"I've flown halfway across the globe to watch the love of my life marry the love of hers."

He never intended on returning home...

Never second-guessed the life he'd chosen...

Never planned on meeting someone that would make him want more...

But everything can change As the Dawn Breaks.

AS THE DAWN BREAKS by Erin Noelle

AS THE DAWN BREAKS by Erin Noelle is a novella that picks up at the wedding from WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN and gives us LEO’s story, whom we meet and fall in love with in WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.  I was elated to find out that Erin Noelle was writing Leo’s story. I do not know what it was about him other than his undeniable loyalty but I fell for Leo so hard and only wanted more of him. AS THE DAWN BREAKS fills in all the gaps and gives me the happy ever after ending that I so needed for LEO.

I am a huge Erin Noelle fan and I would suggest reading WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN first, so you know all the history of Leo.  AS THE DAWN BREAKS would be considered, in my opinion a companion novella to WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.  Leo has come back for a wedding and meets Trystan and then…well, just read it. It is so good. I do not want to take one second away from this love story.

When I finished AS THE DAWN BREAKS, I was happy. Leo was whole again and happy. Few secondary characters stay with you but Leo did. I just felt myself sigh and Erin Noelle gave him a fantastic, huge sigh worthy, love story plus some really steamy scenes.  I loved this little jewel.

AS THE DAWN BREAKS receives 5 out of 5 Platypires.

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When an accident claims her mother’s life, Keahilani Alana must take charge of her family or risk losing what little they have. With an underage brother to care for and no education, she has few options. The door to a heavenly hellish opportunity opens when she stumbles upon a valuable secret her mother left behind on the slopes of an extinct volcano—a legacy that tempts the family with riches beyond their wildest dreams. But the secret is much bigger and more sinister than they realize. As reality unravels and exposes eerie truths about the siblings that should have remained deep under the mountain, Keahilani must either resist the call of her blood or risk being consumed by its darkness.

Blake Murphy is an assassin working to infiltrate a new Hawaiian cartel. His investigation reveals that Keahilani, the sexy surfing instructor he pegged as an informant, is much closer to the drug ring than he thought. Passion ignites between them in the bedroom, but their ironclad ties to opposing interests pit them against each other everywhere else.

When tensions reach the breaking point and her family is threatened, the only cure for Keahilani’s hot-blooded fury is a loaded clip with a body bag chaser.

* HOT-BLOODED is a suspense/thriller that contains drug use and graphic sex, language, and violence. The story is intended to entertain, not to condone or glorify illegal or immoral activities. This book is unsuitable for sensitive readers and those under the age of 18.

Hot-Blooded by Kendall Grey

There are very few authors that I automatically one-click but Kendall Grey is in the one-click category. When Hot-Blooded was released on July 14, I immediately one clicked it not even waiting for the tour. It was just a book I had to have in my possession and just knowing it was on my kindle made me feel better. Then life happened and it sat there, which made me sad and disheartened but I was asked if I would be part of the re-release tour, which gave me the perfect opportunity to sit down and read this gem and I was so excited. Why had I put off reading this beautiful, scary, and full of mystery and suspense book? Ms. Grey, my apologies, I should have read this immediately but now that I have, I need so much more.

I do not want to give away any of the plot but OMG is this book good and unlike anything that Kendall Grey has written before. HOT-BLOODED is not a love story and does not have a happy romantic ending. HOT-BLOODED is hardcore; no holds bar, throw you to the floor and rip your heart out. It is plot driven with a dominating Alpha Female, Keahilani Alana.  Rich in Hawaiian culture, heritage and spirits of the islands, HOT-BLOODED is about ‘ohana, a family, and their means of survival.

I adore the ‘ohana, from the first few moments of the first chapter, all the way through until the last word written. The storyline is amazing and well written. I was enthralled. I do not normally like mystery/suspense but Grey threw just enough of spice in the story to feed the need for that little bit of a “love” story.  There is a small cliff –hanger but all lose ends were tied up, Grey just left me wanting to know more of the next chapter of the lives of the AIana Family. I would strongly, and when I say strongly, I mean go buy it now, recommend HOT- BLOODED by Kendall Grey.


