Fierce Salon by Aspen Drake

I was lucky enough to come across author Aspen Drake and her serial series Fierce Salon. I was HOOKED from the first book and loved all three seasons. I hope you will give them a try and get caught up in this wonderful series too!

Fierce Salon

Wash (Season One) **FREE**

Amazon: Episode One, Episode Two, Episode Three, Episode Four, Episode Five, WASH

iTunes: Episode One, Episode Two, Episode Three, Episode Four, Episode Five, WASH

Fierce Salon Season One: Wash includes episodes 1-5. 
When Nate Edwards left his drug addicted ex and his modeling career, he followed his other passion and opened up Fierce Salon. He's a player in every sense of the word but never steps over the line of professionalism when it comes to his staff. They are the only women off limits to him. 

Amy loses her job and her boyfriend on the same morning when her salon shuts down unexpectedly and she catches her boyfriend cyber cheating. When she runs into an old friend working at an upscale salon, Amy’s desperate situation begins to look up. 

It takes some convincing, but she lands her dream job and gets to spend her days looking at the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. If only he was willing to break his golden rule and see her as more than just an employee. 

Rinse (Season Two)

Amazon: Episode Six, Episode Seven, Episode Eight, Episode Nine, Episode Ten, RINSE

iTunes: Episode Six, Episode Seven, Episode Eight, Episode Nine, Episode Ten, RINSE

Fierce Salon Season 2: Rinse includes episodes 6-10. 

Nate and Amy stop trying to deny their attraction to each other. Once they give in to their desires, everything is wonderful...until Nate's ex shows up with a three-year-old in tow. 

Carly meets not one man but two and has to make a decision she never thought she'd be faced with. Choosing one hot man over another. Although, if the hints she's getting are sincere, she may not have to choose at all. 

Andre and Frankie are getting to know each other but agree to take it slow when Andre admits just how inexperienced with men he really is. 

Olivia continues to struggle with cutting out nicotine, but her new vice proves to be much more hazardous to her health. After driving away the one man she thought she could spend the rest of her life with, she falls prey to a dangerous stranger. 

**Content Warning: There is a rape scene at the end of episode ten.** 

Repeat (Season Three)

Amazon: Episode Eleven, Episode Twelve, Episode Thirteen, Episode Fourteen, Episode Fifteen, REPEAT

iTunes: Episode Eleven, Episode Twelve, Episode Thirteen, Episode Fourteen, Episode Fifteen, REPEAT

Fierce Salon Season Three: Repeat includes episodes 11 - 15. 

Follow the dramatic conclusion as more secrets are revealed. Hearts will be broken and relationships will change forever as the stylists at Fierce Salon discover what they really need in order to find love, acceptance, and most importantly, happiness. 

Carly's story will continue in Creamy's Bakery: Knead. 

Audio Books

Audible iTunes Amazon ($1.99)

Audible iTunes Amazon

For updates about new episodes and opportunities for free books, please join Aspen's mailing list at: http://www.aspendrake.com.

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2015 Top Read Book Review - Dark Bishop by Casey L Bond and Rachael Brownell

One of my favorites from 2015!

Dark Bishop

By Casey L Bond and Rachael Brownell

A dangerous game has begun….

“Sydney, order up for table two!”
Who knew the road to Hollywood would be so glamorous. I’ve been working in this diner for months. My feet hurt. My arms ache. But slowly, I’m putting money away. I’ll get to California. I refuse to wind up like my mother.
Head down. Work hard. Save money. It’s all going according to plan, until Jake Bishop walks into the diner…

In his game, everyone’s a pawn…

“Can I get you anything else, gentlemen?” she asked with a smile.
I had to touch her. I had to have her. Girls like Sydney are rare. And I will make her mine—whatever the cost. No one will get in my way.

…and he’s never lost a game.

My Take

When I started reading this book, I didn't quite know where it was going to take me. With a title like Dark Bishop, I knew it would have some good twists and turns. What I didn't know is how much this book would impact me. It was an amazing read that kept me going until the end.

