Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Kendall Grey (Author of the Just Breathe Series & Hard Rock Harlots Series)

Kendall Grey, word wrangler, whale warrior, wicked wench, and lover of tongue-tripping alliteration, was born without an off-switch between her brain and mouth. She's been called the "Flux Capacitor of Twitter" (@kendallgrey1) and "A little package of love all wrapped up in F-word paper," but she's really just a maniacal writer relaying eyewitness accounts of the rave inside her head. She writes urban fantasy with strong romantic elements and also dabbles in erotica and horror on occasion.

Kendall lives off a dirt road near Atlanta, Georgia, but don't hold that against her.

Connect With Kendall:  Goodreads    Website    Facebook    Twitter

Just Breathe Series! 

Adult PNR

Inhale

Just Breathe Series #1

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

 Exhale

Just Breathe #2

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Her dreams brought them together, but reality could tear them apart…

The man of Zoe Morgan’s dreams isn’t only real, he’s interested. In her. But her boss wants her too, and is leveraging his unsolicited advances with the threat of blocking the huge promotion she's after. When he places a spy on her research team, the intense stranger discovers more than he should, and Zoe fears hiding a relationship with Gavin Cassidy from her boss is the least of her worries. The whale she must protect has been marked for death, and Zoe's old enemy Scarlet is eager to deliver the killing blow. To both of them.

Australia’s Sentinels must find and lock the door into the Dreaming before Fyre Elementals launch another attack on innocent dreamers. But corruption and distrust abound, and Gavin believes someone on the Sentinel council is in league with the Fyres. As he reluctantly embraces his new role as council leader, Gavin must not only keep Zoe safe from Scarlet's vengeful clutches, but organize a Sentinel defense strong enough to prevent a full-blown Elemental war—with a traitor fighting by his side.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

Just Breathe

Just Breathe #3

Synopsis via Goodreads:

He made a deal with the devil to save the woman he loves…

After tragedy rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can’t forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally.

But love—and duty—are powerful motivators, and alliances are forged in the most unlikely places. With the key to salvation locked inside the mind of an unconscious child, Gavin must find another way to snuff out the Fyre Elementals before millions of humans die, or make good on his deal with the devil and lose the one he loves. Again.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

 

Hard Rock Harlots Series! 

Adult Erotica

 Strings

HRH #1

Synopsis via Goodreads:

WARNING: STRINGS is not suitable for slut shamers, uptight stone throwers, Holier-Than-Thou prudes, humorless virgins, persons with chronic neck or back pain, pearl-clutching bitties, those who disparage crude humor or vulgarity in their many forms, closed-minded people with sticks up their asses, or anyone under the age of 18. The vile, base language and shocking, unholy sexual acts contained herein are not condoned by anyone with a lick of sense and should certainly not be reproduced without proper training and protection. The potty-mouthed and perpetually horny "heroine" (the term is used loosely) of this book does not resemble a normal, well-adjusted, or remotely believable person in any way, shape, or form. The author acknowledges that the characters in this book are shallow and two-dimensional; the plot is both ridiculous and insipid. She makes no apologies for any of it.

* Readers are strongly advised to wear latex gloves whilst reading to minimize contamination risks.

Free-spirited musician Letty Dillinger adheres to a strict, “no strings attached” policy when it comes to men. After a wild night of unabashed sex in a fancy hotel room, she never expects to see the adventurous stud she dubs “Shades” again. When her all-girl rock trio books a tour at the last minute as the opening act for their archenemies, Letty’s shocked to discover she knows the competition’s new lead singer. Intimately. Shades is no longer a one-night stand. Now he’s the guy she has to one-up on stage every night for the sake of her career.

Sharing close quarters on a bus with her sexy nemesis and his bad-boy buddies puts Letty’s Golden Rule to the test. On this tour, guitar strings aren’t the only things being played. And when heartstrings are pulled too hard, they’re bound to snap sooner or later.

 Beats

HRH #2 

Expected Release: August 2013

 

Nocturnes 

HRH #3

Release Date TBA

Kendall's Upcoming Appearances:

Authors After Dark - Savannah, GA, August 14 – 18, 2013

A Novel Experience - Atlanta, GA, March 28 – 30, 2014

Georgia Indie Author Event - Cumming, GA, April 5, 2014

North Shore Author Signing - Peabody, MA, April 12, 2014

Cleveland Author Event - Cleveland, OH, April 26, 2014

Chicago Author Event - Chicago, IL, May 2 – 4, 2014

RT Booklovers Convention - New Orleans, LA, May 14 – 18, 2014

Southern Girls Author Event - Greenville, NC, July 19, 2014

Authors After Dark - Charlotte, NC, August 6 – 10, 2014

Pure Textuality Convention - Minneapolis, MN, October 2 – 5, 2014

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win a signed copy of Strings *Adult Erotica* See Warning Above*

Giveaway hosted by Talkbooks

Ends 8/11

> a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Claim Me (Stark Trilogy #2) by J. Kenner

Claim Me

Stark Trilogy #2

by J. Kenner

Erotic Romance / Light BDSM

Expected Publication: April 23, 2013 by Batam

*ARC Ebook obtained via NetGalley in 

exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.

Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

  

Pre-Order Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.


Connect with the Author: Goodreads   Twitter    Facebook   Website







My Review:

Oh my, my, my.... I just can't get enough of Damien Stark.

Let me start out by saying that for most readers, you either like this type of novel (erotica with BDSM) or you don't. I like them... a lot.

With that being said, I won't go into detail about the actual erotic fun in this novel but I will say that Kenner didn't disappoint. Great scenes and high emotion throughout them.

Now, the rest of the deets...

I adore the characters in this novel. They seem to me to have more depth than other popular erotica novel characters do. If you read book 1, Release Me, and you enjoyed it, this novel doesn't disappoint. I will say that the first nearly half of the novel is a tad slow... great scenes, but as far as the plot unfolding, it's a tad slow. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the first half... but compared to the rest of the novel, it wasn't nearly as eventful.

All of a sudden, the novel seems to take off - it's one thing after another. You learn more about Damien's past, which breaks your heart even more for this man, and you also continue to see Nikki struggle with trying to keep herself from turning to cutting to ground her. Slowly, Damien begins to open up little by little but there's still so many mysteries yet to be unveiled. It leaves the reader on their toes waiting for "what's next?!"

The drama constantly had me biting my nails and wanting to jump through the novel. Nikki's mom - UG! - that woman makes me want to hurl... better yet, I want to punch her in her face! >_<

Now.... the ending.... jeewiz... I can't believe that Julie left us hanging where she does! Now don't get me wrong, the ending is perfect... but the events that are beginning to unfold! I wanted to scream at the book when I reached the last page! LoL I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends - I'm crossing my fingers that things work out the way I want them too ^_^


Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars --> ahh that scarf! Love that they used this as the cover image.
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars

Review: Bonds of Need (Wicked Play #2) by Lynda Aicher

Bonds of Needs

Wicked Play #2

by Lynda Aicher

Erotica/Romance/BDSM

Published March 4, 2013

by Carina Press

*Ebook obtained via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When Kendra Morgan attends a party at an exclusive sex club, she's not driven by mere curiosity. Hoping to prove she's put the past behind her, Kendra must instead face up to needs she's denied for too long. Despite her lingering fears, she can't resist the temptation to play…

Deklan Winters has had his eye on his attractive neighbor for months, but only senses Kendra is no stranger to the BDSM scene when she walks into his club. And he can tell that's not her only secret. What surprises him is his own overwhelming desire to give her what she craves—and to show her a side to the Dom/sub relationship she's never known.

With Deklan's guidance, Kendra begins to accept her forbidden needs and to recognize the fine line between pleasure and pain. But when her former Master returns to reclaim her, it will take all her courage—and all of Deklan's love—to defy her past.

For more tales from The Den check out Bonds of Trust.

Grab Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble

About the Author Per Her Goodreads Profile:

I love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffer, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.

If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.

Connect with Lynda:  Goodreads   Website    Twitter

My Review:

After reading & loving Bonds of Trust, book 1 in this series, I knew I had to read this second novel. I was so excited when I read the synopsis and realized that this novel would be Kendra & Deklan's story. Each of the characters, for the most part, were in book #1. I loved the strength and power that Deklan showed in book 1 so I couldn't wait to read more about him. Kendra - she was a mysterious character in book 1. You didn't know much about her except that she was obviously hiding a few secrets of her own... 

Bonds of Need definitely didn't disappoint! I loved the connection between Deklan & Kendra. They had a chemistry to die for! 

Kendra, oh god, poor thing. She was stuck in a horrible relationship and he took advantage of her submissive nature and need for pain. He took the role of a Dom and completely warped it into abuse. There was nothing caring or controlled in the way that he treated Kendra. I felt horrible that she went through such an event but I felt even worse because she couldn't seem to get away from it. 

Deklan takes such amazing care of Kendra. He wants to help her understand that her needs, although not common, are nothing to be ashamed of. However, he knows that there is a right way and a wrong way of meeting the needs that Kendra has. Their time together, although beginning as part of a contract and only a contract, built Kendra's acceptance of her needs up to where she knew that she was mistreated... she was able to understand the difference between her previous submissive relationship and what Deklan brought into her life. 

I absolutely melted when Deklan waited outside of Kendra's parent's house - just so she could see that he was there to support her when she was ready. LOVE Him! 

