Review: Beneath The Skin

Beneath The Skin by Daryl Banner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 "I'm your fucking fire" Stars

I loved Brant in Read My Lips and I just knew I had to have his story. Lucky for me, I'm a huge slacker and didn't finish Read My Lips until right before Beneath The Skin was released. So I got to do the one-two punch with this series.

Brant is the manwhore. He has a reputation. He rarely sees the same girl twice. And his first encounter with Nell isn't a pleasant one. He's naked, having just experienced a near death, sexual encounter.

I suppose it's tricky to come when all your energy's spent resisting a fight-or-flight response due to a very genuine fear of being fucked to death.

After this little hook-up, he is left alone in a classroom, his clothes not within reach. Naturally the next class starts to file in. Enter Nell.

Nell is the dark artist who puts her pain and her dark and her fire into her work. Her passion is her art. She's the dark and broody character in this book. Brant is cheery and a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Nell is the exact opposite. She also seems to resist all of Brant's charms.

That's where this story takes off. We see artistic Nell and trying to find himself Brant. We see the cat-and-mouse game they play. We see the push and pull. It's so much freaking fun. What the other book had in seriousness, this one has in humor. That's not to say it doesn't get serious, it's just a funnier book.

"Learn anything about the stars in astronomy today?" Eric asks, his voice a bit too sweet for sincerity.
"Yeah," I grunt back. "They're all fucking crossed."

Then there's Venus, the planet named after the Roman goddess of love or whatever, and it's the only planet that rotates in reverse. Which I guess makes sense, because why the fuck wouldn't the planet named after the goddess of love betray the rules of its own solar system, rebellious little bitch that she is.

We get to see Dessie and Clayton again. Nell's first meeting with Dessie is one for the books, that's for sure. We get to see Eric and Dmitri and Sam. And I LOVE Sam! She's so...blah. Her monotone, deadpan ways have me dying to see where her story will take us. Oh, wait, we're talking about Brant and Nell....

This book is...I need more words for "hot" because that's becoming inadequate. These two are on fire in this book. I expect nothing less from the self-proclaimed lover, Brant. And Nell, with all her darkness, just screams "freak in the sheets" and when they come--(see what I did there?!)--together it is magnificent.

And when Nell's darkness is too much, will Brant be there to see her through? Will this relationship survive the demons that reside inside?

"Then let me into the dark with you."


View all my reviews

Excerpt Reveal: The Bachelor Auction

Excerpt

“Bentley!” Brock barked and shook his head.

“What?” Bentley shrugged then smoothly walked over to Jane and pulled out a box of black high-heeled pumps in a size eight and a half. “Your foot, milady?”

Brock rolled his eyes. “Give it a rest, Bentley. She can put on her own damn shoes.”

Bentley completely ignored him. “I love a woman’s foot.” He grabbed Jane’s broken shoe and tossed it to the side while his hands danced along the arch of her foot. His fingertips danced along her skin. Seduction by foot rub? That was new.

“It’s sexy, the arch.” He leaned over her, his lips parting just enough to give her the impression he was thinking about kissing her. “The curve of a woman’s foot reminds me of her body…see? Sexy.” He slid the shoe on a very terrified looking Jane and stood. “Perfect fit.”

Jane’s mouth opened then closed as a rosy flush crept over her face. “Th-thank you.”

“I bought you my favorite brand.”

Her eyebrows arched. How did he know about Manolo Blahnik? “Oh.” And then she nodded and said loudly, “Ohhhh! That makes sense!”

Bentley’s eyes narrowed. “Me buying women’s shoes?”

“You wearing them,” she explained. “That’s great. I mean, good for you. I’m sorry I’m so awkward at things like this, but it’s good you’re…you know…” She bobbed her head and sputtered. “Out and…comfortable with it.”

“Out?” Bentley repeated. “I’m confused.”

“Of the closet,” she said slowly then saw the scowl on Bentley’s face. “Or maybe you just like to dress like a woman?” She straightened her shoulders and tried again. “In either case, congratulations on your choice to wear women’s clothing!”

Brock about died laughing as Bentley’s horrified expression went from stunned to genuine confusion.

“You heard her.” Brock held his laughter in check. “Congratulations, brother. I’ll take care of the press release: Bachelor Playboy Bentley Wellington and his private women’s shoe collection.”

Bentley let out a strangled laugh. “Yes, and while we’re at it why don’t we remind the press that the clock is ticking on that auction of yours? Hmm?”

“Auction?” Jane asked.

“Don’t.” Brock shook his head. “You don’t want to know.”

