Release Event: High Risk Love by Shannon Mayer Excerpt & Review

 

High Risk Love by Shannon Mayer
 Release date: July 1, 2013 by  HiJinks Ink Publishing
 New Adult Contemporary Romance
Event organized by: AToMR Tours



Book Description:
Photographs.
Images. Snapshots in time.
This is how I experience my life. I’ve hidden behind my camera and viewed the world through the lens. I watch other people live their lives. I’ve given up on my dreams, and sheltered my heart from love; because both have given me nothing but pain. Even thinking about opening myself up, sends my fears into overdrive. It’s better to be safe, than to take a risk and have your life shattered into pieces alongside your heart. This is what I believed.
Dangerous.
Risks. Fear Nothing.
I live for the rush of adrenaline I get when I work my stunts. Nothing else matters but the feel of my heart pounding when I challenge the line between life and death. Women are nothing more than a distraction; they use me for my connections, as I use them to escape the pain of my past before moving on to my next adrenaline fix. My life is consumed with excitement, danger and risks—it’s all I needed.
Denials.
Fear. The complete wrong time.
Jasmin and Jet will face off over photos, stunts and the truth hidden in their hearts. The last person Jasmin wants to be with is a man who takes life for granted. Jet wants to give his heart to no one; especially one who might not understand the secrets that haunt him. Despite their protests, Jasmin’s and Jet’s lives tangle; the threads of love and fear bind them. Between their passions and their pasts, they fight to hang onto each other . . . but will the stakes be too high when faced with the ultimate sacrifice?
** 18+ for adult situations, sexual situations and language

Silence fell between us and I fought not to squirm in my seat. “So tomorrow. What time would be best for you Mr. Sterling?”

He grimaced. “God, don’t call me that. That was my father. Jet will be fine.”

I cleared my throat, “Sure. Jet. What time?”

“You are tenacious, aren’t you?”

“I make things happen,” I said, lifting my chin ever so slightly. “It’s why I was hired.” Okay, so I was stretching it a little, but he needed to know I was serious. All business.

His eyes widened and he leaned back in his chair, a smile teasing at the corner of his lips. “Damn. And you always get what you want?”

The air all but quivered between us, his words a subtle challenge I couldn’t resist.

With a slight nod of my head, I answered. “Always.”

His smile widened, and my mouth dried up. I was in over my head with this one. I had so little experience with men I barely knew where to start and where to stop. If only Lily were here to whisper suggestions in my ear; she was much better at dealing with guys than me.

I stood up, maybe a tad too fast. “I will be at your set at ten. I believe that is reasonable, and I’d like to get some work done before the hottest part of the day.”

Gathering up my camera, I turned and started to walk away. If he made this difficult, I could always tell Kevin that Jet wasn’t willing to have his picture taken. That he refused to make appointments.

The night was cool, and after a few minutes I slowed my steps and put a hand against the nearest building. Talking to him had been like standing on the edge of cliff, the wind tugging and pushing you closer to the edge until you finally gave up and jumped. But that wasn’t me. I was no high-risk girl; there would be no jumping off silly cliffs in my future.

At the sound of steps behind me, I whirled, letting out a somewhat relieved sigh that it was Jet, and not some mugger after my camera—Lily had assured me I’d be running into at least three potential muggers a day while I was here.

He cleared his throat. “Did I offend you?”

I frowned. “You mean because you came onto me in the stairwell?”

Smiling, he seemed unashamed, which intrigued the hell out of me, a feeling I determinedly squashed.

“I don’t regret that. But I’m sorry if I upset you back there.” He pointed with his thumb back toward the cafe.

“I’m used to people who are willing to work with me, not ones who won’t make reasonable appointments.” I kept my hands on my camera in front of me. No need for him to know he was my first actual assignment.

“I’m willing,” he stepped up beside me. “To work with you.”

I swallowed hard. “Right. That’s good. Because your other option was a pimple-faced geek with a bad attitude and bad hair.”

“I definitely got the better end of the deal then, didn’t I?” He said, his voice softening.


Nope, we were not going there.

He’s drawing you in, Jazzy. Be careful, this one will suck you under. Ryan’s voice echoed through my mind and I agreed with him. Jet was dangerous. He was what was waiting for me at the edge of the cliff. Dangerous for every part of me—mind, body and heart.

