Title: Hard Stick
Series: A Breakaway Novel
Author: L.P. Dover
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 13, 2017 Publisher: Random House/Loveswept
He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.
On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.
When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .
I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.
** Hard Stick is an action-packed romantic suspense. Just to warn you, the story line does NOT center around hockey. The main character plays but a lot of the book is set outside of the rink. **
 
        
“So what happened to Maddox? I couldn’t help but notice his face.”
Dallas and Braeden glanced at each other and chuckled. “Kellan fucked him up in practice,” Dallas replied.
I gasped. “Why?”
He finished off his beer, and I could tell he was feeling it by the lazy smile. “It’s what he does. Maddox was being a dick and Kellan put a stop to it. It’s why he’s our captain.”
“Wow, that’s craziness.”
I ran his card and held it out to him, but he grabbed on to my hand. “You haven’t agreed to go out with him, have you?”
“Who? Kellan?” I asked. The girls gawked at me and snorted.
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“No, why?”
“Just asking,” he said with a shrug. He put his arm around the blonde and they started for the door. “It’d be nice to get the five hundred dollars.” They stopped and he smiled at me over his shoulder.
“What are you talking about?” I demanded.
Braeden sighed and smacked Dallas on the back of the head. “Stop fucking with the girl.” Then he turned to me. “It was just a stupid bet.”
“Stupid?” Dallas laughed. “You put three hundred on it, so I don’t want hear that shit.” In a drunken haze, he smiled over at me. “Just do us a favor and don’t go out with him until after the weekend. We made a bet that he couldn’t get you by the end of the week.”
Braeden hit him again. “What the fuck? Shut the hell up.” He pushed Dallas out the door and they all followed him. So Kellan agreed to the bet? That was mighty bold of him.
I could hear steps on the hardwood floor behind me. “You all right?” Chris asked.
Turning on my heel, I smiled. “Yep.” If Kellan was trying to win the bet, he wasn’t trying very hard. But then again, maybe five hundred dollars was nothing compared to the money he earned. I used to make a good living, but at least I was able to retrieve the money I had in the bank before my supposed death. Having that money helped, especially since I didn’t make nearly as much working at the pub. Hopefully soon I’d be back to doing what I loved.
“Why don’t you go home? I can finish up here,” Chris offered.
“You sure? I don’t mind staying.”
He shook his head. “Go. You do enough here as it is.”
I hurried behind the bar and grabbed my purse. “Thanks, Chris. After all the training Aylee puts me through, I’m exhausted by nine o’clock.”
“I can imagine.” He laughed. “I know not to mess with you now.”
Aylee taught me many self-defense techniques and how to fight. Before, I had no clue what to do if someone attacked me. After everything that happened with Mitchell and Cole, I had to make sure I was ready for anything. At least now, I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.
I waved goodbye to Chris and then walked out the door. The night was cool and I breathed in the clean air; the smell of rain was near. We needed it after the long, dry summer we had. Looking over at my car, I didn’t realize there was a truck parked next to me with someone leaning against it. It wasn’t just anysomeone, either.
“Where were you tonight?” I asked, looking straight at Kellan’s smiling face. He had on a pair of jeans that hung low on his hips with a snug green T-shirt that showed off his perfectly sculpted arms. Why did he have to be so sexy? Not to mention, he had perfectly straight, white teeth, which I thought would be a rarity among hockey players.
“So you missed me, huh?”
His smile was infectious and I caught myself smiling back. “I wouldn’t say missed, but I was curious where you were. I saw what you did to Maddox.”
He shrugged. “It had to be done. Maddox has a large fucking head and needed to be brought down.”
I held up my hands. “You don’t have to explain. I, of all, people know what kind of head he has.” It was the size of the entire country.
Chuckling, he stepped forward, his gaze roaming over my body. “You seem different tonight. It’s not very often you smile.”
I hadn’t had a reason to, but I couldn’t tell him that. “Maybe it’s because I know something you don’t.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“Uh, I don’t know, perhaps something about a bet?”
 
He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.
On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.
When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .
I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.
*********************************************
After I had read this book, I went back and started reading the rest of LP's books again. I just love her writing style and not because she lives in my state either. I'm supposed to go to a writing retreat in June, and I'm probably going to fangirl over her the entire time...just saying. It's gonna happen. Her books are always my go-to books for romantic suspense, and I'm always on the edge of my seat going "who's the villain because I know it's someone close to the main character?" This story didn't disappoint!! In fact, I almost chewed all my nails off because you know who the villain is, but there's just so much heartbreak in this one that I shed a tear y'all. Yep, I sure did. I cried, and I wanted to punch out Mitchell with a giant barbell cause that's how we do it in the south, after ripping off his balls. Yeah, he wouldn't have made it to prison in our family. We're more like the Irish mafia in the Armed and Dangerous stories...you mess with us, and that's the last it happens. No really, we're sweet - like tea!! I promise.
