Tough Enough by M Leighton (Review)

Title: Tough Enough
Series: Tall, Dark and Dangerous #2
Author: M Leighton
Released: November 3, 2015 - Berkley
Format: EGalley
Pages: 336 per Goodreads

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart?

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars.

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid.

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most.

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too. 

Where Strong Enough was a brute force hit full of excitement, Tough Enough travels more on the emotional side and deals with some very sensitive subjects.  Tough Enough has cemented that this is a series to watch.  M Leighton smashes it again.

Strong Enough by M Leighton (Review)

Title: Strong Enough
Series: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #1
Author: M Leighton
Released: August 2015, Berkley NAL
Format: EGalley
Pages: 304 per Goodreads

Is she strong enough to trust the most dangerous man she’s ever met? And is he strong enough to let her? 

How would I describe myself? Well, I’m Muse Harper. I’m a twenty-something painter who loves red wine, quirky movies, and men with a fatal flaw. But that was before I met Jasper King. He became my fatal flaw. Eight months ago, I had a choice to make—abandon everything I’ve ever known to protect my family, or stay and risk someone getting hurt. I chose the former. My plan was working just fine until I found out my father had gone missing.

That’s when I met Jasper. A bounty hunter with the eyes of a tiger and the nose of a bloodhound, he was supposed to help me find my father. What I didn’t know was that meeting him was no accident. Hunting people isn’t all that Jasper does. And helping me was only part of his plan. I just wish I’d found out sooner, before my heart got involved. But even then, I don’t know if I’d have done things differently.

Now, I have another choice to make—trust the man that I’m falling in love with and hope that he’ll do the right thing, or run as far away from him as I can get.

Any time I start a new series, I have a bit of fear.  A panic rush.  What if it isn't great?  Well, with M Leighton, that has never been a problem.  Leighton continues her fantastic writing with Strong Enough, starting off the Tall, Dark, and Dangerous series.  I was instantly enveloped in the story, and her writing is, once again, spot on.

Pocketful of Sand by M Leighton (Review & Giveaway)

Title: Pocketful of Sand
Series: Standalone
Author: M Leighton
Published: March 15, 2015
Format: Ebook received for review
Pages: 318/Amazon

“She’s beauty for my ashes. And I’m hope for her heartache.”—Cole Danzer.

I don’t know what makes a great love story. Is it that instant attraction when boy meets girl? The passionate kisses and the fairy-tale ending? Or is it a lifetime of tragedy, paid in advance, for a few stolen moments of pure bliss? The pain and the suffering that, in the end, you can say are worth it for having found the missing piece of your soul? 

The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t know what makes a great love story. I only know what makes my love story. I only know that finding Cole when I did, when Emmy and I were running from a nightmare, was the only thing that saved me. That saved us. He was more broken than I was, but somehow we took each other’s shattered pieces and made a whole. If thatis what makes a great love story, if that is what makes an epic romance, then mine…ours is the greatest of them all.

**Contains material that some may find disturbing. Not intended for readers under the age of 18**

Yesterday I posted a release launch post for Pocketful of Sand, and as promised, here is my review.  As a fan of M Leighton books, I have to say I was impressed with this book.  It was a bit of a deviation from the other books I've read, but I think she did a fabulous job.

Pocketful of Sand by M Leighton (Release Launch)

Pocketful of Sand

M Leighton

I don’t know what makes a great love story. Is it that instant attraction when boy meets girl? The passionate kisses and the fairy-tale ending? Or is it a lifetime of tragedy, paid in advance, for a few stolen moments of pure bliss? The pain and the suffering that, in the end, you can say are worth it for having found the missing piece of your soul?

The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t know what makes a great love story. I only know what makes my love story. I only know that finding Cole when I did, when Emmy and I were running from a nightmare, was the only thing that saved me. That saved us. He was more broken than I was, but somehow we took each other’s shattered pieces and made a whole. If that is what makes a great love story, if that is what makes an epic romance, then mine…ours is the greatest of them all. 

