Boho Book Reviews: Blog Tour: Hard Wear by Marilyn Lakewood

Title: Hard Wear

Author Name: Marilyn Lakewood

Book Genre: Romance/Hot Alpha Billionaire

Publisher: Troll River Publications

Release Date: February 14, 2015

Buy Link(s): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TNGS2QG

Book Description:

Book One of the Hot Alpha Billionaire Series

Stand alone. Not a cliff-hanger. HEA. M/F, Mild D/s themes.

How does a sophisticated man with everything, convince an unassuming older woman with nothing, that she’s what he desperately needs?

At 36, Chase Tanner controlled his world and the women in his bed. With a grown son and several successful businesses, he thought he had everything a man could desire… until he walked down the aisle of a country hardware store and saw exactly what he needed for a happily-ever-after. Now, he just had to make her believe it.

”You’re just not good enough, Kali.”

Her ex-husband’s hurtful words echoed in Kali Benson’s heart as she rebuilt her life in tiny Laketon, Washington. It took some time, but at 39, she’s happy, self-sufficient, and emotionally armored. She’s strong enough to resist a sweet-talking hunk, who drives an old Dodge truck and makes her feel nineteen again... isn't she?

Excerpt:

Chase took the shortest route to the auto accessories area and cut through the carpentry section. He turned down the aisle and his steps slowed. Fuses, old trucks, everything, dropped off the radar as his gaze focused on the woman perusing the locks-and-hinge display.

Sweet. There was something incredibly sweet and alluring about her. More than pretty, she was arresting. His heart did a drum roll against his ribs, and he drew in a deep, stabilizing breath.

Easing to a stop a few steps away, he positioned himself near the opposite side of the aisle as if he were interested in something other than her. Not the most inspired tactic, but he needed a moment to process her intense effect on him.

In profile, she had a straight, refined nose, full lips, and a balanced chin. Thick, golden-brown hair shimmered in glossy layers past her shoulders, styled with a fringe of bangs across her dark, tawny brows.

When she pulled an item from the display, he noticed she kept her nails a short, practical length, and she wore no wedding ring.

His eyes drifted down her slender length, admiring her lush, handful-size breasts and the pert nipples that dimpled against her knit top. She had a slim waist, gently rounded hips, and a great curvy ass, temptingly displayed in a pair of distinctive cutoffs. They were distinctive to him, at least. Although she’d removed the label, he recognized Soft Wear jeans and understood what the brand signified.

This little beauty might not want anyone in Laketon to know, but if she bought those jeans, she harbored at least some sexually submissive desires.

In a sudden, vivid image, he pictured her in his bed, her body pinned beneath him, his hands holding hers against the mattress. He imagined her thighs around his hips. The first intimate touch of his cock to her sex. Her mouth parted, gasping when he shifted deeper.

The fantasy jolted him.

He flinched and she turned her head.

Large, topaz eyes danced over him, and she smiled distractedly, the merest civility necessary, before returning her attention back to the shelves. He’d been dismissed. There was nothing haughty or superior about it, but apparently she’d found him unsuitable.

A grin tugged on his mouth. He enjoyed a challenge.

Review:

Chase Tanner is a successful business man and father of a grown son. Needing a break from work, he heads to his solace where he runs into Kali in a hardware store.

Kali Benson has pretty much sworn off men since her ex-husband told her that she wasn't good enough for him when she caught him cheating. When Chase enters her world he turns it upside down. He makes her feel safe and put her trust in him - even though he's a man who is bound to eventually break her heart.

When she finds out the truth about who Chase is will she be able to still let him into her life or will her ex-husband's words get to her and make her believe she's not good enough for Chase?

I loved Hard Wear. The relationship between Chase and Kali was a bit fast paced, but with these two characters and the sexual tension I believe the fast pace suited them. Kali's character was sweet, hardworking, and genuinely like able. Chase.. Wow, what can I say about Chase? I really, really liked this character. He was a total alpha. A hot, successful alpha. I really liked all sides of his personality - the alpha, the sweet side, the open side. Chase was my favorite character.

The plot features new beginnings, second loves, some mild D/s, and is filled with sexual tension and some suspense (Sean). I loved the chemistry between Chase and Kali and how he doesn't give up on her and tries to make her comfortable with him. Mm, and the way he gets protective - yum!

Marilyn Lakewood has created the perfect characters, setting, and plot. I loved the way she described the small town and wished that I was there myself. Sounds like the perfect place for me!

Hard Wear is sexy and steamy, but with a deep plot and a beautiful setting. I definitely recommend this one!

★★★★ 1/2

Author Bio:

Marilyn lives in the northwest U.S., not too far from the Canadian border, and believes the long, cold winters are perfect “writing weather.”

She started writing romantic, sex-driven stories “just for fun” seven years ago. Today, she’ll joyously admit she’s obsessed with creating hard-core dominant heroes and happily-ever-after endings.

Visit Marilyn at www.marilynlakewood.com

Author Links -

Website: www.marilynlakewood.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MarilynLakewood

G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111161259794597010034/posts

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/marilynlakewood/