Sydney is your average girl, who unfortunately is very relateable. Living paycheck to paycheck and trying to better herself, she's easily swept up in a new romance with gorgeous and wealthy Jake Bishop. 

Jake, on the other hand, is not your typical guy. He's hiding many secrets and loves to play games with unsuspecting women. Unfortunately for Sydney, she's become the new pawn in his crazy game. 

The end of this book had me saying "What the f*#!" It's a crazy thrill ride that has me hoping the authors will come up with a sequel! (Hint Hint ladies!)

If you like your romance novels with a bit of thrill and darkness, Dark Bishop is a sure fire hit. It will leave you gasping through the last page. 

Get Your Copy

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Excerpt

Sydney. Her skin felt as soft as it looked. I shouldn’t have touched her, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been to New Orleans dozens upon dozens of times. It’s a unique city, filled with tourists and superstition. And until tonight, I’d never been superstitious. 

An old fortuneteller freak stopped me on my way to the shit-hole diner and said I would make a decision that would change my path. She didn’t know that I’d walked the path to this very restaurant before. It had been a few years.

Who knew that the decision to return would be blessed with a beauty—five foot six with curves in all the right mouth-watering places. Clothed in cheap polyester, stained with God knows what, Sydney was a fucking vision.

Blonde hair to her waist. Big brown doe eyes. Tits that were way more than a fucking mouth full. I could almost taste her.

I didn’t miss the rumble of her stomach when I asked her to dine with us. She was hungry. Something that flashed in those eyes told me it wasn’t because she just skipped lunch today. Maybe I could meet some of her needs. Fuck that. I could definitely meet all of her needs, but it was up to her to let me. So, I left her my business card, my number.

Girls like Sydney. They’re afraid. They never make the first move. Most never even make the second. I doubted she would call. I’d tipped her well, not because she was the best waitress I’d ever had, not even because she was within my sites. I tipped her so that when I came back to the diner, she would remember me. She would want to serve me.

And, oh, would she ever serve me. I just had to play my cards right. 

About the Authors

Me, Casey L. Bond, and my sister Kelly at UtopYA2015

Award-winning author Casey Bond resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. They have two fur-babies, a cat named Nefertiti and an enormous puppy named Benson. Casey loves to read almost as much as she enjoys writing young adult and new adult fiction. Dystopian is her favorite, but all of her works include a romantic element.

She is the author of the following new adult books: The Sin Series, winner of the 2015 Utopia Award for Best Serial Series, Devil Creek, Shady Bay, Crazy Love and co-author of The Dark Bishop Serial Series.

Her young adult books include the award-winning Harvest Saga (Reap/ Best World Building award in 2014 from IABB), Catalyst, Pariah and Winter Shadows. 

Connect with the Author

Author Website
Amazon Page
Facebook Page
Twitter
Goodreads

Rachael Brownell is the author of both YA and NA Romance.

Rachael is a midwest girl (yes, they say she has an accent but no, she doesn't hear it) who loves to create amazing stories that tug at your heart strings with book boyfriends that you wish were real. She keeps her storylines realistic - either she's heard about it happening to someone or feels that it could happen in real life. She also likes her characters to be relatable so she tries to give them at least one characteristic that is similar to someone she knows.

Connect with the Author

Author Blog

Amazon Page

Facebook

Twitter

Giveaway

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Book Review - "The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 1 - 3" by Misty Provencher

If you're snowed in (or have any excuse to read... and let's face it, we can come up with any excuse to read) the perfect adventure series to read is Misty Provencher's The Dimension Thieves. I hope you'll check it out and don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

Book Overview

Antythera is the new Earth. Why? Because that’s what President Baro, ruler of the planet, wants to call it. And if you don’t agree, the President will have you Droned. The world has become a much smaller place since the lower and middle classes have been converted to mindless servants. Free will, granted only to the elite, is in jeopardy of complete extinction. But Force Steele, son to one of the President’s highest ranking advisors, can’t live under the thumb of his controlling father, or the President, any longer. Force has dedicated himself to eradicating Droning, but when the President orders the Antidote Gear destroyed—the part of the machine that could free the drones by reversing the program that controls them—all is lost. Lacking necessary materials, there is literally no way in Force’s world to replace the one-of-a-kind gear. Force’s only choice is to partner with shifty mechanic, Calerbius Brown, and embark on a risky mission that will take Force and his rag-tag crew across the lateral dimensions, where they must often steal materials—even from themselves—in order to fix their own dwindling world.

