Jilly

ARC Review….Midnight Lies by Ella Grace

Midnight Lies releases September 24

Book links:

Synopsis:

The Wilde sisters of Midnight return in this thrilling novel of romantic suspense, perfect for fans of Maya Banks, Allison Brennan, and Lori Foster.

IT’S ALWAYS HOTTER AT MIDNIGHT.

The winds of fate have blown cruelly on a family that once had it all: money, power, prestige. The lives of three beautiful daughters were forever changed when, on a sultry night in Midnight, Alabama, a murder-suicide shattered the Wilde family. The girls grew up to live separate lives but now have returned home, each to face a danger no one can see coming.

Former homecoming queen Samantha surprised everyone by going into law enforcement, but beneath her tough façade lies a wary heart. The tragedy that struck her family is an ever-present reminder that nothing is ever as it seems. When the man she loves, Quinn Braddock, a doctor and Iraq war veteran, is accused of murder, Samantha assumes the worst. Brokenhearted, her confidence shattered, she returns to Midnight. Though exonerated, Quinn still feels the sting of Samantha’s doubt, but he can’t forget his feelings for her and follows her. Soon after his arrival, a shocking murder terrifies the town, and once again, Quinn is under suspicion. This time, Samantha will not turn her back on the man she loves—even if it means walking into a killer’s trap.

My review:

Midnight Lies is the second book in Ella Grace’s Wildefire Series. After loving the first book, Midnight Secrets, I was anxious to get my hands on this book and I was not disappointed!

As a homicide detective with the Atlanta police department with a sexy M.D. boyfriend, Samantha Wilde is pretty content with her life. She knows Quinn isn’t looking for more than what they share now…and for the time being they are sharing some great times and equally great chemistry. She can’t blame him after hearing about the nasty divorce he’s dealt with. Besides, thanks to her parents’ murders, she always lingering doubts about the true nature of people. Now, just when Sam is feeling pretty good about things, life throws a curveball. Quinn has just been accused of his ex-wife’s murder and instantly she is thrown back into the past and the memories of being a young girl thinking her father was a murderer. All of those trust issues are now threatening to destroy the relationship between her and Quinn. Is he capable of murder? Does anyone really know everything about a person?

A lot of factors have gone into making Quinn Braddock the man he is today…and not all of them good. After years in the Army as a medic and trying to ignore his painful past, he finally feels like he is where he should be. He loves being an emergency room doctor and after a failed marriage, he finally is enjoying the company of a fantastic woman. Life finally seems to be agreeing with him until he’s charged with the violent murder of his ex-wife. Luckily, the walls he’s built up through the years prove to serve him some good as he tries to hide the hurt with the suspicion from Sam. Doesn’t she know he would never hurt anyone? Why was she so quick to doubt him?

Sam finds solace in the rooms of her childhood home and the streets of her hometown. Even though Quinn is innocent until proven guilty, her foundation has been shaken and she no longer feels confident in herself and her judge of character. Just when she thinks she can start making a fresh start in Midnight, Quinn shows up and turns her entire world upsidedown….again.

Talk about a thrill ride! This book started out with a bang and the hits kept coming until the very end. What a fantastic experience. Sam is soft at heart with a tough exterior who’s been hurt far beyond what most can imagine and she just can’t shake it. Quinn is an amazing hero. He’s had a really rough go of things and tries so hard to still believe in the good in people even though it seems he’s let down at every turn. Together, the push and pull between them is so intense and emotional. It went between heartbreaking and heartwarming and had such highs and lows and was truly a growing experience for both of them. Meanwhile, the murder mystery and who done it had me guessing until the last few chapters….when the “aha!” moment came, I literally yelled “I KNEW IT!”. It was a real nail-biter until the very end. It was so great to be back in Midnight and see what the Wilde sisters were up to and get back with the familiar characters. I can’t wait to see what Ella has in store for us and Bri, the other Wilde sister, because she has definitely built up some juicy mystery surrounding her!

Thank you, Ms. Grace, for another delicious, scandalous, mysterious visit in Midnight….I look forward to see what’s next for the Wildefire Series!

Four Loves

About the author:

Writing a biography, short or long, can be daunting. I’m so used to writing about fictional characters, I’d love to embellish and tell you about the amazing feats I’ve accomplished. Alas, as Popeye would say, “I am what I am.”

