MINI-REVIEWs: OUT OF CONTROL and A NIGHT TO FORGET

Series: n/a
Category/Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Entangled Suspense
Publication Date: 6/24/13
Format: eARC
Pages:
Source: Received from publisher for review

And they thought the blowout was hot…

Oil rig blowout specialist Blair Drake is finished with men—especially after her disastrous marriage that caused her family to disinherit and cut all ties with her. But when Nick Robichaud, a handsome, roguishly charming oil well fire expert, wildcats into her life, throwing his devil-may-care attitude all over the place, the real sparks begin to fly.

Forced to work together to kill a string of sabotaged oil rig explosions, Nick and Blair discover a plot to cripple the world’s oil supply. Unless they stop the doers, it’ll mean global economic catastrophe. With time running out and their lives on the line, they risk everything to prevent disaster. But nothing can stop the fire between them from burning out of control....

Confession: I wanted to read Out of Control solely based on the cover. You can't blame me, can you? I'm a fan of Entangled books, but had yet to read a story from their Suspense line.

 

Out of Control was an action-packed story, with a bit of romance added to the mix. I liked the heart of the story, a tough woman in a "man's" business, her attraction to a co-worker, and their investigation into the sabotage of oil wells. It's the kind of story that I really enjoy in movies, but I never read about. The issue was, the details. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I think it speaks highly of the author's commitment to getting the details of the oil industry accurate. It's just, to me, there was a lot of it. Does this make me a flake? I'd like to think not, just that my mind is geared more towards relationships.

 

Now, when it comes to the relationships in the story, I really liked that aspect of Out of Control. Blair Drake is a tough, hard working lady, but she ain't dead. (Excuse my use of the word ain't. It seemed to fit here.) Nick Robichaud is one fine Louisiana man and even though they are both committed to the job, their attraction won't be denied. I really enjoyed their banter and chemistry.

 

Out of Control is a story that I did like, but maybe wasn't quite suited for. I tend to like my information to come from dialogue or action, and it seemed as if the story relied a lot on overviews to hand it out. For those who are a little more committed to action and intrigue, it might be the perfect fit.

 

 

Favorite Quote:

  Instead, he said in a far more pronounced that usual southern drawl, with an undertone that made me think of warm whiskey and slick, hot skin, "If you take your clothes off, sugar, I guaran-damn-tee I'll do a helluva lot more than look."  ~eARC, 25%

 

Purchase Out of Control at:

(I receive no compensation for purchases.)

      

 

 

About the author:

Stephanie Feagan is a multi-published RITA winning author who also writes YA paranormal romance as Trinity Faegen. A practicing CPA who loves travel, books, and smart guys, Stephanie lives in the oilfields of west Texas with her husband and a mean cat.

 

Connect with Stephanie at her Website 


 

Series: Emma's Story #1
Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: All Night Reads
Publication Date: 6/20/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 126
Source: Received from author for review

A Night to Forget is the first book in the two-book series, Emma's Story. The second book in this series, The Day to Remember is scheduled to be released in August 2013.

What happens in Cancun doesn’t always stay in Cancun.

When Emma Anderson and her friends decided to spend their senior year Spring Break in Cancun, she expected some crazy memories to end their final college days. What Emma didn’t expect was to meet Brandon Fisher. Tall and sexy, with dimples that would make any girl swoon, Brandon Fisher was literally the man of Emma’s dreams. She couldn't quite believe that this stranger, who seduced her every night in her dreams, actually existed.

After serendipitously bumping into each other, Emma could not resist Brandon’s pull and spent an unforgettable night with him. Passing it off as a spring break fling, Emma never expected to see Brandon again. But when she started her first day at her new job a few months later, there he was. The only problem was, Brandon didn’t even remember her.

I'm honestly not sure what to say about A Night to Forget. I didn't really get into it, but I didn't dislike it either.

