Twosome Twosday: 53 Letters for My Lover by Leylah Attar

This is not your typical love story. It’s not so black and white. Lines are crossed. Walls are smashed. Good becomes bad. Bad becomes very, very good.

Shayda Hijazi - the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect daughter. For thirty-three years, she has played by the rules, swallowing secrets, burying dreams and doing whatever it takes to anchor her family. Shayda Hijazi is about to come face to face with the one thing that can rip it all apart, the one thing she has always been denied: love.

Troy Heathgate - untamed, exhilarating, dangerous; a man who does exactly as he pleases. Life bends to his will. Until he comes across the one thing he would give it all up for, but can never have.

Born on the same day in opposite corners of the world, their lives collide. And nothing is ever the same again.

Spanning three decades, 53 Letters for My Lover is a fiercely sensual, emotional ride to the heart of an epic love that defies it all - an intimate exploration of love, loyalty, passion, betrayal, and the human journey for hope, happiness and redemption.

  

Check out the FREE bonus novella - 

snippets from Troy's POV!

Amazon 

5 - Holy Frickin' Wow - Smooches

"Are you happy, Shayda?"

A second.  That's all it takes.  

A single beat of hesitation on my part.

Wow.  Just wow. 

I mean, really, WOW!!!

For the life of me, I can't understand why every blogger is not talking about this book.  I can't remember having this bad of a book hangover since Mud Vein.  I loved this book SO MUCH!!!  A good book friend of mine recommended it (I had never even heard of it before) so I jumped right in.  And I fell in love ...

Shayda immigrates to Canada from Iran in her early 20's.  She's grown up in a different culture, operating under a different set of familial expectations and obligations.   Pretty soon after arriving in North America, she marries another Iranian immigrant, Hafez.  Entering into the marriage with the best of intentions, Shayda is committed to her union and her new life as Mrs. Hafez Hijazi.  Demons from the past, unfortunately, threaten the very possibility of their marriage succeeding and, as the years go by, Shayda and Hafez's marriage is anything but ...

We were a different kind of broken.  The quiet silent kind that gets swept under the bed or stuffed in the linen closet.  And we had become good, really, really good, at leaving those spaces undisturbed.  - Shayda

The story is told exclusively from Shayda's point of view, alternating between the past and the present.  We follow the decline of her marriage, how she meets Troy Heathgate and their encounters over the years.  Shayda's love for her family, her obligation to her marriage, and her need for love all propel her into an on again/ off again affair with Troy.  Yeah, yeah, I know ... cheating.  So many of us hate cheating in books and I am one of them.  But this story ... *sigh* ... it almost makes it okay. 

I can't remember the last time we had sex.  Months have turned into years, and the years have melded into a hazy point beyond recall.  But tonight I want to burn for him.  I want to drive away thoughts of anyone else but him.  I want it here, where it belongs, where it's good and right and pure.  - Shayda

The story spans roughly thirty years and is truly an epic love story.  One I can assure you you don't want to miss!  

I wait for guilt to set in.  I wait for self-loating to roll in.  I wait for my feet to carry me to the door.  But when his lips graze mine, whisper soft, I know this is what I've been waiting for.  - Shayda

Things are not at all what you expect and as a reader I found myself feeling compassion for someone I never expected to.  There is true beauty in this story (and so much passion it's insane!).  Ms. Attar's writing flows beautifully, her words come to life ... she is an incredible story teller.  53 Letters for My Lover reached right into my chest and squeezed the crap out of my heart.  It is definitely one of my favorites!

BB <3 SC

4.5 Beetroot Butterfly smooches!

 

Shayda immigrated from Iran to Canada, where her family sort of arranged a marriage for her.  Her marriage suffers a major blow early on and never really recovers.  But, Shayda and her husband make the most of their marriage and play house for their two children.

“We were a different kind of broken.  The quiet, silent kind that gets swept under the bed or stuffed in the linen closet.  And we had become good, really, really good, at leaving those spaces undisturbed.”

As you can tell from the blurb there is infidelity in this book.  But it is OKAY…  Really!  It is... you will just have to trust me.  The affair is the good stuff!  Troy…. Yummmmmm

Troy is a mutual friend and is EVERYWHERE(he is the other guy… stay with me!).  While there is instant attraction between these two, Shayda tries to fight it.  She is true to her marriage for a very long time.  Troy is a huge flirt and quite the ladies man.  Shayda finds herself very drawn to him.

I’ve crossed oceans and countries and continents. That was the easy part. But sitting here before Troy Heathgate now, I’m teetering on a knife’s edge between honor and disgrace.

