Carries Book Reviews

Bombshell
Kellie Hart
(Up-Close and Personal Novella, #1)
Publication date: February 9th 2017
Genres: Comedy, Erotica, Romance

WATCH OUT, FOXY POO. THIS BOMBSHELL IS ABOUT TO DROP.

Ladies, I think I speak for the majority of us on the face of the planet when I say we all have that guy who’s grown on us like a delicious fungus. You know the kind I’m talking about–maybe he is your high school teacher or best friend’s dad–some piece of man candy so hot and edible that no matter what you do, you can’t get his taste off your mind (even if you haven’t tasted him yet).

For me, that guy is my big brother’s best friend, one Fox Montgomery. Doctor. Professor. Author.

Here’s the problem though: not only is he the most gorgeous male specimen I’ve ever laid eyes on–black hair, steely grey eyes, and a lower lip you just wanna suck–he’s also a rich academic prick. AND I HATE HIM.

I hadn’t seen him in years, and when I finally did, the vision before me bought a one-way ticket to my personal pleasure town. Then, his beautiful eyes roamed all over me, and I knew–I knew!–he didn’t like what he saw.

Yeah, I’m a big girl, curvy, smooth, and round in all the right places. I’m also covered in tats, and six-inch heels are my go-to footwear. So, let me be frank about something: I’m sexy, and if I wanted a man, I’d have one.

Yet, with one look, Fox turned my years of longing and long-distance eye-f*cking into a big ole mountain of hate.

Here’s the thing, girls: hate and love are effin evil twins. And if my heart gets its way, Doctor Fox and I are going to end up participating in some very strenuous sextracurricular activities. Here’s to our chemistry getting an A+.

*This is a stand-alone novella that is the opener of the Up-Close & Personal series. It’s hilarious and dirty and raunchy and perfectly short enough to be read in a single sitting. That’s what Kellie Hart delivers: pocket-sized smut with a capital P! *wink wink* And you’ll never finish a story without a total HEA! Due to adult content, however, Kellie suggests you be 18+ before getting your kicks on Route Sexty-Six. Trust me: you wouldn’t want your kids reading this, you dirty girl, you.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“OH MY GOD, JACQUE! YOU are smokin’. I’d fuck you if I had a dick,” Char, my best friend, croons from her perch on the side of my bed.

I look down to my ample bosom in the dress Char dragged me to buy after my last class let out today. Knowing me for years, she knew she couldn’t just take me to the Riverwalk and set me loose to find something I’d actually want to wear to a frat party. Instead, she’d hauled me to The Laveau Closet, my favorite little resale shop on Rue Saint Pierre. We searched the racks for at least an hour before the number I’m wearing now spoke to me. I’d slipped it on in the dressing room, and when I stepped out, Char screamed, threw her credit card at the woman helping us, and bought the dress before I could protest. I guess growing up in a life of privilege does that to you—lets you think you can buy whatever, whenever. Honestly, I would have purchased the piece myself. Of course, I would have handed over my debit card with a grimace and a thousand reasons not to do so running through my head; nothing I own is brand-new… It never has been, but Char is right. I do look amazing.

Setting hands on my hips, I turn to face my reflection one last time, and Char grins like a psychotic cat over my shoulder.

“You’re so getting laid tonight!” she squeals.

Char scoops Snots the Incontinent Chihuahua from the bed before approaching me. Sighing, she wraps her arms around me in an unsolicited hug. We hold Snots in front of us in our cupped hands, our eyes meeting in the mirror.

“But seriously, Jacque, I’m not making you do anything you don’t want to do, am I?”

I smile and pat her cheek. Then I pet Snots, too, when he whimpers for attention. My eyes move from my breasts lifted skyward in the strapless A-line dress, to my waist cinched in by a red patent belt, down to the tops of my garters I can just make out beneath the black silk hem. I look good. I feel good. And I want the fucking world to know it.

“No,” I tell Char before pecking her forehead. “I need to get my mind off of everything–exams, the fact I’m not going home for Christmas…and Fox, too. I need this. I want this.”

“Halle-fucking-lujah!” Char cheers after tossing Snots back on the bed. “It’s about damn time!”

She spins and takes my hands before dancing me around my bedroom. We giggle like the teenagers we aren’t anymore and fall on the bed in a fit of hysterics. I pity the elderly couple who live below us in our rented two-story rowhouse. My heels on the floor and, now, the squeaking of my old iron bed must sound like a herd of elephants

coming through. And, as if on cue, Mrs. Lafourche beats the ceiling with her broom.

