Something More by Ella Jade

Title: Something More
Author: Ella Jade
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Reviewer: Lacey Wolfe
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon | B&N | ARe | Beachwalk

An affair and a shocking secret threaten to tear apart a rich and powerful family.

Claudia Samson, housekeeper to the privileged Callahan family, finds herself alone and pregnant after a brief fling with Gavin, the youngest Callahan son. When she informed him of the pregnancy he accused her of running a scam and made it clear that she was on her own.

Brody Callahan, Gavin's older half-brother, has devoted his entire life to running the family business. He doesn't realize what he's been missing by throwing himself into his work until he finds Claudia asleep in the family guest bedroom. He has discovered his very own Sleeping Beauty. Intrigued by the young woman, he vows to get to know her better.

Although Claudia is instantly attracted to the charismatic businessman, she knows her secret will destroy any chance they have for a future together, but Brody's awfully hard to resist.

Meanwhile, as Gavin watches Brody and Claudia's relationship develop, he begins to devise a plan to use the secret to his advantage. He wants full partnership in the business—something he was denied by both his brother and their deceased father—and maybe now he can finally obtain it.

Can Brody and Claudia survive the storm, or will the secrets and blackmail destroy both them and their love?

~Excerpt~

When Claudia made her way outside, the limo was there, but the driver wasn't. She looked around, but didn't see him. She decided to get in and wait for him. He'd have to come back for the car sooner or later.

She opened the door and slipped inside, placing her bag on the floor. She was grateful the air conditioning was on in the car, another perk the bus didn't have.

"Hello, sweetheart."

"Brody?" She looked up and saw him sitting next to her. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you." He moved his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. "I missed you." He freed her hair from her ponytail and shook it out with his fingers so that it fell down her back and over her shoulders. "Much better, princess."

She laughed because she had just thought of him as The Prince. If he only knew.

"What is it?"

"I'm happy to see you." She giggled. "You make things much better."

"Hard day?"

She leaned closer to him, took his face between her hands, and kissed him. At first, she moved slowly, but the way he looked at her with those smoldering eyes told her everything she needed to know. He was just as excited to see her as she was to see him.

She ran her tongue along his lips, begging for entrance. He eagerly accepted as he parted them and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. His breath was hot and his lips were hungry as he kissed her with more force than she expected. She moved her hands up and twisted her fingers in his hair, moving him closer to her.

He pulled her onto his lap, pushed her hair to the side, and kissed her neck. She could feel his excitement pressing against her hip. His erection was trapped between his stomach and her side. He shifted his hips and rubbed himself into her. She sighed against his mouth, but then he pulled away.

"Claudia." The sound of his voice was both desperate and breathless. "I could take you right here, but that’s not what I want."

"It isn't?" She didn't mean to sound disappointed.

"Let me rephrase that." He moved her to sit beside him. "I would want nothing more than to have my way with you right here, but I don't think either of us intended it to be that way between us the first time."

"You think about our first time?"

"Every second of the day." He shrugged. "I'm a guy."

She laughed, but realized he was right. She'd gotten carried away. It was the way he looked at her, the scent of his body wash, all spice and cinnamon, that drove her crazy.

"It's your fault," she said. "You're irresistible."

"I was thinking the same thing about you."

She shook her head and looked down. She felt his fingers on her chin in an instant, and then she was gazing into his eyes. She loved those blue depths. They were soothing and made her forget everything she had on her mind.

"You really need to take my compliments better. I speak the truth." He kissed her. "I'll keep telling you how perfect you are and eventually you'll believe it."

She would never believe it. A perfect woman wouldn't lead a man like Brody on. A perfect woman would tell him the truth. She was far from perfect.

~Trailer~


Trailer is created by Tamaria Soana

~Review~
Something More is a novel, but its one of those novels that you will want to read in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. And Ella Jade ended each chapter in a way that I had to know what was going to happen next. The author has a tag line on her website : Get Lost In My Words . Mrs. Jade certainly delivers on that!

