Review: Tempt The Boss

Tempt The Boss by Natasha Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tempt The Boss was my first Natasha Madison read, and it was so much more than I’d expected. It was one seriously addictive read, filled with all kinds of emotions, and has left me eager to see what else the author has to offer.

I opened Tempt The Boss on my phone as I was walking home from work. It was a nice day, and I just wanted something nice to go with the weather. I expected to open it up, read a few chapters, close it when I got home, and open it up the next day on the way to work. Turns out such was not to happen. As soon as I started reading the story, I was unable to put it down. My phone remained in my hand until I’d finished the book. I walked home reading it. I got changed reading it. I made dinner reading it. I’m fairly certain I only pulled my eyes away from my phone in the moments where I may have harmed myself from not paying attention to the outside world – and even then it was hard. Seriously hard. As in ‘I will cross this busy road without looking because I’m so engrossed’ kind of hard.

So yeah, you could say I was a little bit addicted to this one. It’s not unusual for me to one sit a book – it happens more often than it should, if I’m honest – but for me to put aside necessary things, for me to ignore what is going on around me, is a sure sign of a brilliant book. I couldn’t have been more addicted had this been a hard-core drug and I a lifetime user. I was sucked into this story beyond anything I could have expected.

I’ll be truthful, I honestly didn’t expect to be this addicted to the story. Yes, the book had sounded wonderful; but I hadn’t expected something that was quite this gripping. You see, I expected the typical storyline for this kind of novel. Whilst there were some of the usual trademarks for this trope, as a whole it was so much more. The chemistry between the characters was wonderful; the storyline moved at a rapid pace; the characters were multidimensional; the events were filled with emotions; and I feel in love with every aspect of the story.

My favourite aspect, though, has to be the amount of humour I experienced throughout the story. I really hadn’t been anticipating so many giggles. The events that took place – well, I turned many heads walking down the road due to the laughter bubbling from my lips. I couldn’t hold it back; it was seriously laugh out loud funny stuff. My only disappoint was that I wanted more of this humour. It was so wonderful that I wanted it to carry on for longer. I wanted more scenes where this humour was evidence, more drama in the form of laugh out loud funny moments.

Not that the drama stops when the laugher dies down, oh no. The drama is consistent throughout the entire story, and that’s what left me so addicted. There were times where I wanted nothing more than to shake the characters for the choices they were making, but it added to the drama so well that I simply rolled with it. Rarely do I accept these things, rarely can I ignore my need to throttle a character, even when there is plenty of drama involved, yet I managed it with this one. The story came together so well that I allowed myself to live and breathe it, even when I wasn’t happy with how things were playing out, because I knew it was heading somewhere beautiful.

Honestly, I could fan girl so much about this one. I very rarely hand out five stars, but this one was so close. Truthfully, it was little things that stopped me from giving a five star rating. I wanted the book to be longer; I wanted the amusing scenes to continue on for longer; I wish the ending had been a bit harder hitting than it was. As I said, tiny things – but I’m really hard to pull a five star rating out of. As it is, this is a very strong four star read.

It’s certainly worth a read if you want something steamy with plenty of humour involved.

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SYNOPSIS:

Lauren
Going back to work was supposed to be a painless transition, but when my new boss turns out to be an arrogant, cocky jerk, he quickly turns my professional life into a world of torture. Okay, fine, calling him an asshat before knowing he was my boss wasn't my finest moment. Hating him should be easy. I just never counted on him being so gorgeous or charming when he's not annoying me.

Austin
I expected my new assistant to be professional and punctual, but all I'm getting are dirty looks and rude comments. I should fire the little hellion, but instead all I can think about is bending her over my desk and breaking every rule I've ever made for myself.

One look. One touch. One night. If we break the rules, our lives will never be the same again.

Good thing rules were made to be broken. And besides, it feels so good to Tempt the Boss.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

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Release Day Blitz: Dark Lessons.

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SYNOPSIS:

One hot night with a devastatingly handsome stranger. That’s all it was supposed to be. So when my darkly domineering one-night stand turns out to be one of my instructors at Quantico, my life becomes far too complicated. I’m training as an FBI agent, but Jason has other forms of training in mind. Like bending me over his desk for a spanking.