The story begins with Emma having explicit dreams about a gorgeous man she's never met. A few days later, she literally meets the man of her dreams, Brandon, on vacation in Cancun. They share one passionate night, and then she heads home. She's heartbroken. Months later, she begins a new job and, TA DA (!), he's her boss. But here's the catch, Brandon doesn't even seem to remember her. This confuses Emma, but she carries on and they get to know each other better.

There were different aspects to the story that initially confused me, particularly about Brandon and Emma's night in Cancun and his not knowing her when they come face-to-face months later. But happily, these issues make sense by the end of the story. That made me happy.

I'm still not quite sure what about A Night to Forget didn't quite work for me. Maybe it was Emma's melodramatic nature. I think part of it is because I wanted to know why and how Emma was having very specific dreams about a very specific person she'd never met. One she just happens to meet in the real world. Also, the story just kind of ends, at a big cliffhanger. I know this type of story seems to be really popular right now, but I think I might prefer to just read the two stories back-to-back.

So yeah...I guess that's it.


Favorite Quote:

  "Sorry about that," I said feebly, my face twisted apologetically.
  "It's okay. Just a scathing burn to the crotch; I get that from all my colleagues," he teased. "Just try not to hurt me when I come over for dinner." He winked before walking away.  ~eARC, 56%

The Emma's Story Series

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

 

 

Purchase A Night to Forget:

(I receive no compensation for purchases.)

        

     Amazon UK

 

 

 

 

About the author:

Jessica Wood writes new adult contemporary romance and chick-lit.

While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.

She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom.

She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.

And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.

The one thing she wished she had more of is time

Connect with Jessica at:

Website  |  GoodReads

EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY: NEARLY BROKEN by DEVON ASHLEY

I am so happy to be sharing an excerpt and giveaway for Nearly Broken by Devon Ashley. This book sounds amazing and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Check it out!

 

 

Series: n/a

Category/Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: 6/4/13

 

We’d both gone missing at one point, but Claire had one thing I didn’t. Someone to notice. So why was I the one still here and she the one still gone? Nineteen year old Megan Smith has spent the past year working in a small town diner in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet, simple, safe. Then comes the news that her look-a-like has gone missing.

Claire.

Still damaged both physically and mentally, Megan's not looking to be noticed. Wherever she goes from here, it's a road she needs to take alone. But when Nickolas Ellis takes the job as the new nightshift cook, it scares her how easily her defenses crumble down, down, down for him. But there are secrets she can't bear to share with just anyone, unspeakable acts that continue to haunt, and when the similarities of Claire’s abduction couples with the fear of an unwanted visitor in town, the urge to run before it all happens again intensifies, threatening the only happiness Megan's ever found.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Realistic Fiction

Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

 

 

 

EXCERPT

 

No, no…just no. I kept repeating the mantra in my head: I will not kiss Nick.  I will not kiss Nick.

      Though I really wanted to. Really, really wanted to know the feel of his lips and have his hands press against my back again, eliminating all space between us. My mind then upgraded that simple kiss to a few make-believe scenarios that were so graphic my body was in constant movement, slowly squirming in a wavelike motion. When a longing moan escaped with my breath, my eyes bolted wide.

      “Shit!” I threw the covers off and rolled out of bed. Hightailing it to the shower, I offered a quick good morning to Nick on the sofa, noting the wicked smile he gave in return. Oh, God. Please tell me that moan wasn’t loud enough for him to hear!

      The hot water worked wonders on my tight muscles, and by the time I dressed and came back out, I was so relaxed I no longer opposed the flirtatious smiles Nick continued to throw my way. But when he turned his back, my eyes began to narrow. This was the first morning since becoming roommates that he decided not to bother with a shirt, strutting around in nothing but a pair of loose-fitted cotton pants, luring my gaze to the sexy sculpture of his upper body.

      I cursed the butterflies flittering inside and my damn eyes, which couldn’t seem to stop looking.