In this story we meet Claudia who is the housekeeper. She is innocent and one of the brothers prays on that innocence and begins an affair with her, leaving Claudia pregnant. When she tells Gavin, he denies the child and leaves her to be. One evening, the pregnancy has began to wear her down and she falls asleep on the guest bed. I loved this part, because its when the hero of the story, Brody, gets his nickname for her, Sleeping Beauty. Brody is drawn to her from the beginning and has to have her!

Claudia and Brody begin a relationship, but the baby lurks between. Can Brody overcome the fact that she is carrying his brothers baby?

Brody is one of my favorite heroes that Ella Jade has written. He will make you swoon. In fact, I think he's flawless and perfect and I wonder if there is a Brody store somewhere where I can get one just like him. :) If you've read Ella Jade before, you will want this one. If you haven't, then I think this is a great book to start with!

Decadent Thursday: Sugar Girl

Title: Sugar Girl 
Author: Nicole Austin 
Series: Naughty Sleepover
Publisher: Decadent Publishing 
Source: Recieved from publisher in exchange for an honest review
Reviewer: Lacey Wolfe
Buy: Decadent 

A guy walks into a bar…

And finds the sweet girl he shouldn’t have left behind.

While book smart Candy Dillon went to college and embarked on an engineering career, Jeremiah Lange became a rodeo champion and country music icon. Their differences have kept these childhood friends apart until finally, the twists and turns in their individual paths lead them right back where they belong.

All work and no play has Candy aching for a thrill. Jeremiah is the perfect man to help check a few things off her bucket list. From bungee jumping to making out on a Ferris wheel and an emotional spin beneath bright spotlights, Candy’s having the time of her life.

But in the harsh light of the morning after can she really hold on to a shooting star?

~Excerpt~

Unruly black hair had been tamed to silky waves above big blue eyes she’d gladly drown in. His face was rough-hewn with sharp angles, and a rugged beard shadow softened the intensity of his square jaw. He’d grown into that coltish boy’s body and then some. Broad chest, powerful arms roped with corded muscles, lean hips….

Calloused fingers grazed her cheek, drawing her focus back to his smiling eyes.

“Of all the gin joints….” he prompted, beginning a familiar greeting they’d shared a million times over while growing up.

She grinned up at him. “In all the towns, in all the world….”

“She walks into mine.” He finished the famous movie line, cupping her cheek, his thumb repeatedly gliding along her bottom lip. “I can’t believe it’s you. What are you doing here?”

“At the hotel? Guest speaker at a conference. In San Antonio? I moved back to be closer to my mom. Dad—”

Her voice choked up, unable to say the words. It had only been three months since her father’s fatal heart attack. The wounds were still raw.

Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her in to that incredible body, one hand holding her head cushioned against a delicious chest she wanted to lick, the other rubbing soothing circles over her back. He smelled good—sandalwood and leather.

“I heard about your dad.” His voice rumbled through his chest and into her, Candy eagerly soaked in the delicious vibration. “I’m so sorry.”

In his arms, she felt safe and loved, never wanting to leave. All too soon, he broke the embrace and stepped back. “Come on, grab your drink. Let’s find a table and catch up.”

With a nod, she turned back to the bar, got another glass and a bottle of the chocolate wine nestled in an ice bucket from the crestfallen Luke. She gathered her belongings and followed Jeremiah to a small table at the back of the bar.

Once they’d settled into seats, she turned his question back on him. “So what are you doing here?”

“Had a bad injury last year and can’t compete on the circuit anymore. Got tired of constantly being on the road with the band.” He shrugged. “So here I am, spinning my wheels while I wait to close on a ranch in the Hill Country.”

She’d known about the injury. It had been all over the news. That damn ornery bull’s horn had come disturbingly close to gelding Jeremiah. But the band? She hadn’t heard about him leaving Branded.

“A ranch? Wow! I thought you never wanted to be tied to one place?”