I shook my head, a nervous laugh sneaking out of me. “Okay. Well. Goodnight.”
Turning away from him, I called over my shoulder, “I’ll see you tomorrow. At ten.”

He jogged to my side, and then got in front of me and started to walk backward. “I should probably walk you to your hotel, unless it’s too far to walk, in which case I will do the gentlemanly thing—which let me tell you does not come easy to me—and I will call you a cab.” His lips curled up and he gave me a wink. The same kind of wink Hugh had given me, but this time my palms started to sweat, and I had the ridiculous, out-of-control urge to touch the corners of his mouth and feel him smile against my skin. Still bad, a very bad idea.

That wasn’t the worst of it. I don’t know how he knew I was thinking about his mouth, but his eyes suddenly dipped to my mouth and I couldn’t stop the catch in my breathing. He stopped, forcing me to stop or run into him.

“Then again, my hotel is right over there,” he said, though he didn’t take his eyes from me, didn’t even touch me, his words seemed to force my heart into overdrive.

“Very close. I think you’d like it. Bright blinding fiesta colors you can’t even see once the lights are out.”

Then he did reach out and ran one finger along the edge of my jaw, sliding over my slightly parted lips, pinching the bottom one; he pulled lightly on it. I surprised myself by letting him. “Jasmin.” My name on his lips was nearly my undoing. Nearly.

I couldn’t take my eyes off his face, the shape of his jaw, the slight shadow of stubble across his chin and cheeks. I fought against the rush of anticipation and heat pooling between my legs.

“Can I . . .” I managed to get out, my brain unable to put the words I needed together in a full sentence.

“You can have anything you want,” he said, closing the distance between us, his head lowering, hands shifting to my waist, pressing into the curve there as he pulled me against the heat of his body. The feel of his hard planes against me stole what was left of my words. I had to stop this. Now.






Some moments in life should never be remembered, the horror and the pain eradicated from your mind for all time. Yet those are so often the moments that define you, and make you who you are. They make you stronger than you ever would have been otherwise.


Ok someone please, please tell me that what I just read is meant to be a cliffhanger. I'm actually begging at this point. Ms. Mayer please say that you plan on making this a series. Actually, not only do I need more of Jet and Jasmine, but I also need more of Jasper, Lily and Hugh. I loved all of the characters so much.

Jasmine has recently lost her brother to cancer and now has a mountain of debt and no job. In efforts to not lose everything her best friend helps her land a photography/interview job at the magazine company she works for to get a picture of one of the hottest stunt men in business. While on assignment she finds a home in Jet, which is more than what she expected. Jet is fearless and more than charming.

Jet has his owns demons that he's dealing with. Not only does he has his dark past that still cause him grief, but he also has a psychotic one name stand. Despite all of this he still has a soft side that makes him so swoon worthy.

Both Jasmine and Jet are broken and lost due to past events in their lives. On some level I questioned their insta love. Was it truly real or was it something to ease their pain. Only reason I question that was because it was sooooo fast. Not to mention Jasmine's what I like to call "Bruno Mars Grenade Moment". On another level from the moment these two encountered each other there was something that could not be denied. I enjoyed the ride full of agnst that I was taking on. I wanted them to win.

High Risk Love is told with an alternating POV, which I'm really starting to love because I get to know what everyone is thinking. Ms. Mayer writing flows.

I loved how even though they had some much wrong happen in their world there was something there. Something that allowed them to trust each other with not only their pain, but their hearts too. I feel like there is so much more to Jasmine and Jet and I have to know what happens next.

The secondary characters Jasper, Lily, and Hugh. I love them all. I'm sure all of them have a intriguing back story and front story that should be shared.

High Risk Love is my first experience with Ms. Mayer and I have to say that it has been awesome-sauce. Bottom line I loved Jet and Jasmine's story. I really, really hope their is more because I would read it. For sure. I would definitely recommend everyone to add High Risk Love to their TBR list. 

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review! *






About the Author

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

She is the author of the The Nevermore Trilogy, The Rylee Adamson Novels and the Celtic Legacy series. Her first New Adult Romance, High Risk Love, is scheduled for release July 1, 2013.

Book Review: Off Limits (Off Series #2) by Sawyer Bennett



224 pages
Contemporary, Romance, New Adult
Published April 14th 2013 by Big Dog Books

“There is a vulnerability there, hovering just below the surface. And I want to pick at it until I expose it. Then I want to kiss it."

