Blog Tour (Review + Deleted Scene) & Giveaway: Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters

Welcome to my stop in the Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters Blog Tour, hosted by As the Pages Turn :D! Read my 5 star review, read a deleted scene, and enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. Don't forget to follow the blog tour for more reviews, deleted scenes, interviews, and excerpts HERE.

 

 

Title:  Quintessentially Q

 

Author: Pepper Winters

 

Series: Monsters in the Dark #2

 

Release Date: December 15, 2013

 

Genre: Erotic/ Dark Contemporary Romance

 

Source: e-ARC provided by author for blog tour, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

 

Synopsis:

“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right."

Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do.

He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster.

Add Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters to your TBR Pile---> Goodreads

 

 

Purchase Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters:

Amazon (US)  ~  Amazon (UK)  ~  B&N  ~  Smashwords  ~  Create Space

My Thoughts:

 

I would sacrifice myself for her.

OH. MY. FUCKING. Q MERCER!!!! You know how there are books in a series where you think it should have just been a stand alone, because the second book did no meet your expectations- characters get annoying, the plot is just lacking, etc- and you are afraid to read the next book in the series? Let me just tell you that is not the case with Quintessentially Q! Right from the very beginning I was sucked back into the dark, intense, and twisted romance of Tess and Q. I seriously don't know how I'm going to write this review without SPOILING the entire story! If you haven't read Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters DO NOT read my review, because it may CONTAIN some SPOILERS.

 

***CAUTION: When it comes to Pepper Winter's writing I can't never and never plan on holding back. This women has me worshiping her dark, twisted, gut-wrenching, and sadistic writing. I never would have thought that I would find bliss in reading such dark twisted romance.***

 

My reality was something I could no longer endure as I'd dirtied it, torn it to smithereens, and filled my soul with corruption.

In Quintessentially Q, Tess has returned to Q and has made a blood oath to be strong to handle anything Q has in mind for her. I loved that Tess has finally embraced the dark and sadistic sexual pleasure Q offers her, because she has always wanted to be in that kind of relationship. I always loved Tess's character from the first book, and I grew to love her and respect her even more. In the story we get to see how Tess gets broken down into being a shell of herself when she is taken away, but in the process we get to see a different side of her that is connected to Q's monster. Tess has her own monster in the dark that she releases after the horrific experience she goes through. I was surprised to see this side of her, and it just broke me a little to read about it. I will admit that I just felt like slapping the hell out of her in a few chapters in the story, because she just gives up and builds so many brick walls to keep the guilt away of what she has done, and in the process it affects her relationship with Q. But there is still a flicker of the strong women she used to be.

I no longer owned my body- the beast inside did.

Q FUCKING MERCER! In Quintessentially Q we get to see two sides of Q, the monster he has locked deep within and the sweet and caring side that he never thought he was capable of. Q has always unleashed the beast inside him with Tess, but we have never seen the full force of what happens when the beast is completely unleashed. When Tess is taken away from him he knows he must loose himself to the blood lust of the monster deep within him, because there is not other way he can get her back. I know I shouldn't be saying this...but I found myself swooning over and submitting all over to Q's monster. What the hell right? He goes on a killing spree to find out where Tess is, and I'm fucking falling for Q Mercer. I guess I loved that Q would go through hell and back to get back the women that belongs to him (Lucky Tess). But we also get to see the sweet and caring side of Q. How could I not want to fall in love and submit to Q? I loved both the monster and the man. I also fucking cried in a few parts in the story, because my heart just shattered and bleed for Q.

We broke each other, and the only way to stay whole was to entwine ourselves, gluing the jagged parts, stitching our souls into one.

Q and Tess relationship in the beginning of the story starts out dark, hot, submissive, and dominant. But once Tess gets taken away from Q their relationship is put to a test and the boundaries they set for each other and their relationship are shattered. Remember how I said I felt like slapping the hell out of Tess, and that my heart bleed for Q? This is what made the story gut-wrenching and had me pulling my hair. Now, Pepper Winters throws a twist that I WAS NOT FUCKING EXPECTING! Seriously at the end you will never imagine-fuck I never imagined-what he would do to prove how much he loves Tess by doing something that will break and damage him in the process, while it saves her and their relationship.

We were effectively trapped, imprisoned just like his beloved birds.

Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters exceeded and went beyond my expectations for a second installment in a series. I stayed up until 5 a.m. to finish this book, because I just couldn't put it down. Good thing I read this on my kindle or else I would have ripped some pages in the process of trying to turn them as fast as I possibly could. Quintessentially Q by Pepper Winters is intense, dark, twisted, sadistic, shocking, and gut-wrenching. Pepper Winters has set the bar in the Dark Erotic Romance genre, hell, for all I care she invited the Dark Intense Twisted Romance genre with Quintessentially Q. Whenever I'm looking to get a fix for a dark romance I know what author I will be stalking and begging to release a new book. Quintessentially Q is going on my Favorite Reads of 2013, Favorite Reads of All-Time, and the Monsters in the Dark Series (both books) are going on my Favorite Series, Favorite Dark Romance Reads, and Favorite Book Covers. Now I can't wait to read the conclusion to Tess and Q's story in Twisted Together :D!

 Final Verdict: 5 Stars

Deleted Snippet #1:

The more I opened the eyes where Tess was concerned the more I saw. I had an affinity with languages and slowly I grew to know Tess’s. That thought stopped me short. Had she come to read me as much as I grew to read her? Were we both screaming the truth and we just couldn’t understand each other?

About the Author:

 Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero the better and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby (who speaks French—hot!) who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She loves to hear from her readers so hit her up at pepperwinters@gmail.com

Find Pepper Winters:

Blog  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Pinterest  ~  Goodreads

 

  

Find out about the first and third installment in the Monsters in the Dark Series by Pepper Winters below.

Title: Tears of Tess

 

Author: Pepper Winters

 

Series: Tears of Tess #1

 

Publication Date: September 6, 2013

 

Genre: Erotic/ Dark Contemporary Romance

 

Source: e-arc was provided by author for blog tour, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

 

Synopsis:

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

 

Add Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters to your TBR Pile--->Goodreads 

 

 

Buy Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters:

Amazon  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

 

 

Title: Twisted Together

 

Author:  Pepper Winters

 

Series: Monsters in the Dark #3

 

Expected Publication Date: Early 2014

 

Genre: Erotic/ Dark Contemporary Romance
 

Synopsis: 

“After battling through hell, I brought my esclave back from the brink of ruin. I sacrificed everything—my heart, my mind, my very desires to bring her back to life. And for a while, I thought it broke me, that I’d never be the same. But slowly the beast is growing bolder, and it’s finally time to show Tess how beautiful the dark can be.”

Q gave everything to bring Tess back. In return, he expects nothing less. Tess may have leashed and tamed him, but he’s still a monster inside. 

Add Twisted Together by Pepper Winters to your TBR Pile---->Goodreads

 

 

Blog Tour Giveaway:

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My Giveaway: 

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Book Blitz(Deleted Scene) & Giveaway: Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely

 

Today I am participating in the Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely Book Blitz, hosted by Book Enthusiast Promotions :D!

 

Title: Playing With Her Heart

 

Author: Lauren Blakely

 

Series: Caught Up In Us #3

 

Publication Date: August 17, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

From the NYT & USA Today Bestselling romance author, a sizzling and addictive story of a woman with a broken past and the man who can't fight his attraction to her... Twenty-three year old rising theater star Jill McCormick has built a life out of pretending. Pretending she's happy, pretending she's not haunted by the dark secret that shattered her world six years ago. But then she comes face to face with her new director - sexy, sophisticated, possessive, all-alpha Davis Milo. He tries to resist the actress he's cast, but the attraction between them is too powerful, and soon their private rehearsals spiral into new, forbidden territory. The passionate connection, the intense chemistry is undeniable, and it hits them anywhere, and everywhere - in the theater, on the piano, in the limo, in the restaurant...But the tragedy in Jill's past stands between them. Davis has walls too, so they can either face their fears together, or risk the deepest love and greatest passion either has ever felt... 

 

 

 

