The Phoenix Candidate by Heidi Joy Tretheway ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

I read the first and second books in the Grace Colton series for the tour for The Phoenix Campaign in April, so today I am bringing you the review for The Phoenix Candidate, book 1 in the series. I also have some delicious swoons from Jared!!

Title: The Phoenix Candidate

Author: Heidi Joy Tretheway

Series: Grace Colton #1

Genre: Adult Erotic Romance

Published: January 12th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

Fans of Scandal, House of Cards, and The Good Wife will love Grace Colton...

U.S. Congresswoman Grace Colton is the most famous woman in politics—and the loneliest—until a drawling, sexy stranger offers her one night: no strings and no regrets. And it rocks her world.

Grace wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call. The dark horse for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover, is considering her as his vice presidential running mate.

Before she can be selected, Grace must be vetted and coached by Shep’s political consultant, Jared Rankin, who already knows too many intimate details about her. He’s Mr. One-Night Stand.

Grace is torn: play nice with Jared to join the senator’s ticket, or play hardball and back the slick frontrunner? As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Grace must decide where her loyalties lie and if she can trust Jared with her future—and her heart.

The Phoenix Candidate is an adult erotic romance recommended for mature readers.

For a girl that lives in Australia and knows nothing about politics, I absolutely loved this book! Heidi Joy Tretheway has done a remarkable job tying together the past, politics and passion, to create this addictive read that I want more of it NOW!!

Grace was a character I liked immediately! When I first met her, she was in a sizzling situation outside of her comfort zone, but was willing to see it through. I was soon thrown into the world of American Politics and learning more about Grace as her past is unearthed and she is pursued for the job of her dreams. She is the type of person who is passionate about her beliefs and is willing to stand up for herself.

Jared is quite the mysterious guy. I was unsure of what his intentions were in the beginning, but it soon becomes apparent that he is there for something more. He has a lot of secrets and he slowly lets down some walls and I was able to understand why he was so closed off.

The sparks between Grace and Jared are scorching!! They are completely drawn to each other, body and soul. There are some hiccups along the way and they both need to take ‘one fucking minute’ to think things through. I loved seeing them together and have my fingers crossed that they see it through to the end together.

There were a few interesting side characters introduced in this book. I loved Trey, Grace’s assistant he is able to manage her schedule and is basically her family along with his mother Mama Bea. Aaron and Lauren Darrow are a manipulative pair. And then there is her friend Shep Conover, the guy in her corner, willing to support her in any decision she wants to make. All these characters add great depth, support or twists to the storyline.

This is the first book in Heidi Joy Tretheway’s Grace Colton series, and I am completely addicted to it! The characters are head strong, fiery and determined to succeed. They have had difficult pasts that have shaped them into the people they are today. Heidi has a writing style that sweeps you away quickly and you immerse yourself in the political world she created. I am excited to get into the next book, The Phoenix Campaign, to see what happens next for them.

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

“Look, I, ah, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea. I’m not looking for company—”
“I am.” Jared’s gaze is searching. “Grace, you’re a beautiful woman. You can do whatever you choose, but here’s what I’m offering: No stories. No strings. And no regrets in the morning.”

Kindle Arc Loc 107

“Take off the dress.”
“Here?”
“Now.” His tone leaves no room for argument, but it gets my hackles up. I hate being told what to do. “Slowly.”

Kindle Arc Loc 137

Hosted by YA Bound

Heidi Joy is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, chefs, and detectives, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her eighth book from her home in Portland, Oregon. She adores hearing from readers at author.heidi@gmail.com.

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Other reviews featuring Heidi Joy Tretheway

Grace Colton series

The Phoenix Campaign #2

Tattoo Thief series

Tattoo Thief #1

Tyler and Stella #2

Revenge Bound #3

Crave by Jennifer Dawson ~ Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the What Do You #Crave tour! This was quite the intense read and I enjoyed every moment of being in this world. Check out mu thoughts and enter the giveaways below!!

Title: Crave

Author: Jennifer Dawson

Series: Undone #1

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published: June 1st 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N| iTunes | Kobo

I vow. I crave. I give in.

