Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part Six by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part Six *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: September 8th 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

He said he’d never let things go this far, but a taken heart can be a deceptive one.
Adam and Isabella’s romance had completely turned their lives upside down.
The board was coming for them, their stalker waited, the media fueled the fire.
What began as a chance at redemption was always meant to end the same way.
They just never dreamed they’d be fighting for his instead of hers.

Despite her insecurities, Adam kept his promise, remained close to Isabella’s side.
With a heavy loss looming, she knew her options were down to one.
Adam forbade it, but this time she knew she couldn’t obey him.
The day she met him, he’d offered her a chance at redemption.
She’d sacrifice everything, even her own heart, to give him the same.

I was not ready for this series to be over. We’ve been through so much! 

Adam and Isabella’s relationship has been tested many times. The day had come for them to see what fate awaited them. I was a mess! I was rooting for them right from the start. Isabella made some choices that had me saying “Oh no baby, what is you doing?!” Love makes you do crazy things. The soothing and pleasant voice of Mr. Zaba brought the book to life. Oh Miss Benson how you’ve wrecked me! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author Featuring Kate Benson

The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kate Benson! Her newest release, Fallen (The Frenemy Series Book 3) released on July 31st 2020.

Congrats on your newest release! Tell me a bit about your book?

Thanks! I’m really excited about it.
Fallen is book three in The Frenemy Series, which is my rom/com series that starts with Frigid (book one). Since Fallen is the last book, I’ll start with telling you a little more about the start of The Frenemy Series, Frigid.
The series follows Dash Hunter, a blunt, womanizing, muscle-bound bartender/mechanic and Evie King, a mouthy, spoiled but hard-working art student. Dash is best friends with Mason. Evie is Mason’s little sister. Dash and Evie have known each other for the bulk of their lives and to say neither have ever been impressed by the other? Understatement of the century. In fact, the only thing that’s kept them from clawing each other’s eyes out on the regular is their mutual love for Mason, his intense overprotection of Evie and his undying loyalty to Dash. When fate, a flight delay and an abundance of alcohol steps in, a favor goes much further than either of them ever could have anticipated and hilarity and panic take over. Will they be able to keep their secret from Mason? More importantly, will they be able to go back to the hatred that’s always served them well when they’re no longer feeling frigid?

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I think it depends on the book and the character. I am by no means a plotter. Although I usually know my core details of every series/book pretty early in the process, I love to listen to my characters and take each adventure with them. Nothing brings me more joy than to fall in deep to the sound of the keys beneath my fingertips and my characters whispering their truths in what feels like a breath, but when I look up, hours have passed us by. Those are the moments I think most authors live for. They’re certainly the moments I crave most often.
Music, memories, dreams, personal experiences, those all inspire me, but nothing takes me there like the characters I’ve been so lucky to meet along my way.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes! It’s always been my biggest dream.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Books:
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch: I got this book when I was eight from a book fair at school and I still remember reading it on my bedroom floor and how it made me cry. It was my first heartbreak at the hands of fiction, and I ran crying into the kitchen to my mother. I told her I wanted to grow up and write stories that made people cry. That was the moment I realized I wanted to be a writer.
The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski: This is my favorite love story of all time. Not just because it’s beautiful and it wrecked me, but because it was the first thing I’d read that showed me I could write the type of love story that I wanted to read/write. I could write about a girl that felt like me falling for a guy that I’d want to fall for. They were both damaged and vulnerable and their love story was the first one that made me realize that I, too, could bring the spectacularly gorgeous disaster I’d always craved putting down on paper to life. That book changed my life.
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James: I know there are conflicting views on these books (I’ve always been a fan), but if you’re an indie, I honestly don’t know how you can’t have love for them. Without Christian Grey, I don’t think any of us would be writing the love stories we’re writing today. EL James was the first to find that ceiling and kick it open for the rest of it. As far as I’m concerned, she’s our Elvis.

