5 Smooches!

Synopsis

I live a life most could only dream of. Parties, women, fame—what more could I want?

As the undisputed MMA light heavyweight champ, I’ve faced the world’s toughest men. But, with a single glance, I knew that the five-foot-five redhead with a smart mouth and innocent eyes would be my hardest opponent yet.

Sidney O’Neil isn’t my type. While I spend my nights out drinking at the trendiest clubs in town, she spends hers taking care of her sick nephew. She is nothing I thought I wanted, yet she’s somehow become the one thing I need.

But what happens when the world is tipped on end and I’m no longer who she needs?

How do I convince her that we’re worth the fight when all she knows is defeat?
I’ve never lost a match, and I refuse to start now.
But, sometimes, the toughest fight of your life is outside the cage.

REVIEW

I went into this story expecting your average fighter romance with whatever spin this author was going to put on it. While the hero is a fighter and there is some fighting, this is in no way a typical fighter romance. I was really taken by surprise by this book; the level of emotion I felt while reading staggered me. The feels that Teague dished out here were as gut wrenching as they were uplifting and inspiring. I ran the gamut experiencing them, from laughter to tears, and she definitely ran me through the wringer a time or two. No emotion felt forced, nothing ever felt contrite; oh, on the contrary, this book was shockingly, devastatingly genuine. Poignant moments, painful moments, passionate moments, they’re all here, delivered with a depth of detail that made the scenes vivid and realistic.

As difficult as the plot surrounding the nephew was, the romance between Sidney and Breccan was easy. These two had chemistry that leapt off the page through Teague’s words. There was a totally swoon-worthy and romantic love story here, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the tough, bad boy fighter, Breccan, stumble his way through his emotions, realizations and his first relationship. Without question, this very sexy, very sweet romance was as heart-warming as it was heated. This was a couple that I couldn’t help but root for, whose stories and lives I couldn’t stop myself from getting caught up in, and it’s a testament to Teague’s writing how immersed in this whole story I became.

I’m not going to lie, some of what is dealt with here is hard—emotionally—to get through. I was stunned at the depth pain I felt and how devastated I was. I felt it all here, the loss, the anger, the frustration, the love and so many other emotions that I just truly wasn’t prepared to feel in a supposedly simple fighter romance. That’s the key, though: this is no simple fighter romance, so let go of what you think you know of fighter romances and read this book. Undisputed was beyond what I expected, it was fabulously executed, and it is definitely not a story I will soon forget.

I have to say, I’m very impressed. This book was so well written, so richly developed and thoughtful, I had to remind myself that this was AS Teague’s debut novel. This author’s talent is obvious on every page, in every word, and if this is the caliber of writing I can expect from her, then she can absolutely count me as a fan. I highly recommend AS Teague’s Undisputed, and it gets 5 smooches from me.

~ Danielle Palumbo

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5 SMOOCHES!

Synopsis

Sheriff Zeke Monroe loves one woman…Honor McKinnon. He is willing to stake his entire future on protecting her…no matter what the cost.

Honor McKinnon knows she is broken. Her body and soul had been shattered by a violent attack years ago, and no one…not her sisters or anyone else in the tiny town of Paradise, especially the Sheriff…can change that. Rather than dealing with her wounds, she chooses to protect herself from any further damage, even if that means that she avoids the one chance at love. But Zeke is determined to break down Honor’s walls…and to find the persons responsible for hurting her and make them suffer.

He’s already killed for her once…and is willing to do it again if it means she’ll know safety and happiness.

What happens when Zeke refuses to allow Honor to ignore her past? Will Zeke’s love be passionate enough to break down her barriers? And can Zeke save Honor when her life is in danger once again?

Join Sarah O’Rourke in this epic culmination of the Men of the McKinnon Sisters stories…and find out how the Passion in Paradise series is always scorching hot! Standalone, romantica suspense.

REVIEW

“I knew…once I got to you…in your arms, I’d be okay. I just had to make it until you got there.”

I was introduced to Sarah O’Rourke and this series, Passion in Paradise: The Men of the McKinnon Sisters, in June of 2014, and I became an instant fan. I was immediately hooked by this quirky town, the interesting and refreshing cast of characters and the exciting, sexy stories. But the characters and the story that called to me the most was that of the youngest McKinnon sister, Honor, and the patient, unwavering love that Zeke Monroe, Paradise’s sheriff, had for this severely traumatized woman. I think Sarah O’Rourke will tell you that I was the most vocal of their fans in expressing my desire for this book.  Ok, ok, so a little bit of stalking and perhaps some “bearly” – intentional misspelling – disguised begging for Zeke and Honor’s story may have happened on occasion. Or often. Alright already, it happened a lot.

