Blog Tour: Hottest Mess by J. Kenner

    

The S.I.N. series continues with the seductive follow-up to the Stark International Novel Dirtiest Secret, from the New York Times bestselling author of “red-hot and angsty” fiction that “keeps readers guessing” (Publishers Weekly, on Under My Skin). 

No one can know about our love—and hiding only makes it hotter. Dallas Sykes has a reputation. He is known for his parties, his money, and the countless women on his arm. Yet the Dallas I know is a different man—darker, smarter, and unbearably sexy. Just one look from him can leave me breathless; the anticipation of his touch can make me lose control. Inextricably bound by our past, we keep each other’s secrets. And while there are people who have the power to hurt us, it’s the truth that threatens us most of all. Dallas can be mine only behind closed doors, our passion as searing as it is forbidden. Yet nothing in this world has ever felt so desperately, deliciously right. Hottest Mess is intended for mature audiences.  

Amazon US | Amazon Print | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Audible | Kobo | Kobo UK | iBooks

| iBooks UK | iBooks AU | B&N/Nook | Google Play

From the New York Times bestselling author of such “racy, sizzling Stark novels” (RT Book Reviews) as Release Me and Say My Name comes the provocative first Stark International Novel—the beginning of the S.I.N. series. 

It was wrong for us to be together, but it was even harder to be apart. The memory of Dallas Sykes burns inside of me. Everyone knows him as a notorious playboy, a man for whom women and money are no object. But to me, he’s still the one man I desperately crave—yet the one I can never have. Dallas knows me better than anyone else. We bear the same scars, the same darkness in our past. I thought I could move on by staying away, but now that we’re drawn together once more, I can’t fight the force of our attraction or the temptation to make him mine. We’ve tried to maintain control, not letting ourselves give in to desire. And for so long we’ve told ourselves no—but now it’s finally time to say yes. Dirtiest Secret is intended for mature audiences.  

Amazon US ** Amazon US Print ** Audible ** iBooks ** B&N/Nook

 

 

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and internationally bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, "chicklit" suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a "flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations" and by RT Bookclub for having "cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him." A four time finalist for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube| Amazon Author Page

 

Blog Tour & Book Review: The Barter System

The Barter System
By: Shayne McClendon
Published By: Always the Good Girl LLC
Release Date: May 20, 2012
Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Source: Provided by Author (digital copy) & Purchased by Reviewer (print copy)
Audience: Mature (18+) Audiences Only
NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language and is intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if intense sexual situations offend you.

First things first - Happy Birthday to Author Shayne McClendon! Now, Shayne has graciously offered to supply some delicious little gifts for YOU in honor of her birthday. I didn't get as many responses to the two giveaways as I would have liked. So instead of announcing winners today, I'm keeping the giveaways open through the week and will select winners using random.or this weekend. So click on the link that applies to you and enter to win!

1. U.S. Only Giveaway: A Swag Pack including signed print copies of The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride is being provided by Shayne. It's her birthday - but you get the gifts!! Enter HERE!

2. Non-U.S. Giveaway: Your choice from the same three books (The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride) provided in the eBook format of your choice. Enter HERE!

AND....Here is the Rafflecopter Link for the Blog Tour Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts:
I have followed Shayne McClendon's facebook page, Always the Good Girl, for a few years now and become addicted to not only the amazing pictures she finds and edits but especially to her writing. When she started talking about The Barter System, I hit her up immediately and begged for a copy to read and review. Shayne didn't hesitate, she sent it to me immediately. That was two summers ago. *hangs head* Yes, it has take me that long to get my review done and the blog tour promoting the book is what pushed me to do it because I wanted desperately to be part of the blog tour. So THANK YOU Shayne, for the book and to Mackable Book Babes for letting me be part of the blog tour. 

