THE ONE YOU CAN'T FORGET

Most days Rebecca Lindt feels like an imposter...

The world admires her as a survivor. But that impression would crumble if people knew her secret. She didn't deserve to be the one who got away. But nothing can change the past, so she's thrown herself into her work. She can't dwell if she never slows down.

Wes Garrett is trying to get back on his feet after losing his dream restaurant, his money, and half his damn mind in a vicious divorce. But when he intervenes in a mugging and saves Rebecca―the attorney who helped his ex ruin him―his simple life gets complicated.

Their attraction is inconvenient and neither wants more than a fling. But when Rebecca's secret is put at risk, both discover they could lose everything, including what they never realized they needed: each other

She laughed and kissed him. This morning she'd melted down. But somehow this man had her laughing and turned on only a few hours later. Everything inside her felt buoyed.

She felt...light. 

She'd forgotten what that felt like.

Release Date: June 5, 2018

Sourcebook Casablanca

The Ones Who Got Away #2

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

I love me some Roni Loren! Every book has been pretty damn incredible. The back story to this series is heart shredding  tragic. It's the story of a group of friends who are survivors of a school shooting 10 years earlier. I went into this series wondering how Ms. Loren was going to handle the subject. I didn't need to be concerned; she handled it with complete sensitivity.

If I'm being completely honest, I disliked Rebecca in the first book. She was a bit snobbish and just rubbed me the wrong way. I have a different opinion of her now. I just didn't "know" her well enough before her story. She's struggling with lingering PTSD from the school shooting, but she puts on a good front. 

Wes is putting his life back together after being taken to the cleaners by his ex wife. The crazy part in this romance is that Rebecca was the divorce lawyer that made it possible for his ex to break him. Again, I was left thinking, how in the world will the author make this work? I mean, how could love blossom from this situation! Well, she did it...again. Roni Loren made it work like magic.

Rebecca and Wes were just amazing together. They gave each other things that they didn't realize they needed. The chemistry was hot and the bedroom shenanigans were nothing short of delicious. 

You get to witness a ton of growth for both of the characters. They're both strong people; They're just stronger together.

As always, Roni Loren's writing kept me enraptured from beginning to end. I read this book in just two sittings. I wanted to devour it. 

This series is both tragic and beautiful. Something wonderful comes from the horrific tragedy that the characters had to face. They find their strength to move on, and most importantly, they find someone to love and be loved in return.

I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series. 

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY

Liv's words cut off as Finn got closer. The man approaching was nothing like the boy she'd known. The bulky football muscles had streamlined into a harder, leaner package and the look in his deep green eyes held no trace of boyish innocence.

It's been twelve years since tragedy struck the senior class of Long Acre High School. Only a few students survived that fateful night—a group the media dubbed The Ones Who Got Away.

Liv Arias thought she'd never return to Long Acre—until a documentary brings her and the other survivors back home. Suddenly her old flame, Finn Dorsey, is closer than ever, and their attraction is still white-hot. When a searing kiss reignites their passion, Liv realizes this rough-around-the-edges cop might be exactly what she needs...

Release Date: January 2, 2018

The Ones Who Got Away #1

Contemporary Romance

Sourcebook Casablanca

Review copy provided by the publisher 

Nikki’s Review:

This was a tough book to read. Not because it wasn't well done, but because the plot was born around a tragedy that destroys so many lives...school shootings. 

I have always been a huge fan of Roni Loren's. Her books are full of super sexy kink and solid plots. And while this book was still very much sexy and had a phenomenal plot, it was different. The emotions it pulled out of me were darker and more intense. This series is definitely very character driven, but then again, all her books are.

Liv and Finn have history. They were secret lovers in high school. Not that Liv wanted it that way. This was a romance between a girl from a middle class family, and a boy from a very wealthy family. I love this trope!

The connection between Liv and Finn was palpable. Even after more than a decade apart, there was still that magnetism that pulled them together. I loved the witty banter between them. It kept the dialogue moving quickly, and I was always interested in what they were saying to each other.

They've been brought together because of a documentary about the school shooting they survived so many years before. With that comes old wounds being sliced opened. So many times I could feel a pang in my heart when the characters were reliving an awful moment. Roni handled the entire situation with sensitivity, but a realness that often left me feeling raw. I might even say that this was some of her best writing, in my opinion.

How do you find love and beauty out of a shared tragedy? I was skeptical on how this would make a solid love story, but the author made it work beautifully. 