“Get the hell on out for the evenin’, girls!” her voice barks through the floor…or her ceiling. “Robert is trying to sleep off the whiskey!”

Char and I muffle our laughter with pillows until I can answer, “Of course, Mrs. Lafourche. I don’t want to disturb you anymore tonight!”

“When you get the D, think of me,” Mrs. Lafourche answers; then, someplace downstairs, a door slams, and she continues cursing at a presumably dozing Robert.

I hop to my feet and pull Char with me. “What’re you waiting on? You heard her. Take me to get the D.”

Char straightens her silver mini dress, fluffs her curls, then stares at me, deadpan. “More beautiful words have never left your mouth, Jacque.”

I gather my clutch, we link arms, and out the door we go with Snots clicking along behind us.

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First Semester
Sarah Fischer
(Elton Hall Chronicles #1)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: April 4th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Violet Carrington is a freshman at Elton Hall University, but she’s about to get more than just her degree…

Throwing herself into the insanity of college life, Violet makes new friends and even catches the eye of a handsome guy. Everything is as it should be, until one night out she crosses paths with a mysterious, sinfully attractive man. Not only does he manage to ignite a burning desire deep inside her, he also happens to be her new, off-limits college professor.

Professor David Berneli is only visiting Elton Hall, but a lot can happen in a year…

Everyone knows any personal relationship between professor and student is strictly prohibited. But somewhere in between lectures and after school events, Violet manages to dazzle him. She not only challenges David at every turn, but also tempts his every desire. No matter how hard they try to ignore the crackle of sexual tension between them, a few furtive glances quickly turn into clandestine meetings in his office.

By giving in to temptation, Violet and David fall deeper down the rabbit hole…

As the semester ticks on, Violet begins to question not only the whirlwind affair that threatens to consume them both, but David’s desires as well. If he’s not willing to risk everything for her, she’ll have no choice but to leave the comfort of his arms without looking back.

Before any decision can be made, a looming threat comes out of the shadows, putting her and the passionate relationship she has with her professor in danger.

Now Violet must fight for her own life, and for the one she wants to spend it with…

Goodreads / Amazon

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Guest Post by author, Sarah Fischer

ELTON HALL UNIVERSITY

Since I didn’t get my Hogwarts letter (I’m still waiting), I created a college for my upcoming novel, Elton Hall Chronicles: First Semester.

Elton Hall University is situated in a small town in Pennsylvania, next to a popular suburb. But what makes Elton Hall unique, is that the school is run out of an old castle. Most of the classes are held in the thick stone walls, some in the towers, and some of the bigger lectures are held in the former throne room.

The school has a special horticulture program that helps to maintain the grounds and the flower beds that surround the castle in the spring and summer time. There are giant fields between the castle, the dorms, the apartments, and the cafeteria. Paths, flower pots, gazebos, and gardens are scattered around the grounds. It is the perfect place to grab a blanket and study in the grass during the spring, build a snowman during the winter, or take a romantic walk among the changing leaves.

The school holds about 10,000 students and used to mostly be a suitcase school. Students would party on Thursday and leave for home Friday after class. To keep this from happening, EET was established. EET is the Elton Entertainment Team. In the Fall, they organize the Welcome events and bring a famous comedian to perform. In the Spring, they set up a huge concert. Throughout the year, they host smaller events to encourage club participation and to keep the students out of too much trouble.

As with a lot of old schools, the motto is in Latin. “Cras Sit Vivere” which means “To Learn Is To Live”. The school’s crest has two dragons, a key, a bell, and a rock. The key is a symbol of knowledge, companionship, and dominion. The rook represents strategic thinking and the bell represents someone who isn’t afraid to be heard when times are hard. The dragons protect all of these things to give you the ultimate environment to learn, succeed, and grow. The university’s colors are blue and gold. Blue is considered a color that helps improve anxiety and calmness while gold represents wisdom and wealth. All together, they make up the Elton Hall University crest.

The school has its own police department. The men and women who are patrolling the grounds are official police with real responsibilities and power. They are the people who ensure that the students are safe from any outside threats. But, what happens when the threat is, not only on campus, but one of the men you’re supposed to trust?

For more details about the characters attending and working at Elton Hall University, check out the About Sarah page. There is also a book blurb and an excerpt of one of the steamy scenes to tease you. Elton Hall Chronicles: First Semester will be released in the Spring of 2017. Not long to wait!

