Review for The Sorrow Series from Mary Palmerin

First off I must say, this series is not the typical romance novels you may have read, they are so much more. I am reviewing two books with a Novella on the side which are all part of this series beautifully written by author Mary E. Palmerin.

The first book, Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow is a story about Lyla Harper, a beautiful woman with a very dark past.  She is living in Chicago trying to start her life after college.  She is a woman that does not see herself as the beautiful woman she is, she has long, dark brown hair and possess a real woman's curves with beautiful tattoos (my favorite part).  She starts working for a public relations and marketing firm in Chicago, working as an executive assistant to Michael Thomas a brash, rough and often rude millionaire mogul. Lyla's past is something she vowed never to return to, well at least not physically, but mentally, it's never far away from her.  In fact, her coping methods only help her escape it temporarily.  Lyla thought she would be by herself forever and never thought she was worthy of love from any man, until she meet Everett Brown, a handsome lawyer, on a night out, and her world changes.   An event that happens to Lyla in Chicago takes her and Everett back to her home town of Rigdon, Kansas where despite everything she experienced ends up being the place she was meant to be.  Her confidence in herself and her love for Everett will be tested in a shocking way. This book is not your mama's Danielle Steele's novel, not wanting to give anything away, Mary writes about a taboo subject matter that will make people feel uncomfortable, but the story of Lyla is a story worth writing, as it can give hope to any women that has gone through this exact life changing event. Lyla is stronger than she realizes and her test will be her saving grace and provide her the will to live.  If you have not read this book, please I beg you to pick it up and READ IT! You will find yourself as I did, crying for Lyla.

In the process of finishing up the second book, Shadows of Scars and Sorrow, Mary did a short novella on Lyla, a prequel before Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow.  This novella gives the reader a better perspective of Lyla and the hell she endured while waiting to leave her home town of Rigdon. How she dreamed for herself a better life, but first she would have to suffer before that could happen. The reader will have full knowledge of all of Lyla before reading the the sequel, Shadows of Scars and Sorrow. Once again, Mary doesn't leave anything out in this short story, the good, bad and the ugly, beautifully written.

Now, the second book, Shadows of Scars and Sorrow is one of those books that just left me spent! This book is from the perspective of Everett Brown.  Mary takes the reader into the mind of Everett, Lyla's now, fiance (and that's all I'm going to say, unless you have read the first book) and his insecurities, his constant need to not only love her, endlessly, but to provide her protection from harm starts to weigh on him. His fear of losing the love of his life starts to push him to the edge because he is keeping secrets from her to protect her.  Lyla, still raw and recovering from events in the first book, is working to get settled into their new home, back in her home town of Rigdon and planning a future for her and Everett.  Everett, trying to settle and close open wounds from his family, starts an investigation unbeknownst to Lyla.  What Everett learns about his family is enough to make your stomach turn.  This book had my emotions so up and down that by the end of the book and it's shocking cliffhanger, I had to take a few days off from reading.  Mary captured so much emotion in these books that it felt very real.  Mary really captured the rawness of a love this deep even when tragic things happen to the one you love, that love doesn't stop, it grows and the pain suffered from your loved one now becomes yours.

The Sassy Review ~ 5 Stars

This series is AMAZING!  Reading these books is a nice break from anything similar to that famous series, it's refreshing! Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age, due to graphic content.

Love in a Small Town (Pine Harbour #1) by Zoe York Release Blitz

Six years. Two break ups. One divorce. They should be over each other.

Police officer and army reservist Rafe Minelli knows better than to tell his his wife no, particularly since they aren't married anymore. But when she decides it's time to leave Pine Harbour for good, he puts his foot down. Unfortunately, Liv doesn’t seem to notice. She keeps packing until a last-minute job offer stalls her out, and Rafe realizes he's got one last chance to make things right if he wants to keep her here permanently.

Olivia Jackson can’t wait to leave Pine Harbour, but she’s just been handed her dream job in exchange for staying. Now she’s torn. If she leaves she’ll have to settle for a position with low pay and few prospects, but if she stays she’ll have to face Rafe’s renewed advances—and the ire of her ex-mother-in-law.