Liv and Finn had so many obstacles to conquer before they found their HEA. I mean, the baggage they each brought to the table was enormous. But I could feel their affection and hope for happiness on every page. 

The writing in this book was pure genius. The characters pulled me in and held on until the last page. Even the secondary characters had me engaged and latching onto their journeys. I'm so eager for the next book in this brand new series. This is the kind of book and series that truly makes me believe in the whole HEA thing! If you're looking for a book that will bring you to your knees emotionally, The Ones Who Got Away is it! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (A)

Nikki's Best of 2015

Nikki’s Top picks for 2015

I was tasked with trying to narrow down a very long list of books into my favourites for 2015. Asking to cure world hunger or to find the true meaning of life would have been easier. I read a lot, like hundreds and hundreds of books every year. And I have to make a teeny tiny list of my favourites? This requires a bucket of coffee. It feels like having to choose between my children! This list is in no particular order. Just narrowing it down to this many was hard enough. Don't ask me to pit my babies against each other. I just can't do it. So, here goes. These are my top loved books of 2015!

1. Jessica Lemmon's Second Chance Series

    Bringing Home the Bad Boy

    Rescuing the Bad Boy

    A Bad Boy For Christmas 

This series was is so fantastic! The heroes are so delicious and so loyal. The writing in these books captivated me from page one. Book 4 will be out soon and I can hardly wait to get my hands on it. I swear, I had a new book boyfriend with each hero. I wanted to really know these characters.

2. Radiant Surrender by Kennedy Layne. CSA series book #6

I have loved this heart stopping series since the first book. I held my breath when I finally had Gavin Crest's book in my hands. Getting glimpses of him in past books was enough to make me go insane with wanting his story. Ms. Layne didn't disappoint. It was worth waiting until book 6. Gavin is everything I love in a hero. Totally arrogant and panty wetting sexy! In my opinion, you should start from the beginning of the series. You won't be sorry about going on this fantastic journey with the crew from CSA!

3. Ella Sheridan's Southern Nights Series

    Teach Me

    Trust Me

    Take Me

Stumbling upon Ella's books was like hitting the jackpot! I picked up Teach Me and was hooked! The characters from this series are so likeable. The suspense aspect in these books was perfectly balanced in that it didn't take away from the romance. This is a must for me. Ella Sheridan's writing style is one that makes me want to forget the outside world. I can curl up with her books and find a place that's just for me. I don't have to share it with anyone.

4. Only For the Weekend by Ella Sheridan

This book is a novella from Ms. Sheridan's new series, If Only. It may be a novella, but it packed a punch! I absolutely adored, Vincent! The banter in this book made me laugh out loud. I gobbled it up in one sitting. This book was just plain fun to read!

5. Call on Me by Roni Loren. Loving on the Edge series book # 8

Hot damn! This book rang all of my bells! Seriously, the sex scenes in this book were crazy hot. The writing was phenomenal, it always is with Roni! But this book is probably my favourite of hers to date. Pike and Oakley were opposites in most ways but the chemistry between them is combustible. I was hooked from the moment, Pike walked onto the page. This book is part of her, Loving on the Edge series. It can be read as a stand alone. But why miss out on all the other super yummy reads in this series? Read them all!

6. Dare to Rock by Carly Phillips. Dare to Love series book # 7

Let me start by saying, you need to read this whole series! Your life will be better for it. I loved them all, but Dare to Rock was my absolute favourite. Grey Kingston is a rock god and totally made me swoon. He went after Avery with everything he had. Of course, she was no match for this hottie. I love a book where the hero and heroine find their way back to each other after a few years apart. This book gave me the angst I like and sexiness that I love!

7. Master No by Lexi Blake. Masters and Mercenaries book # 9

Finally, we get the elusive Tennessee Smith's story! It was long awaited and so damn worth it! This book made me ugly cry. Big snotty nosed tears...hiccup inducing even! After getting glimpses into the ghost like character that is Ten, we finally get to see inside his heart! He was everything I wanted/expected and more! I loved the heroine in this book. Faith McDonald is so strong and smart. This makes her gift of submission that much more sweet! This whole series is fabulous. Fast paced and heart stopping sexy; everything that keeps me totally engaged is in this series.

