Contemporary Romance – Page 319

Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Genre: A New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance novel

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Synopsis:

They say men like a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom. I never knew the sentiment was reciprocal. Until I met Jax Knight. A gentleman in public, a commanding, dirty talking rogue in the bedroom.

Daughter of legendary fighter “The Saint,” Lily St. Claire knows firsthand how fighters can be. As the owner of a chain of MMA gyms, she’s no stranger to aggressive, dominating, and possessive men. That’s why she’s always kept her distance. But the day Jax Knight walks through her door she’s captivated by his charm. Stunningly handsome, well mannered, Ivy League educated, and confident, he shatters all the preconceived notions she’d come to think were true about men who trained to fight.

But falling for someone so soon after her breakup wasn’t something she’d planned on. And definitely not something her ex plans to allow.

My Review:

Worth Forgiving is the third book in author Vi Keeland’s MMA Fighter Series, a series I have loved from the very beginning and this book was no exception. Lily and Jax make one hell of a read!

Jackson, or Jax, Knight is more than happy to have the distraction of business to keep his mind off of the turmoil happening in his private life…thanks to his father. His unfaithful ways have lead to a half brother he never knew about and it turned into a media nightmare. Luckily for Jax, he was heading to NYC and working on his latest business venture, buying into a chain of successful MMA gyms. Two of his passions in one. MMA and business, a beautiful pair. Another thing of beauty was the woman greeting him at the front desk of the gym when he arrives in NYC. Maybe she would be another distraction for him while he was in the big apple….

Lily St. Claire knew all too well the type of guys who came in to train in her MMA gyms and they were the type of guys she would be staying away from…especially after her last relationship was still lingering. She had learned her lesson when she broke things off with her ex. A message the domineering man still hadn’t fully received. But she would deal with that after she got her business affairs in order. Another thing she would be dealing with was Jackson Knight. Jackson would be in town representing the company interested in her gyms and almost immediately she knows he’s different. He’s not like the gym rats she’s used to dealing with and he certainly wasn’t like her ex. The complete opposite in fact. Handsome, sexy, refined, well-mannered, he was a the total package but unfortunately not for her. Or was he? Would getting involved so soon after a breakup be wise?

An obsessive jerk and media frenzy are just two of the issues Jax and Lily have to deal with and at times it proves to be too much. Have they found a connection that will help offer shelter in the storm?

From the very first page, I was totally sucked into this story. We met Jax at the end of the previous book and I knew from that moment he was going to make one hell of a story and boy, did he ever! He’s got that whole preppy look on the outside and dirty talker on the inside thing going for him and I melted when he first came on to Lily. I knew from the beginning that poor gal didn’t stand a chance against him and his charm. I totally understood her reasons for not wanting to acknowledge the attraction between them, and it cam in the form of a large and muscled package of an ex. Wow, he was a total jerk and Lily had tried just about everything to get away from him. But she hadn’t had Jax in her corner before and now that he was, watch out! Lily did try to keep her feeling for Jax at bay but no way was he going to let her. He is used to getting what he wants and whatever he sets his sights on. Who doesn’t love a man like that?! Lily was a great character to read as well. She is strong and has many different facets other than being a gym owner. She’s a talented artist and a great friend and I loved those things about her.

On top of all the delicious push and pull between Jax and Lily there was quite a bit of scandal involving the ex that showed itself at the end of the book and it added a fantastic layer to the story line.

Vi is one of those authors that consistently writes fabulous books. She is one of my go-to authors and if you love MMA fighters, alpha males and strong heroines, she should be one of your go-to authors as well. Thank you, Vi, for another kick ass read!

Four Loves

Excerpt:

Dinner and a dirty mouth

My face pinks when the waiter clears his throat, no doubt he’d heard Jax’s last comment.

“Are you ready to hear the specials?”

“Are we?” Jax arches an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with delight. He’s not the slight bit embarrassed, but knows I am and is quite enjoying himself.

“Yes. Please.” I give him the evil eye and force my full attention back to the waiter. The entire time the waiter talks about the specials I feel Jax’s eyes burning into me.

“I’ll give you a moment to let you decide.” Graciously, the waiter excuses himself.

“Why did you do that?” I scold, my voice low.

“Do what?” He leans back in his seat, crossing his arms over his thick chest.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Do I?”

“You enjoy watching me flustered, don’t you?”

Jax arches both eyebrows. Bad choice of words.

“You know what I mean.”

