Eloquent Jock by Cassandra Carr

Enjoy college-set romances? Authors Annabeth Albert and Cassandra Carr are re-releasing their stories from the Campus Cravings anthology as stand-alone novellas, each now available with brand new bonus content. Special 99 cent introductory price for ONE WEEK ONLY. Check out WINNING BRACKET And THE ELOQUENT JOCK today at all major retailers.

WINNING BRACKET

by Annabeth Albert

Genre: M/M Romance

$0.99 Amazon

$1.15 Amazon CA

$0.99 Amazon UK

$0.99 Nook

Originally published as part of the Campus Cravings bundle, now available on its 

own with a BRAND NEW bonus epilogue! Metrics and tournament brackets—who 

knew they were sexy? When competing dorm advisors Edwin and Ollie bet on a 

basketball tournament, neither expects he’s risking his heart. As the challenge becomes a 

hot bedroom battle to avoid real feelings, the two “frenemies” must change their 

definitions of losing to win a shot at lasting love. 

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter.  In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

  

Author Social Links

Website: www.annabethalbert.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert

Tumblr: www.annabethalbert.tumblr.com

Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/

Buy links & ARC to come. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23997295-winning-bracket

THE ELOQUENT JOCK

by Cassandra Carr

Genre: M/M Romance

Hockey jock and English Lit major Brendan knows he’s gay, but hasn’t come out to

 anyone, fearing a possible backlash. Then he’s tapped to be a TA for a hot professor and 

feels an immediate connection. Now he must decide how much he’s willing to risk to 

score the ultimate goal.

The Eloquent Jock

By Cassandra Carr

Review by Heidi Lynn

The Eloquent Jock was the first M/M Romance Novel that I have ever read by local WNY author Cassandra Carr. Brendon Kohl was an English Lit major who wanted to do a work study program for Dr. Scott Greenfield. Dr. Scott Greenfield was a famous murder mystery author in need of a new teacher’s assistant. His former TA, Terri had been recently forced to leave school when her grandmother fell and needed care.  Dr. Greenfield found himself dangerously lusting over Brendon. Dr. Greenfield wasn’t closeted but he never got involved with or dated anyone from the University because he knew it would be unethical. Brendon was on the college’s hockey team and during practice his mind would wander to Dr. Greenfield.  Brendon realized he was more attracted to men than woman when he got into high school but has never done anything about his curiosity. His college roommate and best friend Tyler were like brothers. Tyler would constantly be trying to fix him up with a girl. However, Brendon always made some lame excuse about being broke or too busy to date. He hated keeping the secret from him and Dr. Greenfield. So many times he wanted to confess to Tyler he was gay but had his doubts on his reaction. Nobody knew his true desires and had to keep his feelings closeted. He wondered if the rumors were true that Dr. Greenfield was gay. He worked for the professor and he thought he would never be interested in him. He couldn’t deny his strong attraction for him anymore. Ever since Brendon’s confession that he was gay the professor could not get him out of his head. He had been thinking about him day and night! He wanted Brendon so bad and knew he could not have him. To fight temptation he just let him alone and let him be. However, that upset Brendon. So Brendon confronted him and ended up catching the professor off guard and kissed him. Brendon’s first gay kiss I may add. Where does the story go from there? You will just have to read the book to find out. Cassandra Carr did a great job writing this book. I enjoyed reading about the characters, how they both secretly wanted each other, Brendon coming out to Tyler and to Mr. Greenfield, and the overall love story. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 kisses. I look forward to reading more books by Cassandra.

Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cassandra_carr

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/booksbycasscarr/

Bio:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.

Wednesdays with WNY author: Cassandra Carr

 Top Ten Reasons the #CampusCravings MM Bundle Rocks!

Hi everyone! We're the authors of Campus Cravings, a MM bundle. Thanks so much for hosting us, or, if you're a reader, for taking the time to read this! We really appreciate it!

Top Ten Reasons to Check Out Campus Cravings:

1. College is a time of eye-opening exploration and experimentation, and there's just something about a Cathia University man...

2. All the stories take place at fictional Cathia University—where not even homework or grading stands in the way of true love.

3. What's better than one hot man? Two! And what's better than two? Eighteen! (Nine stories, each with two heroes, yay!)

4. The stories are interrelated, so you'll see characters from stories appear in others, notice many of the same buildings being used etc. That was a lot of fun for us to write and we hope you enjoy that aspect too!

5. Every story is brand new! That's over 220k words! Four seasons of academic fun—from the first students arriving in Fall, to winter holidays, to March Madness and Spring Flings, to Summer loving—there’s something for every part of the academic year.

6. Unique pairings—whether you like friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, reunion romances, May-December pairings, first love, or hot-for-teacher flirtations, you are bound to find some of your favorite tropes! And if that's not enough, there are hot athletes, sophisticated professors, activist heroes, and lots more!

