#ShelfLove Review ~ All Night Long ~ Madelynne Ellis

All Night Long
Black Halo #1
Release Date: April 24, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased on Amazon
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
One night of rampant passion with a rock star, that's all it's supposed to be. Ginny Walters isn't looking for love, only some sexy fun with an amazingly hot guy, that is, until she hooks up with Black Halo's lead guitarist, Ash Gore, on the night the band implodes. When vocalist Xane walks off stage bringing the gig to a premature end, Ash and the guys find themselves unable to reach their hotel due to the presence of an irate mob. Luckily, Ginny offers them the use of her room for the night.

Ginny does her best to be a good hostess. However, it's not long before she discovers a side to womanizing, bad boy, Ash that she never imagined. Beneath his hard rock image, is a man so hung up on the possibility of being hurt by love that he's unwilling to rish becoming emotionally involved. How can she convince him that the bond between them is worth exploring, given that she's not sure dating a rock star is a terribly bright idea?

Ash can't seem to get Ginny out of his head. She's totally unlike the groupies he normally beds; women who love to fan his ego, but ultimately leave him dismally unsatisfied. Ginny sees through all his bullshit and the media hype to the scarred man beneath. Given that instinctive understanding, does he really want to say goodbuy forever coming daybreak?

Maybe it's time they both gave love another chance.

I've been on a Black Halo marathon. Having met Ash and Ginny in Come Undone, I was excited to see where Ms. Ellis would take them. They too met the fateful night of Black Halo's possible demise. It seems as though the night might have brought a little luck to the band--at least a few of its members.

Ginny Walters is Dani's flatmate and joins Dani at the Black Halo concert with the sole intent of meeting a member of the band and enjoying a night of debauchery. Lucky for her, the band member she happens upon first is Ash Gore, lead guitarist and player extraordinaire.

Ash is distraught over what transpired at the concert. With his and the band's future uncertain, he simply wants to lose himself in a woman. But as I said, this was a fateful night and fate might have more in store for these two than just one night.

What I'd wanted in Come Undone, as far as relationship development, I got in All Night Long. And that's saying something considering this story takes place in a single night whereas Come Undone happened over the course of several days. There is definitely a connection between Ginny and Ash but they're both commitment-phobic for their own reasons. Ash is very appealing in his vulnerability. He feels as though he's always playing second fiddle to his bandmates, especially Xane. He tried not to show this side of himself to Ginny but couldn't seem to help himself. Ginny is much more self-assured and realistic about what this thing between her and Ash is. But they both want more.

In All Night Long we get a better idea about the personal dynamics of the band. I liked this quite a bit. We spend time with both Rock Giant (Paul) and Spook and see how they band all fits together--who the lynchpin is and who the glue is. This added dimension to the story. Of course, the steam factor is present. This is erotica after all. *fans self* Ms. Ellis delivers in the smexy scenes but again, she shows vulnerability in the characters and it makes for even steamier steam.

All Night Long made me fall for this band of guys, and its two leading ladies, even harder. I'm anxious to continue this series.

#ShelfLove Review ~ Come Undone ~ Madelynne Ellis

Come Undone
Rock Hard #1
Release Date: August 29, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, 
Source: Purchased on Amazon
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Goodreads

Synopsis
On stage he's dynamite. Off stage he rocks her world.

When red-hot, Goth-metal band, Black Halo, split live on stage, fate throws Daniella Fosbrook into the path of sexy vocalist Xane Geist. Initially, Xane's only looking for a ride home, but Dani tempts him in a way a thousand other women haven't. Determined to explore their heady chemistry and avoid hashing things out with the band, Xane whisks Dani off to Monaco for a steamy weekend.

There, Dani tries her best to hang onto her heart and some clothing, while Xane soon loses both. However, Xane isn't being entirely honest about the reason for the band's demise. When the truth comes out, can Dani accept the facts, or will everything come undone?