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Author Bio:

Sarah Fischer works hard fighting the good fight one background check at a time. But before she got into the business of being nosey, she graduated with a degree in criminal justice and married the calm to her crazy. Then she had a scary health scare and needed heart surgery. While recovering, she finally had the time to write stories filled with passionate romance. Her first book, Elton Hall Chronicles: First Semester was published in April and book two, Second Snowfall, will be out shortly. In her spare time, she manages a review blog called, A Kiss At Midnight Reviews.

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The Guru
Aubrey Parker
(Trillionaire Boys’ Club, #5)
Publication date: April 3rd 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance

The Syndicate’s plans are finally made. Everything’s been building to THE GURU.

Anthony Ross is larger than life: tall and handsome, strong in body, mind, and vision. I’ve always believed what my friend Jamie says: what Anthony does onstage isn’t an act. One day, he’ll change the world.

Jamie would know. Anthony is like a father to her. It’s just one reason my crush on Anthony can come to nothing … even after we cross the line, and it starts to become something.

But now I know what the Trillionaire Boys’ Club’s plan is for Anthony, and I can’t be selfish. He doesn’t have time for relationships, now more than ever. He can’t be distracted.

The whole world needs him. I can’t keep him just for me.

Anthony has to choose between me and his mission — but I’m afraid even love isn’t stronger than destiny.

The first phase of Aubrey Parker’s Trillionaire Boys’ Club concludes with THE GURU. Don’t miss out … everything has been building to this!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

His mouth finds mine.

My eyes close.

I assume he told Molly to shut us in, and that the store is closed with the front door locked — but honestly right now it wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t. I haven’t gone from zero to sixty so quickly since the last time Anthony and I hooked up, and beyond that no other encounter has ever come close. This man is able to light a fire inside me that burns hotter than anything I’ve ever felt.

I don’t care if someone walks into the bookstore right now. I don’t care if a family of four walks right down that aisle and sets up camp chairs.

We’re only just kissing, but Anthony is right; my mind was already (and remains always) primed to explode. I’m already seeing our intertwining bodies. Nothing could stop me now. It’s become a need, like my need to breathe.

Anthony pushes us apart, his face flushed, his eyes full of lust. I won’t let our hips part even as our torsos do. His hardness is pressed against my mound, and it’s all I can do to not ride his bulge like a cowgirl on a mechanical bull.

“We need rules,” he says.

“I know.”

“It’s just sex. Just sex, Caitlin. Nothing personal. Right now I don’t want anyone but you. If that changes—”

“I don’t care.”

“And if you want—”

“Stop talking, Anthony. Just stop it.”

But he firms the arms between us, making me stop and meet his eyes.

“This is important,” he says. “It’s the only way it can work. I need to be sure you understand. I can’t give you more than this. Work has to come first.”

“I understand.” But I’m half-panting, unable to resist pawing at Anthony’s troublesome clothing even as he lectures me. There’s a burning between my legs. I don’t even think he’ll have to touch it to make me come. I just need his lips on mine, his kisses on the nape of my neck.

“Caitlin.”

I make myself focus.

“I’m not like Aiden, or Hunter Altman, or any of the others you may have met through Jamie. They were bastards who couldn’t see that something was missing in their lives. They needed the love of a good woman. I’m telling you right here and now: That’s not me. I know who I am. I know why I’m here on the planet. I know the sacrifices I need to make, that I’ve already made. I know what my plan is supposed to look like, and it’s tight to the wire. I’m only going to do this with you if you understand.”

“I told you. I understand.” But actually this is just working me up more. What the hell is wrong with me? My hands are still wandering. I want to get on my knees. I want him inside me, one way or the other.

“It needs to be what you want, too.”

“I want it.”

“Caitlin!”

That stops me. Something clears and I meet his eyes. My heart is still pounding and my neck and face are still flushed. My pussy is wetter than a water park, and it’s hard to stand. But Anthony’s hard word brings me around like a slap.

“This has to be what you want,” he repeats. “To be with a man who wants nothing that’s not physical. We’ll be friends, and we’ll fuck. That’s all. I won’t love you. I simply don’t have the time. Most people don’t have a mission. I do. I can’t compromise it. I can’t say that often or strongly enough. If we do this—”

Just his mention of doing this makes my imagination turn again, feeling the doing between my legs and tasting his this between my lips.

“—it’s to solve a problem and advance my ability to do what I need to do_. If it ever starts to subtract rather than add—”

Oh, fuck this guy and his speeches. I’m a big girl.