Aside from having a bit of a fan-girly crush on Shayne, what drew me to The Barter System was the concept of the book. Riya plans to conduct research on male sexuality...by traveling across the nation and indulging in mini-relationships of sorts with eight different men. I was fascinated and curious to say the least. And for a girl like Riya, who is the farthest thing from a promiscuous and much closer to a "good girl", would she be able to keep up with her self-imposed guidelines? How would it change her? And most importantly, how could she NOT fall in love with each and every one of her subjects? I was a little apprehensive and beyond anxious to begin this book.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Barter System

I am so excited to be participating in the Blog Tour for Shayne McClendon's "The Barter System". The Blog Tour starts today, December 13, and ends on December 17, 2013. As part of the tour (and to celebrate Shayne's birthday on the 17th), we are hosting two giveaways here on RLAD.

1. U.S. Only Giveaway: A Swag Pack including signed print copies of The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride is being provided by Shayne. It's her birthday - but you get the gifts!! Enter HERE!

2. Non-U.S. Giveaway: Your choice from the same three books (The Barter System, Damaged, and Not a Bride) provided in the eBook format of your choice. Enter HERE!

The giveaways end on December 17th when I will announce the winners along with my blog tour post which will include my review of The Barter System, an interview with main character Riya O'Connell, and Shanye's TBS Playlist.

About The Barter System:
Riya O'Connell requests applications from men around the country willing to participate in the research she needs for her dissertation on Male Sexuality. She narrows down her thousands of submissions to eight men. In return, Riya will give them...whatever they want.

As her project progresses, Riya realizes she's chosen the eight men in the country who would love her well and that she could easily love in return. She leaves subject after subject with a small piece of her heart.

Ultimately, Riya discovers where she truly belongs...and gets an education she didn't plan on.

Find TBS on AMAZON, SMASHWORDS, Shayne's Website, and GOODREADS

About the Author:
Shayne McClendon is an indie author who has received rave reviews for her premiere novel "The Barter System." Other projects recently released are "In the Service of Women," "Yes to Everything," "Damaged," "Being Delightful," "The Hermit," and many more.

Shayne believes love crosses all boundaries, social castes, races, genders, and belief systems. If you are lucky enough to find soul-deep love, you should fight for it. She currently lives in Oklahoma wrangling teenagers, opening doors for her pets, and running her content writing company. She dreams of peace, quiet, travel, and always having plenty of coffee.

Shayne loves to hear from her fans. You can contact her by email at shayne@alwaysthegoodgirl.com, stop by her Facebook page, or visit her website and subscribe for your free story!

Shayne McClendon's work is available at all major e-book retailers. Print editions of her work are available on her website. SHAYNE'S LINKS: Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+

Blog Tour: My Wicked Gladiators

My Wicked Gladiators
By Lauren Hawkeye
Publisher: Avon Red

Alba has spent her entire life pleasing others.

As an upper-class plebeian woman in Ancient Rome, that is her place in life. But when her husband Lucius, the owner of aprestigious gladiatorial school, uses her body as a bargaining tool to increase his fortunes, she is faced with doing as he demands, or finding herself on the street.

Forced to lay with masked gladiators chosen by Lucius, Alba is surprised to discover pleasure in being powerless. Only in the forbidden arms of Caius and Marcus does she find comfort, however temporary it may be.

But with Lucius’ demands looming and the threat of death for her gladiators ever-present, will Alba’s fleeting pleasures be enough? Or will Alba finally grab hold of her happily ever after, no matter the consequences?

**Stay tuned for a review by Blysse. She had issues with downloading the file, but is anxious to sink her teeth into this one and we will have a review posted as quickly as we can.**

Guest Post and Giveaway: Theresa Meyers

We would like to welcome author Theresa Meyers to the Dark Nest today.

Enter to win an Advanced Reader Copy of Theresa Meyers' second book in her Legend Chronicles steampunk romance series, THE SLAYER, along with an autographed cover flat and an antique china cup (cups will vary) accompanied by an assortment of teas and decadent Bliss chocolate.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Review of The Slayer coming soon ~ Stay tuned to RLAD!**

Why Rain Makes the Best Writers

By Theresa Meyers


Since I’m here today at It’s Raining Books, I thought it only appropriate to talk about why rain makes the best writers. I live in Washington, so we get plenty of opportunity to test the theory. But if you look at the writer’s groups locally, there’s a plethora of fantastic writers. I blame the rain. Seriously.