I grew up in the Deep South, went to a small school, in a small town. Everyone knew everyone and though I had friends, my best friends were my books. Reading was almost as necessary to me as breathing. Without those glorious hours of entertainment they provided each day, who knows what kind of trouble I might have gotten into.

After living in various states, I’m now back in Alabama, where most of my family still resides. I have a wonderful, incredibly supportive husband who believes in me. How I was so fortunate to snag him, I truly do not know. Along with my hubby, I live with five fur-kids. Having five dogs definitely keeps us hopping. The noise quotient is often beyond what’s bearable but the unconditional love these wonderful creatures give makes up for that. In addition to the fur-kids, we have a turtle named Turdie Joe who is, as you might guess, the quietest member of the family.

Since writing takes up a huge part of my life, my hobbies are somewhat narrow. I love to read, of course, make the occasional meal, go to movies, take long walks and travel when possible.

Creating characters in my head has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The need to get these characters and their stories on paper only started a few years ago. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. Having a successful career as Christy Reece was a dream come true. And now, writing as Ella Grace, too, my life couldn’t be more exciting or fulfilling.

Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website

Book Blitz….Good Ground by Tracy Winegar

Welcome to the Good Gound by Tracy Winegar Book Blitz!

There’s a great giveaway you can enter (rafflecopter below) and in honor of the Book Blitz, Good Ground is FREE on Amazon during the blitz! (from 9/2-9/6)

Book links:

Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jim’s faith in God is tested by the death of his cherished wife and child. His life becomes barren, and he loses hope and the ability to continue.

But God plants in his heart the seeds of a new beginning and the will to go on through an orphan child. Jim nurtures this child with the same devotion that he invests in his land. The result is a son of whom any father would be proud. Jim’s gift continues through Ellis.

Ellis in turn cares passionately for his own farm, his friends, and eventually another lost soul. When he finds Clairey in the midst of a blizzard, he rescues her from her desperate life, and she grows into a capable a strong woman under his care. Jim’s legacy comes full circle.

All things grow in love. . .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

“Forster’s gonna stay for supper,” Ellis informed her.

“We ain’t got but two spoons,” she reminded him gently.

“We just gonna have to share, is all.” He went over to the wash basin, noticing that the water was fresh. Clairey must have dumped it and refilled it for him when she had finished with it herself. “Smells real good,” he told her as he toweled off his hands.

“Ain’t much. Soup beans and bread,” she said apologetically.

He was finding it difficult to carry on a conversation, suddenly aware of a new emotion that plagued his consciousness. Clairey sat with him, as she had many times before, but this time seemed different somehow. He felt a measure of pride in her. In articulating to his friend her many qualities, Ellis had found, to his surprise, things about Clairey that he admired and liked. The act of defending her had invoked feelings of fondness he never knew he had for her. He’d never really thought about it before because there never was a need to.

She had always been nothing more than a shadow. He’d had no regard one way or another for her. She was just there, like hired help or a servant. But he began to see how significant her contributions were to him. Clairey’s skills were a reflection upon him. She had provided him with a proper home and the ability to increase his possessions. She was valuable to him.

There was more to it than Ellis was able to process through, feelings he couldn’t completely understand. He was become aware of her physical self as well. In all these long months, they had rarely touched. Yet there he was, sharing a spoon with her. There was something terribly intimate about it, watching the spoon glide from between her full lips, their hands grazing on another in just the hint of a touch, and then putting that same spoon between his own lips. At one point, her knee encountered his leg beneath the table in an innocent nudge, and Ellis felt a flush spread over his face, as if he had been caught doing something taboo in front of his friend, something private and surreptitious.

Seeing her now brought a rush of fragmented memories. He recalled a stolen kiss in the afternoon sun as they were returning from the well with a bucket full of water. She had sloshed water onto the front ofhis britches, making it look suspiciously as if he had wet himself. Her laughter had trailed behind her as she ran, giving him many a backward glance to see if he might pursue. He remembered the brush of her hand against his and the tingling sensation it had left on his skin. The way her touch awakened his senses and made his body feel alive was the thing he missed the most.

He recalled another time with her. She had been wearing a white dress, her honey hair fanned out on the grass as they picnicked next to the creek. Dulcie Mae had lied to her mama and told her that she was visiting a sick friend. Ellis had lain next to her upon that perfectly green grass, sucking her delicate earlobe, caressing her face with his hands, delighting in the soft feminine curves of her cheeks and lips. He’d nearly been unable to concentrate on the words she whispered with a moist, pleasant tickle against his skin as she ran her fingers along his neck, through his hair.