Come Undone was a fine introduction to the band Black Halo and the characters inhabiting their world. It's centered on Xane and Dani though.

Danielle 'Dani' Fosbrook is a huge Black Halo fan and an even bigger fan of their front man, Xane Geist. She and her friend, Ginny, are present at the concert where the band apparently calls it quits and thanks to the careless actions of someone, Dani and Ginny find themselves backstage. It's here that Xane literally walks into Dani and sets the stage for Come Undone.

Dani seems a little shy and naive--especially when it comes to men. (<--There's a really good reason for this.) But as she's built a sort of relationship with Xane, if only in her head, she's not about to deny him anything. Dani is strong though. She doesn't take any guff from Xane. She does genuinely care about him as a person, though, and that appeals to Xane.

Xane was understandably pissed off when we first meet him. I did find him to be a bit of a narcissistic wanker but at the same time, I understood his woes. By the end, I did have a better understanding of him--and his desire for respect. In Dani, he finds someone who doesn't just want a piece of him--the rock star. She wants to know him and his feelings. This is something he craves desperately.

Both Dani and Xane have family issues and have suffered terribly in their childhoods. This gave them a connection even if they don't know it at first. They are each hiding things from their not-so-distant pasts and I liked how some of these issues were introduced. Ms. Ellis did well at discussing the pressures and problems associated with prejudices, societal perceptions of things such as sexual orientation, religion, and addictions, in my opinion. And I'm certain it'll be further explored as the series continues.

Ms. Ellis also incorporated a lot of smoking sexy times. There is definitely chemistry between Dani and Xane. I did wish for a bit more bonding between them--more development of the feelings that blossom between them but then, the sex plays a big roll in the plot--and I know their relationship will probably flourish--eventually. The story is told in dual POV and it enabled me to get acquainted with both MCs more easily. I wish Dani's past had been fleshed out a bit more. Much could be done with it but I felt it was used mostly as a vehicle to explain her prejudices. 

I found Come Undone to be a compelling read, despite my few issues, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ All Fired Up ~ Madelynne Ellis

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Madelynne Ellis' All Fired Up. My stop includes all the information on the book, my review, and a giveaway.

***

ALL FIRED UP (Black Halo #2)

by Madelynne Ellis

Contemporary/Erotic Romance

Published by Mischief on December 18th, 2014

All Fired Up is the follow-up to New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Madelynne Ellis' scorching rock star romance novel, All Night Long, and is the fourth novel about the band Black Halo.

Ginny Walters always knew her weakness for bad boys would get her into trouble. Her one night stand with Black Halo's lead guitarist, Ash Gore, was only supposed to be a fun, not the prelude to the sort of relationship that'd scorch holes in her heart as well as her bed sheets. She'd be the happiest woman in the world if Ash wasn't so determined to keep their connection off radar.

Ash Gore knows girlfriends are bad news for bands, which is why he's resolved to keep his attachment to Ginny a secret. He and the guys have enough on their stages as they try to piece themselves back together after the band's split. But when new drummer, Iain Willows, starts taking an active interest in Ginny, tensions quickly mount. Soon, Ash is not only at risk of losing Ginny, but everything he holds dearest--including life itself.

Amazon UK – Amazon US – Barnes & Noble – GooglePlay – Kobo – iBooks

Add All Fired Up to your Goodreads list!

Suggested reading order:

Come Undone (Rock Hard #1)

All Night Long (Black Halo #1)

Remastered (Black Halo #1.5)

Come Together (Rock Hard #2)

All Fired Up (Black Halo #2)

**All Fired Up is the second book in the Black Halo series but fourth book in a series of related novels. I've read Come Undone (#1 Rock Hard) where Black Halo, the band, was introduced. And I read All Night Long (#1 Black Halo). My reviews will post soon. You don't have to read Come Undone before starting the Black Halo series, but it did provide background.**

I like to imagine what it might have been like to date a rock star. With Ash and Ginny, Ms. Ellis portrays the pros and cons, the ups and downs, realistically. There was plenty of steam which was expected since Ash and Ginny throw sparks with just a look. Ms. Ellis also dove a little deeper into the band's interpersonal dynamics - especially Spook's role. <-- I'm hoping he gets his own book *hint hint* And Ms. Ellis threw in a little mystery for some added excitement and suspense. Yeah, All Fired Up had me, well, all fired up!

