Laura’s Review of Vicious (Sinners of Saint, #1) by L.J. Shen

Synopsis

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true.
The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares.
He is a brilliant lawyer.
A skilled criminal.
A beautiful liar.
A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover.
Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist.
Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom.
Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down.
She paid the price.
Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate.
That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t.
So she hates me. Big fucking deal.
She better get used to me. 

What I Loved

        It’s been a long time since I was scared and anxious to start reading a book but that’s exactly how I felt about starting Vicious.  I say scared because after reading Defy, Vicious scared the crap out of me, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a character so cruel and cold down to their very core.  Yet at the same time he intrigued me because I knew there was more to this man, he was powerful and mean but I wanted to know what made him tick. 

        Emelia is also introduced in Defy, she intrigued me in a whole different way because she stood up to Vicious when no one else had in High School and because of that I instantly loved her.  From the beginning of this book I fell for this girl all over again.  She’s struggling to make ends meet for her and her sister in New York City, cast out of California she just wants to be able to be happy and live.  Emelia’s a strong-willed woman whose fiercely loyal to her family and is crazy talented as an artist but can’t explore that side of her dreams because of financial reasons. 

        In walks her enemy, Vicious aka Baron Spencer Jr. who sees his old high school prey and pounces once again! Soon it’s easy to feel the attraction between them and the boiling anger and frustration as well.  Vicious might be an adult now but he still plays games and has no problem playing with Emelia, little does he realize how hard he is falling for her at the same time.  The back and forth between them pulls you in and makes you addicted to this story, there were so many times where I was scared for Emelia but happy for her at the same time.  Vicious is truly a scary character but when all those walls melt away you are hypnotized by his aura and personality. 

Not So Much

        I have no complaints about this story at all.  I loved every second of it, and the details for me were right on point.  I’m a fan of when authors can paint a complete picture of each scene and I got that from the beginning to end.

To Sum It All Up!

        Overall this was another amazing book by L.J. Shen, that I was addicted to from the start.  Vicious scared the crap out of me in Defy and I truly scared to see what he would be like in his own story.  I liked that the book went from past to present because it left you wondering what happened between Vicious and Emelia all those years ago and kept you wondering for quite some time. 

        I love characters that have many layers to them because it not only adds to depth to the plot it’s a sign of a good author to me.  Vicious in so many way is a complicated character; he is someone so cruel capable of creating major damage but once you make it past his many walls he is caring and capable of love.  I loved how Emelia never put up with his shit, and no matter how loud he yelled she never cowered like so many others.  I loved her unique style and spunk, she always stood out in a crowd and never really cared what people thought of her.  She loved her sister so much she was willing to sacrifice a lot for her and took care of her every single day. 

The chemistry between Vicious and Emelia was unmistakable no matter how much they fought it.  I loved seeing the power Emelia had over Vicious because no one else in his life could influence him the way she could.  The scenes between them always left me wanting more and I couldn’t wait for them to rip each other’s clothes off! This was truly a captivating story and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the HotHoles because it’s guaranteed to be awesome!!

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Untouchable (Unexpected Love #1) By Isabel Love Release Blitz & Giveaway!!!

Untouchable

Unexpected Love #1

By Isabel Love

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs

Release Date: April 6, 2017

Synopsis

The first time I see her, I want to touch her. Drawn to the sensual way she moves her body, I have to dance with her. Dancing leads to touching, touching leads to watching her come undone in my arms, but then she runs off without telling me her name—leaves me wondering if she was even real.

The second time I see her, I want to thank my lucky stars our paths have crossed once again—until I realize she’s off limits.

The universe must be playing a joke on me right now, because the sexy goddess that has been starring in my fantasies for the past couple weeks? She’s my new boss.

Translation: untouchable.

Except…

I’ve already touched her. And I want to do it again.

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Excerpt

“What’s your name?” he asks me.

“Can we just dance?” I’m not looking to start anything; an anonymous dance is all I want tonight. I’m never going to see this guy again, so exchanging names and getting to know each other is pointless.

He nods, not put off by my refusal to tell him my name. His blue eyes stare into mine, and I am hypnotized. His intense gaze sets my body on fire, and his lips—god, they’re full. As he bites his lower lip, I get the urge to bite it, too. I watch those lips curve into a knowing, sexy grin then my gaze moves from his mouth to his eyes and I feel myself flush. Electricity sparks hot between us, and my body feels like a live wire.

His big hands splay across my back and he leans down to talk directly into my ear. “Can I kiss you?”

I nod and lean up to meet his mouth with mine. Soft—his lips are so soft. His fingers thread into my hair and he pulls me even closer. My eyes flutter shut and I’m lost, my world reduced to the feel of his lips pressing into mine, gently at first, then hungrily.

