#Review “Deep in You (The Phoenix Series Book 1)” by David S. Scott

July 19, 2016 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Title: “Deep in You (The Phoenix Series Book 1)”

Author: David S. Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 28, 2016

3/5 Stars

I feel as though I’m in that universe where I received a different book from everyone else.

As ‘hook up’ stories go, DIY more than satisfies. But it was lost on me as a romance. I never felt any chemistry between Xander and Lily. Friends with benefits? Sure. But when it came to true emotions and feelings, to me it felt forced. I can’t identify one place where there was a real flow of feelings other than lust.

They both had agendas, Lily’s just isn’t found out until later. Xander’s a horndog and not looking for anything permanent. No problem. He admits it and is unapologetic about it. No problem – admire his honesty. But when he begins to not want Lily to leave, and to want to see her again, his internal thoughts seem as though he’s trying to talk himself into it. He can’t define what he wants from Lily, or why he wants her. Normally, I would call that the beginnings of love. But his thoughts and his attitude flip like pancakes. I re-read some sections to try and get a bead on his direction. Couldn’t do it. Does he love her? I don’t know. Other than the sex, he mentions her laugh and the fact she said ‘No’ to him more than anything else. Mmmkay.

Lily. Still haven’t figured her out. A tabloid reporter? She didn’t exhibit the personality for that. Well, except for at times with Xander. Some may call it feisty and sassy, but for me, it came off as childish. It’s okay to be confrontational, inquisitive or accusatory – but she always did it with such attitude and at the wrong times. Even when Xander meets her to inform her of Amara’s betrayal, he barely gets his mouth open before she’s accuses him AGAIN of wanting Amara. Take Two – Xander tells her he saw Amara with Mr. Retirement Fund. Lily gets angry and accuses him of leaving Amara in danger. *Facepalm* Take Three – Xander tells her Amara was behind the incident at the club. Lily doesn’t believe him. *Throws hands up in the air* Lily was just too all over the place for me. The fact Lily was willing to overlook the situation with Amara and remain roommates with her was very telling. Bad behavior surrounded her. Perhaps if Lily had used the same attitude she used with Xander with EVERYONE else in the front row of her life, her situation wouldn’t be so dire.

I was starting to feel a little positive about the young couple, but then Lily delivers not one, but two bombshells…right after sex. Of course, Xander runs. True, it was a LOT to mentally digest, but still. Where were the adults? It only got worse for me when Lily tells Xander she SAW him fall…and Turned. Off. Her. Phone. She had no idea how badly he may or may not have been injured, and she couldn’t be bothered to find out. Yes, he walked away. Total jerk move. But when the one you love is injured, love is supposed to eclipse any and all other emotions. Nope. Nada. Not for Lily.

Xander’s idea was the wrong one too, for all the reasons that went through his mind earlier and more. Love is hard and a lot of work and can be messy, but you KNOW when you’re with someone who is worth the effort. I’m just not convinced Xander and Lily should have been more than a one-night stand.

I received an ARC of ‘Deep in You’ as part of a promotional blog tour in exchange for an honest review, but I have downloaded book 2 through Kindle Unlimited. I want to see if Xander and Lily can change my mind.

#Review: “Savage Seduction: A Dire Wolves Mission (The Devil’s Dires Book 3)” by Ellis Leigh

July 19, 2016 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 2 Comments

“Savage Seduction: A Dire Wolves Mission (The Devil’s Dires Book 3)”

Author: Ellis Leigh

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Amazon Goodreads

5/5 Stars!

THIS!

That moment when you have so much you want to say, you can’t say anything. Okay, moment gone! WOW! Definitely never saw any of this coming!

Things aren’t looking good for Mammon. After more than two years investigating a new, small pack involved in what he is sure is criminal activity, Mammon has no proof of anything. Even worse, he’s being ordered off the fruitless investigation by none other than NALB President, Blasius Zenne, himself. He only has two weeks to find some kind of proof, or move on to his assigned official business…or face disciplinary action.