7. Sports galore—soccer, hockey, basketball, equestrian and more! Join the authors and the characters as we root for the Cathia Cougars!

8. Pranks, parties, and plenty of fun—you really want to find out who dyed the fountain red and who’s at Friday’s Frat party!

9. Fan favorite  m/m romance authors including L.A. Witt, Sara York, Cassandra Carr, Annabeth Albert, Bianca Sommerland, Whitley Gray, Dalton Diaz, Mia Downing, and KyAnn Waters.

10. Only $2.99 for a limited time!

Buy links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Campus-Cravings-Higher-Learning-Bundle-ebook/dp/B00MZ9GDHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1408817206&sr=1-1&keywords=campus+cravings

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Campus-Cravings-Higher-Learning-Bundle-ebook/dp/B00MZ9GDHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1408817206&sr=1-1&keywords=campus+cravings

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/campus-cravings-cassandra-carr/1120169012?ean=2940150393936

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-campuscravingshigherlearningmmboxedset-1604163-166.html

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/campus-cravings

iTunes: coming soon

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469039

To find out more information about Campus Cravings, check out our group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/299579866886134/. Add us to your to-be-read list on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738703-campus-cravings.

If you readers would like to help us out, here are a couple of Tweets you can just copy and paste into your account. Additionally, feel free to use these for Facebook or just share this entire post through Facebook and Twitter with the social media buttons on the blog!

New MM bundle #CampusCravings on sale for limited time & feat @Cassandra_Carr @kyannwaters @miadowning007 & more http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2 

Do you love MM romance? Chk out #CampusCravings! @SaraYork @GallagherWitt @AnnabethAlbert & more!  http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2 

It's back to school time with #CampusCravings, MM bundle on sale w/ stories from @DaltonDiaz @whitleygray & more! http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2

Out now! 9 interrelated college-themed M/M novellas from fan fave authors! #CampusCravings http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2 

#BacktoSchool! 2.99 for 9 college-themed novellas from top M/M authors @SaraYork @DaltonDiaz @AnnabethAlbert & more! http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2

Hot for teacher? Check out #CampusCravings! Orig novellas from @GallagherWitt @kyannwaters @SaraYork & more! http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2 

Love college sports? #CampusCravings M/M box set w/stories from @Cassandra_Carr @AnnabethAlbert @miadowning007 http://on.fb.me/1ozYey2 

An excerpt from The Eloquent Jock...by Cassandra Carr

Brendan’s mouth dropped open. “Want…me?”

“Why is that so hard to believe?” I am so screwed, and not in a good way. A headache began to take hold and he moved his hand to massage harder.

“Look at you,” Brendan waved a hand in Scott’s general direction. “You’re gorgeous, you’re successful, you’re sophisticated. I’m just some confused shmuck who’s never even kissed a guy.”

“Never?” I should not care about this. I need to stop. No good can come of this.

Brendan’s face bloomed red. “No. I’m not the type to walk into some gay bar and pick up a guy. Just the thought of it kinda makes me want to puke.”

“Not everyone is interested in that lifestyle.”

“Are you?” Brendan shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t have the right to ask you that. I know I’m making an ass of myself right now, I just don’t know what to do.”

“About what?” Scott dug himself deeper with every word, but he couldn’t stop.

Brendan clenched his fists on the desk, tapping his knuckles. Meanwhile, his right leg bounced and the poor kid looked as if he would self-combust from the red suffusing his face.

After a moment of charged silence, Brendan said, “So, you want me, but can’t have me.”

“Right.”

“Well, you’re the first guy I’ve ever wanted. I’ve known about my sexuality for a while now, but this is the first time I’ve met somebody who actually interested me beyond a casual attraction. And this sucks. I’m distracted; I can’t do my schoolwork; I’m making mistakes on the ice. I can’t have this.”

Scott leaned against the window and asked, “Then what do you want to do?”

Brendan licked his lips and Scott’s treacherous gaze followed the movement. “This.” Before Scott could even react, Brendan had grabbed him and kissed him, sloppily pushing his tongue into Scott’s mouth even as Scott tried to force his muddled brain to catch up with the program. He moaned as Brendan’s strong arms came around his waist, pulling their groins together. For a guy with no experience, the man revved Scott up pretty fucking fast. His dick pushed against Brendan’s sizable erection. Brendan moaned and the back of Scott’s head bounced off the glass behind him as Brendan attacked his mouth with even more vigor.

The pain radiating through his skull brought Scott out of his trance. He shoved Brendan away—shit, the guy had some strength for a man his size—and retreated to the corner of the office. Brendan stood between him and the door or he would’ve bolted that way.

“We can’t do this,” he managed to gasp out. His body had a very different opinion, but Scott ignored his baser needs. Someone had to take charge and stop this madness.

“You said you wanted me.”

Scott blew out a loud breath through his nose. “That doesn’t mean we should do anything about it. In fact, it would be a lot safer for both of us if we didn’t.”

“Because you’re a professor?”

