ricochet:( A Romantic Suspense Novelette) By allyn lesley

Novel                          ricochet: A Romantic Suspense Novelette

Genre                         Romantic Suspense

Release Date             November 18, 2015   

Biography

allyn lesley writes real stories about real people. 

As a teen, allyn lost herself in the pages of some of Romance’s heavyweights, trusting that a happy ever after was just around the corner. In allyn’s own writing journey, as in life, she’s learned that people don’t always experience recovery and restoration after a fall. Her stories speak to the gritty side of life where the right choice isn't always easily identified and happiness not quickly gained.

Summary

What happens when your past comes back to haunt you...and seduce you?

After committing the unthinkable, the unforgivable, Tony Salvai relocates to paradise to reinvent himself and let go of the man he once was. But after one unforgettable night with a sultry and tantalizing redhead, he realizes that he can't hide from his sins—they always find a way back.

Out for vengeance, Red searches for the one man who ruined her life. She's got an agenda and a bullet with his name on it. But when she finally faces off against her sexy and remorseful enemy, will sparks fly or bullets ricochet? 

Cover

Teaser

Excerpt

“Who are you?”

“The new hire.” She swiped the dishrag on top of the worn, brown countertop, and didn’t look like she’d be offering up any more information.

If she knew me in my heyday, that’d never been her response. He raked her form up, down, then up again while he tried to decide if she were old enough to be inside a bar. Her hair was the color of a strong glass of cognac. The sides were short and neat, giving the air of a responsible adult. But the front had an ‘I don’t give a shit’ tousled effect that made him wonder again if she was legal. The style made her oval face more interesting than it really was, but when his gaze flitted over her high cheekbones and past her feline-shaped eyes that were the color of molten pewter, he concluded she was attractive, in a strange sort of way. And he liked the way her pointy chin stuck up in the air with defiance, or maybe it was confidence.

“Are you done eye-fucking me or do you need another minute, old man?” the bartender asked. Her question was matter-of-fact, and didn’t hold a lick of reprimand in it.

I like her. “The name’s Tony and I’ll be taking another minute.”

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Another Life. Another Place…..

First let me say that this is a novelette it’s a short read that packs a lot in. When I first read the title I automatically thought of the movie. You know the one with Denzel in his glory days? But I digress.

(I will like the book flip-flop between the characters names for the purpose of showing who they were and are and how the two coincide)

Tony Salvai was an enforcer like any made guy he was looking for a way to move up. Although very good at what he does a man can’t knock heads together forever.  There is a shift within the organization he has a way to finally move up in ranks as the underboss but not without completing one last job. They say there is no honor among thieves. Tony’s last job puts him to the test what do you do when the last thing you expected comes back to haunt you?

Red is fiery, feisty and holds no punches. (hence the name) She is noncommittal and not much bothers her. Tony sees her as a sexy challenge. These two share a friendly banter that makes you laugh on one hand and on the other the sexual tension is through the roof. I wanted to say just do it already! I felt like these characters lacked something. I don’t know if it’s because it was a short read and I always want more from short reads. One second they are having a fling, and she disappears and the next moment the tables turn. I did like in the beginning that is was straight action from the start and then between the re-introduction of the two main characters the book slowed down with the day to day conversation. We learn more about her past and how she is connected to Tony but it was almost glossed over and I thought more details about how she came about was needed.

Once you get out they pull you back in….

Tony (Ace) he has done somethings in his life he regrets. No longer willing to be the man he once was Cam escapes but when the bosses come calling he has no choice.

It started with a picture and then all the chips fell into place. Red (Cam) can’t let go of those who have wronged her seeking her revenge she vows to destroy all those who have wronged her. Sometimes plans don’t fall into place and when they don’t you have to come up with a plan B. I enjoyed the fact that these two have a shared past that the other doesn’t know about. But I just didn’t feel the connection between the two. When the secret came out I was confused. One moment it was a sex scene the next other characters are appearing and the book is ending way too soon. More connection was needed for me. Don’t get me wrong the concept was good, editing on point, but the book needed more details. I just felt like I was reading a bit of a preview. I hope Allyn considers turning this book into a full length novel because I know there is more of a story to be told with these great characters. If you are looking for a quick, suspenseful book don’t hesitate to one click Ricochet. Please don’t judge this book based on this one review but for yourselves. 