      God, I hated him. Well, not really, but I hated how efficient he was in making me want him. Ever since he activated those butterflies last night, I just couldn’t shut the damn things off. They were still flitting around, making me antsy and driving me crazy for not kissing him. And despite my best efforts to convince myself to not get involved, I felt my resolve dissipating. I wanted to rewind time so bad, and this time ignore the distractions and stay put in his arms for that kiss.

      I entered the kitchen, where he was already leaning over the counter drinking his coffee and reading the paper. Seriously, what time did he wake up every morning to get all that before I even woke up? I hung my head backwards, just realizing he absolutely was half-naked for my benefit, because he would’ve had to put on a shirt to go out. Sucking my lower lip in and out of my mouth, I focused in on the black tribal sleeve tattoo that began halfway up his upper left arm and curled over the edge of his shoulder. I couldn’t see it at the moment, but I knew it covered part of his chest too. “Is that your only tattoo?” I asked. I knew it wasn’t. I had already seen something resembling jagged edges peeking out over the edge of his pants. I’d only asked because a sense of playfulness was overtaking me. And my eyes desired a special treat.

      “No. I also have a sunburst, but I doubt you’d want to see it.”

      Taking the bait, I inquired, “Oh, yeah? Why’s that?”

      He twisted his torso towards me and took the longest sip of coffee ever. Fighting the extension of his already curving lips, he replied smoothly, “Because it’s some place you’re too shy to look.”

(I can't wait to read this!!)
 

 

Purchase Nearly Broken at:

   

 Kobo
Kindle US, UK, DE, FR, IT, ES, CA, BR, and JP; Kobo and Nook.

  

 

GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

About the author:
I’m a mom, wife, a lover and a fighter, coffee addict, wicked knitster, Microbiologist, baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to death for that last twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh yeah, and writing is cool too!

 

Connect with Devon:

Blog  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads

 

 

 

RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY: UNTIL I BREAK by M. LEIGHTON

I'm happy today to be able to share an excerpt of Until I Break by M. Leighton. This is a book I loved and an author I adore even more. I also have one ebook to give away.

This event was organized by AToMR Tours.

Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: M. Leighton Books

Publication Date: 5/14/13
 

"I’m intrigued. Tempted beyond what I’ve ever been before. To know her, to open her up. To break her."

In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.


**This book may be read as a stand-alone, as the story of Alec and Samantha comes to a conclusion in this book**

 

 

 

EXCERPT

 

   Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!” she hisses through lips that move very little. “Here he comes!”

   I don’t move. Not a single muscle. I just stare into Chris’s wide eyes until a shape appears at my right. Slowly, I turn my head and look up, falling headlong into the most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen in real life. I see them in my head all the time. And I saw them from somewhat of a distance. But no amount of exposure could’ve prepared me for the reality of them up close. They’re like drops of cool lime with a splash of warm cream.

   He glances away from me and nods to Chris before his eyes return to mine. He tilts his head slightly to the side as he considers me. Still, he hasn’t said a word. Still, my pulse is racing out of control.

  “Can we help you?” Chris says from across the table. I can hear the smile in her voice.

   He doesn’t answer for several long seconds.

   “I know you.” It’s a statement, not a question.

   A voice inside my head, one that I only listen to when I’m writing, cries out emphatically. Yes, yes, yes! You know me inside and out! Just like I know you.

   But I shush her. He doesn’t know me. He couldn’t possibly. And I couldn’t possibly know him. Even though he looks and, thus far, acts exactly like the man that arose from the core of my imagination, from my darkest desires and deepest fears, I can’t let myself forget that he’s not Mason Strait.

   “No,” I reply.

   He falls silent again, his continued perusal making me increasingly breathless. Finally his eyes narrow on me. “I want to.”

Watch the trailer

 

 

GIVEAWAY

I have one Until I Break ebook (via Amazon or Barnes & Noble) to give away.

Must be 17+ years of age to enter.