HOT-BLOODED by Kendall Grey receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!!

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Title: Sweet Contradiction

Series: The Sweet Contradiction Series # 1

Author: Peggy Martinez

Published: August 26th, 2014

Publisher: Crimson Tree Publishing

Word Count: approx. 55,000

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Content Warning: Minor Violence and Sexual References

Age Recommendation: 17+


When Beth Michaels hightailed it out of the hole-in-the-road town she grew up in, she only had two goals. One—get as far away as quickly as possible, and two—never set foot in her parent’s home again. But when she receives a heart breaking call from her childhood best friend, Jen, she has no choice but to turn her ’56 Ford pickup back in the direction of Salem, Missouri to attend a funeral.

There’s a new local in town when Beth arrives, and suddenly, it ain’t all that easy for her to remember her rules for dating.
#1. Cookie-cutter-perfect guys ain’t her type.
#2. Tie wearin’ and church frequentin’ is an automatic dismissal.
#3. Most importantly, never date anyone from small minded, conservative, Bible-thumping towns like Salem.

Unfortunately, Matthew Wright breaks all her rules and then some.

Matt might be from a small town and have small town values, but that doesn’t mean he fits into a little slot of Beth’s preconceived notions. After all, ever so often good guys are good. Now if he could just convince Beth to let go of her past and give him a chance, he’s pretty sure there’s a whole lotta sweet under that prickly exterior.

His own … Sweet Contradiction.

Sweet Contradiction by Peggy Martinez
*was generously given a ecopy of the book in exchange for an honest review

SWEET CONTRADICTION by Peggy Martinez is absolutely charming. I was worried in the beginning if I was going to be able to get thought it when the first chapter started with such a powerful image. I have to warn you that there are touches of abusive situations in the beginning but I hope that it does not deter you from this gem.  Once I powered though the first chapter I was hooked.

Elizabeth left home when she was eighteen and never looked back for four years until her best friend calls and needs her.  This is where we meet Beth’s best friend Jen.  These two are something else. The relationship between these two is powerful and they get each other. As a woman, you hope for a friend like Jen. I loved that Beth and Jen’s relationship was built upon the whole story and was not overlooked. I was really connected to both Beth and Jen because of their connection to each other. I think this is why I found Sweet Contradiction so enjoyable. There is an influential, sweet, romantic love story but Beth never loses sight of her friend needing her.  

Then, Matt comes on the scene and he is adorable and sweet and everything that Beth tries to avoid in a man.  Matt is endearing. Lots of fun small, country town things happen.  Some drama and some things in life that are unavoidable happen but I found myself rooting for all of them. Matt’s family was the opposite of Beth’s and there is a scene by the lake with just Beth that brings so much into focus. I loved it.

Well written and totally enjoyable, Sweet Contradiction hit its’ mark with me. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series and I would strongly recommend it.

SWEET CONTRADICTION receives 5 out of 5 Platypires.
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Melanie Winters and Daniel Montgomery shared a love most only dream of, a love they believed bonded them together for life. 

When their world is shattered by the tragic loss of their daughter, overwhelming grief and misguided guilt distorts the truth, and their relationship ends in uncertainty and unanswered questions. 

For nine years, they drift through life, each unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their heart. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side. 

Now, when their lives again intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago. But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and will they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart? 

Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have. 

Pulled by AL Jackson

*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review

PULLED by Al Jackson is a book that will tear you up completely. This is a book that light and airy go flying out the window. I mean this one is a rollercoaster ride on nitro and you need to be warned that Melanie sees some serious abuse. I was a blubbering mess and used a whole box of Klennex to make it though.

Melanie and Daniel meet, fall in a serious, major gut wrenching love that almost seems too much to handle but they do. One thing leads to another and a baby is on the way.   These two never stop loving each other and then a turn of events leads them away from each other and apart.  Fast forward nine years down the road and Melanie is married to a man named Nicholas, not a nice guy, playing the role of a trophy wife. Daniel on the other hand, throws himself into work.  After running into each other at a dinner party, all kinds of emotions start and so many happenings occur that really drive the story.

