Heartstoppong, panty melting and heartfelt
929215
Wow, I devoured EWO. I felt Ethan & Brynne gew and evolved so much in their love and their trust. It was action packed with suspense and the love scenes were smoking. Great twists and turns. Soooooo romantic and swoonworthy.
1932403
My God. This woman. This amazing woman.

A lump in my throat and tearsof utter happinessin my eyes, Ive just finished this book, and my god, this book! If the friends-to-lovers thing is your thing, then Full Package is necessary, required, essential reading. Truly, this is not one to be missed. Im pretty sure that I haven't hidden, like at all, my fandom for Lauren Blakely. Ive been like Pacman chomping on those little dots with the way Ive been devouring her work this year. Ive loved every single book, each one, unbelievably, more than the last.

This feels like something else entirely. Something I haven't felt in a long time.

But this book, this fabulous book, struck such a personal chord with me. It did something that generally doesnt happen to me when I read romcomsit moved me, it touched me, and it made me so very happy. You see, there are some parallels in this story to my life, and in the day-to-day living of it, Id forgotten. But boy, let me tell you, while reading this book was I ever reminded of that long ago sweet time. Thats one of the things that reading is all about to me. Its either to serve as an escape or, as in this case, a reminder.

something is happening. Something wild, and crazy, and undoubtedly incredibly foolish. But right now, it feels like sailing, like flying, like soaring.

Blakely has put out several male point-of-view romcoms within the last year, Full Package being the fifth. If you haven't experienced the sheer talent of Lauren Blakely in one of her male POV books, what are you waiting for?! The woman is a genius when it comes to getting into these guys minds and conveying whats going through them as they fall in love. She delivers these stories in such an authentic, realistic and unique voice, and it is unlike anything that I have ever read in any other book or by any other author. These books are magnificent, honest-to-goodness romcom magic. Honestly, I have no idea how she does it and, frankly, Im not going to ask. Im just going to enjoy the fact that she can do it, that she does it well and that she does it often.

its euphoric, its electric, the rush I get from smelling her, from moving against her, from kissing her.

Being inside of Chases head as he worked through his thoughts, feelings and emotions about Josie was a delight. I had a perma-grin plastered on my face from cover-to-cover. Everything about this relationships build-up  from the incredibly ill-advised friends with benefits stage to the brief but still slightly angsty and awkward period  made me happy. The friends-to-lovers thing is so totally my thing, especially, as it was in Chase and Josies case, when its patently obvious to everyone  except, of course, the hero and heroine  that they love each other, that they're perfect for each other, that they're meant to be. Chase and Josie were all of those things. Heart-racing, sometimes even aching, I read this book in sweet anticipation of that axis-tilting, world-shifting moment of realization and, oh boy, did Blakely ever give it to me.

the chance to be with the one you wantthe one who wants you the same d*mn wayis worth the risk.

This book was absolutely the full packageit was everything that my romance reading, happily-ever-after-seeking heart wanted this book to be. I loved it so very much. Lauren Blakelys Full Package gets five smooches from me!
~ Danielle for Red Cheeks Reads
3022076
Oh, this book gave me so many feels. It follows one time high school sweethearts Addie Mae and RJ, as they navigate the trials of becoming adults and through their subsequent split and reconnection. There are so many sweet moments, a number of hot and sexy moments, and some moments that had me bawling. Strong character development, great plot and conclusion, and I loved the secondary characters and the hint that there may be a place for them in future stories. Great book!
1938767
Second book in the Knights Rebels MC, which takes place during the same period
 as Incandescent (Knights Rebels MC #1).
Right out of the gate, the author tugs at your heartstrings with three little words
This is Sy and Hollys story; Sylas/Sy one of the Knights Rebels and his is one
that will cause you to feel a variety of emotions.
First, sadness for what he hides from his brothers and Holly, the pain he left behind.
Second, arousal due to his dirty mouth and the steamy numerous orgasms
he bestows on Holly.
Third, happiness as his inner strength supports and stands by his woman
even though his own demons continue to haunt him.

Big, burly and covered in tattoos
Sy is swoon worthy, a hero in many respects.
Holly is a pip; she is a fashionista, comedic and isn't intimidated by Sy and his
on-again/off-again hanky-panky.
Hmm, delicious hot hanky-panky, the kind that puts a smile on your face,
lip smacking good.

