Thursday, July 30, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW THE TRUTH OF TRISTAN LYONS...BY L.B. DUNBAR

A song came to mind about being stranded. A girl was there to save me, and now we would never be torn apart. She rocked gently over me and my thoughts shifted to the feel of her surrounding me. We were one. This was real and honest. The moral of my tale was nothing is truer than love; your heart will always find a way to win.

L.B. Dunbar has once again made me fall in love with one of the Legendary Rock Stars and this time it's Tristan Lyons turn. Ok, let me start with I am partial to green eyes, but that whole favorite flavor, heartbreaker thing had me thinking maybe I won't love him. I couldn't have been more wrong. 

As with all the Nights, Tristan Lyons has a story to tell. In The Truth of Tristan Lyons, L.B. Dunbar lets his story be told. We begin to learn why Tristan is the person he is today and how one meeting one person sends him on a road to wanting to be someone even better.

Tristan like the rest of the Nights is not taking the disappearance of their leader Arturo King and the rest of the chaos surrounding them well. You've already read how Lansing Lott and Perkins Vale handle their stories. Wait, you haven't? Well go one click right now. Tristan will wait until you get up to speed. Anyway, Tristan needs to get away from it all and winds up hiding away at a beautiful mansion in the Cayman Islands. Tristan is ready to drown his woes in booze and women until a tiny blonde throws a wrench into his plan. 

The blonde in question is named Ireland...just Ireland if you will and after she convinces Tristan she's not a groupie and she too belongs at this particular vacation home, they agree to stay and basically keep out of each other's way. And that works for them until it doesn't.

You see, Tristan isn't the only one that's hiding in this beautiful island paradise. Ireland is on the run and the girl has some pretty big secrets to hide. While they've decided to keep to themselves, they of course being two very beautiful people form an attraction.

Then Tristan finds out one of Ireland's secrets and to his great surprise what he learns makes him jealous. Tristan also comes to find out Ireland is very inexperienced when it comes to men. So he very graciously offers to give her "lessons" in pleasing a man. Of course these lessons please both Tristan and Ireland and they find themselves falling in, gulp, dare I say it....love. Only they won't admit their feelings to each other and considering Ireland's secret, inside both feel this hideaway relationship can only end badly.

The relationship Tristan and Ireland is not only incredibly sexy but genuine. Ireland is understanding and accepting of Tristan. They truly care about each other and I was cheering for them the whole way through.

Tristan and Ireland's adventure comes to an end when Ireland family learns where she's been hiding and come to collect her. Then there's also the phone call Tristan gets telling him something we've all been hoping for, Arturo is ready to come back. 

So our lovers are now separated, but not for long. Fear not, the fates will intervene and they will run into each other again. 

The Truth of Tristan Lyons also gets us caught up on the lives of Perkins Vale and Lansing Lott. I for one love seeing the band together. When they played for the first time since Arturo was lost it was fantastic. Then Arturo shows up and holy plot twist! 

As a book boyfriend, I told you at first, I didn't think Tristan was my cup of tea. Then L.B. had to go and give him green eyes and dark hair that he's always running his hands through and I was sunk. Not to mention his toned and tanned body that I was jealous Ireland could touch and I couldn't. What can I say? He's very sexy.

I love the way the story of the Nights is unfolding. I love the way L.B. Dunbar tells a story. I love the language she uses, how the story flows and how she keeps the rest of the Nights coming back into each story. 

Truthfully, I just keep liking these books more and more as the series goes on and as much as I'm excited for Guinie's story, I'm so sad that the series will be ending. That being said, if you haven't started the Legendary Rock Stars Series...DO IT NOW!!! It's sooooooooo amazing. I promise you'll love it.

A five lip smack review for L.B. Dunbar and The Truth of Tristan Lyons. I loved every bit of the book and Tristan.









