Monday, February 29, 2016

Release Blitz & Review: With Ties that Bind (Broken Bonds Series #1) by Trisha Wolfe


With Ties that Bind
Broken Bonds #1

By:
Trisha Wolfe

Published:
Feb. 29, 2016

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from the Author in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

This series is a spinoff of the Broken Bonds serial which must be read prior to beginning this first book. Contains spoilers to the Broken Bonds serial. 

Detective Ethan Quinn has questions. The Arlington Slasher case is closed, the UNSUB no longer a threat—but Quinn can’t quiet the suspicion he harbors toward his partner and the young, attractive M.E. Not only does he loathe his uncertainty, he’s torn between doing his job and protecting his team. 

But burying himself in cases no longer works. He’s restless. On edge. And tired of fighting his compulsions. Quinn has always viewed the law in black and white. Only now his world is swirling with a murky gray that threatens to devour him. 

When lead medical examiner Avery Johnson careens toward a dangerous path, she pulls the unwitting detective into a dark web of deception and lust, triggered by a spree of recent killings. 

Is this new player linked to the Bathory murders, or is it another copycat? 

Time almost took Avery from him once before. As the clock ticks, Quinn will stop at nothing to protect her, refusing to let Avery become a victim again. Against his uncompromising logic, Quinn can’t deny his feelings. Avery forces him to acknowledge his darker desires, tempting his control—which weakens with every second he spends with the feisty M.E. as they hunt down the perpetrator threatening to tear them apart. 

Catch Up with the first Broken Bonds serial: With Visions of Red - the first book is FREE 



My Thoughts:

I have become obsessed with Trisha Wolfe's Broken Bonds books.  These are the very best of the best dark erotic thriller romance stories filled to the brim with climatic suspense.  They leave readers on the edge of their seat, begging for more!  Be prepared, don't start this book unless you have enough time to read it all in one sitting, because if you are anything like me, you will not want to stop until the last page is read.  My life has been hectic with responsibility, therefore, I couldn't achieve this, and found myself obsessing throughout my entire day about Avery and Quinn's story.

The With Visions of Red Serial comes before With Ties that Bind, and needs to be read first to avoid major spoilers.  The Broken Bonds serial focused on Agent Sadie Bonds, Love interest Colton Reed, and a deranged serial killer.  Now, Sadie is a secondary character, and the Broken Bonds series focuses on two different characters.

Medical examiner Avery Johnson feels broken and forever changed after her traumatic capture and torture at the hands of a psychotic serial killer.  She has lost her libido, and is determined to get it back.  Therefore, she is using her skills to develop a solution to her problem.  She also finds herself engaging in perilous and risky behaviors, which is her way of dealing with the after effects of her traumatic experience.

Detective Ethan Quinn is struggling with his morality.  He has always seen things as black and white with no gray area, and done his job by the book.  However, while working his last case, the black and white lines got blurred, and forever changed Quinn's way of thinking about and doing his job.  He is very protective of Avery, and doesn't know how to help her, but is always there when she needs him.  When dead bodies begin turning up, and clues point to the very real possibility that Avery may be in danger again, Detective Quinn makes a promise that he will protect and not fail her again.

With Ties that Bind was a scorching hot read.  The close friendship and attraction shared by Avery and Quinn, along with the anticipation and longing for one another added to the sizzling quality of this story.  I was rooting for these two from the very beginning.  Avery knew that she wanted Quinn, but he kept trying to keep things between them platonic.  I wanted him to give in to his desires and toss out his rule book!

Ms. Wolfe gives us another mystery that will leave readers desperate to piece together and solve.  We get a little glimpse in to the killer's head, but I want to hear from him more.  I'm hoping the sequel will be chock-full of the killer's perspective so I can learn more about him, see what makes him tick, and begin to put the pieces of this puzzle together.  I'm already beginning to work out some theories, but I need more information.

All I can say is that the Broken Bonds Serial and Series are have-to-reads!  They are utterly fantastic!  We get everything that you could possibly want in a phenomenal read.  These stories take you in to the minds and lives of these characters.  Reality disappears, as you eat, breathe, and sleep characters who are so real and tangible.  The mystery, suspense, and thrilling and erotic plot gives you a reader's high, from which you will never want to come down.  Yes, I suffer from a major book hangover after I finish each and every one of these books.  Like a junkie, I am feigning for the sequel of With Ties that Bind.   There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Wolfe is a master storyteller, and other writers could learn a lot from her.    

My Rating:


I give, With Ties that Bind, by Trisha Wolfe, 4.5 Addictive and Spellbinding, Dark Temptations, Mystery Killer, Frenzied Passion, Give Me the Next Book Now Filed Stars!  What a fantastic read!!!  