“But she probably already does.” Bentley pointed out. “Unless she doesn’t read the news…?”

They both stared at her, waiting for an answer.

“I, uh…” She ducked her head, blushing again. “I read books.”

“How pure.” Bentley smiled and sat down next to her. “And just so we’re clear.” He leaned in as though he was going to kiss her. “My bat only swings one way…and I can assure you, every time I get thrown a pitch, I hit it out of the park.”

Are you ready to Meet Brock Wellington?

THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken

is coming October 4!

Pre-Order your copy today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2cqtEJo

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2casLH2

iBooks: http://apple.co/2c4SmQS

B&N: http://bit.ly/1SKyEdn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2bgINiM

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2bNZuQE

Blurb

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

About the Author:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

THANK YOU!

Excerpt Reveal: 27 Lies by MJ Fields

From USA Today Bestselling author, MJ Fields, comes a gripping story of love and lies.

27 Lies:  Luke’s Story (The Truth About Love)  releases on October 16th!

Pre-order NOW!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bSl0HX

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2c2IPtD

Nook: http://bit.ly/2c98HVs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2c2ICqf

Blurb

A long time ago...

I was young and naive. I thought I could save the world. I thought that protecting those around me from hurt and pain was what I was born to do. She made me feel that way. Ava Links, the little girl who was too fucking stubborn for her own good. The little girl who absorbed the hurt and pain of everyone around her and tried to bring sunshine to them all. The little girl who didn’t give a damn if people picked on her about wearing a crown and tutu every day. A little girl who somehow looked at me, expecting—no, damn near demanding—I protect her.

I saw the pain she hid, and as I grew older, I understood that pain. The pain of being so much to so many that there is really never a “you”.

I took control of my life...

I had to get away from everyone who pulled at me in order to claim myself. When I became the man I was destined to be, I began to live. Then, one drunken night, Ava Links, no longer a little girl, said the right damn thing to me, and everything changed. After seven years of fucking her while home on leave with no expectations, now my life is out of control…

One bad dream, one I love you, one night of pushing her the hell out of my life, one drummer stealing her heart, and one explosion took everything away.

Lies are told.

Lies are unraveling.

Lies are going to destroy.

These are my truths.

Excerpt

Outside, Sandman screams and chants as we hurry him down the pre-planned route. Trigger is on the phone, giving coordinates to the guys in the sky for evacuation as he and Killshot go back inside the building we were occupying to grab our equipment.

Again, Sandman puts up a fight, and I am forced to the ground with him.

A whistling buzz pierces my ears, followed by an earth shaking explosion.

The building has been hit!

The ringing in my ears is horrific. The pain I feel as brick and metal hit me is allowed for five, four, three, two, one, and now I dismiss it.

Sandman easily pushes away from the grip I have on him because, lucky for him, he was covered by my body. When I grab him, I quickly realize my shoulder is dislocated, but fuck if I let him go. Not when we spent years looking for him.

I hear Trigger yelling but, with the ringing in my ears, I have no idea what the hell he’s saying.

I look back at Sandman, who has a sick smile on his face. I push him to the ground and look back for my team.

Trigger is a mess. Blood is everywhere as he pushes parts of the building off of him. But I don’t see Killshot. I am caught in a moment of needing to help my men, yet not wanting to release my captive.

I look back at Sandman who knows the conundrum I am faced: His live capture or helping my men. What he doesn’t know is who I am.

Another whistle and another explosion rocks us.

I pull out my piece and look at the sick fuck.

Haven’t read this series yet?  

Now is your chance, 27 Truths is NOW AVAILABLE!

From USA Today Bestselling author, MJ Fields, comes a gripping story of love and it's many truths.  #Whatsyourtruth

27 Truths: Ava’s Story

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2adHBtc

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aqLnA6

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ajqOXo

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/2arqvbQ

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields love of writing was in full swing by age eight.

Together with her cousins, she wrote a newsletter and sold it for ten cents to family members.

She self-published her first contemporary, new adult romance in January 2013. Today she has completed seven self-published series, The Love series, The Wrapped series, The Burning Souls series, The Men of Steel series, Ties of Steel series, The Rockers of Steel series and The Norfolk series.

MJ is a hybrid author and publishes an Indie book almost every month, and is signed with a traditional publisher, Loveswept, Penguin Random House, for her co- written series The Caldwell Brothers. Hendrix, Morrison, and Jagger. All three books in the series are published. The Caldwell brothers don’t grow into alphas, when their mother passes away they become her legacy, her good in the world of bad.

MJ was a former small business owner, who closed shop so she could write full time. She lives in central New York, surrounded by family and friends. Her house is full of pets, friends, and noise ninety percent of the time, and she would have it no other way.