Wednesday, July 15, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW BLEEDING LOVE..BY HARPER SLOAN

"Rest easy knowing that not a day will pass that I won't make sure they know how grateful I am that I've been given that gift. Not a day will pass that I don't show them how much I love them in return. I'll fight to keep them safe, I would give my own life to make that promise a reality if need be. And one day, if Molly decides it so, I hope to share the title you had while in her world, but if that day never comes, I'll still love her as if she was my own. I owe you my thank and so much more for loving Megan and bringing her everything she needed while you were here. You have no worries now, brother, knowing that I'll do everything in my power to give them the world."

If you haven't read Bleeding Love by Harper Sloan yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? Every time Harper Sloan, with the children of the Corps Security men that I already love, you make me fall in love a little bit more.

Bleeding Love is the second book in the Hope Town series and yes I'm telling you now, If you haven't read Cage and Dani's story Unexpected Fate, read it first. Bleeding Love picks up where this one ends. 

Liam Beckett. I have no words good enough to describe what this man did to me in Bleeding Love. I thought Cohen Cage was perfect, (and ok, so he is) but Liam Beckett is beyond perfection. He decided he found "the one" for him two years ago when Megan and Molly came to town and he's not giving up the fight to make her his.

Liam or Lee as everyone but Megan call him has made it pretty well known he'd like to get to know Megan better. Megan is new to the Corp Security gang. Cage brought Megan to Hope Town after her marine husband was killed during his deployment. She's crushed and broken. The only thing that brings any light to her life if her five year old daughter Molly. Molly brings light to everyone's life she touches. She is such a sweet and loving character, I absolutely adore her.

So after spending one incredibly passion filled night with Liam, she does what no girl in her right mind should ever do. She completely avoids him. And Liam being Liam allows her this avoiding time. All the while planning with his BFF Dani how to make Megan his.

Making Megan his is no easy task. The woman's got a lot of darkness and guilt to overcome. Thank goodness Liam has a plan to get her to see life is worth living. Especially a life that includes him. Unfortunately, Megan doesn't make it easy for Lee. As a matter of fact, everyone (even Molly) except Megan can see that they belong together. 

When he starts working on his list, of course he starts wearing Megan down. Everything on his list is something to make Megan feel again. And you know when you start to feel again, there are always stumbling blocks. It seems every time Megan seems to get past one thing, something else pops up.

Everything about Liam Beckett is swoon worthy. From his dark brown hair and eyes to that stubble on his square jaw. And don't let me get started on that body. Wait, did I leave out the knee melting smile and the dimple. Because truth, Liam would've melted more than my knees with that smile. Ok, let's be real the whole time I was reading all I pictured was cover model BT Urruela. Ladies, how could you not?

So add to the beauty of the man in my head to the awesome story created by Harper Sloan and you have a book that is an absolute must read.

One of the many things I love about Harper Sloan's writing is the humor that she brings to her books. Bleeding Love had me laughing out loud in some parts. As alpha as she makes her men they are always able to do something that makes you smile. Nate and Sway both cracked me up, not to mention grown men and tea parties.

If you are all about sexy alpha males who do whatever they have to do to get the girl, one click Bleeding Love ASAP. I really couldn't put it down. So yes Harper Sloan, I've fallen in love with yet another offspring of a Corps Security man.

A five lip smack review for Bleeding Love a fabulous story that made me laugh, swoon and shed a tear as well. 







Tuesday, July 14, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW DESERTION...BY RIVER SAVAGE

"Sweetheart, please will you just look at me," he whispers his plea, getting me right where he want me. Reluctantly, I turn and watch him step close again. My head is screaming at me to push him back, put an end to all of this, but my body's weak, my mind confused. "Okay, I came on too strong tonight. But, Bell, you have to know, I'm not walking away from this. I will win you back and when I do, you will be mine." He delivers his warning with a fierceness I've never seen in him.

Desertion by River Savage is the third book in the Knights Rebels MC series and let me tell you, these books get sexier each time. If you haven't started this series yet...what are you waiting for?? I'm sure you could read about the yummy Jesse Carter before reading Nix and Sy's stories, but why on earth would you want too??