Leaning in, his voice gritty and sexy, he looks me straight in the eyes when he speaks. “I love watching you. Period. But what I like best is watching you pretend you’re unaffected. It’s like an unspoken challenge.” He pauses and leans in even closer. “I love the pink that creeps up your cheeks when I say something dirty. The way your pussy throbs when I mention what I’m going to do to you later, and you wiggle in your seat trying to control it. So yeah, I guess I do like watching you flustered. You sit and give your attention to the waiter, trying to pretend you’re listening to whatever he’s saying instead of thinking of me feeding you my cock later, but we both know you didn’t hear one word he said. Hell I didn’t hear one word watching you, just knowing what you were thinking about.”

This time, I see the waiter before he’s close enough to hear us. He smiles as he reaches our table. “So what can I get for you this evening? Did I interest you in one of our specials?”

I look at the waiter, then Jax, who arches an eyebrow with a knowing smirk on his face, then back to the waiter. “The specials all sounded delicious. I just can’t decide for myself. I’m going to defer to my date to pick one for me.” I return my eyes to Jax with a cheeky grin.

He throws his head back with a chuckle and looks at the poor confused waiter. “We’ll take whatever two are your favorites. Surprise us.”

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It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

***Author’s note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Meet Liv Michaels

It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone

Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

***Author’s note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the 18.

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About the author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Stalk Her: Website |Facebook |Twitter |Goodreads

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

First Thing I See

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLL4ET

Belong to You (A Cole Novel, Book One)

Amazon US : http://amzn.to/1jdAlRk

Made For You (A Cole Novel, Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLLdIk

Break the Sky by Nina Lane…Review

Synopsis:

“Do you ever let go, storm girl?” he asked. “Ever lose control? Ever surrender?”

“Never,” I whispered. “I never surrender.”

A smile of both promise and warning curved his beautiful mouth.
“You will.”

Atmospheric scientist Kelsey March is under siege. Her tornado research project is on the skids and she’s fighting conflict in her university department. So when irresistible bad boy Archer West suggests a hot, wild fling while he’s in town, Kelsey is unable to resist his sexy offer.

Kelsey and Archer embark on a intense, exhilarating affair. But soon their differences and private battles encroach on their desire, and Kelsey discovers that Archer is a storm she can’t control.

My review:

Break the Sky is a spin off from author Nina Lane’s Spiral of Bliss Series and admittedly the first of Ms. Lane’s work that I have read. Now that I’ve finished it I know I have another author to add to my list. This book was hot, sexy, emotional, and even had a bit of action.

Atmospheric scientist and college professor Kelsey March is in a fight. A fight to save her tornado research project as well as her job as a professor and nothing seems to be going right. Which lead her here, to this bar, to just let off some steam and try to regroup. It also leads her to cross paths with a very sexy and dark stranger. But before a little harmless flirting has the chance to turn into something she would most likely regret in the morning, she leaves. But fate being the mischievous gal she is, wouldn’t let Kelsey off the hook that easy and just when she thinks the hot, tattooed stranger from the bar was a distant memory, he shows up at her university and turns out to be the brother of one of her closest friends. The brother she had heard too many stories about. The brother she knows is bad news and she should stay away from. Too bad she never was good at staying away from danger. Whether it is tornadoes or this tattooed sex on a stick man, she learns sometimes you just have to hold on and enjoy the ride.

The attraction and sexual tension between Archer and Kelsey is fast and intense. It’s delicious to read and you can feel the heat radiating off of the pages. Archer is the bad boy we all know about. But unlike most of these bad boys I’ve read lately, he wasn’t the norm. There was just something about him that was different. He was who he was without apology. He lives a pretty simple life as far as monetarily and possessions wise and he’s ok with that. His history is painful and he’s not proud of some of the things he’s done or how he’s behaved but he really wants to make things different now. And he wants no one more than Kelsey to believe that. He’s got a strike against him before they even have one full conversation because she knows his brother. The brother he’s hurt and the brother he has been avoiding for years. The brother who has no doubt told her about him and his past.

Kelsey needs a bit of convincing to take a chance on him and the chase was fantastic to read. Oh, and when Kelsey does give in? Wow. Archer can talk some dirty talk and has more than enough sexual talent to back it up. They both agree to a bit of a short term fling but as they spend more time together we start to see there’s a much bigger connection building between them. Archer pushes Kelsey to follow her dreams and even though she rejects the idea at first, she knows he’s right. Archer turns out to be the piece Kelsey was missing in her life and vice versa. There was a whole lot of push and pull throughout the entire read and it lead up to an ending that was totally movie worthy and so damn good!

