Tuesday 9 December 2014

Review: Twisted by Lola Smirnova @BookTwisted



Twisted

Back in the 90’s, the corrupt post-Soviet Ukraine with its faltering economy, is thrown into a devastating depression. Times are hard. Opportunities are scarce.

Three eager young sisters – Natalia, Lena and Julia - dream of a better life and weigh their options: do they stay and struggle like their parents, or join scores of their compatriots in the sex trade in glittering western European cities, who earn in a night what they’d take several months to earn at home? Naive and tempted by the allure of 'quick' money, the girls set off on an adventure that changes their lives forever...

For sensible, resilient and calculating Lena and Natalia, the transition to the underworld of Luxembourg’s deceptive champagne bars is eye-opening, but smooth. But for fragile, brittle Julia, haunted by a childhood assault, the change is more than just vocational. Struggling to adapt, she turns to alcohol and drugs, exposing herself to increasing danger and depravity; and, ultimately, betrayal, when a deceitful client, who claims to love her, drugs her and cleans her out.

Despite her sisters’ best efforts to intervene, she finds herself in Istanbul – culturally a world apart – in an attempt to make back the money and self-respect she’s lost. Vulnerable without the protection of Luxembourg’s champagne bars, she descends into a hell of drugs and high-risk sex until, at the novel’s terrible climax, a kidnapping, brutal assault and one-sided justice system lead to her imprisonment and a threat of deportation.

How will Natalia and Lena save Julia?

Inspired by real-life events, Twisted is a fascinating story about vulnerability, courage and the art of making a living in the sex trade...

'TWISTED' IS THE FIRST BOOK OF A TRILOGY. THE SECOND ONE - 'CRAVED' IS COMING OUT VERY SOON! To stay updated follow Lola on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/twistedlolas... or Twitter - @BookTwisted






by Emma Mistress of all Dark & Twisted

Twisted by Lola Smirnova immediately captures your attention from the first page as she brings you into the hidden world of sex slavery. Be warned, it is not for the faint of heart, it's a dark tale so take heed and is the first part of a trilogy.

This is a tale of three young sisters striving to make their lives better, as they endure the tribulations of the sex trade industry in Eastern Europe. Lola Smirnova offers an uncut peek into this world. As you read, you can't help but feel you are there with the author in those rooms, observing like Alice through the looking glass with unprecedented access, to a world that's completely alien to us but unfortunately really exists.

The main character Julia has such strength and fortitude that as a reader I truly felt Smirnova made her seem real, it read like a personal account in places and the daily dangers, abuse and tribulations Julia had to endure were truly horrifying. But this deeply disturbing novel is beautifully written. I can't recommend this book enough for being bold enough to tackle such topics and for not 'prettying' up some scenes which other writers maybe wouldn't have included.

*** reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ***



by Wendy Obsessive Pimpette

I was given this book for an honest review and all I can say is wow. it open my eyes up to alot. myself having a daughter, it made reading a little uncomfortable. Lola did a great job telling the story. I've not really read a book like this, so true, heart breaking.



Lola Smirnova is an author from Ukraine living in South Africa, who for many years worked in the sex industry.
Twisted is her debut novel which was published in January 2014. Lola is currently working on her second book – a sequel to Twisted. 


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Music Under The Mistletoe by Lynne St. James @lynnestjames @smutbookjunkie

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Synopsis
Christmas is fast approaching and the band is hard at work on their album. An urgent phone call changes their plans for a Christmas surprise. They drop everything to fly back to New Jersey to give their foster parents a Christmas they will never forget. While they reminisce on their pasts, the guys prepare a few surprises of their own hoping to set down the tracks for their future. But when the snow begins to fall, they worry even the best laid plans can crumble. Catch up when seven foster kids descend, bringing love, happiness, and a bit of Chaos to Christmas to the only place they consider home. Warning: For Mature Adult Audiences. Contains language and actions some may deem offensive. Sexually explicit content. MF In book 2.5 of Raining Chaos

  Links to Buy for only $1.99
 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1w9LhSV 
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/m9dgx55 
All Romance eBooks: http://tinyurl.com/mgrrv92
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/lxhnqtz
Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/k9erlya

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Author Bio:
Lynne St. James lives in the mostly sunny state of Florida with her husband, two dogs and two cats. When she's not writing, she's reading, taking pictures and sometimes even cooking, which makes her hubby really happy. If Lynne had her way she'd travel all over the world and set a new book in each place she visited. Maybe someday! Addicted to coffee if she's not at her desk you can usually find her hovering over her Keurig coffee maker waiting for the next cup to be ready. You can find Lynne on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, her website Lynnestjames.com or email her at lynne@lynnestjames.com. She loves to hear from her readers.
 

