Blog Tour: SUGAR DADDY by Sawyer Bennett

Sugar Daddy 

by Sawyer Bennett

Sugar Bowl, Book #1

Release Date: May 24, 2016 

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 naïve, 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. 

Note: Sugar Daddy ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story continues in Sugar Rush and Sugar Free! 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25573737-sugar-daddy 

Purchase Sugar Daddy: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Rb6cft B&N: http://bit.ly/1SSoRj4 iBooks: http://apple.co/1RevoHk Google Play: http://bit.ly/1M7yRzz Kobo: http://bit.ly/222C52P 

Pre-Order the remaining Sugar Bowl books now! Sugar Rush (releasing 8/2/16): Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WFjBo2 B&N: http://bit.ly/1RkH9vQ iBooks: http://apple.co/1QpjxG2 Google Play: http://bit.ly/1O5wYuy Kobo: http://bit.ly/1P3Ai6s 

Sugar Free (releasing 10/11/16): Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Rb6Auc B&N: http://bit.ly/1TuReY5 iBooks: http://apple.co/1XD5spa Google Play: http://bit.ly/213kRVe Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Qr1uKn 

How does a prolific author like Sawyer Bennett top her other popular books?  Well, she writes a mystery/suspense romance, of course.  I have loved most of Sawyer Bennett's books, but this is the book/series I've been waiting for.  The emotional reach in this book is deep.  Sela has been through a horrific trauma that still resonates with her.  She still struggles to overcome the emotional scars and make a decision to get her revenge.  Sela's rage reverberates throughout the story.  With determination and bravado, she seeks justice against those that changed the course of her life.  

Sela evolves throughout the story.  When we first meet her, she is reticent, introverted, and numb to the world.  She is not really living.  Once she makes a decision to get her revenge, she comes alive.  I'm not a particular fan of revenge stories, mostly because the cost to the one seeking retribution is often very high.  But I did admire how Sela takes control over her own life.  

In the midst of this revenge plot, Sela meets Beckett North, the business partner of her target.  She plans to use him to get closer to Jonathon Townsend. What she does not plan is to fall in love with him.  I do not blame her.  Jonathon has an openness and a vulnerability that is very appealing.  He seems to have a noble nature and is conflicted about his relationship with his business partner.  He knows that Jonathan has a dark side, but he mostly ignores his concerns in favor of loyalty to a childhood friend.  

There are twists and turns in this story that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Despite the dark nature of the circumstances, the relationship between Sela and Beckett is a pure delight. Yes, it does end in a cliffhanger, but I considering the next book is out at the beginning of August, this is more like a serial with a long break in between.  

IN A NUTSHELL:
Perfect.  This book is just perfect.  I'm not a fan of cliffhanger, but this story is worth it!

For more discussion on Sugar Daddy, join me for a book chat on Scandalicious Book Reviews

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two. 

Connect with Sawyer: Facebook | Twitter |Instagram | Goodreads 
Sign up for Sawyer’s newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/

Release Blitz: SUGAR DADDY by SAWYER BENNETT

Sugar Daddy

Series: Sugar Bowl #1  

Author: Sawyer Bennett

Publisher: Loveswept

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 24, 2016 

BLURB

“This book devastated me in the most wonderful way,” raves Meredith Wild. In Sugar Daddy, the New York Times bestselling author of the Cold Fury series proves that vengeance is sweet—but seduction is to die for.

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 naïve, 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.

Note: Sugar Daddy ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story continues in Sugar Rush and Sugar Free!

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINK: 

AMAZON US | UK

B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS | GOOGLE PLAY  | BOOKS A MILLION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett is a snarky Southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company that lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Bennett would like to report that she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

AUTHOR LINKS:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

ARC Review: THE DEVIL'S DOORBELL by Anne Calhoun

The Devil's Doorbell
by Anne Calhoun, Megan Hart, Christine d'Abo, Jeffe Kennedy, Megan Mulry, Delphine Dryden, and M. O'Keefe 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A woman's pleasure is a dangerous thing. A primal appetite that, once awakened, can never be sated. A secret that gives power to those who know it. A magic that, once unleashed, can never be contained.
Some say the clitoris is the devil's doorbell, set to summon him forth at the merest touch...

It's time to ring the bell.
Here are seven tales of sexual empowerment and erotic defiance, featuring the hottest storytellers of erotic fiction.