I used to be a nice, normal girl. I had dreams. Good, happy dreams of a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a fairytale love that lasts forever. Nobody ever warned me that sometimes, the prince dies three weeks before the wedding.

Like any addict, I swear this time is the last….

Now, I go through my days, a shadow of my former self. I pretend I’m okay, and the people in my life pretend to believe me. But, sometimes, when I can no longer stand the craving, I roam an underground sex club looking for my next hit. It’s dirty and wrong, but I can’t stop, and my only line of defense between them and me, is the rules I’ve designed to keep me safe. The men always abide by my rules. Until I meet him.

And, like any addict, I’m wrong.

I don’t question the instincts that tell me to run. One look at him, standing there, power radiating off him in waves, tells me all I need to know. He will make me crave those happy dreams I’ve left behind. And that is not an option.

When I picked up Crave, I expected my emotions to be affected, but I didn’t expect to feel the utter devastation and loss that Layla had to deal with and in doing so, she never recovered. It was a heartbreaking and eye opening read, and I am glad that I was able to see Layla rebuild and recover from the event that shattered her life.

Layla is a shell of the person that she once was and I slowly learned pieces of what happened the night her fiancé was torn from her life. She is struggling to move on and is unable to satisfy her cravings when she visits the sex club. When she locks eyes with Michael, she knows that he is the one she has been looking for, and even though she wants him, she is afraid to let him in.

Michael is the dominant type and I could see that he wanted Layla and knows what she needs. He pushed Layla to do things outside of her comfort zone, but he was gentle in doing so. Just simple things like going on a date and having conversations were hard for her after being alone for so long. I really liked his gentle side, and Michael slowly coaxed details from Layla and slowly she was able to relax.

Layla and Michael’s relationship grew throughout the story, despite Layla’s hesitations. She was not ready to let go of her fiancé and tried everything to keep Michael away. At times she would fight with Michael and she frustrated me with her arguments, but he was patient and just waited for her to make her own decisions. However, once Michael and Layla took the next step, the sex was intense and there was no doubt about who was in charge! It wasn’t conventional in any way and exactly what Layla needed.

Crave is the first book in Jennifer Dawson’s new Undone series and I think she has done a beautiful job writing this book and piecing all the difficult elements together. The characters have flaws and struggle with their emotions, and they both have great family support around them. There were a few secondary characters that we met that I am keen to see more of, especially Jillian and Leo. Crave is an intense and touches on the world of BDSM, so if you like that kind of read snap this beauty up, you will not be disappointed!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

Chapter One Excerpt:

Eleven P.M.

Two months. Five days. Twenty-one hours.

It’s my new record although I have no sense of accomplishment. No, I’m resigned as I walk down the dark, deserted alley. The heels of my knee-high, black patent boots click against the cracked concrete in echo of my defeat. The distant sounds of the bass thuds in my ears in time to the heavy beat of my heart.

My own personal staccato of failure.

I’m not sure why it’s always a surprise. Maybe because, at first, my conviction is so strong. By now my pattern is long and established—I vow, I crave, I give in.

Rinse. Repeat.

But, like any good addict, I always swear this time is the last.

Of course, I try. My therapist has given me “management tools” to get me through the hard times, and like a good patient, I follow her instructions to a tee—I meditate, do yoga, and write all my crappy feelings in the journal she insists I keep.

Only, it’s backfired and become part of the ritual. When the cycle starts, it’s a matter of time before I end up here.

I’m sure when John brought me to this underground club the first time, he’d never envisioned I’d be back on my own, wandering through the crowds, looking for my next fix. The club reminds me of him, and I wish I could go somewhere else so I wouldn’t be confronted with my betrayal, but I don’t have a choice. There aren’t ads for places like this. Or maybe there are and I don’t know where to look.

Swift and sudden, anger clogs my throat, and for a split second I hate him for changing me so irrevocably, and leaving me so permanently. Fast on the heels of anger, the guilt wells, so powerful it brings a sting of tears to my eyes. In the pockets of my black trench coat, my nails dig crescents into my palms.