Open Intl.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

About the author:

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Connect with author M. Leighton at:
Website | Twitter  |  GoodReads | Facebook
 

 

SULTRY SPRING SATURDAYS: UNTIL I BREAK by M. LEIGHTON

"Spring is here, and pollen is in the air. While you're sneezing your way towards Summer, pop those Claritin and lose yourself in a Sultry Spring Read."

Sexy Saturdays is a weekly post we started to challenge ourselves to read more steamy books and have a lot of fun. Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post).

The Autumn Review
Sim-Sational Books
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews
Insightful Minds Reviews
My Secret Romance
Globug and Hootie Need a Book


**The books featured on SULTRY SPRING SATURDAYS are for adults. If you are under 18 years of age, or do not like smexy books, please stop here. **


Category/Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense

Publisher: M. Leighton Books

Publication Date: 5/14/13
Format: ARC
Pages: 328
Source: Received from author for review
 

"I’m intrigued. Tempted beyond what I’ve ever been before. To know her, to open her up. To break her."

In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.


**This book may be read as a stand-alone, as the story of Alec and Samantha comes to a conclusion in this book**

 

 

 

ABSOLUTELY COMPELLING... If I had to choose only phrase to describe Until I Break, it would be that. Honestly though, as accurate as it is, the phrase doesn't really do this story justice. I would also say: Unique, Thrilling, Exhilarating, Surprising, Sexy, and Erotic. Yeah, maybe that covers it.

I honestly don't know what I can say about Until I Break without spoiling some very important details in the story. The synopsis is so intriguing, but doesn't spell out what the story essentially entails. I went into Until I Break almost blind, and I'm grateful for that. Leighton did a smart job of writing a story that slowly revealed itself and the characters, piece by fascinating piece.

Until I Break reads like a character study on two really messed up people, and Identity is a huge issue in the story.  Samantha has very deeply rooted issues when it comes to intimacy and physical relationships. She is very guarded about her true identity, and one obviously can't help but wonder "Why?". And Alec Brand...he is a large dose of WTF? hidden inside a gorgeous and compelling man. I, like Samantha, had no idea what was going on with this man, besides the sexy. This man is a completely maddening, yet intoxicating mystery.

Remember when I used the word Erotic to describe Until I Break? Let me just emphasize that point a little bit. The story is the psychological, but also sexual journey between two scarred people. Alec and Samantha both have issues, and sex plays a huge role in those issues. Leighton took those issues and handled them thoughtfully, honestly, and responsibly. And lemme tell ya, she knows how to build some completely insane sexual tension. The build-up of the physical relationship was so brilliantly done, and a true Slow Burn. I won't say that I got overly invested in the sexual tension, but  I will say that I had to remind myself to keep breathing, calm down, and I did kind of want to rip off some clothes and go nuts. (No pun intended. Truly) The level of tension was not frustrating in a bad way, just in a way that felt authentic and built up to a fabulous payoff.

Here's the thing: I feel that Until I Break can be best experienced if a reader can just relax and let the story come to you. I have the luxury of a best friend who'd already read the book, knows exactly what I love in a book,  and could just calmly reminded me that she had complete faith that I would love the story. So I guess that's my message to you, let the Alec and Samantha's story just come to you. Don't ask why, or when, or how, just let them reveal themselves, their motivations, fears, doubts, and wants. Believe me, Alec will not open up until he is ready, so don't even stress about it. Just revel in the mystery and romance and enjoy.


Favorite Quote:

  If I were half the man I should be, I'd stay away from her. I wouldn't show up tonight. I wouldn't call. I wouldn't seek her out. I'd just disappear.
  But I'm not the man I should be. Yet. My weaknesses still get the better of me now and then. And this one will. I know there's no point in even trying to resist. I've already got her scent. She's in my blood and I know there's only one way to get her out.  ~ARC, pg. 37

  "I think about doing things to you. Some of them might scare you. But others...might not."  ~ARC, pg.128

 

About the author:

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Connect with author M. Leighton at:
Website | Twitter  |  GoodReads | Facebook