A horrific incident sucks the life out of Holly and her once spirited and outgoing
personality turns into one of panic and dread.
Sy is the one who stands by her and gives her the ability to regain
some semblance of her life before the devastating loss that will have you bawling.
Have the tissues ready as the author takes you into grieving territory.
Great writing and the way the story is delivered will cause you to lose it.
Madness as in there is a s***ty woman-beater who causes trouble for the
club and places Holly and Kadence at risk.
The more I learn about this MC Club
the more I like them.  They aren't your typical rebel rouser law breaking gang
just the opposite, they play a role in the community one of protection.
One negative for me, I thought it was too long. I like when issues are resolved
and wrapped up sooner rather than later.
This can be read as a stand-alone.
[gifted copy]
4910359
Ryan and Lila were a joy to read. It couldn't stop smiling and laughing my way through this book. It was sweet, sexy and a whole lot of aaahhhs to boot. Just simply a wonderful, heartwarming story with characters you want to climb in bed with. Ryan was sex on legs and definitely Mr. Swoon-worthy. Lila was strong and independent, hardly surprising given her upbringing. Ryans reaction to finding out about her mom and grandmothers jobs was so endearing and just made me love him more.
The banter and flirting between these two was so believable and at times hot as hell, as well as the steamy smexy times they shared. I cant say there was a single thing I didn't like about this story and cant wait for the next one.
2660559
"I want someone who really wants me, someone who can't keep his hands off me, someone who'd walk to the ends of the earth for me.  I want the real thing, and that includes fireworks, amazing sex, and eternal love,"  These are the most heartfelt and honest words I have read in a long time.  It's something we all dream about.  I really enjoyed this book.  Winnie is a secretary who works hard and does everything she can for her boss Morgan, who pretty much doesn't even notice her.  Morgan is tired of living the bachelor lifestyle in the limelight and makes a proposition to Winne which she can't refuse.  Or, can she?  This was a fabulous book and one I will enjoy reading again and again.
3267704
This book got and kept me excited. No, not that kind of excited (but, yes, that kind of excited), but the kind of excited that sends me barreling down the tracks, unable to stop reading, while at the same time forcing me to take breaks to remember to breathe or wipe the tears.

I don't care that it isn't the most structurally sound book around.

~*~ It bleeds heart.

I don't care that there are flashbacks.

~*~ One caused my tears to take running leaps down my cheeks.

I don't care that it was a bit indulgent in detail, taking its sweet ole time in getting through some descriptive scenes.

~*~ Payoff: Bonsai tree. *drops mic*

... This is what I wanted.

... This was worth the wait.

... This is Lem & Anderson.

& Russell.
& Gia.
& Mrs. P.
& Maggie.

We get to hear the truth behind the stories Lem & Anderson started to share in those precious few times spent together while imprisoned. Those stories of which only the beginnings ever made it past their lips before time interrupted them. Most importantly, this is Lem & Anderson as themselves together, whatever form that may take.

Yes, each has changed unavoidably. Baggage still clutters each of their hearts. The earthshaking desire they share for each other still trembles and roars, screams and claws, whimpers and sighs.
Theyre trying and I think thats a surprise to each of them sometimes, causing each to jump back from the flames. Sometimes the hardest part is seeing the one person through that fire who can protect you from it.

Mr. Shire knows how to rip the bandage right off and expose the ferocity of the emotions pulsing just below the surface. There is nowhere to skulk, no way to slip from the clutches of the heart-splitting desperation, breath-snatching passion and giggle-spitting humor. Its messy and its thoughtful and its comforting and its sexy.

I am purposely staying away from including any spoilers or quotes: go discover them for yourself. I guarantee youll be back to gulp from the well once more. I know I will.

4.5 Bonsai Trees for me.
2095831
That thing happens again. The thing where my body feels like its on fire. I swear ever my cheeks feel a little flushed from the flames. The non-existent ones.

He is kissing me again. Harder. Hot. Nipping. Licking. Sucking. Until I am breathing his air and he is breathing mine.

He kisses me like hes starved. Like Im the only thing that matters. Like Im his. Hot. Torrid. Consuming.

Im not going to tell you being with me is going to be easy. Im a di**. An a**hole. A jerk. And that isn't going to change overnight. Im unsteady. In uncharted water. And Im going to f*** up.