Ellis allowed himself these memories as small indulgences before he chastened himself for letting his thoughts go too far.

The interior of the barn was dim in the midmorning gloom of the rain, but he easily spotted the man sitting on a stool, sagging heavily against the wall. He was sleeping, snoring loudly in a stupor brought on from the drink he had likely bought with Ellis’s money. Ellis knocked the man’s foot roughly, waking him with a start.

He looked up, confused, disoriented, until his eyes eventually focused on Ellis, and he grew angry. “What’re you doin’ here?” Joe barked.

“You been out to my place, you dog. Did you think I was just gonna let you get away with it?”

“Ain’t a man allowed to see his child? His own flesh and blood?” he asked in an innocent tone. “I come to see Clairey. But she’s disloyal to me, her own daddy! Well, she never was good for nothin’.”

“Don’t talk about her that a-way!”

“Didn’t I provide for her all these long years? Didn’t I trick a man into havin’ her when nobody else woulda looked twice at her? And she won’t give me the respect I deserve! No, she never was good for nothin’.”

“You wouldn’t have her. You turned her out! You don’t got no claim on her no more. And when you come to my place, into my home, hurtin’ my wife and takin’ what’s mine, well, sir, you gotta answer for it.”

“That right?” he said with a laugh. “What’re you gonna do ‘bout it?”

“Well, that’s up to you, mister. I either come to warn you off or kill you outright.” He spoke quietly but with intent.

About the author:

“By day, a school librarian. By night, a wife and mother. But in those quiet moments that are only mine, I write…”

Born and raised on the flatlands of Central Indiana, Tracy moved to the highlands of Utah at the age of nineteen. She quickly discovered that her brand new, top-of-the-line hiking boots were a waste of good money because she was never quite able to acclimate to the altitude in the Rockies. Tracy claims to suffer from a type of disorientation she attributes to altitude sickness to this day. It seems to be a permanent affliction. Her husband Benjamin cohabitates in a home with Tracy and the four beautiful but precocious children they lovingly created together. Although to others, their home may seem alarmingly chaotic, it is an insanity of their own making.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review….Take Me by Diane Alberts

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Married in the morning…

Professional heartbreaker Mike Worth thrived on the chase—and dancer Morgan Collins represented the ultimate prize. But there was no way he was going to throw away his single-man status…not even for an elusive redhead with sparkling eyes and mile-long legs. So how did he let one drunken Vegas night end with I do instead of hell no?

Morgan’s life revolved around her career and she had no intention of letting a man interfere—even if Mike made her question all her rules about love. At his urging, she reluctantly agreed to give their spur-of–moment marriage a chance. But once their trial-honeymoon ended, would she choose to follow the dance and leave her unforgettable husband behind?

My review:

Take Me is the fourth book in Diane Alberts’ Take a Chance Series and I have been a huge fan of the series from the first book. Take Me is a fantastic addition and rivals the first book, Try Me, as my fave in the series.

Morgan Collins isn’t like a lot of women her age. She’s not looking for a husband or the 2.5 kids all comfortably tucked away behind a white picket fence in the suburbs. She’s a dancer and it’s all she’s ever wanted to be. She lives in the spotlight and thrives on the stage. When she meets Mike at a bar after a show, she’s completely put off by his attitude and cockiness. But if she’s being honest with herself, she can’t deny he’s pretty damn sexy and may be quite interesting to get to know better….for tonight. After overhearing Mike talk to his buddies and his own theories on love, she is more certain that he’s perfect company for tonight. His views on love and relationships are exactly the same as hers. Surely one night between the sheets will be enough for both of them…..well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Looking around the bar at his friends, Mike Worth knows there’s no way these guys will ever be celebrating HIS bachelor party. He’s not the marrying type. Never has been. He’s living his love life exactly the way he wants and in his own terms. He loves his job as a middle school history teacher and loves having new women to keep him occupied after hours. Yep, life is good and the feisty red-head he met at the bar tonight is exactly the type of gal he’s in the mood for tonight. True to his exemplary taste in women, she doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the sex….but she does disappoint when she’s the one to cut the evening short after their tryst. That’s neer happened to Mike before. He’s the one to let the gal down easy after the fun had ended. Now, he can’t get Morgan out of his head and he soon realizes he may be in serious jeopardy of throwing all his relationship cautions to the wind.