Now Rafe’s pulling out all the stops to convince Liv he’s changed—and he’s worth taking another chance on. Liv’s working hard to keep him at arm’s length to protect her heart.

Will love finally bridge the distance between them? Or will the next break up be their last?

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“I’m not moving for a while yet. Let’s revisit this conversation in a few months.” She reached for the beer bottle and their fingers brushed. A shiver danced up her arm at the rough slide of skin on skin, igniting way too much desire. A simple, accidental touch and she was squirming in her seat. Right after talking about moving on.

“You cold?”

She gave him a pointed look through narrowed eyelids. “Don’t you dare offer me your shirt.”

He gave her an innocent who me look and she laughed. “What? You look cold!”

“Here’s how that plays out,” she said, tipping the last of the bottle back. She licked her lips, enjoying the last drops of his beer, then pointed her finger firmly in his direction.

“You wrap it around me, taking the opportunity to be all close and big and strong. Show off your muscles. Then I’m actually surrounded by your yummy smell, and now you’re cold, so you stay close. Put an arm around me. All in the name of warmth, of course. And then all of a sudden, your hand is on my ass, your tongue is down my throat, and everyone is talking about Rafe and Olivia making out in the back of a truck at a bonfire.”

He stared at her for a minute, then bit his lower lip and nodded. “Right. K. Well, I’m gonna grab another beer.”

He hopped off the tailgate and unbuttoned his shirt. She gasped as he tossed it into her lap before he ambled over to the cooler.

Between the moon overhead and the orange glow of the bonfire, it was almost like he had a spotlight on him. And from her perch on the back of his truck she felt like she could watch him safely from the darkness. Without anyone else noticing her hunger for his broad shoulders and long legs. His strong arms and tight butt. Even with the warm flannel that she greedily wrapped around her body—and it did in fact smelly yummy—he still sent shivers down her spine. From thirty feet away. The man was dangerous.

He stopped to talk to a couple people on the way back, then handed her the beer before continuing to the cab of the truck. He returned wearing an OPP sweatshirt and she was absurdly disappointed that he’d gone and covered up most of the muscles she’d just complained he might show off to her.

He hopped back up next her, leaving a solid six inches between their thighs, and smirked as she stared at the blanket between them. “Miss me?”

Like you wouldn’t believe. “Nope.”

“Can I have a sip?” He nodded to the beer, and it dawned on her that he’d only brought one bottle back from the cooler. The first one had been shared…well, sort of by accident. But he could have brought two back and he didn’t.

The hoodie, the space…that was for her. The public show of Rafe and Olivia just being friends. But the single bottle of beer, passed back and forth? That was something else. She twisted the cap off and drank first, then quietly handed it over. He kept his eyes locked on hers as he tipped the bottle back, his lips where hers had just been.

When he handed it back again, she reached across her body and took it with her right hand. Leaving her left hand pressed on the itchy blanket between their bodies. He pressed the bottle into her grasp, then dropped his hand on top of hers.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Zoe York is a busy working mom of two young boys, wife to a very understanding soldier, and creator of modern, sexy, small town contemporary romances. Her debut novel, What Once Was Perfect, started the popular Wardham series, and her first military romance, Fall Out, was released as part of the international bestselling SEALs of Summer super bundle.

She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.

 

 

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Release Blitz - Branded (Strand Brothers #1) by Lora Ann

Some choices are simple, some are hard, and some leave a brand.

One unforgettable night at a masquerade changes it all.

Mogul Nik Strand is all too familiar with the curve balls life likes to throw. Believing his soul can never be restored, he covers his pain and heartbreak with money. The more the better—as his heart is nothing but ice. 

Aimee Taylor makes a decision that will haunt her forever. Unfortunately life doesn’t come with a do over; therefore, she makes the best out of what she has.

An unforeseen circumstance brings these two together again, even though, neither can explain how or why the other seems so familiar. As love tries to heal this wounded couple, a common adversary seeks to destroy. 

