Saturday, December 31, 2016

Smokin Hot Reads Hot 5 of 2016


This year has been a great one in the book world, and we've been fortunate enough to read a lot of them. We thought that you might be interested in some of our top picks for 2016.

So here they are, the top 5 picks from each of us here at Smokin' Hot Reads Book Blog.

 (These lists express our own individual opinions. We have not been paid by the authors or any affiliated party for our opinions. In some cases we may have, in the past, received an advanced reader's copy of the book in return for an honest review. This post does not contain affiliate links.)


My top 5 for 2016 in no particular order...


Quinn 1 and Quinn 2 

by JC Cliff

Quinn 1 

Quinn 1 is the first book in the Undaunted Men series and also this series is a spin off of the fantastic Blyss Trilogy. I would give this a 4.5 stars and highly recommend to others. If you read the Blyss books you know that Quinn made an appearance there and left you wanting to know more about him, well J.C. certainly delivered quite the story. There are so many pieces of this story that stole my heart especially Kimber, I will not spoil it and tell you who that is but know that you will fall in love with her. In true J.C. Cliff fashion she leaves us with quite a big shocking moment at the end of this book, it will leave you screeching WTF when she delivers quite the cliffy! But it has certainly left me wanting and begging for more!

Quinn is the sexy broody ex military man who definitely fits the bill of Undaunted to a T. He has a new mission, a mission that isn't something he would normally do but he has to pay back a favor. He has to protect a Mafia Boss's daughter from danger.... but will it turn out to be a favor or so much more? He has to keep it a secret.. and secrets turn into a betrayal.. and danger. 

Alexis is the daughter of a mafia boss and has gotten herself mixed up with a man that will not take no for an answer from her... so she has to make a big decision and with that decision it will set her off an unbeaten path- literally. But what she doesn't expect is to meet a man on this path who will literally turn her world upside down in more ways than one.. but she has secrets too, and when some get revealed will it be too much? 

Get to one clickin this bad boy cause you will not want to miss it! No worries on the cliffy, it seems we will get the next book very soon! Thanks for another great story and can't wait for the next installment!

Quinn 2

Quinn II was the second book in the Undaunted Men Series, and the ending to quite the cliffy of Quinn I. JC Cliff is an amazing author and I would highly recommend all of her books to anyone out there that reads my reviews. She has a knack for writing and seriously excels and becomes better and better with each story she produces. I would give this book a huge 5 stars and highly recommend to others. I am not sure I can put in to words how this book will capture your attention, it will pull at your heartstrings and soak your panties! The bathroom scene HOLY MOTHER OF something.... and she broke my heart not soon after that as well, I was full on sobbing.... she makes you feel the pain as if you were in the story... no clue how she did that but she did it brilliantly! You will gain a love/hate relationship with JC Cliff throughout Quinn's journey but I guarantee by the end she will redeem herself quite well. 

I will not bore you with what this book is about because if you read Quinn I you know where it ended, and it does pick up right where it left off. If you thought the journey for Quinn and Alexis was quite the journey so far.. just wait because you are in for a quite a ride and whirlwind of emotions.

Alpha male- check
Bad ass Heroine- Check
Sexy Panting Melting sexy scenes- double check
Drama- check
Angst- check
Devastation- triple check
Redemption- infinity checks

If you want an Epic story that will sit with you for years to come and send so many emotions flowing through your body, then you need to get these books, put down what your doing go to whatever site you use to download and get to one clickin asap! Now I can't wait for the next book Stryker! If you haven't read the Blyss series you need to pick it up now because this series is a spin off of that one as well and believe me when I say you want to get to know Travis, and Blyss will literally blow your mind!


The Dance 
by Alison G. Bailey

The Dance is another fabulous stand-alone by the amazing author Alison G. Bailey.
I would give this book a huge 5 stars and highly recommend to others.

Wow this book blew me away, it wouldn't be an Alison book if she didn't bring me to tears multiple times in her stories, and this one was no different! Ahh so hard to put in to words how I felt after reading this. 

