Review - Beautifully Brutal by Nicole Edwards

Title: Beautifully Brutal

Series: Southern Boy Mafia #1

Author: Nicole Edwards

Release Date: June 16, 2015

Sometimes love isn’t beautiful... 

Sometimes the only way to describe it is beautifully brutal. 

If you think you know him… You’re wrong. 

If you think you know his family… Wrong again. 

If you think you know his story… You don’t. 

If you did, you’d likely wonder how the hell a man like Maximillian Adorite managed to make it to this point in his life. At twenty-nine, he’s experienced more than most people could only ever imagine, all thanks to his family. Organized crime they call it. Mafia. 

No matter how they spin it, it comes down to one thing. Max gets what he wants. Except for the one thing he wants most. 

Her name is Courtney Kogan. 

And now that he’s had a taste of her, Max knows he’ll never be able to let her go. 

The Southern Boy Mafia series is a spinoff from the Sniper 1 Security series. It has been set up to be read without reading Sniper 1 Security, however, the characters will frequently cross over.

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AMAZON US / UK

Bad boys are just so...easy to love to hate to love. And Maximillian Adorite is definitely a bad boy. One I love. And hate. Sigh, I’m confused by my feelings...

As an underboss for the infamous Adorite Family – the Southern Boy Mafia, they call them – Max Adorite is used to getting his way. Because the consequences when he doesn’t aren’t pretty. Except there is one person that won’t give him what he wants... 

Courtney Kogan is one of the good guys. Which means she’s on the opposite side to Max Adorite. Which means it’ll never work. She knows he wants her, and she wants him right back. But she shouldn’t. And she won’t give in to it.

Or will she? Max isn’t about to give up on having her, and when the inevitable danger comes a-knockin’ Courtney is left making some brutal decisions...ones that could lead her to something beautiful.

*rubs hands together* Alright, let’s do this thing, people. Beautifully Brutal, what can I say? It was exactly what the title implied. Beautiful. Brutal. And I LOVED it. I felt like I shouldn’t because Max is...well, Max is a bit of an asshole. I mean, he’s a mob boss, so that goes with the territory, but he was also pretty freakin’ sweet and damn sexy when it came to Courtney. So, yeah, I was a bit torn between wanting him to change, magically, into a really good guy (but keep the edge), and staying just exactly as he was. Essentially, I had a fairly typical female response, I guess. 

Beautifully Brutal was a bit of a roller coaster for me. It made me feel a little frustrated at times, thanks to Court’s indecision and Max’s bad business moves and some really shitty characters (you’ll see what I mean!), and it made me H.O.T. Hoo-boy, did it make me hot!! Ms. Edwards did an excellent job of weaving Courtney and Max’s past (alluded to in Wait for Morning) together with their present and their future. It gave the story plenty of heat, and it was a good foundation for the second part of the book, which showed how opposites attracting could...maybe...possibly...work!?! 

While this story is the first in a new series, the Southern Boy Mafia series, and can absolutely be read standalone, you can’t go wrong reading Wait for Morning, book one in the Sniper 1 Security series, first. Because it’s a really good book, and because a little extra knowledge of the situation and relationships made me enjoy and understand this story better. There are a lot of characters to follow along with, which can get a touch confusing if you get lost in the story and lose track (there’s an index at the start of the book, which I referred to a couple of times when this happened to me) and as this series continues, I can’t wait to get to know some of them better. I am intrigued, in particular, by Leyton and Ashlynn and what is shaping up to be one hell of a sexy story. 

As always, Ms. Edwards has produced a story with heart, with heat and with hope. That I am not confused about, at all.

~ Review by Beth

New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards launched her professional writing career in July of 2012. Having been an avid reader all of her life and a huge fan of creative writing, it seemed the likely path for her to take. Since then, she has released fifteen books and has no plans to stop. As her full-time career/hobby, Nicole writes steamy contemporary and erotic romances. 

Nicole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who was born and raised in Texas. Married with three kids and four dogs, she has plenty of interaction to keep her imagination brewing. Her books have been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After segment as well as Indie Reader’s best seller list. She has forged her way as an independent author. 

Although she has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she prefers to be hiding out in her writing cave, talking to the fictional characters that have built up in her head over the years. When she isn’t writing or plotting her next book (sometimes translated to “playing on Facebook”), Nicole loves to read and spend time with her family and her dogs.