“We’re not going backwards, baby. We struggle through this…together. If things get hard, we fight harder.”

This book has been something I’ve built up in my mind over the course of the last two years and through the release of the five books in this series that have lead up to it, so my expectations were sky high. I’ve said on more than one occasion, upon learning this book would be released this year, that Man of Honor, was my most highly anticipated book of 2016. I was not joking. So it thrills me to be able to say that this book not only lived up to the hype I created in my mind, but it surpassed it and was more than I hoped it would be.

“Baby, the one thing you can count on is that as long as I’m breathing, I will always come for you, Honor. Always.”

Honor McKinnon survived a nightmare at the tender age of 16. A kidnapping and brutal gang rape robbed this young woman of more than just her innocence; it robbed her of her sense of self, her feelings of safety and of her sexuality. The attack left behind a woman with physical and emotional scarring so deep, she was certain she’d never dig her way out. It would take six long years of constant and steadfast pursuit by Zeke Monroe and the persistent, unrelenting and unending love that he had for Honor that would ultimately lead her out of her nightmare.

“Where you lead I follow, Kitten. Whether it’s to the hospital, into the pits of Hell, or straight through the Pearly Gates of Heaven, I am always going to be one step behind you. You’re never gonna get away from me, Honor. Never.”

It was breathtaking and astounding to witness the love that this man had for this woman. Considering that it never progressed beyond friendship, despite the very obvious fact that he was desperately in love with her, it was nearly unfathomable that he waited for her, that he stood by her side, ever hopeful and always understanding, just waiting for Honor to catch up with him. He never lost faith that she’d get there, but after six years and considering the danger still swirling around her, he couldn’t help but give her a nudge.

“In life, there are days that shape a person into who they will become while trying their spirit, strength and determination. These are the moments where a person is tested and forced to prove their mettle.”

While she was furious at first with what she said was his high-handedness, it wasn’t long before Honor realized Zeke was right to push her gently in this direction. Experiencing Honor go through the process of confronting what happened to her was many things. It was devastating, it was painful, but it was also encouraging and uplifting. Witnessing this young woman’s awakening, and the courage she drew up to not only relive what was done to her, but to deal with it so she could heal and move on from it, was so emotional and inspirational. In the midst of all of this pain and heaviness, unbelievably, there were also those moments of hilarity that this fantastic author duo are so well known for. I mean, it wouldn’t be a Sarah O’Rourke novel without a taste of their wicked sense of humor, and trust me, it’s there.

“Aren’t the poets always sayin’ that love is more of a show and less of a tell? Show me, Ezekiel… Show me how much you love me and I’ll try to do the same.”

This book was so many things for me, and I enjoyed it so thoroughly. To have wanted this book for so long, to have waited almost two years for it, to have built it up in my head and to have it exceed my expectations? That is the greatest feeling EVER. Well-written, warm, heartening, inspiring, Sarah O’Rourke delivered a phenomenal novel with a very sensitive story line in a way that was respectful and genuine. They did it while being true to their characters and peppering the book with their trademark snarky sense of Southern humor. It was romantic and sexy and loving and I positively adored every single word of this amazing book. Without hesitation, Man of Honor by Sarah O’Rourke gets 5 smooches from me.

“…you are the owner of all my tomorrows and the keeper of my future. Every time I stare into your eyes, I see all my hopes and dreams coming true.”

~ Danielle Palumbo

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4 Smooches

Synopsis

Fear stops dreams in their tracks before they even have a chance. Then again, so do injuries.

Natalia Grekov was born to win Olympic gold. As the USA’s top gymnast, she’s calm, confident and ready to make her country proud in just two short months. And her elite athlete lifestyle includes no time for distractions—especially men. When a disastrous fall in practice puts her dreams at risk, it seems the only person who can help her is the one person she wants nothing from.

Spencer Russell is gymnastics’ bad boy. A cocky, laid-back charmer with abs of steel and a witty mouth, he waltzes around the U.S. Gymnastics Training Camp like he owns the place—even though he doesn’t anymore. After an injury sidelined his career and any chance at Olympic glory, he’s now just a coach, helping other gymnasts reach their goals. Serious is not a word in Spencer’s vocabulary. But when Natalia tumbles into his life, he’s suddenly sincerely interested in helping the blonde beauty in any way he can.

Can they vault over the obstacles standing in their way? Or will Spencer be the distraction that causes Natalia’s chance at gold to crash and burn?

Review

“Flirty friends kiss right?”