I try to resist him, but soon we’re stealing forbidden hours of lust when no one’s watching. It could cost us both our careers, but I can’t help myself. He’s broken, and I want to be his salvation.

In return, he says he wants to protect me, to love me. But can he save me when my new job puts me directly in the path of danger?

EXCERPT:

“You’re mine for the night,” he declared. “I’m in charge, and I’m going to give you more pleasure than you’ve ever known.”
“And how would you know that?” I managed in a weak attempt at a challenge.
He brushed his knuckles down my cheek, keeping my wrists pinned with his other hand. The firmness of his grip contrasted with the gentle touch on my face, making my head spin. He was a study in contradictions: hard and unyielding, but tender and careful. Although I wouldn’t be able to escape him in this position, he wasn’t holding me cruelly. He’d subjugated my body, but he wasn’t hurting me.
“Because beneath all your fire, you’re a sweet submissive, and I don’t think anyone knows it. Not even you.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“You like when I take control.” He squeezed my wrists for emphasis. My sex contracted in response, and I squirmed against him. He smirked. “I could tell as soon as I touched you for the first time. You sauntered into that bar, confident you could take on any man who challenged you. And after how you handled yourself in there, I know you could. But when I Topped you, you melted.”
“Topped?”
He cupped my cheek in his big hand. “I dominated you, kitten. I took control, and you loved it.”
“Kitten?” I demanded, not caring for an overused endearment. “Is that what you call all your one-night stands?”
“No,” he said earnestly, and the slight surprise in his eyes let me know he wasn’t lying. “I’ve never called anyone that before.”
“Then why did you?”
One corner of his lips twisted up in a cocky smile. “Because I know you’re a strong, capable woman, but I’m going to make you purr.”
My core contracted, and I struggled to maintain a hard mask. “What if I don’t like being called kitten?”
“You do.”
I tried my best to scoff. “You think you know everything.”
“I know enough.” Keeping his hold on my wrists, his free hand dipped between us. He deftly opened the button at the front of my jeans, and his fingers slipped beneath the elasticized band at the top of my sensible blue cotton panties. His touch danced over my clit. I rocked toward him, but he explored farther, sliding his fingers through my embarrassingly wet folds to press inside me. He filled me slowly, and I gasped at the intrusion. He watched me intently, his bright green eyes trapping me as securely as his hold on my wrists. “Good little kitten,” he rumbled. My inner muscles squeezed his fingers, and a humiliating whimper slipped through my lips.
His low, arrogant chuckle made my core clench again. “You see?” he said, his warm breath fanning my neck as he leaned in close. “You love it. You want to be my good little sex kitten, don’t you?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julia Sykes is the USA Today bestselling author of the Impossible Series. She has always kept dark stories tucked away in her mind, so she was thrilled when she discovered that other people actually want to read them. Her books blend romance, suspense, and BDSM.

After spending four years living in England, Julia returned to her Southern homeland. She has recently settled down in South Carolina and spends her time petting her cat-children, reading, and binge watching TV with her husband when not writing. You can usually find Julia in Starbucks with a venti iced latte clutched in her hand.

Julia loves connecting with readers! Please feel free to contact her on facebook, through twitter, or email her directly at juliasykes193@gmail.com. You can find out more about Julia's current and future projects at julia-sykes.com.

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Cover Reveal: The Naughty Step.

Coming April 10th

SYNOPSIS:

I didn’t bargain on a roommate, especially not my alluring, naïve little stepsister. She wants to get to know me better, but what she’ll discover could send her screaming in the other direction—or screaming underneath me.



Summer in New York is hot enough without her panties melting, too. I warned her that curiosity killed the cat, but then she reminded me of the rest of that saying—satisfaction brought it back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nikky Kaye is almost my real name. I’m a former Film professor who likes more than her movies to be black and white. Sadly, the world doesn’t work that way. I have worked with movie stars, Ivy League brainiacs, and the United Nations—all of which means that I’m familiar with ass-kissing, power struggles, greed and faking it. In my spare time I parent 5 year-old twin boys, serve on the board of an independent cinema, and run a medical consulting company.

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Review: Dark Lessons

Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark Lessons was my first Julia Sykes read, and it’s certainly left me excited to read more of her work. In fact, I already plan to pick up her Impossible series to see whether it’s as addictive as this one.

You see, Dark Lessons is one of those reads where you’re sucked right in. As soon as you start the story, you’re pulled into the world. It was a one-sit read, every time I told myself I’d be putting it aside at the end of a chapter, I was hit by something that left me wanting more. Whether it was a dramatic moment in the romance or a new twist to the suspense, every chapter left me wanting to read more. Every single chapter left me with questions of how things would play out.

Don’t get me wrong, the book wasn’t perfect. It was merely the perfect level of addition to ensure I kept reading. I had some ups and downs with this one, certain things left me unsure, but I was always curious about what would come next. The one thing I cannot fault is the level of addition created by the story.

As I’ve already stated, you’re pulled in from the very first page. The prologue introduces us to our broken lead, and then we’re thrown into the steamy stuff. It’s wonderful, and instantly I was left wanting more. It’s over quickly, though, and we’re thrown into what the super interesting synopsis promised us.

I’ve yet to mention that, actually. The synopsis. By gosh, that synopsis pulled me in. Honestly, I cannot begin to explain how excited the synopsis made me. A devilishly handsome FBI agent and dark bedroom antics – sign me right up. There was no way for me to ignore the synopsis. The book screamed out to me – it’s two of my favourite things thrown together. It was impossible to ignore.

Although, in all honesty, I was quite surprised by how little of the story was actually taken up by the whole teacher-student aspect. I was really enjoying the way it played out, but once we get part way through the story chances and requires us to suspend our belief somewhat. I’m not saying what happens, as I have no wish to be the person who spoils the story, but it changes and it took me a while to really appreciate where things were going. At first, I disliked the shift. By the end, though, I came to like where things went. It wasn’t how I’d wanted the story to play out, it wasn’t quite the story I had expected it to be, but I did enjoy it. Hence the four star rating.

If nothing else, the second part of the story has left me super excited about the next book. Whilst this works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, the ending has left me intrigued to see where the story of other characters will go. I’m fairly certainly I’ll be picking it up when I get a chance – until then, I do plan to read some of the author’s prior work.

As a whole, it was a wonderful read. It wasn’t quite all I’d been hoping for, but it was a thoroughly addictive story.

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Review: Digital Velocity

Digital Velocity by Reily Garrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Digital Velocity was a truly wonderful read, a prime example of why Reily Garrett quickly became one of my favourite authors. Before I give an in-depth review, however, I which to make a couple of quick points.

First up: I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to beta read this story. It was my first time beta reading, and I found it to be a wonderful introduction to the world of beta reading. My rating and review, however, are not influenced by this fact.

Second: it’s a very strong four-star read, and could have been a five-star rating were I kinder with my five star ratings. I so rarely give out five star ratings. With this one, I opted out of doing so because it’s not my favourite Reily Garrett read. Yes, it’s a very strong four-star rating, but I didn’t quite love it as much as I loved her Carnal Obsession book. As I did not give her Carnal Obsession a five-star rating, I realised I couldn’t quite give this a five-star rating. Despite this, it’s left me with the firm belief that Reily Garrett will one day be one of the few authors to pull a five star rating from me.

Third, and finally: you should go and give Tender Echoes a read. Tender Echoes is a wonderful prequel to this story. Although not a necessity, it is certainly a worthwhile read. Truthfully, I read it after reading Digital Velocity and enjoyed it just as much after the fact as I would have if I’d read it first. Still, it makes more sense to read it first.

Now, onto the important stuff. How I felt about this one.

Digital Velocity is the first book in the McAllister Justice series. After just one book, I’m super excited to see where the series goes next. I know from prior Reily Garrett books that she writes a wonderful series, and this series is promising to be just as addictive as her other work. Honestly, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. The sooner I can read it, the sooner I’ll be a happy fangirl. Without a doubt, Reily Garrett has guaranteed I’ll be following another of her series.

Digital Velocity has many of the trademarks of her Carnal series. There’s lots of action. There are many hot moments. There’s beautiful chemistry. Digital Velocity is without the kink seen in the Carnal series. Such a thing fails to lessen the impact of this story though. The romance is just as steamy, leaving you more than pulled into the story.

From the moment you start, you’re unable to put the story down. There’s so much mystery and suspense that you’re constantly one edge to see what happens next. It’s a gritty read, with events happening back to back. Every time you think things may be calming, you’re hit with another element of the story. The suspense and action of this story is done so well, undoubtedly leaving you pulled in. I really don’t want to say too much about it, because of spoilers, but know the story will leave you addicted and second-guessing. It’s more than worth the read if you’re a lover of suspense.

Of course, it’s a romantic suspense. Fear not lovers of the romantic element, as that is just as well done. As I’ve already said, it’s a steamy read. There’s so much more to it than the simple joining of bodies, though. The chemistry between the main characters is wonderful, and watching as they slowly come to trust each other is so enjoyable. Kendra and Connor as still my favourite Reily Garrett couple, but Ethan and Lexi are certainly a strong second place. I was just as addicted to the romance element of the story as I was the action.

Overall, Digital Velocity is another wonderful Reily Garrett read. It is a wonderful standalone read, whilst ensuring you want more in the form of the rest of the McAllister Justice series.

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Review: Trigger

Trigger by Scarlett Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I came across Scarlett Dawn through The Complex series. It’s a wonderful collection of stories, a collection that introduced me to some new authors. With Scarlett Dawn, upon finishing her story Blade of Forever, I knew I would need to read more of her books. Thus, I was more than happy to jump into Trigger.

Trigger is the first book in the Origin series, and it sets up the series so well. I’ll admit it wasn’t perfect, but it has left me super excited to see where the series heads from here. I have so many questions, so many things I wish to find out more about, that it would be silly not to continue. At this point, it’s imperative I read the next one.

From the start, I was pulled into Trigger, curious about the world I had entered. It has everything I’ve been told a Scarlett Dawn book has, everything I experienced in Blade of Forever. There are many steamy moments; there’s action; there’s mystery; there’s drama; there’s love shining bright. As a whole, it gives us everything you could expect from such a read.

As I said, though, the book was not perfect. Whilst it had all the aspects needed for a brilliant read, I felt as though some elements were lacking somewhat. Although there was action, I feel that we were never given the big moment that is vital for these kinds of stories. At one point I thought we were about to get it… but it didn’t happen. Due to this, I feel as though the action aspect of the book was a bit disappointing. It promises so much, yet it didn’t fulfil with this one. Because of this, I’m hoping the next book in the series makes up for what was lacking here.

I also hope that the next book does a bit more world building. Whilst the world was very interesting, and I fell in love with it, I feel as though I didn’t understand it as well as I would have liked. You see, I positively adore world building. I want to know every single detail possible. I want the world to truly come to life before my eyes. With this one, the world just seemed to exist. We were given some information about the history, about how the world turned into the dystopian lifestyle we glimpse, but we never fully understood it. As someone who is crazy about world building, I just wanted more.

Despite these things, I was addicted to the story. It was one I was more than happy to consume in a single sitting. It was all kinds of addictive, with so many elements of the story pulling me in.

My biggest love, however, was the characters. They were erring on the side of perfection, with their clichéd ways and overdone traits, but I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the two of them. In fact, watching the relationship shift between our main characters meant I didn’t really notice the lack of action until the book was finished. I was so caught up in their story that it wasn’t until I put the book aside that I realised that peak moment wasn’t all it should have been.

It’s not only the main characters who are wonderful, though. The side characters are also a lot of fun. I cannot wait to read more about the men who were introduced in this story; I cannot wait to see how their romantic storylines play out and influence the overall story.

All in all, I’m excited to see where this series goes. Whilst Trigger didn’t quite hit every high point I’d been hoping for, it was certainly enough to leave me super excited about the rest of the series.

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