My TBR List ~ February ~ Polling is Open! #MyTBRList

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

In 2018, I'm once again working at catching up on series and y'all get to decide which series I'm going to catch up on each month! :D

Y'all, this was a challenge. I use random.org to pick books from my list but I had to make sure they fit the parameters for COYER, too! LOL I did it though...


Your Choices Are:


Passionate Addiction
Reckless Beat #2

Synopsis
He's been her ultimate untouchable desire.

Nothing says happy birthday like a rock god flying thousands of miles to surprise a woman he's never met. But that's exactly what happens to Gabi Smith when she gives her long distance best friend a flippant invitation to her laid back girl's night out. She never expected to turn on the dance floor and find Blake Kennedy's gaze holding her body captive.

She's his everything and he's never laid eyes on her.

Gabi means more to Blake than life itself. She's his strength, his savior, and the only person who helped to vanquish his demons. Non one means more to him than his angel. So when things between them start to sizzle, he's ready to fight for the future he never thought he would deserve.

Skeletons from his past will threaten his only chance at love...

Blake has come a long way - with Gabi's help - to leave the hell of his youth behind him, but sometimes memories don't want to stay buried. Determined to stand on his own for once, Blake is willing to stretch the truth to keep his troubles from burdening the woman he adores.

Little white lies can create black holes in any relationship. Only time will tell if an Aussie with a heart of gold will forgive her bad-boy boyfriend or if the deceit will end his passionate addiction.



Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Bitten #2

Synopsis
I used to think my life was boring. I resigned myself to the rut I was stuck in. Then my entire existence was turned upside down.

In the last six months, I've learned things that would get me committed to an asylum if I repeated them. First, I was kidnapped by vampires. Yes, vampires. Sounds crazy, right? My best friend, Donna, became one of the fanged after that little adventure and hooked up with a hot, Scottish vampire named Conner. They're even planning a wedding.

Secondly, I learned not all vampires are evil. In fact, some of them are downright sexy.

Alexander Dimitriades has it all. He's tall, dark, and handsome and manages to give me tingles in all the right places and also make me laugh. Unfortunately, to be with him, I would have to give up my humanity and I like being human. Then, there's the fact that the whole drinking blood thing gives me the heebie jeebies.

To make matters worse, there are plans in motion to change the place vampires hold in the human world. And I'm caught in the middle, between the vampire I'm falling in love with and a group that wants to create a vampire dictatorship, with humans as slaves.

Now, all I want is my calm, normal life back. As my friend, Ricki, likes to say, "Be careful what you wish for because it might come and bite you on the ass." I hate it when she's right.

*This work contains BDSM elements/themes, spanking, bondage, anal play, and a bossy, persistent Greek vampire.




Legal Affairs
Legal Affairs #1
NOTE: I started this series at #4 with Friction

Synopsis
One year ago, I graduated from law school and embarked on a career as purveyor of high priced legal shenanigans.
Six months ago, my boyfriend dumped me when I thought he might be proposing.
Two weeks ago, I got drunk and joined a secret sex club.
Two days ago, I had a torrid one-night stand with a stranger.
Today? My one-night stand is no longer a stranger.
Today, he's my new boss.

Matt Connover is all kinds of forbidden temptation wrapped up in a deliciously wicked package, and he's made it clear... he's only interested in sex.

My name is McKayla Dawson, and I work at the powerhouse firm of Connover & Crown, LLP, where the law has never felt so hot.

But between you and me, I'm afraid my heart won't survive these Legal Affairs.



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#COYER Review ~ Alex ~ Sawyer Bennett

Alex by Sawyer Bennett
Cold Fury Hockey #1
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn't afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn't so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy...not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people--like Alex, who's been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-rish youth as part of the team's effort to clean up his image. What she doesn't expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn't one to cross professional boundaries--and besides, Alex doesn't do relationships...or does he? The more she sees behind Alex's bad-boy facade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