Ash and Ginny are now dating but with the band on shaky ground and about to embark on a tour, Ash wants to keep their relationship on the down-low. At least that's what he's telling himself and Ginny. Ginny's okay with the arrangement, at first. But as feelings start to grow, the secrecy wears thin. 

The two are my favorite couple from both series. (there are only 2 so far) They fit together well. Ash wears his leathers, guy-liner, and guitar as a shield - all to protect his vulnerable heart from further trampling. He did open up to Ginny though, showed her pieces of himself her preferred to keep buried in an effort to move forward. I admired him for that. Ginny is blunt, independent, and strong-willed. I appreciated that she was unapologetic for her views. And I liked that she stood up for and fought for what she wanted. 

There's band drama, naturally. And this is where we get better acquainted with Spook as well as getting to puzzle out the mystery. It was all very exciting and entertaining. The story did end on a tiny cliffhanger but not one I can't live with. Besides, All Right Now isn't too far away.

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

GRAND PRIZE:

$20 Amazon Gift Card

Troll Cross

Black Halo Mini Cards set

RUNNER-UP:

Black Halo Mini Cards set

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Madelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of erotic romance. Her novels and short stories have been published by a variety of houses including HarperCollins, Harlequin and Random House, and have been translated into several languages. She lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner of 20 + years, their two adorable children, and a crazy cavachon puppy. Madelynne drinks decaf out of preference, and has a healthy obsession with a certain Japanese rock star. Her aim is to deliver scorching, character-driven stories that enchant, torment and don’t shy from darker aspects of life.

Website – Blog – Twitter – Facebook Author Page
Facebook Readers Retreat – Goodreads - Newsletter

Teaser Tuesday ~ #55

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

All Fired Up
Black Halo #2

Synopsis
Ginny Walters always knew her weakness for bad boys would get her into trouble. Her one night stand with Black Halo's lead guitarist, Ash Gore, was only supposed to be fun, not the prelude to the sort of relationship that'd scorch holes in her heart as well as her bed sheets. She'd be the happiest woman in the world if Ash wasn't so determined to keep their connection off radar.

Ash Gore knows girlfriends are bad news for bands, which is why he's resolved to keep his attachment to Ginny a secret. He and the guys have enough on their stages as they try to piece themselves back together after the band's split. But when new drummer, Iain Willows, starts taking an active interest in Ginny, tensions quickly mount. Soon, Ash is not only at risk of losing Ginny, but everything he holds dearest--including life itself.

***Teaser***

'You're going to talk dirty to me?' She heard the catch of excitement in his throat. 'Babe,' he purred, 'you're way too good to me.'

**Blitz & Giveaway ~ Come Together ~ Madelynne Ellis**

I'm thrilled to be a part of the blitz for Madelynne Eliss' Come Together. This is the second book in her Rock Hard series and I've heard great things about the series! 

Come Together

(Rock Hard #2)

Daniella Fosbrook can’t believe she’s dating a smoking hot rock star, now all she has to do is hold onto him.

Bad boy rockers, Black Halo, have reunited and have hit the road. Dani Fosbrook has never experienced life on the move, now she’s squashed onto a tour bus with five horny rock stars and her lover’s ex, and there’s no room for mistakes.

If threats from jealous fans and warding off unwanted press attention isn’t difficult enough to handle, Dani has to battle her own personal insecurities. Xane says he’s committed, but with so much on offer to tempt him, can she trust he won’t stray?