When I lived in Arizona, there were days you looked out at the cloudless blue sky in the morning and wished for some kind of cloud or weather disturbance, just to break the monotony. Having spent a good part of my teens in the Pacific Northwest, I had this inexplicable urge to be working outside whenever the sun was out. It’ was like a mandate from Mother Nature, which conversely meant that I didn’t get a whole lot of writing done unless it was pen on paper and I detest writing in long-hand because I can’t keep up with my own story in my head. Now it might have been having two teeny people in diapers and nursing at the same time, but I like to think I could have worked on stories even then.



But when we moved back to the Pacific Northwest after about a decade a wonderful thing happened: rainy days. When it’s raining outside, there is no compulsion to get out of your desk chair, away from your computer and work outside. You know it’s ridiculous so you don’t even try. It’s far more tempting to settle in with a nice hot cup of tea at the keyboard and let the imagination soar.


That’s one reason I think rain makes better writers.

Guest Post & Giveaway: Allison Pang

We'd like to welcome author Allison Pang to the Dark nest today. Allison is the author of A Sliver of Shadow. She is giving away 10 copies of A Sliver of Shadow tour wide. 
You can enter to win following her guest post.

Jewelry 
I always find jewelry to be horrendously interesting – both on real people, and on characters. Even if the pieces are small or large, plain or extravagant – it can tell us so much about the person. Do they prefer silver, gold, copper, platinum? Precious stones? Semi-precious? Wood? Marble? 


It can seem like a small thing, but even in the paranormal world, these things can be intensely personal, driven by culture and circumstance – or merely decoration. After all – think about werewolf lore – silver is supposed to be a no-no – or iron for the Fae – so it would make sense that said creatures would avoid that particular metal. (Unless he or she is trying to be a bad-ass – in which case, maybe they wear silver hoops in their ears or some such.) 


But jewelry can have sentimental value or magical powers as well, or it can be symbolic (i.e. wedding rings.) 

Blog Tour: Review, Giveaway, & Interview for Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Trilogy #3

By: E. L. James

Published by: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

Release Date: January 19, 2012

Format: ePub (Nook)

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Buy it on Amazon or TWCS

Genre: Erotic Fiction

Audience: Mature Audiences (18+)

Explicit Sex & themes of BDSM

**Don't miss the Author Interview and eBook Giveaway at the end of this review!**

My Thoughts:

Oh. My. Fifty Shades. Just when you thought you couldn’t love Christian Grey anymore, a whole new shade of Grey wraps itself around your heart. When we last saw Christian and Ana, they were set to spend the rest of their lives discovering the depths of their love. Ana was sure that they would face his past, and their future, together. What neither of them are ready for is the way his past and their future become mingled together in one messy event after another.



It is so hard to review this book without spoilers. I'm typically very long-winded when it comes to Christian Grey and the Fifty Shades trilogy. This review is going to be unusually short for me because I don't want to spoil anyone. This is definitely a book that you want to experience first hand. What I will tell you is this - everything you've come to love from E. L. James' writing is here. It's a page turner from the very beginning. The writing is simple and direct, and falling into the story is effortless. There is a perfect combination of romance, passion, humor, and drama. Christian will in turns melt your heart and frustrate you to no ends, as will Ana. Their love is volatile. No emotion is felt half-way. There are surprises at every turn. Christian is still learning to deal with his past as well as Ana's inner strength and independence (which she asserts in some really frustrating ways), and Ana is still finding a balance between being true to her inner goddess, accepting Christian's past and helping him move forward, and becoming the woman she was destined to be. While I didn't find Fifty Shades Freed to be quiet as emotional as Fifty Shades Darker was, it still packed a punch. I loved every second not only of this book, but of the entire trilogy. My only question now...Is there life after Fifty?