Tour : Ripped by Katy Evans @authorkatyevans



The fifth story in the new adult series that began with the New York Times bestseller REAL.

New Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Releasing December 9, 2014

Every woman wants me–except the one I sing for.
Seattle shakes with anticipation: they call it the concert of the year. They say girls are getting pregnant just thinking about my band being in town.
But when you love a girl, you don’t leave her with nothing but a ring and a promise. Any man with half a brain should know.
So what did I expect my girl would do when she saw me again?
Well, for starters, she loathes our music. Particularly the song I wrote about her.
When I sing it, the stadium is in an uproar. Thousands of fans scream my name like I’m a god–but yeah, not her. Crystal clear: the girl’s not happy to see me.
Black hair, black boots, a bad attitude, that’s her — Pandora Stone is a freaking man-eater and she’s out for my blood.
That’s alright.
Let her come at me. Because I’m out for her heart and, this time, there’s no way she can stop me.




Review by Mazzy Boss Lady


** I received an arc in exchange for an honest review **


This is the 5th installment in this series.


There is a lot of emotion in this read, more than the last books, but saying that there is a lot of sizzling scenes. Katy doesnt disappoint with this book as it is well written and the characters extremely likeable. 


Mackenna and Pandora are awesome characters and you can relate to them in some way or another.


Another good read from Katy



WRITING RIPPED
By Katy Evans

RIPPED – I’m so excited to be sharing with everyone RIPPED, Real series book #5! J
RIPPED began with Pandora, Brooke (Real, Mine and Remy) and Melanie’s (Rogue) goth friend. She’s such a wounded warrior and so bitter that I was completely hooked wanting to know—what happened? What made her like this? Why does she hate men so much?
And that’s how I met her man, Mackenna Jones.
He’s back in Seattle for the concert of the year, and Pandora hates him so much, she is still so stuck in the past for having loved (and lost) him when she was young, she’s determined to go pay him a visit and give him a little something to remember her by. Nothing nice, I assure you.
And that’s where RIPPED totally exploded for me. It’s one of those books where I couldn’t stop writing even for a second. It seemed like I just opened Pandora’s box of secrets and they came spilling out, one after the other. Memories, what truly happened in her eyes, in his eyes, their first kiss (sigh) and so much more. Their past is tumultuous and passionate and their present, when they reunite again, is just as passionate and rocky. They have a long way to go to their HEA but, though Pandora doesn’t feel she deserves it and has never let herself want it, Mackenna has another plan to conquer back his girl.
What I love about this couple in particular is how equal they seem—the push and the pull always kept me guessing as to who had control of the situation, sometimes Pandora had Mackenna by the pants, and plenty of others it was Mackenna who kept getting the upper hand, knowing each and every one of Pandora’s weaknesses (including that he is the main one.)
He is the boy she could never forget.
She is the girl no other girl has ever compared.
Things are about to get RIPPED during Mackenna’s concert tour when his manager thinks it brilliant to force Pandora to tag along. J


  


About the Author

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…








Release Day Blitz for Starting Over by Michele Shriver. @givemebooksblog @micheleshriver




Title: Starting Over
Author: Michele Shriver
 Release Date: December 9, 2014


Synopsis

Liz Matthews agrees to a blind date for her daughter’s wedding with only one goal in mind- making her ex-husband jealous. The plan works, but also backfires as she finds herself enjoying the company of her younger date.

Widower Bennett Grayson has his hands full enough adapting to single parenthood of a teenage son and has no intention of falling in love again.  When a friend arranges a blind date, Ben reluctantly accepts as a favor to his friend, but gets more than he bargained as the funny and charming divorcee catches his eye.

