Delayed Penalty by Sophia Henry Book 1 of Pilots Hockey Series

I'm a fan of hockey romances, I think it is the Canadian in me coming to the foreground so when I saw this novel and that it was Sophia Henry's debut novel I just had to ask Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing it.

I enjoyed SH's fresh perspective on the hockey sports romance. I admit I did think this novel was going to be more new adult than young adult when I requested it and I have to admit freely that I am not a fan of young adult novels. The age of these characters is 20 and they are either attending University or playing professional sports so I do have to say up front I really wanted the characters to have a more mature physical relationship, although the chemistry was there it felt that the car kept chugging but the engine would not turn over. I admired that we had attraction without insta sex and that Aleksandr our hero and professional athlete was not a manwhore as so many sports figures are portrayed it really made it feel like he had respect for Auden which is why this should be classified as a Y/A novel.

The writing was excellent for a first timer and the plot was good. I enjoyed that the characters were Russian or of Russian descent, it gave a reality to the story as many of today's players are from that part of the world. I liked seeing Auden embrace her heritage but still be an all American kid. I also liked that it was a shared experience that brought our main characters closer together and gave them that common ground to connect with and grow on.

I do have to seek clarification from the author on one thing....I was reading other reviews and it seemed that most them thought Aliksandr played for a Canadian team ...but I do believe his team was a Detroit team that they just partied across the bridge and or tunnel in Windsor and that is why Canada was mentioned.Correct?

I really enjoyed Sophia Henry's writing and am looking forward to watching her grow with each novel. If you enjoy hockey romances and don't mind it being PG I think you will enjoy this debut of the brand new hockey series "Pilots" ...give it a go....3.5 stars for a well written story with depth and freshness.

Review and Recommendation: Wolf Trouble by Paige Tyler Book 2 in SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team

Now this is the book I was hoping for....after an average start to the series with book this book kicks the story and action into gear and gives this romantic suspense lover everything she dreamed of in a paranormal romantic suspense!!! Thanks Paige Tyler!!

Everything in this second outing is bigger and better than the first. The chemistry between Khaki and Xander is so hawt my fingers got singed as I was holding my ereader! The sex was hawt, steamy and scorched the hair off my arms! You add to that strong, charismatic characters and a realistic feel to the plot and you have an absolute winner. Looking for action? Bullets fly and the stalker stalks as PT weaves several different plot threads together to have them connect and create a story that has you wanting to start the book all over again once you finish.

I really enjoyed that both the male and female protagonists were strong and very equal to the task of being members of this elite SWAT team. No simpering females here....just a strong woman who can kick ass with the best of them. I really enjoyed getting to know more of the team and going deeper into who they are...made me anxious to read each of their stories...a great teaser for future instalments in the series.

I'm purposefully not going into the storyline and revealing what is so suspenseful but I have to say....this novel lived up to everything I look for in a Romantic suspense and more....4.5 stars and a definite t'irla recommendation....Start your fall off right and grab this novel I promise those new TV shows will wait...the book is way better!!!

*thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the book in exchange for an honest review*

Excerpt, Interview and Review: Predator's Trinity by Rosanna Leo Book 6 in the Gemini Island Shifters Series

August 24th The next instalment in 

Gemini Island Shifters Series

Goes LIVE!

Meet Percy and Byron!!! Our Jaguar shifter Twins  *YES* TWINS!!! and the woman who completes them in

Predator's Trinity 

by

 Rosanna Leo

Want to know more??

Blurb
Librarian Suzan Marsh is an empath and has always felt assaulted by the feelings of others. She has had to distance herself from the people in her life, raising a mental barrier to ward off unwanted emotions. When wolf shifter August Crane abducts her, he breaks through the walls she constructed, forcing her to accept a frightening new truth.
Jaguar shifter twins Percy and Byron Moon are familiar with the evil ways of August Crane. Because of him, their childhood was destroyed. Because of him, their way of life at the peaceful Ursa Fishing Lodge and Resort is threatened. And they won’t rest until he is dead.
When Crane drags Suzan into his cult and decides to make her his “concubine,” Percy and Byron know they must save the human woman. Their connection to her is strong and they cannot deny the dream they always held close. That they could share a woman and make her their mate.
But even after rescuing Suzan, none of them are free from Crane’s clutches. The wolf shifter has plans, ones that involve the demise of every shape shifter at the Ursa Resort. Not only must Percy and Byron keep Suzan safe, they must convince her to accept them both. In order to stop Crane from hurting everyone they love, they must learn to fight together.

