Two survivors.

Two weeks.

One awakening.

When Bristol Criswell travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. A vacation fling is the furthest thing from her mind, especially not with a cocky-mouthed, arrogant jerk like Davis McKay.

But when it becomes evident she can’t deny the magnetic attraction between the two, she gives in to her desires, and for the first time in her life, learns the difference between simply living and truly feeling alive.

As their time in paradise quickly comes to an end, will her heart be able to withstand another devastating loss when it’s time to say goodbye, or will their connection be strong enough to survive the real world?

Death brought them together, but love will give them a reason to live.

**This book is a full-length, stand alone novel that is not a part of a series**

Surviving Us by Erin Noelle
*was generously given a copy by the author in exchange for and honest review

SURVIVING US by Erin Noelle is her newest standalone, HEA with no cliff hangers, novel that will leave you happy on the inside. I had the pleasure of hearing the concept behind SURVIVING US while talking to Ms. Noelle at a signing. I was super excited and was thrilled when the concept came to life. SURVIVING US is about two people that are sole survivors after catastrophic events occur in each of their lives and how they each learn to live and love.


I loved SURVIVING US from beginning to end. What makes SURVIVING US extraordinary is how Bristol and Davis find their way to each other and really their back stories. It is an emotional rollercoaster. This is story about life with a love story wrapped in the middle. It is about how life is fleeting and unjust but at the same time wonderful and how faith in love is the key to a remarkable life. Bristol and Davis find each other but in doing so find how to carry on. Beautifully written, with amazing depth SURVING US is an incredible LIFE story.

SURVIVING US receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!

Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!

LOCK & KEY by Cat Porter
*was generously given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

Lock & Key by Cat Porter is the first book in her One-Eyed Jacks MC series and is a stand alone. I can tell you that it is a MUST read.  I did not know what to expect since this is a first novel but OMG is it good.  This book will stay with me a super long time. I love MC books but this one was so different that I just could not get enough.

I loved everything about this book. LOCK & KEY was plot and character driven. It is about First Love, Lost Love, Last Loves, Family love, and Club Love. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it. 

First of all, the characters in LOCK & Key are not young. They are in their late 30s; early 40s, with baggage and both having a life that can get in their future’s way. Grace, aka Little Sister and Miller, aka Lock, are strong individuals with a past that interconnects with common bonds from the club and personal relationships with family. However, Porter also intertwined the past and Grace’s first love and the loss of that love as the story unfolds as to why Grace has come back.

Just fabulous is all I can say. No cliffhangers and a HEA which is always nice and appreciated. Cat Porter is an author to put on your must read list.

LOCK & KEY receives 5 out of 5 Platypires
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For the last year, Julia has lived with two men.

Drayton is hot and mysterious, and Mike takes care of her. Together, they have great sex and a mostly stable relationship—one Julia thought satisfied her. After all, how can she complain about having two sexy men at the same time?

Then everything starts to change. Drayton is keeping a dark secret that threatens more than their arrangement. It might actually threaten their lives. And Mike keeps becoming more alpha than she’s ever known him to be.

What once was fun and casual is now a tangle of conflicting desires. Drayton wants to keep his freedom. Julia wants a real commitment.

And Mike…well, Mike just wants her.

Finished by Claire Kent
*was generously given an copy in exchange for a honest review

I so wanted to love FINISHED by Claire Kent but I wound up just liking it. FINISHED is not the first book by Claire Kent that I have read, so I think maybe my expectations were set a little high. I was so excited to see what kind of juicy, threesome, action adventure Kent would take us on and although it does start off that way, to many things happen and it does not end that way.

Let me tell you what I loved. I loved all the hot steamy scenes. Kent is an expert in writing amazing love scenes and her writing skills are excellent. I loved Mike. I think all the woman in the world would swoon over Mike. He was great and I loved when his alpha, barbaric side came out. I saw why Julia was so attracted to him. What I did not get was her attraction to Drayton, nor the loyalty that Mike felt for him. I could not get into Drayton at all and I think that was why I was not so thrilled with the story.

Drayton was just to savvy for me. I knew he was bad news and I kept reading just to prove I was right. I also had an issue with Julia’s loyalty to Drayton. I mean, I love that she was all heart and all but I just felt she was weak and that is not how I thought Kent meant her to be. I think by Julia  being such a peace maker and having such a big heart, she lost her backbone….although she did find it towards the end which was awesome.

All in all, FINISHED by Claire Kent was a good little read.  I liked many aspects of it. I think if I had a little more history on all three, I would have loved it more. I just felt thrown into the middle of the relationships and kept trying to play catch up.

FINISHED by CLAIRE KENT receives 3 out of 5 Platypires!!!
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BURYING WATER by K.A. Tucker

*was generously given a ecopy of the book in exchange for an honest review

BURYING WATER by K.A. Tucker is the first release in a brand new 2nd series of books. Best known for the Ten Tiny Breaths Series, I always wonder how hard it is for an amazing author to break away from what they have been writing and write something new. Ms. Tucker has done a really fabulous job.

Burying Water is written in two Points of View and shifted from past to the present. I found BURYING WATER to be not just a love story but a story of fate. When two people belong together, it happens and nothing, not even a lack of memories will get in the way of fate.  I loved the back and forth between past and present and found the flow of the story really flawless. The only thing that I found fault in was that I had it all figured out very early on but the journey was still worth it. I wanted the very best for Water and Jesse and I wanted them to somehow find they way back to each other.

I also loved Ginny. This eccentric woman was amazing and made the story so believable. I love how she guided and nurtured in her grumpy way. We all need a Ginny in our lives.

All in all, I really enjoyed BURYING WATERS and would recommend it to everyone. There is some “darker” moments in book so be warned. I cannot wait for more of this series.

BURYING WATER by K.A. Tucker receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!
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SexUnlimited.com led me to forty one year old Brisban Calloway. 

All I wanted from him was one night of no strings attached SEX. 

What I got was more than I ever bargained for. 


**This is the complete serial. Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of The Unlimited Series.***

Sex Unlimited: The Complete Volumes by Kathryn Perez
*was generously given a ecopy of the book in exchange for an honest review

SEX UNLIMITED by Kathryn Perez is a sexy little number with a story that in fabulous. Do not let the synopsis fool you. This is a GREAT read and I loved every minute of it.  With some really big cliffhangers, I was thanking my stars that I could just keep reading because my heart would not have been able to handle waiting to find out what happened next.



Right out of the gate, I loved and identified with Candace.  This is a story about love over the age of 35. The characters of SEX UNLIMITED had a life before and the dealings of the past are a huge part of the future.  Candace makes a profile on Sex Unlimited.com just almost as a joke but then the most amazing thing happens when Brisban emails her. He is uncannily honest and they agree to meet up and then hook up, but then so much more happens. I absolutely loved that this was a story that was formed from a hook up. I find that the decision was very grownup and not just a spur of the moment thing. I am a firm believer of us all needing touch and sometimes we just need a hookup.

All the characters in SEX UNLIMITED are well developed and just fun. I adore Candace’s best friend, Janette. I think every woman should have a friend like her. Brisban is hot, honest and unbelievably romantic. I loved him right from the start. I read  the entire book in a sitting because it was just that good. I could not put it down.

I would strongly recommend SEX UNLIMITED and in fact, I did. I called my bestie and was insistent that she put it on her TBR list. Hey, what are friends for?

SEX UNLIMITED: The Complete Volumes by Kathryn Perez receives 5 out of 5 Platypires.

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"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.
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!