“Well yes, that. And I’m, what, fifteen years older than you?”

“You’re saying I’m just some dumb kid who doesn’t know any better?” Brendan began to turn away, but then spun back. “You responded to me. That might’ve been my first kiss, but I know what happened. You liked it.”

Putting up a hand in a placating gesture, Scott said, “I’m not denying anything, but enjoying a kiss and letting it go on are two different things.”

“I get it.” Scott tried to go on, but Brendan stopped him. “No, I do. I get it. I’m sorry.” Before Scott could stop him, he’d grabbed his bag off the chair he’d dumped it onto earlier, yanked open the door, and slipped through it. As he slammed the door behind him, Scott slumped to the floor.

“That went well, you jackass,” he muttered.

REVIEW: Burning Love by Cassandra Carr

Burning Love
Calendar Men – Mr. August
Cassandra Carr

Firefighter Jude Mason is hurt on the job and placed on disability. While he rehabs his injuries, doubts start creeping in. What if he never heals? Worse than that, is the question he barely dares to contemplate—what will he do for work if he can never go back to the station? Firefighting is all he knows.
Michaela owns a café and lives her life with the constant threat of her business failing. She works long hours making her restaurant a success, leaving little time for romance. And who would want her anyway? She’s far from model-thin, for one thing. Sure, she’d like to have someone to share the good times and bad with, but her prospects are few, so she concentrates on her job rather than bemoaning her complete lack of a love life.
A collision at a photo shoot brings Jude and Michaela together. They both feel the pull, but with Jude’s uncertain future and Michaela’s nonstop job, can they find common ground? If they’re lucky, Jude and Michaela might discover a future that burns brighter with true love.

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, rubenesque, foodie romance
Heat level: 3 Word count – 20k
Cover art by Mina Carter
 

 ~Excerpt~
They walked to his truck and shared an easy silence on the way home. Michaela couldn’t remember a time she’d been more at ease with someone she didn’t know well.

At her door, he pulled her to him. “Thanks for coming out with me. This was the most fun I’ve had in weeks. I’ll call you, and we’ll do it again soon.”

“I had a great time, too.”

“I’m glad.”

Jude lowered his head and kissed her, capturing her chin in his large palm and turning her mouth to more fully meet his. His other arm remained around her waist, tightening and bringing their bodies fully flush from chest to hip. He ran his tongue along her lips, and she opened to him with a moan. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew they were taking things really fast, but try as she might, she couldn’t think of a good reason to slow down. Their tongues tangled in an intimate dance before he retreated to his own mouth and she chased him, moaning again when he briefly sucked on her tongue.

His hand moved lower on her back, cupping her ample ass and pushing his groin into hers, making his erection obvious. They battled for control of the kiss, but Jude eventually won out, pushing the hand that had cupped her chin around to the back of her head to tilt her to his liking. Finally they broke apart, both breathing hard.

Jude gasped for air. “Holy hell.”

“Uh-huh.”

“We need to stop, or I’m gonna start begging to take you right here.”

“Okay.” At Jude’s expression of surprise, she realized what she’d said and had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at herself. “I meant, yes, we should stop.” Very witty commentary. “So you’re going to call me?”

Jude held up the phone containing her number. “Count on it.” He waited for her to open her door before backing away.

“See you soon, I hope.”

Famous last words.

Author Bio:
Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning erotic romance writer with Ellora's Cave, Siren Publishing, Sybarite Seductions/Twenty or Less Press, Decadent Publishing, and Loose Id. She lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra is the co-founder of two successful group blogs, Romancing the Jock and Dirty Birdies, and participates in several others as a contributor. Recently she was re-elected president of Western New York Romance Writers.
Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Cassandra Carr and Decadent Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this hot story!  There is something about a man in uniform that is attractive.  Firefighters, cops, military, any uniform really.  
Right from the beginning I was hooked!  I love how Cassandra Carr portrayed a strong Alpha male firefighter going through rehab after a serious knee injury.  She didn't glorify the rehab and made it realistic.  I love how she found a way to keep Jude involved with the fire department, even though Jude wasn't happy about it.  *giggles* Sneaky friends make things better!  

I love the way Jude and Michaela meet and I laughed because that is probably how I will meet someone!  I am not spilling the beans on this one!  I have enough embarrassing moments!  

Michaela is a woman who is passionate about her job as a chef and she is not afraid to show it.  I love that she is portrayed as a normal woman with insecurities about how she looks but is still able to be herself.   I love that she was able to be a source of strength and encouragement for Jude.