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Review - Brendon by Nicole Edwards

Title: Brendon

Series: Alluring Indulgence #8
Author: Nicole Edwards

Release Date: May 11, 2015

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling indie author Nicole Edwards comes the final scorching installment in her Alluring Indulgence series, erotic romances featuring the Texan Walker brothers and their sizzling-hot love interests.

Brendon Walker’s life was altered drastically when his twin brother fell in love. Coming to grips with his new reality hasn’t been an easy road, and he fears he’s all but given up.

Cheyenne Montgomery is familiar with the spotlight, and she’s familiar with fame. What she isn’t familiar with is the incredible lure of the sexy Walker brother who makes her heart beat wildly. Seeing him spiral out of control has been tough on her. So what will it take for Cheyenne to convince him that change can be a good thing?

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AMAZON US

Say it ain’t so! I hate that this is the end of the Alluring Indulgence series, while at the same time so happy that these men have each had a chance to find happily ever after.

To say life for Brendon Walker changed when his twin brother, Braydon, fell in love would be an understatement. Still learning to live with his new normal, Brendon is finally coming through the darkness. And the light on the other side? None other than country music star, Cheyenne Montgomery.

For Chey, Brendon has always been the one to make her heart go pitter-patter. But the last two years haven’t endeared him to her…or vice versa. She wants to help him, just as he wants to protect her. Can they let each other in, when everything says they should stay apart?

Leaving Brendon’s story for the end of this series seems to me to be a pretty gutsy move on Ms. Edwards’ part. Having read all the books in this series, and having loved them to varying degrees, I was apprehensive about Brendon. He didn’t exactly make me feel the warm fuzzies with his behavior in the earlier books, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it through an entire book dedicated to his struggle. Not only did I make it through though, I devoured it. Turns out, Brendon can give me the warm fuzzies…

That’s not to say I loved every second of it. I was still frustrated by Brendon’s actions and communication at times, and he is probably my least favorite of these brothers. (Someone has to be right? Although they're all pretty awesome.) But I absolutely get the appeal, and Ms. Edwards did an excellent job of making him not only desirable and redeemable, but also a good guy. The story line gave him reason to show off his alpha, protective, growly, dominant side, and that’s what this character needed. That, and the delightfully dirty, panty-melting sex…

Brendon also offered an interesting little mystery too. I loved how it tied into some of the other series that this author has worked/is working on, and it was, as always, great to see the other Walker men pop up and add their two cents. There perhaps wasn’t the level of closure I might have expected from this book – the epilogue bordered on corny, and didn’t necessarily go where I wanted and expected it to. Although as endings go, corny or not, it was lovely; a very rewarding ending for this family, and for those who have loved them through every book, and actually fairly fitting, all things considered.

I am very interested to see where the next series Ms. Edwards comes out with goes. Clearly, there is set-up here for more from the extended Walker family, and I expect that the Walker brothers can’t be contained to this one series, meaning we shall see them again somehow, someway. Alluring Indulgence might be over, but the story of this tight-knit, fun-loving, dirty, sweet and sexy family is far from finished.

~ Review by Beth

Nicole lives in Texas with her husband, Colt, three kids and four dogs. It's quite the household and most of the time you'll find her locked away in her office... writing. When she's not, you'll likely find her reading, swimming, or hanging out in the yard with the dogs, doing her best to keep them in line. (And no, it doesn't usually work)

Ever want to let that other part of you loose? The part that has secret desires and taboo fantasies? Well, that's what brought about Nicole Edwards. She's an alter ego. In truth, she's a full-fledged part of me. The secret part made up of sinfully hot desires and erotic thoughts. Get to know how Nicole's naughty mind works by checking out her books!

About me... hmmm...

Ok, I've been asked to provide a little bit of "real" information about myself. That's harder to do than you think it is, especially for someone who has difficulty talking about themselves. ;) But, here goes...

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a kid, I loved creative writing and as I got older, I got acquainted with those voices in my head and that led to putting my stories on paper. And now, here I am all these years later, spending my days doing what I love most. I decided to give myself over to writing full time in 2012 and I haven't looked back. I spent nearly 13 years in the corporate world and I have to say, this is a bit of a change (just a little) and I am loving every second of it.