Welcome to the release day of Pocketful of Sand!  I've just finished this book myself, and I loved it (and will have a review and awesome giveaway tomorrow!) but for now, I am bringing you the release info! Thanks for coming by!

Review: The Wild Ones by M Leighton

Title: The Wild Ones
Series: The Wild Ones #1
Author: M Leighton
Published: August, 2012
Format: Print copy received for review

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

The Wild Ones by M Leighton was a terrific way to start a series. While I didn’t love this book as much as books from her Bad Boys series, it’s definitely worth the read and I’m looking forward to the rest. In fact, I have book two, and bought a novella before I even finished book one.

Cover Reveal: All The Pretty Lies by M Leighton

All the Pretty Lies“Live, no regrets”

Her…Sloane Locke has led a sheltered life.  However, with a history like hers, she can understand why her brothers and her father want so much to protect her.  She has gone along with it for twenty long years, but those days are over.  For the girl who never makes promises, Sloane has made a pact with herself that things will change on her twenty-first birthday.  So when the clock strikes midnight, Sloane strikes out to spread her wings and break a few rules.

Him…In addition to inking skin, Hemi Spencer possesses many talents. Controlling himself has never been one of them.  It’s never had to be.  He’s lived a life of indulgence for as long as he can remember.  Right up until tragedy struck.  Now, he’s nothing but controlled. He’s a man on a mission, one who will let nothing and no one stand in his way. 

Them…Nothing in their lives could’ve prepared Sloane and Hemi for what they’d find in each other—distraction and obsession, love and possession.  But the one thing they can’t find is a future.  Neither one has been totally honest.  And they’ll soon learn that the devil is in the details.  In the details and in the lies.

How far will two people go to live in the now when the now is all they’ve got?

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies.  She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books.  When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.  

For more about M. Leighton, visit her website at www.MLeightonBooks.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter@mleightonbooks.

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Release Day Launch & Giveaway: Everything For Us by M Leighton

Everything For Us

M Leighton

When it comes to passion this hot, it’s all or nothing.

Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.

An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.

With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.

Woot!!!  Welcome to the Release Day Launch!!  I hope you are all as excited as I am!  I've read this entire series - including Everything For Us - and I can tell you that if you haven't read these three books you'd better hurry your ass up and do it quick! They are sexy hot and full of action.  You will not be disappointed!  Now on with the rest of the post.  Good luck with the giveaway!

***

Quote-Tastic - Everything for Us (M Leighton)

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Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Review: Everything For Us by M Leighton

Title: Everything For Us
Series: Bad Boys #3
Author: M. Leighton
Published: To be released Sept 3, 2013 - Penguin
Format: Ebook provided by Penguin & NetGalley - Thank  you!!!!!

When it comes to passion this hot, it’s all or nothing.

Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.

An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.

With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.

A while ago Naomi from Nomi’s Paranormal Palace turned me on to M Leighton and her Bad Boys series. I devoured the first two books! I mean seriously, they consumed me – I couldn’t get enough. And then I got wind of the third book, Everything For Us, and I began hunting down leads so I could get in early on this. I was that eager, I definitely didn’t think I could wait until it was released. Luckily, the reading fates were shining down on me. Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley, I was able to review a copy. And you know what? This book was just as amazing as the first two.

First – let me say this and let me be crystal clear – if you don’t want to ruin the surprise do not read beyond this point. I’ll even put the page break in here so newsletter subscribers don’t get spoiled. The first two books are imperative!! If you don't mind some minor talk, then please read on!

Review: Up To Me by M Leighton

Title: Up To Me
Series: Bad Boys Book Two
Author: M Leighton
Published: January 2013
Format: Personal Purchase

Happily ever after doesn’t come easy. But for love, it’s always worth the fight.