I could honestly keep talking... but I don't want to spoil all of the fun. 

Note that this is a BDSM novel... they are in a BDSM Club through a lot of the novel. If that isn't the type of novel you're interested in, then this won't be for you. However, it's an amazing novel for those that do. 

I can't wait to read Wicked Play #3! I know that it'll be just as great as 1 & 2 have been! 


Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars
Character Rating: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars
Ending: 4.5 Stars

Quick Reviews: The Dark Duet Series by C.J.Roberts

Captive in the Dark
(The Dark Duet #1)
by C.J. Roberts
*I Purchased The E-book*

Goodreads     Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.



My Quick Review Written Immediately Following Completion of Book 1:
Oh my gosh... I need to separate myself from reality for a little while after reading Captive in the Dark... I'm emotionally strung out right now. Never in a million years did I think that a book about such a horrible topic could draw me in and leave me emotionally attached/vunerable... AKA a WRECK! I LOVED this book even though it's such a dark, horrible topic.... abducting kids and training them then trading them as sex slaves... eeek... I need a drink - or two - after finishing this book... I honestly feel like I was broken down just like "Kitten" while reading...*inhale* *exhale* wow... I started this book last night and finished it today because I couldn't stand the thought of not knowing what was going to happen. I'm starting book 2 NOW!

5 Stars!

Seduced in the Dark
(The Dark Duet #2)
by C.J. Roberts
*I Purchased The E-book*

Goodreads      Amazon      Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads:
The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark. What is the price of redemption? Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood. The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end. Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance?  Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?
Quote:
It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.




My Quick Review Written Immediately Following Completion of Book 2:
At first I was alittle distraught over the change in perspective that the story takes. I felt disconnected from the story because of what you're led to believe.... I said to myself I died a little inside when I first started it - only to be brought back to life again. I think my breathing was erratic through the majority of the novel = my stomach in my throat. The rollercoaster ride that is Caleb and his history left my heart broken and tears in my eyes. C J Roberts did an AMAZING job finishing up this story... I honestly couldn't have asked for a more emotional read that left me in tears several times from start to finish = but the funny thing is, each set of tears was brought about by a completely different emotion each time. Anger, sadness, love, defeat, happiness, relief... Amazing!! Loved it!

5 Stars!

Review: Bonds of Trust (Wicked Play #1) by Lynda Aicher

Bonds of Trust

(Wicked Play #1)

By Lynda Aicher

Erotica/Romance/BDSM

Ebook - 280 Pages

Published by Carina Press

on November 26, 2012

 

*ARC Ebook Obtained via Net Galley*

Synopsis via Goodreads:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members' night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he's intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she's been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she's not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn't want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?


Get Your Copy PRE-ORDERED for $1.99!   Amazon    Barnes & Noble


About the Author:

From Lynda's Website:
I love to read. It's a simple fact about me that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. This love of reading transferred to young romance (the early version of Young Adult when the stories weren't plagued by vampires, werewolves, and death) which hooked me on the romance genre and the fulfillment that comes with a happy-ever-after ending.

Twenty-five years later, I'm still an avid reader of all types of romance. The diversity of writing in the market ensures that there is always something new to read. I'm still a sucker for the happy-ever-after because there are more than enough not-so-happy endings in the real world that I don't need to read about them. I read a book for enjoyment and I want to feel good when the story ends.

I have the luxury of being a full-time writer, that is, a full-time writer around my duties as mom, wife, cleaner, cook, chauffeur, master scheduler, banker, cheerleader, volunteer, and tutor. Writing has to be a priority, or it would never happen.

I live in the Pacific Northwest which provides many months of rain-filled incentive to stay indoors and write. However, I'm a Mid-Westener at heart. A perfect day has the snow falling outside, a fire warming the room, a football game on the television, a roast cooking in the oven, my family hanging out around me and a good book to read.


Connect with Lynda:
Website
Goodreads
Twitter




My Review:
This is a fabulous "light" BDSM Adult Romance. I started this book last night and finished it in about 4 hours... I didn't want to stop reading... The story flowed from page to page. Yes, the setting is a typical BDSM club as many book addressing the BDSM lifestyle do BUT the emotions run so high in this book that being in a "club" is the last thing you're thinking about. You're more in tuned to what the characters need and what they're feeling to care where they are and what's going on around them.