Have we got you curious?

Did I mention

Predator's Trinity is Live

 NOW!!!

Liquid Silver ~Books~Itunes~Amazon~Kobo~Barnes&Noble


How would you like to meet Byron and Percy??? Ya?  Well here they are...Welcome to the Bear rug boys, hitch up a corner and have a seat:)  oh yah...umm...Rosanna Leo's with them *grumble grumble*  *flashes a sly look at the nice kitty boys*


Rosanna: Thanks so much to t’irla for hosting me as I continue the blog tour for my latest paranormal romance, Predator’s Trinity, Gemini Island Shifters 6. Featuring sexy twin jaguar shifter heroes, Percy and Byron Moon, Predator’s Trinity is the darkest of all my shifter books and a fan favourite already. I thought it would be fun for Percy and Byron to take centre stage so they have kindly offered to answer t’irla’s 10 Questions.

Now, t’irla … please behave.

*t’irla takes over while blinking big innocent eyes.*

t: I make no promises. Now step aside, toots.

 *She elbows Rosanna out of the way*

t: Okay, boys. Seeing as there are two of you, you can alternate questions. So, saddle up!

  *t'irla moves over to squish between the guys practically sitting on their laps*

Byron: Uh, we’re shape shifters, t’irla. Not cowboys.

t: *pats Byron's cheek while shaking her head then cracks her whip*

Question one. Favourite foods?

Percy: There’s nothing better than a roast beef dinner, hot and steamy, juices coating the plate….

t: Oh MY!  *fans self* Sheesh. I’m hot and we’ve only done the first question.

 Question two. Flannel blankets or silk sheets?

Byron:  Flannel. Or nothing at all.

t:  Blond, brunette or redhead?

Percy: That’s a loaded question. Is that a lovely strawberry blond I see in your hair, t’irla?

t: *blush*  mmmaybeeee *grin*  Coffee or tea?

Byron: What do we look like, woman?

t: um.. I’ll take that as coffee. Favorite superhero?

Percy: *grins* Wonder Woman. Every. Single. Time.

t: Favorite artist?

Byron: Bernini, a great Italian sculptor.

t:  *purring* Okay boys, let’s heat things up. Favorite position?

Percy: *eyebrow arched* You do realize we aim to share a woman, right? There are so many sexy choices.  Do you want me to spell them out?

t: *wipes her forhead* God, I wish you’d spell them out. *shakes head* Okay, we only have three more questions. Onward! If you could tattoo my image on any part of your body, where would you put me?

Byron: *stands and unbuttons shirt, exposing a perfect, sculpted chest* Right here, on my heart, gorgeous.

t: *gasp* *stares*  *remembers she is in the middle of an interview*  *cough*  umm Not on your butt? I think I’d like to see myself on your butt…

Byron: OK, we could do my butt. Want to inspect the surface?

Percy:  Hey, enough with my brother’s butt. Where’s my last question. t’irla?

t: *whines* Oh, that was over so quickly. *Pouts* Okay. Here’s my last question and it’s a big one.

If you ever run into a redhead librarian named Suzan who needs rescuing from an evil wolf shifter, do you solemnly swear to turn away and come find me instead?

Percy: Uh, that’s very specific….

t:  Answer the question, dammit!

Both: We’re all yours, t’irla.

t: *Grins* perfect. Now give me a back rub. A loooong one.


I do love interviewing those Gemini Island boys...I just need to plan to go to Ursa Lodge for my next vacay! Thanks Rosanna, Byron and Percy for joining me on the Bear Rug:) ...

Now a special peak into Predator's Trinty  just for you all...