From start to finish, this novella was hot and filled with passion and feeling. To have the smart and sexy Mike meet his match was just priceless! Morgan had him all tied up in knots from the moment they meet and is it so delicious! She really gave his game right back to him and it was so fun to watch how it played out. We know Mike from the pervious books, and as much as I love him, I knew although he may be constantly knocking the whole ball and chain thing, he truly was missing it. Morgan is strong, talented and determined. She lives her life to make herself happy and even thought she is happy, you can tell that deep down she has a longing for more. Morgan and Mike were paired beautifully and the push and pull between them jumped off the pages. They have fantastic chemistry. Without getting spoilery, I will just say that I absolutely LOVED the last few chapters. I could see it all playing out in my mind’s eye and it was just perfect for Mike and Morgan *dreamy sigh* I also loved that in the epilogue we got to see all of the characters form the series, together. To see the entire family with spouses and kids was just wonderful! Such a treat!

Thank you, Diane, for another fun, flirty, sexy and emotional read!

Four Loves

About the author:

Diane Alberts has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another.

She is a multi-published, bestselling author with Entangled Publishing, Swoon Romance, and Decadent Publishing. ON ONE CONDITION hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble Bestseller List, and TRY ME hit #76 on Amazon. CAPTIVATED BY YOU hit #31 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. Her goal is to write so many fantastic books that even a non-romance book fan will know her name. She also writes New Adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. Diane is represented by Louise Fury from the L. Perkins Agency.

Website ~ Facebook Fan Page ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Brazen’s Surprise Release!

Who doesn’t love surprises? The people behind Brazen Books sure do – and they just couldn’t wait a whole month before putting out another book for their readers. Surprise!

Their newest book combines steamy island romance and high personal stakes. What a combination!

Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Halcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iTUNES

Excerpt:

“You should do that more often,” he said, reaching out to trace her bottom lip with his fingertip. “You’re beautiful, but when you smile? Wow.”

Uncomfortable with his overt compliments, Allegra sat there and let a guy she’d just met touch her lips with a slow, sensual caress. His fingertip traced her bottom lip in a butterfly-soft sweep that left her breathless.

Their eyes locked as he lowered his hand, and what she saw made her wish she could ditch Palm Bay and travel to Australia.

Blatant lust. Strong. Sexy. Seductive. His eyes deepened to an incredible green that matched a favorite jade pendant she wore often. He wanted her, and in this crazy moment, the feeling was entirely mutual.

He raised his beer to his lips and took a long swig, his heat-filled stare never leaving hers.

Damn, she had no idea what to do in this situation. Make a joke to diffuse the tension? Acknowledge it? Flirt?

She hated feeling out of control, had instigated steps her entire life to avoid it. Yet in a loaded thirty seconds, Jett had made her damp with just one look and made her flounder.

“Is the blatant charm an Aussie thing or is it just you?”

Thankfully, he blinked, and broke the scorching stare that made her want to grab a napkin off the bar and fan herself. “It’s me.” He leaned in close. “Time you fessed up.”

Yikes. Was her reaction to him that easy to read?

“To what?”

His lips almost brushed her ear. “You’re battling an incredible urge to drag me into the nearest janitor’s closet and ravish me.”

She laughed at his outrageousness. “Sorry. I don’t do sex in cleaning closets. Too many hazardous chemicals.”

“Yeah, those pheromones can be killer.”

She loved his quick wit and for the second time in as many minutes, wished she’d met him at a different place, different time.

“Pity.” He reverted to a smoldering stare that had her wishing she’d ordered a vodka shot chaser. “Sex in confined spaces can be fun.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Heat crept into her cheeks and she signaled the waiter for a glass of water. To douse herself with.

“Not the answer I was hoping for,” he said, shifting his barstool closer so their thighs brushed. “Would’ve been better if you’d said, ‘Sounds good, Jett, let’s go try.’”

She cleared her throat and gratefully accepted the water from the waiter, drinking it all and wishing she could run the cool beaded exterior across her forehead. “How did we get onto this crazy topic?”

“Started with you wanting to ravish me.” He clinked his beer bottle to her empty glass. “Seriously. There’s no need to hold back. I can take whatever you want to dish out.”

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s review of Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer continues with Selene’s review of Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James….