Jesse Carter has been an important part of all of the Knights Rebels books so far. He is funny, sexy and really cares about the people he considers his family. So who knew Jesse is the one battling with probably the worst demons of all?  Demons he won't share with anyone. Demons that push him away from the woman he's falling for without even knowing it.

Nurse Bell, you might remember her from several of the Knights Rebels trips to the emergency room in past books. Jessie has made it very clear he wouldn't mind getting naughty with Bell Johnson. But as ridiculously attractive as Jesse is, Bell has made it her business to keep her distance and brushes Jesse and his naughty comments off, until, well she can't.

Bell Johnson, as much as she wants to avoid Jesse, thinks he and the Knights Rebels may be able to help find her sister who's been missing for seven years. Of course Jesse agrees to help and sees this as a way to spend time with Bell. He kind of tries to scam a date with her in order to help her find Paige and here's the thing Jesse doesn't date. He's a one and done kind of guy. That is until Bell comes along.

The attraction between Jesse and Bell is completely intense. It's not only physical though. They genuinely enjoy each other. They're comfortable with each other and they see the parts of each other that are broken. Here's the thing...Bell is willing to fix herself. Jesse doesn't believe he can or deserves to be fixed.

Try as they might to not have those feelings for each other of course they do. Their first time together, on Jesse's bike is smokin' hot. And if you love dirty talkers, Jesse's mouth is filthy perfection.

Everything about Jesse Carter is sexy and he knows it. He's absolutely gorgeous with his blonde hair and blue eyes. But what really does it for me is his body. He's so fit and those abs are ridiculous. Who am I trying to kid? EVERYTHING about Jesse Carter is beyond sexy.

Of course Desertion is mostly Bell and Jesse's story, but I love that River Savage brings all the Knights Rebels characters into the picture. The women of the Knights Rebels take Bell under their wing right away and are all about her being with Jesse. Sy and Holly are preparing for their wedding and of course Jesse and Bell are invited. Then there's Nix and Kadence who are just getting back to normal after having baby Low. 


The Knights Rebels are definitely badass bikers, but they're also good men and they love their women like crazy. I think when he realizes this Jesse freaks out a little and he pushes Bell away big time. 

So, we have Bell and Jesse battling pretty big demons. Jesse who always seems so happy go lucky is about to throw away a shot at happiness because he doesn't feel like he deserves it.  Bell realizes she hasn't really been living all these years because she's been so wrapped up in her sister's disappearance.

Can Jesse sort his issues out? Will the Knights Rebels be able to help Bell find her sister? Will Bell let Jesse back into her life?

The Knights Rebels are my absolute favorite MC series. I love each one of these sexy bikers and am always looking forward to the next book. Beau's story is up next and I can't wait to see what River Savage has in store for him.

I also love that even though they are rough around the edges bikers, they are also funny and always have each others backs. 

A four lip smack review for Desertion and Jesse Carter. He is definitely a swoon worthy book boyfriend and Bell is a lucky, lucky girl. Read it and you'll understand why.








Friday, July 10, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW WICKED WHITE...BY MICHELLE A. VALENTINE

He swallows, deeply. "I love you , Iris - with every inch of my soul, with every inch of my entire being. You..." He brings both hands up and pulls me face so close to his that I can feel the heat of his breath on my lips. "You are my Juliet."

Ace leans forward and presses his lips to mine. "My bounty is a boundless as the sea. My love as deep. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

Michelle Valentine is absolutely right when she states...Ace White isn't  your typical rockstar. He is so very much more than that. So if you're ready to meet him, go and one click Wicked White and start reading ASAP and you'll see what I mean.

Ace White (who's real last name is Johnson) is the lead singer of the raising pop band Wicked White. As great as his life seems to be, he is miserable. He wants to be able to write music for his band. He's not crazy about the pop star music he's forced to perform. Then there's the band. They are jealous, disagreeable and well just nasty to Ace. And don't get me started on his tour manager Jane Anne. She is a user who only cares about Ace's popularity, not about Ace at all. 

