Release Day- Once Upon A Time by S.K Hartley

::::BOOK INFO::::

Title: Once Upon A Time

Author: S.K. Hartley

Genre: Romantic Comedy | Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: S.K. Hartley

::::SYNOPSIS::::

I don't believe in fairy tales.

I don't believe in glass slippers.

I don't believe in Prince-Freaking-Charming.

Cinderella can kiss my ass.

I kiss frogs, sometimes even toads.

I've given up on meeting Mr. Right, instead it seems all I meet is Mr. Wrong, Mr. Very-Wrong and even, Mr. Lets-Not-Even-Go-There.

Fairy tales are for morons.

Well, that's what I thought until Gabriel Black barged through my life, turning everything upside down.

He's hot, sexy and little rough around the edges.

But, he's hiding something, something deep. I can feel it, taste it and smell it.

Now I'm left wondering if he's my Prince Charming or my fairy tale villain.

Will I ride away safely into the night, dreaming of happily ever afters?

Or, will I stumble and fall in ridiculously high heels only meant for women with a death wish?

Once Upon A Time...

I met Gabriel Black.

::::MEET S.K. HARTLEY::::

S.K. Hartley is a wife and mother to an oil soaked husband and a tomato sauce covered son by day, by night an International Bestselling Author whose first novel, Finding You, quickly shot up the charts in fall 2013, winning blog awards for the tear inducing writing and breath catching ending.

Since releasing her first novel, she then went on to release two more books in the series, Finding Me & Finding Us, proving that New Adult is vastly popular among readers and writers a like.

Located in the not so sunny North West of England, UK, S.K. Hartley deals with daily battles against Microsoft Office Word translations. Working as a British author who writes in American English is a challenge that's both frustrating and fulfilling.

When she's not doing all the above, S.K. Hartley spends the rest of her time interacting with her readers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and also via her newsletter.

::::IMPORTANT LINKS::::

Author Links:

Website: http://skhartleyauthor.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RestrainedLove

Twitter: https://twitter.com/S_K_Hartley

Goodreads Author Page : http://www.amazon.com/S.K.-Hartley/e/B00FRLPYGW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1410525215&sr=1-2-ent

Amazon Author Page : http://www.amazon.com/S.K.-Hartley/e/B00FRLPYGW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1414613998&sr=1-1

Goodreads (TBR): http://bit.ly/1nuFln0

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/H4S_j

OUAT Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/108817975

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1sqpzcJ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1xTE0Ij

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1tnnJW3

B&N: http://bit.ly/1v3U8Gk

iBooks: http://bit.ly/11M6rfN

Concierge Literary Promotions:

Website - www.clpromotionsky.net

Facebook - www.facebook.com/clpromotionsky

Twitter - www.twitter.com/CLPromotionsKY

This book kept me reading... I didn't put it down till I finished.

I love Payton and Gabriel they are smoking hot together and he is the quintessential rich alpha male. I loved how feisty Payton was and how she stood up to Gabriel. Even when she found out she was going to work for him she tried to keep things professional even with all that yummy sexual tension.

Payton doesn't believe in fairytales and in truth doesn't even believe in love. Gabriel makes her want to believe.

The secondary characters (Quinn and Kylie) are just great. I love how they keep Payton going and support her in everything, They are the perfect best friends. I want them both to have their own stories.

I laughed so many times while reading this book. My husband most likely thought I was nuts. It was well written I felt my heart break along with Payton's just when she believed that Gabriel was her prince. I love how she stuck up for herself and finally told her boss to shove off.

I truly enjoyed this book and have read it more than once. Overall a great read with steamy sex, humor, a couple snotty bitches and a happy ever after.