His tongue licks against my lips and I open my mouth, our tongues tangling. My fingers find their way up his neck and I allow myself to touch his face. Mmmm, his stubble is soft. God, everything about this guy feels good. We kiss and kiss and I feel boneless, breathless. I’m clutching at him and he’s gripping me tight. It’s like his mouth is a magnet pulling me to him.

He makes me forget that we’re in a crowded club. That I’m a respectable physician in charge of a department. That I don’t need a man to be happy. That I usually feel as if I’m juggling a million pieces in the air every day and if I don’t stay on top of everything, all the pieces will come tumbling down. I forget everything; his kiss melts it all away.

Instead, I feel….alive. Surrounded by this strong man, in his arms, practically fused to his mouth, I feel…safe. Electric and desired. Judging by the size of the erection rubbing my stomach from behind his jeans, he is as turned on as I am. We grind into each other, and his heart beats so fast I can feel it thump against my chest.

Soon enough, our bodies start to move in a way that mimics sex. His hands skim down my body, from my hips to my bare legs. His touch is hot, waking up each of the nerve endings in its path. He squeezes my thighs then starts trailing his fingers up again, feeling my bare skin. Up and up, his fingers reach the hem of my dress, and he inches it higher, exposing more skin. Both of his hands end up just under my ass, touching the elastic of my underwear.

Oh god. I’m so wet. Just one inch farther and he’ll be able to feel what he’s doing to me. I feel his groan rather than hear it, the vibration in his throat a pained sound. He rests his forehead against mine and closes his eyes, hands still touching me, toying with the edges of my panties.

“Can I touch you?” he rasps into my ear.

I should push him away. I should be appalled that a total stranger wants to feel me up in the middle of a crowded dance floor. I should disentangle myself from him right now and leave.

But I don’t want to.

Meet the Author

Isabel Love is a hopeless romantic. She loves reading about two people falling in love, overcoming whatever obstacles they may face, and finding their happily ever after. A husband, two kids, and a full-time job keep her busy by day, but by night, she can be found with her Kindle in hand, reading “just one more chapter”.

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Plus One by Aleatha Romig Cover Reveal!!!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig is showing us a lighter side in this new fun, sexy new stand-alone, PLUS ONE releasing on May 16th! We are so thrilled to share this fabulous cover to you today.

 

Synopsis

A fun, sexy new stand-alone from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.

He's sexy and confident, the kind of man every woman notices. You know, the one with the to-die-for body and panty-melting smirk. And then there's the way his designer suits drape over his broad shoulders and big...well, we've all heard the rumors, the ones that say he's up for any challenge.

But I can't see him that way. He's my boss—technically one of the owners of the company where I work—and definitely not in my league. Men like him don't notice women like me, and they don't date them.

And I don't date men like him.

Until that one time that I catch him in a compromising position when I'm also in need of a last-minute date for a wedding...and then it's not real. It's blackmail.

For one weekend, he's my plus-one.

Beautiful and unobtainable.

From the moment she walked into my office with those stunning blue eyes and crazy sensual curves, she's been on my mind. Three years and never once has she acted interested in me. Usually I flash a million-dollar smile and women fall to their knees, some literally.

Not her.

Then on the occasion that I agree to let another woman do that—fall to her knees—guess who happens to catch us?

It may not be the most conventional way to get on her radar, but I didn't get this far in business without knowing when to seize an opportunity. If this sexy little firecracker with perfectly kissable lips thinks she can blackmail me into attending her cousin's wedding, I'm going to jump at the chance to be her plus-one.

You love her darker side. Now it's time to meet Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha, as she trades her renowned twists and turns for laughs and love with this sexy new stand-alone romance, PLUS ONE.

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Meet the Author

 

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and a member of PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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Switch (Landry Family #3) By Adriana Locke Release Blitz & Giveaway!!

Switch

Landry Family #3

By Adriana Locke

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: February 20, 2017

Synopsis

Mallory Sims is late for her first day of work.

After spilling her tea, she discovers she has no gas in her car. Add that her arm keeps sticking to her dress from syrup left on the console of her car, flustered feels like an understatement.

Then she sees her new boss.

Graham Landry is the epitome of NSFW in his custom-fit suit, black-rimmed glasses, and a look so stern her libido doesn’t stand a chance. Being flustered is just the start of her problems.

Her punctuality is only the start of his. With a pink slip in hand, he’s been waiting on his new secretary to show up only to let her go. Then she rushes in with her doe eyes and rambling excuses, smelling like bacon and lavender. The termination paper falls to the side as she falls in his arms.