I push away the emotions. Exhaling harshly, my breath fogs the air as I spot a hint of the red door that signals both my refuge and my hell. I hear the muffled hum of music that will crescendo once I’m inside to pump through me like a heartbeat.

My pace quickens along with my pulse.

As much as I hate giving in, I can’t deny my relief. Once I step through that door, I don’t have to pretend. I don’t have to be normal.

The tension, riding me all day, distracting me in meetings, making me wander off in the middle of conversations, ebbs. A twisted excitement slicks my thighs as the bare skin under my skirt tingles.

I haven’t bothered with panties. It makes things easier, quicker. Less about getting off and more about taking care of business.

I have on my usual club fare: short, black pleated skirt that leaves a stretch of thigh before my stockings start. A sheer, white silk blouse that’s unbuttoned low enough to show the lace of my red demi-bra. My lips are slicked with crimson and my dark chestnut hair is a tumble of shiny waves down my back.

My outfit is carefully orchestrated. I leave as little to chance as possible.

No leather or latex. I’m not into bondage. Chains and rope do nothing but leave me cold. Once upon a time I loved to be restrained by fingers wrapped tight around my wrists, digging into my skin, but now I can’t handle even a hint of being bound.

I reveal plenty of smooth ivory skin, my clue to guys into body modification or knife play to stay away. I like fear, but not that kind. I want my bruises and scars hidden away, not worn like a badge of honor for the world to see.

My wrists and neck are free of jewelry so the Masters don’t confuse me with a slave girl. I tried that scene once, thinking all their hard play and intense scenes would focus my restless energy and make me forget, but there is no longer anything submissive about me.

I don’t want to obey. I want to fight.

Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from

DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog.

Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history.

These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter

Website / Amazon page

1 US Winner will receive gift basket that contains a signed copy of CRAVE
Prize package contains:

Decorative reusable storage trunk
Signed copy of CRAVE
$25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
4 Premium Chocolate Truffles
Argan Oil Sugar Scrub w/shower scrunchie
Pink & black Pillar Candle
Black & Pink Chalk Board Flower Pot
Hanging chalk board
Candle Holder with pink sparkly battery votive

Entry -Form

3 INT/US winners will receive an e-Copy of CRAVE

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Waiting On Wednesday # 144 – Every Last Breath / Ruin & Rule

I can finally read the Dark Elements series now that all the books are out! I have heard how good it is and keen to read until the end!

Pepper Winters' new MC series caught my eye too!

Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements, #3)

Title: Every Last Breath

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Dark Elements #3

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Expected Publication: July 28th 2015

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

Title: Ruin & Rule

Author: Pepper Winters

Series: Pure Corruption MC #1

Genre: Dark Romance

Expected Publication: July 7th 2015

"We met in a nightmare. The in-between world where time had no power over reason. We fell in love. We fell hard. But then we woke up. And it was over . . ."

RUIN & RULE

She is a woman divided. Her past, present, and future are as twisted as the lies she's lived for the past eight years. Desperate to get the truth, she must turn to the one man who may also be her greatest enemy . . .

He is the president of Pure Corruption MC. A heartless biker and retribution-deliverer. He accepts no rules, obeys no one, and lives only to reap revenge on those who wronged him. And now he has stolen her, body and soul.

Can a woman plagued by mystery fall in love with the man who refuses to face the truth? And can a man drenched in darkness forgo his quest for vengeance-and finally find redemption?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight upcoming releases that I’m eagerly anticipating.

No More Black Magic by A.L. Kessler ~ Review, Giveaway & Teaser Tuesday

A.L. Kessler has a new series, and I want you all to get onto this one! It is an Urban Fantasy, with a lot of fun characters!!

Title: No More Black Magic

Author: A.L. Kessler

Series: Here Witchy Witchy #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Expected Publication: June 16th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

Explosions, body parts, and black magic are all part of Abby Collins’ typical day. As the top Paranormal Investigation Bureau agent, she only gets the best cases, but when the Cult of Ra comes to play she might in be over her head. Finding a murderer while up against a hex, an overprotective coven, and a stubborn werewolf reminds her that nothing in the paranormal world is easy. As the death toll rises and a decades old crime, linked to Abby, is uncovered, disturbing information is brought to light. Abby must unlock an ancient language steeped in black magic to uncover the truth before the murderer comes for her.