8. Sultry Groove by Eden Summers. Reckless Beat book # 4

I can't enough of my Reckless Beat boys! These characters are so funny when they get together and start bullshitting. They are rock stars with the world at their feet. But when that one woman comes into their lives, they are brought to their knees. Melody Jenkins is everything that Sean Taiden never knew he wanted. He's nursing a broken heart and she's battling her own set of demons and insecurities. You could feel the sensual chemistry all through this book. It's smokin' hot sexy and it made my heart flutter! As with most of my favourite series, I recommend you start from the beginning. Not because you won't be able to follow along, but because the books are all incredible!

9. Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh. Rock Kiss Series book # 4

This book incited so many emotions in me. I loved this book. But I also struggled with it. Does that make sense? I feel like I went on this heart wrenching journey with Noah and Kit. It seriously put me through on an emotional roller coaster! That's a sign of some seriously great writing. I loved and hated the characters throughout the book. They were written in a way that I could believe the reactions and behaviours were real. So, my feelings towards them weren't always welcomed, but they were real also. Ya, even many months later, I still can't adequately put my thoughts down. This book left me shaken. But I don't regret or wouldn't have missed this journey for anything!

10. Coveted by Alannah Lynne. Pandora's Playground Series book # 1

This book gutted me. Muriel and Matthew have both had their hearts shattered because they lost someone they loved. There is a scene in this book, where Matthew is begging for Muriel to see him, to really look at him and know that he's the one holding her and not her dead husband. Even thinking about it now, it hurts my heart. I was completely shattered. The journey these two go on is equally heart breaking and so breathtakingly beautiful that I never wanted it to end. Sometimes even in your worst pain and desolation, you can find beauty and peace again. Ms. Lynne tore my heart apart and pieced it back together page by page. 

11. The Players Club series by Erika Wilde

      Playing With Temptation 

      Playing With Pleasure

      Playing With Seduction

Sometimes when I recommend books, I just blurt out " you need to read this ", because there's no simpler way to put it. Or it's because I'm struggling to find the words to say how much I loved it. This entire series...you need to read it! Likeable characters, sheet yoga that will make your toes curl, and solid writing that keeps me coming back for more. So ya, you need to read this series!

12. Claimed by Elle Kennedy. Outlaws Series book # 1

I love, love, love post apocalyptic books! I like to see how people are surviving and thriving after a catastrophic event. Morbid? Meh! This book is so sexy! There was a moment, when the hero and heroine go to a whore house, that I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book. This particular moment borders on a hard limit for me. But alas, it didn't push me over the edge and I was hooked! Finding love when the world has so clearly fallen apart isn't an easy thing for Connor and Hudson, but they fought for it. Connor, of course, was kicking and screaming the whole way, but once he fell, he fell hard! I can't wait for book 2!

13. Lead by Kylie Scott. Stage Dive series book # 3

Let me start by saying, I don't read first person POV. But after my arm was twisted by a friend to try this series, I took a deep breath and dived in. While I enjoyed all the books in this series, Jimmy's book was, in my opinion, the best! I love a brooding and damaged hero. He isn't perfect and doesn't apologize for that. Lena loves him and knows that can only lead to heartbreak. But the heart doesn't always listen to the mind. This book was a journey for Jimmy. He was struggling with sobriety and his budding feelings for his personal assistant. I adored the realness in Jimmy's character. He's a recovering addict and writing that in a way so the reader still falls in love with the character can't be an easy thing. While I wish the book was written in third person POV, and that I got the hero's POV as well, I truly enjoyed it! 

14. The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole. A Second Circle Tattoo series book # 1

I stumbled across this book last week. Ms. Cole is a new to me author. And I struggle with trying new authors, I'm crazy picky about what I read. I know what I like. But sweet baby Jesus, this author freakin' brought me to my knees! I loved every moment with Trent and Harper. The emotions in this book were raw, right from the angsty serious stuff to the sexy times. My heart was torn apart and it was sometimes hard to read what Harper had been through. But the journey to her healing was an awesome thing to witness. I'll leave it that. I have a full review coming up on the blog shortly.

15. Ink and Chrome series by Lauren Dane

      Opening Up

      Falling Under

      Coming Back

This authors brilliant writing never ceases to amaze me. Her books drag me under and I don't come up for air until the last page! The Ink and Chrome series is no exception. This series is centred around three friends who own a custom bike/car shop. Each hero is uber alpha and so damn sexy, my heart swooned constantly. The heroines are feisty, strong willed, and no match for the walking sex on legs that is Asa, Duke, and Mick. Lauren Dane writes loyal and likeable characters. I love when she puts out a new family saga or a series about a group of friends! I need to give a shout to the cover artist of these books. Seriously, they are freakin' works of art! Not only did I have them in ebook format, I needed those pretties in print for my keeper shelf too! My recommendation? Read everything Lauren Dane has written. I'm that serious! 