My Take

Wow! This is an amazing tale that had me turning pages quickly to find out what was going to happen next. This is such a unique take on a dystopian society and I absolutely love it. I'm a huge fan of cliffhangers and each book leaves me with the perfect ending to leave me ready for more.

Force Steele is the son of one of President Baro's most trusted advisers. Acting against his father, he sets out to find an end to the Droning that has affected his love interest. He teams up Calerbius and the embark on a dimension ship to find the missing pieces scattered across the various dimensions that they need to rebuild the machine that has Droned most of their world. 

Misty Provencher's imagination knows no bounds in these excellent tales. Each story builds and continues where the previous ended. The episode approach allows you to read a chunk of the story one piece at a time, much like watching a weekly television show. While my blog illustrates the the bundle of books 1 - 3, they are available for purchase individually (See Links Below). 

If you're a fan of a little sci-fi mixed with your romance, this is a wonderful series and I highly recommend it!

I give this series:

Here is how you can get your copies!

Episode 1 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 2 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 3 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 1 - 3 Bundle - Amazon | B&N

Episode 4 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 5 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 6 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 4 - 6 Bundle - Amazon | B&N

Episode 7 - Amazon | B&N

Episode 8 - Amazon | B&N

About the Author

Misty Provencher is a prolific author, long-term wife and mama. The second two are a bit more recent, but Provencher's writing roots date back to the hieroglyphics she left in her mother's womb.

While Provencher can ride a motorcycle, knows how to Karate chop, and has learned enough French, Spanish, and Sign Language to get herself slapped, Misty's life is dedicated to connecting with, and understanding, the people who cross her path. She is totally enchanted with them and spends her days trying to translate the soul bouquets of her everyday muses into words.

Misty writes for teens and young adults and full-fledged adults.  Her genres include: fantasy, paranormal, Sci-Fi, contemporary romance, and erotica.  There is a little something for everyone to enjoy with intricate plots and fascinating characters, and always, always, exciting twists that will surprise and delight readers.

She lives in the Mitten. Knock on her internet blog door at mistyprovencherauthor.com.  Also at: Misty Provencher's Books on Facebook, mistyprovencher on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Tsu, G+, and wherever coffee is sold.  

Connect with the Author

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Amazon Page

Twitter

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Book Review "Something Great" by M. Clarke

Book Overview

She didn't know what she was missing...until he found her.


Maxwell Knight was dangerously good-looking, seductively charming, and definitely
trouble. He was everything Jeanella Mefferd did NOT need now.
Fresh out of college, life was predictable and comfortable for Jeanella. She had the
strength of her friends, the security of her job, and she was dating a reliable
man; it was all smooth sailing. That was until one night, when she met someone
who made her feel things she'd never felt before--dangerous, heart pounding,
breathless heat. Never imagining she would see him again, Jeanella has no idea what to do when fate steps in and thrusts Maxwell Knight into her life, just as things were
beginning to change around her. When she lands her dream job and travels to New
York for Fashion Week, can she focus on her career instead of on Maxwell?
Will she ignore all the danger signs and jump straight into his arms; or would she
miss out on the chance of finding something great?

* This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

My Take

**I received a free audio book copy of this book for an honest review. 

This was such a fun story. And listening to it via Audible was even better. Jenna and Max provided some awesome flirty moments throughout the story and the romance between the two of them fell into a good rhythm throughout the book as the story unfolded. 