A new Urban Fantasy read… and from an author I adore, YES PLEASE!! Picking up No More Black Magic was like a breath of fresh air for me, because I needed something to get me out of the contemporary streak I have been on. I will tell you it is a fast paced read, with plenty of action featuring a very determined and extremely busy female lead.

Abby is the kind of heroine I love in an Urban Fantasy. She is a very strong witch, and is a take charge kind of girl that likes to do things her own way. She works for the PIB (Paranormal Investigation Bureau) but also does jobs for her Vampire guardian, Levi. She is quickly thrown into a murder investigation and her leads take her in all directions.

The murder/mystery elements of this story were what kept me hooked. Abby would chase up every lead, and would find herself in danger constantly. Pursuing a rogue vampire, meeting with the local pack and stopping a cult of witches are just the tip of the iceberg! She would use any tool at her disposal as well: her sword, gun or her personal magic.

There were so many side characters introduced and each had their own influence in Abby’s life. Some proved where their loyalty lay, where as others are a little bit suspicious and I’m looking forward to getting more details on them in future books. I can see a couple of possible love interests for Abby too… so I am looking forward to more of that.

This was a fabulous start to this new series! I found myself eagerly flicking the pages to see what kind of trouble Abby would find herself in next. I liked how it was written in the first person’s perspective because I always seem to connect to characters easier when a book is written that way. I loved how fast paced the book was and I’m keen for the next book asap!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

“Step out of the room, if you hear me scream or fall or something, come back in.”
“Why out of the room?”
I licked my lips. “In case it explodes.”
“Is that a possibility?” He asked, all humor drained from his voice.
I looked at the paper, not touching it yet. “Yes, but these aren’t the same runes, so I don’t expect it. If it makes you feel better, just stand outside the doorway.”
“I think that might be a better option for us here.”

Kindle Arc Loc 277

Hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm

A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance, urban fantasy and steampunk author residing in Colorado Springs. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, training two hyper dogs, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles.

Facebook / DWC Fan Page / Website / Goodreads

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Other reviews featuring A.L. Kessler

Dark War Chronicles series

In The Light Of the Moon #1

Dance in the Moonlight #2

On Torn Wings #3

Past Demons #4

Standalone read

Midnight Symphony

Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh ~ Review & Quote-tastic

This was an amazing book first book in the Torn Hearts series! Amber to Ashes sucked me in and left me wanting the next book now! It is released today... go get it now!!

Title: Amber to Ashes

Author: Gail McHugh

Series: Torn Hearts #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 9th 2015

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

From the New York Times bestselling author of Collide and Pulse comes a gritty new novel about a shattered young woman who unexpectedly falls for two best friends as she struggles to overcome the trauma of her tormented childhood.

They were a storm I never saw coming, an unforeseen heartbreak on the edge of a dangerous cliff.

Amber Moretti's life changes in the span of minutes. An orphaned outsider, she is desperate to start fresh the moment she walks onto campus. In the time it takes to cross the university’s dining hall, she meets two men who bring color, air, and light to her darkened world.

They became my addiction, each a needle to my next hit, my high.

Brock Cunningham’s appeal is dizzying, a potent force Amber can’t deny. A green-eyed smooth talker, he instantly attracts Amber. It doesn’t take long for him to consume her every thought, her every breath.

Ryder Ashcroft, a blue-eyed, tattooed, and pierced bad boy, turns Amber off immediately—that is, until he kisses her, stealing a piece of her heart, her soul.

They were as opposite as fire and ice, yet I ached for them equally.

Never knowing she could be broken down in so many unexpectedly beautiful yet petrifying ways, Amber finds herself falling for both men.

Immoral? Maybe. I say undeniable. Uncontained.

But one event changes everything, shattering each of their lives…and Amber isn’t sure she can come back from it.