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Other Novels by allyn lesley

Doing London By: Chloe Blaque

Synopsis:

It’s been five years since Josie Vasquez moved to London, changed her name, and left her X-rated L.A. life behind. She has it together now thanks to two rules: stay out of trouble and don’t shag celebrities. Easy--until she meets Marco. Sinfully handsome and always in the tabloids, footballer Marco Verazi can have any woman he wants, and the sexy Italian wants Josie. Josie knows she should stay away, but he stirs a desire in her that she’s never felt before.

Marco doesn’t know about Josie’s past, or that her job selling goods on the "telly" for home shopping network QTV isn’t her first time on camera. Although Josie is tempted to break her rules and see what Marco has to offer, she knows they can’t be together--not unless she is willing to reveal a secret that could ruin her new life...and his.


Meet The Author:

Chloe Blaque is an author of erotic contemporary romance. Her heroines are all smart, passionate, career-driven women and her heroes are all successful playboys who can’t get enough. Sparks fly when they crash into love all over the world, always when they least expect it. When Chloe isn’t writing, she can be found sipping red wine, reading someone else’s lusty novel, and pounding the pavement in her hometown of New York City. Visit her at www.chloeblaque.com, Facebook/chloeblaque and on twitter @chloeblaque

 

Chloe Blaque is a fairly new author and her multicultural book Doing London makes a big splash. This is my first read by this author and she definitely offers a unique approach to the BDSM genre. This story does use some British vernacular and light BDSM.

Joise Pink “ Josie Vasquez” A.K.A. Joey ( with all these names this girl must have a secret). Joey wanst to shed the image that was created for her namely her porn lifestyle. She wants a normal kind of life whatever that means. The problem is she keeps getting confronted with her past at times I felt like she invited her past back into her life. i.e. comparing her old life and perks to that of the new on she is trying to create. Josie issues with her past are valid her dreams of becoming a serious actress were over shadowed by her porn past so she packs up and leaves and tries to start anew.  But can Josie really leave her past behind and open herself up to really live?

Marco is a footballer (soccer for us American readers) he is unlike any man Joey has been with and by that I mean he doesn’t play games. He offers her something she doesn’t get often and something she has to learn herself acceptance. Joey either uses men or they use her but with Marco its different something about him calls out to her.

I love that as readers we get to see these two evolve in their relationship. It was times that Joey annoyed me for someone who really wanted to change she kept making silly mistakes with the men from her past. The secondary characters Kat and Ruby offered a bit of comic relief. This story was a light read and not heavy on bdsm so for those adding to their summer reading list this is one book to add. With the ending I wish it was a bit more to the epilogue and not just speculation. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.



From Within By: J.M. Walker

We live. We love. We die. He is my ultimate undoing. She is my strength. He will destroy me. She will make me whole. I need him more than the control that he craves. I need her more than I need my next breath. He knows me. She sees me. As much as I want to, I can’t let him in. As much as I’ve tried, I can’t let her go. Together, we need him.

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When J.M. isn't working her Monday-Friday 9-5 job, she's spending her time reading, writing and with the love of her life.

She's an all-around Canadian girl. Born and raised in a small city. If you don't see J.M. writing, you'll find her with her nose in a book. Whether it's her words or someone else's, she's drawn to it. J.M. loves stories with Alpha broken males and that need to be ripped apart and put back together again. Men that fall to their knees over a wink or a giggle from their females. Two things you will never find J.M. without; her cell phone and lip gloss. If she has both of those items, you have a happy girl. Since starting her writing adventure in 2013, J.M. has met many people, real life, online, in her head and she loves every single one of them. Without the support from others, none of this would be possible and she's grateful for all that has been given to her.

