Book Review: Burn by Callie Hart (#3 in the Blood & Roses Series)

Title: Burn (#3 in the Blood & Roses Series)
Author: Callie Hart
Genre: Romance, Erotica, Dark Erotica, Suspense
Release Date: 5/22/2014
Related books: Deviant (FREE, book #1), Fracture (book #2)
Rating: 5 stars
Steam factor: 5/5 

*Warning: This book contains violence, sex, murder, prostitution and several other possible triggers. 

*Warning: This review contains possible spoilers to the first two books in this series! If you have not read Deviant or Fracture this review will reveal some of the plot twists in those books. I will NOT spoil anything from Burn! Please continue reading only if you are familiar with the series or do not mind knowing some surprises before reading.

In books 1 & 2 we learn that Sloane's sister was kidnapped. The sexy, killer (literally, he kills people), bad boy hero, Zeth is helping Sloane get her sister back. Sloane is a trauma doctor who was raised by a minister and traded her virginity for information on where her sister is. Oh and Zeth and Sloane are most likely falling for each other. Who am I kidding? It's a romance series, of course they are. 

Now that you are semi-caught up here is what happens in Burn. Well, I can't say much because the whole thing is full of action, surprises and sex. I don't want to spoil much. Burn picks up right where we left off in Fracture. Zeth and Sloane are in Julio's compound where they plan to rescue Sloane's sister, Alexis, during a sex party. Sloane is supposed to convince Julio that she is an escort there to join Zeth at the party. She tried... She stands up to Julio and he appears to accept that even though she is a doctor she could still be there for the party. 

Sloane gets together with "the girls" on the compound before the party. She is hoping to see Alexis but she isn't there. She learns there are 2 other girls that are away. Neither are named Alexis but Sloane suspects she is going by a different name. The girls are Julio's prostitutes that will help entertain the party guests.

The MC, Widow Makers, show up for the party. The president of the club is named Rebel. Rebel was supposed to be the one who got Sloane's virginity in book 1. Zeth knows this but Sloane does not. Rebel becomes an important character. I can't tell you how without ruining the whole book! But trust me, its good! 

Will Sloane find her sister? If she does, will Alexis be in the decrepit state she expects? Who is this Rebel guy? You will have to read to find out. I guarantee you that you want to find out!

Callie Hart has kept me on the edge of my seat since book 1. Burn (Book 3) is full of action, twists, turns and surprises. Then, there's the sex... HOT! Zeth is a crazy, kinky bastard. Miss Hart writes scenes that will have you screaming at your eReader, gasping in awe and ready for action. I found myself saying "He is NOT going to use that! Oh yes, he is!" out loud, more than once. 

There is a lot of things going on this series. Gangs, organized crime, motorcycle clubs, sex, spying, kidnapping and plot twists are all woven together like a delicate piece of lace. At the heart of it all is a love story. Sloane started as a virgin and morphs into a viper with an insatiable libido which matches that of her deviant lover. She is willing to do absolutely anything to find her sister. Zeth is a broken, hard shelled, tattooed badass with a past. He starts to soften a bit with Sloane as they spend more time together than he is used to. He is protective over her and is even amused with her at times. In Burn he admits that she confuses him. These characters grow at a perfect pace with the story. 

There is a slight cliffhanger. Something happens and you find out a tidbit of information but you are left wanting a full explanation. I cannot wait to get the next installment! If' I'm lucky I will get to an advanced copy again. 

I recommend this whole series to everyone! If you aren't afraid of some graphic wording and love dark, erotic subject matter, this is for you! If you haven't started this series yet, you must! The first installment, Deviant, is currently free. I give this book (and the series so far) 5/5 stars! And the steam factor is 5/5 as well!  

Connect with Callie Hart:

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Facebook

Callies Blog

Buy Burn 

(Read Deviant and Fracture first! Links above)

Amazon

iBooks

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinions may differ from yours and that is OK.

Therapist by Jaden Wilkes Cover Reveal

I am a sociopath. 

I know this because I diagnosed myself.

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology from a very prestigious university.

I am charming, attractive, and you probably want to sleep with me.

I take what I want, when I want, and I enjoy picking the most tragic of all my patients to experiment with.

I have no remorse, I am unrelenting in my pursuit of tragedy, and I am about to meet my match.

Her name is not important, I am only allowed to call her Mistress. She is a femme fatale, a patient, and now an obsession.

She will destroy me, I will do anything to get inside of her.

I can already feel her inside of me.