Unexpected. Fun. Sexy. Thrilling. Entertaining as hell. Thats how I would describe Sexy Jerk.

Lately I have been on the biggest enemies to lovers kick and I have to tell you, Sexy Jerk takes the cake. Sexy Jerk is so much fun. It is incredibly well written, smart and entertaining. The banter between Nick and Tess had me hooked instantly. I loved their interactions. They played so well off of one another and they had the most amazing chemistry. I loved their push and pull. And what can I say, Im a sucker for the misunderstood playboy. I really enjoyed watching Nick make his move on Tess. There was so much more to him than meets the eye. Sure he was one sexy jerk, but he also had the biggest heart, was 100% alpha male and an incredible partner. And Tess was just great. She was fiercely independent and gave just as good as she got. She was very protective of her heart and it took a man like Nick to turn her world upside down and show her that this playboy was a prince at heart.

So, what can I tell you about Sexy Jerk?? Simply put, I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. Did I mention that I loved it? I would even venture to say that it is one of my top books by this author to date. This book had it all: Sexy and fun characters, An interesting story-line, characters that were easy to relate and connect with. There was drama. There was angst. There was lots of delicious tension and lots of sinfully, sexy good times. Im telling you this book had it all and more than delivered on the feels. I easily devoured this book in just one sitting and refused to put it down. This book was so unexpected and completely knocked my socks off. I absolutely loved every second of Sexy Jerk and would definitely recommend checking this one out.
3088448
Sometimes all you need is love, but Max isn't in a position for it. He is in a position to feel attraction though, and he's drawn to making an outrageous deal to Laura. She's in no place for love either, but it's pure joy following along with this story, and Bella's pretty darn cute to boot. I loved the bond that grows between Laura and Bella. Super sweet. A great read with some heat but also a huge heart. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
607973
Wow! I literally just finished this book and, in spite of the late hour, I feel compelled to review. What a wonderful book, in so many ways! First, and foremost, it was SO incredibly sexy - kinky, definitely, but more than that. To the more traditional reader of M/M romance: this may not be the book for you. But if you're looking for heat with heart, this is the book. Second, it was such a sweet story, even though it was wonderfully hot. A coming of age/finding yourself story that left me warm, fuzzy, and definitely overheated. What a pleasure (and it hardly hurt that the writing was excellent, by the way)!

MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:

Sam has been stuck between a rock and a hard place since his mother's death. He's struggling to get through nursing school, settling for less than good sex (an understatement) and quickies in the bathroom with a "straight" classmate who has nothing but contempt for him, living with his aunt and uncle in suburbia, and working at their pharmacy for peanuts. They pay for his school, but they give him no emotional support - his only bright spot is his friend, Emma, who has the family Sam desperately wishes he had.

Enter Mitch, making a delivery to the pharmacy in his big rig. He spots Sam dancing to a tune on his iPhone, and they end up having sex in the empty trailer. But it's a revelation to Sam - the sex is great and there's something more: kindness. That would have been the end of it for these two, but Sam leaves his beloved iPhone on the truck and Mitch, good guy that he is, returns it. The experience with Mitch is a wakeup call for Sam, and soon Sam's situation at home worsens and he calls Mitch again and tells the older man he wants to leave town with him.

Sam and Mitch travel cross-country and, without spoiling anything major here, they each confront their own demons. For Sam, the demons have to do with his lack of self-confidence and fear of his sexual desires...and kinky they are! Not the gross-out kinky stuff, but definitely edgy (submission (not quite BDSM, though), threesomes, voyeurism, and, with Mitch's encouragement, sex toys). For Mitch, the demon comes in the form of his best friend and former you-know-what buddy. Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly), the path to happiness is similar for both Sam and Mitch. And yes, there is a HEA, and a very sweet, Hollywood one at that!

Hot sex, sweet and sometimes heart-wrenching romance, and excellent writing, free from the usual editing gaffes. A pleasure from start to finish and -- *fans self* -- probably the hottest M/M slash book I have read to date!