My first Sawyer Bennett read was in January of last year. I started with Off Sides and I've jumped around to different series - Legal Affairs, Sugar Bowl... I wanted something lights so I chose Alex because, HOCKEY. Right? No, I chose wrong for light BUT I *did* get a fabulous story with characters I came to adore. I can't wait to move further in the series. Alex and the other SBennett reads I've subsequently enjoyed this year after Off Sides have all proven what I thought about her writing when I reviewed Off Sides... it's gotten better and better. :)

Alex is a hockey player for Carolina's Cold Fury. A hockey player who hates the game. He's known as the MVP - Most Valuable Prick - but although he may be a jerk, he's excellent on the ice. His childhood - specifically his dad - is the reason for his talent for and hatred of the game. Cold Fury management has had enough of his attitude though and is mandating changes. One of those changes is to work with the county in developing a program for at-risk youth. Enter Sutton.

Sutton is a counselor at a drug-crisis center and her focus is at-risk youth. She has a personal investment in her chosen profession and she's determined and tenacious when it comes to helping her clients. Meeting Alex rather up-ends her world.

These two together were magic. They understood each other on a level no one else ever had - especially Alex. And even though he had a hard time accepting his worthiness of her and her love, he got there. Watching as their feelings grew and the changes brought about in Alex for having someone care about him for the first time he can remember was awe-inspiring.

Despite the story not being "light" there were moments of levity - usually courtesy of Garrett. Alex's teammate and first friend, was a hoot! He always seemed to know what to say to Alex - and it was typically snarky and involved cursing. ;)

I'm eager to continue the Cold Fury series but it may have to remain on hold for awhile if I don't already have the next one - and I don't think I do. But I bet I can find more SBennett on my ereaders...and that's an exciting prospect!

That's What HE Said #72 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #54

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Alex by Sawyer Bennett

***

"You're a force, Sutton. I felt it from the moment I laid eyes on you when I walked into the crisis center. You just radiate this--I don't know what to call it--but it's like a confidence I've never seen before. You love life. It's a little intimidating, but it attracts me all the same."

...

"Because you turned your life around. You had a shitty start and yet you conquered your past. You used it to give you strength and resilience, and you in turn give others strength and resilience. You make me look at things differently, and apparently I've found some joy for things that I thought were long dead and buried for me."

*~*~*~*~*~*

"But let's get some dessert first, then I'll tell you all about it."
"No, thanks," she says just before wiping her mouth and then putting her napkin on her plate.
"No, thanks?" I say with an eyebrow cocked at her. "This is Cafe Lina. They make your favorite dessert--chocolate ten-layer cake."
"I know but you're always plying me with chocolate. I'm going to look like a hippo if you don't stop."
An image comes to my mind of Sutton pregnant, her tummy round and her walk bordering on a waddle. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately, and I hope she wants more than one kid. But no time to think of that now. I have to get Sutton back on track with my plans today.
"Baby," I say as I lean in close to her ear, my voice dropping low so the waitress can't hear me. "One slice of your favorite dessert in the world isn't going to kill you. Besides, I"ll help you work it off tonight. You can be on top." 

Audio Series Review ~ Sugar Bowl Series ~ Sawyer Bennett

The Sugar Bowl series is fantastic! I listened to Sugar Daddy back in September. The cliffhanger ending had me deciding to wait for both remaining installments to be available before I continued, and that was a good decision. (Thanks, Lex, for that advice.) Once I had Sugar Free, the final installment, in my hot little hands, I listened to both Sugar Rush and Sugar Free back-to-back. This is such a great series and it solidified my appreciation for Sawyer Bennett's writing. And I'm not going to lie, Lucy Rivers' and Christian Fox's narration played a huge part in keeping my earbuds stuck in my ears for hours! They're incredible! Since I listened to them all so closely, I figured a series review was the way to go. Enjoy!

Sugar Daddy by Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Lucy Rivers and Christian Fox
Release Date: July 20, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She's spent years trying to forget that night, even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her-until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela's TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend's world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner. The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who's done every dirty thing imaginable, there's something about the naive, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it's not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she's hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other-or bind them forever. Contains mature themes.

Sugar Daddy was more than a sweet read. It was gut-wrenching, suspenseful, and heartwarming. It left me dying to know what happens next. Bennett pulled me into Sela's story, wrapped me up in her vengeance, and turned up the heat with her romance with Beck. I'm hooked and sugared up!