Olivia finds bliss unlike any she’s ever known in Cash’s arms. He sets her skin on fire and melts her heart right inside her chest. Unfortunately, their happily ever after is short-lived when a shadow from Cash’s past threatens to turn their world upside down.

Dangerous people from his father’s world have discovered that Cash holds information that could put them away for a very long time. And they’re willing to do anything—and hurt anybody—to get it back. Giving it up means Cash must choose between the life of his father and the life of Olivia.

Having nearly overcome her wariness of bad boys, Olivia’s trust is shaken when this new threat arises. Now she finds that Cash is not only a danger to her heart, but his family has associations that are a danger to her life as well. She soon discovers that there are some situations in life where trust is a girl’s only option. And this is one of them. If she’s to live, she must trust Cash with her life. But to Olivia, that’s much, much easier than letting go and trusting him with her heart.

*sigh* Oh Cash, how I love you. Good to see you back in Up To Me, buddy boy. Let’s try and get through this review without visiting Spoiler City, eh? I hear that there are landmines everywhere…

Cash and Oliva are keeping their relationship a secret, by Olivia’s preference. There are the issues with her cousin (Marissa), and her coworkers (mainly Taryn), and she really just feels like she (and they) have enough on their plate at the moment. I happen to agree, but I think if I landed a man like Cash, I’d have a very hard time not climbing Mt Everest and telling the entire universe! I mean seriously, have you seen the cover? THAT is Cash. The man is a take-charge, no holds barred guy. He’s dirty-sweet, which is one of my favorite combos. I love the man. He’s more than awesome.

There’s lots of drama in this book. Some of it is from Taryn. Gah! I really dislike that woman. She is nothing but a catty ball of bitch, and really, she could get fired from Dual right about now and I’d be happy. But there is drama coming in from lots of angles here in Up To Me, and it ain’t all about Taryn. Olivia is about to get the full frontal of the bad boy type of life. But she’s into her man, and he’s into her. They are as together as they can be, and I love that kind of lust mixed with devotion.

And I really can’t tell you too much more without giving it all away. There are some super exciting appearances from super exciting people in this book. There is tons of action, and it is quite the different book from Down To You. Where Down To You focused more on Olivia and Cash meeting, their flirtation, and their lust, Up To Me deals a lot with outside issues that are potentially threatening to their new relationship. But even though this book isn’t just a screw-fest, it is still really exciting. But hey, if it is heat you are looking for – this book definitely has it. It has it in spades. This book will make your muscles ache with need for these two to join up.

So, yeah. There it is. I’ve managed to sidestep the spoilers. Do you have a clue what is going on with this book? No? Good. It is so full of surprises, I totally want you to experience them for yourself! So first read Down To You, then read Up To Me. This is not one of those series with standalone books.

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Fictional Candy loves them Bad Boys of Romance!

Woohoo!!  I've not been part of a hop in so long, it feels good to be back in one!  And what one would be better than the Bad Boys of Romance?  This one totally has my name written all over it!  Today's hop is hosted by:
Herding Cats & Burning Sheep
author Blue Remy
and
Rantings of a Reading Addict!
So make sure you stop by and see all of them.

For my stop, I'm giving away a choice of 3 books - all with some of my favorite Bad Boys.  BUT there is also a MASSIVE (oh yes, I do mean MASSIVE) tour wide giveaway.  Yikes!  That one blows my mind!

So the 3 books I'm offering up are your choice, from BN or Amazon
Click the links to view my reviews of them!

Wanderlust - Skye Warren
Holy Cow.  I can not stop thinking about this book.  Even weeks later.  That's how I know it's perfect!

Down To You -- M Leighton
This book was ridiculously hot.  I loved it.  And come on, it has bad boys right in the series name (Bad Boys).  So it obviously fits in with the theme.  

Decadent Deceptions - Keta Diablo
This book was superb!  I don't normally go for historical, and this one had me in hook, line and sinker!  And Morgan is some definite Bad Boy material!