In the Garden by Anne Calhoun
Exact Warm Unholy by Jeffe Kennedy
Red Leather by Delphine Dryden
Drowning on Dry Land by Megan Hart
Devil in the Dark by Christine d'Abo
London Calling by Megan Mulry
We Are All Found Things by Molly O'Keefe (writing as M. O'Keefe)

Take a little walk on the wild side and enjoy the empowerment and freedom of exploring The Devil's Doorbell.   With stories from some of my favorite erotica authors, the writing in this anthology is lush, appealing to the senses, and poignant. The characters are vulnerable and yet, by choosing to come out of their shells, they are empowered.  I'm especially moved by Jeffe Kennedy's "Exact Warm Unholy" story.  It's about a woman whose tries on various identities as she struggles to find out why her marriage didn't work.  She is trying to find her own skin and engages in sometimes risky behavior.  Admittedly, I worried for her at times.  She soon discovers that the identity that best suits her is her own.  

The other stand out story to me is M. O'Keefe's, "We are All Found Things."  No one writes vulnerability like M. O'Keefe.  Luka Samuelson has the innocence of a little boy and the body of a bad ass.  Because he is raised "off the grid", he is a little awkward in social situations. Having survived a very public trauma, Luka is especially introverted.  Rennie Hernandez is a sculpture who is used to closed people and spaces.  It takes a long time for this couple to overcome their obstacles, but it is a sweet union.  

The anthology format is perfect for this series.   It is easy to pick up this book and savor one story at a time for a little afternoon delight.  

Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.  

ARC Review: BRIGHT BLAZE OF MAGIC by Jennifer Estep

Bright Blaze of Magic
by Jennifer Estep
Book 3 in the Black Blade trilogy

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls. 

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side… 

Victor Draconi is taunting the ruling families of Cloudburst Falls.  He has been collecting magic infused black blades to employ during a takeover of the city.  The only family taking a stand is the Sinclair family.  Soon there is a old fashioned ambush, must like what you might see in a gangster movie.  People are killed, captured and tortured.  Lila and Devon escape, along with Felix, and meet up with Deah.  They plot to rescue the captives.  

Tailored for a YA audience, Jennifer Estep brings us all our favorite elements to this story.  There is lots of action, tests of loyalty and scary confrontations.  <i>Bright Blaze of Magic</i> puts a nice cap on the Black Blade trilogy.  The villain is evil.  Victor aptly shows his depravity and the depth of his powers.  Allies gather together to take him down.  Lila and Devon solidify their relationship.  

My favorite part of the story is the encounter with the loch ness.  It speaks to Lila's history.  The loch ness has been keeping all the tolls that both Lila and her mother have paid over the years.  It acknowledges a mutual respect between monster and Lila.  It's a connection between Lila and her mother.  It's a small scene but filled with wistfulness and revelations.  

I think this is a great series for the YA readers looking for action and adventure, but not in a dystopian world with a dash of romance. 

<i>Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Release Event: RISK OF EXPOSURE by Emmy Curtis

RISK OF EXPOSURE

by Emmy Curtis

Available 05/03/16

Book #6 – Alpha Ops Series

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Forever Yours

ABOUT THE BOOK: He is a trained professional—but nothing can prepare him for the hottest mission of his life. Assigned to protect his boss’s daughter, British former SAS operative Malone Garrett breaks the first rule of covert surveillance—don’t make contact. And especially don’t take your mark out to dinner, then agree to a rooftop quickie.  But now that Mal has Abby in his arms, he has no intention of ever letting her go.

Abby Baston told herself it was a hit and quit, a one-nighter with a hot, handsome stranger whose hands were trained to take action. Working undercover for the CIA, she can’t risk anything more. But when an international crisis ignites, Abby must make a call: trust Mal with her secret—and her heart—and partner up, or lose everything in a split second . . .

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Mal Garrett has a problem.  He is assigned to a dull, and utterly boring surveillance post watching his boss's adult daughter as she functions as an aid worker in the Ukraine.  Abby Baston is an undercover CIA agent watching the Ukrainian border for any signs of Russian invasion. Her job requires her to keep her CIA status secret, even from her own family.   It's not a glamorous assignment - her biggest day of the month is battery-change day, when she has to switch out the batteries on the ground sensors near the border.  In a not-a-coincidence move, Mal stages an incident for him to meet Abby and the sparks fly. Before he knows it,  he is in the middle of a potential international incident.  