I live in Texas with my husband and three amazing kids and our four beloved dogs. If I'm not writing, I'm usually reading. I devour everything I can get my hands on. I love romance of any type and being an Indie author myself, I'm always looking for new Indies to support. I haven't always been into reading, but about eleven years ago, I picked up a book - I'm pretty sure it was by Nora Roberts - and from there, I haven't stopped. Before I began writing full time, and my characters started taking up so much of my time, I was reading about 200 books a year. That has dwindled somewhat, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't read.

An interesting fact... I don't watch television - aside from the occasional news anyway. I will go see a movie or two rarely, but for the most part, I get all of my entertainment from a book. Some of my favorite authors include J.R. Ward, Suzanne Brockmann, Lora Leigh, Jane Rylon, Lori Foster, and Jaci Burton just to name a few.

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Blog Tour - Wait for Morning by Nicole Edwards

Title: Wait for Morning

Series: Sniper 1 Security #1

Author: Nicole Edwards 

Release Date: April 7, 2014 

Trace Kogan will go to any length to protect those who need protecting. That is the business he is in; the business his father, Casper Kogan, started with Bryce Trexler more than thirty-five years ago. Trace spends day and night eliminating threats to clients, so when the danger hits too close to home, he won’t let anything come between him and the woman who desperately needs his help.
 

His fear… the physical reaction he has to Marissa may pose a bigger danger than the ghost that they find themselves up against.
 

Marissa Trexler has spent the last twelve months of her life in hiding, tucked away in one safe house after another for her own protection. The threat to her is real even if the reason is still unknown. Strangely, whoever is after her seems to find her no matter where she goes, leading her family to believe it’s an inside job.
 

So when the decision is made that Trace will provide personal protection, she can’t say no, even if being close to him adds another level of danger… and this one is to her heart.

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With the Alluring Indulgence series nearing its end (*sob*), I really needed a new Nicole Edwards saga to get my motor running and keep me up to late (or early, depending on how you look at it) reading. And I think Sniper 1 Security is just the ticket... 

Despite the best efforts of Sniper 1, the security company owned by her father and his best friend, and run by their respective families, Marissa Trexler is in grave danger. After 12 months of hiding her and moving her from location to location, they're no closer to finding the man determined to get to Marissa, or why he wants her. 

When Trace Kogan steps in to provide her protection -- not trusting her brothers or his own with her safety -- their longtime attraction burns brighter than ever, and suddenly the danger isn't just from the man that wants to get his hands on Marissa, but also from Trace...the man who can't keep his hands off her. 

Whew. It may have taken more time than I would have expected to get these two between the sheets but when they did...HOT. My Kindle practically burned me. And the best part? The lead-up, the first half of the book, was an awesome ride. 

I really enjoyed this mystery, which had me second-guessing my early assumptions, and wondering where it was going and, occasionally, when it was going to get there. I found some of the inner musings of these characters a touch repetitive, not distractingly so, but enough to make me want to hurry them along a little. I was simply eager to find out who was in on the plot to get to Marissa, and for she and Trace to figure themselves out, because I was quite taken with them. Particularly Trace, who was Alpha-strong, demanding and protective. Marissa, on the other hand, frustrated me at times, but never so much as to be a complete turn-off. I found myself questioning her decisions, while at the same time wishing she'd make her move... 

As the start of a new series, Ms. Edwards did an excellent job of setting up for the long-term here. There are several secondary characters I am already chomping at the bit to get stories for, especially RT and Z, and that is one of the things I love most about this author. She gives good story, yet still manages to plant the seed for upcoming books without it overtaking or overshadowing the main characters. And as such, I can't wait to see where this series goes in the future.

~ Review by Beth

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she's not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she's supposed to be writing.

Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.

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Release Day Blitz - Sawyer by Nicole Edwards

Title: Sawyer 

Series: Alluring Indulgence #7

Author: Nicole Edwards

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

Release Date:  March 2, 2015 

From New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Nicole Edwards comes the seventh book in her Alluring Indulgence series, erotic romances featuring the Walker brothers from Coyote Ridge, Texas, and their sizzling-hot love interests.

Sawyer Walker has never run into problems with women. The female population tends to swarm toward him, in fact, and he’s never had a complaint.