Two years ago, Emily Burnham, had an epiphany about the shallowness of her life. And she made it her mission to become a different person…a better woman. Out from under the controlling thumb of her mother, Emily is tasting the real world for the first time. And she likes it.

Nixon Caldwell has served his time in the Marine Corps, surviving two brutal tours in Afghanistan. He is back home, surrounded by what he likes best…isolation. It's certainly the best way to avoid confrontation of the consuming guilt that is weighing him down.

When an accident brings Emily and Nix together, he soon learns he is not the master of his own fate. Struggling with his own pain, Nix tries to guard himself against Emily’s charms. He wants her in his bed, but he doesn’t want her in his heart.

Having grabbed life by the horns, Emily wants it all. But is she willing to accept just the small part of himself that Nix is offering? Can she reach the part of his soul that he has deemed to be Off Limits?








" He brings his mouth down, nips at my earlobe and says in a voice so low, I can
barely hear it, "You don't know how bad I want inside you right now."

A bolt of the purest lust fissures through me and I can't help the strange and warbled sound that comes out of my throat. I surrender completely by letting my head fall back onto his shoulder.

"But first, we need to talk."

What? Huh? What?"
OMG ...WTF...squeee....lip biting mmmmmm. That is my basic evaluation of Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett. She has truly done it again for me. After reading Off Sides I knew I had to get my hands on its follow up and I'm very glad that I did.  I Loved. Loved. Loved  Off Limits. Ms. Bennett is currently 2 for 2 with me. Off Limits is the sophomore of the Off Series and it did not disappoint. Naturally I lost a little sleep trying to get to the next page.

Off Limits focus mainly  Emily Burnham who is Ryan's younger sister and ex-Marine Nix.  Not to say that Ryan and Danny doesn't make a small appearance. I could not put this down, I had to get to the next page, the next chapter to find out what would happen next.

 Emily has grown up some and she has taken on a new look on life for the better. I'm so happy that she's not that little stuck up girl anymore.

On one fateful day Emily's wasn't paying attention because she was busy talking on the phone while driving. Which is bad. Remember it can wait. Ultimately she runs into Nix...literally, damaging his very expensive bike. Unfortunately, she's been cut off financially by her mother who is still being a royal ....yup you've guessed it witch with a capital B. There were times I wish I could have jumped through my e-reader to choke this lady out, but I digress. So she decided to barter with him. 

Play secretary for me*?
Holy f**k! Images of her playing secretary for me are completely X-rated
at this point and they involve her wearing a short business shirt while she goes down on me behind my desk.

Nix what can I say. I absolutely loved this man.

"He is a terrible conversationalist in real life but he probably has the power to induce an orgasm just from his wicked thoughts translated into erotic conversation."

He's an ex- Marine that has completed two tours in Afghanistan, during which he was unable to come back home the way he left. He's still struggling to get past some of things that happened there. He stayed true to his self. The day he flipped out on Emily, I was shocked. How could you do this to me? I don't know much about the grief people feel when returning home from war but it would be a horrid feeling to have to work through. So happy that he had Harley to get him through the hard times.

Although these two were not "together" tougher their relationship felt so genuine. I especially loved their playful banter. When it was time to get down and dirty, that's exactly what they did. 

I  am so happy that I decided to read that and can not wait for more of this series.


About the Author

Sawyer Bennett is the pen name for a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weakness but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.


Book Review: Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett


Off Series #1
Released Feb 21, 2013 by Big Dog Publishing
Romance /  Contemporary / New Adult
Goodreads * Amazon * B&N



“I'm not sure what possessed me to do it. Maybe it was the impossible expectations I faced, maybe it was my own self-loathing. But I just knew I needed something different to happen. I needed someone...something...to derail me from my current path. Otherwise, I would become lost...a hollowed out shell of a man. So I did it. I approached her, then I pursued her, then I made her mine. And my life was saved...”

Ryan Burnham is the privileged son of a U.S. Congressman and captain of his university’s hockey team. While he is on the verge of fulfilling his dreams to play in the NHL, his parents want him on a different course. One he is expected to accept for the sake of his family’s public image.

Forced her to abandon her music career after the heart breaking death of her parents, Danny Cross exists on the opposite side of the tracks from Ryan. She is struggling to make her own way, working two jobs, attending college part time and volunteering in a homeless shelter. She is on a mission to build her own success.