16. Hurley Boys series by Lauren Dane

      The Best Kind of Trouble

      Broken Open

      Back to You

I'd also like to give a shout out to her Hurley Boys series! Yummy rock stars who are flawed but you can't help but love them anyways! These books are crazy sexy! Hell, Lauren Dane can write about the weather and make your heart flutter! I seriously mourned when this series ended. It was like saying goodbye to a beloved friend!

I'm going to stop here. I could go on about my cherished books forever. There are so many incredible authors and novels out there. These are just a few that particularly resonated with me. But seriously...there are truly dozens and dozens more! Reading isn't just a hobby for me, it's a passion. I'm honoured to open these treasures and enter a new world that an awesome author has poured their heart and souls into. Again, these books aren't in any particular order. I love them all so much! I hope this list has given you a few titles that you'll want to look up and discover these characters and their journeys to a happily ever after.

BREAK ME DOWN (LOVING ON THE EDGE #8.5)

The New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me invites you to discover the thrill of control as one couple wrestles for power in and out of the bedroom…

Samantha Dunbar needs to forget Gibson Andrews. When he trained her to be a domme, she experienced just how hot things could get with the sexy executive. She was ready to hand him everything—including her heart. But Gibson backed away, declaring them incompatible. He’s a dominant, and Sam’s no submissive.

But after an attack shakes Sam to her core, Gibson tracks her down at her family’s rundown farmhouse and makes her an offer. He’ll stay the week and be hers in every way—a helping hand for the renovation and a willing lover in her bed. He swore he’d never give up control to anyone again, but he hasn’t been able to touch another woman since Sam. Maybe a week alone with her will cure him of his relentless craving.

But one taste only makes them want more, and Sam and Gibson are drawn in deeper than ever. The man who won’t give in has just met the girl who won’t give up…

Loving on the Edge Series #8.5

Penguin Group Intermix

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Nikki’s Review:

Holy crap! I wasn't expecting this. I don't read Femme Domme stuff...ever! It's not my bag, you know? But ummm, I may be changing my mind with that. Roni Loren. The authors name alone incites giddiness and excitement. I know when I open one of her books; I'm going to be going on a deliciously filthy adventure!

Gibson. Hot damn! This character has intrigued me since I met him in previous books. He's totally alpha, but there's something else that lurks under his well-built facade. His fantasy is to kneel before a dominant woman. And not just any woman...Samantha. I went into this book with a sense of trepidation. I love this series, but like I said, the whole Femme Domme genre doesn't flip my switch. But I will eagerly read anything by Ms. Loren. Man, once I started reading, I was hooked! 

Gib is struggling with his submissive needs and ghosts from the past. Sam has her own set of issues lurking in the dark of her mind. But together, they smooth out each other's edges and create a real sense of calm...even with Sam flogging Gib! 

For a novella, this book packed a real punch! So much going and so many emotions to absorb. Seriously, I was utterly captivated. The writing so beautifully put together. This author makes it seem like you're inside the story, a fly on the wall. Ha! I'd love to be a fly on the wall watching Gibson getting worked over!

When I think of a Roni Loren novel, I immediately start picturing all the yummy things the characters will do together. And I don't mean baking! The woman has a wicked, wicked mind. But she totally outdid herself in this one. It was filthy...and I loved every freakin' moment! So much sheet yoga in this one.

I loved the realness of these characters. It can't be easy for a tough guy like Gib to give himself over to a woman, to submit to her. In his mind, he's supposed to be in her role. That's what a "strong" man does, right? What you very quickly learn in this book, is that it takes so much strength to open yourself up and trust another person to make you fly. That's not something to be taken lightly. It's a gift. When Gibson is able to finally get out of his head and open his whole heart to Sam, the results are equally explosive, and so incredibly beautiful. Like I said, they just do it for each other. They connect like puzzle pieces.

You need to read this book. Well, read the whole damn series, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. What else can I say, expect...one click this baby! Thank you Ms. Loren for yet another toe curling, panty wetting Journey...my husband thanks you!