But there’s one woman Sawyer has always had his eye on. A woman who won’t give him the time of day. In recent months, it would seem that Kennedy Endsley is opening up to Sawyer, but she’s got a few surprises in store for him. Because, as hard as she finds it to resist the handsome Walker brother, she won’t give in easily. Not when her heart is on the line.

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"Will Work for Sex" -- from the first page of the first book of the Alluring Indulgence series, and it was right then that I fell in love with Sawyer Walker. And through each of the books, I've clamored for more of him, relishing the brief glimpses, and waiting for him to get his girl and his HEA.

AND IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT.

Sawyer Walker wants Kennedy Endsley. And this desire for her isn't a new thing... No, what's new is that, for once, getting the girl isn't a walk in the park. Sawyer's never had trouble with the ladies, but Kennedy is making him work for it. He's sure she is worth it though, so he's putting his all into breaking down her resistance...and making her his.

Argh, I FLOVE this series!!! It's absolutely, positively one of my favorites, and I was dying for this book. D.Y.I.N.G. Because Sawyer - irreverent, charming, protective Sawyer - has made me laugh, smile and swoon in turn throughout the course of the first six books, and this one was no different. Well, except for the fact it was basically all Sawyer, all the time. And that kinda made it perfection...

Kennedy and Sawyer were sensational in their cat-and-mouse game; Kennedy trying to ignore him and put him off, Sawyer trying to prove he was on the up-and-up and worthy of her attentions. I loved his persistence and her inability to shut him down once and for all. I loved their little moments together before they started to figure it out, when he was charming and she was immune...or so she thought. And holy hell, when they finally figured it out?! Hot. So hot. So very, very HOT.

There was a good amount of story here. It was easy enough to make Sawyer an enjoyable and quick read, with enough tension to keep me turning the pages. I loved the secondary story with Kennedy's father, as well as the set-up for the long-awaited (and much desired, especially after all that happened in Braydon), Brendon. I can't wait for more of these brothers -- and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I am also hoping for stories for their cousins and friends too (*cough Greyson and Jared cough*). Sawyer may be my favorite brother, but all of these good ol' boys have a place in my heart and on my Kindle.

Sawyer is the seventh book in the Alluring Indulgence series and can be read standalone, but you'd be missing out if you skipped the earlier books.

~ Review by Beth

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she's not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she's supposed to be writing.

Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

GOODREADS

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Review - Braydon by Nicole Edwards

Title:Braydon

Series: Alluring Indulgence #6
Author: Nicole Edwards

Release Date: November 24, 2014

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards comes the sixth searing adventure in her Alluring Indulgence erotic romance series, which follows the seven Walker brothers and their sizzling-hot love interests!

Braydon Walker has always shared everything with his identical twin brother Brendon—hopes, dreams, career choices, and yes, even women. Known for tag-teaming their love interests in every way imaginable, Braydon is surprised and unnerved when he finds himself wanting to keep their newest lover all to himself. Will the twins’ relationship evolve to fit this new mold, or will Braydon’s desire for independence tear them apart?

 

 

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AMAZON US / UK

I expected nothing less than hot when I read this book. Nicole Edwards either has an amazing sex life or an extremely erotic imagination.

Whether you like M/F, M/M, or M/F/M she's got it and holy shit does she know how to write it.

I have loved this series from the very beginning. Thank you Lorrie and Curtis Walker for producing so many hot and sexy cowboys. If it weren't for you (and Nicole Edwards of course) we wouldn't have so many books to enjoy. Each book focuses on a different brother. But don't worry, ALL the hot siblings make an appearance in each book.

This book focuses on Braydon....a twin....yes I said a twin. Double the hotness and definitely double the fun.

If you are looking for a light read with a great story line and incredible sex. This is your book. Not too heavy, probably won't make you cry but will probably make you run to the nearest Walmart to change out those batteries...*wink*

Excellent continuation on a remarkable series. I would have expected nothing less. I give Braydon 5 penetrating stars.

~ Review by Stacey

Nicole lives in Texas with her husband, Colt, three kids and four dogs. It's quite the household and most of the time you'll find her locked away in her office... writing. When she's not, you'll likely find her reading, swimming, or hanging out in the yard with the dogs, doing her best to keep them in line. (And no, it doesn't usually work)

Ever want to let that other part of you loose? The part that has secret desires and taboo fantasies? Well, that's what brought about Nicole Edwards. She's an alter ego. In truth, she's a full-fledged part of me. The secret part made up of sinfully hot desires and erotic thoughts. Get to know how Nicole's naughty mind works by checking out her books!