REVIEW: THE PAYMENT SERIES BY CASSANDRA CARR

Synopsis

The Payment series (Prized, Possessed, Purgatory)-
Catrina Carter is in over her head. Way over her head. She’s in debt and, short of bankruptcy, which wouldn’t happen fast enough to pay the creditors nipping at her heels, Catrina has few choices. Eviction is coming any day, and even though she traded in her great car for a “more affordable” model, it's about to be repossessed too. Catrina goes to Debt Management Associates, or DMA, for help.
The cost for DMA's help is something she never thought she could pay, but out of options, Catrina agrees to serve a man who pays her debt in full, and begins training in how to please him. Jared. Her new benefactor. He is tasked with helping Catrina get her life back on track, in addition to taking his pleasure with her and ordering her to oblige friends, colleagues, and even total strangers sexually on his whim.
When Catrina leaves the DMA program after her one year term of service, will she be able to keep the lessons Jared literally spanked into her topmost in her mind, or will old habits rear their designer heads?

Individual blurbs:

Prized: The Payment series, part 1
After agreeing to a one-year term of service with a benefactor who can pay her debt, Catrina Carter begins training in how to please a man. But will a benefactor be willing to spend such an astronomical sum—one hundred and fifty thousand dollars—just to have her for a year? She’s about to find out.

Possessed: The Payment series, part 2
Jared, Catrina’s “benefactor”, has agreed to pay off her debt in exchange for one year of service to him. In addition to taking his own pleasure with her, Jared offers Catrina to friends, colleagues, and even total strangers on his whim. But it’s not all fun and pleasure for Jared. As part of the agreement, he’s tasked with helping Catrina get her life back on track. He’ll succeed even if he has to spank every piece of financial information into her, and he finds he just might have to do that.

Purgatory: The Payment series, part 3
Catrina has finished her year-long term of service to Jared, her benefactor, who paid all her debt off. Now she’s on her own again. Will she be able to keep the lessons Jared literally spanked into her topmost in her mind, or will old habits rear their designer heads?


Buy Links
 Amazon 
Kobo 
B&N 

*I included the links to the box set. Each book can be purchased separately. Prized is listed on Amazon right now for $.99 and Possessed and Purgatory are listed for $3.49

  
Erin's Review
 I've read quite a few of Cassandra's books and this by far was her darkest. It was intriguing, erotic, and really got me thinking, what would I  do in that situation? And I have to answer that with a resounding....I have no freaking idea!
Catrina really gets herself in to some trouble financially and seeing DMA as her only solution, she agreed. I got to give the girl credit, I probably would have bailed. Well, maybe. 
This is by no means a conventional love story. Catrina is paying a debt, one that Jared repeatedly reminds her of. I thought he was quite the jerk at first but after a while, I understood why he was doing what he was doing. Teaching someone responsibility is a big thing, and Catrina has a BIG problem.  She's a bit sassy with him at times and it doesn't go over well with him. She is there to learn, he is there to teach her. 
Over time the two develop a relationship that is anything but conventional but you start to see a bit of the man that Jared is. He truly wants the best for her and wants her to see the error of her ways. If you are looking for a conventional love story, this is not it. It's dark, it's erotic and there are sexual situations that will make you squirm in your seat. There is an attachment between Catrina and Jared, but I wouldn't necessarily call it love. It's a mutual respect with a bit more, kind of hard to explain without giving things away. I'm not going to tell you if Catrina learned from her year under Jared's teachings, that would be much too easy. I can say though, I had a different view of Jared at the end than I did in the beginning. 
 Highly recommend these books. I like twisted and this is definitely twisted! Now go buy this before I send all of you to DMA and make Raoul give you training for not listening to an awesome recommendation.       

REVIEW: Awakening by Cassandra Carr

Synopsis:
Vanessa Clark is doing a research paper for one of her last classes – Psychology of Sex – before receiving her Bachelors’ degree. Once she discovers the topic of BDSM, everything else pales in comparison. But where will she learn about it? The Internet has its limits, and Vanessa needs to talk to real-life practitioners of BDSM to really understand the lifestyle and write about it.
Will Astin, who serves as a dungeon master at a local BDSM club, doesn’t expect to find a gorgeous, irresistible young woman when he agrees to a meet and greet with a college student as a favor to the club’s owner. Even better, she’s interested in learning about BDSM for what he suspects are more than scholarly reasons, and Will decides he’s just the man to teach her about it, hopefully claiming her for his own.
Will and Vanessa begin a journey which teaches both of them there’s more to BDSM than meets the eye. In the process, they grow closer, but when Will’s job puts him in the line of fire – literally – their roles are reversed and Vanessa has to take charge. Can they handle the rapid shift in their burgeoning dynamic, or is their relationship doomed?


Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
All Romance Ebooks


Erin's Review:
 When Cassandra said she had a BDSM book up for review, you can bet that I jumped on that! And I'm so glad that I did!
 Awakening isn't your typical BDSM story.Oh trust me, there is enough heat to melt the polar ice caps, but it is so much more than just erotic sex. It's a love story of the sweetest kind. 
 Vanessa is a sweet girl who appears a bit out of her element writing about the BDSM lifestyle for a college course. Vanessa is good example of, don't judge a book by it's cover. Oh, she's naive when it comes to the lifestyle and walking in to that BDSM club takes a lot of guts, but our girl shows that she's capable of doing what she has to do.
 When the owner falls ill, he sends Will in his place. Will is HOT. I mean, tie me up, beat me with a flogger HOT! Will is a natural Dominant and senses that Vanessa would make a great submissive, but is he ready to take the chance on her after the heartbreak he went through with his last collared submisive?
 The dynamic between Will and Vanessa is sweet, smoking, sexy and at times these two had me cracking up. Vanessa just can't keep her smart mouth shut, I loved it! She challenges Will. She also discovers the BDSM lifestyle is more than an internet search could ever teach her. They try to take things slow but slow doesn't mean no sex! Vanessa is intrigued and Will is a willing teacher and knows that there's something special about her.
 Their story takes a turn when Will's job puts him in danger and thing suddenly change for the couple. Watching Vanessa step up and take charge is a sight to behold and Will just doesn't know how to handle it. He already has conflicting feelings about his line of work now, on top of dealing with the guilt over what happened and now his conflicting emotions about Vanessa aren't helping our wounded Dom.
 You want a BDSM story that's not too heavy but packed with emotion? Awakening is the book for you. To see if our couple made it through, click those little buy links up there and find out. The only disappointment you will have, is when the story is over.
 Kudos to Cassandra for yet another hit! Keep 'em coming!!!

REVIEW: VELOCITY (Buckin' Bull Riders Series, Book 4) by Cassandra Carr

Blurb: Book four in the Buckin’ Bull Riders series.

Paolo D’Allesandro has been living in his older brother Marco’s shadow. But he’s getting older now and realizing he and Marco don’t want the same things. He’s not sure what his next step is, but knows he needs to quit riding to figure it out.
Savannah Harrington is a grad student working on a thesis about adrenaline junkies. She’s joined the bull riders’ tour to study the men and their motivations to willingly take part in a dangerous sport. Upon meeting Paolo, they both feel an instant connection. She can’t stay away from the sexy Italian and his mind-numbing skills in the bedroom, but knows the relationship can’t last.
Both wish their circumstances were different, but Paolo doesn’t think he has anything to offer Savannah, and Savannah doesn’t want to pressure Paolo into another life decision that will make someone else happy, but not fulfill him. As her time to go back to school draws closer, they need to figure out how to get their highest score yet—in the game of love.

Excerpt:
“Shall we go?”
He stood and helped her out of her chair. “After you.”
They bade their goodbyes and Paolo helped Savannah to the car. “Apparently caffeine makes me sleepy now,” she remarked. “That’s pretty horrible, isn’t it? That I’m not even safe drinking pop?”
“I doubt you’re a horrible anything.”
Savannah threw a glance his way. “A silver-tongued Italian. Why am I not surprised?”
“Silver-tongued? What does that mean?”
“It’s a man who charms with words.”
“Oh,” he said with an embarrassed shrug. “Marco is the one who women usually throw themselves at. Though now that Natalie is around, they don’t dare for the most part.”
“She seemed nice.”
“She is, except when one of the buckle bunnies tries to hit on her man.”
“Buckle bunnies?”
“Yes, the women who hang around the tour stops, hoping to sleep with one of the riders. We call them buckle bunnies.”
“Good to know,” Savannah said with a slow nod.
He started the car and she directed him to her hotel, just a few doors down from his own.
Making a quick decision, he pulled into a parking space and turned off the car. “I’ll see you to your door.”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“My madre would kill me if she found out I left a beautiful young woman alone to find her way.”
Savannah rolled her eyes. “Can’t have your mother murdering you. I need my research subjects to stay alive.”
Paolo mock-shuddered. “Thank you for saving my life.” He helped her out of the car and slid his hand around her small waist, finding he liked the way she fit against him. When they arrived at her door, she pulled the small key card out of her purse and turned to him.
“Thanks for seeing me home. Your mother would be proud.”
Maybe not if she saw me do this…
Taking Savannah’s face in his hands, he brushed his lips with hers. He simply couldn’t help himself. He had to taste her.
For a moment she froze and he wondered if she was going to pull away and slap him, but then Savannah melted into him and he guided her back against the door, pushing a thigh between hers to anchor her there. Moving one hand until it slid around the delicate column of her neck, he tilted her head to the side so he could deepen the kiss. Savannah let out a little moan and Paolo pressed in even closer, letting her feel his erection. He hadn’t planned to take it beyond a kiss tonight, but if she wanted him, there was no way he was going to refuse her.
Her tongue slid into his mouth, caressing his with little swipes in and out and he knew he’d better either get her inside or leave her alone before he embarrassed himself.
Pulling away, he asked, “Should we go inside?”
“What?”
Paolo indicated her key card. “In your room?” Savannah blinked a couple of times and the heat in her eyes banked. The gentlemanly Italian manners his family had taught him kicked in and he forced himself to step away from her, clearing his throat. “Good night.”
“Yeah. Good night. See you at the next event.” She pivoted and swiped her card through the reader before giving him a little wave and disappearing into her room.
Was she angry? Disappointed? Something else? He had no clue. But he did know he was going to be forced to reacquaint himself with his right hand before he’d be able to even consider sleep tonight.
* * * * *
Savannah leaned against the hotel room door after Paolo left. What had she been thinking? She’d wanted to get to know the bull riders so they’d feel comfortable confiding in her, but that didn’t mean she had to sleep with them. Paolo’s smooth Italian accent and playful yet sexy mannerisms drifted back into her brain despite her attempts to put him out of her mind, and her knees went weak. Cursing to herself, Savannah pushed off the door and staggered to the bed, flopping down with a groan.
Why had she let him kiss her? It wasn’t as if it came as a complete surprise. She’d allowed him to walk her to her door, after all. Obviously he’d taken it as a sign she’d wanted to be kissed. Not that she hadn’t. The man was gorgeous, from his rangy build to the dark hair and eyes that set off full, sensual lips that, whoa, knew how to kiss.
Savannah fanned herself, but it didn’t even begin to calm the raging inferno his kiss had ignited. And when he’d thrust that powerful thigh between her legs it had been all she could do not to hump the damn thing. His strong arms had wrapped around her tightly, pulling her flush to his body from chest to groin. She groaned again. Going back over the incredible kiss wasn’t helping and she needed some sleep if she was going to drive alone for hours tomorrow.