I rate this book 5 out 5 Genie Lamps

* I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Review ARC Beyond Possession by Kit Rocha

Description
Tatiana Stone has worked hard to establish herself as one of Sector Four's most skilled crafters. All she wants is peace--but the sins of her father haunt her. He ruled the sector as a petty tyrant before the O'Kane takeover, and plenty of people harbor bitter memories of his cruelty. Especially now that Tatiana's beloved baby sister has fallen in with a man who wants to start a revolution.

Zan failed his boss once, and it won't happen again. So when Dallas O'Kane asks him to defuse the rebellion brewing in the sector, he'll do whatever it takes to get the job done--including seduce Tatiana. It's the perfect opportunity to get closer to the pretty crafter and complete his mission. But what he discovers is a fiery, passionate woman--and an affair that could destroy them both.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. It has everything that Kit Rocha is known for and is still has the major players in Sector 4 in the book. I have to say I love that the O'Kane party in this book wasn't the "traditional" O'Kane party. But I loved seeing the softer side of the O'Kane Crew.

Tatiana Stone is the displaced former "princess" of sector 4. Everything she does and has done was to survive. She would do anything to protect her sister even if the what she does ends up hurting her sister.  All she wants to do is work in her shop and be left alone. 

Zan is one of Dallas O'Kane's man men. When he is asked to get close to Tatiana to make sure that rebellion does't take over Sector 4, it is a job that he is more then ready for. 

Zan and Tatiana have a push and pull chemistry, the want to be together but are more than aware of the possible ramifications their romance would have in the sector especially if sides must be chosen.

I hate spoiling books but I have to say the O'Kane women are kick ass, they show they are not weak minded or just willing to sit on the sidelines and wait. Tatiana is surprised about how much she fits in with the ladies and when push comes to shove they support one another. 

Loved how Tatiana takes control of her life in the end is given the happy ending she deserves.

Great Read, I love the it. I do however suggest that you read in order or you might get confused on what is going on. 

I rate this book 5 out 5 Genie Lamps

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in order for my honest review. 

If you would like to read this series... Book 1 Beyond Shame is currently free on Amazon

This book is also available for sale on Amazon

ARC Review My Viking Vampire by Krystal Shannan

Description 

Bailey Ross’ world is crumbling around her. Her abusive ex, a human, is closing in on her again, and to make matters worse, a new enemy, a djinn, is stalking her. This supernatural being takes great pleasure in human pain, something Bailey has in excess thanks to her ex. If she’s caught by either, she’s as good as dead.

Backed into a corner and desperate to escape, she does something she swore wouldn’t ever be possible again –trusting a man. And he’s a vampire.

Protection via the sexy vampire Erick Thorson may prove to be a little more than she bargained for. Sparks fly between them and she finds herself agreeing to more than just protection. Though he has promised not to let anyone harm her, the small west Texas town is more than it seems and he may not be able to make good on his vow no matter how hard he tries.

Will Sanctuary be the home Bailey longs for or will she have to die to find out?

Book 1 in the Sanctuary, Texas Series

My Review 


This is a new series by Krystal Shannan, it has more of an erotic paranormal romance  sense then her other books.  I have to say that I truly enjoyed it and thought that it was her best book to date. There is a little bit of everything in this book, different paranormal beings, humans, danger, mystery, people finding  love, and yes steamy sex.


Bailey( Human) lives in a divided futuristic united states where supernatural beings are discriminated against and humans are taught to fear them. Bailey is trying to escape her abusive ex, who is supposed to be a protector of the law but is shady as all get out.

When she finds that he has found her location, she runs and is followed by a djinn with evil intent. She is "saved" by Erick Thorson and brought to Sanctuary. Where a whole of other supernaturals live and humans rarely visit without supervision. Has Bailey found a place where she will be safe and could call home?

As you all know I hate ruining stories, Bailey has a lot of issues due to her abusive ex and refuses to be a slave to anyone ever again. Can she learn to trust Erick and have the strength to stick up for herself when things get rough?