After her shower, she towelled off and dressed in the clothes provided, choosing a pretty green V-neck T-shirt to accompany the jeans. Everything fit perfectly, from underwear to outerwear, as if the Moons had already known her. It boggled her mind, but she couldn't lose the sensation they were connected by more than just circumstance. Her instincts never lied. After slipping into a pair of soft white socks, she made her way toward the kitchen.
She heard Byron and Percy before she saw them and stopped to catch an excited breath. When she heard what they said, she paused a moment longer.
“How’s your jaguar holding up?” Byron asked his brother.
She knew it was Byron. Despite them being identical twins, there were slight differences in their voices. Byron’s was the smoother voice. Percy’s had the odd touch of sexy gravel.
“My dumb cat,” replied Percy on a near growl, “was up all night long. He keeps pawing at me, trying to get to her.”
Her? As the burn of jealousy sizzled in Suzan’s gut, she gnawed on her bottom lip in a futile attempt to quell it. Maybe Percy had a girlfriend and he was dying to see her. Maybe he couldn’t wait to escape the cabin so he could meet up with this woman and, well, let his jaguar loose.
“Yeah,” Byron said. “My cat’s in agony, too. I think my ribs are black and blue inside, it pounds them so much.”
Oh, great. She wasn’t sure why this information astounded her. Of course men like them would have girlfriends. Hell, they might have mates. She hadn’t bothered to ask, had she? She’d already heard the mate bond was a powerful thing, that it would drive any shifter to distraction, both sexually and emotionally. Why had she been naïve enough to think these men might be single? She knew enough to know the good ones were always taken.
She’d been so stupid to think they had a bond. Bullshit. Clearly, her empathic tendencies had let her down for the first time.
“I can’t believe how quickly my jag … recognized Suzi,” said Percy.
Oh. Last she heard, she was the only Suzi around here.
Byron grunted. “I feel the same way. I’ve never felt like this. My head’s not working properly. Fuck, I couldn’t even hold a bowl of eggs without losing it. Percy, we need to discuss things. Seriously.”
“I know.”
“If Suzi is the one we’re meant to share, we can’t afford to make any wrong moves, especially with Crane in the picture. We need to support her and not let our egos get in the way.”
“Agreed.”
If Suzi is the one we’re meant to share…
Holy hell.

Predator’s Trinity

 is

 available NOW!

Learn more about the book

 add it to your TBR list!

Goodreads

Meet Rosanna

Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.

From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance. Rosanna blogs at www.rosannaleoauthor.wordpress.com

Author Links:
AmazonAuthor*Goodreads*Tsu*Pinterest*Facebook*Twitter

I adore this series for so many different reasons. The wonderfully crisp writing, the endearing characterizations, plots that take you to the edge of your seat then make you cry, and the basic philosophy that good will triumph everytime. Oh and the HAWT bear shifters too!!!

I've been on board with the series since book 1 and totally fell in love with Ryland Snow and his wonderful Ursa Lodge. In the first few novels we get to know the lodge, it's employee's and the Snow brothers and their close friends well. These were light hearted days of vacation, relaxation with some teenage spirit tossed in for your heart and your belly laughs. However, as the series continues the novels take on a darker and edgier feel. This comes to a head in "Predator's Trinity" . I won't go into details of the plot but will tell you a lot of the loose ends from other books of the series are tied up in PT. In fact if I didn't know differently I would have said this was the last book of the series. A little birdie told me there will be more Gemini Island books so I was hugely relieved!

This was Rosanna Leo's first try at a menage storyline and she did a fabulous job. The relationship was a bit of insta love but in about 145ish pages you needed to get to the point. The story was so well crafted that you will find you will be drawn into fits of anger, left all tingling after a passionate scene ....I have to say here ..."sculptures" when you read the book you will get my meaning, you will be on the edge of your seat awaiting unknown outcomes, and cry like a baby as the darkness creeps into Gemini Island.

This is a don't miss for Gemini Island Shifter fans and for those who just love shifters. Rosanna Leo doesn't let her readers down...there is a lightness to the stories she writes even when evil creeps in and you know you can count on the steam level to be boiling and she never misses giving you the ending you know you crave.

5 Dazzling Stars for this the crown of the Gemini Island Shifter Series. Can't wait to see how you top this one Rosanna.

Note: The author did give me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

Release Tour and Review: Tough Love by Lori Foster Book 3 in the Ultimate Series

TOUGH LOVE

by Lori Foster

Now Available!