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Erin's Review:
 I honestly didn't think the Bull Riders series could have gotten much harder then Cassandra dedicated an entire book to Paulo. Sweet, soft spoken, hot, sexy Paulo. The chemistry between Paulo and Savannah is sizzling and you get a real feel for the urgency the couple has when faced with a short amount of time together. Both fall hard and fast.
 Paulo proves that he is his own person but struggles with coming out from underneath his brother, Marco's, shadow. His indecision shows his soft side. He doesn't want to disappoint his brother. But can he really go on living a life that really isn't his to live? Where he isn't happy. And what does he have to offer the beautiful Savannah?
 Savannah is a brainiac. She has her life all figured out. Smart, put together and rarely impulsive, then she meets Paulo. All reason gets tossed out the window. She is drawn to him and he makes her hot in ways she never felt possible. What the man can't say in English, he sure makes up for in the bedroom! She tries not to get her hopes up about a relationship but the more time they spend together, the more she falls for Paulo. She is the perfect balance for him and helps urge him out of his shell and realize his own dreams and aspirations. But how can she say goodbye now?
 I've said it before about these bull riders and I'll say it again, I LOVE Paulo. Love him! There is something special about the youngest Italian brother and Cassandra does a wonderful job bringing Paulo to life. He and Savannah are so good together and their struggle to not only figure out their lives, but their relationship is real. I'm so sad to see the bull riders go, but can't think of a better story to go out with. As George Costanza always says, Go out on a high note! Cassandra surely did with Paulo!

REVIEW: Public Affairs by Cassandra Carr

Blurb:

Nate O'Halloran is a PR superstar, an expert in crisis management for his image-conscious celebrity clients. When his college roommate, now a hospital director in Buffalo, calls to beg for his help-- a cancer researcher on staff has disappeared with millions of dollars' worth of government research funds-- Nate agrees to help right away, though this situation is pretty small potatoes for him. 

Val Chase, the hospital's PR director, is none too thrilled when Nate shows up; does it mean her boss doesn't trust her to handle this mess herself? Against her better judgment, Val decides she and Nate have to work together to save the hospital's reputation, though the explosive attraction they feel is making any actual "work" difficult...

Excerpt: Dueling feelings of nervousness and anticipation warred within Val’s body as Nate parked his car alongside hers then came around to open her door and help her out. She wasn’t accustomed to this kind of chivalry and it was keeping her off-balance. It was especially unexpected in a man like Nate, and made it harder to keep to her assumption he wasn’t a man she could have a future with.
He’s only in town for a little while. Cool your jets.
Nate didn’t let go of her hand and Val felt strange tugging it away. He closed the car door behind her and gently pushed her against it, trapping her between his car and himself. “I have to,” was all he said as his mouth descended on hers. She couldn’t bite back a gasp of surprise, and Nate took that opportunity to push his tongue into her mouth, exploring her with long, deep strokes. Val’s entire body started to tingle and, despite her myriad misgivings, she found herself pulling him closer and snaking her arms around his neck.
Her senses went haywire with each touch of his fingertips to her face. Leaning in more, he pushed his erection into her pelvis and Val let out an involuntary moan. Nate licked at her mouth with his wicked tongue and she couldn’t help but respond, opening her mouth farther to his advances. But when he reached down to cup her bottom in his large hands, she finally had the presence of mind to jerk away, gasping for desperately-needed oxygen. If he’d already gone from merely kissing her to grabbing her ass clearly he wanted sex, and she wasn’t the type to sleep with someone and then say sayonara. I might be for this guy. No. Nip it in the bud, before he gets more ideas.
Despite her body screaming in protest, Val pushed him farther away. “We can’t do this.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because.” At his raised brow she huffed. “Because we’re working together. Because we’re in the parking lot of the hospital that I still have to work in after you go back to your life in mere days.” She motioned in his general direction. “Most of all, because you’re who you are and I’m who I am.”
He ran his hand over the back of his neck and then looked at her, blowing out a loud breath. “What does that even mean?”
Val scooted around him and he turned to follow her. She held up one hand and he stopped. “I need to go.” Ducking into her car, she started the engine and was on her way out of the parking ramp within seconds. As she pulled out onto the road she rapped the heel of her hand on the steering wheel. “Dammit! Why did I let him kiss me?”