“I grew up. Had to happen sooner or later.” Shifting his chair closer, he reached out and placed his hand over hers on the table that suddenly seemed a lot smaller. He made a blatant point of checking her out, head to toe, a lascivious smile curving his lips. “You’ve certainly grown up.”

~Review
In the mood for a romance with a man that will do anything for the woman he wants? Well, you've got your read. Candy walks into the bar at the right time and comes across the man she's always loved and in return, he feels the same way. She tells him about the things she's always wanted to do, and Jeremiah makes those dreams come true.

This is a short story, so I can tell to much without giving away the whole story. But you will swoon over their romance and the author really heats up the scenes in the bedroom. If you love a story about past loves reunited, you'll want to pick this one up.

Five Stars

Author Bio:

Nicole Austin lives on the sheltered Gulf Coast of Florida, where inspiration can be found sitting under a big shade umbrella on the beach, sipping cold margaritas. A voracious reader, she never goes anywhere without a book, but started looking for something more. Something hotter.

A passion for erotic romance led to Nicole’s creation of sizzling characters and boundary pushing stories. Now she lives in an incredible world where fantasy comes to life in bold, vivid detail. Well, until real life intrudes and she has to share the computer with the rest of the family.

Death is a Bitch Review + Giveaway

Death is a Bitch virtual book tour was organized by FMB Blog Tours.

Title: Death Is A Bitch

Author: Cate Masters

Genre: Fiction, Paranormal, Romance,

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Words: 34800

Purchase: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | B&N | All Romance Ebooks |

Eternity can suck when it’s all work, work, work. Death harvests souls even when they stack up faster than pancakes in an all-you-can-eat-buffet. No wonder she can’t shed the Grim Reaper rep.

As the patron angel of death and dying, Azrael works closely with Death but is dying for true intimacy. She’s the only immortal who’s ever aroused such powerful emotions in him. One taste of her leaves him needing her like humans need air and food, but will a demon’s lies leave a bad taste?

No one escapes Death – except King Sisyphus. Twice. With the help of Damien the demon, Sisyphus tries again, and she’s determined to have justice. Some say Death’s a bitch, but only when she has to be. But will the price of justice be a broken heart?

Excerpt:

Death stepped from the shadowy curtain of night along a deserted stretch of road toward the mangled hunk of cherry-red metal that used to be a sweet Z240 sports car. Stardust glinted in the black hair that dipped to her waist.

She kept a safe distance from the wreck. Inside, a thirtyish man slumped behind the wheel, the air bag deflating away from his near-lifeless body. Blood oozed from a nasty gash to his head. Should have worn his seat belt. Too late for life lessons, though. Those weren’t her expertise anyway. Just the opposite.

Leaves crackled in the underbrush beyond the nearby trees. Death gripped the silver charm bracelet on her wrist, her senses on high alert. Her finger poised near the hidden latch, ready to release a stream of lightning.

A deer. It stilled, its wide eyes fixed on her.

Seeing nothing else, she continued with a modicum of caution. Taking souls didn’t exactly make her popular, and after so many millennia, she should’ve been used to it. The bad jokes. The Halloween parodies. A scythe? Please. She’d never used cheap props. Only the finest weaponry. No mortal ever suspected the intricately designed baubles adorning her bracelet were anything more than ornamental.

Moonlight gleamed off the curves of the sports car, and she ran a gilded nail along its hood. She wouldn’t mind taking one of these babies for a spin. In its former condition, of course, before this guy took the curve too fast and wrapped it around a tree. Humans always rushed everywhere, sometimes straight into her arms.

The man’s moan signaled she had no need for weapons. This one would give her no trouble. She fingered his blond hair, matted with blood. What a shame. So young, and so handsome. He’d leave at least one lover grieving, no doubt.

His eyes fluttered open. When he looked up, recognition intensified the flicker of life in his eyes.

She needed no introduction. They always knew her, unmistakable in the glimmering black filament gown, its folds revealing a glimpse into infinity.