I love a sports romance and I am a fan of Carrie Aarons so I was excited to start Blind Landing. I love the Olympics and this new trend of books revolving around this setting is right up my alley.

‘Natalia Grekov has sent my system spinning, and the only way to relieve the dizziness was to attack it at the source.’

Blind Landing revolves around Nat, an Olympic hopeful, and Spencer, a coach for the Men’s team. Their relationship starts as friendship with both of them knowing that now during the training for the games is not the time to act on their chemistry. But before long the attraction becomes too much to deny and they are soon sneaking around. Their pairing is taboo but not forbidden. I loved Spencer and his fun personality from the start and while I admired Nat’s drive and determination, it did at times make connecting to her as a romantic heroine more difficult. There were great moments when she let her guard down that I truly did like her but also times when her focus on ther Olympic path make the romanctic aspects of the book more difficult to connect to then I was hoping for.

“Duh, Russell, I want your body. And a big fat gold medal.”

Overall, Blind Landing was a good solid sports romance and Spencer is hard not to love. Blind Landing is worth a read and especially now during the Olympic Games!

~miranda

5 Smooches!

Synopsis

No take-backs.

That was the motto that Drew lived by in all things, including his love life.
He’s a player, pure and simple.
He’s learned the hard way that women aren’t all hearts and flowers. Sometimes their sexy bodies and beautiful faces are just a pretty shield to hide the crazy, and he’s so freakin’ over crazy.
Been there, done that. He has the divorce papers to prove it.

Karma hits like a bitch.

Aspen needs a break. A long one that doesn’t include anything with a Y chromosome. Not even one as tempting as her new neighbor who just moved in across the street. Men are trouble with a capital freakin’ T, and she has the ankle monitor to prove it.
The last man she gave her heart to was a police officer. A man whose life was dedicated to protection; he was supposed to protect her heart—not break it.
She decides right then and there that she’s done with being the better person.

Everything happens for a reason.

A rash decision—undoubtedly regrettable, undeniably unforgettable. In the heat of the moment, Aspen’s actions with a tire iron and her ex-boyfriend’s brand new SUV land him in the ER getting stitches and have her seeing the inside of a jail cell for the first time.
It’s just her luck that the whole town is there to witness the result of her poor decision, including her police officer brother and the neighbor that already made it more than clear she was more trouble than she was worth.
House arrest never looked so good.

Hide your crazy.

Drew enjoyed the show, though. For the first time in a year, he’s thinking about his life, and how it would be a lot more enjoyable with a woman like Aspen at his side.
Maybe crazy isn’t so bad after all.

REVIEW

Oxygen Deprived is the third book in Lani Lynn Vale’s best-selling Kilgore Fire series, and I really love this series, it just gets better and better. Vale never fails to disappoint me, and she absolutely didn’t let me down here. Oxygen Deprived was definitely my favorite of the series so far.

As I read this book, I couldn’t help but feel like it was the Lani Lynn Vale incarnation of the Carrie Underwood song, Before He Cheats, except funnier, a whole lot sexier and with a much happier ending. We get plenty of visits from favorite characters in Vale’s other Kilgore books, especially Downy, the SWAT team member from Bang Switch in the KPD SWAT series, who is the heroine, Aspen’s, brother. Those two haven’t had the best relationship, and as a side story, Vale explores it.

The romance between Drew and Aspen, though, takes center stage. They were a great match. Their chemistry was palpable and undeniable, and despite the less than ideal circumstances Aspen was in, they made it work. As ever in one of Lani’s stories, this is accomplished through the liberal use of humor. This author just hits the nail on the head every single time for me with her sense of humor. Her heroines are always sassy and sarcastic, bordering on snarky even, but yet each one is unique. These are women I could easily become friends with.

Drew and Aspen had to battle angry, spiteful exes, an overbearing brother, house arrest and someone hell bent on revenge. At least Aspen’s home incarceration wasn’t boring, what with all the activity on her street. As funny as this book was, there was also a very sexy and sweet romance here, another thing I never fail to find in the pages of a Lani Lynn Vale novel. The romance between Drew and Aspen was playful and fun, and I loved how Aspen got Drew involved in her home-based job. It’s these little quirky surprises and twists that Vale always delivers in her books that keep me one-clicking without hesitation.

I loved Oxygen Deprived, and I’m really loving this series. I’ve said it before, but it warrants repeating: my trip to Vale’s Kilgore, TX is always one of my favorite fictional places to go. A swoony and steamy romance, laugh-out-loud humor and a cast of characters I adored, I’m giving 5 smooches to Lani Lynn Vale’s Oxygen Deprived.

~ Danielle Palumbo

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