When sabotage puts both the tour and everything Dani and Xane have built together under threat, can the band and their entourage come together to make the tour work, or it is time for everyone to part ways?

Amazon UK – Amazon US – GooglePlay – iBooks

Add Come Together to your Goodreads list!

_________________________

About Come Undone (Book #1)

On stage he’s dynamite. Off stage he rocks her world.

When red-hot, Goth-metal band, Black Halo, split live on stage, fate throws Daniella Fosbrook into the path of sexy vocalist Xane Geist. Initially, Xane’s only looking for a ride home, but Dani tempts him in a way a thousand other women haven’t. Determined to explore their heady chemistry and avoid hashing things out with the band, Xane whisks Dani off to Monaco for a steamy weekend.

There, Dani tries her best to hang onto her heart and some clothing, while Xane soon loses both. However, Xane isn’t being entirely honest about the reason for the band’s demise. When the truth comes out, can Dani accept the facts, or will everything come undone?

Amazon UK – Amazon US – GooglePlay – Barnes & Noble

Madelynne Ellis

Madelynne Ellis

Madelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of erotic romance. Her novels and short stories have been published by a variety of houses including HarperCollins, Harlequin and Random House, and have been translated into several languages. She lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner of 20 + years, their two adorable children, and a crazy cavachon puppy. Madelynne drinks decaf out of preference, and has a healthy obsession with a certain Japanese rock star. Her aim is to deliver scorching, character-driven stories that enchant, torment and don’t shy from darker aspects of life.

Website – Blog – Twitter – Facebook Author Page

Facebook Readers Retreat – Goodreads – Newsletter

‘Who are you talking to, Spook? I thought I told you to get out.’

Dani’s grin stretched even wider at the sound of Xane’s voice.

‘I’m just saying hello to your lovely lady.’ Spook leaned forward again and gave her another kiss, this one on the cheek. ‘He’s grouchy and irritable, see if you can cheer him up.’

‘Over what?’ 

‘Life.’

‘Life?’ she queried, but Spook was already gone.

‘Dani?’ Xane was right there in front of her instead, wrapping his arms around her, bowing his head, and drinking her down like a man desperate for water. ‘It feels like eternity since I last set eyes on you.’ He didn’t seem irritable to her, only desperately pleased to see her. More pleased than she’d ever imagined he would be. ‘I thought you’d be here before the sound check.’

‘I was, Ulf made me wait with him. He didn’t want me distracting you.’‘Bastard,’ Xane hissed. ‘I needed distracting.’ His lips found hers again and he drew her tight against his body. He’d already dressed in his stage-outfit, so that his dark, ragged shirt was open to the waist, and easy for her to slip her hands inside. All that was missing to transform him into the demon he was on stage, were his yellow cat’s eye contact lenses. Dani was glad they were missing. Without them she could see right into his soul. There was a great
big gaping hole there caused by Steve Matlock’s death, that he was desperately trying to fill by clinging on to her.

‘So, you have a new drummer,’ she said, hoping it would prompt him to talk. He’d experienced a massive loss. He needed to talk, but every time she tried to prompt him to open up, he side-stepped the subject. The only way he seemed to express his grief was through his lyrics. 

A shadow passed across the surface of Xane’s eyes. ‘Apparently.’

‘That must have been a hard decision to make. I know you loved Steve, and—’

He cut her off by covering her mouth with his fingertips. ‘Don’t. I have to go out there and sing. I can’t do that if you make me think about stuff. Yes, we have a new drummer. He’ll do. He’s not my choice.’

Given the mournful look in his eyes, she doubted he’d have chosen anyone.

‘OK,’ she agreed, though it was hard not to try and dig deeper and attempt to console him, when his sadness rolled off him in such tangible waves. ‘Did the others choose him?’

‘Tell me how you are. I’ve been worried sick about you facing those bitches alone. I wish you’d let me come with you.’