Shira Anthony (a.k.a. Sarah Alexander)
Author of "From the Depths"
2679589
I thought I had my favorites list for 2014 all put together, then I read this book, and had to shuffle everything around. Tillie Cole is an amazing writer and she has this ability to make me feel so much when reading. This book had me awake all hours of the night reading until I finished. I sat there and read for five straight hours, my eyes glued to my kindle until I read the last page. I literally could not put it down. I looked like a zombie the next day at work, but it was so worth it. I cried while reading. I cried while going through my highlights for this review (and I had to go through over 50, because there were too many fantastic quotes). Its safe to say that this book impacted me in the best way and I loved it dearly.
Lilah is sister and friend to Mae. She is not taking life on the outside near as well as her sister. She has been ripped away from her home, surrounded by crude and rude bikers. Shes terrified.

Then there is Kyler. VP of the Hangmen. Ky is something else. Hes hilarious, sexy and crass. Hes also the man that his Prez and best friend, Styx assigns to Lilah. Hes supposed to show her around, help her adjust to real life. Ky and Lilah are so funny together at first. You won't find two characters as different from one another as they are.

The more time these two spend together, the more used to one another they become. They actually start to get along and like being together. For the fist time since Lilahs been away from the Order, she feels safe. Ky is the only one who makes her feel that way.

As much as Ky doesnt want to admit it to himself or anyone else, Lilah is slowly changing him. Its obvious to anyone around them that he cares for her and is protective over her.

My favorite part of the book was just watching these two together. Watching them grow into friends and so much more. I loved seeing the changes they were making. They are so connected to one another. Ky has this way of being able to open Lilah up and bringing her out of her shell, something no one else could do. And Lilah brings out a side of Ky that he didn't even know existed. He is still his crazy self, but he is sweet, gentle and kind with her. The two of them together it just made me melt. It made my heart sore.

Lilah and Ky were two of the most beautiful and memorable characters Ive read in a long time. Lilah is broken, sheltered, terrified of life, but she has this strength and determination that you don't see very often. I rooted for her. I loved her. Just as much as I loved Ky, I loved her. My Ky. When I read about Ky in book one, I just knew his book would be epic. Naturally, I was right. Ky made me laugh out loud so many times. Watching him with Lilah made my heart melt. And watching the changes he made for her was a beautiful thing. I adored both of these characters so much. I liked Mae and Styx and the first book, but this book and these characters were on an entirely different level for me.

Heart Recaptured is an emotional, beautiful, painful, stunning, raw, gritty and powerful read. Its a book that will make you laugh, make you cry and it will move you. Ky and Lilahs love story is one that needs to be read. I cant recommend this enough. Tillie Cole, you amaze me. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series (Flame). I love the crazy ones and I just cant wait!

As you can tell, this is a must read of mine- a favorite of 2014. Dont miss out on this amazing story and this beautiful couple!
4564077
4 Panty Melting Stars

If you enjoyed 50 Shades then this is the series for you. I felt many of the same things reading this that I felt while reading FSOG! Hot, bothered, turned on and totally in love with these characters.

This is the second book in the series and the first book I have not read. Even though I did not read the first one I was not lost in this one. I was able to follow the story nicely.

Alexander is the billionaire alpha male who must control everything in his life. When Lila walked into his life he was unable to control himself he had to have her, all of her, forever. This is the story of their relationship. How a controlling man relinquish some control and dominance, and learns to love and make a life with the woman he loves. There are heartaches and damages.
These two depend on each other way too much. Almost an unhealthy obsession.

I did feel the obsession was a little to all encompassing. It bordered on annoying at times. The ending seemed a little rushed and jumbled. Caleb was thrown in out of no where. And what is it that Lila has that reels these guys in? I felt Lila was really selfish, but yet she is 20. Selfishness kind of comes with being 20 years old.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was a great story, well told. My hubs was happy while I was reading this!!!
318453
Wow! I stumbled upon this beautiful story and discovered an awesome new author to add to my favorites. The journey of Quinn and Addy was spectacular, steamy, fun, steamy, angst filled, steamy, heartbreaking, steamy did I say steamy? Panty melting steamy! As the story progresses you learn the heartbreaking truth of Addy's past, get a box of Kleenex out you will need it! Also get a few extra pairs of panties to change into! This book is in my top 5 reads this year!
1198639
GAH! I don't even know where to begin
with this book. I finished Living Out Loud yesterday and Im so incredibly in love! I live for Stacis Jane Austen retellings and this one exceeded all my expectations.

Her beauty burned in her chest, in a heart that beat without rhythm.