It was a beautiful, magical whirlwind romance that will sit in my heart for a long time to come. 
I honestly didn't think she could top Present Perfect her first book I read or even come close to it with this book but wow did she prove me wrong she was on point with this story as well. I have to be honest I don't even read the blurbs when I see this author has written it, I just dip my head right into the story because no matter what she writes it always wins me over and clearly sustains for long periods of time. I love how you feel every word she writes down to your soul and she captures your attention from page one, and of course keeps you flipping pages because you become hungry for the whole story and can't wait to find out what happens next. 

This story is unique and a book about finding that happily ever after even if you never realized that you weren't actually living it already. 
I won't spoil this story with a bunch of teasers or words to describe the story just know you need to give it a chance and you will not be disappointed! Get to one clickin' so you can enjoy this wonderful magical journey!


Weightless 
by Kandi Stiener

Weightless was a fabulous story! I would give this book a huge 5 stars and highly recommend to others. I have read nearly every book this author has put out in this wonderful Indie book world and she has not once disappointed me.. This book by far has been my favorite! The story was beautiful love story one that will hold in my heart for a long time to come! Although I shed a few tears I felt this book deep in my heart and it struck so deeply with me that I will be in a book hangover for some time..this is definitely a story I will never forget. 

Natalie and Rhodes were from different worlds.. But when there worlds collide it will be a rough ride but one that is worth taking... But will they be able to carry the weight literally and emotionally for one another or will it break them in the end??

Get to one clicking to find out what happens.. No teasers or spoilers here u will need to buy this book to get the whole story but I guarantee you won't be disappointed!! Thanks for another great story Kandi can't wait to see what u have in store for us next!



A Beautiful Catastrophe 

by Katheryn Kiden



This book! Holy mother of something! It took my heart to so many places.. It made me swoon.. It made my heart crack in a really big way and I am not so successfully putting the cracks back together! This book was such and amazing and beautiful story that even though it splintered me to pieces it will stay with me for a long time to come. I would give this book a beautifully catastrophic 5 stars and highly recommend to others! 

Shay and Deacon wove a great tale one you dont want to miss on any level.. I will not give away any of the story line as I want u to get all the feels like I did and have this story grip your heart and mind because you wont be able to put it down I guarantee it! 

I have read many books by this author but this one takes the cake for me! Get to one clicking and find out what its all about! Thanks Katheryn for amazing story and I look forward to much more in the future!

A Beautiful Catastrophe http://a.co/b9BUbml

Playboy Pilot

by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland


Well the dynamic duo did it again, they literally blew me away with another fantastic story! I would give this book a 5 stars and highly recommend to others. I get so excited and literally giddy when I know that these 2 awesome authors pair up, because lets face it they are phenomenal writers separately and when paired together they are down right explosive! Playboy Pilot was fantastic in all aspects and you would be a fool not to get this book right away! Loved Loved Loved It! 



Trip/Carter and Kendall met by chance which is the start of a whirlwind romance....

Carter is an airplane pilot, he doesn't have time for a relationship because of his line of work, so when the sexy Kendall comes into his life he finds himself vying and wanting more...

Kendall has a big decision to make with her life, its complicated... and she may have found a solution to her decision... but it will still be a burden of sorts and a huge life changing decision... she doesn't factor in meeting a sexy stranger Carter....

Get to one clicking this fantastic story because it has so much depth to it, I didn't really get into to many details in my review because I don't want to spoil if for you but just know you have to read this book its well worth it!



Playboy Pilot http://a.co/4roMT0y

I also want to give an honorable mention to Meghan Quinn's Stroked Series.

2016...What a crazy year it has been! Lots of lives lost unexpectedly whether they were famous, family, strangers or war heroes they all have made an impact on this year and I will be forever grateful for them all!

The one thing that has stayed constant this year is this Indy book world I love so much! There were so many fantastic stories that I have had the pleasure of devouring! I could probably make a list a mile long of more favorites because I have read hundreds this year .. But I had to keep it slim so I give you my top five that either shattered my heart or touched my heart in some way or another....