Brandt Matthews has much to atone for in life, starting with his daughter and his ex-wife. In spite of their troubled marriage, the one constant for Brandt has been Liz, until a new man in her life makes him realize how much he stands to lose- or has already lost. 

As Liz and Ben embark on a new adventure called dating, they are faced with a host of challenges, including the ghosts of the past and Ben’s son Landon, who wants nothing to do with his father’s new girlfriend.  Can they overcome the obstacles and start a new life together,  or will Liz succumb to Brandt’s charms again?






Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK / AU / CA / FR / DE




Excerpt

Something was wrong with this picture, Ben decided as he watched Liz dance with her ex-husband. Oh, they certainly made a very attractive couple as they moved across the floor with a grace that reflected many dances together. And Brandt looked at Liz the way Ben expected she wanted him to look at her—as if she was the only woman in the world. Heck, at one point it even appeared Brandt would kiss her, right there in front of his date, and hers, and an entire wedding party. Liz’s plan to get Brandt’s attention seemed to be working to perfection.
So why didn’t she look happy to be on the receiving end of that attention? Why did she pull away, rebuffing Brandt’s attempt to kiss her, rather than moving into it? And why was Ben so relieved when she did? His role was supposed to be to make Brandt jealous, and suddenly Ben was the jealous one.
The song ended and Liz separated herself from Brandt and made her way back to where Ben stood. “Sorry about that,” she said.
“Don’t be. I know my role.” He’d played it well so far, and Ben planned to continue. “I would like to dance with you, if you’re still interested.”
“I am, yes.”
Ben took Liz’s hand and led her to the dance floor and settled his hand in the small of her back. He hadn’t shared a slow dance with anyone but Amy in two decades, and he hoped he wouldn’t trip over his own feet. “We get a better choice in songs, at least,” he remarked as Lifehouse’s You and Me began to play. The lyrics were appropriate, too, since Ben couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off of Liz, and he sure couldn’t explain why.
“I was thinking the same.”
“So you don’t like Endless Love, either?”
“Not so much, no,” Liz said. “Brandt thought he was being cute by requesting it. It was our wedding song.”
She didn’t sound at all happy about it, which would match her expression during the dance. Ben officially had no idea what to make of Liz’s relationship with her ex-husband. “And you don’t look back on your wedding day fondly?” He hoped he wasn’t prying. Surely, she’d understand that he had some questions, given the events of the afternoon.
“Oh, the wedding day was fine,” Liz said. “It’s the marriage that left something to be desired.”
“Yet you still want him back.” It was a statement, not a question.
Liz frowned. “What gave you that idea?”
So she claimed to not want Brandt back? Now Ben was more confused than ever. “Not what. Who. Todd, when he suggested this whole thing to me.”
“Of course. I should have figured.” Liz chuckled. “I’m afraid our mutual friends don’t always understand my somewhat twisted history with Brandt.”
“That makes three of us, then,” Ben said. “Are you saying you don’t want him back?” He found himself hoping that was the case, although the whole jealousy plan would then make even less sense.
“I wish I could give you an easy answer.” Liz sighed. “It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll get a chance to tell you sometime. I probably owe you that much, given what you’ve had to put up with today. For now, can we just dance? I like dancing with you, Bennett Grayson.”
Ben nodded, happy to oblige. “I like dancing with you too.”