If she’d done that things would have got out of hand very quickly. ‘One of those bitches is my mum. And I needed to do it alone.’ Despite dreaming for years that he’d ride up and rescue her from captivity, she’d realised that the only way to truly be free of her past was to sever the links for herself. The final showdown between her and her mum hadn’t been pretty. And lord help her, there’d be no going back. ‘Besides, you had plenty stuff of your own to sort out.’ Such as tour preparations and grieving, and finding a way forward for the band. All those things were more important than having him hold her hand while she dealt with her screwy family.

‘Will they leave you alone?’

She nodded. Rather more permanently alone that she’d really wanted, but her mum wasn’t prepared to see reason. She wasn’t interested in Dani finding happiness, only in keeping her on a very short leash. She wasn’t about to discuss it with Xane, but she had about sixty quid in total to her name now. The sisterhood had reclaimed everything that was official theirs, which pretty much accounted for everything she owned that wasn’t jammed into the
suitcase she’d left with Ulf. ‘Let’s discuss it later, eh? How long until the show starts?’

‘Not long.’

‘Long enough for me to wish you good luck?’ They both needed to push past events aside and to start living in the present again.

Xane eyed her thoughtfully, while he rotated the ring piercing at the centre of his lower lip. ‘What did you have in mind?’ The way his eyes suddenly glittered told her exactly what he was envisaging. In some ways he had the ultimate one track mind. Her problem was that she couldn’t resist reacting to him. She could never get enough of his hands on her skin, or the feel of his warm body pressed tight to hers, coupled with that was the fact that he was the most beautiful man she’d ever met—all long inky hair, hard body and wicked as sin smile. If she stared at him too long, she sometimes forgot to breath.

She rubbed a hand across the band of scars that girdled her hips, determined to ground herself a little. ‘Good luck.’ She lifted both her brows and shoulders.

‘That’s it?’ Xane quirked one eyebrow. ‘You come dashing into my dressing room right before I go on stage and all I get is two words.’

‘Would you rather I made it three?’

‘Depends on the words.’ He fixed on his prince of darkness mask. The one the fans went wild for and made the girlies panties wet. It made her pretty giddy too, but then everything about him called to her. She moved closer to him, drawn as though he were magnetically charged, tilted her head up towards him.

‘Is there time?’

‘Always, for this.’ His tongue met hers and slipped teasingly between her lips. It was barely any sort of step at all between that and being so slippery with need, that she was grinding her hips against his body in a hungry imitation of coitus. Xane had always been able to unmake her with her kiss. The man had a tongue so wicked he’d could probably overcome the Queen of Darkness with it... Oh, hang on, he had. Elspeth was his ex.

Xane slid one hand down her back and rested it at the base of her spine. Then both his palms skimmed over her bottom. He pulled her closer. ‘When you were late, I started thinking maybe you weren’t coming back. That those dreadful women had got to you and poisoned you against me.’

It still amazed her that he feared she’d leave him. She’d follow him to the ends of the earth and beyond. Dani pushed her hands inside his shirt again, traced the contours of his steely abs, while with her lips she sought his nipples. They were both pierced, though he
appeared to have removed one ring. 

‘Xane, they couldn’t stop me from loving you even before we met, they’ve no chance now.’ Their arguments were stupid and their logic flawed. Besides, even if it all ended tomorrow, it’d still have been worth it for the time they had spent together.

‘We’ve about ten minutes before they’re going to want me backstage.’

‘Yeah?’ Dani teased one of his nipple rings, sucking it into her mouth, so that she left a darker patch on the midnight blue fabric of his shirt. Xane hissed and arched against her, so that she could feel the growing swell of his erection pressed tight to her pussy. For all the horrors in his life, his ability to get turned on never seemed to diminish.

‘I just want you to know that’s not nearly enough time to do all the things I need to do to you.’ He cupped the side of her breast, rubbed her already tight nipples with the heel of hand. You’re so mine when this show is over.’

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