The stilettos usually earned a second glance, the four-inch heels glistening like fool’s gold. The butterfly tattoo spanning her upper arm likewise drew curious looks, which inevitably changed to horror when the souls recognized the face imprinted within that colorful ink: their own.

Review:

Death is extremely overworked, the souls are starting to back up. Azrael rose in the ranks until he was Death's superior. A spark has always been between them, when finally they come together as one and a demon comes between them.

Death is a Bitch is beautifully written, stunning and memorable characters. Legions of angels, groups of demons, and Greek legends wind perfectly together. It's a beautiful romance. A classic romance with calm love scenes. Personally I would group this as an New Adult, perfect for 18-24 crowd. 

I loved it, it was perfect, I give it 5 stars!

Enter to win a copy of Death is a Bitch.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

Cate loves to hear from readers. Email her at: cate.masters@gmail.com

Cate Masters  - Magic, mayhem and a little romance

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Coffee Time Romance | Amazon | Smashwords |

Decadent Thursday- The Landscaper

The Landscaper by Stephanie Williams

Series: Edge

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Pages: 24

Reading Level: 18+

Source: Received from publisher for an honest review.

Reviewer: Viari Rose

Lauren needs more than her backyard plowed. When she sees her new hunky gardener, she wonders if he wants to plants seeds in other places. Hot and horny, from being on a dry spell for months, she realizes that the Summer sun isn't the only thing that’s got her hot.

I just have to mention that little one had me grinning and giggling in the beginning. It was a smoking hot read. I was happy about the ending but, I wanted more. This is a solid 5 star book, an absolute must read.  

My favorite part? When Nate says “I’ll take real good care of you, baby.” And he completely does take care of her. 

Lowering the spyglasses, she ran upstairs, grabbed her wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses from the dresser. She made a mad dash downstairs and out the back door, approaching him from behind. She stood a moment, appreciating the view of his firm ass and wide shoulders.

“Ahem. Hello there. I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I believe my personal secretary hired you to take care of my much-neglected landscape?”

He stood bent over a patch of high, thorny weeds, but his shoulders bounced with silent laughter.

“That’s a clichéd greeting if I ever heard one.” He straightened and glared at her with intensity hotter than the sun—on a day when the temperature soared past a hundred and two. He made her think of a fallen angel. A bit hard, but a man who looked like he knew what he wanted, when, and how!

She wanted him—now!

“Hello. My name is Nathan Sheers.” He stuck out his hand. His eyes roamed from the top of her head, to her sandaled feet.

She shivered. So this is what a bug under a microscope feels like.

My name is Stephanie Williams. I am a native of Los Angeles, born 45 years ago. I am a full-time home business owner in the export/import trade as well as a contract Purchasing Agent for a medical facility. I enjoy opera, classical music and am a huge history buff. Reading is my passion and it’s not unusual for me to read a book a week whether it’s War and Peace or short stories by Poe and of course romance and erotica. I’ve traveled extensively and it’s not unusual to find me celebrating Christmas in the Land Down Under with a shrimp on the barbie.

Website 

Amazon      Barnes & Noble      Publishers Bookstore 

Decadent Thursday: Oceans Kiss

Welcome to Decadent Thursdays! Today is a little different as Both Tamaria and I loved the same book and debated upon who was going to review it. So, we decided since we felt the same about Ocean's Kiss that we would both review it!

Title: Oceans Kiss
Author: J.T. Cheyanne
Genre: contemporary, fantasy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 80
Buy: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookstrand

At the age of seven, Devan McDaniel awakened to a new world full of color, noise, and clarity. On vacation with her mother, she waded into the warm waters of the Atlantic and her life changed. It, the debilitating affliction she’d struggled with since birth, disappeared. But, Devan wasn’t free. To control It, she maintained a strict routine of daily visits to the salty depths. Lack of vigilance sent her careening back into Its black void of sensory deprivation. Devan didn’t mind the swims. She loved the ocean and her Furies. The three dolphins had shown up almost a year after her family moved to the seaside and were her constant companions when she entered the sea. But lately, Devan yearned for more. She longed to find a man who could love her and accept It.