Stalk Her:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | Goodreads

Sign up for MJ’s monthly newsletter with giveaways: http://bit.ly/mjupdates

THANK YOU!

Review: Read My Lips

Read My Lips by Daryl Banner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 I Can Hear You Stars

Dessie needs to escape her family. She isn't living up to their standards and she isn't happy because she just wants a normal life. Dessie heads to Texas to attend college where she enters the theater program.

Clayton is the bad boy on campus. He's silent, broody, and intense. He's also a genius with the lighting of the theater. It's here he meets the new girl, Dessie.

As always, this formula seems easy enough, but Daryl takes us on one wild ride with these two. He throws in a real killer twist and the book just grows from there. I want to know these characters, I want to meet them and have lunch with them. I want to be friends with these people. And not just Dessie and Clayton. I want to meet Brant and Dmitri and Sam and Eric. This cast of characters were fun to get to know--and now I want to know more.

Anyway, back to Dessie and Clayton. Wow! Just, the chemistry is off-the charts. The push-and-pull, cat-and-mouse game is on point. Before these two even have their first conversation, you know that when they get together it's going to be a real good time. But it's the slow path they are on that makes this that much better. They become obsessed.

It's crazy how far an obsession or innocent crush will take you, dictating your day, bullying your mind into submission....

I want to know what she smells like so bad. I want to taste her. I want to tear off her clothes and watch her gasp with surprise as the beast within me is unleashed on her.

I want to meet this beast. Oh, do I want to meet the beast within Clayton!

So, you wanna know about the sex? I know, it's almost my favorite part too. ;-)

"Hold on to something."

Fuuuuccccckkkk. Yes. Hold on to something. Or tie me up. Or..or...or. *fans self* The sex is hot . Because let's face it: Clayton is hot. And broody. And if I've learned anything reading romance/erotica/fiction, it's that the broodier the man, the hotter the sex.

And Clayton delivers.

This may have been my first Daryl Banner book, but it isn't my last. I've already started Beneath The Skin. After meeting Brant in Read My Lips, I knew I would continue to see Brant's story.

Thanks, Daryl, for the sweet, sarcastic Dessie and the tattooed hottie, Clayton. Their story is beautiful.

"Let me inside you."

View all my reviews

Review Tour: Hard Edit

 Title: Hard Edit

Series: Black Balled #2

By: Andrea Smith & Eva LeNoir

Publication Date: September 4, 2016

Genre: MM Romance

It's all fun and games until egos get hurt.

After a year of a seemingly happily-ever-after, Troy Babilonia throws a curve ball that smacks Larson Blackburn right in the head. When Troy's debut novel, "Bridge to Lonely," threatens to overshadow Larson's own success, inviting a past shadow into the light of their present, the two alphas must learn to adjust.

"Bridge to Lonely" has garnered an unexpected success both in the literary world and in the film industry, forcing Larson to accept that he is not the only successful author in the building. But as Troy's old flame decides to make an appearance, the two alphas are forced to test the strength of their love. Let the battle of the egos recommence; where sarcasm is the preferred weapon, and the testosterone levels go beyond the boiling point.

Because Black Balled just wasn't enough...Smith & LeNoir bring you Hard Edit.

Adult Content 18+

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/2b9F17m

Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/sXSoq9

Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/BC5PYG

Black Balled Series #1

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/2btxe7p

Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/VaptUK

Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/soEbnA

Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith is a USA Today and Amazon Best-Selling Author of the G-Man Series! She has a wicked sense of humor. No matter the genre, she is able to infuse laughter throughout.

She self-publishes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Sensual Romance with a paranormal twist. She also writes New Adult Romance, and has recently collaborated with Author Eva LeNoir on two M/M Romances, with the third to be released in September 2016!

Social Media Links

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AndreaSmithAuthor/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6869343.Andrea_Smith

Website - http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/GManAuthor

Eva LeNoir

Eva LeNoir grew up travelling with her parents to various countries in the world. Reading was her constant companion during her travels and her ability to adapt to different cultures fed her mind with endless possibilities. The characters swimming in her head are always from various horizons with a multitude of dreams and aspirations.  However, all of these voices always have one thing in common: The women are strong and independent. A true believer in the female cause, Eva's wish is to portray the women in her books as the leaders. She sees them walking hand in hand with their partners and not be the sheepish followers of the male gender. But most of all, Eva LeNoir wants to offer her readers a moment of pleasure as they dive into the world of her mind's creation.

Social Media Links

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6575734.Eva_LeNoir