 ***

By the time she left the museum following the reception, Liz wanted a warm bath, a cold glass of wine and the chance to unwind and reflect after an afternoon that managed to be joyous, bittersweet, and maddeningly confusing all at the same time. First, she had an obligation to get her date back home safely. Although he’d played his part to perfection, Liz figured Ben was probably more than ready for their date to be over. And who could blame him? He’d just endured an afternoon with a babbling, blubbering mother-of-the-bride who couldn’t seem to make up her mind what she wanted from her ex-husband.
She silently cursed Brandt as she drove back to Concord. Maggie had certainly nailed it when she remarked on Brandt’s ability to mess with Liz’s head and heart. He’d done plenty of both today, from showing up with Marissa, to choosing their wedding song for the dance, the barely-averted kiss attempt and then almost sounding regretful when she reminded him of the infidelities that ended their marriage.
“You’re very quiet all of the sudden,” Ben remarked.
“Just tired. It’s been quite a day,” Liz said. “Besides, I figure you’ve probably had enough of me by now.”
“Actually, I had a good time today. I enjoyed getting to know you, Liz.”
“Me too,” she admitted as she pulled the car to a stop in front of Ben’s house. He was intelligent, funny and a perfect gentleman. Oh, and gorgeous. How could she forget that? “You’re a good sport for going along with all of this.”
“Like I said, I enjoyed it.” He shrugged. “And hey, I got to put those acting classes to good use.”
Acting classes. That’s right. None of his attention was real. She needed to remember that. “I’m glad they came in handy.” She gave him a smile. “Good night, Ben.”
 He unfastened his seatbelt, but instead of reaching for the door handle he turned to face her. “Good night, Liz.” He put his hand on her cheek and brushed his lips across hers.
When Brandt tried to kiss her, Liz’s first instinct had been to pull away. This time, her body had the opposite reaction. It didn’t want to pull away. It wanted to move closer. It wanted to respond to the sensation of Ben’s lips on hers. Common sense prevailed, though. “There’s no one else around.” The words came out slightly breathless. “You don’t have to pretend to be interested in me anymore.”
“I know that,” Ben said, then let himself out of the car.



Author Bio


Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.



Author Links

Giveaway


Resist Volume One by Missy Johnson Release Day Launch @missycjohnson

ResistRDL

Resist by Missy Johnson 
Publication Date: December 9, 2014 


Resist (Resist, #1)

Synopsis

Position vacant… Successful, attractive male requires a full-time, live in assistant. Please note; this is no ordinary position. If voyeurism and explicit fantasies are likely to offend, do not apply. The successful applicant will be female, attractive and very self-confident. I am not looking for a slave, or a submissive. I’m after a challenge. Fight me. Resist me and you will be rewarded…
Add to Goodreads


by Wendy Obsessive Pimpette

* * * obsessed by books arc given for an honest review * * *

Charlotte is a young woman out of college, looking for a job. with no luck , her friend tells about a job ad. Position vacant…

Successful, attractive male requires a full-time, live in assistant.

Please note; this is no ordinary position.

If voyeurism and explicit fantasies are likely to offend, do not apply.

The successful applicant will be female, attractive and very self-confident.

I am not looking for a slave, or a submissive. I’m after a challenge.

Fight me. Resist me and you will be rewarded…

that alone sounds hot and hot is what Jaxen Murphy is along with sexy. We are just getting started with this series. there is going to suspense, drama, action, hot sex and hopefully love. Charlotte is going to be fun for Jaxen, with her witts and firey attitude. can't wait to read next book.

About Missy Johnson

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Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture). When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.
 

Book Blitz for Hero by Bella Love-Wins. @givemebooksblog @BellaLoveWins




Title: Hero
Series: The Billionaire Salvation #1
Author: Bella Love-Wins
 Release Date: November 4, 2014


Synopsis

~ She was hoping for a hero, but never realized who she would save. ~

This is a contemporary, new adult romance serial. For 18+ readers.


Kate Samuel thought she had left it all behind. The life of a billionaire's daughter, and her incessant search for her macho hero type.

When she saved a neighbor's young son during a fire at her new row house home in lower Manhattan, everything changed. And firefighter Lieutenant Matt Lewis made it all the more confusing.

Yeah…he was hotter than any man she imagined being with, but could he be just like the rest of the hero heart-breakers?

Find out by reading HERO, Book 1 of The Billionaire Salvation Series. Note: This is the first of at least 4 books in the serial.






Links to Buy

FREE

AMAZON US / UK / AU






Author Bio

I write contemporary romance and new adult & college stories based on my own deepest fantasies.

The Billionaire Salvation Series is my first series, and shares some of my own imagined stories about the life and love of the wealthy.
I'm a person who is passionate about writing, and feel there is talent developing in me every day. 

 
I would love it if you would check out Book 1, and it’s FREE, to make it easier for you to start reading my stories. 

I'm twenty -three years old and work as a communications analyst in a small firm. I live a little north of Toronto and dream of moving to the small town of Grimsby, Ontario one day. Once I move out of the city I would love to have a Shih Tzu and 2 cats as pets and practice kids. I always wanted to write, which I why I completed a degree in Communications and Literature. I dream to improve my writing to where I can write fiction full time, and I know that it’s with daily writing practice that I will get better and better. I have one older brother and my parents live in Northern Ontario. 