Title: Therapist
Author: Jaden Wilkes
Genre: Dark, Erotica, Psychological 
Expected Release Date: May 2014

From the author:

**Trigger warning. This novel contains situations of perversity and dubious consent. It is full of possible triggers and quite honestly, a shorter novel simply to get this sick bastard out of my head. The minute I hit publish, I will need a shower. If you choose to read it, I am sorry he dragged you through his filth.

Add it to your TBR on Goodreads NOW!

About Jaden Wilkes:
Jaden is the pen name of a girl living on the prettiest farm in BC. She shares her space with her husband, her children, and an Irish Wolfhound named Tiberius. She can now be found lurking in the dark corners of the internet looking for artful porn gifs, dirty poems and places to promo her work.

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJadenWilkes

https://www.goodreads.com/JadenWilkes

https://twitter.com/JWilkesAuthor

http://www.smutlandia.com

Q&A with Julia Kent Author of Share Me in the Spring Fling Anthology

I recently had the opportunity to ask one of my favorite authors some fun questions! Julia Kent is the author of many of my favorite books. If you are into steamy romantic comedy type books, LOOK HER UP! (I hereby name steamy-romantic-comedy an actual book genre)

You can check her out in the Spring Fling New Adult Anthology set in New Orleans at Spring Break during Mardi Gras. For more info see my review (link below)!

Let's get to the Q&A:

WMW: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? Did you know what genre right away?

Julia: I've been writing for years, but turned to romance more recently. Wrote my first novel nearly twenty years ago, actually!

WMW: Do you have a favorite book that you have written? How about a favorite Character?

Julia: Oh -- seriously? Do I have to pick one? It's like picking a favorite kid. LOL. I do have a TOTAL author crush on Alex from It's Complicated/Complete Abandon/cameo in Random Acts of Trust, though. ::blush::

WMW: Do you have a specific method for writing? Do you brainstorm, outline or simply start writing as it comes? Give us some insight into your "process".

Julia: I write between my kids' demands for food and attention. I still have one who isn't of school age.

WMW: Are any of your characters based on anyone you know personally? (You don't have to tell us who they are, unless you want to)

Julia: Nope. Not a single one. Other than Thor (Mike from Her Billionaires). I personally know Thor.

WMW: I have noticed mention of items like Diva Cup, Cloth Diapers and Babywearing in your books. As a cloth diapering and babywearing mom, I have to ask if you use(d) cloth diapers?

Julia: I did! For one child. He's my easygoing kid, too! 

Quickfire Questions:

WMW: On a man: Boxers or briefs?

Boxer briefs!

WMW: Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook

WMW: Coffee or Tea?

OMG IS THAT A QUESTION? Coffee, of course!

WMW: Favorite season?

Anything but winter. I live in New England.

WMW: Favorite scent?

Julia: Man. ;)

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my silly questions Julia! 

See why I love her? Check out her many awesome books, I have read them all! 

My review of Random Acts of Trust

My review of Spring Fling

She loves to hear from her readers by email at jkentauthor@gmail.com

Twitter

Facebook 

Julia Kent's Blog

Click photo to view on Amazon

Spring Fling: A New Adult Anthology Blog Tour & Giveaway!

I can honestly say I have never gone on any spring break trips. Sad, but true. This anthology will take you there! It took me there and I had a blast!

Spring Fling: A New Adult Anthology is just $1.99!

Synopsis:

Four tales of hot New Adult romance in New Orleans …

Party Spring Break–style with four bestselling romance authors, including Julia Kent and Sara Fawkes, as they dish out sexy tales of romance in the Big Easy!

Share Me by Julia Kent

Emma Barton has just been dumped—for being boring. Now she's letting loose and reclaiming her inner bad girl with not one, but two sexy strangers! Double the pleasure means double the fun, right?

Shake Me by Sara Fawkes

Determined to forget her cheating boyfriend, Cassidy Dupre agrees to a night out with playboy Travis Dean. But when she finds herself wanting more than she bargained for, this evening could spell desire … or disaster!

Show Me by Cathryn Fox

Eva Parker wants a lesson in seduction … from her brother's best friend. When teaching becomes tension, will they be able to keep it professional? Or will friends forever become something much hotter?

Shock Me by Lauren Hawkeye

Callie Gilmore is determined to break out of the friend zone with Ryder Hawkins. Donning a mask and making her move seems easy, but when fate throws a curveball, Callie must choose: turn and run … or embrace the night.