Writers:
I have so many favorites, but in addition to those I’ve already mentioned, some of my favorites/influences are Harlan Coben (that man is the plot twist KING!), Jodi Ellen Malpas, Stephen King and John Grisham. And obviously Nicholas Sparks. He’s the swoon master. Holy Noah…

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

For Fallen, my celebrity muses were a very tattooed version of Sam Hunt (Dash), Lauren Conrad (Evie) and Jake Johnson (Mason).
Do you think Sam is into expanding his career to film? If so, I’m totally down.

What is the best part of your day?

Any time I get to write uninterrupted makes me happy. And at the end of my day, when I cuddle on the couch with my husband and our furboy, Boomer. Best day ever.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Awkward, romantic, honest.

What are you reading now?

At the moment I’m typing this, I’ve just been informed by Amazon that my copy of Midnight Sun will be arriving tomorrow! I’m skimming Twilight while I wait for Edward. V””V

What advice would you give to other authors?

This business can be hard. You need thick skin and even with it, there are going to be days you want to quit. You’re going to have days when a bad review, a writing rut, a social media post or just life in general make it feel like you don’t have it in you to keep going. You do. Always remember that. Your story deserves to be told in the way that only you can tell it. It won’t be for everyone and that’s okay. It just needs to be for you in the beginning. It’s for the bad days when you need to just let go. It’s for that emotion you don’t know what to do with. It’s for the characters that you’re lucky enough to hear before anyone else. They chose you to tell their story for a reason, so tell it. Even when it’s hard. God, especially then. Take a hot ten, fix your bun, come back to them, and listen. They won’t ever steer you wrong. When it’s time to let them go, they’ll tell you that, too. You just have to listen. And breathe. And find a really great set of headphones.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

My books/series are all a little different, but I’m completely enamored by the characters who drive my stories and I’m a total sucker for a great love story. I might be known for loving a wicked cliffhanger, but my ultimate goal is always to give my readers (and my characters) the happy ending they crave. If you ever find yourself halfway through one of my series and plotting my demise – hang in there! Happy days are on their way *wink wink*

Thank you so much for the feature and the support! I’m so grateful! XO Kate

 

Thank you Kate Benson for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Fallen today!

~Synopsis~

College graduation wasn’t quite what I thought it would be.
Along with my art degree, I received a positive pregnancy test.

The father just happens to be my brother’s best friend, any my nemesis-turned-boyfriend.
It’s complicated.

Now, we’re living together, in a new city, with new jobs and my hormones are raging like a crazed banshee. What else could go wrong?

I hear Mexico is beautiful this time of year.

If this had happened a year ago, we’d both be running for the hills. It’s too late for that now, though.
We’ve already fallen.

Kate Benson was raised in Texas and currently resides in central Florida with her husband and their furbaby, Boomer.
She learned to read at the age of four and has been hooked ever since. She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband, Sean.
Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies, hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book.
To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing from her readers and can be found on social media.

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/2GCP9Fx
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Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Kate-Benson/B00J81M3GQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katebensonauthor
Benson’s Book Babes (Fan Club/Reader Group): 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PromiseSeriesSupportGroup/

Merchandise on Fangirl Central: https://www.fangirlcentral.com/kate-benson
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-benson
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Katebensonauthr
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katiebenson9275/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/katebensonauthor/

Books:

Buy Links for all of my books (please be sure to read series books in order!) 