Sela's story broke my heart. To come through to the other side after what she endured was nothing short of amazing. And I admired her choice of career - one where she could give back to people who might have suffered like she did. She had major emotional scars and to watch her progress - how Beck reached past all her scars and barriers - was incredible.

Beck was fascinating. He's smart and funny. And he has emotional issues himself. He maintains emotional distance, never dating, and mainly focuses on work. He's also been dealing with an increasingly reckless business partner in JT, who's also his best friend. When he meets Sela, something in him shifts and he decides he'd like to try to build something with her. Only there's tension between Sela and JT that Beck doesn't understand.

JT is despicable. And really, nothing more needs to be said about him.

My only issue with this story is the extreme measures Sela is willing to go to in order to exact her revenge. Not that I didn't understand the desire but I also felt it says something a little deeper about Sela and I'm not sure Bennett is trying to go there. Overall though, Sugar Daddy was riveting and I can't wait to see what happens!

As for the narration, Lucy Rivers had to grow on me but she so did. Her delivery, pacing, and ability to convey the emotion warranted was impressive. Christian Fox *is* Beck. I loved his delivery from the first chapter and am eager to hear more from him.

Sugar Rush by Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Lucy Rivers and Christian Fox
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
After posing as an escort for the Sugar Bowl online dating service, Sela Halstead is looking for one thing: payback. She's closing in on the site's heartless founder, Jonathon Townsend, and she needs Beckett North, Townsend's business partner and her lover, by her side. She'd thought that their intimate nights together had forged an unbreakable bond, but after a shocking betrayal, Sela begins to doubt the brilliant bad boy. When push comes to shove, can she trust Beck to do the right thing? Now that he understands the truth, Beck will stop at nothing to secure the reckoning Sela deserves. But between his desire for her and his disgust for JT, Beck doesn't exactly have a lot of control over his emotional state. Left with no other choice, he must summon all his discipline to maintain JT's trust and pretend that they're still friends. But how far will Beck go to prove his loyalty to Sela? He nearly lost her once. To keep her, Beck might have to kill for her.

This sequel was equally as thrilling as the first installment with jaw-dropping revelations and heart-pounding events!

Sugar Rush picks up immediately where Sugar Daddy left off. It broke my heart to see Sela dealing with how things went down with Beck but I also liked seeing Beck calm down and look at things rationally. The steps he took to make amends filled in all the cracks he'd made in my heart, as well as Sela's.

The direction things went from there were actually logical, if shocking, and understandable. As Sela and Beck took steps in making their relationship more solid - falling for one another even harder - the all plotted to exact revenge on JT. I admired them both for working towards a revenge that would appease them both as well as leave them relatively "clean".

The ending though - full of revelations that honestly made me sick - was shocking! I didn't see any of it coming. And I'm oh so grateful I already have Sugar Free in my possession. Lucy Rivers and Christian Fox are the perfect duo and embody Sela and Beck. *inserting ear buds*

Sugar Free by Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Lucy Rivers and Christian Fox
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sela and Beck's deliciously sinful tale of sex, lies, and vengeance reaches its explosive conclusion in the final chapter of Sawyer Bennett's Sugar Bowl trilogy, which began with the novels Sugar Daddy and Sugar Rush.

For years, Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?

Beck will do anything to protect what is his--and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela's mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go--and it might not even be his choice to make.

I am so happy I had Sugar Free downloaded and ready to go. Sela and Beck's story has been a thrill ride so far and Sugar Free didn't disappoint. In any way.

Honestly, I couldn't see a way out of the situation Sela and Beck had found themselves in. Well, I guess I could see one but I didn't like that option. After everything they've been through and sacrificed for the other, that option didn't sit well with me. But in light of there being no other options, I suppose it was better than nothing. 

The revelations made in Sugar Free were shocking - some were even disgusting. When push came to shove, the character of all involved was truly shown and I was disappointed in a few characters but justified in my feelings for others.