Book Teasers:





Book Excerpt:

Avery

The windowless room is freezing. Florescent lights hum, echoing off the cinderblock walls and tingeing the too bright, barren room in a sickly green hue. As soon as I was ushered inside, the bag was removed from my head and my lab coat was taken. 
     The thin blouse I’m left with does nothing to shield me from the frigid air. 
     I rub my arms to generate heat, giving myself something to concentrate on besides counting the seconds. I’ve only been locked inside for minutes, but panic threatens to pull me under when I imagine it turning into days. 
     So very different than before, but somehow just as frightening. I’m not shackled. I’m not drugged. I don’t, logically, think these people have the same intentions as my abductor did when he took me…but I can’t say that for certain. 
     As soon as I think I’m going to lose it and start banging on the steel door, I hear a click, and the door grinds open against the floor. 
     The man entering is tall and thickly built. He wears a mask. A Jason mask like on the horror movie. And he’s carrying a semiautomatic gun. My stomach plunges, free-fall. I want the bag back over my head. 
     He jerks his head. “Move. It’s ready.” 
     What’s ready? But I can’t work up the courage to ask. This man is not manhandling me, and somehow my feet move me in that direction. I’ve just simply lost my mind. So many days spent fearing the world after I was released from the hospital, and what I dreaded could happen—that which I told myself over and over would never happen again—has, in fact, happened. 
     What else is there left to fear? 
     Death
     I’m almost relieved. Like I’m ready to welcome it. Like I can stop dreading it now. 
     The masked man stands in the doorway as I cross through. My eyes go wide when I see what’s on the other side of the room. 
     A lab. 
     But unlike any lab I’ve ever worked in. It’s dirty, and smells of death. Not like the death in the morgue, where I’m accustomed to being surrounded by bodies. But a grotesque, sour stench that soaks my pores. 
     Tables are full of beakers and test tubes. A giant syringe station is setup with thin blue hoses curling down into a large tub. My gaze follows the tubes’ path along the back wall to a large containment unit.
     “Welcome, Dr. Johnson.” 
     I whirl around, trying to locate the source of the deep, gravely voice. Feedback pierces the air, and I look up to find a speaker in the corner. 
     The voice booms through the room again. “Go ahead. Get comfortable. There’s a coat on the hanger to your left, and goggles on the table.” 
     I shake my head. “What do you want from me?” I say to the room, hoping this unsettling PA system is two-way. 
     “It’s what we both want,” the voice responds. “I believe neither of us want any more dead girls littering up our beautiful streets. So you should get to work.” 
     I turn around and see the man with the gun standing watch at the only exit. 
     I face forward, lick my lips. “And if I can’t?” 
     The silence stretches out, endlessly taunting. I’m sure the decision to end my life has already been made. Then: “I really don’t think that’s an option for you, Miss Johnson.” A beat. “Best focus on the task at hand. You have one hour.”


Purchase At:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N 
iBooks | Google Play


Also Available:


FREE

AMAZON US / UK


Passion and lust ignite. Dark and light battle. This explosive first installment of the Broken Bonds series sets the exhilarating pace for a cat and mouse game where no one knows who’s really pulling the strings. 



Criminal profiler Sadie Bonds knows blood. Her affair with the gruesome, dark world of killers began long before she started applying her analytical skills to investigate gory crime scenes. She gets inside the killers’ heads, breaks them down, relates to them on an arcane level. She prefers it this way—because it’s safer to ally herself with the villain than the victim. At least, that’s how she’s coped ever since she was abducted and tortured as a teen. 



She will never be a victim again. 


Now, she’s honed her skills in order to bring justice to these ritualistic offenders. Working alongside her colleagues, armed with sharp wit and a SIG, Sadie always catches her sadist. Until one ruthless serial killer gets inside Sadie’s head, turning the tables. He knows her secrets. Her obsessions. The darkest, most deviant part of her soul. 

When she meets Colton Reed, dangerous stakes are raised as he threatens to unravel her control and reveal her darkest fantasies. The sexy-as-sin bondage rigger at an exclusive BDSM club pushes her boundaries, forcing her to acknowledge that side of herself she fears. Plunged into a realm of torture and suffering, pain and pleasure, Sadie balances on the razor-sharp edge of two intersecting worlds threatening to swallow her.



 AMAZON US / UK


The UNSUB has made contact. 



After a rapid string of grisly murders shakes the usually peaceful city of Arlington, Virginia, the sadistic killings of young women lull into a deceptive calm. Agent Sadie Bonds knows the terror isn’t over; serial killers don’t stop until caught. 