Dominic Cole lived and breathed the ocean. He’d entered the Navy and qualified for one of the elite SEAL teams. After a disillusioning mission, he retired. Unable to separate from his love of the sea, he settled down in Florida, where he set to work as a marine biologist. The small cove he researched offered up many interesting surprises, including three friendly dolphins. Dominic’s peace didn’t last. His highly tuned senses warned him danger lurked.

A blind date arranged by mutual friends brought Dominic and Devan together. Stunned by his immediate reaction to her, Dominic found himself agreeing to diving lessons. In a matter of weeks, Devan mastered the skills required and in the process, fell mask-over-flippers in love with the powerful, stoic instructor. Resisting Devan’s allure, Dominic struggled to keep his hands to himself. When he finally gave in, his worst fears were realized.

Would he find Devan before It and his enemy ended her life?

Tamaria's Review:

Ocean's Kiss was by far one of the best short stories I've read in awhile. Devan's life awakens on a trip with her mother to the ocean. The waters engulf and her world opens up for the first time and she finally has a way to deal with IT (her debilitating affliction that controls her life). Her struggle isn't over she must emerge herself in the salty water a few times a day to stay free.

Dominic lives for the ocean. He's a retired Navy Seal (swoons just thinking about him in uniform and out!) and has settled down and studies the marine life in a Florida cove. The two meet on a blind date set up by a friend. They are drawn to each other instantly.

When Dominic agrees to give her diving lessons they end up spending time together and the attraction only intensifies between them. They both yearn for more but they hold deep secrets that keep them apart. Dominic's past comes back to haunt them and puts Devan's life in danger.

To say I couldn't put this story down is an understatement! Ocean's Kiss has everything you could want in a story; love, romance, suspense, and plenty of action!



Viari's Review:

Ocean's Kiss holds it's secrets well. Everything comes to a head at once, and I loved it.

J.T. Cheyanne has a very distinctive style of writing, with beautifully rendered characters, a passionate story with the most perfect ending, with just the right blend of action. This story is one that will stay with you after that last page is read.

Together hands down we both give Ocean's Kiss 5 out of 5 stars!

~Excerpt~

“Devan? What happened?”

Her words, when she finally spoke, emerged muffled against his skin. He eased her back away from him.

“I can’t understand you, sweetheart. Is this another It attack?”

Devan took a deep breath and focused on his warm brown eyes. She shook her head. “A man…at the office. He knew I was going diving.” She saw the confusion in his eyes. “Dom, I haven’t told anyone at the office about the lessons. I haven’t even told Terrica, my best friend. There’s no way he could know, unless he’s been spying on me.” The trembling started again despite her best efforts to control it. “He could have been…the person who shot at me. But I don’t understand why.”

Dominic’s gaze hardened, and she actually experienced the change that came over the man. No longer was he the marine biologist about to give her diving lessons. A pissed-off, ready-to-do-battle Navy SEAL stood before her. Dangerous did not begin to describe the vibe rolling off his large, heavily muscled frame. Devan’s body responded instantly to the dominant male holding her. She wet her lips as her core clenched. Nothing like an alpha male to chase away the boogey man. Before she could embarrass herself, he swung her clear of the breakers and strode for the shore.

About the Author

J.T. Cheyanne resides in the beautiful state of Alabama. J.T. lives with her two sons and daughter. An avid reader since fourth grade, she has only just started writing her own stories. She also has several works in progress with a co-author. When she’s not writing, she enjoys coaching cheerleading in her local youth organization.