After college, Jenna starts a new job and finds herself front and center of a job she never thought she would have. Little does she know, her new boss is the man she met earlier who caused her to have feelings she didn't know she could have. The fun of the romance kicks off and I kept routing for the two of them to finally come to terms with each other. But, as with all great tales, we have to have something that gets in the way! 

Needless to say, the story line was fun and kept me trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Full of fun and lots of heat, M. Clarke has truly written Something Great. 

I give this book: 

Get your copy today for FREE from Amazon here.

Other books in the series:

Amazon 

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

About the Author

International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

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Author Page
Goodreads
Facebook 
Twitter
Amazon Page

Giveaway

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Book Review - "Fractured Karma" by Nancy Straight

When I thought about this month's topic, I immediately thought of my favorite author, Nancy Straight! Because of Nancy and her first book, Meeting Destiny, I was introduced to a whole world of indie authors with so many wonderful stories to tell. Now, while I love all her books (especially Blood Debt!) I fell in love with her newest work, Fractured Karma. If you haven't read it yet, I hope I can introduce you to it here and that you'll give the Brewer Brothers series a try!

Book Overview

Mark believes he is alone in the world. Rejected by his parents as a child, he spent his childhood bouncing from one foster home to another. The loss of his beloved little brother, Davey, makes him believe he has nothing left to live for. Mark finds himself on a destructive path after agreeing to help a person from his childhood. 

A wager made by two strangers sets a chain of events in motion: Mark finds the one person he believed he had lost forever, while he desperately tries to get out of the life he has made for himself. Never having allowed himself to get close to anyone, he can’t understand the connection he has to Libby. Can Mark escape the life he set in motion seven years ago and allow Libby into his life, or is his karma fractured permanently?

My Take

What can I say about this book? It's unlike the other books in Nancy's series and yet she doesn't stray from her ability to weave a story with such passion that you find yourself (literally) laughing out loud and crying throughout the narration.

Fractured Karma is the tale of Mark Brewer. We met him and his brother Dave in book one, His Frozen Heart. Unlike Nancy's other tales where a female lead tells the story, Nancy provides the story from Mark's perspective. This makes for a very good read and interesting tale. I certainly don't want to spoil anything, as many of my friend's curiosity was peeked in the first book while wondering what the story was behind the mysterious Mark. Needless to say, I do not think fans will be disappointed. As I read through the tale, I could not help but feel a real connection with Mark's character. His back story and struggles are compelling and emotional. I think many readers who have been guessing will be surprised when they learn his story.

I'm a huge fan of Nancy Straight's work and have one or two favorites in her portfolio that I absolutely love; however, Fractured Karma has quickly swooped in and taken the lead as my all time favorite. Mystery, romance, adventure, and suspense make for one fun ride and Nancy has found the perfect formula to blend it all together. 

I give this book:

Get your copy today and start your adventure! And if you haven't read His Frozen Heart yet, start with it first and learn about Dave (books should be read in order).

His Frozen Heart (#Free eBook on Amazon November 5 - 9, 2015)

Amazon (Kindle, Paperback, Audio Book)

Barnes & Noble (Paperback)

Fractured Karma

Amazon (Kindle, Paperback)

Audible (Audio Book)

Barnes & Noble (Paperback)

About the Author

Nancy Straight, Me, and my sister Kelly at UtopYA2015

Nancy Straight is an author of impossible love stories, but doesn't every great love story sound impossible until you experience it? Nancy grew up in Iowa. She spent ten years traveling the world with the US Marine Corps, and settled in rural South Carolina with her family. She has a undergraduate degree in education and an advanced degree in management, but her true passion lies in surprising readers with her unpredictable plot twists.

Connect with the Author

Author Page

Goodreads

Facebook 

Twitter

Amazon Page

Giveaway

This giveaway is open to US and International fans! Two winners will be selected. One winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. A second winner will receive an audible credit for His Frozen Heart and Fractured Karma (one code for each). 

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Filed under: Blog Hop, Book Review, Brewer Brothers, Favorite Author, Fractured Karma, Giveaway, His Frozen Heart, Nancy Straight