I take two handfuls of his shirt and pull him against me. He can’t keep talking with our lips together. There’s just a moment’s hesitation — probably because I didn’t actually agree to his lengthy terms and conditions — but then I feel his restraint fully shatter. His lips lose their reticence, mashing into mine, covering my mouth with his passionate kisses.

His hands are on me in an instant, no longer lingering near our hips. We work in frenzied tandem, me pulling his shirt off as he pulls mine off. We’re so rushed that we collide over and over, clumsy, stumbling, none of it remotely funny.

Earlier, I spied a couch at an intersection in the aisles. It looked soft and comfortable, the kind of thing I’d want to sink into. He’s either seen the couch, too, or I’ve been leading without realizing — because moments later we’re against it.

He looks down at my chest, spellbound. His hands find my breasts, caressing them softly through my bra.

“Take this off. Let me see you.”

Author Bio:

I love to write stories with characters that feel real enough to friend on Facebook, or slap across the face. I write to make you feel, think, and burn with the thrill that can only come from getting lost in the pages. I love to write unforgettable characters who wrestle with life’s largest problems. My books may always end with a Happily Ever After, but there will always be drama on the way there.

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Claimed By Power
Zoey Ellis
Publication date: April 3rd 2017
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Not all angels are angelic…

Thea Robinson has never needed anyone’s charity. Sure, her impoverished existence isn’t desired by most, but her ability to manipulate people’s emotions helps her to blend into the shadows of an unforgiving city. When hideous creatures threaten her life, a surly but gorgeous stranger shows up revealing a world she didn’t know existed. She refuses to put up with his rude, arrogant attitude, but how do you dismiss a warrior angel? And does she really want to when his stormy gaze sends delicious thrills straight to her core?

Cam is one of the most ruthless Power angels in the fight against evil. His devotion to kill demons has made him a celebrated warrior in the Angel Realm, even though his motivation stems from grief. When he is assigned to train and protect a half-angel just coming into her abilities, his rage is unparalleled. Until he realizes Thea isn’t like any others. She stirs a carnal passion in him that he can’t shake. He never counted on her being so beautiful… so fierce… so most definitely his.

Claimed by Power is the first book in the Empire of Angels series, a paranormal alpha angel romance series. If you’re a fan of alpha heroes, powerful heroines, paranormal worlds and falling in love, Zoey Ellis’ riveting, sexy tale is perfect for you.

About the end: Although this book can be read as a standalone, Cam and Thea’s story does continue over the next two books.

Sexual scenes and strong language included. Not suitable for readers under 18

Goodreads / Amazon

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Q&A with author Zoey Ellis:

What motivated you to become an indie author?

I’ve always written stories, mainly to entertain myself, and would usually include friends and family in my tales. Sometimes life was so crazy, I’d just recount things that happened! Other times I made up new scenarios and worlds. Eventually, I entered

competitions, took courses, wrote online group stories and shared my work frequently online. I received lots of feedback and therefore improved over time.

I felt discouraged to pursue writing as a career because of the lottery jackpot nature of the traditional publishing industry. When I realized writers could be successful at indie publishing, I thought ‘ah, maybe I could give this a try’ and hoped I could write something others would want to read. And even though I’m a baby indie, all the bloggers, writers and readers who I’ve been in communication with about my book have been so lovely and helpful. It’s really encouraging.

Why do you write Paranormal Romance?

I think deep, passionate, sexual romance is a beautiful part of human nature that is sometimes trivialised and boxed in when actually it can be such a powerful part of a real connection between people, even if other personality flaws get in the way. I also have a deep love for all things fantastical and so it only made sense to blend the two. The challenge of both together make it an enticing sub-genre to tackle.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

Claimed By Power is about a warrior angel with a troublesome nature finding his natural mate in a fiery and distrustful half-angel, who grew up not knowing what she was. They have different ways of approaching their relationship and this causes problems and misunderstandings for them both, but they are drawn to each other and come to understand each other.

I think it’s a must-read because of the idea that angels can mate and shift, just like werewolves! The warrior angel is an alpha but is deeply attracted his mate’s independence and fiery nature. He respects who she is and does everything he can to preserve and protect that throughout their story.

How did you come up with the idea for Claimed By Power?

I didn’t see a story about angels that was in the same vein as the one I wanted to read, so I decided to write it. I pulled on all the things I love about shifter stories and blended them with angels, demons, heaven and hell, passionate love and a developed paranormal world.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Camael is documented as the name of an angel, though different sources claim different facts about him. I liked the one that said he was the ‘chief angel of Powers’, and I knew that had to be the Hero’s name. With the rest of them, I figured out the shortened name I wanted to use and then came up a longer version with the aid of research.