Please note: This book has strong language, violence, and sexual content. Not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Chapter Five

Nik

We entered the penthouse, and I immediately led her towards one of the spare bedrooms. It was a crucial error on my end. How did I expect myself not to touch her when she was under the same roof? The smell of her lured me to her side. As I opened the door for her, I informed, “You can sleep here in the guestroom.” She was so weary I wasn’t sure she’d make it to the bed. When she stumbled over her own two feet, I clutched her elbow to keep her from faceplanting onto the floor. My God, she was beautiful. I had to divert my gaze before I did something impetuous.

Her eyes were heavy as she curled up under the covers. As I turned off the lamp on the nightstand, she grabbed my hand. “Stay. Please?” she slurred.

Oh, hell no. I did not have the strength for that. I brushed my fingertips along her cheekbone. “I’ll be right here, little one,” I reassured. “I’m not going anywhere. Rest, now.”
She mumbled, something like, “Only one man has ever called me ‘little one.’ ”

I smiled and whispered, “Sleep sweet.” I shut the door, not quite understanding why she had shared that information. She’s very tired and probably has no idea she said it, I chastised myself mentally. A woman like her should be loved and cherished, not debased and ignored, which was exactly what would happen if I gave into my impulses. I could not have a functioning relationship with a woman. I knew that. I was fully aware of my failures, and how much I was capable of hurting her. My past alone was enough to make any woman run, screaming.

*****

Lora is a Missouri native who relocated to California as a teen. She spent several years as an international flight attendant for a major airline, before taking on her greatest job ever, a stay-at-home mom. Now she resides in Kentucky with her family, and has taken on her newest adventure, writing.

 

 

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Release of Crave (The Devil & The Diamond #1) by Bonnie Bliss

A deal was made centuries ago. 


The deal was for the first born in each generation. 


The soul of that woman was owned from birth by the ultimate beast.

The Devil. 



Elizabeth Cromwell knew growing up that she was different. The day her parents failing business suddenly took a turn for the better in an economy where it shouldn’t have. She was told of her fate. She was owned by the Devil. From the day of her birth she had no future. 



It was his. 



Unwilling to give into the rough seductions of the ultimate evil—she ran. Living in a convent in the secluded town of Neive, Italy, with only the aid of faceless man over the computer—she hides. 



Until the day he finds her. 



Sex. Lies. Betrayal. 



The fight for her Soul and future begins now. 



*This story is not for the faint of heart. This is considered a Dark Romance between two people that should never happen. It contains content which may be deemed inappropriate for some readers.*

Genre: Dark Erotica 

Age Group: 18+

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Excerpt 1: 

He took her hand in his and started to guide her away from the railing. Down a few short halls and onto a terrace that still kept the valley in sight but had vines of grapes on trellises overlooking the beauty that lied to her in this moment.

“No, it’s not you.”

He stopped moving to turn towards her. His eyes looked upon her, curious, with that panty-melting grin that made her take a step back, but he nudged her back into his body. “You are evil,” she whispered. Her voice trembled on her words. “You are the definition of what people fear under their beds. Why kids can’t leave the closet door open at night. You are the reason women can’t walk alone on a darkened street. There is nothing about this that is real. It is a joke, a mirage in the dry, desolate desert that is my fucking life.”

She wanted to sob. Curl up in a ball and give in and just end this all right now. How the fuck was she going to beat him?

His hand gripped the back of her neck and yanked her in close. She sucked in a breath, her gaze darting to meet his as she leaned in close. Asmodeus’s lips glazed over her cheek, her eyelids, down her nose.

“So melodramatic,” he purred.

Elizabeth tried to get free of his arms, but he held fast.

“I want to leave,” she whimpered.

Oh, lovely, sound more weak and off your game.

His fingers fisted in her hair. He gave a firm yank and it arched her neck and brought her chest flush against his. Asmodeus flicked his tongue out over her lips, his voice low. The deep timber kicked up her heart rate as he punched against her ribcage.

“You see, I don’t want to leave. I actually want to eat your pussy, while you’re spread out on the dinner table for me and screaming. I want the owners and tourists to watch this. I want people to see me fuck you—hard. I want the world to know I own you, and you’re MINE!” He snarled the last word.

She let out a squeal and her legs turned to jelly. He held her up against him, and she could feel the hard press of his erection against her belly.