Not one too fond of rules, Mammon grudgingly agrees to comply. Determined to find evidence against his targets, Mammon becomes more proactive…and double talks his way into a gathering at the pack alpha’s residence. Not sure of what he’s looking for, he expects to see the alpha and his pack members. He doesn’t expect to see his fated mate standing next to the alpha.

And then things get interesting.

Despite the powerful pull of the mating haze, Mammon is convinced the Fates have totally screwed up this time. Bez and Levi may have found their mates, but there’s no way HIS mate stands with a man Mammon considers his enemy, pack alpha, Finn O’Rourke.

But, looks are deceiving and there is more to his fated mate, Charmeine Byrne, than meets the eye. There’s even more to the man Mammon assumes she’s with. All it takes is a little bit of trust for everyone to get on the same page.

However, trust is in short supply…for everyone. Family, friends, alliances. The past that Charmeine and Finn share with their pack doesn’t give them much reason to trust anyone. Yet, Finn extends an olive branch to Mammon, hoping Charmeine will stop trying to resist the call to mate…at some point. But Charmeine’s a hard nut to crack. Her trust issues run deeper than even she realized. She’s not ready to trust Mammon, and isn’t sure if she ever will be, but she does let down her guard enough for Mammon to get his hands on her…and most definitely vice versa! Slowly, she does establish an easy enough “friendship” with Mammon, spending more and more time together, with…and without clothes. Her ‘filthy beast’ is growing on her, and she’s very close to the line of trust, but unable to cross. She does allow Mammon access into her life though, and he finds out his mate is a tortured, but impressive Omega, like Sariel and Amy, mates to Bez and Levi. Mammon comes to understand Charmeine (and Finn) and the life they’ve lived, and he’s determined, assisted by his Dire brothers, to eliminate the threat to them once and for all. Unfortunately, too late he realizes that an equally dangerous threat is right in their midst, and trusted by his mate.

To say this series keeps getting better and better is putting it mildly. The author is so adept at the story-build, that even though the reader is ready for anything, the author can still make them sit up and say, “Whaaaaaaaat????” There’s a scene…Dires at an airstrip…in triangle formation. I was like, “This is some next-level, paranormal, sit-on-the-edge-of your-seat, Kindle-gripping ISH!” Because it’s who they’re standing against that blew me away! Who do you cheer for if you love everybody? Fortunately, a temporary meeting of the minds diffused the situation. But we do get to see the Dires in battle (c’mon, it’s an Ellis Leigh story – there WILL be a battle! LOL!). It’s enough they’re the biggest and baddest of all shifters, but now they’re also pissed off. Loved it!

These are flawed characters with STRONG personalities. It is a plus they know their flaws, and while they may not readily admit them, they don’t deny them either. My heart broke a bit for Mammon. To believe you’re on the hunt for criminals, and find the mate you never expected right in their midst…and she denies you…well, it made me dislike Charmeine instantly. LOL! But, I should have known better because I’ve never disliked a lead female in any of this author’s books. As you learn Charmeine’s back story, you find more tragedy and loss than any one person should ever have to deal with. She has not only survived, but she’s determined to protect and help her pack survive, always putting their needs ahead of her own. Even when backed into a corner in an impossible situation, she does not back down or cry and surrender. She feels her mate and his brothers close by, but she wants her pack family saved at all costs. There’s no way you can do anything but admire that type of strength!

The Dires are forces to be reckoned with one-on-one, together…it’s just madness! LOL! Even newly mated Bez shows up! Scroll up, 1-click and join the madness!

Enjoy!

“A Moment of Truth” by Q.T. Ruby #TeaserTuesday

July 19, 2016 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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Excerpt Reveal & Cover Reveal coming soon!

From Shea Balik – “Kiss of Leather MM, Cedar Falls #13” #BlogTour

July 19, 2016July 20, 2016 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

Title: “Kiss of Leather MM, Cedar Falls #13”

Author: Shea Balik

Genre: MMRomance, Gay

Release Date: July 20, 2016

Bookstrand Goodreads

Blurb:

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Where the people are friendly and the men are hot.