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Good girls can play rough too…

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her bootheels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

Selene’s Review:

Equal parts hot and sweet – I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

In previous installments, author James had given us glimpses into these two and their irregular relationship so I was definitely anticipating how they were going to work each other out… um, I mean, work it all out. Man, can Lorelei James do sexually charged energy like nobody’s business!

Brandt shoved my other favorite McKays out of the way and set himself up nice and high on the list. He is beyond sweet, romantic, incredibly sexy, honest, motivated, and mouth-wateringly intense. I’ll be honest though, I was briefly mad at him at the way he dropped deceased brother and ex-husband to Jessie Luke’s illegitimate son almost literally into her lap, shocking her to her core. But his honesty with her about the boy’s lineage and about needing her help was actually quite endearing. Also, his commitment to keep his hands to himself was muy sexy and genius as it made Jessie want what she couldn’t have.

My heart broke for Jessie McKay over and over and over – a miscarriage, the loss of an unfaithful husband, confusing feelings for her brother-in-law, no support from her family, and having to care for her late husband’s difficult son. In my opinion, she had every right to cry, whine, seethe, and finally look for a little damn fun in her life. Lucky for her, the love of her life was waiting for her to come around… and he sure did make her come around, if you know what I’m sayin’. YEE. HAW.

A side narrative in this book was concerning the tumultuous atmosphere among Casper and his wife Joan and their sons. I almost leaped out of my seat when we found out Joan left Casper once and for all! It was a long time coming and it began the much needed healing within the family. Beautifully written.

Cowgirls Don’t Cry was definitely one of my favorites and it is a book I highly recommend!

Five Loves

From author website:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Cover Reveal….Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

It is an honor and privilege to reveal the cover of the sequel to one of my favorite books (and one of my tattoos), Poughkeepsie…..

Introducing:

Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

persue

Return to Poughkeepsie is set to release December 2013

Synopsis:

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. Destruction and intimidation are his calling, his craft— whether he wants it that way now or not.

He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. Mob forces have moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back safely. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or worse until death does part.

If you haven’t already read, and fallen in love with Poughkeepsie, you really need to get it on your to-read list….trust me.

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads ~ My review

About the author:

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the kids, and their homework. The laundry pile turns into a big, heaping monster. When the clothes finally make it into the washer, it gets unbalanced and puts on an elaborate show before it cuts out. This crazy job that never ends is her first love and her crowning achievement.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and–dripping and frenzied–she’d find somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor’s degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn’t trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they’re delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns.

Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and the sequel to angel Emma’s adventures,Bittersweet Seraphim. She’s working on Return to Poughkeepsie right now to be released in late 2013. You can visit her website at DebraAnastasia.com and find her on twitter @Debra_Anastasia.

ARC Review….Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bombshell releases September 3

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

The gentlemen from Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player are out for a wild night on The Strip.

When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City.

My review:

Beautiful Bombshell is the novella that follows Max Stella’s book, Beautiful Stranger, and leads us into Will Sumner’s book, Beautiful Player. I am a huge fan of this series and like all the other books in this series; Beautiful Bombshell kicked some major ass!

Bennett and Chloe are getting married and of course, that calls for a bachelor party trip. Somewhere the guys can go to let loose, party till all hours of the night, see some beautiful half-naked women, and eat meals fit for kings…..in other words, Sin City! Sadly for the ladies attached to these men, the only weekend that worked for all of the guys was Valentine’s Day weekend. Lucky for Bennett and Max, Chloe and Sarah seem to take it in stride and give them the green light for a weekend filled with bachelor shenanigans and let them off the hearts-and-flowers Valentine’s hook….little to the guys know their women have a few surprises in store for them when they arrive in Vegas. Let the real fun begin….

I freaking adored this novella! The dynamic between Bennett and Max is just so utterly enjoyable and their personalities play so well off of one another. Max had me laughing out loud so many times throughout the story. From his cheeky comments to his hilarious stunts, I was totally reminded just how much I loved him from Beautiful Stranger. Bennett isn’t thrilled about being in Vegas but eventually lets loose a bit and ends up having a weekend he won’t soon forget. I was also reminded of the guy that drew me in from the first chapter of Beautiful Bastard and how much I love him and the very opposing sides to his personality. Hard yet soft, firm but gentle. The true allure to these guys, in my opinion, is how Christina Lauren writes them both. They are powerful and successful men and can handle themselves with the biggest of bigwigs in the business and corporate worlds but are completely owned by their women and relationships. These guys will do anything to make sure their women are always happy and have everything they desire. Being a slave to their relationships is just so endearing and gives a facet to their personalities and makes the whole package a win. It’s because of that charming quality that has both Bennett and Max as two of my all time fave book guys.