This affair spans decades.  Shayda gets sucked in and out…  there is a lot of cat and mouse.  A lot of push and pull.  And a whole lot of heat and sexual tension.  Troy is relentless and Shayda desperate for his love. 

How do you deny a living, breathing feeling? How do you hack it and kill it and bury it so that it never surfaces again?

Troy… I want to say so many things but really you just need to read the book.  I thought I had him all figured out and he turned out to be so much more.

“So, what’s it like?  To have it all?”

“Like flying.  Soaring.  Until you come across the one thing you’d give it all up for, and can never have.”

There are some books that get better with time.  And, what I mean by that is I already really, really loved this book when I read it.  But it is one of those stories that I have thought about every day since finishing it.  Troy and Shayda  have infiltrated my heart.  They have a love that is intense and evoked so many emotions… love, hate, desire, betrayal…  anytime they were together the heat jumped off the page.  It was a living breathing thing and I was consumed!

So why 4.5 and not 5 smooches?  The first half of the book was a little hard for me.  There are so many secondary characters and it took a while to be able to place all of them and understand what was happening.  

That being said, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  The writing is flawless.  The feels are SO real. So so real.  Looking back, I can’t believe how much content is in this one book and yet it never feels rushed.  This is not insta-love but a slow building, toe curling romance that will leave you breathless.  

Leylah Attar writes stories about love - shaken, stirred and served with a twist. When she's not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: photography, food, family and travel. Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate.

SLADE BY VICTORIA ASHLEY

Slade

Walk of Shame #1
(stand alone)

Victoria Ashley

Purchase for 99c!!!!

Amazon

Synopsis

My name is Slade Merrick and I’m a f*cking sex addict . . . 

I’ve been told it’s a problem. But I see it as a passion; something that I’m good at. And who the f*ck stops something that they’re good at?

They want me to seek help; get my c*ck in check. Don't judge my lifestyle. You’re no better than me. Just admit it, you like to f*ck too. Sex is what I do best; my own personal high, so I embrace it instead of being ashamed.

When I'm not f*cking, I'm slinging drinks at Walk Of Shame or stripping my way into your bed; another thing I'm good at. Every woman’s darkest fantasy brought to life.

So, am I stopping? F*ck no. Sex is beautiful, raw and erotic and I get off knowing I can have it with anyone I want . . . with the exception of her.

Aspen.

She walks into the club swaying those hips, instantly drawing my c*ck to attention. She’s pure perfection. That is, until she opens that mouth, drawing me in and for the first time in forever I want something more than sex. I want her and she hates it.

Things get dirty. Dirty is what I like; it’s how I live. But . . . she’s playing a game she can never win.

Selene's Review

4.5 - Holy Friggin' Hot - Smooches

My hubby always gives me crap about "my books."  

"They're just porn," he says.

And usually I'm like, "Nuh uh!!!!  They are NOT just porn."

Well, I can't argue with him this time, LOL!  This book is pretty much straight up porn.

And it was awesome!

Meet Slade.

I finish my drink and prep my brain by entering into fuck mode.  It's what keeps my mind from going places it shouldn't while my cock is in charge. - Slade

Slade .... 
*swoon* 
*sigh* 
*fans self*  
... Slade.

I like Slade when his cock is in charge!  He dances and bartends at Walk of Shame.

"All I know is that you don't come to Walk of Shame unless you're looking to fulfill your darkest, wildest fantasies.  This place is dirty.  The boys are dirty; addictive."

This place is all kinds of crazy, dirty ... lots of humpin' around going on.  I teetered at times ... there is a fine line between sexy and yuck and this book comes close to crossing it a time or two (so consider yourself warned!).

Aspen comes to stay with her friend Cale for a week.  Cale is Slade's roommate and also dances at Walk of Shame.  Slade is instantly drawn to Aspen and can not wait to get her in his bed.  Cue the epic battle between Aspen's head and her body.

"I want to slap you so bad right now," she breathes.  "I hate the way you make me want you." - Aspen

I don't know how she lasted as long as she did, LOL!  Slade is a man on a mission.

But, when Slade finally "gets" the girl, why does he suddenly feel like he wants to keep her.  And does Aspen want to be kept?

Well, there is a little story here so maybe it's not all porn.  Slade's back story was super sad and the book took a nice turn when Slade's secrets were revealed.

This is definitely going to be one HOT series.  Hemy is up next, another dancer at the club, and Cale will have a chance to tell his story in book 3.  