So, this book had me at the first chapter, and I couldn't not stay up reading it all night. That and because I'm OCD. I'm up drinking my 12 cups of coffee and reading the next chapter and the next...which I'm hoping she writes books on ALL the players because I love hockey and I'll review them all. HINT HINT L.P. - I will personally be your reader just call me??? Kay!! Now, I don't give praise where praise isn't due because I'm a picky chick but girl can write, and I'm not just saying that...she can - if you haven't read her books, I have two questions: 1. Do you live in a cave? 2. Are you human?
Kellan Carter had me like chocolate has those little M&M's on TV...all over it!! He's a delicious piece of man, and I'm not a woman who objectifies a man, but there's another author that writes Alpha men and I love her, but L.P. took her place after this book. The way he handles Kristen and the way he just keeps at her, I loved it. It also made me realize that I'm so jaded towards men that I should seriously take a step back and see them a little differently and for me, that's a miracle. Now, Mitchell - her psychotic ex, who literally will stop at nothing to get her back...ladies I don't think that I will EVER date a man named Mitchell because of this book. You know how you get food poisoning and you won't eat that food again? Yeah, that's kind of how it was for this name. He could be the sweetest guy, and I'd have to make him change his name.
Alllll of the above to say...buy this book!! What are you waiting for? Seriously, this is a darn good book, and it will make you want to read her other books as well.
  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.
        
 
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 Title: U-Turn
Series: Highway 17 Series Book Two
Author: Leaona Luxx
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Cover Model: KK Raines
Cover Designer by: TE Black Designs
“I just want to say WOW. Just WOW. I seriously hated Ava. No redeeming qualities whatsoever in Changing Lanes and now she is one of my favorite people and i was rooting for her. I DID NOT see that U-turn (brillliant). I love your writing. And i love how when I read your books I get to know all characters. Not just one or two. Bravo!!! Great great job!!” “This book! Goodness woman! Your characters are so real. You managed to make me hate Ava in Changing Lanes and love her...even at her worst...in U-Turn. And Riley! There were times I wanted to rip his heart out. Thank you for giving me this privilege! You are one damn good storyteller!” 
 TROUBLE.
That’s all she is and all she’ll ever be.
What in the hell was I thinking getting involved with her?
Everyone knows her reputation precedes her.
But I’ll be damned if I don’t like it.
Hurricane Ava crashes to shore wreaking havoc, the beautiful disaster she is.
And I love it.
What’s worse, she does too.
So, why am I in love with her? Because, she loves me.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
I find myself halfway home when I do a U-turn. I hit the gas, speeding toward Myrtle Beach. My tears fall once again as I think of him leaving and I’m not the last person he sees. I need to be the last thing he sees. The fissure my heart has suffered begins to quake as I pray I make it back to him.
I park at the airport entrance, racing through every checkpoint I can before actually yelling, “He’s leaving. I have to tell him I love him.” The airport officials have mercy on me when I explain he’s a soldier and I’m crazy for him. “He may not make it back, he’s deploying.” Pointed in the right direction, I sprint to his departure gate. His family standing close by the window, I know then he’s already boarded. I push past several onlookers to the wide expanse of glass standing between us. I search, switching between his family and the plane, to gauge where he will be. My chest constricts as I get a glimpse of him for the first time in fatigues. He’s breathtaking. As my pride swells, I lay my hand on the window, reaching for him. I begin to lose hope when his eyes suddenly dart to me. A smile growing on his face as I fight to dry mine. The plane begins to roll, and I follow it, never moving my hand from the clear barrier. When Riley raises his hand, pressing it against the glass, I fall to my knees. My eyes never leave his face nor does my hand break our connection. I stay there as he taxi’s down the runway and lifts off. Leaving me. I push against the glass with both hands, hoping beyond all things I could break it and run after him. I sit against the window, clutching my chest as if my heart has fallen from it until Walker picks me up from the floor. He carries me from the building, my life in ashes. Walker sits with me until I regain some semblance of composure. I’m not ever far from plummeting over the edge again. 
 Leaona, also known as Lea, lives with her husband, cat and two dogs near Myrtle Beach. She was born and raised in WV by her parents whom she adores before attending Marshall University. A small business owner and mother of three, she enjoys Carolina Panthers and Marshall University Football, reading, writing, gardening, crafts, NASCAR, TWD, hot rods, and surf fishing.
Leaona was inspired to write while she raised her family, never dreaming one day, she would be published. While loving all genres of books, Lea writes contemporary romance stories that are not your everyday love stories. Gritty and true to life, she draws from her life and loves to create her characters.
Leaona's debut novel will release June 7, 2016. Cherry Grove is the first in The Cove Series. She’s your everyday girl and lives to connect with her fans via social media. Leaona also doesn't mind dishing about her favorite authors and their books. Beach, life, and love.