KATE ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2hq5cNQ 

KATE ON AUDIBLE: https://www.audible.com/author/Kate-Benson/B00J81M3GQ

 

SERIES BY KATE BENSON: 

The Promise Series (FREE on KU) 

The Promise: https://books2read.com/u/47XLka

The Choice: https://books2read.com/u/4jWpKk 

The Secret: https://books2read.com/u/bzjApE 

The Commitment: https://books2read.com/u/mgl8KX  

The Compromise: https://books2read.com/u/bPKl1Y  

The Sacrifice: https://books2read.com/u/4AKXwk  

The Confession: https://books2read.com/u/b5ZgMO 

The Redemption Series (The Vault) *Free on KU*

A spin-off from The Promise Series

AUDIO: 

Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Kate-Benson/B00J81M3GQ 

EBOOKS: 

Redemption: The Complete Series: https://books2read.com/u/b6ZPrW 

Redemption: Part One: https://books2read.com/u/mKzlJV 

Redemption: Part Two: https://books2read.com/u/mY7lgY 

Redemption: Part Three: https://books2read.com/u/bQKlBE 

Redemption: Part Four: https://books2read.com/u/bWdlZW 

Redemption: Part Five: https://books2read.com/u/3kWw0N 

Redemption: Part Six: https://books2read.com/u/bMPlrB  

The Frenemy Series (FREE on KU)

Frigid https://books2read.com/u/31qJWW 

Sprung https://books2read.com/u/meeGJE 

Fallen https://books2read.com/u/bOxpOg  

The Callie Leveaux Series (FREE on KU) 

The Novellas (contains Escort/Savage): https://books2read.com/u/38MAgr   

Traitor: https://books2read.com/u/4EoaDM  

Ignite Series (FREE on KU) 

Ignite: https://books2read.com/u/4DW9oO  

Smolder: https://books2read.com/u/bwdgWv  

STANDALONE NOVELS: (FREE on KU)

Beyond the Pine: https://books2read.com/u/3GdlYd  

Pieces of You: https://books2read.com/u/mVKlZP  

What the Elf? (The Cringle Cove Christmas Chronicles):

EBOOK: https://books2read.com/u/mqrapO  

AUDIBLE: https://www.audible.com/author/Kate-Benson/B00J81M3GQ

Free Download Friday · Freebie

✮☆ Free Friday Download ☆✮

✮☆ Free for a limited time ☆✮

Frigid (The Frenemy Series Book 1)

By Kate Benson

~Synopsis~

***This book contains adult content intended for mature readers***

Dash

Evie King.
God, even her name leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I’ve put up with her for years for my best friend, her overprotective older brother, Mason.
I’d grown comfortable in my distaste, reliant on my hatred. But when a favor goes too far and I wake up naked next to my sworn nemesis in a hotel room in Dallas?
That’s when my life begins spiraling out of control.
We swore we’d keep it between us. We vowed to never let it happen again.
Until…
Can you crave and loathe someone at the same time?
I’m about to find out.
It only takes one snowflake to start an avalanche.
Welcome to the avalanche.

Evie

Have you ever met one of those people who just dry humps your last nerve?
Enter Dash Hunter. Humper of my nerves.
Leave it to this jackass to ruin my life.
I’d had it all, but one drunken mistake with this asshole has it all crashing down.
They say everything happens for a reason, but I see no rhyme or reason to this disaster.
This was never what we wanted, not at all what we planned.
We were supposed to do our respective walks of shame and move on, but then…
We were blindsided. We never saw it coming.
All we want is to go back to what made sense, back to hating each other, but there’s a problem.
How do you defeat your enemy when you’re no longer frigid?

Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part Five (The Vault Book 5) by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part Five (The Vault Book 5) *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: June 4th 2020

Genre: Erotica

Disaster put a lot into perspective.
Isabella thought she’d made her peace with losing everything in the name of love.
There was a piece of her soul that yearned for it to swallow her whole, offer them a means to an end.
Her life had become one disaster after another, but one truth would always remain.
She’d never survive losing him.

The moment Isabella came crashing into Adam’s life, something shifted inside him.
With one taste, he knew he’d never be able to live without her.
He’d sworn he’d protect both his empire and the love of his life but saving her could mean losing everything else.
When he’s forced to choose, which would be his redemption?