I totally recommend this book if you are in the mood for a quick, HAWT read.  Your significant other can thank me later!  ; )

Brandi's Review

4.5 Smooches

There are times when a girl just needs a little dirty in her books and Slade put the D in Dirty.......

Quick! Someone grab the hose and spray me down!!! First, I have to mention the super sexy cover and the synopsis...they made me want to buy this book! When Selene and I talked about wanting a “HOT” book, SLADE was exactly what I needed. Slade was a dirty talking, cocky, yummy, hot alpha male and I liked him…I liked him a lot! This is one of those instances where the story was good, don’t get me wrong about that, but the fact that Victoria Ashley nailed Slade’s character and the fact that the sex scenes were completely off-the-charts smoldering, made the book for me. A solid 4.5 read!

"He's undressing me with his eyes like he's formulating a plan of attack in his mind; the ultimate predator. I feel it; everywhere. He knows it too. He's a pro at this game." ~Aspen

"There’s no shame in having a huge sexual appetite. I need a woman that can handle me. I like to fuck and I like to fuck dirty. The fact they get the ultimate pleasure in return is just the icing on the cake. ~Slade

The story

Slade is addicted to sex; sex helps Slade cope with his past. Slade works at a strip club, bartending and dancing, so there is always a woman on hand that is willing and ready. Slade never sleeps with the same woman more than once, and never wants anything more or shows and interests in his sexual conquests...that is until he meets Aspen...and she does something no woman has ever done...shuts him down!

Aspen is friend's with Slade's roommate and staying with them for a week to "get away" from real life. Aspen can't deny the chemistry between her and Slade, but she doesn't like his cocky attitude...her body is telling her one thing, but her mind is telling her another...which will win out? What secrets are being hidden both by Slade and Aspen regarding their pasts...will they finally come out?

“He's like an addiction. Everything about him just calls out for me; my body needing him to survive.” ~Aspen

"I'm going to make sure she never fucking forgets the way my cock makes her scream. I want her to crave my fucking cock; to never think of another one besides mine and how it fucked her so good she couldn't think straight, let along walk. I want my cock to own her fucking pussy. ~Slade

If you’re looking for a quick, hot steamy read…with a side of yummy, tattooed eye candy, seriously pick Slade up! Definite recommendation in the hot, panty-melting, leave you salivating category! Now bring on the other males of Walk of Shame!

“This man completely owns me...I am almost willing to give him everything; not just my body, but my heart.” ~Aspen

“I'm going to show this woman that I can be her man and more; show her and myself that I'm still human...” ~Slade

Housewife Commentary

About the Author

Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.

She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she's not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter and True Blood.

She is the author of Wake Up Call and This Regret and is currently working on more works for 2014.

BEWARE BY SHANORA WILLIAMS

Ace is bad.

Very bad.

After losing my brother, I know I should stay away. So why can’t I?

He’s irresistible. He’s confident. He’s amazing… but he’s dangerous.

He was there the night my brother was murdered. He watched it all go down.

I should stay away. The things I saw weren’t acceptable. 

I should want Ace as far away from me as possible—I should consider him a monster and a threat—but when my life is at stake I know I no longer have a choice of the matter. He's the only one that can protect me. 

He's done what he can to keep me out of danger, but it's not enough. I need answers. I need the truth. He refuses to give it to me, and because of that I don't trust him. He refuses to tell me what really happened and to just forget about it but I refuse.

I won’t back down until I get answers.

But there’s one thing wrong with getting too many answers. It leads to lies. It leads to trouble. It leads to danger. But worst of all, it leads to me falling deeply and madly in love with him.

I’ve gotta be out of my mind.

London Stallone hasn’t always had the perfect life, but she did have the perfect older brother. He did everything for her. He took care of her when no one else would. He’s always been the shoulder she could lean on, but when he ends up murdered, things turn for the worst.

London soon demands answers, and the first person she runs to is her brother’s co-worker and good friend, Donovan “Ace” Crow. Ace isn’t the ordinary guy. He doesn’t come equipped with flowers and chocolate. He doesn’t hand out smiles and hugs to every female he meets. He’s strict and only about business, and London believes he’s a part of the reason her brother was murdered.

Soon, after finding out life-threatening news, it leads to something Ace never thought he’d have to do for anyone.

Protect her.

Although he doesn't want her to get hurt, it doesn't stop him from being selfish or bitter. He's promised to protect her, but has he done enough? Has he sacrificed everything in order to keep London out of harms way? 