I find my stories to be about new adults and women in their mid-twenties, usually from wealthy families. This is because I went to school with the kids of some of the wealthiest families in Canada, and as I witnessed their woes first hand. My philosophy toward life is to believe that learning is possible, and that by learning everyday, we can improve and grow.



Author Links

Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card

Cover Reveal: Red Hot Alphas Boxed set

Banner cover reveal

RED HOT ALPHAS - 11 Novels of Sexy, Bad Boy, Alpha Males

RELEASE DATE: December 16, 2014

  ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME! Over 1700 pages of brand-new novels from your favorite NYT and USAT bestselling authors! Ready to get HOT? Eleven top-selling authors have banded together to bring you 11 ALL-NEW NOVELS of love, passion, romance, and thrilling suspense. These sexy, alpha men--from an orphaned tattoo artist, a partying rock star drummer with a secret past, a motorcycle club V.P. who’s an undercover cop, an actor with abs of steel, a world-famous billionaire entrepreneur, a werewolf shifter lost in his wild wolf, a jazz musician with darker tastes, a private investigator with a hunger for more than justice, a professional skateboarder that she used to know, to a European nobleman with a touch of magic, and a hunky firefighter with a killer smile and a dangerous job--will win your heart, your soul, and your body, because nothing less will satisfy them. From first kisses to dangerous encounters and second chances at love, we've gathered all 11 BRAND NEW novels in one big box, giving you a heart-pounding collection filled with confident, sexy, and mysterious alpha men you'll fall madly in love with. All these novels are all brand new and exclusive to the Red Hot Alpha Box Set, and they are NOT available anywhere else! If you see your favorite author in here, then YES, this is a new story that you haven’t read yet.  
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ELEVEN NOVELS TO CAPTURE YOUR HEART AND SET YOUR BLOOD ON FIRE!

MEETING MR. STEELE by Melanie Marchande - She hired an actor to play her romance author alter ego at public appearances, but she didn’t count on him stealing her heart. MICAH (Damage Control 1) by Jo Raven - She saved his life but doesn’t know him. He knows her but won’t tell her who he is for fear of losing her. Isn’t love weird? SOMEBODY TO LOVE (Rock Stars in Disguise: Tryp) by Blair Babylon - Meet Tryp, the rock star drummer for Killer Valentine. He's young, he's rich, and his life is perfect, just as long as he never sobers up. HOT PURSUIT (An Iron Tornadoes MC Romance) by Olivia Rigal - What could be worst for an undercover cop than embracing the spirit of the MC he has infiltrated? Falling hard for a woman who loves the biker he is supposed to be. MIXED UP by Sky Corgan - When Kira walked up the steps of the Enkidu Industries building for a job interview, she never expected to find her potential new employer completely naked. MIDNIGHT MOONLIGHT by V. J. Chambers - A werewolf twist on “Beauty and the Beast:” Trapped with a wild man. Drawn to his ferocious heat. She will fight to get free and to tame him, to bring back his humanity. SORORITY SAINT by Daizie Draper - When a brash musician entices a shy dancer into performing in his sexy jazz video, the heated tension between these polar opposites could ignite lasting passion or completely scorch them both. CROSSED (A Prequel to the Crossed Series) by Lacey Silks - She is looking for the one. He never thought the one existed. But the one thing that connects them can also tear them apart. GET TO ME (8th Sin Series, Book 1) by Holly Hood - Sometimes the past and present can cloud your future. ELECTRIC BLUE BUTTERFLIES (Will o' the Wisp Series #1) by Irma Geddon - When an arranged marriage between childhood soul mates ends in tragedy, Constance learns to trust that love knows no limit---not even death. SWEETEST TEMPTATIONS (Blue Collar Series, #1) by J.C. Valentine - A tenacious bakery shop owner has everything she ever wanted, until a hunky firefighter walks through her door.  
Sexy young couple with blue jeans standing together
 

COMING ON DECEMBER 16, 2014, to all retailers (Amazon, Google Play, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo)!

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