Sunday, January 20, 2013

Vanilla on Top by CJ Ellisson + giveaway (open INT)

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table.


Type: Erotica/Romance
Heat: 4 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5

Woot! We've got our first 5 star review of 2013 and our first ever "Pick of the Litter"!! 

When I pick up an erotic romance, Vanilla on Top, is exactly the type of book that I look for. It was the perfect combo of melt you on the spot chemistry between characters that feel real and honest, scorching hot sex scenes that are a little daring at times and an incredible romance to back it all up.

I can't say this one was exactly what I was expecting but it was a fabulous read that honest to God I could not put down. I tried to doing that whole "I'll read just one more chapter then do a little work around the house". Five chapters later? Still reading. And not one bit guilty about it. LOL

Tony and Heather were absolutely captivating individually and as a couple. It was fascinating watching them explore their relationship and figuring out what they wanted in life. Both sexually and just in general. You could really see these two growing and changing right in front of your eyes. And for me that's an amazing experience.

If you like a hot and heavy, steamy romance this book is most definitely that. It starts off with a "bang" that had my mouth dropping open. The heat and chemistry between these two just drips off the page and really never lets up. Some of the sex scenes, like I said, are a little daring. There's an interesting exchange of power between Tony and Heather with her taking on a more dominant role now and again. I actually really enjoyed  that and can honestly say I've not seen too often in romance (regardless of the heat level). It was refreshing and really fit them. And don't worry you alpha male lovers. Tony is NO pushover and all sexy man. ;) 

"Were you hoping for a spanking?" 
A swift intake of breath sounds from the end of the line. "I might be." The distinct sound of a zipper rasps in the background. "Woman, what you do to me." 
A wave of desire whisks through me and sets my crotch ablaze. Could he be jerking off in his office while he talks to me? I frantically look around, desperate to make sure no one can here me. "Are you undoing your pants, Tony?" 
He pauses, then his voice comes out rough with desire. "No, I was zipping my gym bag. But I like where you're going with this."
The emotional aspect and the actual writing were fantastic too. I love when an author really gets me to feel what the characters are going through and, you know, I was right there with them for so much of their story. I understood Heather's anxiety and her insecurities, I was shocked and a little uncertain how I felt right along with Tony with his side of the relationship and some of the things they explored together. And I found myself falling in love right along with them.

Overall it was just a fabulous read and left me very excited for the next installment in the series. If you go into Vanilla on Top with an open mind you definitely will not be disappointed.




Because Entangled Publishing is just awesome they're giving yall a chance to win an e-copy of 
Vanilla on Top today! Sweet! 

Just check out the review and enter that Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

62 comments:

  1. I've seen this one around & it has been getting some really hot reviews. I like the idea of an dominant female...might have to check this one out. Love the review Anna :)

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    1. I really liked that aspect too Sharonda. It was a little different and I didn't think too over done. Felt pretty natural for them. More bed play than lifestyle maybe? Not really sure how to put it but that's where I'd place them I think.

      Anywho, hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to pick it up!

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    2. Thank you, Sharonda! Hope you enjoy it! Heather isn't an over the top dome, more like a regular person trying something different for a change.

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  2. Been hearing a lot about this book! Added to the wishlist. I love a steamy story that has heat & heart!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. This one definitely qualifies for all of the above :D Hope you enjoy it LM!!

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    2. Thank you, LM! Nice to meet you and good luck in the contest!

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  3. I finished reading this one today and I thought it was awesome!! I really enjoyed it, great review!!

    Kate @ Reading Under the Willow Tree

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    1. Ahhh that's so great! I'm glad to hear you loved it too!

      Thanks for coming by Kate!

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    2. Music to my ears--Thank you, Katie!!

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  4. This really sounds like I would enjoy it, especially from the little blurb in red there. Tony sounds like he could win my heart. I just love the colors on that cover too.

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    1. Isn't the cover fantastic? It caught my eye right away. And oh, yeah, you'll definitely be won over by Tony. He's a great guy :D

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    2. Thank you, ladies! I was really impressed with the cover, too. Heather Howland gets all the credit.

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  5. omg this sounds really good. I'd like to see the exchange of power play between the two. and the excerpt definitely convinced it.

    Ning @ DABR

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    1. It was such an interesting play between them Ning. CJ did a great job of having him be submissive but not TOO submissive if that makes sense? LOL And it was pretty delicious when he'd turn the tables on her :D

      Thanks for dropping over and happy reading!

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    2. You describe it well, Anna. Tony is flexible with her calling the shots, but never a wimp.

      Thanks for commenting, Ning and good luck in the contest!

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  6. I read a few excerpts of this on the author's website and it is definitely on my must have list :) While I normally like the hero to be be dominate one, this does sound like a great story.

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    1. You know June I do too. I like my alpha heroes but she really made it work. And he's definitely got some alpha in him and isn't completely submissive. I hope you'll give it a try!

      Happy reading!

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    2. Thank you, June! I'm always thrilled to hear when readers stop by my website to read the free stuff -- that's why it's there!!

      Tony has his stronger moments in VoT, I think you'll like the interchange and balance. Please let me know if you give it a try, I always love hearing reader opinions.