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This story is unlike anything we have read from J.M. Walker not that this is a bad thing. This story is gritty and raw and takes you on an emotional journey of friendships and relationships. Everybody has a secret and every secret has a consequence.

I can’t even begin to explain the complexities of Hope, Xander and Caiden’s relationship. They are all best friends and each of them have secrets that could make or break their friendships. Lives are changed forever, and one thing that each character learns is the meaning of freedom. They are all dependent on each other in some way shape or form. Zander needs Caiden like he needs Hope they both represent some part of him a need that only they can fulfill. I will admit it was a bit scary how dependent these characters were of each other but when the only love you know is that of your closest friends you hang on to it.

This story is told from each characters p.o.v. and readers get to see the struggle each character goes through as life changes from them all. Zander was a mess he is a tortured soul and the love he had for Hope runs deep. But sometimes relationships don’t work. One thing is that they loved each other but because of how young they were their love was toxic. Zander needed to grow up and stop leaning on others and find his way. Hope well she has her own issues she broke Zander and while he is spiraling out of control she is there for the ride. Now Caiden he is a man full of secrets. He is the connection between them all but once all secrets are revealed can they all heal or continue on the same path?

I love that this story was so out of the norm for this author it really was an emotional journey. At times the story was a bit much because the author starts the ball rolling from the first page. It’s a lot to take in but a good lot. I found myself crying, yelling, and just wanting to strangle the characters. If you are looking for a book full of secrets, love triangles, and emotion try this book out. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

 

The Chronicles Of Stella Rice By: Adrienne Kama

Synopsis:

Stella Rice is a thirty-something business owner and native of Baltimore, Maryland. And she's on a permanent vacation. From men Having just broken things off with her latest dating disaster, Paul the Prick, Stella vows to never again be seduced by the charms of a man. Then she meets Jake, her ultra domineering kickboxing instructor. Ten minutes with Jake in the equipment room of his gym is enough to convince Stella that maybe she should give the whole man/woman thing another go. What she doesn't know is Jake has secrets that would make Paul the Prick look like a saint. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and mild bdsm

 



From reading the synopsis and looking at the beautiful cover how could you not one-click? I was thinking with a title like The Chronicles of Stella Rice this was to be a variation of an IR Sex& The City story. You know single girl documents her experiences with dating while sharing that of her friend’s not so lucky dating life as well. Oh boy was I so wrong!

This book is not only a threesome but ends on a cliff-hanger but that’s a given considering it says book one but upon buying the book it was not mentioned that this book is f/m/m/ it’s an audience for this but I’m not it. Call me selfish but I don’t like sharing my man. Update: going back I noticed the author later added a warning for readers but after I purchased the book that did me no good.

Stella goes on a few dates meets this great guy Jake that experiment in some light bdsm early on. Later she finds out from her friends on again off again boyfriend that Jake the gym guy is seeing someone else and get this shocker ( Spoilers ahead) it’s a man! Jake has told his other half Dev’s the rocker all about Stella and he wants in on the action. Freaking out that she got played she lashes out and vows to forget Jake but her body cant.

Jake tries everything he can to get Stella to hear him out even charging her and her friend a gym fee and refuses to break their membership. After some craziness with her friends she agrees to confront Jake but that ends in a romp on the desk. Dev’s visits Stella and convinces her of a date.

Here is where the confusion sets in. This story wasn’t developed at all it was an insta-love/lust after four sexual encounters I was left asking what happened how did we get here? Where is the resistance that was alluded to? Sentences and words were randomly underlined there were a few typos and grammatical errors. I found the relationship between the three of them to be superficial. The only depth we got was her date with Dev’s and even that was odd and underdeveloped. i.e. On their date randomly the author brings up his friends issues with Stella’s race which was weird since Dev’s is bisexual and his friends know his male partner. The issue with race was not thoroughly explored and thrown in the story as an afterthought. For instance we are told the friend wife is racist and then Dev’s and Stella go off to visit the racist friend horses.  Huh?