The twist Bennett wove in - well, I didn't see it coming. It'd never crossed my mind and I'm always impressed when an author can surprise me like that.
The ending as well as the epilogue was perfect. Y'all know I always enjoy being a part of a journey with characters, particularly journeys where emotional growth occurs. Being with Sela as she progressed from a vengeful victim to a well-adjusted survivor was an incredible experience. Watching as Beck took her hand and walked beside her every step of the way - even when they stumbled - was heartwarming. They both grew - realized what was most important in this life - and it's been a journey I won't soon forget.

Lucy Rivers and Christian are on my favorites list now. I'd listen to Christian Fox read my grocery list or tell me he's sorry but all customer service reps are currently assisting other customers...Both narrators did an incredible job of conveying every nuance of emotion in this story. Fox's delivery in particular was very natural, easy...and I just loved it. I'll definitely be looking for more listens with them both!

Audio Review ~ Friction ~ Sawyer Bennett

Friction by Sawyer Bennett
Legal Affairs Series #8
Narrated by: Sebastian York, Kendall Taylor
Release Date: November 25, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Audible credit
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakingControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it's always worked well--until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won't be toyed with. What Leary starts, he'll finish--in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve's job is to ruin Leary's case...even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he's come to love.

Although this is #8 in the Legal Affairs series, it can absolutely be read standalone. And I hope you read it because it's a lot of fun but also incorporated a meaty story. And the narration was wonderful!

Leary is my kind of heroine and attorney. She is wily, intelligent, uses all her skills and isn't afraid to jeopardize her law license for a worthy cause. If I'd know there might be law firms like Knight & Payne in real life, I might have gone ahead and pursued law school. :D

Reeve, while serving the 'dark side' of law, was an admirable adversary for Leary. He's witty, determined, and while getting to know Leary, he learned he had a higher moral code - ethical standard - than he'd thought.

The banter between these two, particularly when they first met and began their interacting, was like watching sparklers - mesmerizing and fun! As things developed further, things became more intense and I really had to wonder if a relationship between opposing counsel was doomed.

I completely enjoyed Bennett's choice of litigation - a medical malpractice suit - where a huge insurance company doesn't want to pay out. I also appreciated how Bennett tied the case to Leary, making it so personal and therefore more difficult to keep emotions out of things both in the courtroom and out.

The narrators rocked! This was my introduction to Sebastian York and although he doesn't have much inflection, his gravelly voice rolled over me live a velvet blanket and he embodied Reeve. This was also my introduction to Kendall Taylor and her portrayal of Leary was spot on. I'll certainly be looking for more listens from these two.

This is only my second experience with Bennett, my first being her debut, but I find I was right about her writing. It has matured, tightened, and made her storytelling that much more compelling. I'm eager for more!

Review ~ Off Sides ~ Sawyer Bennett

Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett
Off Series #1
Release Date: February 21, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy.
Rating: 3 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #COYER B2B, #2016HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"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 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...

I actually received an eARC of this but I took so long to read it, my guilt induced me to one-click it - lucky for me it was 99 pennies when I did. ;)

Off Sides was my introduction to Bennett's work, although she comes highly recommended. (*wink*Lexxie*wink*) This is also Bennett's debut and she, of course, has quite the body of work at this point. So, I'm going to give you a list of what I liked and what I liked less about Off Sides. 

Since I like bad news first, here's what I liked less:

• It's NA - therefore both MCs suffered tragic upbringings in some way.
• It was a bit predictable
• I wanted more - there was a rushed feeling that would have been negated, in my opinion, if the story had been longer.
• Insta-love

What I liked:

• Compelling characters - I really liked Danny's and Ryan's desire to live life by their own rules. They're both intelligent and admirable in their own ways.
• Riveting story - despite it being predictable with those common NA elements, I was still eager to know what came next, would things work out?
• Bennett's writing style - it's inherently readable. It flows smoothly and is nicely paced - very easy to read.
• Dual POV - I'm finding more and more love for this narration style. Getting the POV of both MCs added so much depth to the story and I felt more connected with them both.

All in all, I was impressed with Off Sides. I can see Bennett hitting her stride in her writing and I'm eager to read more from her backlist - meet more engaging characters, learn all about their lives, and fall in love right along with them.