Sometimes love can get in the way of your priorities. And sometimes love can easily become your enemy—you worst nightmare. It can destroy you.

This is a story full of dishonesty. Disloyalty. Broken hearts. Pain. Suffering. Lies. Destruction. This isn’t a fairytale love story. This is real. And it just might break you.

You’ve been warned… 

BEWARE!

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Amazon CA  |   Amazon UK  |   Kobo

 

 5 +++ "I wanna change for you" smooches!!!

ACE!!!!!  Holy alpha hotness!  I loved everything about this book… from the writing to the characters, it was all perfect.  I am a HUGE Shanora fan and let me just say that this, in my opinion is her best work yet.  Her writing has shown such growth.  It is truly a beautiful thing!

Beware is unlike Shanora’s other works.  It is a little darker and has a whole lot more grit.  This is not a fairytale love story.  Ace and London are using each other for their own gain.  What are they after?  You shall have to read to find out!

“I need answers… he’s the only one that can provide them… I’ll work my way in… for my peace of mind.  Then I’ll have him locked away.”  ~London

“I have to get her to trust me… to get her close… I’ll get what I need, and she’ll be back on her way… I can convince anyone into anything.  Especially a woman.”  ~Ace

Ace and London SIZZLE!!!  Using each other or not, what they have in the bedroom is HOT!  I can’t believe muh muh muh my Shanora wrote these DIRTY-delicious sex scenes!  It is no wonder she found herself knocked up while writing this book! HAHAHA!

Beware seriously blew me away.  The mystery and intrigue are something new for Shanora and she NAILED IT!  I had the pleasure, or maybe torture, of BETA reading this book.  I fell in love from the start and when I ran out of manuscript to read I was left ummm wanting….  begging… demanding MORE!  I got the second half of the book and it was even BETTER than the first.  I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what would happen next.  What were Ace and London after?  Were any of their feelings real or was it all part of their games?  

The ending BLEW my mind!  I was not expecting it.  I was an emotional basket-case.  This book brought forth so much feeling.  It was sexy and suspenseful.  It was emotionally draining and touching.  I cursed and cried.  I literally had to fan.my.self!  Did I mention Beware is HOT???  I could not be more proud of my girl Shanora.  I think she has a real gem with this one!  A MUST read!

5 - That's all you get - Smooches

I can't believe I'm even doing this - risking my heart for one last time with him.  I can't deny what my body wants.  Nor can I deny what  my heart is feeling.  - London

Holy Shiz!!!! What did I just read? I feel like a truck ran me over ... and then backed up and did it again!

But in a good way if that makes sense.

This book seriously reeled me in from the very first page.  Beware has it all ... suspense, romance, intrigue, one hot sexy bad boy, one strong and sassy heroine, sexual chemistry on steroids, dirty sex, and, dare I say, the two most oral lovin' people on the planet.  For reals.

When I look down, she's looking right into my eyes.  She's too fucking bold.   

Too fucking much. 

Those hazel eyes are too damn much for me to take in.  There's something about the way she looks at me as she sucks my cock.   

It's like she's owning me .... - Ace

London meets Ace when her brother brings him along to her graduation.  Her once normal life is quickly turned upside down and she is forced to leave everything behind and run away with Ace.  The bad guys are coming y'all.  Somewhere along the way, an intense sexual attraction turns into so much more for Ace and London.

If you don't enjoy books that do not have a HEA, don't even bother with Beware.  It does not have a HEA.  

Okay I have to say a few things about Shanora.  This is the fourth book I've read of hers and it amazes me how much she improves from book to book.  She is serious about her craft and works hard to learn and grow with each book.  She's a total rock star and I can't wait to see what she does next!!!

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Shanora Williams considers herself a wondrous, down-to-earth author who's all about romance, paranormal, and the historical fiction. Coffee and Oreos are her addiction. Reading is a necessity. Whenever she isn't writing or reading, she's most likely spending her time with family and loved ones, or watching hit TV series on Netflix.

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER

Footsteps start up the complex stairs. They’re heavy. Slow. I try to control my breathing, but it’s nearly impossible. I’m terrified. My heart is pounding in my chest. The room that was once my sanctuary – my getaway—now feels like a trap. A prison. I can hardly breathe.

Sealing my eyes, I listen as his footsteps get closer to my door until finally he stops. It’s quiet for a moment. I think he’s got his ear to the door, hoping to hear something.

Then, he bangs on it, and I gasp. I don’t get up though. He can’t get in. The door is locked, and the chain is on. I don’t think he’d be dumb enough to kick the door in, knowing I have neighbors. Good thing they’re nosey. They’ll come looking for the noise immediately just to complain.