My Review:

Set in New Orleans in middle of Mardi Gras, we follow the stories of four young women. Emma Barton doesn't usually do "pleasure" trips. Her vacations mostly consist of charity work. After spending years with her high school boyfriend turned fiance, she finds herself single. He said she was "boring". Well, how boring is it to find two hot guys to spend the week with in New Orleans? Cassidy Dupre used to be good friends with Travis Dean until her mom died. She tried to become the young woman her mom would have liked, shunning Travis in the process. Travis tortures and teases her all through high school but when he sheds light on her cheating boyfriend they run to New Orleans to find him, together. Travis and Cassidy finally get what they both really need. Eva Parker is a self proclaimed geek and is ready to hand over her "V" card!! She has had a crush on her brothers best friend for as long as she can remember. She knows she can't have him but decides to trust him to show her how to be attractive to other men. He doesn't want her to be with other men, he certainly doesn't want some other guy getting her "V" card! Then there's Callie Gilmore. She is best friends with Ryder Hawkins. She doesn't want to be just friends and decides that New Orleans is the perfect opportunity to seduce him. At the masked ball she leads him back to his room, and just before she gets what she wants someone bursts through the door. It's Ryder at the door, with another woman. Which means the man it the bed is NOT Ryder! Turns out, its his brother. Callie has a decision to make.

All of these stories are hot! The collaboration between the authors was fantastic. There is one common thread throughout the stories that I will leave you to find for yourself. I would describe this book as watching a movie from four different perspectives. Its all the same time frame, setting, etc. We just get to experience Mardi Gras through four sets of eyes. The only thing that would have made it better would be if somehow the characters from the different stories would have had cameo appearances in the other books to tie them together a bit further. I could see how that would be a challenge and perhaps the authors may not have wanted to write about someone else's characters. 

This is not a typical boxed set of somewhat similar themed stories. These authors worked together to create a seamlessly flowing anthology that takes you right to Bourbon Street. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a collection of mid length steamy reads!

The Authors:

Julia Kent:
USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent turned to writing contemporary romance after deciding that life is too short not to have fun. She writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

She loves to hear from her readers by email at jkentauthor@gmail.com

Twitter  

Facebook 

Lauren Hawkeye (Jameson): 

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers! Hawkeye's stories include erotic historical, steamy paranormal, and hot contemporary. Make sure to check out her work as Lauren Jameson, where her erotic romances take a walk on the wild side.

http://www.laurenhawkeye.com/

Twitter

Facebook

Cathryn Fox:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love.
Cathryn also writes Young Adult novels under Cat Kalen and co-writes paranormal romance as Taylor Keating.

www.cathrynfox.com

Twitter
Facebook

Sara Fawkes:

Sara Fawkes has always loved spinning tales, but her romantic roots come from sneaking her mother's old Johanna Lindsay books from the dresser drawer. She's been writing stories since she was a little girl (and has the home made books from preschool to prove it), and loves creating stories and characters and interesting messes for them to get into. An avid traveler and adventure motorcyclist, her dream job includes selling everything off and leaving civilization to see the world on two wheels, writing in cafes in each country she visits, and living off her writing. In the meantime however, she lives in California with her menagerie of pets and, when not writing, loves to rebuild old motorcycles/cars with her Dude and plays with the characters in her head. You can find her online talking about whatever strikes her fancy at: 

http://www.sara-fawkes.com
Twitter
Facebook 

Buy Spring Fling!!

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The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review ~ Wrecked by Priscilla West

Title: Wrecked
Author: Priscilla West
Genre: Romance, MMA, Young Adult
Release Date: 12/16/2013
Rating: 4 stars
Steam factor: 3/5

I started off really loving the way the story was headed. A strong female going through the worst imaginable losses trying to get some normalcy in her life meets hot MMA fighter when he saves her from drowning. He seems like the biggest man-slut around and she runs (I can't say I blame her). It becomes obvious that he has something else pulling him to her. She doesn't want anymore drama in her life so she tells him they can't pursue a relationship. He begs/insists they at least be friends.

Being friends works for a while. Until they kiss. She runs again. I recall this happening a few times. Ultimately they end up together. The whole time they both admit they have secrets and neither pushes the other to share them. Of course a relationship like this could never work. We as readers know that the secrets need to come out, especially when we know hers are really not going to affect the relationship.

After hers are revealed she can't find him for a week. She, of course, thinks its because of her past. She hears that he is seen with his ex girlfriend at the campus hospital. Having her own issues to deal with, her past coming back to haunt her, Lorrie was headed back home. The rumors are confirmed and he doesn't get a chance to explain why.

