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, Only Skin Deep

Title:  Only Skin Deep

Author:  Mahalia Levey

Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Keywords:  Anthology, Multicultural 

Page Count:  169        

ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61885-377-6

Price:  $4.99 

Publisher:  Secret Cravings Publishing

Buy-Link:  http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=404

Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

All Woman: Officer Taleena Harris may have looked like one of the guys in her uniform, but underneath lurked a sensual woman. Jason Treadway, her target had no clue he was key to fulfilling all her fantasies. He might be her boss, but she held all the aces. It was far past time to play them.

Jason Treadway had no desire to be a one woman type of man. That was until the Armored Company’s annual theme party. A mystery woman on the mechanical bull commanded his attention. He’d do anything for a night of being skin-to-skin with her. The only question… Would one night be enough?

Flaws and All: Nadja Mederios knows what she wants after months of watching Donato keep order at Club Mist, and an intervention from her best friend Taleena. As a lounge singer, she portrays a sensual, sultry woman, but she’s not the high-maintenance girl people assume she is. In fact, a tomboy lies beneath her protective costume. When the real woman comes to light, she hopes Donato finds her just as sexy as the mask.

Donato Falcone isn’t looking for commitment, but when someone touches Nadja without permission, rational thought leaves him and rage steps in. After his temper cools, he sees a different side of Nadja. Her sleek sophistication may well be a front for the girl who could be his forever, if he can find a way to break down her barriers.

Against All Odds: Four months of casual dating isn’t enough. Not for Derek Tresvant. His Deja may think financial security and a successful career are essential to a good life, but he disagrees. The numerous excuses she uses to push him away only entice him to prove he’s in the forever type.

If there’s one constant in life Deja Crane knows nothing is ever one hundred percent certain. After working her ass off to own her business and succeed on her terms, she’ll be damned if one hot sinful man will take all away from her with a marriage license, a picket fence and two point five kids. She’s got a plan of her own that doesn’t include messing with a man.

Review:

Only Skin Deep is an anthology by Mahalia Levey filled with three wonderful stories.

All Woman is a love story of how a girl gets her man to notice her as a woman.  Taleena has been sitting back and hoping to be noticed, until she decides to take the bull by the horns.  She does what it takes to win the eye of officer Jason Treadway.  His heart will follow.

Taleena and Jason have some steamy love scenes that will have the reader looking for more and Ms. Levey delivers.  There is an excellent segue into the next story Flaws and All that doesn’t leave you feeling like you are reading separate stories.

I just loved Nadja and Danato’s story in Flaws and All.  It pulled at my heartstrings and left me with a wonderful feeling.  God knows that we aren’t short on women with self-esteem issues, but it’s the male that can reassure and build her up again that is in short supply. 

Donato sees Nadja for who she is and supports her and her interests.  It doesn’t hurt that some of their interests coincide.  Donato’s thoughtfulness will help Nadja heal and the reader gets a glimpse.

Deja and Derek’s love story, Against All Odds, is out of this world with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages.  There are so many obstacles for these two to overcome that it is questionable to the very end whether they can make it work.  They each carry secrets from their past that may prevent them from sharing a future together. 

Deja and Derek share a tumultuous journey together that was enjoyable to read.  The story ended, but it was left open to continue with other characters in the future.  This is one group of friends and family that I will want to revisit.

I really loved how all the main characters in each story play secondary roles in the other stories.  We get to see them again and get a little update on their lives.  The playfulness, goofing off, texting, and teasing between characters gave them each depth and brought them to life.

Only Skin Deep is a terrific compilation of contemporary stories that will run you through your gamut of emotions.  Don’t miss out.  

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.