This book totally took me by surprise and I loved every moment of reading it! I found it so hard to put the book down, wanting to get back to it to keep reading. I was pulled into this amazing and complex world, getting to know Ryder and Brock through Amber’s eyes and understanding how each of them have a piece of her heart.

Ryder oozes that bad boy persona: he’s covered in tats, is extremely confident and sure of himself. His first encounter with Amber is quite entertaining and I cracked up laughing at the slap and what happened next! I liked him more each time I met him and saw that he was not afraid to go after what he wanted. He opened up to Amber more than anyone before and I was able to see his vulnerable side.

Brock seemed like the perfect guy; he was sweet, honest and wants to do everything he can to win Amber over. But after a while I saw that he was more than the nice boy he portrays. He has a dark issue in his past that has set him on the path he is on, and he’s dealing in something that affected Amber in her past. He treats Amber so well and I loved how he was able to get her to open up and relax around him.

Amber, well she began a little reserved. She’s in college to make a better life for herself after her tragic and sad start to life. She is quickly thrown into the lives of these two best friends and finds herself attracted to both of them. She is quick to buckle under pressure in some circumstances, when I wanted her to voice her feelings. But there were other times where she spoke what she felt and never backed down! It was great to see her put these dominant men in their places.

I loved watching the relationships between all of the characters develop. The passion between them was undeniable and sex scenes in this story were scorching hot. Amber bought out the softer sides in these guys and they all found love in one another that they have not experienced before.

Gail McHugh has created a dark and gritty world that I was easily swept away in. The characters are broken in their own ways and do what they can to live their difficult lives. There are many elements that can unsettle readers, delving into the world of drugs, money and death, but I found it intriguing and could not get enough. Along with Amber’s perspective, there are a few chapters that we get from Brock and Ryder’s POV too, so know that the relationships in this book are not so black and white. The ending though… be warned! You will be on the edge of your seat and demanding the next book now!

Complimentary copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia in exchange for an honest review.

"I don't know how you did it, but you did," he says into my ear, his voice soft, sincere. "I know telling you this in the middle of rush hour traffic isn't cool or romantic, but I love you. I love you something ﬁerce, and it scares the fuck out of me, but I couldn't keep it in any longer. I don't expect you to say it back, or even feel the same way about me, but I wasn't about to let another day go by without letting you know that I love you, Amber Moretti."

Paperback Arc Pg 220

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

A self-proclaimed chocoholic, married mother of three, and a lover of writing for as far back as she can remember, Gail McHugh is the author of two New York Times bestselling novels. The COLLIDE series, which includes COLLIDE and PULSE, was acquired by Atria Books on September 17th, 2013.

“The first of two sexy contemporary romances about a woman torn between her seemingly perfect boyfriend and a dark, mysterious stranger who will stop at nothing to have her.” – Publishers Weekly on COLLIDE, a Top 10 Romance pick!

Gail’s next novel, also publishing through Atria Books, AMBER TO ASHES: Part One in the Torn Heart Series, is slated to release June 9th, 2015.

You can follow Gail on the below social media sites:

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Email

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up 140

This week has been pretty quiet. The blog is up-to-date, I have read a few great reads (AMBER TO ASHES *wink*) and checked out my favourite peeps around the blogosphere.

Things are running smoothly on the family front. Kids are busy at school, hubby has been all over for work and our weekends are busy with sport. We have a long weekend coming up, so I am looking forward to spending that extra day relaxing with them all.

Rome by Jay Crownover ~ Review & Quote-tastic

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday #143 ~ Ink and Bone / Manwhore +1

Forever A Jett Girl by Meghan Quinn ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Beyond the Cut by Sarah Castille ~ Blitz & Giveaway

Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh ~ Review & Quote-tastic

No More Black Magic by A.L. Kessler ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday

Crave by Jennifer Dawson ~ Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

The Phoenix Candidate by Heidi Joy Tretheway ~ Review & Swoon Thursday

Schooled by Piper Lawson ~ Blitz

Stalker by Clarissa Wild

Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.