About me... hmmm...

Ok, I've been asked to provide a little bit of "real" information about myself. That's harder to do than you think it is, especially for someone who has difficulty talking about themselves. ;) But, here goes...

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a kid, I loved creative writing and as I got older, I got acquainted with those voices in my head and that led to putting my stories on paper. And now, here I am all these years later, spending my days doing what I love most. I decided to give myself over to writing full time in 2012 and I haven't looked back. I spent nearly 13 years in the corporate world and I have to say, this is a bit of a change (just a little) and I am loving every second of it.

I live in Texas with my husband and three amazing kids and our four beloved dogs. If I'm not writing, I'm usually reading. I devour everything I can get my hands on. I love romance of any type and being an Indie author myself, I'm always looking for new Indies to support. I haven't always been into reading, but about eleven years ago, I picked up a book - I'm pretty sure it was by Nora Roberts - and from there, I haven't stopped. Before I began writing full time, and my characters started taking up so much of my time, I was reading about 200 books a year. That has dwindled somewhat, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't read.

An interesting fact... I don't watch television - aside from the occasional news anyway. I will go see a movie or two rarely, but for the most part, I get all of my entertainment from a book. Some of my favorite authors include J.R. Ward, Suzanne Brockmann, Lora Leigh, Jane Rylon, Lori Foster, and Jaci Burton just to name a few.

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Blog Tour - Entrusted by Nicole Edwards

 

 

Title: Entrusted

Series: Club Destiny #6.5
Author: Nicole Edwards

Release Date: May 1, 2014

 

Elijah Penn

Handsome. Successful. Single.

And looking for a polyamorous relationship.

It has been four years since his wife died, but Elijah knows that there will never be another woman who will claim his heart and he isn’t willing to replace her. He isn’t interested in marriage, but he is interested in something with a future.

Logan and Samantha McCoy

Attractive. Ambitious. Married.

And looking for a polyamorous relationship.

Logan and Samantha spent the last year and a half avoiding a very specific desire that neither of them can quite let go of. They aren’t interested in a casual fling with a stranger, so they’ve been holding back.

Is it possible that the three of them have stumbled upon something that just might be the answer to all of their desires?

 

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Nicole lives in Texas with her husband, Colt, three kids and four dogs. It's quite the household and most of the time you'll find her locked away in her office... writing. When she's not, you'll likely find her reading, swimming, or hanging out in the yard with the dogs, doing her best to keep them in line. (And no, it doesn't usually work)

Ever want to let that other part of you loose? The part that has secret desires and taboo fantasies? Well, that's what brought about Nicole Edwards. She's an alter ego. In truth, she's a full-fledged part of me. The secret part made up of sinfully hot desires and erotic thoughts. Get to know how Nicole's naughty mind works by checking out her books!

About me... hmmm...

Ok, I've been asked to provide a little bit of "real" information about myself. That's harder to do than you think it is, especially for someone who has difficulty talking about themselves. ;) But, here goes...

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a kid, I loved creative writing and as I got older, I got acquainted with those voices in my head and that led to putting my stories on paper. And now, here I am all these years later, spending my days doing what I love most. I decided to give myself over to writing full time in 2012 and I haven't looked back. I spent nearly 13 years in the corporate world and I have to say, this is a bit of a change (just a little) and I am loving every second of it.

I live in Texas with my husband and three amazing kids and our four beloved dogs. If I'm not writing, I'm usually reading. I devour everything I can get my hands on. I love romance of any type and being an Indie author myself, I'm always looking for new Indies to support. I haven't always been into reading, but about eleven years ago, I picked up a book - I'm pretty sure it was by Nora Roberts - and from there, I haven't stopped. Before I began writing full time, and my characters started taking up so much of my time, I was reading about 200 books a year. That has dwindled somewhat, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't read.

An interesting fact... I don't watch television - aside from the occasional news anyway. I will go see a movie or two rarely, but for the most part, I get all of my entertainment from a book. Some of my favorite authors include J.R. Ward, Suzanne Brockmann, Lora Leigh, Jane Rylon, Lori Foster, and Jaci Burton just to name a few.

 

 

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WEBSITE

 

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