All of this unhappy comes to a head the night Ace receives a phone call that his foster mother was taken to the hospital and she is very ill. Like any loving son would do, Ace up and leaves the band to go to the woman who raised him.

Ace was in the foster care system from the time his was a child. It wasn't until he was twelve years old and placed with Sarah Johnson that he ever felt any kind of love or stability. She gave him a home and helped him become the man he is today. 

Ace decides he's not going back to Wicked White and pretty much drops off the face of the earth. He completely changes his look and finds his way into a trailer park in Ohio that is owned by the totally gorgeous Iris Easton. Hello, she's gorgeous, of course Ace is immediately attracted to her. You would think with their obvious mutual attraction, sparks would fly. Nope. Ace is very stand offish and sends a mean vibe out whenever Iris is around.

Naturally, Iris notices how attractive Ace is. How could she not? She describes his toned body as absolutely delicious. Not to mention the perfection of his bronze mussed up hair, his breathtaking eyes, heart stopping smile, that sexy V line just below his ripped abs. Yes, when they made Ace Johnson they definitely broke the mold.

Iris has her own story (of course). Raised by her grandma after her own mother died, she's just returned to the trailer park her grandma owned because grams has passed away. She's been living in New York City while trying to make it on Broadway.

So now we have the rocker, the would be Broadway Star and their incredible attraction. It would be so easy to just be together right? But Ace knows his life is a complete mess and he doesn't think it would be fair to involve Iris in something that could only hurt her. But an attraction like Iris and Ace's can't really be squashed and he finally after realizing what an amazing person Iris is, he decides he has to be with her.

"This is the very ecstasy of love," he whispers in my ear and then sucks a quick breath between his teeth as he pushes all the way inside of me. "Such is my love, to thee I so belong, that for thy right, myself will bear all the wrong."

Can you say swoon? Because I could barely breath when Ace whispered this to Iris. Shakespeare!! He quotes Shakespeare the first time they're together!!! OMG!! I just can't!

Ace is beyond romantic and beautiful and perfect and yes he is on my best book boyfriends of 2015 short list already.

Add into this completely swoon worthy tale a relentlessly searching tour manager, an entertainment reporter that just won't quit and a trailer park creep intent on ruining everything Ace and Iris have and you have the perfect story of Wicked White. Oh I almost forgot about that annoying ex boyfriend and those pesky back taxes.

If I haven't enticed you to one click Wicked White yet, let me add Ace and Iris can't keep their hands off of each other and every single time they touch it is blazing hot. Not to mention Michelle Valentine's writing is on point.

One click Wicked White, read it and try to tell me it's not a book of complete perfection. A five lip smack review from me. Ace...you can quote Shakespeare to me anytime you want. 








Wednesday, July 8, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW THE QUEST OF PERKINS VALE...BY L.B. DUNBAR

I'd never felt more connected to a man than after our romp on his kitchen island, only a few days ago. With his sudden incapacity to even function, I felt the loss of him. Everywhere. My heart ached for Perkins Vale in a way I was trying to deny. While I lay next to him each night, he tossed in his drugged fog, and I traced the tattoo on his arm. It was thick and dark. The links of the chain were intricate and detailed with smaller designs. I let my fingers run over the outline of the large shield covering his heart. It was also detailed with a bright red cross and a dull white background. Outlined in black. I wondered if he placed it there to protect his heart. I'd worn a figurative shield over mine for so long, I almost didn't remember I had one. But when Perkins Vale told me he loved me, I cracked. When he told me he defended me because he loved me, I crumbled more. When he told me in his feverish haze, before I got Marie, that I was the love of his life, the chunks of protection fell away...

I know, I know. It's long and it's not really even a quote, but to me it's just so profound that even if you decide not to read The Quest of Perkins Vale, which I can't even imagine. At least you'll have that part of the story. 

So once again, I not an expert on the Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, but L.B. Dunbar has woven a tale combining parts of the legend with parts of her own imagination and spun it into a story I have not been able to put down. Not to mention my impatience to learn what becomes of Arturo and the rest of the band.