And this sadist has targeted the profiler, revealing pieces of her dark past and weaving her secrets into each gruesome crime scene. Is the killer someone from Sadie’s past, her present? Or is he part of a fated future she brought on herself? The answer lies within the riddle of the copycat killings, ones mimicked after the infamous Blood Countess. 


As tension brews in the department awaiting the UNSUB’s next move, Sadie’s more than on edge—her deviant cravings for the possible perpetrator have ratcheted out of control. She needs the feel of Colton’s ropes binding her, sheltering her from stark reality. 

Only Colton Reed has his own twisted secrets that threaten to unravel not only Sadie as they come to light, but the UNSUB’s carefully constructed web now entangling both the profiler and her sexy bondage rigger.





AMAZON US / UK


Who is the UNSUB? 



For Agent Sadie Bonds, finding the answer to that question means the difference between life and death for someone close to her. The UNSUB’s latest abduction reaches right into the heart of the ACPD, forcing every member of the department to search within their ranks for the sadistic perpetrator. 



Suspicion not only clouds the task force; it slithers into Sadie and Colton’s bond, challenging their love. Discovering the truth means facing their past together. Sadie’s connection to Colton has quieted her inner demons—but is she strong enough to confront the real monster? 


All players take their places as the stage is set for the final scene. With the UNSUB manipulating the game, even Sadie and Colton fall victim, spiraling deep into the darkness that threatens not only their lives, but their trust. As Sadie navigates a tortuous maze, Colton will do whatever is takes to protect her. 


The truth will set you free. Only for Sadie, her truth will test the very fabric of her reality. She must silence the threat, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves.



AMAZON US / UK


About Trisha Wolfe:

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. 





Giveaway:
$15 Amazon gift card


Release Day Blitz Organized By:
http://www.givemebooksblog.blogspot.com.au


Cover Reveal : Too Hot To Handle (Meet the Clarksons, #1) by Tessa Bailey


TESSA BAILEY REVEALS THE COVER FOR 

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Release Date: May 17th, 2016

TooHotToHandle11_RGB300 (1)



Synopsis:

When Rita Clarkson's Suburban takes its last breath on a New Mexico roadside, rescue roars up on a Harley in the form of smooth-talking honkey tonk owner, Jasper Ellis, a man as mysterious as he is charming. Rita's cross-country journey to New York City--with her three estranged siblings in tow--is only beginning, but now that Jasper has found Rita, his plans do not include her leaving. 

Add to Goodreads

Pre-order Links:
 Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play


About Tessa Bailey:
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Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.


   


Sunday, February 28, 2016

Book Spotlight: His to Guard (Fate #6) by Elizabeth Reyes


His to Guard
Fate #6

By:

Elizabeth Reyes

Release Date:

Feb. 2016

Add to

Goodreads

Source:

eARC from the author in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:


Even if you've given up, it doesn't mean your heart ever does. 


With her life in danger, Raquel Santana had just begun to blend into the sleepy little town she'd escaped to, to start over. Now her father's non-negotiable plan to protect her could ruin everything. After adamantly refusing to have someone watch over her, she finally relents. 


Only nothing can prepare her for who arrives at her doorstep. 


Finding out the beautiful woman Isaiah Romero is assigned to guard is someone he has a sizzling past with—someone he's never been able to forget—should've been a good thing. But when that woman is someone who a)he'd never trust with his heart again and b)completely off limits to him forever now, his loyalties are tested. 


When the forbidden becomes His to Guard . . .

restraint becomes a torment. 

Despite the attraction he's surprised he still feels for her and the inevitable sexual tension he knows he'll have to endure, Isaiah is adamant about one thing: even unwritten rules should never be broken—until they are.





Fate Series:
Our Review on Breaking Brandon Here
Our Review on Suspicious Minds Here
Our Review on Again Here
Our Review on Rage Here



*Add the Fate Series to Goodreads Here



Lindy's Thoughts:


Elizabeth Reyes is one of my favorite authors.  All of her books are excellent.  I love having a go-to author that I know will deliver a great read every single time.  I have been waiting, not so patiently for His to Guard, and I was in "book heaven" while I read this story.  There are so many ways that Ms. Reyes delivered with this book.  She gave me an alluring bookish escape, amazing characters, and an engaging plot.  I devoured His to Guard in one sitting.  It flowed easily, and was extremely fast-paced.  The sizzling hot attraction between the main characters was visceral.  I felt their passion, longing, and connection.

Isaiah Romero meets the sexy and beautiful Raquel "Kelli" Santana at a bar, and spends one unbelievable weekend with her.  He's never felt such a connection with another woman before.  Everything is so easy and effortless when he's with her, and the passion they share is life changing.  However, after that weekend, Kelli never calls him or answers any of his texts.  