*There are BDSM elements in this book. But I want to say that Krystal does a great job with her characters by allowing Bailey to trust Erick to help her overcome her fears.  I just want to say that this is a fictional book. She has her characters explain that BDSM culture must have consent. Bailey's ex was an evil bastard. That being said, Erick and Bailey have a chemistry that even when shit hits the fan, they still find each other.

Over all this is a great read.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

* I was given a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

ARC Review Seducing the Playboy By Amanda Usen

Description

The best desserts are worth the wait…

Pastry chef Jenna Cooper crushed hard on playboy chef Roman Gallagher when her older brother brought him home to share their family Christmas six years ago. Now she’s old enough to do something about it, and she won’t take no for an answer—for anything. 

Out of the frying pan into the fire…

Roman has one hard and fast rule—don’t sleep where you eat. But he can’t say no to Jenna’s plea for him to help her save her family business. Soon she's working for him, and their scorching chemistry melts Roman’s resistance.

If you can’t stand the heat…

Jenna knows Roman has reservations about enjoying the heat between them, but she’s got a plan. She’s going to keep this sexy man so satisfied in—and out—of the kitchen, he won’t regret a thing. But Roman has his own ideas. He wants more than a few hot nights, and he's going to teach Jenna a lesson about playing with fire.

My Review

What do you get when you add, beach side restaurant, yummy deserts,  a hot chef and a determined pastry chef? You get a sexy and engaging story that will keep you reading and hoping that Jenna and Roman finally hit the sheets and get a happy ever after.

Jenna is stubborn, impulsive, and won't take no for an answer. 

Roman has rules, he learned them from his mother and he never breaks them. Jenna is no longer the little girl and Roman is playing for keeps.

These two have so much push and pull it is sexually frustrating even for the reader... Which I loved.

My heart broke for Jenna and Roman in this story... However I know that Jenna needed to do things by herself and actually grow up. Roman knew that and even when Jenna thought he didn't love her, he was hurting the same as her.

Great story... Loved it.. Would recommend to anyone who loves steamy sex and foodie stories :) 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

*I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review

You can purchase this book from Amazon Barnes & Noble

ARC Review Lizzy by Krystal Shannan

Description 

Keeping secrets is dangerous…and painful. 

The last man who found out Lizzy MacLaughlin’s secret left without so much as a goodbye. Now, utterly in love, Lizzy holds her breath that her six-month relationship with retired army ranger, Ethan Hart, won’t end the same way. 

Life is never perfect…or easy. 

Ethan is head-over-heels in love with Lizzy, and warring schedules make time together precious. Determined to be together without interruptions, they plan a weekend getaway at his lake house –unaware the past Ethan is trying to ignore is coming hell-bent on destroying what Ethan holds most dear. 

Will Lizzy’s secret tear them apart, or will something far worse threaten their very lives? 

My Review

I absolutely loved this book... Lizzy is the fourth and last novella in the MacLaughlin Series. This book personally touched my heart and Dammit Krystal Shannan made me cry as I can relate to Lizzy. 

Lizzy one strong lady and is the only girl of the MacLaughlin Clan which means she is much loved and have those who want to protect her. She has a heart breaking secret and Ethan is the perfect hero for her, in every way. He easily accepts her secret but knows that their could be something else going on with her.

There is so much that happens in this book I have a hard time not spoiling it. Lizzy will invoke every feeling you have, desire, anger, fear, sadness, happiness and love. 

I rate this book 5 out of 5 Genie Lamps

You can purchase Lizzy from Amazon Barnes & Noble

* I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review 

ARC Review Cupid's Heart by Nicole Garcia

Excerpt 

Cupid sat on a cloud looking down on Valentina Hart. He had been watching her for a few years now. He was in love from the first time he laid eyes on her sitting on a park bench. Her long red hair sweeping across her face as the warm summer breeze blew. He knew then she was meant for him. The only problem was that, he was a God and she was a human. The two of them could never be together. 
This wasn’t a law amongst the Gods, it was Cupid’s choice and the number one rule in his book. It was a rule that could never be broken. Humans were frail, mortal, and being in love with one caused too many problematic situations. Sure he could just shoot her with a golden arrow and she would love him. But after his last disastrous mistake for which he never forgave himself, he thought he deserved to be alone for the rest of eternity. 