I absolutely LOVED the characters. At first, I thought it was going to be uncomfortable for me to read from the perspective of a character who is almost 20 years older than I am; however, her age was the farthest thing on my mind. Lynda writes from a perspective where you connect with Cali simply because she's a woman with the most basic needs - to be touched and overcome insecurities. She main reason she harbors these insecurities is the fact that her ex-husband didn't touch her. Their marriage had no sexual facet to it. Cali went 7 years without being touched, caressed, and loved by a man. After pushing for sex and being turned away by her husband, eventually she just gave up. She wants a man who will take control for once so she can give it up but still get the release she needs. I felt proud of Cali for going after what she was curious about and wanted to pat her on the back for doing a little research beforehand. Then you have Nick... *swoon*.... the damaged Dom with a past that haunts him. Typical you say - maybe, BUT Nick is so focused and enthralled by Cali that he's a character you automatically want to add to your "fictional boyfriend" category. He has his own past that haunts him which causes him to want to run away every few years and reestablish himself.

As a reader, I always want the best for the characters I'm reading about... I'm a sucker for a happy ending... so I was rooting for Nick & Cali the entire time. The ups and downs keep you on your toes. There's a twist towards the end that completely shocked me but left me going "Oooohhhh Okay... no wonder!"

This story has hot sex scenes that aren't really what I consider hardcore BDSM. It's lighter than most books I've read but no less hot. They're more emotional and raw... close to kinky love making really... I loved it. I felt like I was Cali - trying to overcome my emotional boundaries and learn that it wasn't my fault...

For $1.99 = PRE-ORDER this book NOW!!! It's definitely worth it!


My Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

Cover: 4 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Climax: 4 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars


Sidenote: this is book 1 of a new series and I cannot wait for book 2! From the excerpt at the end of book one, you see that the story continues with already introduced characters which you are already connected too... Those types of series make me all happy inside :)

Review: Calling the Shots (Long Shots #4) by Christine d'Abo

Calling the Shots

Long Shots #4
By Christine d'Abo

Genre - Erotia/Romance, MM, MF, MFM

Published October 8, 2012 by Carina Press

Format - ebook

180 Pages

Copy obtained from Net Galley

Synopsis via Goodreads:

 He's had a wild ride, and now sex club owner Josh Scott is looking for a change of scene. But first, he's determined to bring two friends together, and he's willing to be a third wheel to move things along...

Beth Norris is eager to be set up with hot bartender Oliver Stephenson, but she's equally attracted to matchmaker Josh. Soon she's fantasizing about both men at once—and about being the one to call the shots in the encounter...

Ready to move on with his life post-divorce, Oliver is conflicted by the realization that he's attracted to women and men. Or more specifically, to Beth and Josh. He tries to keep his distance, but it's not long before the chemistry between the trio combusts in a night of mind-blowing sex.

In the light of day, it's clear something deeper than desire is growing between Josh, Beth and Oliver. But though Josh has helped others find love in unconventional relationships, is he willing to take a chance on one himself?
 

Find Calling the Shots on Goodreads,  Barnes & Noble or Amazon

About the Author:

Multipublished author Christine d'Abo loves exploring the human condition through a romantic lens. She takes her characters on fantastical journeys that change their hearts and expand their minds. A self-professed sci-fi junkie, Christine can often be found chatting about her favorite shows and movies. When she's not writing, she can be found chasing after her children, dogs or husband.

Christine is published with Carina Press, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press and Berkley Heat.

 

Connect With Christine d'Abo:

Author's Website

Goodreads

Twitter

My Review:
Christine D'Abo did a wonderful thing when she wrote Calling the Shots. I haven't read a book this hot in quite a while. The characters are fabulously refreshing. The plot is hot, suspenseful, full of mystery...did I say hot? I couldn't put this book down. The twists in the plot caught me completely off guard - which is a good thing! I get alittle annoyed when I've solved the mystery entirely too early but Christine kept me on my toes.

She writes in a way where you get completely attached to the characters and want the best for them - or the worst when it comes to the characters you hate. The male leads Josh & Oliver are oh so hot, tough but sweet. Beth, the female lead, is probably one of my favorite female leads of the year. She's soft but strong and as she learns to tap into her dominant side, you begin see her as this sexy, irresistible woman. Christine writes in a way that makes you feel like you're right there with the characters - learning and experiencing new things including what they like/want to do/fantasize about... Did I say this read was hot?? Just making sure...

There's MM, MF, MFM action throughout this read and the scenes are written fabulously. I'm usually not one for a lot of MM action - simply because I'm not usually attracted to MM action - but Christine writes the scenes in a way that makes it hot for any reader. You see through Beth's eyes and since Beth thinks it's hot, you swoon right along with her.

Great read! I didn't realize this was a series until after I got started.. I'm now going to go back and read the rest of the series!



My Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

Cover Rating:  5 Stars <--This is one of my favorite covers of the year!

Main Characters: 5 Stars <- I LOVE Josh, Beth & Oliver

Plot:  4 Stars

Climax: 4.5 Stars

Ending:  4.5 Stars