I want to thank all the authors out there that pour there heart and souls into writing so that someone like me can enjoy there passion of reading big Hugs & Love❤️❤️


As I look over all that I have read, I am having a hard time deciding which were my absolute favorites of this year. Now keep in mind, I have read 100 books. These top five are not in specific order but definitely ones that have stuck with me.

Collared 
by Nicole Williams

I don't even know how to put into words how this story made me fell.

If I could've read this one sitting I would have. I literally couldn't put it down. each chapter, each page, each line drawing me further and further in. 

And I cried... a lot. I cried for what could have been, what could be. The heartache, the turmoil... anyways.

Jade and Torrin are neighbors, the boyfriend/girlfriend next door. Torrin knows from the beginning of their relationship that Jade is it for him. After walking home from a evening/night together, Jade gets abducted. For seventeen years she remains missing until the day she is finally found.

Now that she is free she needs to get re-acclimated back into her life. How do you continue on when everyone else has progressed 17 years? She knows people and family have probably moved on but how does she transition and fit back into their lives... especially Torrin's.



Set the Pace and Turn It Up 
(The Detroit Duet Love Duet) 
by Kim Karr

Set the Pace

Strap in for the ride of your life!!!

From the very first page to the end, I could not put this book down. I tried to pace myself and do some adulating in between but I kept coming back. As a warning, this book is a cliff, and a mother of one at that. Gah! Seriously, I need book two like yesterday!

Jasper Storm is trying to succeed in his life, in a town where there is more destitute than prospering but he is trying to change that. To breathe life back into it. He doesn't deem himself a white knight, he is just trying to make things better in the city that he loves. As her nears his finish line a series of events lead to major hiccups.... one such hiccup is Charlotte Lane.

Charlotte Lane was run out of this town because of supposed actions her father participated in. She is determined to prove them all false. At first Jasper pushes her away. You see, once upon a time they were best friends and next door neighbors and he felt abandoned by her sudden upheaval. 

But these circumstances were not of her doing and she is trying to right the wrongs of the past. Jasper wants to help but they are met with serious, life altering, road blocks. 

Someone does not want them to succeed.

What happens? Buckle up and go find out!

Turn It Up

Hells to the yes to this long awaited conclusion. Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed by this stunning conclusion.

We left off a cliff.... grrrrrr. But trust me when I say all questions will be answered in this follow up finale.

Charlotte.... is she dead? Did Jake reach her in time?

Jasper.... is he going to jail for crimes he didn't commit? 

Charlotte is fragile feeling like she was never good enough to be loved or kept around. But once Jasper's friends and family realize that she isn't out to destroy him or his business they take her into their fold.

Jasper is fighting tooth and nail to prove his innocence and continues to prove to Charlotte that she is worth everything.

Charlotte and Jasper can't seem to catch a break. Obstacles are constantly thrown in their way, but slowly they hurdle each one. But the question remains who is behind all this.

Well you'll have to one click to see if they find out and if they get caught.

Trust me, you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough.


Set The Pace http://a.co/4eMRJoR 

Into The Light and Away From the Dark 
(The Light series) 
by Aleatha Romig

Into the Light

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!

I can't even pull myself together after reading this. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Literally I am reeling from this ending. I fist pumped the air because my hunches were correct but holy did I keep second guessing myself. I literally want to shake everyone and make them read this.

Stella is an investigative journalist. She sleuths out everything and uncovers everything. The number of missing girls increases along with bodies of women. There doesn't seem to be an underlying factor to their connection but Stella is determined to find it. Add in the fact that her best friend is also missing. She is hoping this story she is working will lead her to Mindi. What she uncovers is worse.

Sara awakes blind, injured and with no memory. She knows she was injured but she can't remember how. Only what she is being told. As she survives this group she learns there obedience to be maintained and if not there are consequences. Her husband is swift to deliver theses reminders yet has soft undercurrents of adoration and affection often leaving her confused.

Can Stella put the pieces of the puzzle together? Can Sara learn to accept her new life/new role?

You simply must read this book. I can't say more 'cause I will tell you the whole story. But the way these characters intertwine... AMAZING!!

Away From the Dark

Holy hell... I'm... I'm relieved and unsure at the same time. Is this the last book or will there be more? It could end and yet there is more to be told I think.

Tread lightly if you have not read the first book... And if you haven't, what the hell you waiting for?!

At the end of Into The Light we heard Sara/Stella left The Light and that Jacob was actually an undercover agent. What is to come of these two?

Sara remembers her past life but struggles from her conditioning from when she became Sara. When Jacob finds her he is relieved and terrified. Relieved that he can finally tell her the truth of his mission and terrified that if they are caught that they will be "banished" from The Light.

As Sara/Stella comes to terms with all that is happened, she is determined to help Jacob/Jacoby bring this cult down. She also realizes that her feelings are true and real for Jacob.

Can they bring this mission to a close and stay alive.

Def one click this now. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to find out.


Into The Light http://a.co/bDYHgKf 
Away From the Dark http://a.co/0zU4PoJ


Stroked, Stroked Long, Stroked Hard 
(The Stroked series) 
by Meghan Quinn

Stroked

Meghan Quinn has done it again. Her books crack me up, like full on hysterics, can't breathe laughing and they make me swoon.

Paisley is starting over in the film industry. And she is starting at the lowest level - she is to be a Personal Assistant to a TV reality star, Bellini. And being Bellini's assistant also includes her "fake" boyfriend, Olympic swimmer Reese.

There is instant attraction between Paisley and Reese but she fights it every turn in order to keep her job and not cause scandal. But slowly, Reese weakens her defenses. 

The situations, conversations and auto-correct text messages will have you doubled over in fits of hysteria. And the sweet moments will have you swooning.

Stroked Long

Meghan Quinn has yet to write a book that I haven't loved. And this one was no exception. This one had a more serious undertone and was very endearing. You can't help but fall in love with Bodi Banks and his tortured soul and Ruby Heart's quirkiness that often leaves her putting her foot in her mouth... but the humor was just as fantastic - especially they bench measuring part.

Ruby works at the local YMCA and is great friends with Bodi's sister (they went to college together). She is an Art History major using this employment as a means to an ends, because really... who wants to do art with kids while their parents are working out.

Eva has a new charity event/fundraiser idea and wants to pair up Ruby and Bodi. She is trying to play matchmaker. And while Ruby is in awe of him, Bodi is very closed off.

Bodi had a very traumatic experience as a young kid and he has never fully recovered. He is very structured because of this and Ruby throws it all out of whack. But as time grows he allows himself to let her deviate his life.

This book had me frustrated with angst as Bodi learns to cope. He will stumble along the well and Ruby is right there to pick him back up. And well, you can't help but love Ruby and her eccentric behavior. But Ruby slowly breaks him out of the shell he has lived his life in and you can't help but root for them and for him to win the gold in the Olympics.

You definitely need to one-click this to find out if he gets the girl and the gold!!

Stroked Hard

Hollis!! I fell in love with Hollis in book one and couldn't wait to get my hands on his story. His nicknames, his constant joking and sense of humor... His abs... His persistence and patience. All these qualities that make up the most awesome package (yes metaphorically and physically ;) )

Melony is so closed off and untrusting of men that she never has had a relationship. More of a one night and done. She's afraid to be hurt and feels like she's not good enough. 

But Hollis, man oh man, does Hollis slowly break down those barriers. And let's just say Melony isnt the only with hang ups. Hollis too has a past that he has major regrets over.

So we have Melony afraid of not being good enough and Hollis afraid that when Melony learns of his past she will want nothing to do with him.

Can they both let go and be together? One click on this final book in the series. It'll keep you laughing til the end!

Stroked Long http://a.co/fmDTTIE 
Stroked Hard http://a.co/1vNb15k

It Ends With Us 
by Colleen Hoover

I'm not sure how to even summarize this book. This book literally broke my heart. I was filled with anxiety and dread, anger, sadness, and yet slowly, hope started to bloom.

I don't want to give away this story, as you will need to read this to understand the anguish.

Lily grew up in a small town in Maine. She has always wanted to move to Boston. She starts her own business and happens into Ryle.

Ryle is a neurosurgeon and has an aversion to relationships but Lily makes him want to change his stance and embrace one with her.

As they become consumed with one another pieces of her past start to resurface. Mainly thoughts of her first love Atlas. The more she delves into reminiscing the more it threatens what she has with Ryle. 

Things eventually comes to a head, especially when she happens to run into Atlas. 

How does Lily discern between her present and her past? You really need to one-click this to understand the depth of 'It Ends With Us'.

It Ends With Us http://a.co/dFIXKq7

My one last mention is 
Quinn 1 and Quinn 2 
by J.C. Cliff

And one you should be on the lookout for 2017 is Everything You Want Me To Be by Mindy Mejia (Coming Jan 3, 2017!) Pre Order Now - http://a.co/4VOFT42


There were so many great reads this year, but I will admit that some were more memorable than others. Each one of these books have stuck with me for different reasons, and I’m sharing them with you. Here are my top five in no certain order.

The Virgin Romance Novelist 
by Meghan Quinn 

This book was the first one I read by Meghan Quinn and I immediately fell in love with Rosie. It will give you all of the feels along with making you laugh your ass off at all of the hijinks. The follow-up, The Randy Romance Novelist, was amazing too, but there is something about this first one that I keep going back to. I have read it three times now…and when I see baby powder, I immediately start giggling. And you should also check out Meghan Quinn’s Stroked series. Hot men in swimsuits…yes please.

The Virgin Romance Novelist http://a.co/fXTkA8W

Devil’s Kiss 
by Ella Frank

I love Ella Frank’s work. She is one of my favorite M/M writers, but I think this story is my favorite from her. Jordan and Derek seem so mismatched, and yet, they are perfect for each other. I cried and cringed (in a good way). This wasn’t a smooth, easy going romance, but for these two, that wouldn’t have worked. I loved the way she wrote the story and pulled us in. It remains one of my favorite M/M books, and my favorite by her. 

Be on the lookout in 2017 as she releases Thanos. I’ve been waiting anxiously for it.

Devil’s Kiss http://a.co/1FfJs8e

A Beautiful Nightmare 
by Shana Vanterpool

This was Shana Vanterpool’s first attempt at writing dark romance, and I have to say, she did a great job of it. You go through a whole spectrum of emotions, from hate to love to fear. On top of all of that, there are so many secrets, and many you won’t find out until the very end. Trust me, when you think you have it figured out, you don’t. This author is one of my go to for books I love to read, but this book stands out from her others. And if you want one of her lighter reads, check out Mr. Santa, her holiday novella. Witty, sexy, and a page turner.

A Beautiful Nightmare http://a.co/gx05u2G

Quinn 1 and Quinn 2 
by JC Cliff 

JC Cliff was a new author to me this year, and I’m so glad I discovered her. She has a way of weaving a story and pulling you in, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you flip the page to action, love, and adventure. Quinn in particular was a fantastic read and hard to put down. You do have to read both parts to the book to get the complete story, but it is well worth it…and since they have both been released, you don’t have to wait to read both of them. And if you haven’t read them, I would also recommend the Bliss Series. It gives you some insight into a few of the minor details in Quinn.

Quinn 1 http://a.co/0cxaDWU 
Quinn 2 http://a.co/8I3ZKZ5

Match Point 
by Leigh Carman 

This was another M/M book that I fell in love with involving volleyball. Two men that hate each other wind up falling in love. It doesn’t happen overnight and it’s not without a lot of trepidation, but the emotions this story unleashed. You feel the raw emotions that the author is writing about and you want to embrace both main characters. I read it months ago, and I still think about it a lot. It’s stuck with me. I highly recommend reading it.

Match Point http://a.co/9X6ByQp

It was hard to narrow down my top list to just five, and I don’t think I could even organize them into which book would take which spot, but here they are. And I want to give an honorable mention to J.C. Santo and her Navy Love Series. If you like military romance, you will want to check them all out. They are full of smartassiness, laughter, and feels. I can't wait for her book four coming out next year.

Happy reading, Happy New Year, and I’ll see all of you in 2017.

Looking back through all 100+ reads from this year, I got to say that it was hard to choose just five. But, these five have stuck with me in one way or another. 

Into The Light and Away From the Dark 
(The Light series) 
by Aleatha Romig

Into The Light was one of those page turning books that I just couldn't put down. When I got to the end I was left with my jaw hanging open. I waited, oh so impatiently, for Away From the Dark to be release and I've got to say - it totally lived up to the hype.

Into The Light  http://a.co/bDYHgKf
Away From the Dark  http://a.co/0zU4PoJ

It Ends With Us
by Colleen Hoover

This book, without a doubt, is one that everyone needs to read. Even though it's a work of fiction, it's based on a true story. It's a pivotal read - one that will stick with you for a lifetime.

It does have some mature content but I would highly recommend sharing it with your daughters (and even sons too!)

It Ends With Us http://a.co/dFIXKq7

Constellation 
by Jennifer Locklear

This was my first read by Jennifer Locklear and I've got to say, she has blown me away!

Constellation was one of those books that I just couldn't put down! Sleep could wait, I needed all the words. 

Kathleen Brighton is a successful, smart and sexy business woman who finds herself in tangles with her newest colleague, Jack Evans. Jack makes her feel things that she isn't sure she's ready to feel. He has her ready to strip herself and expose her soul.

Caught under the thumb of her jerk of a father, Kathleen finds herself torn and wanting to keep her guard firmly in place.

Throughout this book Jennifer sets the pages on fire with Kathleen and Jack. Her words made me feel. I cried and I cheered for these characters. She had me all in from the first page. One thing that really stands out to me is how strong of a character Kathleen is, there is so much to admire about the person this character is. 

Jennifer totally knocks this one out of the park. It will be on my top reads list for sure. One click this FIVE star read today! 

Constellation http://a.co/86FeIKa

Dirty Girl Duet
by Meghan March

Dirty Girl

Hot, dirty, gritty and unexpected. 

Dirty Girl is one heck of an exciting read. 

I've been a long time fan of Meghan March, and once again she did not disappoint. The steam in this book is enough to burn and she'll leave you wanting more .The beautiful scenery isn't the only thing to appreciate in this book. From the hot alpha to the girl that's sparked his interest, get ready for one heck of a wild ride that will leave you wanting more.

I could not wait to read Dirty Love! 


Dirty Love 

Meghan March does not disappoint in this exciting conclusion to the Dirty Girl series. 

After the cliffhanger that let me waiting (in shock), I was so glad to have this one in my hands just two short weeks later. 

Cav and Greer's story took even more twists and turns in this one. And perhaps there were even a few more secrets revealed. 

The question is... can they both overcome Cav's past? Will Greer be able to love and accept him as the man he is.

If you want the answer then I highly recommend you one-click this 4.5 Star read. This book combined with book #1 Dirty Girl would made the perfect summer read!


A Beautiful Catastrophe
by Katheryn Kiden

Beautiful Catastrophe is an amazing story of love. About two hearts, trapped in the past.Until their paths cross. Be it fate, or destiny - on their journey to love each other; they begin to find themselves again. 

Shay and Deacon have a one of a kind love. They'll make you fall hard. Their story will forever change you and stick with you. Once you've read this book, there will be no going back. Grab the tissues and a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite spot and get ready - this book will make you feel so deep inside. 

It's one of those books that you want to read all over again just to experience it all over. 

This was my first read by Katheryn but it certainly won't be my last.

One click this 5 star gem and see why Beautiful Catastrophe is hands down a must read.

A Beautiful Catastrophe http://a.co/b9BUbml

There you have it, some of our top reads from this year!

We look forward to bringing you more Smokin' Hot Reads in 2017.

Happy New Year.
With Love,
Jamie, Maria, Krista, Melissa


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