What I enjoy about most about Emmy Curtis' Alpha Ops novels is her playful style.  The banter between these two seasoned operatives is entertaining.  Abby is a veteran agent, having been recruited out of the college, but her role is intelligence gathering.  Mal is a gruff former SAS soldier, just cynical enough to go through life with a big wall surrounding his emotions.  In other words, they are pretty equally matched in their wits as well as skills.  

I like the fact that Mal is a bit of a Neanderthal, having not had any real long-lasting relationship in his life, except with his fellow soldier. Although he is attracted to Abby, he holds himself back, until he doesn't.  He's world-weary -  he reminds me of a GOM - grumpy old man, and that makes him lovable.  

My biggest critique is that her scenes, especially towards the end, feel like they end just short of completion.  They lack the detail she invests through the rest of the book. They feel rushed.  For example, the reunion with her dad is rushed.  For all the effort her father puts into surveilling her, there isn't much emotion when she finally comes home after a harrowing experience.  There are also a few story elements left hanging that seem to go nowhere.  

I don't think this book is about trying to attain truly, deep, emotional depth, but it does but is does deliver enough to make you care about the characters. It is action packed, suspenseful, and very entertaining.  

Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.

Connect with Emmy at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads| Amazon

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

The Alpha Ops Series: 

(while books in this series are loosely connected, all function as standalones)

Dangerous Territory- Book 1- novella –only 99 cents!

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Over the Line- Book 2

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Pushing the Limit- Book 3

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Blowback- Book 4

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Compromised- Book 5

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Five minutes into her short drive home, she passed another old beater Škoda with its hood up. She slowed down. It was pointing the opposite way, so it wasn’t like she could really offer him a ride. She was about to pass it, when she caught sight of the man, or more specifically, his jacket. It was bright red and emblazoned with MEDCIN SAND FRONTIERS. She pulled over. She wasn’t going to strand a fellow aid worker in the countryside at night.

“Ca va?” she asked.

“Eh. I’ve been better,” he replied in a deep voice with a distinct English accent.

“And you’re not French,” she said, slamming her door and striding over to him.

“Not even a little bit.” He straightened and blew out a sigh as he held his hand out to her. “Malone Garrett. Thanks for stopping.”

She shook his hand and looked into the engine. “Anything I can help with?”

He cocked his head and looked down at her.     

A jolt of awareness flashed through her as he met her eyes. He was all man. Firm jaw, really blue eyes, way over six feet, and built to match. His jean-clad legs were long and clearly muscled. She suddenly wanted to see what was under his jacket and shirt…Her long-dormant libido kick-started in her stomach, sending unwelcome messages through her body. Jesus, girl. Get a grip.

“Are you good with cars?” he asked, a hint of a smile behind his words.

I can hot-wire them, siphon fuel from them, disable them, make them explode, and change a fan belt. But aside from that, not really.

“I’m good at giving stranded motorists rides back into town,” she said, as if she was admitting she knew nothing about cars.

“In which case, I’d be grateful to take advantage of that skill, if you don’t mind,” he said, closing the hood. He got back into his car, turned off the headlights, and grabbed a messenger bag from the backseat.

She got in her car and watched him in her rearview mirror. His accent did strange things to her. Maybe it was just speaking to someone who actually spoke English as a first language. Maybe it was something different. Holy hell. Did God send him because she’d been determined to meet someone? Or at least touch someone?

He opened the door and peered in. “Are you sure? I promise I’m not an ax murderer.” He smiled disarmingly, and for a second she considered that that was precisely what an ax murderer would say. She shrugged to herself. Anything to relieve the boredom of her life.

“Sure. Maybe you should be asking if I’m the ax murderer?”

A frown flickered across his face for a second and she laughed. “I’m not, I promise.”

He got in and put his seat belt on. “Isn’t that exactly what an ax murderer would say, though?”

She laughed again. “You’re the one who brought up ax murderers. Maybe I kill with a spork. Maybe you’re making me feel inferior with all your talk about axes.” She pulled onto the road and headed toward the flickering lights of the town about thirteen miles away.

“Then let’s drop the subject. Although, clearly, axes are superior in that line of business.”

She sniffed. “You haven’t seen what I can do with a spork.”

He laughed, a low belly laugh. “So perhaps I can take you out to dinner, to thank you for your assistance this evening. That way, I can see firsthand how proficient you are with cutlery."

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