This is a disaster in the making. Not because of his pinpoint exactness or her free spirit, but because when they’re together, the sparks that fly threaten to burn the whole place down.

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Excerpt

We both know we aren’t just talking about a moved stapler or a mishmash of files. As that really sets in, the air around us gets heavier. Hotter. Hazardous.

“Those things always lead to dangerous situations,” he says, his eyes trained on me.

I shift in my seat, the throb between my legs growing stronger by the second. “People do it every day and survive.”

“They may survive, but don’t things get messy?”

“Only if they do it right.”

His chair flies backwards and he’s to his feet and next to me before I know what’s happening. He doesn’t ask that I stand, but he doesn’t have to. It’s implied and my body reacts accordingly to his silent command.

We stand face-to-face, our breathing ragged. Our chests heave with the anticipation, the possibility, of what might come next.

“You are, quite possibly, the most dangerous of them all,” he says, his voice rough.

“Why is that?” I breathe.

“There’s no plan for you.”

“But you’ve already penciled me in, haven’t you, Graham?” I ask, finding the courage to play this little game with him. Being strictly professional is incredibly hard, and this is way too easy.

I can flirt with the best of them in a bar or on a college campus. But here, with him, it’s a game all its own. A level I had no idea I’d ever be a contender in. Maybe I’m not, but I’m going to play the hell out of it while I’m here … even though if I keep it up, I might not be here for long.

“What do you want, Mallory?”

“I want to do all the things you ask of me and do them better than you ever expected they could be done.”

A rumble emits from his throat as his eyes darken. My knees go weak and I grab the table with my left hand to ensure I don’t fall.

He licks his lips and flips his gaze to my mouth. I think I whimper as I lift my chin, waiting to see what he does next. My entire body is on fire for this man, my heart thumping so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

He moves so my back is pressed against the table, our food long forgotten. His hands are on either side of me, caging me in. Our eyes locked together, he leans in, a slow smirk spreading across his gorgeous face.

“Excuse me, Mr. Landry. Ford is here to see you,” Raza chirps through the line.

We exhale simultaneously, a giggle escaping with mine. There’s nothing funny about this, but the energy has to come out in some way.

“Mr. Landry?” she asks again.

“I’ll be right out. Thank you, Raza.”

“Oh, you’re so welcome, sir.” The line clicks off and Graham marches across the room and punches a button. The light on top indicates he’s not to be disturbed.

I busy myself with cleaning up our lunch, and before he’s at my side again, I have everything bundled up.

“Thanks for lunch,” I say like nothing just happened.

“Mallory …” He runs his hand through his hair, leaving one lock sticking up. Knowing what that will look like if we walk out together, I reach up, hesitating for a split second, before smoothing it out.

His hair is silky against my fingers. He jumps when I touch him at first, but doesn’t back away. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing went on in here. I refuse for it to look like something did. That’s the way rumors get spread, Mr. Landry.”

“Mallory, I …”

I get a final look at his face, reach up and straighten his tie as his eyes go wide, then turn towards the door. “I’ll send Ford in.”

“Mallory!”

“Yeah?” I turn to see him over my shoulder. He’s standing by the table, his hands in his pockets looking frazzled. When he doesn’t respond, I place my hand on the knob. “I’ll have that file back to you before I leave today. Thanks again for lunch.”

I walk out before I can change my mind.

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Meet the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana's Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

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The Boss By J.L. Perry Release Blitz & Giveaway!!!

The Boss

By J.L. Perry

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 29, 2017

Synopsis

Hanna Scott … she’s been my obsession since I was seventeen.

She’s the object of every dirty thought I’ve ever had.

I’m consumed.

I lust over her … albeit from afar.

She has no idea how I feel.

And my secret can never come out,

because there’s one major hurdle standing in our way …

she’s my best friend’s little sister.

When she offers to stand in as my temporary secretary, I’m torn.

Will I be able to risk the temptation?

Or will I succumb and lose everything that I hold dear?

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Excerpt

“Good morning, Mr Williams.”

Mr Williams? She’s never called me that before. It’s always been Harry or Giant. That’s her comeback for me calling her Shrimp. She’s four-foot-seven, so my six-foot-three frame, towers over hers.

Spinning around, I almost swallow my tongue when I find her standing in the doorway to my office. She’s wearing a high-waisted tight fitting skirt that stops just above her knees. It hugs her body perfectly. I can see a hint of white lace protruding from underneath her white silk blouse. She looks like an angel. A sinfully, hot as hell angel. The thin red belt around her tiny waist matches her sexy red heels. She’s sex on legs, a walking fucking wet dream.