Eddie Wollard has been beaten down by life. If his constant screw ups didn’t reinforce what a loser he was, his Uncle Ira was more than happy to remind him every chance he got. No one could ever love a klutz like him.

Axl Rhodes just moved to Cedar Falls. Axl had promised he would slow down and smell the roses, but he hadn’t counted it being quite so…slow and boring. Then he met Eddie Wollard, a man who fascinated him. Now he just has to convince Eddie how well they fit together.

But even in a small town like Cedar Falls, nothing is ever that easy. Can Axl show Eddie they belong together? More importantly can he convince Eddie of the pleasure that can be found with the Kiss of Leather?

~ Q and A with Shea Balik ~

Q. Tell us something about Shea Balik, the person.

A. I grew up in the north, mostly Illinois and Michigan, but in high school my family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I graduated from high school there before marrying and moving to Norfolk, Virginia where my husband was stationed in the Navy. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it and ended up divorced but I did get an amazing son out of my marriage, so I can’t complain.

Now I live in sunny Florida, where the weather is always warm, or so we like to brag to the Northerners who are freezing their asses off in the winter while under six feet of snow and driving on ice. Nope, there is no ice down here, except for what we put in our drinks to keep cool on the sandy beaches with the sun baking our skin to a golden brown. Well, unless you are me, who burns instead of tans.
It is the perfect life, if one discounts the hurricanes and rainy season. Still, it beats having to shovel snow for months out of the year.

As for traveling, I am still working on traveling to every state within the United States. I’ve been to at least half. My favorite mode of transportation is the car, for I feel it is the best way to see the country. Okay, okay. It may have something to do with my being afraid to fly, no make that terrified. I always felt if we were meant to fly, we’d have wings. Not that I won’t get on a plane, because I will, and do. After all, how else does one get to Hawaii quickly?

For out-of-the country traveling, I have been to every Caribbean country that cruise ships visit, several times. Being a Floridian means easy access to ports and cheaper rates. Although, now that I’ve cruised so often, I get discounts for being a frequent cruiser. In a perfect world, I would cruise around the world, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon, unless I win the lottery.

I have also been to India, three times. Each time I went it impacted my life in profound ways. But for me, the thing that sunk in the most, was just how lucky I am to live in the United States. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always known that, but seeing just how people live in other countries, especially the poor, isn’t something one can easily forget. Not that it was all I saw, for it wasn’t. The people I dealt with were kind, generous and eager to please. I enjoyed getting a chance to visit there and experiencing their culture, which was rich with history.

Q. Why did you decide to become a writer?

A. I have always developed stories in my head growing up. I finally decided to put those stories down on paper. I’m just grateful others like my stories too.

Q. Where do you get your story ideas?

A. My favorite thing to do is people watch, even going so far as to listen in on their conversations. It doesn’t take much, just a few words and my mind is off and running with a new story.

Q. What is your typical day like?

A. Well right now I’m working full-time for my family’s business. I am up working most mornings by 7 a.m. but working for my family gives me some flexibility to take a couple of hours off each afternoon to write. Wednesday is my only day off and I spent most of that day writing.

Q. What are your hobbies?

A. Reading, need I say more? Seriously I read every chance I get across most genres. I also love to travel. It allows me to meet new people, see new sights and try new things.

Q. Who did you look up to the most growing up?

A. My sister. She is several years older than I am and I always wanted to be just like her. Even to the point of doing things I didn’t like. She was a softball player and so I tried to be the same. I quickly realized that wasn’t a good idea. Even now she is one of my best friends and I still look up to her. Love you, sis.

Many thanks to Shea for visiting with us, and letting us into her world.

~ Stalk the Author – Shea Balik ~

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Reminder

Shea’s “Kiss of Leather” Scavenger Hunt runs through July 31st. Join the event and join the hunt for a chance at over a dozen prizes that include ebooks, ice cream gift cards, and the items pictured below! https://www.facebook.com/events/1587424421563469/

“Kiss of Leather MM, Cedar Falls #13” by Shea Balik #BlogTour #Excerpt18+

July 19, 2016August 2, 2016 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Title: “Kiss of Leather MM, Cedar Falls #13”

Author: Shea Balik

Genre: MMRomance, Gay

Release Date: July 20, 2016

Bookstrand Goodreads

Adult Excerpt 18+:

Dinner had been far more strained than Axl had hoped. Eddie might have agreed to give Axl’s way a try, but he clearly was uncomfortable with it. When Axl ordered for Eddie, he thought Eddie just might get up and walk out.