This story was so unbelievable especially the fetish club scene. So Stella after some thought decides she wants to be put first as her friend just got engaged. She doesn’t know where she will fit into Jake and Dev’s lives so she declines the offer to spend Valentine’s Day with them. Here’s the thing Dev’s gets off on “play” he and Jake like to “wrestle” for dominance. Ok! Within BDSM relationships rules should be discussed for safety and no one should be forced or in Stella’s case kidnapped into the lifestyle. It’s a chose and frankly the way the scene played out was very unsafe. When you write about something like this please do your research as this is not something to be taken likely. With the issues going on with the world and the war on women I just thought the kidnapping scene was inappropriate. Let be clear after some kicking and screaming Stella is tied up and fights to be let go but they play with her and she gives in. Alright! But as a reader I found the theme of BDSM in this book seemed a bit too much and should be handled with care. Being a submissive does not mean being dumb and above all else being safe. I never discourage readers this book simply wasn’t for me. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

March Madness: Spotlight On The Battaglia Mafia Series By Sienna Mynx

Sienna Mynx is back with her latest release Amore book 5 in the Battaglia Mafia series. If you haven't read her work I suggest you do. She is the Queen of mob romance and alpha males.

Meet the diva behind the pen.

Do you like strong, sensual, alpha bad boys forced to humble themselves for the women they love? Me too. I am Sienna Mynx, the naughty writer of over thirty contemporary and historical romances. My stories have often been accused of sweeping readers away in heart racing decadence that can provoke laughter, soft sighs and even gratifying tears.

In 2010 Romantic Times nominated me for Erotic Romance E-book Writer of the Year Award, for a fast-paced exciting read about a young black hooch dancer in a travelling carnival during the Great Depression who meets a Sicilian bootlegger and goes on a Bonnie and Clyde ride of passion and freedom in Mexico.

After a two-week tour of Italy in 2012 I released the first three books in an epic series known as The Battaglia Mafia. All three Books (Destino, Ti Amo, La Sposa) have held the Amazon #1 Best Seller spot for Multicultural Romance, and African American romance.

Currently you'll find me in the deep south under the shade of a magnolia tree with a ladies fan, sipping pink lemonade and dreaming up my next sensual romantic fantasy! To learn more about my work be sure to visit the website http://thedivaspen.com

 

Synopsis

 

In the spring of 1994 the fashion would awaits the return of the reclusive designer Mirabella Battaglia. Many have speculated for years about the torrid love affair between their fallen star and the worlds most notorious crime boss Don Giovanni Battaglia.

 

Mirabella is overjoyed. She has it all, a husband who loves her, a new sisterhood with her long lost twin, healthy children and a loving family that supports her. Now is the time to reclaim her passion for designing. Giovanni loves his wife, and though her reemergence into the fashion world would expose them to the risks of fame and celebrity he willingly makes the sacrifice. Nothing is more important than his Bella’s dreams.

However, a very dangerous enemy lurks in the shadows. He has watched Mirabella’s life blossom with seething hatred and envy. He wants the woman and life he thinks was stolen from him, and he is prepared to burn the Battaglia dynasty to the ground to have her again. Secrets, plots of revenge, and lies infiltrate the Battaglia family. The destruction and pain left behind is catastrophic and can only be healed by true love. But will Giovanni and Mirabella learn that lesson too late?

 

Meet The Don & Donna

 

 

 

 

 

You know how you read a book so well written that you just have to sit with it for a while? I mean just sit and contemplate all that you have read. That’s the emotion I felt after reading Amore by Sienna Mynx. This is how you write a mob story. This book was so complex and just a rollercoaster of events I couldn’t sum it all up and do it justice.

Its 2 years later and the family is changing. Mira is growing her fashion empire while Gio expands his own. The problem with exposure is that you open yourself up to new enemies….