It is at this point that we start reading Hunter's POV! We learn his secret and how similar it is to hers. Similar in that it isn't something to destroy their relationship. He participates in a MMA fight when he realizes he has lost Lorrie. She finds him mid fight. He is taken to the hospital and she leaves for home unsure if she will ever return to college.

I have left out a ton of details! You will have to buy the book to get them. I really do love the story in Wrecked. The writing is fluid and you have no trouble slipping right into their environment. The characters are relatable. Like most books I read, I was thinking about the characters even when I couldn't be reading about them.

I wished we had Hunter's POV sooner in the book. I also was bummed that it was a cliffhanger. This wasn't a short book really so I had assumed there would be some kind of closure. I'm honestly not sure if I will buy the next book. I have read reviews that it was disappointing.

If you don't mind getting attached to characters and are OK with buying 2 books to get the whole story this one is FANTASTIC!!

Connect with Priscilla West

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Her website

Buy Wrecked

Amazon

B&N

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review~ Purely Professional by Elia Winters

Title: Purely Professional
Author: Elia Winters
Genre: Erotica, Romance, BDSM
Release Date: 1/13/2014
Rating: 5 stars
Steam factor: 5/5

Bridget Hartwell is a columnist at a magazine called Sultry. In an effort to further her career with her new boss, Bridget agrees to write some "edgier" articles about BDSM. She already writes articles for women of a "sex-positive" nature but nothing like this. After being told she couldn't just Google such things by her best friend. Her best friend gets her an interview with an established dominant that is active in the BDSM scene. 

Bridget soon discovers that this mystery contact of her friend is none other than the neighbor she has a crush on! 

English Professor Max Harlow agrees to an interview with Bridget to help with her BDSM article. Max reveals that he has never been able to find a woman who meets his submissive needs in the bedroom as well as his everyday intellectual and relationship needs. Once the article becomes a hit, Bridget needs his help to continue with a new project. 

 As Max teaches Bridget all about what it means and feels like to be a submissive through hands-on training, Bridget discovers a side of herself that she can't deny, however hard she tries to...

There isn't a character in this book that I don't like! Even the "bulldog" new boss, Marcy! Bridget is a strong woman who knows what she wants (or what she thinks she wants) and is willing to give up having a man in her life to achieve it all. It was great to see her realize that it was okay to be submissive and that it didn't mean she was weak! Max is a college professor who was a nerd in high school and a late bloomer. He has had only one serious relationship that ended badly when he revealed his desire to explore his dominant side with her. This past experience makes Max hesitant to get attached to the inexperienced Bridget. I liked both Max and Bridget instantly! You could feel the chemistry between them before she even knew about his predilection. But once they started her "training" it was explosive! Bridget's best friend Helen is awesome and I would love to read more about her! She knows very well how Bridget feels about her neighbor before setting her up on a blind date/interview with him. I suspect she knew Bridget would be submissive and saw this as a perfect opportunity to let her explore it. I would give Helen the "best supporting character" award!

The book is well written with a story that flows nicely. Bridget and Max both develop at about the same pace. I love how Mrs. Winters shows them developing each other as well as the internal development going on with Bridget. The supporting characters are all crucial in the development of the main characters as well. There are no arbitrary people flitting about. 

This is a stand alone book! No cliffhanger. No "but, what happened with_____?".  Everything is clear and explained. The only thing I would like to explore further is Helen. I see her having a very interesting story! The detail in the intimate scenes is explicit. You are inside Bridget's mind, feeling what she feels. This book gets a 5/5 on the steam factor here! There is dirty talk, toys, spanking and public experiences. 

I can't wait to read more from Elia Winters! She is currently working on a steampunk erotic novel called Combustion! 

Connect with Elia Winters

On Facebook

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On Twitter

Her website

Buy Purely Professional

On Amazon

On Carina Press

On B&N

*I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Release Day Giveaway: Blindness by Ginger Scott

I have a wonderful surprise for you! Ginger Scott is going to give away an e-copy of Blindness to one of my readers!

In case you missed my review please check it out! I gave it 5 stars and a steam factor of 2/5. This is a fantastic love story about making choices and being true to yourself told in a first person perspective that I love.

Without further babbling use the rafflecopter form below to enter and Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want another chance to win a copy? Check out her blog: www.littlemisswrite.com/

~Book Review~ Blindness by Ginger Scott

Title: Blindness
Author: Ginger Scott
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Release Date: 2/25/2014
Rating: 5 stars
Steam factor: 2/5 (think PG13)

Charlotte or Charlie as her dad used to call her is a hard character to describe frankly. She is flawed, she is strong, she is independent while also being codependent. I love her! I want to be her friend. Charlie is dropped on her father's doorstep at 7 years old by a mom who was an addict and never told him she was even pregnant. Her father, Mac, did the best he could but they were basically roommates until an incident with her boyfriend left her with a bruised face. It is at that point that her father realizes she needs more and they become best friends. Then, after 1 year of having an amazing father, she loses him. 