What did you edit out of this book?

My beta readers didn’t connect that much with the character Amber, so I tried to adapt it to make her more likable. I’m not sure I succeeded but she appears throughout Cam and Thea’s story, so hopefully she’ll grow on anyone that isn’t convinced.

What is your favorite part of the book?

It’s a section I added on the advice of one of my brilliant beta readers, and it’s Chapter Ten where Thea is being trained by Cam. He is cold and stern with her while she’s trying to figure him out. I think the goofy and tempestuous side of her character comes across well and it’s clear from other chapters how Cam really feels. I looooved writing it.

What’s next for this series?

There are two more books planned that cover Cam and Thea’s story, which is a bit unusual with the sub-genre I’m targeting, but I couldn’t fit it all into one book (and I probably wouldn’t have finished it if I tried). After that there are two more couples in the same world whose stories need to be told. I won’t say who – it’d spoil the surprise!

Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?

Cam and Thea’s story will all be released this year. In five years, I hope to have released a number of interesting series that are uniquely ‘me’ but also familiar enough to readers of adult Paranormal Romance for them to enjoy. I have an idea for a dragon shifter series next but at the moment, I just want to see how this one does!

Where can we find you online?
Website: http://www.zoeyellis.com

Facebook: facebook.com/authorzoeyellis

Twitter: @authorzoeyellis

Come say hello!

Author Bio:

Zoey Ellis spends her most of her time thinking up stories that explore how love and romance can be tested by the darker side of our personalities and the heart-wrenching challenges that must be overcome for love to win, even if two people belong together.

A lover of the fantastical, Zoey enjoys how intense and vast the challenges can be for couples in the paranormal romance genre. Her goal is to build a body of work depicting thrilling, fantastical romances between demanding alpha heroes and fiery heroines hoping the love they make will scorch ereaders and melt hearts. With a soft spot for angels, dragons and alpha shifters, Zoey blends her love of a Happy Ever After with strangely unique worlds and complex plots.

If you’re interested in hearing about Zoey’s new releases first, as well as her bonuses and giveaways, sign up to her newsletter.

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Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancee
Julia Kent
(Shopping for a Billionaire #6)
Publication date: February 26th 2015
Genres: Comedy, New Adult, Romance

All of our best dates end up in the emergency room….

I planned the perfect proposal. Plenty of lobster, caviar, champagne and–her favorite–tiramisu. The perfect setting. The perfect woman. The perfect everything.

Dad gave me my late mother’s engagement ring, platinum and diamonds galore. Shannon wouldn’t care if I slid a giant hard-candy ring on her finger instead of a three-carat diamond designed to impress. But my future mother-in-law, Marie, will pass out when she sets eyes on that rock, which will give us two minutes of blessed silence. That woman talks more than Kim Kardashian flashes her naked backside on the internet.

I was going to make it perfect, from the color of the tablecloth to the freshness of the roses. And it was perfect.

Until Shannon swallowed the ring.

* * *

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée gives near-billionaire Declan McCormick the chance to tell his story in this continuation of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shopping for a Billionaire series.

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FREE for a limited time only!

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EXCERPT:

Shannon has a key to my place, and as I walk in the door I see candlelight. Flickering flame is to a man what Ben & Jerry’s is to a woman.

A sign of a sure thing.

“Shannon?” I call out, following the disorganized scatter of lit candles in the living room. Shadows dance on the wall in my hallway, and I round the corner to my bedroom to find her, spread out on my bed, wearing garters, stockings, the red corset, and—

She’s asleep.

That’s okay. I can work with asleep.

I can’t work with absent.

You’d be surprised how fast a man can undress when under the complete control of testicles so full they look like a case of mumps. I’m out of my clothes in seventeen seconds or so (who’s counting?) and on the bed, my hands taking in her prone body. I’m allowed to touch. We have an unwritten rule. It goes something like this:

Touch Shannon.

It’s a simple rule.

Her skin is so soft, my fingers scraping against the rolling contour of her inner thigh, from knee to heaven. The whorls of ridges on my fingertips feel like raw sandpaper against her porcelain flesh. My breathing slows, eyes adjusting to the dim light, taking in her body. How did I ever get so lucky?

From Toilet Girl to Mrs. McCormick in eighteen months.

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three sons in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down

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