It’s no secret that I am hooked on Adam and Isabella’s story. What’s not to like? Drama, suspense, and that slow burn between them. Hotness! That ending though…..it’s a good thing I had Zacahry Zaba’s pleasant voice to smooth it over. I am left wanting much more and I think that is exactly Miss Benson’s plan. Nice one. I highly recommend this series! I can’t wait to listen to the next! I need it NOW!! I give this 5 stars!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part 4: The Vault, Book 4 by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part 4: The Vault, Book 4 *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: March 23rd 2020

Genre: Erotica, Contemporary Romance

They’d taken every measure to keep their forbidden romance a secret.
Every failsafe, every precaution, every move had been meticulously calculated, but the rightful heir to the Avery fortune discovered them anyway.
He was out for blood.
Adam swore he’d keep Isabella safe, do whatever it took to make sure this side of his life didn’t touch her.
He never thought that promise would be so impossible to keep.

After two months of keeping her whirlwind love affair with Adam a secret, Isabella faced losing everything.
Her reputation, her career, her freedom…
She’d risk it all to keep him.
Would she destined to be the reason his empire came crashing down?
Or would they finally find redemption?

Bella and Adam are dealing with a huge problem. It’s affecting everything and testing their relationship. I love the drama mixed in with those sexy hot scenes! Mr. Zaba’s voice breathes life into the story. His voice is pleasant and I enjoy the story that much more because of it. I am hooked and with each ending, I am left wanting more! Nice job Miss Benson. I NEED the next one like now! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part 3 by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part 3 *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: January 21st 2020

Genre: Erotica

One night of passion meant to remain a memory, a moment of forbidden bliss, had quickly turned into more.
Isabella wanted something deeper and that was exactly what Adam gave her.
She found herself engulfed in his world of secrets, thrusted into the new reality she begged for.
She lived him, breathed him, craved him.
Would it be enough for Adam? Would it be enough for her?

He swore this was one line he would never cross with her.
Adam vowed their relationship, the one they were never meant to have, would remain untainted by his cravings, his desires … untainted by him.
But Isabella changed everything.
She changed him.
Once she handed him her submission, she scaled every wall he’d ever put up around himself.
Would he be able to shield her from the dark corners of his reality?
Would he be enough to make her stay?

Holy heck! That ending!!! What I really like about this series is how there is some conflict between the two. Nothing is easy especially the agreement and I love that the author added that touch. I love these two!! Those steamy scenes combined with Zachary Zaba’s voice, makes for a guilty pleasure read. All the pleasure and none of the calories! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part Two (The Vault Book 2) by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part Two (The Vault Book 2) *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: April 27th 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

One night.
That was all he was supposed to take from her, but it wasn’t enough.

Isabella invaded his thoughts, fueled his hunger, stroked his dominance.
She threatened to turn Adam’s life completely upside down.
Could he turn away from the only woman he’s ever truly craved?

She was supposed to forget about him, take their secret and bury it deep.
Her lips were sealed, but forgetting the night she shared with Adam? That was a different story.
How could one man feel like such a good and bad idea all at once?
His world was one Isabella knew nothing about, but with one taste, she couldn’t help but crave another.
She should have taken his gift of redemption and ran.
Instead, she was aching to surrender.

The sexiness continues in part two! There are so many things I loved about this book. Isabella is feisty and doesn’t apologize for it. Nothing is rushed concerning a certain topic. LOVED that! So many rush into it and I love that Miss Benson didn’t. As always she brings the heat with those hot scenes between Adam and Isabella. Zachary’s pleasant voice helped bring the story to life! I can’t wait to dive into the next one! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Audiobook · Review

Redemption: Part One (The Vault Book 1) by Kate Benson – My Review

Title: Redemption: Part One (The Vault Book 1) *Audiobook*

Author: Kate Benson

Release Date: December 10th 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

After a humiliating breakup, Isabella Baxter’s personal life had taken one hell of a hit.