“London, I know you’re in there! Car’s in the parking lot.” His voice is no longer calm and casual. It’s angry and demanding. “Open the door.”

I don’t say anything, but I do stand and hold the knife in front of me just in case. I slowly walk out of my bedroom and towards the living room.

“Open it or I’ll kick it down. I don’t give a fuck who sees me.”

I gulp and gasp at the same time, producing an unexpected and very loud burp. It’s certainly loud enough for Ace to hear.

Instantly, the door swings open and hits the wall with a forceful thud. I scream as I fall on my side. When I look up, Ace is standing between the frames of the door, adjusting his tie. All I can make out is his shadow, but I can feel his eyes hard on me.

Stepping inside, he coolly shuts the door behind him. I scramble away with the knife in my hand. When I get to my feet, I dash for my bedroom and grab the telephone. He chases after me, warning me not to do anything stupid.

I dial 9, but I’m not given the chance to finish. He snatches the phone out of my hand and slams it down. I spin around, bringing the butcher knife in front of me again. Ace takes a quick step back, glaring down at the sharp blade piercing the darkness. Then, a slow smirk forms on his lips, the lips I hate that I once admired.

“I’ll cut you,” I threaten.

“You won’t,” he says boldly.

“I won’t?” I hiss, bringing the edge of the blade to his neck. “Don’t test me. I will.”

He raises his hands in the air, shaking his head. “When’s the last time you sharpened this thing, huh? Three years ago? It’s as dull as a fucking nun.”

“I don’t give a shit! I can still cut you with it! Just… sit down!” I demand, circling him, knife still clutched in my hands and at his neck. “On the bed.”

He frowns. “No.”

“I don’t wanna hurt you, but if I have to I will!” I shout, voice wavering.

“That’s the thing… you won’t.” His tone is even.

I keep my tears back and my emotions behind me for now. I don’t want him to think I’m weak. I don’t want him to get away either. But deep inside, I know I won’t hurt him. I won’t cut him. I’m too afraid to shed blood after seeing so much already.

With a bored sigh, Ace snatches the knife out of my hand and tosses it out of my bedroom. It skids across the hard, wooden floorboards, causing a clanking noise that makes my ears ring. I gasp and scramble after it, but he grabs my arm and shoves me against the nearest wall. It’s not a hard shove. Nor does it hurt. But I’m still afraid.

As I tremble, he brings one of his large hands up and locks my face between his fingers. His eyes stare deeply into mine, and his nostrils flare. From the slit of light filtering in through my window, he looks pissed. I know he’s going to kill me. I’m a witness.

“Listen to me,” he grumbles. His warm breath spills down my chest, across my cleavage. “I told you I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” I breathe, voice shaky.

"I won’t. I’m not the one that killed Jonah. They did.” Hearing Jonah’s name causes fiery tears to build in my eyes.

“It’s your fault. I know it. Why wouldn’t they kill you, too?” I ask. “What were you doing there anyway? Why was Jonah there? Why did they kill him?” All of this is spilling out of me. I’m outraged. I’m pissed that Ace is still alive and my brother isn’t. I’m terrified. I’m… I’m a mess.

“Listen to me!” he demands, releasing my face to lock his hands on my shoulders. “I don’t know why they killed Jonah, alright? I don’t know why they didn’t kill me. But you have to understand… it’s what we do. It’s what Jonah signed up for. It’s business, and we can’t help when shit gets bloody.”

I process his words, giving them some thought. “So… you’re the one that got him into that shit? What is it? What’d you promise him? I know Jonah, and I know he wouldn’t do something this bad without getting something in exchange.”

“I didn’t promise him shit.” Ace runs one hand through his slick hair. “He knew what he was getting into. He was money-hungry, just like everyone else. It was a mistake… him coming to Atlanta.”

“How was that a mistake?” I demand. “I invited him. I graduated!”

Ace tilts his chin to meet my eyes. His are dark, and if I’m not mistaken, watery. I’m not given the chance to figure it out completely because he blinks, and just like that, he’s angry again. “Don’t go to the cops. It’ll only get you killed.”

And with that, he releases me and walks out of my bedroom. I follow after him, grabbing his arm before he can get out the front door. “Killed by who? You?” I’m keeping my voice steady, but deep inside, I’m scared out of my fucking mind.

Ace stares at me briefly. He then slides his fingers into his front pockets, turns his back to me, and walks out my splintered front door.

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