I swear I’m holding my breath as my eyes drink her in. Her long blonde hair is pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck, and the red rimmed glasses she’s wearing not only frame her beautiful blue eyes perfectly, they turn me the hell on. She has this naughty librarian thing going on and it instantly has my mind going into overdrive. I picture her releasing her long blonde locks from where they’re being held captive, and imagine her shaking her head from side to side as her hair comes loose and cascades down her lean back. I shake my head and suppress a growl as I try to bring my mind out of the gutter and back into reality. What in the hell is wrong with me? Like always, she’s playing the starring role in one of my many fantasies. This shit has to stop.

When my eyes finally meet hers, I find her smiling. Did she just witness me checking her out? Thank fuck she can’t read minds. I’d be in deep shit if she could. Having her here is going to be harder than I thought.

Clearing my throat, I tug at the tie around my neck as I take a step closer. I’m suddenly feeling claustrophobic. “You don’t need to call me, Mr Williams, Han.”

“What did your other Secretaries call you?”

“Mr Williams,” I chuckle.

She looks up at me from beneath her glasses and I’m pretty sure my heart just skipped a beat. I could drown in those damn eyes of hers. “Well, Mr Williams it is then.”

“I’d feel stupid hearing you call me that.”

“Only in the office,” she replies with a smile. “Outside of here, you’ll still be Giant, my brother’s pesky friend, or just plain old Harry.”

“Your brother’s pesky friend, hey?” I say, pulling her into a headlock.

“Yes,” she laughs.

“Take that back, Shrimp.”

“Okay. Only mildly pesky … and only on occasions.”

We’re both laughing when I release her. She’s like no other woman I know. Things are so easy around her, just like breathing.

“So now we’ve got that established, where do you want me to start?” I smile when she eagerly rubs her hands together. I like her enthusiasm.

“Come, your desk is out here.” The thought of moving her desk into my office, flashes through my mind. That would be asking for trouble; trouble I don’t need.

Placing my hand on the small of her back, I lead her out to reception. Once she’s seated, I get her to log onto the computer. “I have a conference this afternoon, I’m going to need you to make sure all the files are in order. I’ll also need you to print out copies of my presentation, for them to follow.”

“That sounds like something I could do.”

“Click on the Jensen merger file,” I say, leaning forward and pointing to it on the screen. I inhale a large breath when her fruity, yet flowery, smell invades my senses.

“Did you just sniff me?”

“What? No.” Standing to full height, I clear my throat. “Why would I sniff you?” I deadpan. Jesus. I’m starting to look like some kind of sniffing freak. In my defence, she shouldn’t smell so good. I need to get my shit together if I’m going to come out the other end of this unscathed.

“Okay. No need to get so defensive. I thought I heard you sniff.”

“Nope. No sniffing. I definitely didn’t sniff you.” I’m such a damn liar. I so sniffed her.

“Okay. You didn’t sniff me,” she says, shrugging her shoulders. “Relax. Geez. It’s no big deal.”

“I’ll email you a list of jobs that need doing this morning. After lunch, you’ll need to set up the boardroom for my presentation.”

With that, I turn and head back into my office. I need distance.

It’s safer.

Meet the Author

**VOTED BEST NEW AUTHOR FOR 2014 IN AUSROM TODAY'S READERS CHOICE AWARDS**

J L Perry is a mother and a wife. She was born in Sydney, Australia in 1972, and has lived there her whole life. Her love of reading, from a young age, gave her the passion to write. My Destiny was originally written for her sister, in 2013. It was never intended to be published. However, after finishing this book, she felt there was still a lot of Brooke and Logan's story left to tell. This inspired her to write My Forever. With the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to follow her dream and become a published Author.

That dream was realised on the 6th of June, 2014.

My Destiny is her debut novel in the Destiny Series. My Forever is the conclusion to this book. Her third book Damaged - Jacinta's Story, was released October 15th, 2014. This is a standalone read, but is based on a character in My Forever. Her fourth book Against All Odds, is also a standalone read, and was released on May 27th, 2015. Bastard, her fifth book, was released on September 14th, 2015 and became a #1 Bestseller. In November 2015, J. L. signed a 5 book deal with publishing giant Hachette. Luckiest Bastard - The Novella was published through them on December 7th. Her #1 Bestseller Hooker was released on the 31st May, 2016. Jax was released on November, 27th, 2016, and also rocketed straight to #1 on the Bestsellers list. J. L.'s next release, The Boss, is coming January, 29th, 2017. She is currently writing her tenth book, Nineteen Letters, which will be releasing late 2017. 

J L's love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her beautiful love stories.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, drinking wine, shopping, listening to music, and anything artistic or creative. She loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog when she isn't writing. She also loves being outdoors and travelling and exploring the world. 

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