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Erin's Review

 Cassandra Carr does it again with Public Affairs! There was the right amount of everything in this book and I swear you could cut the sexual tension between Val and Nate with a knife! You want to hate Nate, he's invading our girl's space. Can't let that happen, you know, girl power and all that. But, you can't. You want to scream at Val, "If you don't make a move I will!" The power struggle between them during working hours is a form of foreplay for the couple, all leading up to some hot steamy after hours, um, togetherness....you get my drift. 

 The plot doesn't overpower the romance and it keeps you intrigued as to what's going to happen next. I really felt for Nate's college buddy, Doug. He was a very real example of accountability. I loved Val's emotional ties to her job, and Nate's willingness to help out an old friend. Nate is the kind of friend anyone would be lucky to have, and Val is a kind, caring woman that will go above and beyond for those she holds dear. 

 Wonderful story of what could happen when you throw caution to the wind and let fate take it's course. 

REVIEW: Turnaround by Cassandra Carr

Turnaround

Cassandra Carr

Series: Red Hot Valentine

Length: 12k

Publication date: 1/18/14

Publisher: C-Squared Publishing

Genre: Contemp romance

Price: .99

Blurb:

Becca and James don't date. Both are in their thirties and neither has found anyone they feel is potential spouse material. Becca attends a "We Hate Valentine's Day" party at a local bar where James is bartending. He knows from the first day they meet that Becca is someone special, but Becca's more cautious. James sets out to prove to Becca there really are happy-ever-afters.

Sarah's Review: 

Thanks to Cassandra Carr for giving me the chance to read this as an ARC.  This story didn't disappoint in anyway.  After reading this, I sent Cassandra this message:

I had to laugh because I despise Valentine's Day! Completely despise it!

 Honestly, I truly do.   I have never been a fan of it.  I have been told that I don't like it is because I am always single.  Personally, I believe if you can't tell your significant other you love them daily, then V-Day is just another way to spend money on things that people don't want or need. 

Anyway, I fell in love with James and Becca during the midst of a blizzard that was happening in Buffalo.  The steaminess of this story made the negative temps that much more bearable since I was in the comfort of my own home.  

I would love to attend one of these "We hate Valentine's Day" parties. 

REVIEW: Momentum by Cassandra Carr-Buckin Bull Riders Series Book 3

Blurb:
Marco D'Allesandro has a destiny he wants no part of-running his family's olive oil empire. He's the oldest son and has been groomed for the job since he was a child. But after attending a professional bull riding event, Marco is hooked.
Against his family's wishes, he moves to America to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bull rider. Now he's at the pinnacle of his career, but his family makes it clear it’s time he did the responsible thing and came home. They view his bull riding as a lark, rather than Marco’s chosen profession, and no matter how much success he enjoys, he can’t change his family’s opinion.
Things only get more complicated when he meets Natalie Webster, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel who's got problems of her own. Their chemistry is explosive from the beginning, but Natalie’s situation in life and Marco’s continued battle with his family threaten to tear them apart. Neither of them was looking for love, but might have found their true destiny in each other.