Asmodeus nuzzled her neck. His laughter vibrated through her insides. Elizabeth’s eyes rolled back, and her body betrayed her quickly. Her pussy grew moist and her clit throbbed between her thighs.

“I don’t,” she panted.

“Really?” he dared her. His voice was laced with amusement. “We shall see about that. No more illusions and dreams, sweet one.”

He moved quickly. Asmodeus picked her up, gripping her ass and tossing her roughly on top of one of the tables. The sounds of glass shattering and heavy silverware clattering to the concrete ground filled her ears. Panic set in as she started to fight back. Elizabeth caught her bearings, slapping at him, her fingers clawing as she tried to keep him away from her. It was one thing to accept the dreams, the fake realities he imprinted in her mind. But to really allow him to do things to her—in public.

The flat of her hand came up hard and fast.

Smack!

She connected clean with his face. Elizabeth hissed as the heated pain coated her palm. Asmodeus paused, glaring down at her. He didn’t stop as he managed to get her jeans unbuttoned and zip down. In one quick fluid motion they were down around her ankles. He shoved his body between her thighs, stretching her open. She shoved at his chest. His nose touched hers and he snarled.

“Behave.”

Excerpt 2: 

“She said he came to her. Ms. Cromwell crashed into me in the halls in hysterics, claiming she saw you both debauched and at the control of HIM.” The mother superior’s firm voice belied her model-like looks.

Mother Superior Theresa, ever the strict school ma’am, nodded towards Sister Margaret setting up hymnals in the pews.

“I’m sorry, mother. We were in no such state. That means─”

“He got in.”

Elizabeth’s whole body froze and she reared back away from the comfort of the arms around her. They made an attempt at restraining her as she collided with the pews and they were sent screeching against the stone flooring.

“GET IT! It’s him! Please! Stop! Don’t you dare come any fucking closer!” she warned.

The devil swaggered towards her. A smug smirk decorated his ridiculously handsome face as she came to stand next to the sisters and the priest.

“Please, Elizabeth. This is Father Samuel. He is not the man who searches for you. Why would we let him in a house of God? Please child, he is here to help. Come.”

Elizabeth shook her head. Her fear melted away into determination as she righted her spine and stood tall in the face of her imminent capture.

“I’m not calming down. I’m not going with him. None of you can make me.”

“Ms.─”

Father Samuel held up a hand towards Theresa.

“Please, let me. I understand her fear.” The dark glimmer in his gaze pinned her to the spot.

Unlike before, she could move if she wanted. The thing was, she didn’t want to. His eyes willed her to listen to him and she slowly lowered herself to sit.

“He has invaded your mind, my sweet Elizabeth.”

She jerked at the endearment.

“No, you─” Elizabeth jumped up in her seat and pointed an accusatory finger toward him.

She dared to stab him with said finger. It did nothing. The solid steel of his chest was unharmed and unmoved.

“No one else calls me that! Only HE called me that! You will not have me, you sick fucking evil bastard! I will not be yours to rape and discard! Get the fuck out of here or I will! I’m going to find a way out! Do you understand me?” With each exclamation she stabbed her finger into his powerful chest. She could feel the heat and muscle ripple against her now sore fingertip.

Bonnie Bliss is the brain child of two authors. Bonnie is a husband and wife duo who have come together to weave stories of passion, action, betrayal, and ultimate surrender. They have discovered that mixing genres is their thing. Their tastes go dark, and they love to twist up sweet stories and make them a bit more tense and sexy. Bonnie writes in multiple genres with plans to dabble into more areas of fiction. 

One is a Southern California native, the other was born and raised in Yorkshire, England. The husband spends his time giving the wife alpha males with bite. He is a man that needs to see his world in print. He has a panty melting accent, loves listening to music, watching Game of Thrones, and obsessing over Heisenberg. The wife spends her time writing strong women that evolve into their power, they don’t just come out guns blazing. She claims the song California Girls, by Katy Perry is totally accurate. She’s done everything from waitressing, customer service phone rep., Corporate Real Estate, and spent a pretty impressive part of her life working for the Disney Corporation—before finding her way into the publishing world with her husband.

 

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