Electrified (The Electric Tunnel #1) by Rachel Blaufeld

Title: Electrified (The Electric Tunnel #1)
Author: Rachel Blaufeld
Release Date: April 29th 2014


Book Links: Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N
/ iBooks

Synopsis:

Everyone knows her as Sienna Flower.

Her curves and long lashes tease and taunt from her very own billboard where the desert meets the Las Vegas Strip. She’s the hottest stripper in town, known for her sultry and indecent moves coupled with her virginal eyes.

She’s a heady and unique combination, and a mystery to all who come to see her.

Sienna captivates crowds nightly at the Electric Tunnel, leaving them wanting to know more about the sensual enigma. But no one ever sees beyond the heavily guarded stripper onstage. She is Sienna Flower 24/7.

No one other than her closest friend and boss, Asher Peterson, who helped turn a young and frightened girl into who Sienna is today. Together they created the sexual illusion known as Sienna Flower. They will go to any lengths to protect her image, which is why Sienna is convinced she must remain unattached and alone.

Like everyone else in Vegas, Sienna is hiding something and playing a role. A good girl in her former life, she was raised to be obedient and accepting of her fate, but there are some circumstances no one should be expected to accept. She escaped to a world light years away from the one she was subjected to…the Electric Tunnel.

Now she can never be anything other than Sienna Flower. Not only would she be hurt, but everyone around her would suffer the consequences.

That is, until she meets private detective Carson Graham, the dark and mysterious ex-FBI agent who watches her dance every weekend. With his dark hair and chocolate-brown eyes, Carson begins to heat Sienna’s heart and body, melting away the layers and secrets. Sienna doesn’t want to get attached to Carson, but when another man surfaces and starts hunting her down, bringing out the scars of her old life, she can’t help but seek comfort in Carson’s protection.

With everyone trading on the secrets of her past, Sienna finds herself caught in an awful web of lies. Her ultimate fear is hurting her friends at the Tunnel, but she doesn’t know who to trust. Namely, Carson. Is he good? Or bad? Does she have the luxury of finding out?

About the Author

Rachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation.

Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously.

Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, antiheroes, and mighty fine epilogues.

Facebook / Goodreads /Website / Twitter / Amazon Author Page

Carissa's Review

3 Carson Stars

"It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards, even unto our names."  Yann Martel

This is a story about life and the journey a young woman undertook to save herself. The journey of Lilach to Sienna Flower.

Lilach or Lila, as she was fondly called. A young woman bred and grown into a pious and religious home. Married off for religion and status; beaten, raped and broken; a will to survive, the strength to move on.

Lilach.....daughter... wife .... religious ....obedient .....self sacrificing .....No More... 

Reinvented.... Sienna Flower.. exotic dancer.... Las Vegas..... Sin City.... loved... cherished... family.... 

Sienna... a mystery...

Sienna Flower, the enigma. Sexy, sultry, an exotic dancer. A woman that arouses a man's deepest and wickedest desires. 'Sin the soul' with a single look into those virginal eyes that a man can get lost in.

Sienna, dances at the Electric Tunnel in Las Vegas, one night she glances into the audience and sees non other than Carson Graham. The gorgeous and mysterious man, that watches her and only her dance. A man she feels a magnetic pull to. A man she just needs to

around.

Sienna is afraid to let her guard down. It's been eight years since she ran. Eight years of peace and calm like non other. Living a life she created for herself with a new family and friends. All the while still being cautious.

It's time to finally LIVE!!!

Carson Graham, ex- FBI agent, turned private detective, whose is unsuspectingly searching for non other than Lila. While hitting brick wall after brick wall. Carson steals himself away to see the illustrious Sienna Flower dance. A woman with lush breasts, curves to wrap oneself around, and flawless beauty.

Carson has abandonment issues from his early childhood. He is the one night stand type. He doesn't do relationships and he hasn't felt any particular connection to any one woman, other than Sienna. There is something that makes him crave her. To watch her, see her, a pull that keeps him coming back week after week.

In an effort to solve his present assignment, Carson gets lost in all that is Sienna. Both Sienna and Carson, start chatting and going on coffee dates, dinner dates and then....ooo la laaaaa.. the spicy stuff starts.

A relationship between them starts, filled with passion, excitement, lust, love, new beginnings. Feelings that neither have ever felt before. Sienna and Carson both overcome their inhibitions and let each other in. 

Carson and Sienna, changed each other. They filled their lives with joy and happiness. Things neither ever thought they deserved or would get.

"You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful." Amy Bloom

My thoughts:

I was extremely excited for this book, after reading the synopsis. However, I will say it turned out to be just an okay read for me. The storyline was fabulous. The characters were well developed and complex, all having a story behind them.

Some of the chapters became repetive and took too long to get to the story that is Lila, basically I was bored and struggled to read this book. At 77% my interest got peaked, when Carson met the husband and Sienna was kidnapped. Then it went back to being boring. The epilogue was my fav!!! part of this book. For me it held so much depth and emotion that the actual story lacked.

Well done for a debut novel, something to keep in mind though, sometimes less is better.

*ARC provided by 

 on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!!

Raven by Ashley Suzanne - ARC REVIEW

Title: Raven
Author: Ashley Suzanne

Release Date: June 25th, 2014

Book Links: 

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / B&N/ Amazon CA / Kobo

Synopsis

If I would have known then what I know now.

If I would have known that having my heart broken at thirteen by my one and only friend, Garrett Rhodes, would never compare to the empty feeling at sixteen when I buried my mother.

If I would have known that changing schools in my senior year would throw all that back in my face.

Maybe … just maybe … I wouldn’t be in the hell storm I’m living in these days. Letting my past dictate my future, allowing the best of the best male MMA fighters bully me day in and day out and knowing no matter what I do, Garrett will always be the only man that understands me. I didn’t have to live this way. One day changed the course of my life forever.

Through all this mess, the one thing that I’ve found that keeps me centered … martial arts. And I’m damn good. If only someone would give me a chance to prove my worth.

All I can do now is make the best of it and try to not let the fight consume me. 

Or has it already?

EXCERPT

Prologue

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, you’re gonna wanna get in our next contender’s pants … show some love for our hometown legend, The Switch Hitter!”  I snort at the name, expecting to walk out and see a fighter carrying a baseball bat.  What do ya know?  No bat in sight.  Extra reinforcements might not have been a bad idea since I’m on fire and ready to bust the bricks off this clown.

Waiting for the emcee to call my name, I think of all the crazy things in my life that have led me to this point.  I’ve experienced more than any one person should by the age of barely twenty-two—few happy moments surrounded by almost constant anguish.  What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?

“Being escorted to the cage by the most badass entourage I’ve seen tonight, all the way from Corbin, Kentucky … the newest fighter this side of the Mississippi … The Raven!”  At least my name makes sense.  Ravens are known for being alone, having no problem flying solo.  That’s what I’ve done for the past four years anyway. 

After my announcement, the crowd erupts into cheers that I can hear loud and clear, even over the song streaming out of my iPod through my ear buds.  Bouncing back and forth on the balls of my feet, I crane my neck side to side, examining the mass of people.  It’s a good sized crowd for this venue.  I sometimes wonder if these guys come to watch the fights for the love of the sport or because they like to see the ring girls walking around, barely dressed, carrying signs to designate what round we’re in.  Oh well, they paid their cover and that money, if all goes according to plan, will be in my pocket later tonight.

With my coaches leading the way, I follow, bobbing my head to Down with the Sickness by Disturbed, mentally preparing myself.   I run over everything I’ve been taught over the last year—how to get out of a submission hold, finding opportunities to take my opponent down, remembering not to be a cocky asshole. 

 It took a lot of convincing for Zan to let me fight tonight.  He’s not the kind father figure he portrays himself to be.  He says he loves and supports his “children”, but deep down he’d rather me not get in that cage.  I know damn well if I blow my first match, it’s going to be a long time, if ever, until he puts me on another card.

“You ready for this?” Zan asks, pulling out one of my ear buds.

Smirking, I eye up my competition that’s already inside the cage—a small, tiny thing that doesn’t look to have much muscle mass.  I got this.  Standing on the opposite side of the mat surrounded by coaches, glancing in my direction, the slightest tinge of fear flashes across those brown eyes, similar to mine.  Physically, I’m not very intimidating—weighing in at average weight for my class with an average stature to match, but the menace written across my face is an entirely different situation.

Since my first introduction into the world of mixed martial arts, it’s all I can think about.  It may be cliché, but I live, breathe and sleep MMA.  It’s the one place I have any control.  Nobody can take a match from me unless I allow them to, and my opponent isn’t going to walk away with anything … maybe disappointment, but I’m taking the purse.  I already know I want it more; I can taste the victory and it’s going to be as sweet as I imagine it to be.

Stepping into the steel cage, I shrug my midnight blue robe off, right into the hands of my coach.  Wearing standard MMA gear and my hair pulled back tight, I walk straight to the official who checks my taped hands.  Once cleared, I step back to Zan who pops my mouth guard in for me, pats me on the shoulder and whispers in my ear, “It’s only you two.  If you want it, make it happen.  If not, we can leave right now.”

“Don’t worry, Z.  I wouldn’t bring you all the way here to disappoint you.”

Zan and the other coaches walk out of the cage and the door slams shut, leaving only me, my opponent and the official inside.  Meeting them in the middle, the ref goes over the standard rules for the fight.  Both of us nod, bump fists and the bell dings, indicating round one is under way.

Pacing myself and testing Switch Hitter’s skills, I toss a few jabs in the air, needing to know if we’re on compatible levels.  Weight class isn’t everything in the MMA world.  Sometimes the smallest contender can be the best fighter.  Without even flinching, my advances are shut down and every punch is dodged while some are tossed in my direction as well.  None land.  I may have to reevaluate my plan.  This isn’t going to be as clean as I thought. 

It doesn’t take long before hands are wrapped around my legs.  I try my hardest to center myself and stay on my feet, but I’ve been hit in just the right spot.  I position my body to flip and mount, like I’ve been taught, but I’m not quick enough.

Before I know it, a strong forearm, stronger than I assumed, is wrapping around my neck, pulling back to cut off my air supply.  Rear naked choke, shit.  Taking a few deep breaths, I try to calm my overheated and exhausted body and find a way to maneuver out of this situation.  From the corner of my eye, I see Zan signaling me to tap.  Not yet.  If I’m going to go down, the officials are gonna have to call a medic in here—quitting isn’t an option.  Dangerous or not, it’s how I’ve been taught.

The phrase that’s been drilled into me for months dances around in my head.  Don’t let the fight consume you.

Well, I’m consumed and I’m not giving up.  I’ll figure a way out.  I always have, I always will.

About the Author

Ashley Suzanne is a married mother of three little boys as well as a daughter, aunt, sister, best friend, birth mother, blogger, book whore and author.  Ashley is a native to the suburbs of Detroit, with most of her family living in Kentucky and New York. 

You can usually find Ashley sitting in bed, with her laptop, playing on Facebook, pretending to write, entering giveaways (she’s also a swag whore) or on a football field with her oldest son, Tyler.  Yep, not only is she a football fan, she’s a football mom!

When she’s reading, it’s typically something to do with romance, contemporary being her favorite genre.  She’s a total fan-girl over a few authors; Pamela Ann, SE Hall, Madeline Sheehan, Jasinda Wilder, Maya Banks, CM Stunich, Nicole Jacquelyn and Riley Rhea to name a few.

Ashley has no pets, unless you count her children and she is a little OCD.  Her favorite color is pink.  Her favorite drink is cherry vodka and coke and double chocolate brownies are a must.

Other Works by Ashley Suzanne (all available on Amazon, BN, iTunes, Kobo and Smashwords)

Mirage (Book One:  The Destined Series)
Inception (Book One 1/2: The Destined Series)
Awakening (Book Two:  The Destined Series)
Façade (Book Three:  The Destined Series)
Epiphany (Book Four:  The Destined Series)
Sign up for Ashley’s Mailing List

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Raven Playlist

Down With The Sickness by Disturbed

Valerie by Amy Winehouse

100 in a 55 by Pop Evil

Fancy by Reba McEntire

Chasing Pavements by Adele

TKO by Justin Timberlake

E.T by Katy Perry

Closer by Nine Inch Nails

My Best Friend by Tim McGraw

Yellow by Coldplay

Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake

Booty Wurk by T-Pain

Titanium by David Guetta

The Scientist by Coldplay

Broken by Seether and Amy Lee

Sail by AWOLNATION

Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

Rumour Has It by Adele

Linger by The Cranberries

Chop Suey by System of a Down

Turn Down for What by Lil Jon

Gorilla by Bruno Mars

Got the Life by Korn

SPOTIFY  LINK - Raven

click me - GIVEAWAY 

Carissa's Review

☆☆☆☆☆

"Sometimes, you have to go through the worst to get to the best."

Rian "Raven" Fields.
A friend, a daughter.
 Fearless, stubborn and supremely independent. 
A fiercely loyal woman.
Her namesake, synonymous with the life she has lived. 

At the age of twenty-one, Rian has lived a life that most people has never seen in any one lifetime. Heartache at age thirteen, physical abuse, suicide and regret at sixteen. Family, Love, Intimacy and Loss at seventeen. Hatred and REVULSION. She has lost everyone near and dear to her. Being alone, dependent on herself and only herself, has only, slightly, eased her pain, but her suffering endures the test of time.

Garrett Rhodes, a military brat, Rian's one true love.  After being separated at the age of thirteen, they reunite at the untimely suicide of her mother, at the age of seventeen. Their short time together is spent falling in love,  testing the endurance that is their friendship, learning and teaching each other. Becoming soul mates.

"We're the ones who are gonna make it- we're forever."

"We'll create our own world. A place where nothing else matters but us." Garrett

Now this is why I love and I mean love Garrett Rhodes. After Rian confesses her darkest secrets and regret to him. His response is:

"Baby, this isn't even love. It's so much more. The feelings I have for you go far beyond what most people will ever experience in their lives. When God created us, he cut us from the same mold, always a part of one another. I'm never going to let you feel that kind of pain again if I can help it."

Swoon ladies, eat this up.

Rian's horror, strikes again. This time, knowingly. Garrett enlists into the military, a right of passage, an honor.  Rian loses Garrett at seventeen to the military, to time and distance, she loses him......

At the same point in time, her aunt and guardian, Elaine, her mother's sister, dies. Rian is left feeling desolate and alone. Garrett is away, there is no easy form of communication. She has no one she trusts enough to confide in and to console her.

The pain, the torture, the loss..........

 she runs.... to save herself.... to start over...... to endure.....


Four years later, the "Raven" soars to new heights and in turn she lands right in Garrett's lap.

Seeing each other after so many years, has brought back all the pain and heartache they both tried and worked so hard to bury.

For Garrett, the nice guy he was,  died, the day she ran, the day she decided he didn't deserve a Dear John letter. For years,  Garrett and his mother looked for Rian. Even with the death of his father, they searched, still hopeful.  Resolved to the fact, she didn't want to be found. 

For Rian, she never loved again, it was casual sex to numb her deeper desires and the blinding pain of regret,  all because of  her selfish actions.

"And I still tremble 

When we touch

And oh the look in your eyes

When we make love" Tim McGraw - My Best Friend.

"You're more than a  lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do" Tim McGraw - My Best Friend.

Garrett thought her to fight. For herself, for him and for their life together.

"This raven's found her home."

************

There is not enough words or ways, I can think of to express my thoughts and feelings over this book. Utterly amazing and it did render me speechless at times. Garrett, you are my all time book boyfriend. I routed for you all through this book, jumped with joy, felt you heartbreak and sorrow. Your love and friendship, ultimately your undying loyalty to Rian.

Cheers to soul mates and true love.

This is my first Ashley Suzanne read and also my very first review as a blogger with graphics and quotes. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.

☆ ARC received via Enticing Book Journey Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!☆