Each character and the supportive characters have a really strong voice. I liked Melanie and HATED Nicholas, which made it easy to root for Daniel, who I liked and the writing skills of Ms. Jackson are superb. I really just did not see how Ms. Jackson was ever going to write her way to a happy ever after. This is a heavy, heavy story that seemed at times so real, I just cried. A nice sweet ending seemed impossible with all the happenings and at times I got really frustrated. I just kind of felt like a train wreck through most of the story. PULLED is a heavy read with a ton of emotions but I did like it and would recommend it.

PULLED by AL Jackson receives 4 out 5 Platypires.

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In a modern twist of fairy tales,
what if the beast is a woman instead of a man?

Ethan Scott
I was about to find out when a mysterious job led to the secluded home of a horror novelist. I’d lost everything: my scholarship, my education, and my way. In denial of my family inheritance, I took the unusual employment as a chance out of a hole, but I found myself buried in the unknown trauma of another situation much deeper. 

Ella Vincentia
I had changed my name and my address to keep myself hidden, but my scars were more than physical. Living as a recluse in the woods, I was used to being alone, so I wasn’t happy when a certain someone was always in my space. Our first encounter was less than pleasant and tension continued at every attempt to tame me. 

Secrets
I knew she was keeping secrets and I wanted to help, but she was cutting me down and cutting me off every time she opened her mouth. Our frustration with one another grew until a misunderstanding changed everything. How can I be the next guy after something so tragic? It was a challenge I wasn’t sure I was willing to take.

TASTE TEST by LB Dunbar
* was generously given a copy of TASTE TEST in exchange for an honest review

I want to start off by saying LB Dunbar has hit another home run. TASTE TEST is the second book in the Sensations Collection. I was so excited to read TASTE TEST after reading SOUND ADVISE. Dunbar has a true flare for words and telling a great story.

TASTE TEST is a modern take on my favorite story, BEAUTY and the BEAST, but with a twist. Ethan comes to know Ella after coming to her home for a job and sees the beauty inside her, even when she is acting like a true BEAST of a woman. With lots of twists and turn, insecurities and secrets, a true love story evolves.

I thought Ella was fantastic and strong. She had so many hang-ups and acted out in childish ways but throughout the story, she grows and moves forward.  Ethan is patient, kind and also dealing with some of his own hang-ups. He learns to take on responsibility and is just the all around NICE guy, who happens to be hot.

I strongly suggest reading TASTE TEST. The book is beautiful and has a unique header design that marks each chapter. I truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to future books by Dunbar.

TASTE TEST by LB Dunbar receives 5 out of 5 Platypires.
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Unconditionally is a novella part of a series but can be read as a standalone complete with a HEA. May not be for all readers as it contains M/M situations.

Toby Morgan grew up the black sheep in his illustrious uppity family due to his sexual preferences. He didn’t see how being gay was a hindrance in any light.

Being an accountant by day, a kickass singer for The Nation’s Capital on the side, and a fashion and makeup extraordinaire by night, he tried to face every obstacle he encountered with perseverance and positivity.

Always being one to bask in the limelight and being the center of attention, but what everyone didn’t see was the scared and insecure little boy lurking inside and behind closed doors.

He had waited his entire life to find love and his happily ever after and just when he thought he had grasped his dreams head on, doubt puts a screeching halt in his happiness.

Now it seemed that there were two different men with their sights set on him and they were both vying for his affection.

In the end, will Toby find his one special someone who will love him unconditionally?

Unconditionally by Amber Nation
*was generously provided a copy in exchange for an honest review

UNCONDITIONALLY by Amber Nation is the 4th Novella in the A Brown Country series. It is a M/M relationship novella and is suppose to be a stand alone, however, I think I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had read the whole series.  I did not realize that it was a part of a series when I agreed to do the review. I hate picking up books in the middle of a series. I do not necessary think I can give the story a fair chance when I am trying to play catch up.  

Ms. Nation does an excellent job explaining who everyone is but I just felt I could not really get attached to Toby because I came in right in the middle of his anguish.  I really liked the writing style but my whole issue was that I just felt like I was reading Toby’s journal where he whined a lot.  I am sorry but I just could not get over it. I loved his friends and saw a great story starting to emerge but I felt Toby had too much self reflection and it was not enough story.