As a reader I felt like I was living all the drama with the characters. Marietta and Lo have a very complex marriage and learning how to trust doesn’t come easy. All secrets are revealed and Lo doesn’t deal with deception very well. And Carlo, poor Carlo! His character is so multifaceted I can’t even begin to explain him.  Everyone has this “view” or perception of Carlo most is based on rumors or his hard exterior. He is not a man one would have a relationship with until Shae. She is what I like to call an around the way girl. You know the type, street smart and business savvy. Invited by Marietta for her birthday party Shae finds herself in a very odd but interesting relationship with Carlo. The author explains much of Carlos past and how his past has shaped the man today. No one has taken time to teach Carlo better but Shae sees through all of that and teaches him how to love and be made love too. One thing that is constant with Sienna Mynx is that she can write a sex scene!

Mira & Marietta find themselves communicating more with their brother Armando who I believe has an agenda for wanting to reunite the family. Gio being the quintessential Alpha male isn’t having it. Armando has his eyes on a much bigger prize our little Catalina. She has only loved one other man but Domi. Now this new man is making her feel a fire that is reserved for her fiancé. Many sleep on Domi but once challenged he always rises to the occasion.

I loved that we got to see the kids and characters from previous books like Renaldo and Nico and their loves. Amore was a proper title because these men although ruthless will do what they must for the women they love even if it means dealing with sworn enemies.

 And then there is the return of Kei. What you think you knew about him throw that out the window. He is crazy and in love with a memory of Mira that never was. Now we all know Gio doesn’t play about his wife and will turn the city upside down if it means protecting the family.

Isabella, and her cohorts are found out and death and destruction follow. This book deals with depression, mental illness, rape, drugs, and guns and above all love. I felt like I was watching a show instead of reading a book. I was annoyed though with the fact that Gio and Lo knew the truth about Carlo but said nothing in his defense. I loved the fact that we got more on Mira’s family history. Although this book had many characters each storyline was fully flushed out and the relationships with each of the characters were vastly different. I did want more from the ending. Not that majority of things weren’t absolved. I just wanted a little more of an “ending.”  There was some very emotional scenes in this book and I just know the follow-up will be just as great. If you are looking for a book that will wreck you and just plain good then this is the book for you. Please judge this book for yourself and not based on this one review.

 

 

The Vanilla Bet By: Ella Emerson

 

Synopsis





Trace Weston lives in the beautiful Palm Beaches. A college student who would rather party his life away than accept his father's company. He loses a bet at a college party and has to have a "vanilla" relationship with a girl he has never met.

Vanessa Summers, moved to Florida to attend college for her love of the arts. She also left behind a dark past that haunts her every day. She meets Trace and is instantly taken with his irresistible charm. Will she be able to keep her secrets hidden? Will Trace be able to help her find the answers to what she is searching for? Will they be able to find who and what is trying to keep them apart? 

 

 

Trace is the popular college playboy. He’s Mr. All American and every girl wants a piece of him but not every girl can have him. Vanessa is the outcast trying to fit in with the socialites but she’s on a budget and wants no part of the superficial life. She’s quite, and very outgoing or is that a part of her allure?

During a poker game a bet is made. Trace has to have a “vanilla” relationship with the unpopular girl. Vanilla being no sex which is more of a punishment because he seems to love the act itself.

A chance meeting…..

Her car dies and Trace gives her a ride. She’s unlike any girl he has ever had. Vanessa isn’t one to jump when a cute guy comes near and Trace enjoys the chase. Can Trace stick to the bet or will this “relationship” turn into something more real?

This isn’t your typical boy meets girl sweet romance the author does provide a little bit of a twist. Vanessa has a secret admirer and like the white knight Trace steps up as her protector. This is a very simple beach read not very complex and enough to keep you distracted. Unfortunately this book was a little to cheesy and young adult for me.