Blog Tour, Book Review, & Giveaway: Mine Until Dawn

Mine Until Dawn

The Fitzgerald Family Series #2

By: Ednah (E. B.) Walters

Publisher: Firetrail Publishing

Release Date: June 29, 2011

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: PDF provided by author

Audience: Adult

*Enter to win an eBook copy of Mine Until Dawn following this review!*

My Thoughts:
In my review for Slow Burn, the first book of this series, I predicted that Ms. Walters' writing and story telling would only get better with each book of the series, and I am pleased to say that I found this to be true for Mine Until Dawn. While I loved Slow Burn, I loved Mine Until Dawn even more.


In this book we are introduced to another Fitzgerald female, this time Jade. I adored Jade. She was so identifiable to me. I admire the way she moved forward from a disastrous failed marriage and weight issues and reinvented herself into a stronger, self confident, fabulous woman. She is a real woman that is easy to relate to. Along with Jade, we meet Vince. Like Ron Nobel (*sigh*) in Slow Burn, Vince is a bit of a tough guy, mysterious and a bit distant at times. (Can I get a shout of for the bad boys?) Vince comes from a troubled family. He and Jade have a bit of a past, and I loved watching them rediscover each other. The attraction between these two is tangible and smoldering. When their hunt for an ancient Mayan artifact brings them on a path of danger and theft, Jade and Vince work to trust each other as their relationship is blooming around them.

Kiss Me Crazy Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway

Kiss Me Crazy

(The Fitzgerald Family #3)

By: Ednah (E. B.) Walters

Release date: September 30, 2011

Published by: Firetrail Publishing

Source: Provided by Author
Buy it on Amazon or IndieBound

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Audience: Adult

My Thoughts:
Kiss Me Crazy has a little bit of a different feel to it from the first two books in the series. First of all, we have our first Fitzgerald man in KMC, and hello Baron! *swoon* Secondly, KMC is more of a romance; much lighter on the suspense and action and much heavier on the romantic elements. Readers who enjoyed the other books for the combination may be a little disappointed, but where those areas lack, the development of the relationship between the two main characters, Kara and Baron, totally makes up for it.

Blog Tour Book Review & Giveaway: Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Trilogy #2

By: E. L. James

Published By: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

Release Date: September 13, 2011

Buy it at Amazon or TWCS

Source: Provided by Publisher

Audience: Mature (18+) Audiences Only

Erotic Fiction Containing Themes of BDSM

My Thoughts:
Once again, Ms. James has left me speechless and reeling. If you thought you fell in love with Christian Grey during Fifty Shades of Grey, then buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life. Emotions are high, action is packed, and suspense is thrilling in Fifty Shades Darker. Oh, did I forget to mention that it's hot, hot, hot?! While the tone of the intimacy has changed drastically as Christian and Ana work to come to terms with what they need from one another, the loving between these two will leave your windows fogged up. Grab your tissues. You will need them. Ms. James will once again bring you on roller coaster of a ride that will leave you laughing, crying... and begging for more.

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: Dancing With His Heart

Dancing With His Heart

By: Katherine Warwick

Published By: Grove Creek Publishing

Release Date: Paperback 2007, eBook 2011

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Provided by Author

Audience: Adult

*Special Note: Giveaway form and rules posted at the end of this review!*

My Thoughts:
I have always been romance reader, and my favorite stories are
those that involve a family dynamic and renewal of past relationships. Add in the fact that I love all forms of dance, and I knew that Dancing With His Heart would be right up my alley. Lauren is a struggling single mother of an autistic daughter, a ballroom dancer with a new partner teaching dance classes to make ends meet. Alex is a "friend" form the past, wealthy and arrogant, who offers to sponsor Lauren and her partner Chad. Lauren's first instinct is refusal, as she and Alex had a turbulent high school relationship - he hated her, or so she thought. She held no love for him. So why does he want to sponsor her now? Lauren can't turn away his help when he offers her the one thing she can't say no to - the means to give her autistic daughter the schooling Lauren has wanted for her. This is the in Alex needs, and he knows it.