Annie and Greg are relationship goals. The angsty definition of friends-to-lovers. So angstyits that literally couldn't sit still, praying that one of the two would see or come clean with those feelings, angst. Annie is one of the sweetest, most naive, yet strongest heroines. The medical diagnosis she lives with would hinder others, but she aimed to live life to the fullest and unapologetically. Her experiencing new places, and so many firsts had a feeling nostalgia.

Because the truth was that I loved her. I loved her, and someday, I would say those words written on my heart.

And Gregbe still my heartthe longing and aching he went through had me wanting to reach into those pages to hug him. This guy is patience personified. So extremely genuine, caring, and swoon-worthy to the nth degree. He endured so much to see Annies happiness before his own.

That was Greg and meeasy and uninhibited, a joining of two streams to make a river.

The beautiful story that is Living Out Loud reminded me exactly why Staci Hart is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is simply poetic and elicits every emotional feeling out there. And thats exactly what Living Out Loud doesitll make you feel.
1752391
A windstorm of emotions this story is and a true page turner until the end. A happy conclusion is at the end of all the hurdles faced, but it is one that every woman would adore and melt for.

Vance Winters lives with the horrors of his parents and aunt and uncle being murdered without closure. He is a billionaire, famous sculptor and great at business investments. Nightmares plague him and drinking excessively and womanizing keep them at bay. Needing a business manager, and help with his personal life he hires Magnolia. Magnolia has lived through a lot with unloving parents and losing the one loving adult in her life; her grandmother who has passed on. She also has a boyfriend and should definitely be the poster boy of who you shouldnt date. Of course, she finds Vance panty-dropping hot but with a boyfriend and really wanting the job she puts all fantasies aside.

The author has done a wonderful job mixing fantasy with reality; witty-dialogue, breathtaking scene descriptions, and the plot are most impressive. Maggie and Vance go through many transitions and emotional ups and downs. Each having to face their own demons and learning from each other. Maggie is a great business partner for Vance, but they are also best friends. She certainly has no problem speaking her mind when it comes to telling him how she feels about his antics. Their romance took awhile to flourish, but it is filled with devotion, and sizzling passion. I loved these two characters together, and the addition of the baby made this a most heart-melting read. I also love the family unit of the Winters, how they help each other and showed Vance that he needed to finally come to terms with his true feelings about Maggie. This is a loving story one that should definitely not be missed; it shows how you can change your life around and rid yourself of bad habits with help, accept love when it enters your life, and finally find a peace that fills your heart. If you treasure bad boy romance this is definitely a terrific book for your library. In fantasy romance, the magic begins with the first thought to paper. {This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy} Without reservations, I recommend this book.
1942480
Sinfully delicious and captivating from start to finish. An absolute panty melting read.  I would absolutely recommend this book. A must read.
4498149
PANTY MELTING HAWT ~ REBECCAS SCATTERED THOUGHTS!!

You say the filthiest things, she moaned.

His warm lips grazed her cheek. Thats cause Im a filthy boy. A very filthy boy who needs to be punished. So now ride me until I cant see straight.

YES YES YES.  IN MY BEST MEG RYAN ORGASM VOICE YES!!!

I WANT TO BE SO, SO BAD WITH GAGE, DO NAUGHTY FILTHY THINGS.

RIDE RIDE RIDE

Oh sorry, where was I???  Got a little distracted.

My partner in crime on here, Tracy, was the one who recommended Kit Rocha to me so I tend to trust her judgement! A while back we were discussing hot alpha military romances and she told me I had to try an Elle Kennedy. This is a new series, and a novella, so I decided to dive in and take a look. It may have been my first but it sure as hell won't be my last.

Elle Kennedy has created a swoon worthy, panty melting bad boy that you will just love. I devoured it. In one sitting. Could not force myself away from him. If this is the standard of her books I will be taking a leave of absence while I read her back catalogue. Yep Gage is that hawt!

I should take a minute to say that Skyler is a more than worthy good girl going filthy bad as she is discovering her sassy girl inside and there are several secondary characters that I would like to see how their stories develop. There is a strong family and friends dynamic which I loved, believable baddies and of course our hero

While I always moan that novellas are too short and I needed more, I cant tell you enough that at $0.99 this is incredibly good value for a ridiculously hot & steamy read that will have your panties melting.

* COPY PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY *