Release Day Blitz Between the Shade and the Shadow by Coleman Alexander

Title: Between the Shade and the Shadow 

Author: Coleman Alexander 

Series: Beyond the Realmless Collection (Book 1) (Interconnected Standalones)

Genre: Coming of Age Dark Fantasy 

Release Date: June 21 2018

Edition/Format: 1st Edition / Format ~ eBook and Print 

Blurb/Synopsis: 

In the deep heart of the forest, there are places where no light ever shines, where darkness is folded by pale hands and jewel-bright eyes, where the world is ruled by the wicked and kept by the wraiths. This is where the Sprites of the Sihl live.

But Sprites are not born, they are made. On the path to Spritehood, spritelings must first become shades. They do so by binding a shadow: a woodland creature, who guides them through their training. Together, they keep from the light and learn to enchant living things, to bind them, and eventually, to kill them.

Ahraia is a shade who has bound a wolf for a shadow, as strong a shadow as there has ever been. But while her wolf marks her for greatness, Ahraia struggles with the violent ways of her people. Illicit as it is, she would rather be running wild beneath the moons. But a test is coming, and the further she and her shadow wander out of the darkness, the deeper they wander into danger. Ahraia’s time is coming and what awaits her at the end of her test will either make her or kill her . . .

Review Restrained Under His Duty by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Restrained Under His Duty
Author: Stacey Kennedy 
Series: Dirty Little Secrets  Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, BDSM
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: April 4 2017
Edition: eBook
Source: Loveswept via NetGalley
Rating 4.5 Stars
Blurb/Synopsis:

An uninhibited politician’s daughter falls for her loyal bodyguard behind closed doors in this scandalous novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Bound Beneath His Pain and Tied to His Betrayal.

As the chief of security for a prominent senator, Ryder Blackwood is stunned when an anonymous source sends him a compromising photo of his boss’s twenty-five-year-old daughter getting down and dirty in an underground sex club. If it gets out, the media firestorm could ruin her father. More troubling for Ryder is how arousing he finds the whole situation. He’s known Hadley Winters since she was a kid. And now she’s the woman in all his most private fantasies.

Wild behavior helps Hadley get through those painful, lonely nights, but she’s been waiting a long time for a man like Ryder to protect her from herself. Ryder is raw. He’s real. And he makes her feel safe. Now that they’ve both become pawns in a blackmailer’s dangerous game, there’s more at stake than her father’s political career. As the intimate threats tear apart a tender new love, Hadley is forced to trust Ryder with her life—and her heart.

Thoughts

Danger, Intrigue and Totally HOT
Restrained Under His Duty is the third book in Stacey Kennedy’s series entitled Dirty Little Secrets, and it takes us into the erotic BDSM world of the Dominants’ Council, four men who are not only friends but also own the four sole sex clubs in the city. Though this is the third title the first two titles Do NOT need read though I highly recommend it because the main story is slowly unfolding in each installment.

The chemistry between Ryder and Hadley is off the charts hot even if it is a little forbidden in Ryder’s eyes, he tries to live by the rule that you don’t mix business with pleasure but the heart wants what it wants, and Ryder’s heart wants his boss’s daughter. Everything about her is what he craves and wants and it becomes impossible to not cross those boundaries and break every rule he set for himself. This story is filled with mystery intrigue and a little danger just enough to keep you flipping those pages, but at its core it love that keeps us engaged as we watch two people fight against what they really really want and that is each other until it all becomes too much and those self-imposed boundaries are crossed and once crossed it can’t be undone.

I love this series. I was looking forward to this one (and dying for the next one)...and as a book, it did not disappoint, but as a part of the series, I wanted more. The buildup in each story answers just enough to satisfy but leaves us craving so much more. Come on Nov I need Gabe’s Story.

**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". *****

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Kobo

Don’t miss any of Stacey Kennedy’s seductive Dirty Little Secrets novels:

BOUND BENEATH HIS PAIN | TIED TO HIS BETRAYAL | RESTRAINED UNDER HIS DUTY  |  CUFFED BY HIS CHARM

Review Tied To His Betrayal by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Tied To His Betrayal
Author: Stacey Kennedy 
Series: Dirty Little Secrets  Book 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, BDSM
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: Nov 15 2016
Edition: eBook
Source: Loveswept via NetGalley
Rating 4.5 Stars
Blurb/Synopsis:

In a dazzling novel of passion and power from the bestselling author of Bound Beneath His Pain and the Club Sin series, a commanding man gives up his most prized possession to win back the one that got away.

Darius Bennett can’t live without supreme control. A self-made billionaire, he’s rich enough to get anything—and any woman—he wants, yet he’s still haunted by a broken relationship. Five years ago, Darius let Taylor Erikson go because he knew he could never give her what she truly wanted: his heart. But the moment Taylor walks back into his life, bruised and beaten, Darius blames himself. To make good on his betrayal, he vows to help her heal—in and out of the sheets.

Once upon a time, Darius was Taylor’s world. Now his fierce embrace is exactly what she needs to get back on her feet. But Taylor pays a heavy price for her sizzling nights with Darius. As the emotional ties become stronger than ever and the paparazzi hunt her down for their next juicy story, Taylor must face some hard truths. They can’t go back. And to move forward, the key to loving Darius isn’t about keeping his secrets—it’s about exposing them.

Tied to His Betrayal is intended for mature audiences.

Thoughts  

“The sex is dirty-sweet, with a dark lick of dominance and the tantalizing potential of redemption.”

This book was about second chances, heartbreak, and most of all, Love. Books like this remind me of why I absolutely LOVE reading. Books like this that grab me, hold me captive, envelop me in the story, leave a mark and have me begging for more even when the story is complete.

Hot. "Sexy, intriguing, suspenseful and heartwarming, Tied to His Betrayal will grab hold of readers' and leave them wanting more. Darius is a broody, swoon-worthy alpha male, and Taylor is a beautiful, courageous heroine. These two characters will pull at your heartstrings in this emotional and gripping tale.

I loved the hot and steamy scenes between them but what really got me was the slow development of feelings between them as they reconnected 5 yrs. later. The fighting against it. The feeling that neither of them deserved the happiness they had found in each other and the realization that they couldn't live without the other and the drive to fight for what they wanted. There were a number of twists that made the whole book richer and an outcome that made me sigh and smirk!! I really suggest that you read this wonderfully written book! And Don’t Forget to Check Out Book 1 in the Dirty Little Secrets Series Bound Beneath His Pain. Micah and Allie’s Story.

**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". *****

Purchase Links

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble 

iBooks

Kobo 

Don’t miss any of Stacey Kennedy’s seductive Dirty Little Secrets novels:

BOUND BENEATH HIS PAIN | TIED TO HIS BETRAYAL | RESTRAINED UNDER HIS DUTY  |  CUFFED BY HIS CHARM

Review Bound Beneath His Pain by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Bound Beneath His Pain
Author: Stacey Kennedy 
Series: Dirty Little Secrets  Book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, BDSM
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: July 5 2016
Edition: eBook
Source: Loveswept via NetGalley
Rating 4.5 Stars
Blurb/Synopsis:

The USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin novels kicks off a deeply sensual new series by introducing readers to Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs.

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Bound Beneath His Pain is intended for mature audiences. 

Thoughts 

Full of Intense and Emotional Scenes Micah and Allie are about to take you on a ride of your life where the heart desires what the heart desires and all else be damned. These two have an intense soul deep connection that either one can understand, but when together it is explosive.  Two broken souls that mend each other in an intense and hot way. Not all is what it seems in this deliciously hot read that will scorch the pages and melt the panties.

In a sense this is a Beauty and a Beast Story without an actual beast. Micah believes himself to be a beast a monster because of his secret desires and all the while the beauty holds her own secrets.
Can Micah’s two separate worlds coexist alongside each other or will his darker desires destroy a future he wants.

If you are looking to read a really intense and hot book make sure to Grab a Copy of Bound Beneath His Pain because this book delivers. I Highly Recommend It. It does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger but not one that will leaving you angry just enough to set up the next book with new characters.

**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". *****

Purchase Links 

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

iBooks 

Kobo

Don’t miss any of Stacey Kennedy’s seductive Dirty Little Secrets novels:

BOUND BENEATH HIS PAIN | TIED TO HIS BETRAYAL | RESTRAINED UNDER HIS DUTY  |  CUFFED BY HIS CHARM

Review Violent Cravings by Linnea May

Title: Violent Cravings
Author: Linnea May
Series: A Dark Billionaire Romance (Interconnected Standalones "Violent Delights")
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance/BDSM/
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 7 2017
Edition/Formats: 1st Edition ~ eBook
Source: Purchased
Rating 5 Stars
Blurb/Synopsis:
I will break every single rule to make her mine.

My life has always been defined by the extreme. I don’t balance - I’m an all or nothing kind of man.

Doesn’t sound healthy? It sure as hell isn’t.

Giving in to my cravings has almost ruined my life before and I’m not going to let it happen again.
That’s why I need rules. A strict regulation to keep my head in place.

Once a year. A different girl each time. No exclusivity – no addiction.

Laura is fueling my hunger like no girl ever has before.

But she’s not on the menu.

Taking her is against the rules.

Keeping her could ruin me.

…Or finally appease the monster within me.

** VIOLENT CRAVINGS is a Dark Romance with themes of captivity & steamy BDSM scenes. Intended for audiences 18+ & not for the faint-hearted. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable. **

Thoughts 

Wickedly Delicious and Perfectly Imperfect 

I loved this book! It was hard to put it down, I stayed up all night reading!!! This book was freaking addictive, hot, deliciously wicked, hot and hell did I mention hot? This review will probably just end up a big fangirling mess on how much I loved the raw, dirty, explosive fucking that went on in this book. Pardon my brashness. But yes. There was no love making. Well, maybe there was. But it didn't start out that way. Ryan Hawkins doesn't do love. He fucks, he gives into his dark cravings once a year. (Again. Sorry!!!) And he fucks hard. And good. And Laura can't get enough!! (Really who could blame her though One Indecent Proposal Turns Out To Be OH So Much More)Because I think I would’ve succumbed to the ways of Ryan myself. No shame. He is all alpha. Dominating. Powerful. Controlling. Possessive. And I know these have been done before. BUT! I just can't explain it. There's just something about him that just COMPLETELY did it for me!!! Cause when he says (“Yes, doll. I will fuck you until you don’t know your own name, and the fact that I’m the first one to ever do it won’t change my plans whatsoever,” he whispers, his piercing eyes blazing dark with lust. “You agreed to this. You wanted this. But don’t expect me to be gentle with you.”) Good lord!!!!! I don't think I've ever used the term "ovaries exploded" but yeah. That's pretty much what happened. He is very vulgar and blunt. And the dirty talkin. Ok. Now that I probably sound like a complete sex-crazed hornball.

Let's get to the story. Cause there's a really great story too!!! Double win!!!! 

Ryan has a dark past and urges. He controls them by using an agency (Violent Delights) to send him a new woman each year to spend one night with him. He has rules set for himself and this annual retreat allows Ryan to explore his sexual dominant side without any major complications. That time of year is quickly approaching and this time Ryan wants to pick the leggy brunette beauty, Laura at his own Charity Event. He sees something special in her and has to have her. He doesn't expect Laura to unintentionally throw a wrench into his well laid plans.

Laura two years ago dropped out of college to take care of her dying mother. Now, she's waitressing to pay off her debts and to save enough money to move away for a fresh start with her best friend Layla. What Laura doesn't count on is meeting Ryan, and how the mysterious dominant billionaire is about to change her life. 

***Warning ~ This dark romance gives a glimpse at the Master/Slave relationship in the S&M part of the BDSM world. The storyline is intense with the elements of obsession and captivity.***

Books Links
Amazon 

Review Violent Delights by Linnea May

Title: Violent Delights
Author: Linnea May
Series: A Dark Billionaire Romance (Interconnected Standalones "Violent Delights")
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance/BDSM/Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 20 2017
Edition/Formats: 1st Edition ~ eBook
Source: Purchased
Rating 5+ Stars
Blurb/Synopsis:

She agreed to play. She agreed to be mine. 

I won't let her change the rules of the game.

Violence has always been part of my life. I was angry as a child, underchallenged and neglected, with no outlet for my dangerous rage.

Years have passed, and I’m no longer a victim of my own aggression.

I’m in control now.

A control that many seek to surrender.
Just like her.
My Pet.
The beautiful blonde who agreed to submit to my will.

She agreed to be kidnapped and locked away until our contract is over.

She’s here to play a role.

But her defiance seems too real, her terror too honest. Watching her struggle is bone-chilling.

She’s getting to me like no one ever has before, seizing a heart that cannot love.

Or so I thought...

**VIOLENT DELIGHTS is a Dark Romance with themes of kidnapping, captivity & steamy BDSM scenes. Intended for audiences 18+ & not for the faint-hearted. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable.

NO cheating, NO cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA. **

Thoughts 

A Little Dark, A Little Twisted, Completely Enthralling

Violent Delights, a story that will test your limits. This book focuses on darker elements that will have you second guessing your sanity. It's absolutely crazy how amazing this book is. Just when you think it'll go one way, it goes the other. Just how much can you trust the hottie who just took you off the street? Someone who drives you crazy with need. But when that someone turns out to be someone else, who are you if you end up falling for them? To me Violent Delights was perfectly written and unique. I loved the storyline and the sexual tension between our two main characters is off the charts.
The best thing about Violent Delights is that the motivations of each character are different and unexpected. The only person without any valid motivations or anything else is our heroine (besides down on her luck) she just happened to be at the wrong place (but maybe at the right time rather than wrong time). Joseph with his shadowy secrets, sinister kidnapping (even if it was the wrong female) of our heroine, and dominant disciplining of her. He became my overall focus without having to have any physical descriptions or details (that was the bonus), just actions, and dialogue alone kept him intriguing.
There's a creative plot twist that made me feel as if I were watching a thriller with a few kinky sex scenes, and those were pretty steamy without being overdone. If I had any issue with this novel, I would say… Oh wait I had NO Issues with this book. Linnea May PLEASE Bring on the Next Dark Billionaire Romance. You Have a NEW Fan
Definitely a must read!

***Warning ~ This dark romance gives a glimpse at the Master/Slave relationship in the S&M part of the BDSM world. The storyline is intense with the elements of  kidnapping, obsession and captivity.***

Purchase Link
Amazon