLD ‘EM, featuring wild child Leah and a surprising reunion with a fellow pilot. The final two installments of the Vegas Top Guns series will follow in 2013.

November brings the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, and in January, LEAD AND FOLLOW will launch the five-part “Club Devant” series of erotic multi-partner romances set in a hot New York City burlesque club.

Where to Katie Porter:

Website | Twitter | Facebook
Or individually:  Carrie Lofty @carrielofty and Lorelie Brown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Katie has generously offered a digital copy of DOUBLE DOWN or INSIDE BET to one lucky commenter (Winner’s choice)!

All you have to do is answer the question noted above!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open to International entries!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, September 15 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

Early Review: Rocky Mountain Desire by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Desire by Vivian Arend

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 297 Pages
Series: Six Pack Ranch, Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

Nothing comes easy. You’ve gotta work for it.

Matt Coleman always figured at this point in his life, he’d be settled down with a family. Since his ex split for the big city, though, no way will he give anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? Hell, yeah, he’ll take—and give—with gusto, but nothing more.

Hope Meridan is working long hours to hold on to her new quilt shop, going it alone since her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Right, like she’s got the time. Not that she doesn’t have the occasional dirty fantasy about Matt. Fat chance he’d dream of knocking boots with her—the younger sister of the woman who dumped him. Nope, she’ll just have to settle for the F-word.

Friends would be far easier if there wasn’t something combustible going on between them. And when casual interest starts to grow into something more, their tenuous bond strengthens in the heat of desire. But it may not survive the hurricane-force arrival of the last person either of them ever wanted to see again…

Warning: Small-town rivals, men in pursuit and family meddling—in good and bad ways. Look for a cowboy who knows how to rope, ride and rein in a hell of a lot more than eight seconds of sheer bliss.

My Thoughts:

Matt Coleman throws a rowdy bachelor party for his brother Daniel (soon to marry Beth). The male contingent of the entire Coleman clan is in attendance and everyone seems to be enjoying the festivities, particularly when the exotic dancers arrive and begin shaking their booty! Matt really doesn’t want to be there but as the oldest single Coleman male, he sees it as his responsibility to make sure that his brother is properly inducted into matrimony. If you have invested reading time in Vivian Arend’s wonderful, family-centered Six Pack Ranch series you will know what a cruel stunt Matt’s long time girlfriend Helen pulled. Matt is nursing a major hurt in the wake of Helen’s performance at the close of Rocky Mountain Haven and discovering that she cheated on him. She then hightailed it for greener pastures in Calgary. Matt saw himself married and settled down with Helen, but she had self serving ideas and when she left a chunk of Matt’s heart and self-esteem went with her.

Hope Meridan worked as a stripper during her college days to make ends meet. She is no longer a blushing college girl but when her friend Trish asks Hope to dance at a bachelor party she accepts the offer because she desperately needs the money. After her sister Helen ran out leaving her holding the bag with their newly opened quilting store Hope has struggled alone and worked around the clock to keep her business from failing during its critical first year. Helping Trish out will be a one time gig and give Hope a much needed cash infusion, she doesn’t know a herd of Coleman men are the audience including Matt, her bitch of a sister’s ex and the only man in town who has ever caught her eye. She just hopes the skimpy costume, mask and wig she is wearing will hide who she is from guys she has known all her life. As well, she doesn’t want the towns folk to know she has stripped to earn extra money, she’s a respectable business woman after all.

“You’re up, Hope. Go give them what for.” Trish’s firm push between the shoulders was the only thing that stopped her from turning tail and racing from the bar without a backward glance.

Matt sat to the side of the room, laughing with his brothers as they joined together in that wall of impenetrable camaraderie she’d always admired. That’s what family was supposed to be like, not cutthroat and undermining.

She only had a second to take him in. His dark hair was longer now, and a neatly trimmed beard and mustache covered his chin and upper lip. Oh God, He’d grown a mustache.
She loved what he looked like with facial hair.”

Rocky Mountain Desire © Vivian Arend

When Hope hits the stage, Matt is immediately attracted to the lovely dancer and while there is something familiar about her, he doesn’t realize it’s Hope until he “accidentally” runs into her in the parking lot after the show attempting a stealth getaway. An embarrassing exchange ends in Hope pleading with Matt not to share that she was one of the wearing-next-to-nothing dancers and she speeds away. Matt knows that Hope isn’t Helen, but the wounds are still too fresh for him to consider pursuing even a casual fling with his ex’s sexy younger sister.

Months later Hope is at the Coleman’s ranch giving a pre-Christmas quilting lesson to family matriarch Marion and some of her friends. She hasn’t seen or talked to Matt since her performance at Daniel’s bachelor party. Sexual attraction zings between them when Matt walks into her in his parent’s home. Then comes the rescue mission later in the evening when Hope gets stuck in a ditch as she tries to maneuver her broken down clunker along a dark snow and ice covered road on a bitterly cold December night. Matt pulls her out but Hope has to abandon her car and the two end up back at her apartment soaked and frozen, they get reacquainted as friends while warming up.

Arend progresses Matt and Hope’s relationship slowly and realistically over the course of their wonderful love story. They enjoy spending quality time together and when they move past a plutonic friendship to a hot love affair, the pages light up with smoking hot passion. Expect dominance and submission, bondage and a little voyeurism to be incorporated into ‘get out the ice water and fan’ love scenes in this Vivian Arend erotic romance. I bonded with Matt and Hope, both of them are honest, decent people who have insecurities and worries about their ability to maintain a lasting relationship. As well, the author gives Hope another town suitor who doesn’t easily let go making for some great rivalry.

This reader was delighted that Helen left Matt, but it was a blow to his masculinity and he worries that he will make the same mistakes with Hope. She on the other hand is worried that Matt will give up on them because when her crazy sister returns to town she causes a bucket load of trouble. What I loved was the depth of support and compassion they show one another.

The spirited, strong-minded Jaxi plays a pivotal role in the story as Hope’s close friend and confidante. As well, Jaxi is a supportive sister-in-law to Matt. Readers can look forward to getting caught-up on the goings on with the six-pack Colemans. The twins are wild as ever and a we discover there is more to Travis besides being a lady killer.

Set in small town Alberta, Arend instills humor and heart into a story that doesn’t let a reader forget that these ranchers are extremely hardworking people who battle nature herself to eek out a living but know how to play hard. Vivid descriptions of breathtakingly beautiful country took me into each scene as Matt and his family tend the land and livestock. There is a deep sense of family closeness and commitment in these stories. I laughed out loud when Matt referred to the exhausting, backbreaking work required during calving season as the coming apocalypse. And, I learned about something called mud bogging when Hope and the Coleman gang take advantage of an unusually warm day when a Chinook blows through the area. It’s good country fun!

The conclusion of Rocky Mountain Desire brought a tear to my eye as Arend gives Hope and Matt a perfect and memorable HEA. This one is a keeper and will definitely be a re-read.

It’s going to be a long wait for Book 4 of the series, Rocky Mountain Angel, due out in December 2012.

I give Rocky Mountain Desire 5 Stars

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