It got so awkward Axl seriously considered not opening the car door for Eddie just to make him relax. The thing was, Axl just knew if Eddie would give the lifestyle Axl wanted a chance, he’d love it.

For all of Eddie’s objections, Axl had noticed Eddie’s soft smile each time Axl had treated him like the treasure he was. It was only when Eddie’s brain started to take over that the man would frown and become stiff as a board.

But as unusual as this night had been, Axl still didn’t want it to end. “Would you like to visit my store? It’s not exactly finished, but I’d still like you to see it.” The weird thing was, Axl did want Eddie to see it. He wanted Eddie’s opinion before things got to the point they couldn’t be undone.

“Sure.” The smile Eddie gave him was a reward Axl hadn’t expected and was thrilled that he’d gotten. Things had been much too strained this evening. Maybe, if he could get Eddie to relax a bit, the night might still be salvaged.

Not that Axl would call it a total loss. The few times Eddie had let his guard down during dinner had shown Axl glimpses into the man’s personality. Eddie was funny, although he seemed too worried about making a fool of himself to talk much. With time, Axl hoped to help Eddie feel easier in his skin and not worry about what others thought.

Since it was dark, Axl parked in front of his shop instead of in the back parking lot like he normally did. Pride filled him when Eddie waited in the truck for Axl to open the door. Eddie may not be sure yet if this type of relationship was what he wanted, but at least he was giving it a chance.

That Eddie took the hand he held out without being asked was just icing on the cake. Feeling he deserved a reward, the moment Eddie’s feet touched the ground, Axl tugged him close and leaned down to capture that sweet mouth.

Just like it always seemed to happen, the moment their lips touched a firestorm raced through Axl’s veins straight down to his dick. It was all he could do not to take Eddie right there up against the truck in the middle of Main Street.

Never in Axl’s life had he ever felt such an intense desire for another. There was a clawing need to make Eddie his in the most carnal ways possible. A need that Axl was having a hard time controlling.

His hands went to that perfect ass and grabbed on, squeezing the globes even as he slammed their bodies until he could feel the hard ridge of Eddie’s cock pressed against him. Eddie thrust his body into Axl’s, trying to get more friction. Shoving one leg between Eddie’s, Axl let him ride his thigh.

A loud motor roared to life nearby, reminding Axl they were standing next to his truck that was parked right on Main Street. Reluctantly, he pulled back. He couldn’t help but smile when Eddie whined in dismay.

He hated having to put an end to the heart-stopping kiss, but it helped that Eddie clearly felt the same. Maybe, if he played his cards right, they could continue where they left off inside. Now that there were walls, there was measure of privacy. “Why don’t we head inside?”

Taking Eddie’s hand, Axl pulled him along to the door. He cursed when his hand shook so hard he couldn’t get the key in. Taking a breath to steady himself, Axl sent up a thankful prayer when the key slid in.

As soon as the door shut, Axl flipped the lock and led Eddie to the room that would eventually display his BDSM work. Right now it didn’t look like much and smelled of paint. He and Brent managed to get all the walls sanded and primed. Tomorrow morning Axl would head to the paint store and pick out what colors he wanted.

Not wasting any time, he took Eddie back into his arms. Fusing their lips together, Axl coaxed Eddie’s tongue into his mouth and sucked lightly on the appendage. Axl swallowed down the moan that Eddie pushed into the kiss.

Need took over. With Eddie not only having never experienced BDSM before, but also being a virgin, Axl knew he was going to need to go slowly. As much as he wanted to bury himself deep into that round ass, Axl wasn’t about to let Eddie’s first time be rushed.

The man deserved to be taken care of properly. But that didn’t mean Axl couldn’t show him a taste of what was to come.