KAGE Unleashed by Maris Black

25606957Title: KAGE Unleashed
Series: KAGE Trilogy, #2
Author: Maris Black
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (197 pages)
Publisher: Maris Black Books (August 24th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 hearts
Blurb: My name is Jamie Atwood, and I am an idiot. Against all odds, I got the attention of Michael Kage, the hottest MMA fighter on the planet. To say he rocked my world would be an understatement. He transformed me completely, made me depend on him, and made me love him. And the sex? Let me put it this way: I’d never been with a guy before I met Kage, but I’d gladly spend the rest of my life on my knees for him. He is my obsession and my addiction. But I did something stupid, and now I’m paying for it.

I don’t know if I’ll ever see Kage again.
***
Being Michael Kage was never easy. Too many demons, too much anger, and not enough to live for. And then I met Jamie Atwood. He’s got this innocence about him that speaks to something deep down inside me- in a place that’s never been touched by anyone. He’s beautiful, smart, and courageous, and he hasn’t been tainted by the darkness that’s ruled my life. I wanted him from the first second I laid eyes on him. It’s selfish, I know. Because you can’t bring an innocent thing into the darkness and not expect something to rub off.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/KAGE-Unleashed-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00Y7PSTN4

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I’ve waited for this book with no patience what-so-ever, and I guess I should’ve known we’d get another cliffhanger (ok I kinda suspected it), but never in a million years would I have imagined this particular cliffhanger. So while I prepare myself for the long wait until the nest book is released, let me tell you what I thought of this one…. I liked it lot, but I didn’t love it as much as the first.

I was under the wrong impression that this book was exclusively from Kage’s POV, and I was so excited about it, but unfortunately we only get a couple a chapters from him, and the rest are left to Jamie.

That’s not a good thing, because Jamie is childish, immature, and to be perfectly honest, he pissed me the fuck off; I wanted to strangle the idiot, especially once he got his stupid idea about how to make Kage jealous. How can a 21-year-old have no sense of self-preservation I’ll never understand, but there were better ways to deal with the problem than trying to get himself raped. In a way I feel sorry Kage got there in time, because Jamie deserved to get his big stupid mouth double stuffed (among other things).

I loved Kage’s POV, only I wished it was more about himself and his past, as well as his feelings about Jamie, rather than the training camp and the upcoming UFC fight. I feel like we didn’t get enough of the important stuff, so Kage is still a damn mystery, not to mention the wasted opportunity of helping the readers connect with Kage’s character.

I also noticed a severe lack of intense emotions on Kage’s side, which I got more of during the first book which wasn’t even told from his POV. Bottom line is, I needed more, a lot more than we got.

Other than being too much in Jamie’s head, there was one other thing I don’t understand and was left unexplained to us: how did Kage’s uncle manage to manipulate the communications between Kage and Jamie? I get that he doesn’t want Jamie and believes he’s beneath Kage (I tend to agree with him), but the fact that Kage and Jamie couldn’t communicate with each other for weeks wasn’t even discussed between the two of them.

But then they didn’t even have much time for talking, seeing as they were two busy having hot, filthy sex, and then the big cliff-ending put a stop to that opportunity.

This book was still very good, the writing was great, and if you liked book 1, then you’ll probably like this one too.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

KAGE by Maris Black Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Maris Black - KAGE Banner

Hi guys, we have Maris Black visiting us today with her newest release KAGE, we have a great excerpt, two fantastic giveaways and Aerin’s review, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link & leave a comment <3 ~Pixie~ 

Maris Black - KAGE -COVER-600x900 official

KAGE

(KAGE Trilogy 01)
by

Maris Black

ROUND 1 of the KAGE Trilogy
My name is Jamie Atwood, and I’m an addict. I never thought I’d say such a thing. Never had a problem being overly-attached to anything in my life. I came from a perfectly middle-class family, made good grades, and had a hot cheerleader girlfriend. But the truth is, nothing ever really moved me. So how did a guy like me become an addict?

I met Michael Kage.

Kage is an MMA fighter. A famous one. I like to think I helped him get that way.

He’s charming as hell, with looks to rival any movie star and talent to back it up. So why did he need to hire me as an intern Publicist? Simple. He has a darkness in him– like a black hole so deep it could swallow him, and me, and everyone we know– and that’s not good for business.

The first time I met him, I felt the pull. I think the addiction began at that very moment. And even if I’d known then what I know now, I would have fallen for him. How could I not?

For me, Kage is everything.

Continue reading “KAGE by Maris Black Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Undeclared by Maris Black

91sdXWhE3ML._SL1500_Title: Undeclared
Series: SSU Boys (Book 3)
Author: Maris Black
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: Novel (302 pages)
Publisher: Maris Black Books (November 28th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: IN THE HEART OF THE BIBLE BELT, LINES ARE GETTING BLURRED.

Liam Rush has never ventured too far outside the fences of his family farm, so college is a pretty big deal for him. Now he can finally claim his own identity– one that doesn’t involve football, hunting, farm work, or four overbearing brothers. But when he finds himself falling for the androgynous dancer at Trybe, the nightclub where he works as a bouncer, things get confusing. He’s never been attracted to guys before. Not really… And what would the folks back home say if they knew.

Japanese-American mix Blake Himura has been on his own since he was seventeen, with no one to depend on but himself. He’s mere months away from graduating college and becoming a dance instructor. Unstable men don’t factor into his plans, least of all “straight” boys who don’t mind ruining other people’s lives to keep their dirty little secrets. Liam is exactly the kind of complication Blake doesn’t need in his life.

Unfortunately, his heart hasn’t gotten the memo.

ISBN: B00QCEK116

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Undeclared-SSU-Boys-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00QCEK116

Reviewer: KathyMac

Review: I love the boys of SSU. They all hold a special place in my heart, but Liam and Blake, have just taken the lead. I sat down to read Undeclared, by Maris Black, Book 3 in the SSU series and couldn’t put it down. For me, this is the best one yet. Maris can take her characters and give them life. She brings out in her books a realism that has you connecting right away to the characters. They could be any of our friends in real life. They face real struggles and complications that a lot of us go through at one time or another. Not every author has the ability to grasp your full attention nor pull every emotion from you as you read. Maris can and does do that with each story she tells.

In Undeclared, we meet Liam who is friends with Dan. Remember Dan from Smitten, Book 2, when he fell head over heels for Julian? Oh yeah, I can still remember their first time. Liam, poor fella, is straight or so he tells himself. He’s a big country boy with a big heart, manners, a wicked smile, and some pretty big muscles that get a lot of attention. Men or women, they all like to look. Working as a bouncer in the club, Trybe that Jeremy and Beck have worked so hard to build puts him in front of a lot of eyes. But only one set has his attention. Being a male behind those gorgeous eyes doesn’t even factor in for Liam.

Being a dancer at the club is something Blake is really good at. He should be since he is majoring in Dance and hopes to become a dance instructor when he graduates college. He’s been on his own since he was 17 making his way. Having rules and goals he set for himself has helped him to stay on target. Once Liam comes into his sight some of the rules are about to be broken. To the outside world, Blake tries to appear confident and he succeeds most of the time. He’s known for his smart-ass attitude and mouth. Secretly, he wants a guy who will cherish him. A guy who is dominant and not afraid to take what he wants. And Liam…wow, does he fit all of those qualities.

The guys start off on the wrong foot with each other. Hate is a little strong but close to how they feel.

“I’m straight,” he blurted in that same cold tone, scooting even farther away from me on the bed if that was possible, and building an invisible wall between us.

Oh, hell no, he did not just say that. “Straight? Is that right?” I surged up out of bed and clicked on the light, spearing him with a hard glare, my body quaking with anger. “Pardon me, I must have you confused with someone else. I thought you were the same guy who was just eye-fucking me on stage a couple hours ago. Because that guy? He ain’t straight. But whatever.

I can see, clearly, Blake jumping up and saying that to Liam. He’s a little on the sassy/feisty side but he’s also smitten with Liam. He never lets his guard down and he finds himself doing that with Liam. It hurts when those same feelings aren’t reciprocated. Once they get past their confusion, brought on by their own insecurities, sparks fly between them. Literally, it is like the 4th of July with these two. They don’t hold back on what they want and even though Liam has never been with a guy, he has no trouble taking, from Blake, what he wants. Blake is only too happy to let him and the sex is explosive.

Things move at a fast pace both wanting the same thing but so afraid to admit it. You will fall in love with both of these guys. I was either smiling, laughing out loud, or crying. You can’t help but cheer for them because they need each other. They definitely complement each other and make a perfect couple. Their banter back and forth is so funny, they are quick-witted, they keep you in hysterics, and you don’t even realize how much time has passed because you are completely enamored in their world. Liam is the perfect gentleman. He has those wonderful southern manners and one of many things I loved about him…he never held back on treating Blake like he was the love of his life.

Maris Black has written an award-winning book in my opinion. This entire series, to date, has become one of my top favorites, ever. She has that special ability to create characters that have compassion and understanding. Sometimes they may be a little snarky and difficult. That’s why the characters are easy to connect with. She doesn’t shy away from the romance and it is very erotic at times. She can certainly heat up a page quickly. What I love about how she does that, however, is she only does it when it is appropriate. When we are on the edge of our seat in anticipation for those moments to happen.

The storyline has depth, the content intriguing. The execution of the plot is spot on, the story line is relatable and current, and every facet of their journey will keep you fully invested. This author is one of my favorites and hopefully will become yours also. I can’t wait to see who has a story to tell next.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Owning Corey by Maris Black

81bPApS6+2L._SL1500_Title: Owning Corey
Author: Maris Black
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (312 pages)
ISBN: B00EGGIEVQ
Publisher: Maris Black Books (August 12th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate/Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Eric
Blurb: WHEN introverted doctor Ben Hardy’s high maintenance girlfriend wants to introduce a little more kink into their love life, he doesn’t expect it to come in the form of the hunky EMT who just moved to Blackwood. Ben’s not gay, but DAMN! He can definitely see why all the women turn to mush when the new guy is around. Baby blue eyes, flirtatious smile, body of an underwear model…

The prospect of being naked in the same room with him is horrifying. So why the hell is Ben actually considering it?
COREY Butler desperately needs to leave his shady past behind, and the microscopic town of Blackwood is just the place to do it. No drama, no danger, no sleeping under bridges… What he doesn’t need is a huge crush on someone who’s completely out of his league. When Dr. Hardy’s gorgeous girlfriend propositions him for a threesome, he knows the smart thing would be to say no.

Of course, it would. But then Corey’s never been known for making smart decisions.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Owning-Corey-Maris-Black-ebook/dp/B00EGGIEVQ
Review:  Something about this novel makes me smile a lot. As I read it, I found myself intrigued and then some. Maris Black certainly knows how to write a good strong novel.

Ben Hardy is a strong, believable character. There is something about Ben that I cannot quite put my finger on but I like it. Corey is a fantastic character that shows how even a bad past can be gotten over. And honestly, I love how Maris shows the way of a threesome turning into something much more beautiful.

The storyline itself is so addicting and intriguing. You never expect to read a story of something so hot but Maris Black is not afraid to go “there” and show you a fun, good, hot time. Honestly, it is the kind of storyline that I hope to see something just as strongly of in her future novels.

There is something about Maris’s novels that always makes me want to buy them right off the bat. How intriguing, sexy, and hot they can be. How the author shows excellence in the knowledge of writing beautiful characters. And the sex scenes are hot as hell.

I would highly recommend Maris’s books with no problem.