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  7. Wow that sounds hot! Great review! Adding this to my TBR list.

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    1. Thanks Kaylyn. And oh yeah it's a hot book. Whew. You'll need a big glass of ice water and a fan to get through it ;)

      Happy reading!

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    2. Thanks, Kaylyn! I was thrilled to read Anna's review too -- she nailed it!

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  8. I've heard a lot of good things about this book as well. I love when the author writes "real" characters because I enjoy the story more when I can relate to the characters. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!

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    1. No prob Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy the book as well :)

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth, and good luck in the contest!

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  9. everything about this book looks awesome i especially love stories where shy type ppl come into there own and confident!

    melissa portillo

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    1. Ahhh it so is Melissa and yes these two definitely find themselves. It's a great thing to watch happening :D

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    2. Thank you, Melissa! I've found it's a trait we all have in as at one time or another -- either being a little shy or lacking the confidence to go after our dreams. Something we can all relate to well.

      Good luck in the contest and I hope you enjoy the book!

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  10. Thanks for your time and effort in the review, Anna! You did a great job and I'm honored you enjoyed the book as much as you did -- thank you!!

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    1. Aw you're welcome CJ! It was such a fun read. I can't wait to see what you come up with for book 2! Thanks so much for coming by :)

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  11. This review is right on point! Every woman should read Vanilla on Top! Loved the story and the sex scenes were so HOT!

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    1. OMG weren't they?!! Whew boy! Glad to hear you enjoyed it just as much as I did!

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  12. Vanilla on Top will warm you right up as C.J. Ellisson takes you on a hot, sensual ride. Come and meet Heather & Tony!

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  13. Great review! Definitely spot on! Love Vanilla on Top!

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  14. So many friends have told me about this book. It is now on my MBR list. (Must Be Read)

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    1. LOL I like that. I'd not seen a MBR list. ;) Hope you enjoy it Julie!

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  15. I too have been hearing great things about this one. I'm going to have to pick it up, I love steamy reads!

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    1. Oooo yay! I hope you enjoy it! It's most definitely a steamy read. Whew. ;)

      Happy reading!

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  16. I've been seeing this around...Cute Excerpt!

    I have it on my TBR list and I've moved it up a few spots based on your review.
    Heather ~ Books Books and More Books

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    1. LOL Heather I couldn't help but laugh when I was reading that part the first time. There's a good bit of humor added in here and there. I just loved that!

      Hope you enjoy the book!

      Anna

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  17. I can't say I'm a huge fan of erotic romance, but I like the idea of a woman taking a risk and exploring her deeper needs. I enjoyed the review as well.

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    1. Thanks Dee :) It was a pretty empowering read. There is quite a bit of sex in the book but the romance aspect I think balanced it out nicely and really it was all tastefully done. If you give it a read I'd love to hear what you think about it!

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  18. Coincidentally this is already on my TBR! :)
    Your review only makes it seem better. Great work.

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    1. Aw thanks Nae! I hope you enjoy it just as much when you get to it!

      Happy Reading!

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  19. I have been hearing good things about this book but now after reading the blurb and this particular review I HAVE to read this book! It sounds like my kind of read :)
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    kitcat76(at)hotmail.com

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    1. Awesome! Good luck Cathy! Hope you enjoy it! Let us know what you think after you finish :)

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  20. Yes this is a great book...Thanks CJ for a great read!!! Looking forward to the next book!!

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  21. ok now another book to spend rent money on

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    1. LOL it's well worth it! :D Good luck with the giveaway!!

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  22. Another awesome book from CJ Ellisson. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. :)

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    1. Me too! I can't wait to see what she does with the next one :D

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  23. I love a steamy story that has heart!

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  24. Wow, this sounds like a great read for a rainy, gloomy day like today. I am so intrigued by whats been posted about it.

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  25. Love this and can´t wait for my chance to read, =)
    Happy Sunday!
    //Linda
    fr_larsson at hotmail dot com

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  26. This one sounds great. I love that Heather is a wallflower type of person but wants to try something new. Tony sounds hot. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the chance.

    mythic021@gmail.com

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    1. Oh yeah the man is incredibly hot and... adventurous. Which so worked for me. Happy reading Vanessa!

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  27. Oh dear, I thought I'd already posted here. ;-) Vanilla on Top is a great read! Make sure you have a fan handy, a drink or two, and most definitely a Do Not Disturb sign. It's a page turner you won't be able to put down.

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  28. Loved the review of Vanilla on Top. truky agree with Herding Cats and Burning Soup about C.J.'s writing making you feel as if you were in the book itself as if you are watching. Love that because it takes a very talented writer to make me go, 'Huh? What did you say?" to my husband before he realizes that I'm reading, and mentally in the books world. Can't wait for the next installment.

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  29. This book deserves these ratings. The book is HOT but in a way that you believe, and not those AS IF scenes. It is amazing and one you can not put down. CJ has done it again with this book.

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  30. Fab review Anna! I really loved this one too & can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series :o)

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    1. Thanks Sarah! I'm really looking forward to book 2 too! Cannot wait!

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I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

Bloggers don't forget to leave your links!
~Anna

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