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** GooglePlay ** Booksamillion

 

“Foster brings her signature blend of heat and sweet to her addictive third Ultimate martial arts contemporary. Foster ably tosses out red herrings and also seamlessly lays the foundation for the next book in this series. This luscious tale will appeal to Foster’s legion of fans and attract new ones—even those who aren't fans of professional fighting.” -

Publishers Weekly

Brushing his thumb over her knuckles, he asked gently, “Nervous, then?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“You’re shaking.”

Lifting his hand to her mouth, she lightly bit a knuckle, then kissed the spot. Gaze sincere, she whispered, “Because I’m eager.”

Well, hell. She’d just done it again, made him taut with her words. Needing to explain to her, just in case he jumped the gun, he said, “The first time…”

“Fast and hard,” she finished for him. “I know.” Her smile slipped into place even as her eyes darkened and her voice went all breathy. “It’ll be worth it if I get to watch you. I’ve been thinking about that forever.”

Jesus.

“After that,” she murmured, “then it can be my turn.”

Trying to give a little more room to his growing erection, Stack stretched out one leg. If she kept that up, he wouldn't make it to her place. Hell, he was so close to losing it, the idea of pulling over for a quickie in the car appealed in a big way. It should have embarrassed him, how she stole his control. But knowing Vanity pushed him on purpose only made him more determined to blow her mind with sex.

Reaching for long-lost patience, he drew in a deep breath and put both hands back on the steering wheel. “You’re playing with fire. You know that, right?”

“I'm playing with you, Stack Hannigan, and it’s the most fun I've had in a very long time.”

He liked her like this, so open about what she wanted—namely, him. “Like I said before, you’ll pay for the play.”

“I'm hopeful.” She laughed, and even that turned him on.

Vanity was the one of the sexiest women he’d ever known, but she was also real. Bold. He didn’t have to wonder at her thoughts, because she spelled out what she wanted and how she wanted it.

She also made it clear that their time together had a short time frame, and after they’d settled the lust, she fully expected him to mosey on out of her life.

Should’ve been perfect, only…it nettled him that she didn't push for more.

Both of them now silent, he turned a corner onto a dark street—and immediately saw the collision. Two vehicles, one in a ditch, the other overturned. Headlights cut the dark of the night at odd angles. Even as Stack slowed his car, searching the scene, the overturned car ignited and flames licked into the air.

“Oh, my God.” Vanity sat forward to stare. “There!” She pointed to the side of one car. “There’s a body!”

Stack jerked the car to the curb, slammed it into park and released his seat belt at the same time. “Call 911.”

She already had her purse in her hands, digging through it. “Be careful,” she called after him as he hurriedly left the car.

He’d only taken one step when Stack heard a woman’s weak screams.

TOUGH LOVE Synopsis:

She's playing hard to get…to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times best-selling author Lori Foster

Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows.

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?

And don’t miss the previous books in the Ultimate Series!

HARD KNOCKS

NO LIMITS

HOLDING STRONG

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

Direct Link:  https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTE3MmMxYTA5NWI0YjhkMjZkNWU0YzM1M2E1YzU2OjI3Mw==/

About Lori Foster:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times best selling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Stalk Lori:

WEBSITE:

http://lorifoster.com/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/lorifoster

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/lorilfoster

GOODREADS: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17597.Lori_Foster

PINTEREST:

https://www.pinterest.com/lorilfoster/

YOU TUBE: 

https://www.youtube.com/user/lorifosterauthor/

t'irla's talk Review

I have to admit I sorta fell into this series. I do love fighter novels so back when book one of this series was offered on Netgalley I did a request and received the novel. I read it and thought it was ok so when I saw the same thing for book 2 I requested it and got it and liked it even more than book one. Now I have to say I was new to Lori Foster's writing and wasn't sure quite what to expect and I had been reading really gritty edgy fighting novels prior so I think that these novels seemed lighter by comparison. So when I saw this novel on both Edelwiess and Netgally I thought it was a sign so have to thank the publisher for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I totally found myself lost in this novel.