Oh, and I have to assure you all that even though the guys are away from their women, there were a few hot scenes that I was positively dying over. Oh, my YUM! *fans self*

I also want to say that Will and Henry are fantastic additions to the debauchery that happens with this group. Good sports, those two!

I laughed, had many dreamy sigh moments, and fanned myself on more than one occasion. Fans of the Beautiful Bastard Series will really enjoy this story and I cannot WAIT for Will’s story! Thank you, Christina Lauren, for more of our favorite bastards!

Five Loves

About the authors:

Christina Hobbs & Lauren Billings write under the combined pen-name of Christina Lauren. Separated by the pesky state of Nevada, these co-author besties talk several times a day, agree that Ruby Pumps is the best nail polish color ever, and would, if given the choice, spend all day staring at the ocean from the San Clemente pier.

Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Christina Twitter ~ Lauren Twitter

New Cover Reveal….My Now & Forever by H.J. Bellus

I am so flipping excited to bring the brand spanking new cover of My Now & Forever by H.J. Bellus to you all!

In celebration of this BEAUTIFUL new cover, My Now & Forever is FREE for today only (September 1, 2013) so get your copy NOW!

H.J. is also having a fantastic giveaway with some awesome prizes! There’s a My Now & Forever bracelet, necklace, notepad and MORE! (Enter in the rafflecopter below)

I adored this book and gave it FIVE LOVES!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Whose parents abandon them in a trashy trailer when they are five years old? Oh Yeah! Mine do!

Hey Hoochies! I’m Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!

I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a ’66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever. Follow me on my journey that resurrected my inner badass.

I found my soul sista from another mista, and opened my dream shop along the way. Just when I gave up on finding true love, a pirate and a princess swept me off my ever lovin’ feet and filled my world with sprinkles, mac n’ cheese and the courage to live again. They forced my fragile heart to trust and love without fear.

Truth is, nobody’s past stays hidden forever. It’s an invisible monster waiting to attack and destroy. It has the capability to ruin everything you’ve worked to set right. All it takes is one final blow to the gut to end everything.

***Sexual Content and Adult Language***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

I am an independent author excited about releasing my first novel very soon. A big dream coming true!!! I’m all country…the kinda country where green grass grows and corn pops up in rows….love Miranda and her bad ass music!!! Just a simple country girl getting one story out of her head at a time…I always fall hard for a trucker style hat…especially if it’s a John Deere hat….loves me a good ol’ farm boy!!!!!!

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review Rewind….Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

So….some of you may know this already, but I wrote reviews on a different blog before Read-Love-Blog. After a great run of things, my blog partners and I decided to pursue different interests, and that led me here, on my very own site.

Well, I have some old reviews that I haven’t posted here yet. Tonight, on the eve of some very exciting things from Debra Anastasia, I am reposting my review of her book, Poughkeepsie. I loved this book so very much….so much, I have the tattoo. (I will post a pic for you guys at the bottoms of the review) Anyway, enough of my blabbing…enjoy my review and stay tuned for the fun from Debra tomorrow!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she’s surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

My Review:

There are very few times that I stray from my favorite genre of paranormal romance. I read different reviews from different sites and blogs and have come across stories that I have high hopes for only to be, let’s say, underwhelmed by. This is NOT one of those stories……

I started this book and was hooked by the third page. No, not hooked…more like obsessed, in love, heartbroken, well, you get the picture.

We begin by meeting Blake and Livia. Blake is a young man who sits every day at the Poughkeepsie train station and waits to see Livia, a grad student and train passenger, who gives Blake his daily dose of sunshine in life…..her smile. Blake is a kind, soft-spoken, extremely polite and well-mannered and is also homeless. Livia is sweet and caring and feisty when she is backed up against a wall….and she will certainly be put to the test during this book.

They begin a friendship that introduces us to their lives and families where each character is developed so well that I feel as if I can go down the street and have a cup of coffee with them.