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Quote-Tastic! Up To Me

Yay!!  Second time around for Quote-Tastic!  Today I have a quote from Up To Me by M. Leighton.  My friend, Naomi, at Nomi's Paranormal Palace has turned me on to this author, and I suddenly can't get enough.  Up To Me is the second book in the Bad Boys series.  You can read my review of the first one HERE.  That was called Down To You.  I haven't reviewed Up To Me yet, maybe next weekend.  Enough of my babble! 

"Do me a favor, " he whispers, curling my fingers over the back of his and bringing them to his mouth.

 "What?"

His eye never leave mine as he brushes his lips over my knuckles. "Dream of me tonight, " he says softly. He watches me, waiting for a response. I have no words, so I simply nod. He doesn't need to know that no one ever occupies my dreams. No one.

 "Dream of my lips, teasing you." Straightening one of my fingers, he kisses the tip. His voice is like velvet and his words are like an aphrodisiac. "Dream of my tongue, tasting you." His tongue sneaks out to flick the end of my finger. A surge of desire rocks my core. "And I'll dream of you. Of what it feels like to be inside your warm, wet body." As if to show me what he feels, Cash sucks my finger into his mouth and pulls it in and out of his mouth., back and forth over his tongue. I can barely breathe.

He pulls it out, but before he lets it go, he gives it a gentle bite. I feel a burn in the pit of my stomach, a drop of lave in a boiling volcano.

 "Goodnight, Olivia." he says quietly. And then he walks away.

Seriously, these books are HOT.  And just cause I can, here's the cover to the first one.

Now go click on the Quote-Tastic graphic at the top and get added to the list!  Leave me your links in the comments, and I will come see your quotes!!

Review: Down To You by M Leighton

Title: Down To You
Series: The Bad Boys #1
Author: M Leighton
Published: September 2012
Format: Ebook, personal purchase
Tour: No

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not. Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white. But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.

Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her. Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them. Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. She wants them both. And they want her. How will she ever choose between them?

My friend, Naomi, from Nomi’s Paranormal Palace has raved about M. Leighton and her writing. So when I read the blurb for this book, and paired with that fantastic cover – I bought it. Well, I was just recently able to read it and I am completely in love with it!

Olivia doesn’t see herself as anything spectacular, especially in the shadow of her cousin Marissa, whom she lives with. But she knows she’s not the bottom of the barrel either. Right away I liked her, she seemed like a fun loving girl, very relatable. And one night while she is out at a friend’s bachelorette party, she mistakes a man for a stripper, and begins to strip him. Hey, who hasn’t done that, right?? Ladies, meet Cash.

Cash let her think it, because hey, when there’s a hot pistol of woman taking your shirt off you don’t argue. This is just the beginning of Cash’s bad boy-ness. He is a whole new can of worms plus a side of fries. Ok, maybe that’s a bad combo. And that’s exactly how Olivia views her and Cash, a bad combo.

But then she meets Nash. No, not a typo, my friends. Cash and Nash are twins. This is also my dream come true, because if one hot man is good, two are definitely better. Cash is the bad boy, and Nash is the good guy. And Olivia wants them both. Heck, I want them both.

The story itself is much like Olivia: feisty and sexy. I stayed up until the wee hours so I could finish reading it, and as soon as I was done I bought the next one. There is a TON of oh-so-wonderful hot sexy action. Hint: Don’t read this book at night because you will get a Charlie horse in your leg from curling your toes! There are also a bunch of surprises, and I totally didn’t see them coming. I was totally thinking it was going to be one thing, and then BOOM! No way, something way different. And its this point in my review that you wonder what the heck I am talking about, right? Well, you will just have to read the book to find out. But trust me, you will thank me when you are done.

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Have you read any books of M Leightons?  I have a couple on my kindle now, but I'd love to hear some recommendations!  Or better yet, have you read this one??  NO spoilers!!!