Charlotte runs from the town that reminds her of all that she lost and starts fresh in college. She is dating Trevor for a year when she finds herself with no option but to move in with him and his severely dysfunctional parents. She has the "perfect" boyfriend and is looking forward to his proposal and the safe existence she knows she will have with him. Then she meets Cody. Cody is the tattooed math tutor she felt an instant attraction to. She shrugs it off, reminding herself of her perfect boyfriend, Trevor.

Cody is a former Motocross prodigy with a past as complex and devastating as Charlie. Cody lost his dad as suddenly as Charlie did. A devastation like that would cause anyone to lose concentration which is exactly what happened during Cody's last motorcycle stunt. A stunt just a week after his father's death leaves Cody in a wheel chair for months. Cody's mom, Shelly, remarried. She married Trevor's father. Trevor and Cody are step brothers. Trevor never mentioned a brother to Charlotte so when the math tutor she clicked with shows up for a family dinner, you can imagine her confusion. 

Blindness is written in first person from Charlie's perspective. I love first person because it feels more like I get to glimpse into their thinking process. You get to develop along with the character. In this case Charlie.

Reading this book, you go back and forth with her decisions. Will she stay with Trevor? Is she brave enough to leave that safe relationship and recognise the connection to Cody? Does she even know what love is anymore? 

Blindness has me literally saying "Wow"! There are things that come between the characters. Misunderstandings, blackmail, exes... Normally this would have me yelling at the characters to "Just tell him/her!!" But you know they can't! There are good reasons why things are left unsaid. The clarity of these is something Ginger Scott has thoroughly impressed me with. The story progresses in such a natural way, a flow that just keeps you going! If I wasn't reading this book I was wondering what was happening next. 

This book doesn't leave me with more questions! I LOVE that about it! While there were a few extra side stories, they weren't ones that I felt needed development. They could potentially be separate stories but the amount of information is perfect in the development in the Charlie/Cody story. There is one particular one involving Trevor's dad's Chicago trips that I suppose didn't need to be so strong. It would have been just as effective to have him too involved in work to care. (Trying to avoid a spoiler) 

If you like the What-is-she-gonna-do-next? books that you can't put down, Blindness is available February 25th on Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords, iBooks and Barnes & Noble! There will also be a giveaway right here on release day! If you aren't already a subscriber, enter your email on the right to get that post! (Don't forget to confirm)

Connect with Ginger Scott

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An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Valentine's gifts for him that are really for you!

I'm seeing a lot of posts about "what to get him for Valentine's Day" lately. Yes, I know it's coming up but really? Are you really buying things for him?

1. Lingerie- You buy this to make yourself look sexy. Why? Because looking sexy makes you feel sexy! This is all about you! Honestly, he would prefer you with nothing on!
2. Candy- Totally guilty of this one here! My hubby isn't a candy person at all! But I buy him candy so I can eat it. He knows it. I know it. It is what it is!
3. Dinner out- This one is so you don't have to cook or clean. Not because he likes restaurant food better. He would rather you not spend the money. OK I suppose if you let him pick the restaurant it would be for him...
4. Boxers with hearts on them- He really doesn't care what goes under his pants... perhaps that should be re-worded. Perhaps not... This gift is really so you can throw away a pair of boxers that have more than the required amount of holes. 
5. 12 days of Valentine's- This is something I'm doing this year. Really, this is just to keep reminding him that the day is coming and that he needs to get to it!
6. Love coupons- This is actually part of my 12 days thing... These look like you are willing to do all these things for him. But you know he is going to lose them and forget about them. So you are giving him something that you know you won't have to follow through on.
7. Anything used to groom himself- Do I really have to explain this one? You are totally gonna benefit from this one. Provided he uses said product.

What he really wants: 

Beer and a full body massage with a happy ending... Oh and to not have to guess at what you really want for Valentine's Day! I say buy yourself something you really want, wrap up the receipt along with a 12 pack and some massage oil. Give it to him a few days before Valentine's Day (Because we both know he hasn't bought anything yet) He might even be so grateful that he uses the massage oil on you!

Disclaimer: This post is meant to be taken with a light heart. My husband is amazing! He would appreciate anything I gave him! I know yours would too!