Decadent Thursday: Burn for You

Title: I Burn for You by Calista Fox
Series: The Edge
Pages: 22
Genre:  Paranormal, Erotica
Reading Level: 18+
Source: Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review
Reviewer: Viari Rose
Rating: 5 out of 5
Find it at:   Amazon     B&N    Decadent   

There’s no telling what will happen when Eros sends his naughty muses to the mortal world to spice up love lives, but one thing’s for sure—it’ll be H-O-T!
Kate Lindsey’s husband died four years ago, and while she believes she’s finally ready to move on, she’s still sending out “Grieving Widow” signals that keep men at bay. Until one stormy evening when the sexy man she’s crossed paths with at the library shows up at her door.
Unbeknownst to Kate, Edward is one of the Muses determined to reignite a mortal’s passion—and he intends to give her one steamy night of pure pleasure. Will Kate take the bait?

Burn for You is the first book in the Cupid's Naughty Muses series, within Decadent Publishing Edge Series and it starts off with one hell of a bang! The Greek Gods are not lost, merely forgotten as the rise of new gods through the ages. However, they still exist, and sometimes mortals just need a little guidance, and Cupid's Naughty Muses have a more hands on approach.

It is a perfect tale, with smoking hot scenes and a short wonderful story line. I'd give it a solid five with just the last half of the book alone. You're in for one hell of a ride.

Unsure what gave her the verve to write a new, refreshing chapter in the stalled-out book of her life, she lifted the blanket from her shoulders and draped it over the end of the sofa. Standing before Edward in nothing but navy blue lingerie took quite a bit of nerve, particularly with the thin satin clinging to her curves and ending mid-thigh.

He loosened his tie. An electric current arced between them and she gravitated toward him. She boldly pulled one end of his tie down his chest then discarded it the way she’d carelessly tossed aside her dress earlier. His blue eyes blazed with the same lust and a familiar longing she also felt.

“Have you lost someone you cared for?”

He nodded. “A long time ago.”

“Has there been anyone since?”

“No.” He gave a decisive shake of his head. “There seems to be less emphasis on intimacy these days and more on just...surviving.”

“For a lot of people, these are difficult times.”

He slid a finger along the thin strap at her shoulder. “So many have lost their kefi.”

She stared up at him, confused. “I don’t know what that means.”

“It’s Greek for passion. Joy. Whatever it is you live for...it’s vanished from so many people.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “But is it possible to get it back?”

She waited for his answer, finding it critical he respond in the affirmative, otherwise, what would be the point of feeling such an intense physical attraction to him? An obviously mutual one.

If he didn’t believe in the ability to resuscitate passion, she’d be right back where she’d started earlier in the evening, staring at herself all gussied up, wondering why the hell she bothered if no hope existed for finally connecting with another person on a deep, visceral level. Even if just for one night, that bond would mean so much to her.

He placed a finger under her chin, hitching it up. He stared into her eyes. “If you want to feel passion again, I can give that to you.”

Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Calista Fox (aka Ava McKnight) began her professional fiction-writing career in 2005, following an exciting career in PR, where she specialized in writing speeches and Congressional testimonies. Her books have received rave reviews, and she has won several contests with publication as the prize. She is also the recipient of Romance Reviews Today’s Best Book for its category and a Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Sci-Fi Erotic Novella.

Calista is a college graduate and teaches online writing classes. She lives on a golf course in Arizona when not checking off locations on her travel bucket list. She has crossed the country many times over by Lear and Gulfstream jets with her PR job and travels internationally, always with her laptop in tow to capture intriguing story elements and exotic locales.

To learn more about the Edge series visit their blog. 

To learn more about Decadent Thursday click here. 

Broken by Diane Alberts 1Night Stand Story

Welcome to Decadent Thursdays! 

Title: Broken

Author: Diane Alberts

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, military romance

Heat level: 4

Source: My Kindle

Reviewer: Tamaria Soana

Pages: 39

Price: $2.99
Blurb: Staff Sergeant Matt Warwick returns from war with two broken legs—and a shattered future. Abandoned by his fiancée, he withdraws into a protective shell to hide from the pity filled glances thrown his way. His squad worries he’s fallen into depression, and arranges a 1NightStand through the renowned Madame Eve. Matt agrees but fears he will not be able to satisfy his date, for who would want a crippled man in her bed?

Tiffany Forsen escaped a brutal relationship, and seeks to jump-start her life with a fling. Bars aren’t her scene, so when she hears of the fabulous 1NightStand service, she contacts Madame Eve immediately. All she wants is a night of fun with the hot guy in her picture—but winds up with much more. Can she convince him that she doesn’t see a crippled man…but a hero?

Or will his defenses keep her at arm’s length?

Excerpt:
He snorted at the same time as he took a sip of champagne. It spewed out, spraying all over her chest. His hand covered his, but he ruined the effect by bursting into laughter.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming,” she murmured.

“I’m sorry. But if you could have seen the way you looked at me,” he managed through his laughter. He lost it again, doubling over in renewed merriment. Seeing him so happy, so carefree, made her lips twitch into a smile as well. “You’re so small, and dainty, but you looked ready to track her down and beat her to death. Maybe you should enlist in the Marines.”

“Hell no. Army brat all the way.”

“Blasphemy,” he said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “God, Tiffany, I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Or at all.”

Their gazes collided and they both froze. An invisible pull, some indescribable magnet, pulled them closer, even as it built up tension. Her stomach clenched, and her body tingled from head to toe. The man’s ability to weaken her with desire was laughable. If he made her this hot before trying, imagine what he’d be like in the bed. Or on the floor.

“Then it’s been too long.” She rose to her feet, ready to get things moving. She had the perfect excuse. Knees wobbling, she turned her back to him, slanting a coy look over her shoulder. “Can you unbutton me? I want to get out of this wet dress.”

He swallowed hard, set his champagne down next to hers, and wiped his palm on his jeans. Reaching out, he parted her dress one button at a time. His fingers brushed against her skin with each movement, making her bite back a moan. Her legs grew even weaker, her knees shaking. How much longer would she be able to remain standing?

When he reached the last button, right above her butt, she took a steadying breath, shrugged her shoulders free, and allowed the dress to float to her feet. He drew in a harsh breath behind her. She turned to him, her red lace panties and matching bra her only clothing. She kicked her sandals off, paused—dare she be so brave?—and slid onto his lap.

She didn’t tend to act so boldly, but damn, she needed him now. Not because it had been six months since she’d been laid. Not because she’d had a few glasses of champagne. No, she needed him now because of…well…him. From the moment she’d seen him, she’d craved him.

She met his eyes, running her fingers down the arms she’d been admiring from afar all night long. “Excuse my forwardness, but I can’t wait any longer to have you.”
~My Review~

Those of who know me are aware that I love the 1NS series, and that I'm a sap. I love stories that make me feel.

Tiffany and Matt are both broken for different reasons. Madam Eve brought them together for one night of passion but more then that transpired, mainly healing.


Miss Alberts puts you on an remarkable emotional journey in Broken. I cried many tears, but after reading the last word… I closed my Kindle with a smile.

I strongly recommend Broken so I proudly give it 5 stars!

Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, and a bird. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. She has been writing since she was in elementary school, but only recently fulfilled her dreams of being published in 2011. Enjoys dyeing yarn and knitting in her “spare” time.

She loves interacting with readers, so feel free to email her!

Email address: diane@dianealberts.com

Website       Twitter      Facebook

Amazon      Barnes & Noble      Publishers Bookstore 

Decadent Thursday - Slack Tide by Vanessa Barger

Welcome to Decadent Thursdays!

Happy Thursday! It's Tamaria and I have a treat for you today!

I'm reviewing a book from Decadents YA line today, Bono Books. 

Lately I've been reading books about selkies. Those who don't know what a selkie is, they are seal shifters. They shed their pelts (seal skin) when they come on land. They can live on land and in the sea.

This book was recommended to me in the Decadent Publishing Facebook Group. 

Title: Slack Tide
Author: Vanessa Barger
Pages: 172
Genre: Paranormal romance, fantasy, YA 

Source: Purchased

Price: $4.99

Blurb:

At a time when most girls are worried about prom dresses, Lorelei Stamper is worried about losing her skin—literally. Receiving a sealskin from her Aunt, her world is changed. Not only is she a selkie, but she holds the key to breaking a curse affecting all selkie.
Now, monsters are stalking her, forcing her to decide if she will end the curse before she even really understands what’s happening. When Declan, one of two bodyguards sent to protect her, wakes her sleeping heart, she must try to balance love, surviving her senior year, and deciding whether she wants to be human or not. No matter what she chooses, the fact remains that breaking the curse demands blood. Hers.

Dear Lorelei,

This is a family heirloom. It’s sealskin from your great-great grandmother. Whatever you do, don’t lose it. Always keep it hidden, and above all else, never put it on.

Someday I’ll tell you the story behind it. Until then, keep it safe.

Love,
Aunt Celeste



I snorted and put the note aside. Sealskin? Why on earth would anyone wear it anyway? Wasn’t that illegal?

I peeled away the paper, revealing a soft, mottled brown pelt. As I brushed the short hair, a tingle moved up my hands, flowed over my body, as if I’d walked through a field of static electricity. The scent of the sea intensified, and I had the uncanny urge to pick up the skin and rub my face on it. It was like being handed a piece of a dream I couldn’t quite remember. But I knew I liked it.

“What did Celeste send this time? Something—” my mother, Miranda Stamper, stood, mouth hanging open, unable to finish her sentence. She stared at the skin like it was a snake, poised to strike.

“It’s sealskin. I don’t get it. Her gifts are usually weird, but this really tops all.” The nonchalance in my voice sounded strained, even to me. I offered the article to my mother, though I didn’t want to. My arms shook with the effort of ignoring the urge to cradle it to my chest.

“Put that back in the box, Lorelei. Never take it out again.”

My mother trembled, her eyes never leaving the fur in my arms. She looked fearful and backed up a step, brushing a hand over her eyes. Her voice shook. “I said, put it away.”

Shoving it back into the box, I couldn’t resist dragging my fingers over the skin one last time as I closed the flaps. As soon as it was out of sight, the compulsion to touch it lessened, but didn’t leave. I could still feel it, thudding like a strong bass beat in my chest.

~My Review~

I haven't read a YA story in a long time. Slack Tide drew in instantly and Miss Barger took me on journey that was both magical, heartbreaking, and heartfelt. One minute I was laughing and the next sobbing.

You can't help but feel everything that Lorelei is feeling. Her family life was very difficult. She never felt her mothers love. She 's just finding herself and everything she knew about herself changes when she find out that she is apart of a legend.

 Decaln I fell in love with immediately. He's your typical teenage boy (well sort of). He's very into Lorelei and she's drawn to him, but fights it with everything she has in her. Declan at times isn't completely honest with her and her reaction to what she finds out sets off a chain events.  

Will the legends come true and her blood be spilled, or fate will step in a change everything?

I would love to see another book on selkies from this author. I give Slack Tide 5 Stars!

I am a Young Adult author who teaches high schoolers all about technology education (and yearbook!) in rural Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay. I am the owner slave to one cat, Molly, who looks a little like a cow when she gets a haircut, and write in myfree time. I am actively involved in the YA Fiction Fanatics critique group, which is dedicated to helping its members produce the best MG and YA novels they can write. This past summer I finally bit the bullet and also joined the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

I’ve currently finished four manuscripts, and I’m working on several more. I love writing, and my goal is to be able to do this full time someday – or at least as a published author enjoy it as a second job. I also love long walks on the beach discussing Shakespeare while sipping large fruity drinks with little umbrellas.

Website       Twitter      Facebook

Amazon      Barnes & Noble      Publishers Bookstore 

Decadent Thursday: No Strings Attached