This book is very low heat. Some things didn’t make sense like the notes, the break in and the attack. At what point were the cops going to be called? They confront the culprit and then threaten them with the cops? The person behind these issues has no repercussions for their actions. Huh? Then there is another twist which is a little bit farfetched. The ending was a little cheesy and 90’s B-movies for me. But please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

About the Author

Ella Emerson lives in Florida with her husband and three wonderful children. When she isn't writing you can find her watching movies or playing games with her children. She loves to read, write and eat pizza. A true lover of the beach, she enjoys the sun, surf, sand and sea. She also is a huge fan of the cinema and enjoys crazy 80's chick flicks. She was raised a military brat, and has seen her fair share of the world. She loves using her own experiences and turning them into lovely romantic tales. 
In high school she discovered her love for reading, and even had one of her poems published in a national magazine. She continues to read, write, review and hopefully she can become an inspiration to her own children, as well as others.

 

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Divided Heart(Queen of Kings Book 2) By: LaQuette

Synopsis

 

She broke his heart…to rebuild his soul.

The last two years of Heart MacKenzie Searlington’s life have been a constant forward motion of change. She’s been promoted to NYPD captain of the seventy-fourth precinct in Brooklyn, a job she never wanted, but is slowly finding her way through with the help of a dedicated second in command and a house full of exemplary officers. 

 

Married to the sexy and powerful mogul, Kenneth Searlington, Heart is living all of the dreams she never knew to ask for before she fell in love with the man that stole her heart. Although Kenneth bathes her in his love and devotion, insecurities from the past still haunt her and cast a dark veil over their union.

Kenneth Searlington knows only one thing, he worships his wife. He has a singular purpose: to love her as hard as he can for the rest of their lives and to neutralize any threat that dares to come up against them. But how does he protect them when that threat comes from the woman he loves?

Thrown by a devastating loss, Heart allows pain and despair to drive a wedge so large between them they may never be able to recover. Pushed beyond his limits, excluded and taken for granted, Kenneth has to decide whether to allow darker urges to control him, or to use his rage to fight for the one thing he adores, Heart. Can they mend the rift, or will a divided heart end their legendary love? 

 

Excerpt

 

He was a tall man with alabaster skin and midnight locks that fell beyond his shoulders and down his back. He was dressed in a crisp grey business suit that made his crystal blue eyes sparkle. He wore a knowing smile that said, “I know you know that I’m the ish.” He was a cocky bastard, true, but she had firsthand knowledge of just how amazing he really was. She also had firsthand knowledge that everything that self-assured smile promised, he was more than capable of delivering. He sat on her desk with his long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. Easy, calm, confident, and sexy as all hell.

“You know you’re risking life and limb by sitting on my desk like you own it, right?” she asked as she closed the door behind her. She looked around to make certain the blinds on her office windows and doors were in a closed position, this was a moment that was meant solely for the two of them.

“I may not own the desk, but I own the woman that it belongs to…so I kinda do own it if you think about it,” he said as the silky sureness of his voice traveled across the room and pulled her to him.

Before she could say just how it happened, she was standing in front of him between spread legs, falling into the broad expanse of his chest. “You own me do you?” Her voice hitched as she felt his fingers skate from her fingers to her arms causing her skin to sizzle.

“I thought that’s what these rings we wear meant? I own you, you own me? Was I wrong?” He leaned in and placed a light kiss on her cheek, and just like any other time his skin met hers, a sensual burn began to singe the area where his lips had rested for only a brief second.

“Mmmm,” she moaned. “You bet your pretty ass we belong to each other.” She wrapped her hand in his long tresses and pulled him to her, letting her body sink into his and searching for the connection only his kiss could bring. She found his warm, soft lips and mewled into the decadence of the pleasure they ignited inside her.

“God I wish we were home instead of in my office.”

 

LaQuette’s much anticipated sequel to her Heart series. If you have not read book one I suggest you do this is not a standalone novel.