If you haven't had the chance to read the first two books in the Legendary Rock Stars series one click now. Really, you need to know the whole story to appreciate what's going on in Perkin's book. 

If you read The Legend of Arturo King, you know the end of Arturo's book is kind of where Perkin's book begins. The motorcycle chase that ends the first book is the reason for Perkin's story. But really, Perkins story started way before that night.

Hollister SanGrael is the reason for Perkin's story. She's actually the reason for Perkin's existence. He's been searching for her since meeting her in the woods of Lake Avalon as a teenager. In their two meetings, somehow Perkins Vale falls completely in love with this girl even before knowing her name. Now that he has her with him, he doesn't plan on ever letting her go again. It is in fact his "quest" to keep Hollister safe.

Perkins and Hollister's story began to be weaved as teenagers. Their first meeting is a sort of fight between the two. The second time they meet is when Perkins promises to save Hollister. The two exchange something. Something that plays an important part in both of their stories.

Hollister has a plan that doesn't involve allowing Perkins to get close to her.  Even though she allows him to "rescue" her that first night. No one is really sure who was following Perkins and Arturo on the motorcycles, but one thing's for certain. Someone is after Hollister and you'll have to read to find out who that someone is. At the beginning of our story, Hollister doesn't think Perkins is the boy she met in the woods all those years ago.

Hollister seems to have something that two very different men want. One of these men (ok, really both) have taken her innocence from her. Even though she got away from both of them, they're clearly not done with her. But then again, they haven't met the very determined Perkins Vale. Remember, it's his mission to keep Hollister safe for the rest of her life.

Now let me explain something. I started this series completely loving Arturo King. And while I still love him, OMG...Perkins Vale (well really L.B. Dunbar) has made me fall ridiculously in love with a fictional character. Not that that's anything new for me, but I read and swooned over everything Perkins Vale did. 

His love for Hollister is so pure and yet when they're together Perkins is deliciously naughty. For someone so inexperienced, he absolutely knows how to work a woman's body. 

All I wanted to do was stare into those chocolate brown eyes and run my fingers through his short dark hair. Reading about his body wrapped protectively around Hollister made me melt into a puddle. 


Something I especially enjoy is how L.B. Dunbar includes all the Night's stories into each book throughout the series. Even though this book is mostly Perkins and Hollister's story, Lansing, Arturo and of course Tristan Lyons find their way in and you learn more about them.

Finally, I love the language L.B. uses. It just flows beautifully and Perkins....ahhhhh....the things he says to Hollister are just poetic. Yes I love Perkins Vale. He is stuck in my brain and I'm telling you he should be stuck in yours too!!

Read The Quest of Perkins Vale!! I mean read books one and two in the series first, but really one click Perkins. He is just perfection and the story is cool because it's based on something you probably learned in high school. It just has an edgy, rocker twist to it.

A four lip smack review for The Quest of Perkins Vale. Can't wait for Tristan's story!!!

















Thursday, July 2, 2015

RILEY'S REVIEW STUMBLING IN...BY M.R. JOSEPH

"I became addicted to talking with her and telling her about my day and how the show went that I had just done. I looked forward to finding out how her day was. I looked forward to a 'good luck tonight' text from her or to see her on the screen when I finished a show. I counted the minutes, the seconds even. I wanted to see her face. I wanted to hear her voice. At first it was because I think I was a little homesick, but then...I don't know, Harlow, it became something more than that. It was more than the sex thing. I got to know her and, Christ, it's Willow. I mean Willow and me. Can you imagine?" 

If you've read M.R. Joseph's first two books in The Shore Series, noooooo, you really can't imagine Willow Taylor and Max Vincent together. I mean come on, the two of them are like oil and water. They don't mix. 

Well, that is until the night Harlow and Cruz get back together and Max and Willow wake up together, naked in his bed, the floor covered with condom wrappers. You get the picture. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) neither of them remember what HAD to be an epic night of passion.