Now I did LOVE Ethan. I loved the banter between Toby and Ethan. When Ethan was around, I felt the story had some substance. I wanted to love their story. I really did. I mean I was rooting for Ethan and wanted so much more of his story.

Please do not hate me for this review. I think that anyone reading the series and has Toby history will love it and I saw so much potential from Ms. Nation.  UNCONDITIONALLY was just not a home run for me. I really, really wanted it to be.  I would really love to have more of Toby and Ethan together.

UNCONDITIONALLY receives 3 out 5 Platypires!!
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When it comes to love there’s no such thing as conventional.

Everyone thinks Colton Neely is special.

Lilly Evans just thinks he’s fascinating.

Once friends when they were younger, their bond is cut short due to her accident prone nature and they go their separate ways. Years later, they meet again and Lilly learns that there is something special about the boy she once knew, but she has no idea what it all means. And she’s not sure if she’s ready to find out.

When he walks through the corridor of her school the first day of her senior year, she knows that it’s time to get to know the real Colton Neely. The more she learns, the deeper she falls.

Their friendship grows into love, even as Colton does not express it in words. But one decision threatens to break down the world that Lilly has tried so hard to integrate into and she must figure out if the relationship can survive if they are apart

Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson

*bought through Amazon after a friend said it was amazing

After a friend of mine texted me in the middle of the night, ”OMG, you have to read this book!!!” I got up and one clicked. I mean, you know it must be a good book to get a text in the middle of the night from your bestie. Well, she was right. I sat down last night thinking I would read a chapter or two and wound up reading the WHOLE novella. Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson is a perfect little story about a not so perfect love, but who are we to say what “perfect” is.

From the first chapter, to the last word, Lilly comes alive. Written in first person in Lilly’s voice, the love story that might never have happened comes to be told. Colton is the perfectly beautiful boy that is just a little different but the only boy that Lilly feels alive with.  Colton has Asperger’s, which is a form of Autism and in Lilly’s eyes this only make Colton EXTRAORDINARY!!!

I have to say that this is a Young Adult Novella that I found well written and amazing to read. Lilly is a strong, passionate senior in high school and instead of losing herself in a boy, she finds herself. With honest, true to life relationships with friends and parents, it was a joy to read about Lilly and Colton falling in love and facing life. I would suggest Puddle Jumping to anyone wanting a good story about love that redefines what love should be. Lilly is a rock star. She is strong and instead of allowing her insecurity and selfish teenager ways to define her, she rises above to find love and to be loved by an extraordinary boy that brings out the hero inside her.

PUDDLE JUMPING by Amber L. Johnson receives 4 out 5 Platypires!!!

Texas hugs and Happy Reading!!!

Part 2 of 2 : The conclusion novella to Last Resort 

One formerly frigid head case. 

One sexy celeb. 

Their plan to spend one romantic week in paradise. 

With a failed marriage behind him and more one night stands than he can count, the last thing Evan Weston expected was to find his dream girl at Desire Resort and Spa. When it’s clear to Evan that his last hook-up could be the best thing that ever happened to him, he’ll do whatever it takes to get the right answer to his question out of Danielle Ward.

But it’s true what they say, the best laid plans often go awry

BEST LAID PLANS by Kate Roth
*was generously provided a copy in exchange for an honest review

 Kate Roth has hit another home run with BEST LAID PLANS. Picking up where LAST RESORT left us hanging, Roth continues the story of Dani and Evan. Thank you Kate Roth. I was dying at the end of LAST RESORT but I loved every minute of it.

BEST LAID PLANS is just one of those few novella that you really do not want to end. I love Roth’s writing skill and her effortless way she handles the inner dialogue among the two main characters.  Switching between his and her point of views seems second nature and gives great insight to what is going on with Dani and Evan. I adore these two and as a couple and they are hotter than hot.

Without giving too much away, Roth gives us the rest of the story and better yet, not just what happens at the resort.  I cannot say enough about the wonders of this novella. I loved the whole story. This is a must read and would recommend it. HOT HOT HOT but fun and kind of sweet.

BEST LAID PLANS by Kate Roth receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!