Blake has two foster brothers, Beckett and Cole. The three boys have endured so many awful hardships in life and your heart will break a million times over before the end of this book. Beckett is a real tough ass with a heart of gold. He lives his life completely on the wrong side of the law but loves his brothers so purely and unconditionally that you can’t help but love him, no matter how terrible his faults are. Cole is working to be a priest and has a hard time overlooking Beckett’s “line of work” but again, you just can’t help but love Beckett! Each brother’s story is told throughout the book and each brother’s story will rip your heart out. But in the end, they will all have their own turn at a happy ending….you will just have to trust me! I am so not going to give any of it away.

We also meet Kyle, Livia sister. Three words…I LOVE KYLE. She is hilarious and fun and fiercely loyal to her sister and totally someone you’d love to be friends with. She is also a complete emotional mess. Her story is one of personal loss and overcoming the loss to learn to live….and love.

There is also Eve, Mouse and Livia and Kyle’s dad who are also amazing characters. Perfectly flawed in their own ways.

I will also tell you we meet some, let’s say “unsavory”, people who you will loathe as the story unfolds……but luckily karma always wins in the end.

I loved every minute of this book. For every tear I shed, there was a total laugh out loud moment that followed. This book was everything I love about books. I felt every emotion the characters felt and I pictured every scene in my mind so completely that I felt as if I was there with them. I texted all my reading friends and MADE them get this book and start reading it….and I wasn’t even halfway into the book myself! I thank you, Debra, for writing this book.

My only complaint? There should be a warning label on the cover: You will need a box of tissues, anti-puffy eye cream and a babysitter for your kids….. because they will be on their own till you’re finished reading!!

Five Loves

My Poughkeepsie tattoo:

About the author:

Cover Reveal…Bound by Wish and Mistletoe by Kat Bastion

I am so excited to reveal the stunning cover of Kat Bastion’s Bound by Wish and Mistletoe….Enjoy!

Title: Bound by Wish and Mistletoe

Author: Kat Bastion

Expected release: November 4^th, 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance / Highlander Romance

Age Group: Adult

Cover designed by: Mooney Designs

Synopsis:

Desperate to honor a life-long promise, Susanna MacEalan escapes her abusive clan with the fierce determination of never falling under the power of a man. Ever.

Aggravated by shallow-hearted pursuing lasses, Robert Brodie, commander of his clan’s elite guard, has foresworn scheming women. Forever.

When magick transforms Brodie Castle into a Christmas wonderland, the two despondent souls find solace in a most unexpected place . . . each other’s arms.

Amid a whirlwind of escalating events, Susanna’s traumatic past threatens Robert’s ability to protect the one woman meant for him. In a harrowing moment when all seems lost . . . hope, faith, and love prevail, transforming silent prayers into wishes granted.

About the Author

Kat Bastion is an award-winning paranormal romance writer, poetic warrior, and eternal optimist who loves getting lost in the beauty of nature.

On a never-ending, wondrous path of self-discovery, Kat throws her characters into incredible situations with the hope that readers join her in learning more about the meaning of life and love.

Her first published work, Utterly Loved, was shared with the world to benefit others. All proceeds from Utterly Loved, and a portion of the proceeds of all her other books, support charities who help those lost in this world.

Kat lives with her husband amid the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Visit her blog at www.talktotheshoe.com, her website at www.katbastion.com, and her Twitter account at https://twitter.com/KatBastion for more information.

Cover Reveal….Connectivity by Aven Ellis

I am so honored and so excited to bring you the beautiful cover of Aven Ellis’ debut novel, Connectivity!

Connectivity releases October 23

Synopsis:

Overachiever Mary-Kate Grant (who is indeed named after an Olsen Twin) has followed every rule to the letter to pursue her dream of working in TV programming. Ripping a page from the “hard work pays off” playbook, she takes an assistant level job at a Chicago sports network to break into the industry.

MK has no time or desire for a relationship right now—she is totally focused on her career and being independent, unlike the other women in her family.

But MK’s plans are run through the shredder when she finds herself working for William Cumberland, a British media mogul who made his fortune with Connectivity, a social media site. William blows into Chicago just like the winds off Lake Michigan and purchases the group of networks MK works for—and makes her his personal assistant in the process.

Suddenly MK finds her career plans in jeopardy. William makes her question everything she has ever thought and has the uncanny ability to see right through her. And for the first time in her life, MK finds herself not only questioning what she wants for her career but for her personal life as well…

About the author:

Author. Writer of stories about the girl trying to figure out her career, her dreams, and THE GUY–whether she knows it or not!

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