What happens when the God of Love has lost the will to create romance? Can Valentina give Cupid what he needs to mend his broken heart? 

Warning: Explicit and graphic sex. For adults only 18+ 

My Review 

Cupid's heart is a great quick read. There are solid characters and sub-characters... Valentina and Cupid are destined for each other, even though Cupid has been blaming himself over an event he had no control over for 25 years. He needs to know he is lovable and deserves a HEA.

Throw in Cupid's well meaning but trouble making friends Somnus and Hercules and you get God problems which tend to give the book more of a story.

Valentina and Cupid have some steamy scenes which are hot and they have their doubts about love and each other. Over all I enjoyed this book and look forward to more books from Nicole Garcia. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

* I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. 

ARC Review Harvey by Krystal Shannan

Description
It’s just a game…right? 

Olivia Hampton never thought she’d run into the guy of her dreams at a Gaming Convention, but when Harvey MacLaughlin introduces himself a woman can’t help but notice. He’s six and a half feet of tall-dark-and-yummy. Plus, he's a gamer too. But, how do you tell the man of your dreams you decimate him at Soldier’s Call, the most popular FPS game of the year, almost every night? 

Harvey MacLaughlin was interested in Olivia the second she stepped on the plane. When he sees her again in the convention hotel, introducing himself becomes priority number one. He may have started out just looking for company, but what he finds in the beautiful Olivia Hampton may be more than he ever dreamed. 

Will a secret between them ruin their budding relationship? Or will Harvey take another path and turn the game on her? 

My Review

Love at a Gaming Convention... What a great setting for a romance novella. I really enjoyed this quick read... Olivia is an easily likable heroine who is not only smart but also pretty darn good at gaming, and hoping to get a job promotion.  Harvey meshes well with Olivia, is supportive and hot too boot...they are a gaming couple made in heaven.  The story is full and isn't lacking even though it is a quick read.

This is the third book in the MacLaughlin series and I have to say that Krystal Shannan did it again with her easy writing style and complete plot-line which makes for an enjoyable read. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

* I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review

This book can be purchased from 

ARC Review of Caiden by Krystal Shannan

Description 

Caiden MacLaughlin has lost love once in his life already. He is leery of putting himself out the again, but when he sees the beautiful Lina Mathews his heart does a double take. She seems like a breath of fresh air, but secrets and trouble are following this girl like a bad habit. Will he take a chance and listen to his heart? Or will he cut himself off from another chance at love?

Lina Mathews is running scared. She left her home to avoid a man who's determined to make her life a living hell. When she meets Caiden MacLaughlin, everything changes. Will he be her knight in shining armor, or will her troubles drive him away like everyone else? Can she find safety in his arms before it's too late?

My Review

The is the second Novella in the MacLaughlin Family series, and so far my favorite in the series. I have to say I love Lina we are introduced to her when she has a flat on the side of the road. She is no weak woman either, but we find out she has a reason to be cautious. I love her sass and how Caiden finds it attractive also.

Caiden is a protector and I love that about him, I also love his dogs. Him and Lina heat up the pages from the get go... They belong together.
This Novella is keeps you reading and is well rounded...There is a lot that happens to Lina in this book (warning of violence) but it is written very well written and Krystal covers all corners.  My heart broke on how Lina's father treated Caiden, but everything turns out great in the end.

I can't wait to read more of this series and read the rest of the MacLaughlin's stories. Another quick but complete read from Krystal Shannan.

I rate this book a 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps

* I received a copy of this book from the author in return for my honest review.