Welcome back to the world of Heart and Kenneth. The ultimate power couple, he is a wealthy CEO and her career is at an all-time high but things are not always as they seem. Both have very strong personalities but in marriage it is a partnership and a series of concessions. Heart although she was very strong and set in her ways was a very complex character with flaws. I loved that the author addressed these flaws in this book and Kenneth’s need to be the man in the relationship.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Heart really had some issues she had to work through and Kenneth finally took control and made her realize it isn’t all about her. Because let’s face it at times she could really be selfish and tried to rob him of his grief. The Alpha male had arrived especially in the basement scene! These two showed so much growth as a couple and the ups and downs people go through in relationships. At times Heart was rather annoying with all her “issues” and hang-ups. For a woman with a devoted husband, Heart let her demons and insecurities get in the way of what she could see right in front of her. I did like that the author showed the complexities of their relationship but it got a little old after a while.  It really took for her to finally realize that she could lose the love of her life to pull herself together. Although this book had some heavy moments the author does provide some laugh out loud moments between the two a bit of comic relief. And those sex scenes!!!! Let me just say that this author can write a spicy sex scene.  

This story was a little shorter than the first one and I felt like it could have been just a little longer. I would have liked more from the ending it just ended and left the ending open. Maybe for another story? Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

 

About The Author:

A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator. Writing--her escape from everyday madness--has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.

She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette's Lounge.

 



 

"I Want To Be Yours" By: D.M. Mortier

“I want to be Yours” is the debut novel from author D.M. Mortier. Be warned: a lot of the vernacular in this story is British.

Niccolo “Nico”: rules the world he lives in. Imagine when he comes home early one day and sees his wife (Celina) of six years sleeping with another. Being the overly possessive and crazy Italian that he is he deals with this situation as one would suspect he moves on and takes his revenge. Crushing on his partner and friend Mari for years now Nico finally has the opening to do something about it. What happens when two friends cross that line and one night of hot passion changes their lives forever?

Mari: is a world renowned hacker. Because of her mother’s decisions regarding men Mari has kept her heart guarded and has vowed never to become any man’s option. Attracted to Nico from the beginning she knew he was off limits. But when he comes to her with need and heartbreak can she turn him away?

A need that only the other can fill turns into an unhealthy obsession and a turbulent relationship.

(Possible Spoiler): This is a slight turn on your typical Billionaire/Virgin/Baby tale (End Spoiler)

He’s portrayed as being dominant but really is a bully and very forceful. She is naïve and very gullible only 25 to his 38. You know the typical doormat in books like this. One minute they are fighting the next second it’s all about sex. I was getting whiplash with all the back and forth issues between these two.

It was a lot of unnecessary detail in the story i.e. mentioning characters who would never appear again. The premise made no sense. He has around the clock security for his wife and all this technology to keep track of her she had been cheating for years and now his staff decides to tell him 6 years later? His only upset is that his siblings would get wind of this.

Because his wife had portrayed him in such a public way he has turned his heart into stone. Although he cares for Mari he can’t commit to her and for her that just isn’t enough. I do like that the author does a flashback scene so we can see how the two met and their infatuation with each other. She was very assertive in the beginning and then turned into a doormat over his maleness. The flashback although I enjoyed it was way too short. The author gives the reader some great details that were never explored then flips back to the present. I found that happens a lot with this book there are certain situations that added some depth to the story like Mari’s mothers past that the author never explored. Majority of the story was the two of them fighting each other and then giving into their lust or him bullying her with his nastiness.

 The time line is all over the place. The first half of the book was told in second person (narration) with limited dialogue between the characters. I was really confused about Mari’s resistance she wants to be with him he wants her what's the problem? Especially if you are going to end up sleeping with him anyway. About 43% the book hits a turning point finally some action (character interaction). But then it ends the same with denial then angry lust - filled sex. I honestly didn't see or feel the connection between the two he wasn't an alpha male but a bully.

He often referred to Alex as a possession. Not someone cherished or loved. I don't know how much more description I could take of her puckered nipples. At one point I wanted to scream, “we get it she's aroused.” The non-responses irked me i.e. Alex missing, he hadn't said I love you but the relationship progressed to finality. All the way to the end the fighting, the issue of I'm not sleeping with you and his nasty barbs continued. Usually in books the conflict at some points leads to something and comes to an end. I just felt this book was very anti-climactic what was the point of it all if nothing got resolved? What it took for him to admit his feelings for her was so surreal and bizarre. This whole story was her putting him before her own needs right up until the epilogue.