Excerpt:
  Marco grinned. “I don’t eat breakfast, cara. Coffee is fine for me, so eat whatever looks good.”
Her mouth fell open and she was sure she looked like a total idiot, but she couldn’t help it. “You don’t even eat breakfast and you ordered all this food?”
Marco looked at the food on the tray. “You have a long drive. I wanted you to have something you would like to start out the day. Why is that bad?”
“Because.” She gestured toward the food. “You’re wasting food and you’re wasting money.”
He gave another negligent shrug. “Mio padre won’t even notice.” How could he have such a cavalier attitude about money, especially when it wasn’t even his money?
“That doesn’t mean you should waste his money.”
Marco approached her and touched her arm. “Cara, what is the matter?”
Natalie felt the hot blush travel from her chest into her face. “I just…” She stopped and started again. “You don’t know how lucky you are to have parents who are still around to love you and take care of you.”
Marco snorted. “Lucky? I am lucky to have a padre who practically has a second job nagging me about my duty to my family as the oldest son?”
“At least you have a father, and one who’s loaded at that.”
“I don’t care about his money.”
“It’s paying for you to be over here, isn’t it?” Natalie knew she had no right to pry, but Marco’s attitude toward his family made her see red and she couldn’t stop herself. “So what is this bull riding thing to you? One big, long joyride?” Picking up the Eggs Benedict, she took a large bite and swiped her hand over the corner of her mouth before locating a napkin and repeating the motion.
“It is what it is,” he answered, and turned away to pour a cup of coffee. Holding up the pot, he asked, “Do you want some?”
“No, thank you.”
“There’s orange juice and tea on the tray if you’d prefer one of those.”
“Of course there is,” she murmured and then took another bite of her breakfast. Eyeing the various plates, she wondered what she could fit into her belly in an expeditious manner so she could leave as soon as possible. His back was to her again and it was obvious he wanted her gone. Marco walked into the bedroom without another word, taking his coffee with him, and Natalie grabbed her purse, glad she’d decided to use one so large. She had an empty plastic grocery bag inside and she dumped the pancakes and eggs into it and then tied it closed.
After grabbing a couple of the cloth napkins, she wrapped the remainder of her Eggs Benedict in one and the pastries into another. She felt guilty stealing the napkins, but she just couldn’t let all this good food go to waste, especially not when she was watching every dime.
She shoved everything into her purse and then grabbed the suitcase she’d wheeled next to the door to the bedroom and was almost out the door when a hand shot out, blocking her exit. Natalie started, unable to believe she hadn’t even noticed him behind her in her haste to flee.
Marco leaned into her, and she shuddered. “Where are you going?” His Italian accent wrapped around her as if it were the finest silk, and she had to take a couple of breaths before she could answer. All that did was bring that pure masculine smell to her nostrils again. Closing her eyes, she prayed for fortitude.
“I-I wanted to get out of your way,” she stammered.
“So you thought you would just leave without even saying goodbye?” With his other hand, he turned her to face him, pushing into her personal space even more until her breasts brushed his chest. “That’s not very nice.” He lowered his head and ran the very tip of his tongue along her jaw to her ear, where he whispered, “You will make me think you don’t like me, when it is obvious from your eyes and actions that you do.”
“I-I don’t like you.” He chuckled and she cursed the needy tone of her voice. “I mean, I appreciate you buying me dinner last night and letting me stay here, but that’s it.”
“Are you sure about that? Because you are trembling, cara.”
“I—”
“I know. You aren’t interested in me that way. But I don’t believe you. Let’s have a test. If you don’t like me you won’t respond to my kiss.” He swooped in, covering her lips with his, and she gasped. Marco took the opportunity to press his tongue into her mouth. She’d never been a big fan of coffee but his taste was positively intoxicating and she knew she’d lost the battle as she moaned and leaned into him.
Marco moved even closer, pressing her against the door and letting her feel his unmistakable arousal. After another bone-melting kiss he pulled away and she found herself demanding, “Don’t stop.”
His eyes flared and his accent thickened as he said, “I never want to stop kissing you, tesora. Ah, my treasure.” Plunging his hands into her hair, he tilted her head and came at her again. Natalie’s breasts tightened and she had to force herself to breathe as his tongue moved in and out of her mouth in an her. His hands moved down to cup her ass and lift her pelvis to fit it to his groin. “Tell me you want me,” he got out around clenched teeth as he stared at her, blatant awareness flashing in his eyes.
She couldn’t lie. Not after the way she’d returned his kiss, just as he’d said she would, damn him. “I want you.”

Erin's Review:  
 This has to be the hottest of the series so far. These Italian bull riders sure are something! Marco is strong, sensitive and very Italian. What some could perceive as being overbearing, is just the protective Italian in him. He isn't your typical rich boy, he honestly doesn't want his father's money. He wants to make his own mark in the world. The relationship between him and his brother is envious. They stick by each other through thick and thin and Marco is the clear leader between the two.
 Natalie is trying to make it on her own after her father's death and is having a hell of a time doing so. She is following the bull riders getting advice so she can try out for the women's team. But one thing after another just keeps happening to poor Natalie. From a crappy car, to not enough money for hotels, the poor girl just can't seem to catch a break. Until Marco....
 She would love nothing more than to lean on him but her pride tells her no. She is determined to do it alone and Marco is just as determined not to let her. His reputation for being a rich playboy proceeds him and she will not be one of his playthings. Marco admits he enjoys the company of a beautiful woman, just not to the extent everyone thinks he does. There's something about Natalie that brings out his protective side. He just has to .prove to her that money means nothing and she means everything.
 I thought after Brady and Leah, I wouldn't have another favorite couple then BAM! Here's Marco and Natalie. Natalie is so real. Marco is so sweet.....and hot. Hot definitely helps :) Their chemistry is very real and together they sizzle. You will fall in love with these two, I guarantee it. 
                  Amare non è solo guardarsi l'un l'altro, ma guardare insieme nella stessa direzione