With a chance meeting, their vastly different worlds collide, causing each to evaluate whether they are truly on the correct path to self-fulfillment and happiness. Can their relationship survive? Particularly when others are against them every step of the way. A lot can happen in just ten short days...

Book Review: Honor Student by Teresa Mummert

378 Pages
Self Published by Teresa Mummert
Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Erotic

Emma lives a very self-destructive life, barely making her way through college. Her world is turned upside down after meeting Mr. Honor, her new history teacher whose idea of discipline may be a little too much for Emma to handle. While trying to figure out their new relationship, they also have to deal with the very real possibility that someone has discovered their secret and is trying to hurt them. But Mr. Honor is keeping a few secrets of his own from Emma.

EROTIC LOVE STORY (✓) STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT (✓) BDSM


Book Review Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan

Undeniable (Undeniable, #1)
332pages
Self- Published October 7, 2012
Romance, Erotic, Contemporary
Warning: This is not a "typical love story". This is an all-consuming, soul-crushing, tear-your-heart-into-pieces story. It’s intense, gritty and raw, dark and disturbing, and it doesn’t happen overnight. This is an epic love story that knows no boundaries and has no time limits. It grows and develops—with hurt, sacrifice, and heartache—over the span of a lifetime. Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she’s a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club—but that’s where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself—a man worthy of love—and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can’t live without. This is Eva and Deuce’s story. It wasn’t easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. And love is worth everything.






Love, infatuation, crushed, angered, angst aroused ....those are just some of the feelings I felt when I read this.

I was absolutely FLOORED upon finishing this book. I lost sleep and neglected a few house duties in order to get to the next chapter. While reading books like this leave me feeling as if I need a complete psych eval, because really whether in real life or fictional when you or someone you know and love is with a guy who is abusive ( verbally & other wise) its like its time to get off this crazy. Some how in some sadistic world I find myself falling head over heals heels for these bad boys.

And I don't know why.....


Characters:
Eva: The daughter of Damon "Preacher" Fox president of the Silver Demon's motorcycle club. from the beginning you just knew this girl had the "it" factor. Her life was rough beginning to end and she kept going back for more. Mainly because her dad raised her to be that way and naturally she fell in love with that life.

I'm gonna have a Fatboy but i want mine to be sparkly and i want a pink helmet with skulls on it. And instead of being the club President, I'm gonna be the club Queen Cuz I'm gonna marry the biggest, scariest biker in the whole world and he's gonna let me do whatever I want because he's gonna love me like crazy.


She is probably the person I know that meets the man and falls in love with him at the age of 5. When Eva loved she stayed that way, it had no expiration and no limits, which caused her so much pain in the end. She took care of her men and in return they F'd her over multiple forms and fashions.

Deuce: Once VP then quickly move up in rank as president of the Horsemen's after the "sudden" death of his old man. He's rude, crast, disrespectful, powerful, demanding, sexy, and I can go over for awhile. He is a walking contraindication, he's forever telling young boys even his son to respect women, but all he ever does is disrespect them.

"You're fuckin young, you think ridin' and pussy are all that fuckin matters, I get it, I've been there, but you're gonna learn real fuckin' quick to respect women, whores, good girls, old fuckin ladies, all of 'em, or I'm gonna bury you. You feel me?

To say that he and Eva have an age difference is a major understatement. He even knew at times that he should have walked away, but couldn't. Their bond was too strong.

Frankie: Walking time bomb. Eva's dad Preacher decided to take him under his wing and raise him like a son. This one here had some serious Anger issues. I appalled how her dad felt that this guy who who flip his s#!t or the most simplest thing was safe to keep his daughter around. At times I hated, really hated him especially for the things he did to Eva. Other times I ached and because of my affliction for fixing those that seriously need fixing. Even with all his faults I found myself getting emotional towards him in the end.



When I felt him stiffen, felt his orgasm, I ran my hand through his hair and gently tugged. "Look at me baby."

He blinked up at me.

"I'm never going to leave you again baby, you’re with me always now," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "No more nightmares."

He smiled at me, his lost little boy smile. "You've always made them go away."

I brushed my lips across his.

Then I sunk the blade into the side of his neck and with all my strength, wrenched it sideways and twisted
.

I don't anything about a bikers life, but this story felt believable. Some characters were likable some not. The love triangle between these three at times sent me over the moon.

Would I read this again YES!! and devour it yet again


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