Mahalia Levey, Kiss Me Deadly

Title:  Kiss Me Deadly

Author:  Mahalia Levey

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Releases July 31, 2014

Title:  Kiss Me Deadly

Author:  Mahalia Levey

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance

Keywords:  Rock Band, Touring, Second Chances   

Word Count:  61,903            

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-63105-268-2   

Price:  $5.99

Publisher:  Secret Craving Publishing

Buy-Link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=923

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug 

 Blurb/Summary:

When Sameera Kattan's band Final Regret gets signed, she is over the moon with excitement. But becoming a superstar overnight is so surreal that she doesn't quite know what to do with the fame and public adoration. If only her longtime friend Jimmy, the lead guitarist for Crimson Rage would celebrate with her. Instead she's out on tour with a broody male who goes from hot to cold in seconds, putting a strain on their renewed friendship.

Jimmy O’Riley can't function with Sam around. Seeing her is like a ray of sunshine and a knife in the gut at the same time. Jealousy clouds his judgment whenever a man lays hands on what should've been his years ago. Endless liquor and fast women fail to bring him the distraction he needs to survive. One thing he knows for sure is, a tour bus is sure is a tour bus is no place for them to put ghosts to bed.

Review:

Kiss Me Deadly is an emotional rollercoaster ride filled with family drama.  Mixed in the family drama are some deep seeded emotional issues and abuse, both physical and mental, that will have the reader reeling as the story flies by.

This is a story that follows others so I would recommend reading the previous stories or you will be a little lost.  If you plan on reading this one first, it will only spur you on to read the other stories to fill in the back story on this group.

Jimmy O’Riley has had some page time in the other books and now we get to hear his story.  His story just happens to be wrapped around

Sameera Kattan and what transpired between them and their families.  These two, with their shared history, light up the pages both in and out of the bedroom.  Their love is plain for all to see.

Mahalia Levey had me laughing out loud at this cast of characters with their antics and in tears from their pain.  She also included a very wonderful and surprising plot twist.  I will not spoil it for anyone, just go read the story! 

Mahalia Levey, Kiss Me Like You Mean It

Title:  Kiss Me Like You Mean It
Author:  Mahalia Levey

Rating:  Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Sub-Genre:  Erotic Romance

Keywords:  Rock Band, Rock Star

Page Count:  158          

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61885-795-8   

Price:  $4.99

Publisher:   Secret Cravings Publishing

Buy-Link:  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=668

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

One gigantic mistake threatens to bring Carlie Steven's world crumbling down. Everywhere she turns she's faced with reminders of the drunken moment leaving her friendless, expelled from her Ivy League College. With Jackson out of the country singing for the troops, his empty home will give her the breathing room she needs while coming up with a game plan to fix her situation.

Playing guitar used to be enough for Jackson Laurant. For years he's played the part of not giving a fuck. Too many one night stands in the bag leave him wanting what his two friends have found. With only a handful of shows left on the tour, his mind wanders to the off limits Carlie Stevens. For years, he’s denied the brewing attraction. When he finds she’s taken up residence in his home. He may have the in he’s wanted for too many years to count.

Review:

Kiss Me Like You Mean It is a nice follow up story for Shut Up and Kiss Me.  It is a standalone story, but there is a lot of history from the previous story mentioned in this new one.  The reader gets to revisit characters, get some follow up information, and see where the next story might lead.

Jackson Laurant is a member in Carlie Steven’s brother’s band.  They’ve known each other since they were both children.  They share some history, but their family situations couldn’t be more different.  They are both products of their environments and how they evolved and thrived alone is tested in this story.  Their friendship blossoms into love after some serious trials and errors.

The result is some explosive sexual tension that threatens to end what they just started.  Carlie and Jackson set fire to the pages as they find their balance.

This is an erotic romance, but also a journey into a maturing friendship that will support Carlie and Jackson into the future. 

Mahalia Levey, Shut Up and Kiss Me

Title:  Shut Up and Kiss Me

Author:  Mahalia Levey

Rating:  Four Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sexy Drummer, Rock Band

Word Count:  30,314       

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61885-220-5

Price:  $3.99

Publisher:  Secret Cravings Publishing

Buy-Link:  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=289

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Brought up in a traditional family Carrie Stevens fights the bounds of propriety and flaunts her deviance with no regard to personal consequences. With one exception…her big brother’s wishes where his band is concerned. The sparks that fly when she’s around the one taboo she’d love to date are only a tempting siren’s song, until she sees there’s more to Shea than she’d originally thought. The sexy drummer might just make her lose her heart, if he can put her past to rest.

Shea McNamara has been in love with Carrie Stevens for years. Running in the same circle as her isn't easy. Her choice in men irks him but she's in his blood as much as the drums he loves to beat. All he has to do is convince her there’s more to life than the fast lane. With her flirty attitude he refuses to allow her to call the shots.

Review:

This story gives the reader a great view as to what the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for men might be like.  Carrie and Shea are the main characters with a wonderful supporting cast.  Carrie is a quirky girl that acts out a lot for attention and to stand apart from her family and twin sister.  Shea on the other hand has found his path and knows what he wants in life.  The two share sparks and fire, igniting each other’s passion.

Shut Up and Kiss Me is an erotic story that is light, humorous, and sexy.  Any man that can cook is definitely sexy and Shea fits the bill.  Carrie and Shea have many humorous moments that will leave the reader smiling.  There is a great balance between these two characters.

The supporting cast of siblings, parents, and friends all bring something unique to the story and help it feel realistic.  There are so many possibilities that could follow from the set up at the end of the book that I will definitely be looking for Ms. Levey’s next instalment of this series.

L. A. Witt, With the Band

Title: With the Band

Author: L. A. Witt

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sub-Genre: LGBT

Keywords: M/M, Rock Band

Length Count: Novel Plus

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60737-978-2

Price: $7.99

Publisher: Loose Id

Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/With-the-Band.aspx

Reviewer: Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop them…except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. But Bastian is too hot to resist, and besides, it’s just sex, so what’s the harm?

Bastian has just gotten out of a long relationship with his volatile ex-fiancée when Aaron catches his eye. The sexy singer is irresistible, and in spite of the potential for strife within the band if this comes out, Bastian can’t help himself.

Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it's going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can't get back to playing with the band.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.

Review:

With the Band by L. A. Witt led me into the rock heavy ordinary lives of every day musicians. The dynamics of the band life exploded into a reality. Where one small ripple can either make a band succeed or blast them apart for good. Aaron’s personal experience didn’t help matters. He battled with not only his sexuality but hiding it from a sibling and parents.

Bastian on the other hand is more comfortable in his skin, yet he too harbours a secret. Passion between the two explodes as their band rises up the ranks into notoriety. The higher they go the harder it is to keep the silence. Their personal and professional journey was heartbreaking and heart-warming. I laughed when they laughed and cried when there were broken hearts. The song really got to me, and I disliked how Bastian used it to gain what he needed while understanding communication comes in many forms.

This is one read I’d read time and again. The whole band rocked proving family and friendship could withstand the most insane odds.