Oh, by the way, if you haven't already read the first two books in The Shore Series, what are you waiting for?? One click them ASAP. Books one and two Giving In and Always In are Cruz and Harlow's story and you can find my reviews of both of them here.

Anyway, Willow and Max decide no one can know about what their sizzling night of sex and of course swear to each other this will never happen again. Only in Stumbling In oil and water actually do a good job mixing because Max and Willow just can't seem to keep their hands off of each other, and their chemistry is ridiculously hot. And have you seen the cover of Stumbling In? Would you be able to stay away from someone who looked like Max Vincent? I know I wouldn't.

As nice of a guy as Max is, he gets under Willow's skin in the worst way. They really, honestly need a friend around them to keep the peace whenever they're together. Then to top it all off, after their night together they go on this sort of pranking spree when it comes to each other. Mostly the pranking happens when one sees the other about to hook up. Hmmmmm...what do you think that means?

Deciding they kind of like the physical part of being together,  Max and Willow embark on a secret friends with benefits adventure. Around their friends they're the same bickering children that can't get along and generally need someone to make sure they play nice. When they're alone, they heat up the sheets, or any of the other many places they get down and dirty. Max Vincent is fantastic in bed and he and Willow can't get enough of each other. Not to mention the selfish, spoiled Willow who becomes "a giver" when she's getting naughty with Max.

I totally love Max and Willow. They are the epitome of the adage "opposites attract". Willow is a wealthy socialite. She's very spoiled, very bratty and speaks her mind all the time. Often without thinking with leads to trouble and Max usually being the one to call her out on her thoughtlessness. Her parents are loaded and they both adore her. Even with all of the good in her life, Willow has this hardness about her. She swears she's never getting married and absolutely wants no part of being in love.

Max is not wealthy at all. He was raised by a single dad and seems to have no interest in being filthy rich. He loves his friends and is very protective of them. And even though sometimes he doesn't agree with what his friends do, he has a filter. Something Willow doesn't have. But guess what? Max Vincent doesn't believe in love either. Imagine?

Here's the thing about Max and Willow. They're friends with benefit thing seems to be turning into something more (not that they would ever admit to it). They're both kind of realizing they like to spend time together. They also at times seem to be a little jealous when the opposite sex is showing interest in the other.

Their "relationship" grows when Max and his band with the help of Willow and her dad attract the attention of a music producer and go out on tour. Did I mention Max is in a band? Oh yes, he is, and when he's on stage singing he makes Willow swoon. But don't tell anyone I told you. On his tour, he looks forward to texts from Willow. He makes sure he talks to her after every show.

Then tragedy strikes Willow's life and at a time when she really, really needs Max, he totally bails on her. As likable as Max is...EVERYBODY gets mad at his little stunt and definitely let him know it.

Can Max find his way back to Willow? Is she ever going to let anyone into her heart again? You know what I'm going to tell you. Read Stumbling In. It's really super good. It's hot, it's funny and yes a little bit angsty.

There's more to this story than just Max and Willow. I love the way M.R. Joseph weaves the other characters and their stories into this book. More story lines are coming and I for one can't wait to see what's up next.

I am a huge fan of The Shore Series books. I spent my summers at the Jersey Shore so of course I love anything that revolves around beaches and summer love. Also, M.R. Joseph writes amazing characters. I fell in love with Harlow and Cruz in books one and two and the same with Max and Willow in Stumbling In. 

Oh, totally random, I love the way Willow got her name. It's so not typical of what you may think. Willow's relationship with her parents is so special. Hopefully she'll come to her senses and realizes it's ok to love someone with all your heart.

A five lip smack review for M.R. Joseph's Stumbling In. I can not wait for Thea and Porter's story. (Hint, Hint)













What We're Reading Now

EXCERPT REVEAL!!! THE ANTI-BOYFRIEND.....BY PENELOPE WARD

Title: The Anti-Boyfriend Author: Penelope Ward Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance Release Date: August 31, 2020 ...