Deleted Scene from PLAYING WITH HER HEART Explanation from Lauren: This deleted scene takes place in chapter 15 prior to the Jill and Davis’ second private rehearsal, which will be more familiar to readers as before the “piano scene.” I had originally written this scene where Jill rehearses with Patrick, and Davis’ reaction to it. But I then decided that I’d rather show Jill and Davis rehearsing. Plus, I felt readers already knew and understood the depths of Davis’ jealousy at this point and that the additional scene showing it wasn’t necessary. I also nixed it because I decided that Patrick was not falling in love with Jill, as Davis surmises from this scene. But, just for fun, here it is from the cutting room floor!!! xoxo Lauren Thirty minutes later, I am coiled full of tension from watching Patrick run his hands through Jill’s hair, from the way she responds, leaning her head back into him, from how she breathily whispers one of the last lines in the scene, “it feels so good,” her microphone taking the words on a trip around the whole theater, up to the proscenium arch and two boxes and back. “End scene,” Shannon calls out. I run a hand across my chin roughly. Steel myself, then stand up, walk to the edge of the stage, place a palm against the floorboards as Jill and Patrick look at me expectantly. “That’s a great start. Now, Patrick what I want you to work on next is really capturing the change in Paolo. This scene is the moment when he starts to soften around her. When he shifts from being the hard ass teacher and into the tender lover he will become. Look for those moments in between the words,” I say, giving him the full, honest truth of what his performance needs, even though if pains every bone in my body to instruct him like this. He nods several times, taking it in. He’s a pro, and I know he’ll knock this scene out of the park as he always does. He doesn’t command his name on the marquee for nothing. The man can sell tickets for a reason. Then I turn to Jill. She’s nibbling on her lower lip nervously. She stops when she meets my gaze. I do my best to give away nothing as I talk to her. “For Ava, I really see this moment as the one when it clicks for her. That she’s been confused and unsure for so long about Paolo. Is he just the professor? Is he merely a difficult teacher? Or is there something more? But then they are in the studio working and her hair is a mess and full of paint, and her hands are covered in it, and this is when she understands not only that he has feelings for her, but that she’s falling hard for him too.” “Thank you. That makes sense,” she says, like a good student. “Are we going okay on the blocking?” Patrick asks. “It’s a little unformed at this point.” “You’re doing fine. We’ll get it finalized soon. For now, run it again,” I say, and I return to my seat, feeling absolutely spent from having to tell the two of them to show me more of them falling in love. Another rounds later, they’re closer to nailing it, and I’m sure I’ll knock the punching bag from its chains the next time I’m at the gym. When Patrick asks to do the scene one final time, I’m about to explode with a resounding “No.” Instead, I keep it all inside, as I manage through gritted teeth, “Of course let’s get it right.” I watch one final time, even though it’s fucking eating away at me to see him touch her. Before he even starts the scene, he looks at her with softness in his eyes, and and I know he’s starting to fall for her too. That he’s not merely acting. That he’s only playing a part. The two are starting to blend, and this is why actors all over the world fall for actors. This is why you hear stories of movie set romances, because they aren’t stories. They’re true. There is little, I imagine, more intoxicating than pretending to be in love with someone. After a while, reality and fiction bleed over, and you fall in love for real. When the scene ends, the stage manager calls take five and Patrick tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, flashing her that matinee idol smile of his that melts women. I swallow, close my eyes, clench my fists. Selfishly, I had hoped it would all be unrequited. I had hoped it was a one-way thing on her part. But that was stupid of me. I’m falling for her, and he is too.

 

 

  

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in PLAYING WITH HER HEART, she thinks life should be filled with love, passion, and dreams come true. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He's Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. 

 

 

 

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Book Blitz (Deleted Scene) & Giveaways: Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

I feel honored to be part of the Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters book blitz, hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads & she runs Xpresso Book Tours :D! I have been freaking out about this book since I found out about it! I was lucky enough to get an arc of Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters, which I will be starting this weekend. Expect a teaser from Tears of Tess on Tuesday and 2 Swoons on Thursday ;D! Now for the book blitz you can read a deleted scene and read a teaser pic!

 

 

Title: Tears of Tess

 

Author: Pepper Winters

 

Series: NA

 

Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis:

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.
–

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

 

Add Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads 

 

Buy Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters on Amazon

 

 

 

 

DELETED SCENE THREE
TEARS OF TESS
Copyright PEPPER WINTERS
FOR Xpresso Tours Blitz
(unedited):

The button popped open and I drew the zipper with its tiny multiple teeth down and down, opening my master’s trousers as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Some part of me screamed inside the Perspex cage I built. Ranting and raging for true freedom, not phantom vacancy. But I muted the voice. I didn’t need it. It just complicated my already complicated life.

Q might be able to use me as he saw fit, but he’d never touch the most important part of me. That I saved for Brax. For my own survival. I’d opened the locked door again when I was free and not before.

Sighing, I relaxed for the first time since I’d been stolen. This was defense. I could see now how prey coped. Always living with the knowledge of pain or death. It didn’t matter. My body was dispensable. My soul was forever. 

 

 

TEASER PIC:

 

BOOK TRAILER:

 

About the Author:

Writer, reader, sometimes wife.

An avid devourer of sexy romance and angsty New Adult.

Nothing beats lolling in a bubble bath with her array of book boyfriends.

Her two titles: Tears of Tess and Broken Chance are coming soon.

 

 

Find Pepper Winters:

Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

 

 

GIVEAWAY!!!

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Book Blitz Tour Giveaway:

One paperback copy of Tears of Tess (INTL) 

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