I think because I had a connection with the mc' since I had met them in the previous books I had real buy in to them getting a HEA. I enjoyed Vanity very much in the previous novel and was anxious to learn more about her since she did have some mystery surrounding her. Stack I though was a bit of a jerk but was giving him the benefit of the doubt cause after all a lot of our heroes tend to be jerky until they meet their lady love. I admit Stack did grow on my and I found him quite funny at times but other times I did want to smack him upside his head, that boy had some maturing to do.

I don't want to get to much in to the story but trust me when I say we have some intrigue and not all is easy for this couple. I think what I am beginning to really appreciate about Lori Foster's MMA fighter novels is that I enjoy the camaraderie of her character's group of friends and I love how the love stories turn into a sweet connection between the two characters. Yes they have their rough times etc but beneath it all you know all involved are good people and that they have a true connection to each other.

I'm definitely going to keep reading this series and I suggest if you like a dose of sugar with your MMA fighters and a hint of intrigue just to keep your blood boiling than this is definitely a series you don't want to miss. I'm giving this novel a 4 star rating and a recommendation ...A great fast read for a warm summer day or a nice curl up on the couch as the leaves fall!

Review: Wicked fall by Sawyer Bennett Book 1 in Wicked Horse Series

I'm a fan of Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey romance. I love how she writes her characters and makes them relate able and gets the reader emotionally connected, so of course when I heard she had a new series started I just had to read it. Thanks to the publisher who granted me this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I admit I"m not sure how to review this novel. There was so much I loved about it but also places I felt missed the mark. I had to take a couple days and ask myself if I enjoyed the book (I did) would I recommend it to a friend (yes) do I want to read more in the series (definitely) do the problems impair my enjoyment of the story (no). I am basing my star rating on the answer to these questions.

I'm a huge fan of BDSM "club" novels such as Cherise Sinclair's Masters of the Shadowland and Club Sin by Stacey Kennedy. I think of these novels as BDSM lite because the emphasis is on the relationship and romance rather than the BDSM relationship. In these novels the "club" becomes almost a character and a definite vehicle for the plot. I didn't get the same "feel" for the club and it's members as I did in these novels. I felt no real connection to the place or really the actions that took place there. This could be because this is a new direction for Sawyer and she is still feeling her way with both the club and the lifestyle. If this is a first outing I give her credit and definitely will find following the series and see how she grows in the sub genre with interest. All in all I actually didn't see any BDSM in this story. I saw dominance and control but no real elements of BDSM.

My first real connection in this novel was with our hero Woolf, I felt for his loss and for the situation in which he found himself. I know that feeling of being a square peg in a round hole is difficult and the need to pursue a dream pushes out everything else. I really liked the dual first person POVs it let me gain a more intimate knowledge of the character's thoughts and motivations. I have to admit I did feel that Woolf was a bit of a rich brat and used to getting his way but I still really enjoyed his character. Where Woolf lost me a bit was when he would refer to his inclinations as dirty, depraved etc.. I have to say I didn't read anything that would be considered dirty or depraved. I did read some kink and sexual freedom.

Callie our heroine I found sympathetic but not empathetic. She too came from a similar wealthy background as Woolf and she cursed on him as a young girl and never really outgrew the crush she was likeable although a bit whiny at times. She was a bit of a contradiction though timid at times and then bold, I know she was growing but it was a bit tooooo much. I really think the main reason I didn't really connect with Callie was Bridger. Bridger is Woolf's best friend and partner in the club. They have caroused together for years and are very close. I felt the connection between Bridger and Woolf was so much strong than between Callie and Woolf. The scenes where Woolf and Bridger were together just sparked and jumped off the page. I think the dynamic between the men overshadowed the spark between Callie and Woolf.

Now don't get me wrong I adore Bridger and *can't* wait to read his story. The mystery, the coldness, the over all ALPHANESS just screamed from the pages. For me Bridger was the star of this novel and for that reason I gave the book 1 star more than I think I would have without him.

Overall he story was about a man with a need to control and a girl who wanted to explore her sexuality. There is a good amount of steam that came from the pages but I have to admit the epilogue is what got me drooling and it is the epilogue that makes me yearn for the next book in the series.

A 4 golden horseshoes for this novel thanks to Bridger and a recommendation for the writing of Sawyer Bennett her writing lifted the story from a 3.5 to a 4 star. Looking for more books by her....keep tuned.