A month later Kelli shows up at a family function with Isaiah's younger brother Nathan, and it's obvious that his brother is serious about her.  Kelli didn't know that Isaiah and Nathan were related, and says that she is just friends with his brother.  Isaiah doesn't believe her, especially after Nathan calls her "His Girl."  Kelli is forced to go in to hiding when her mafioso father is targeted by dangerous enemies.  Isaiah has just gotten a job as a bodyguard with his cousin Moe's security firm.  

He is shocked when he learns that the person that needs protection is Kelli, who was assigned to him under an alias with a false background.  Isaiah is on high alert from escalating danger, and is struggling to resist the temptation he feels towards her on a daily basis.  He could never betray his brother, by being with the girl that Nathan cared so deeply about.  Kelli has deep feelings, but knows that trying to be with Isaiah is a losing battle...Or is it?

His to Guard was an exciting romance.  I loved the constant push-pull of the main characters.  Isaiah was so sexy!!!  I loved his alpha male tendencies, and the fact that he tried to pretend that he didn't care, but couldn't help when his jealousy and possessiveness came out!  Talk about sizzling hot, explosive, raw passion.  I couldn't get enough of this power couple!  


I am really looking forward to Nathan Romero's story.  This sexy firefighter playboy is the last Romero standing.  I can't wait to see the woman that steals his heart, and makes him a one-woman man!  

My Rating:

As per usual, the main characters and secondary characters are what makes Ms. Reyes books so special.  The strong ties of friendship and family are authentic, endearing, and entertaining.  The passion and romance between her characters are always on point.  I give, His to Guard, by Elizabeth Reyes, 4.5 Instant Connection, Secrets, Danger, Fake Fiancee, Raw Passion Filled Stars!  










Mikki's Review:


One of my most anticipated reads of 2016 was His to Guard by Elizabeth Reyes. When I finished reading Rage, which is the 5th installment in the Fate series,  I knew that these characters were going to drive me nuts. Let me explain. Rage is AJ's story (Isaiah's brother). We got a few scenes in which Kelli and Isaiah were involved. I was so freakin' confused and I had a really bad vibe about Miss Kelli ''I love keeping secrets'' Santana. I was so mad with her!!! 

From the moment that they meet, sparks fly between Raquel ''Kelli'' Santana and Isaiah Romero. They spend an unforgettable weekend together and both develop strong feelings towards each other. When Kelli never calls back, after their weekend together, Isaiah has no other choice but to forget about her...Until she walks back into his life. Her sudden return is filled with lies and secrets. Kelli wants to explain why she never called back, but Isaiah has set some rules when it comes to a relationship with Kelli. He has no intentions of breaking them and hurting the people that he loves. Kelli does what she does best and disappears again. As time goes by, Isaiah is determined to forget Kelli, but his feelings are too strong. Fate has other plans when it comes to Isaiah's relationship with Kelli. She comes back unexpectedly into his life and she will do whatever it takes to make him understand why she acted the way she did. Rules will be broken and loyalties will be tested. Will Isaiah be able to forgive Kelli once she reveals all her secrets?

I could not wait to see what Elizabeth had up her sleeve when it came to Kelli. I had my doubts about this heroine, but I must admit that I was cheering for #TeamKelli before the 50% mark. Once she revealed her secrets, it all made sense why she acted the way she did. I really, really, really did not like her in Rage. I'm not the only reader that felt that way about her, but Elizabeth did a phenomenal job with Kelli's character. I have to admit I was wrong and pleaded mea culpa. I felt bad for Kelli in some scenes of the book. Isaiah is a Romero after all and if you are familiar with the Romero's, you know that they have a special temper ... lol!!! No matter how many times she tried to explain herself, Isaiah kept on doubting her. It was a journey filled with many ups and downs for these two characters. I loved how they both grew has individuals. It was not an easy road for these two lovebirds, but their HEA was inevitable. 

His to Guard kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! It's a beautiful story that will make you feel all kinds of different emotions. I highly suggest you read the previous books in the Fate series. I absolutely love them all and you are seriously missing out if you have never read a book by Elizabeth Reyes. She's a wonderful storyteller and her characters are simply unforgettable! Reuniting with all the Romero siblings was pure joy and my little heart was so happy. These characters have all a special place in my heart. I highly recommend His to Guard as your next reading escape. You will not be disappointed!

My Rating:


I give, His to Guard, 4.5 passionate, intense, unexpected, second chance at love stars!









Book Teaser:



Purchase At:
Amazon | B&N | iTunes
Kobo | Smashwords



About Elizabeth Reyes:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she'll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon. 

In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self-published books as well.