She took time to lick her wounds, knowing the last thing she needed was another complication. Focusing on her career seemed like a flawless plan, she’d just need to stay off new CEO, Adam Avery’s, radar.

Once they met, there was nowhere else she’d rather be.

Adam Avery was been his father’s best kept dirty secret for more than three decades.

When his uncle appointed him as the unlikely successor to Avery Finance, the media went into a frenzy. For an admitted recluse, it was definitely a challenge. Luckily for Adam, he’d never shied away from those before. He knew he just needed to stay focused, in control, and avoid distractions.

Unfortunately, Isabella Baxter was the one distraction he couldn’t resist.

The cover is HOT!! Ok now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, this book is totally sexy! It’s also much more than that. We have a feisty leading lady and a total alpha. Isabelle is smart and beautiful. I love that she was awkward at times and then pissed off the next. Adam is….Adam. You have to read the book to know more about this man! The narrator’s voice was pleasant and added to the story. I can’t wait to dig into the rest!! It’s a definite guilty pleasure read! I give it 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Sale

Holiday Books To Read!

Hello and Happy Holidays!!

I have put together a list of holiday themed books for you to enjoy all cozy by the fire.

The best part is they are all on sale for $0.99! 

Enjoy and Happy Reading!

Christmas on the Rocks

by Michelle Dare

~Synopsis~

Shaine

It’s Christmas in Cringle Cove. Somebody save me.

This place makes me crazy with all the decorations. But one thing makes being here even worse: my ex-boyfriend. In fact, he makes me regret ever leaving the house.

One wrong step and I fall—hard. Who’s there to save me? None other than Max. Seeing him again brings back so many memories. One, in particular, brings tears to my eyes—the day I ended us.

He’s all I think about. All I see. And he wants me back.

However, returning to Max means choosing a road I never thought I’d take again.

Maxton

I always know when Shaine’s home on break from college. Every part of my being goes on high alert the second she enters Cringle Cove. She was once mine, but not anymore.

That is until I find her on the ground in pain. Ice happens.

With her suddenly near, I have to fight the constant urge to wrap my arms around her and kiss her. We aren’t the same people we used to be.

We have a lot to work through. Hearts to mend. If Shaine is my Christmas gift, it’ll be worth all the pain.

This will be one long week.

 

Winter Games

by Victoria Renteria

~Synopsis~

He was an Olympic Gold Medalist. 

She was his best friends sister. 

Together, they started a love affair that would shock a nation. 

Brooklyn Myles was returning to her hometown after college with no clear direction in life—but she gets more than she bargained for when a cruel twist of fate sends her long-time crush calling.

Hayden Jaxon had a competitive snowboarding career, six gold medals, and women falling at his feet—except, it wasn’t enough. He wanted more, and his heart wouldn’t settle for anyone but her.

Can Brooklyn survive her brother’s best friend? Or will she be another victim of his winter games?

What the Elf?

by Kate Benson

~Synopsis~

Abby
After my sister and I lost our parents, life has been up in the air.
The only thing we’ve been able to hold onto is our pact to spend every Christmas together, avoiding it like the plague.
That’s exactly what I’m doing when a deliciously dimpled man introduces himself the first day I arrive in Cringle Cove.
There’s nothing wrong with making a friend, right?
Until our easy friendship turns into a hellacious crush and a favor bred from nightmares.
For the first time ever, I’d kill for a Christmas miracle.

Dex
For someone who loves everything about the holidays, mine are sure getting off to a terrible start.
The worst part?
I promised my ex I wouldn’t tell a soul we’d ended things until we’re far away from Cringle Cove.
At least I’m in the most festive town in the country.
If everything else goes to hell this week, I’ve got that.
I’m hiding out in a coffee shop when I see Abby.
She’s awkward, sarcastic, and obviously miserable here.
I’ve never wanted anyone more.
Keep a promise to your ex in exchange for a happy holiday?
What the elf was I thinking?

What the Elf? is a multi-POV standalone with content intended for mature readers.