I know it takes a lot for anyone to put their work out to the public and the process of writing a book isn’t easy. I applaud the author for sharing her work with others. This review is just one readers opinion not the gospel please judge this book for yourselves and not on one opinion. Although I didn’t particularly care for this story others may in fact love it.  

 

 

 

 

A Constant Reminder By: Lolah Lace

A mother’s desperate plea to the parole board. Yes her son was guilty of murder in the second degree and robbery but he served his time he was fully rehabilitated. Adam got himself clean and was ready to transition from prison back to society. But the past always has a way of catching up with you. Some call it karma, fate, payback. Adam called it, “A Constant Reminder.”

Flashback to the past:

Adam: His father just died and like most people in distress we seek comfort in many different ways. Comfort for Adam came in the form of coke, heroin and marijuana. Anything to numb the pain. Rick James said it best, “cocaine is a hell of a drug.” Spiraling out of control Adam and his partner in crime Tony will do anything for their next hit. Adam came from money, prestige, and good breeding. What happens when all the money in the world can’t save you from a destructive lifestyle? Will you change, redeem yourself or just give up? Prison has a way of changing a person and so does love…..

Roxanne: Straight A student, responsible, and living the life with her best friend Erika. Making her mother proud by getting her degree, Roxanne did what was expected of her. What happens when what you know to be safe and comfortable is just ripped away from you? Brutally attacked her world is changed forever. Can Roxanne ever move past what happened to her that horrible not? Love is a funny thing it doesn’t care who you are or what you have done. What happens when the one you love is not what you expected? Do you give up, forgive or deny it ever happened?

Present:

Adam and Roxanne find comfort in each other. He is exactly what she needs someone to talk to, feel safe with, and expects all of her flaws. Unfortunately not everyone is on the love train. Erika, her best friend is straight forward in how she feels Adam is no good for her friend. Although I wouldn’t call Erika much of a friend but more of a hater with an agenda. Because of Roxy’s past she has issues with trust but, she continually deals with someone like Erika who spiels hate towards her every second she gets. They are what I would call frienenemies. Despite Erika’s nastiness Adam doesn’t buy into her games and continues to love Roxy with everything he has in him. But what happens when your relationship is built on lies?

This story is told in the form of layers each character is interconnected with the next and not always in a good way. Dealing with issues like drug abuse, rape, and violence this read is not for the faint at heart. I like that this author stepped outside of the box and told a tale that would get readers to question themselves.

However I did find a few issues as a reader with this story. I didn’t understand the timeline. For instance one second Roxanne was being attacked the next it is three years later. Same for Adam. His mother was writing a letter to the parole board and a few scenes later he was working at an oil shop. Because this story deals with such heavy issues I would have liked to see the author explore the characters emotions behind these issues. It was said this was a story of redemption I didn’t find that to be the case. I was left with more questions. i.e. How did Roxanne every deal with overcoming her attack? Was Adam transition from prison to society a smooth one? How did Adam redeem himself? His prison story was that of someone who is privileged. We didn’t get much of his time in prison or how he even overcame his drug addiction. Because let’s face drugs are in prisons. At one point in the story there is one of many big reveals on Adams part. He confesses something to her about his past life and her reaction really was a non-reaction. I don't know if it's because she had such a secret of her own. The next day they just go along as if nothing has changed. It was mentioned in the story that Roxanne avoids issues but at what point was she going to get her head out of the clouds?

I wanted more of a reaction then avoidance. As a couple they dealt with such an emotional scene and honestly a deal breaker in some relationships and it was glossed over with a sex scene and a Beyoncé song. About 85% in the story we got to the real emotional depth of the story that leads readers to ask some very tough questions. Certain things in the story didn’t make sense as a reader because the timeline just moved so fast. You are dealing with such heavy issues and the emotional depth was just lacking at times. There are a few twists and turns in this story that will leave you angered, and questioning your own beliefs.

I am glad that the author took a chance and told a story such as this. I look forward to reading what else she has in store. Like I always mention judge this story for yourself and not based on this one review.