You can purchases this book from 

Amazon Barnes & Noble

Review Uniform Desires Anthology

Description

Six New York Times, USA Today and National Bestselling Authors combine their love of hot military romance, weaving tales of super alpha heroes and the women who love them. They love hard. They love intensely, like everything else in life they do. This is intended as a toe-curling, knee-wobbling read not for the faint of heart as we learn about heroes who put their lives on the line every day.

Infatuation by USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder
To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty

SEAL's Honor by award-winning author Elle James
Two Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot.

SEAL the Deal by national bestselling author Sharon Hamilton
A SEAL's nightmare of a promise given at his sister's deathbed gives him the woman of his dreams.

Dangerous Liaison by national bestselling author Delilah Devlin
A pampered travel agent escapes through the jungle with an undercover DEA agent when a drug lord mistakes her for a rival's daughter.

Her Forever Hero by bestselling author JM Madden
When the boss's pregnant, unwed daughter needs rescuing, disabled Marine Grafton Parks proves he's still a hero.

Cinderella Liberty by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson
A weekend liberty leads to unexpected passion between a Marine and his best friend's sister, but he must survive seven months in Afghanistan to get back to her.


My Review
I have to say that I absolutely loved this box set. To me personally there is nothing sexier then a Man in Uniform and this anthology contains a lot of Men in Uniforms. I love all these authors and each of the stories were great reads in their own rights. I read the whole anthology which i will confess took me two days as I had to read in my free time.  There is so much going on in this anthology I honestly believe there is something for everyone in it.  
There is action, romance, steamy sex (which everyone loves), a love triangle, wounded warriors/ disabled veterans, hookups that lead to something more, and  heartbreaks to happy ever afters. The stories in this anthology will make you feel so many different emotions and that is the essence of a great read. Even if you just buy it for one of the authors you will happy with your purchase, as it is only 0.99 cents which is a steal for these authors and their writing.  

I rate this Anthology 5 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

*I received this from JM Madden in return for my honest opinion

You can purchase this Anthology at the following Amazon  Nov 11th, 2013 it is  available for preorder

ARC Review Waking Sarah by Krystal Shannan

Description 
Council threats and Renata’s deadly attack leave the Vegas pack scrambling to regroup… 

Heartbroken over the death of her fiancé and tortured by a voice in her mind that’s haunted her since childhood, Sarah McLain learns her true ancestry after attending her best friend Margaret’s wedding. Can the pack save Sarah from the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her? Or will the wolf inside drive her over the edge before they can show her being a supernatural being is a good thing? 

Chris Michaels is in charge of training the new latent werewolves at the O’Hearn mountain inn, now known as Woodhaven. His focus is tested when he finds out the beautiful but sad redhead, Sarah McLain, is his trainee. The connection he feels to her is strong but not magickal, and his wolf claims it foolish to listen to his human instincts. Can Chris heal her broken heart in time, or will he lose the woman he knows is perfect for him. 

My Review

This is the third book in the Vegas Mates series. I find this series more and more in depth and interesting with each book. I am loving this series

This book is about Sarah McLain and we found out that she is part wolf and not just a wolf from any line but of the royal line. It seems like everyone knew but her (poor thing), not only is she healing from a broken heart but doesn't think she is going crazy. 

Enter Chis Michaels who brings Sarah back from the edge in more way then one. When he is not pissing her off over "hiding" things he is making her feel safe and makes her see there are somethings worth living for. 

I hate spoiling stories and this one would be so easy for me to because I truly love the story line of the series and the characters. 

There are some new characters which add to the storyline, we find out more about the council and what evil Renata is up to in this book but it leaves you  with more questions and Krystal leaves you with a cliffhanger and leaving you wanting more. 

By the way she is really good at that and I love and hate her for it cause I want to know what happens next... Guess i just have to wait till the next book.  I hate waiting. 

* I received and ARC of this book for my honest opinion. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

You can buy this book from Amazon Barnes & Noble