 
What can I say about this book? Well, it was freaking awesome and not just because I consider Lea a friend but because it's an honest to goodness great read. If you read the first book, then it was really hard to like Ava...I mean really, really hard!! She made it so easy for us to dislike her. So for us to turn around and fall in love with Ava and even root for her in this book was a miracle. I found myself wanting to throttle her and then in the next minute, I wanted to hug her for what she went through. Riley, OMG - That man!! I want a Riley. I'm just throwing it out there. He knows who Ava is and he's just never cared. He loves her. All of her - even all of her ugly parts. The whole town thinks she's a whore and Riley believes she's a princess. Isn't that what we all want? That one guy that will see what everyone else doesn't see. What I took away was that age knows no bounds and it is just a number. At a time when I'm turning 40, I actually really enjoyed reading this because it gives us single ladies hope that there's a Riley out there for us. I am so glad I had the privilege to review this because it's one of those that you don't want to miss. There are some deep topics in this, PTSD being one of them. Post Traumatic Stress is so close to my heart and is such a deep passion of mine. I've been touched by it personally, and I've seen firsthand the effects that it takes on a person and Lea wrote a very real account of this in the book that will touch people. If you've ever experienced PTSD or know someone who has, the subject matter in this book will resonate with you at some point. I loved seeing all the characters from the first book in this one, and it was good seeing Ava "woman up" as I like to call it. I'm not a fan of angst. People know this and that being said...it worked in this book. The back and forth just worked. Usually, I would be pulling my hair out or something, but I didn't with this book. I didn't sleep until the very end, and I went to work with a book hangover!! It was well worth it. So, all that to say - Buy this book because you will not be sorry...it's just that good! HOSTED BY:
Coming May 23rd
BECKETT Lucy Solomon showed up to watch a hockey game in a luxury box wearing jeans and a hoodie, and she didn't give a puck who I was. Now the hotter it gets between us the better my team does on the ice, and I'm getting superstitious. I'm not skating around my feelings--I want to win the playoffs, and I want Lucy. But something's gotta give. LUCY After being in a grad school cave for two years, it made sense that I'd be drawn to a caveman. I melted for Beckett Hallstrom's brazen moves and boyish charm when we first met, but things exploded when I found out who he really was. Beck wants me to be his good luck charm, but the press is relentless and now my career is in jeopardy. Every competition has a loser and I'm afraid it's going to be me losing my heart. 
Nikky Kaye is almost my real name. I’m a former Film professor who likes more than her movies to be black and white. Sadly, the world doesn’t work that way. I have worked with movie stars, Ivy League brainiacs, and the United Nations—all of which means that I’m familiar with ass-kissing, power struggles, greed and faking it. In my spare time I parent 5 year-old twin boys, serve on the board of an independent cinema, and run a medical consulting company.
Coming May 26th
Sienna Taylor walked into Mad Ink looking for a temporary escape. Instead, she found River Madden, the gorgeously talented and impossibly moody owner of the shop. One look in her big, dark eyes makes him desperate to possess her, his need to mark her untouched skin a primal distraction.
One touch of his needle sends electricity rocketing between them, and by the time he's finished leaving his brand on her, he's doing the unthinkable and offering her a job—and possibly losing his sense of sanity. Finding forever is the last thing on River's mind, but one taste of her sweet innocence has him consumed with claiming her. She's too innocent, too sweet, too untouchable, and far too good for him. But she has a darkness that claws at her, a crack fracturing her heart that only makes him crave her more. Warning: From the moment his tattoo gun touches her skin, River is utterly obsessed with his girl. If over-the-top, insta-love goodness with a moody, tattooed alpha is your cup of steam, look no further! River has a talent for pushing all the right buttons. ;) 
Aria Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.
Aria's new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn't take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!
Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on Facebook and Twitter to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!
Author Links
PURCHASE TODAYFree in Kindle UnlimitedAmazon US: http://amzn.to/2pOEfEZAmazon UK: http://amzn.to/2rjFEVaAmazon CA: http://amzn.to/2qoMpoBBlurb
At thirteen, I snuck a kiss.
At sixteen, I fell in love. At eighteen, I despised loving him. He lied, cheated and killed. He also protected, provided and gave me solace. I ran the streets, doing whatever I pleased, until Shame showed up to claim me. For five years, the most notorious street gang in Boston became my family. The day I turned eighteen, I didn't want to leave. My heart belonged to Shame. I simply needed to convince him I was more than the little girl he rescued. I promised to love him, but could he ever love me back? Not all love was easy. Not all love was meant to be. And not all love could survive. From the author of The Irreparable Series comes a story of forbidden romance. With all the angst you expect from KJ Bell, Living With Shame will bring you to your knees and have you begging for a happy ending. Add it to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2nVheDz
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A lifelong reader with a taste for adventure, Brynley Blake writes the writes the kind of books she likes to read: steamy contemporary romances featuring smart, sassy heroines with a sense of humor and strong, dominant alpha males who love their women a little feisty. She lives in Texas with her family and an assortment of pets, and loves rainy days, hot coffee, cold beer, red wine, traveling, and spending time with her family. She writes contemporary and erotic romance as Brynley Blake and Brynley Bush.
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