If you love motorcycle riding bad boys, steamy attraction and intense emotion, this is a read for you. Thank you, Nina, for a fantastic read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization.

She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she’s that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.

Website

Dangerous Territory by Emmy Curtis…Release Day Event & Review

Buy links:

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About DANGEROUS TERRITORY

A SEXY STRANGER
Flirting with danger is reporter Grace Grainger’s modus operandi. But she’s learned the hard way not to grow attached to the soldiers she’s embedded with in Afghanistan. To escape from her pain and loneliness, she fantasizes about the hot night she spent with a gorgeous stranger three years before in D.C. Grace never thought she’d see him again-let alone need him to rescue her . . .

AN EXPLOSIVE NIGHT
Air Force Master Sergeant Josh Travers knows journalists are nothing but trouble. So when he has to risk the lives of his team to save some reporter who’s been separated from her patrol, he’s not happy-until he recognizes her stunning eyes and delicious curves. Josh has never wanted a woman like he wants Grace. Even in an Afghan cave with a sandstorm and enemy troops closing in, he can’t deny the desire. This might be the end for both of them-or one hell of a beginning.

My review:

My review:
Dangerous Territory is the introduction novella to author Emmy Curtis’ Alpha Ops series and talk about a hot, steamy and pulse pounding start! I loved this story from start to finish.

Reporter Grace Grainger is used to the battle field and all that came with it. It’s why her motto up until recently had been to keep detached and not make any connections. The problem was she ignored that on her last assignment and it ended up causing her enough pain that she vowed to never slip up again. She lost a friend in the war and the memory would haunt her forever. Now, the night before her leaving on her newest assignment, she was looking for a distraction and the liquor in her glass wasn’t cutting it. Luckily the sexy stranger that just walked into the hotel bar looks like he could do the trick. A one time, no real names, night of hot sex is just what she needed. And he seemed to be up for the task….

Ready to head out on his next deployment, Josh Travers walked into the hotel bar never expecting to see a gorgeous and mysterious woman, let alone end up spending an unforgettable night with her. A night that has haunted his dreams for years. That same mysterious beauty was the absolute last person he ever expected to see here in the middle of a war zone. But here she was, and she was in need of rescuing. Lucky for her that’s exactly what he did for a living. Unlucky for him was him finding out she’s a reporter….the one profession he loathed. Just as well since he never wanted any kind of relationship anyway. Now, if he could just believe that.

Thrown into a tense situation after meeting years earlier and spending that one unforgettable night, emotions are bound to run hot between Grace and Josh. Will they be able to weather the emotional storm and turn their passion into something more than what they shared that one night?

Oh man, I loved this book! It started out with plenty of heat and passion and only got better from there. Being thrown into an impossible situation and being forced to spend time together was exactly what Grace and Josh need and fate certainly had a hand in getting the ball rolling. I loved both characters and their personalities meshed so well. Grace had me laughing out loud more than a few times with her wit and attempts at lightening their bleak situation. Josh was oh so alpha and oh so delicious. Love that in a character! They both have their own reasons for wanting to stay unattached and they are certainly valid, but they both realize quickly that those reasons are all thrown out the window…and thank goodness for that. The ending of this book was freaking amazing and had me sporting a big goofy grin. Have I mentioned I love Josh?

If you love a good romantic suspense with a great balance of heat and action, this is a book for you. I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Thank you, Emmy, for a great read!

Four Loves

Excerpt:

He withdrew his arm from her shoulders and grabbed his water bottle. “Do you want to rehydrate?”
“Sure, I drank all my water in the M-RAP.”
“Here.” He reached up into the darkness and his hand collided with bare skin. He felt further up and encountered more bare skin. “What the…?”
“Oh! That’s embarrassing. When you bought me in from the bathroom, I had only put my panties back on. My jeans are still out there.”
“What? You take your pants off to pee?” He was getting a strange insight into women here, and he was incredibly uncomfortable and intrigued. Not about the pee, but about the type of woman who felt comfortable enough to take off her clothes in the middle of a war zone.
“I don’t have a dick, you know. How did you expect me to pee?”
“You might not have a dick, but you have balls,” he said grudgingly. “Do you want me to get your pants?”
“It’s okay. I’ll get them. I know where I left them.” Her voice trailed off as she went around the corner toward the entrance to the cave.
“No wait!” he hissed. Shit. What was he thinking, letting her wander around outside. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the pain that shot up his leg, and rounded the corner, to see her perfectly silhouetted in the mouth of the cave against the moonlit sky. “Get down!”
She turned to look at him instead of ducking. Damned civilians. He launched himself at her, pulling her to the ground, but trying to brace her fall. He didn’t really succeed.
Breath huffed out of her as he landed right on top of her. “Shh,” he said against her ear. In the distance, he could hear voices. With the echoes it was difficult to know if they belonged to people who were directly in front of them or across the valley. And suddenly, as the voices drifted off into the distance, he became aware of her body under his. The silence. When he moved slightly, his mind shifted to the perfect night they shared in D.C. The night he’d thought about so often. The night that had sustained him through some difficult deployments. He’d wanted to find her, but was honestly too scared to let go of his fantasy. Reality always sucked, and her being a damn reporter sucked the most.
He raised himself on his forearm and whispered against her ear, “Are you all right?”
She nodded, causing her short black hair to brush against his face. He closed his eyes and inhaled. His body weakened, and then got a lot harder. Fuck, he almost wanted to cry. He had dreamed of being this close to her again, to be on top of her, to be able to feel her scent overwhelm him again. But hell. Fate had played a dirty trick. Here, in a fucking cave in Afghanistan. What a fuck up.
She moved under him, and holy shit, he was sure she had moaned. Or wait, maybe that was a groan. “Am I hurting you?” he asked, suddenly concerned.
“In ways you can’t possibly imagine.” She let out a sigh. “No, I’m fine. I might need help up, though.”
He pulled himself off her and helped her up, and was very, very glad for the darkness of the cave. He knew his dick was tenting his BDUs. Thank god no one could see him. Then she stood to one side and the moon shone directly at him.
“Well, soldier, is that a night vision scope in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?”
“I’m a fucking airman, not a soldier. And what did you expect, you writhing under me when I was just trying to save your sorry ass.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I was joking, I thought that was your scope in your pocket. I was just trying…”
Shit. Shit. Busted.
He took a deep breath. And tried to laugh. “We seemed to understand each other better three years ago.”
“Well, we didn’t exactly do a lot of talking back then.” She smiled wryly.
Josh tried really hard not to close his eyes and give in to the emotion still coursing through him from being so close to her again after all those years of just dreaming about her.
Holding up one finger, she turned. She pointed at her jeans and nodded for his approval. He gave a tiny nod, and she virtually scampered out to pick them up.
As she entered the cave again, with a grin, he leaned against the wall to watch her in the moonlight. She bent to step into the pants and her glossy dark hair swung in front of her. She pulled them up, and started to fasten them. He couldn’t help himself, God help him.
His hand hooked over the top of the jeans, preventing her from finishing doing them up. She straightened. She should have had a quizzical look on her face. But she didn’t. It was like she knew. She met his eyes and he detected a tiny flicker of her eyebrows, as if saying “Yes?” Still holding her jeans, he pulled her toward him, his whole body throbbing for her. Every one of his cells felt as if they were reaching for her. Every feeling he had ever had, every warm thought, wrapped around her. He wanted her so badly. Had wanted her for three years. If he didn’t think about it, maybe he could forget she was a soul-sucking hack. His body certainly seemed to have forgotten already.
Desperate to taste those lips again, he abruptly pulled her against his body and in the same instant, claimed her mouth as his. She tasted every bit as good as his memory served. His body responded instantly, as if it had been waiting three years just to find itself in this very place.
Her mouth opened under his, kissing him back, her tongue dancing under his, making him long for the feel of her tongue elsewhere on his body.
A crack of a twig or something from outside put his instincts back in place as he wrenched away from her. Christ, what had he been thinking? He never broke the rules. She looked puzzled, but still she didn’t say anything.
He took a huge step away from her, shaking his head at himself. What. The. Fuck. Was wrong with him?
She took a deep breath in and let it go in a long sigh. But still she remained silent. Why didn’t she say something? Shit was she planning on writing about this? Of course she was. That was what she did. His career was over. His status as one of the most fast-tracked senior enlisted airmen in his career field was over. Damage control.
“I don’t know why I did that. I’m sorry for breaking protocol. I hope we’re still off the record?” He hated how hopeful he sounded.
She laughed lightly. “Exactly what about this…” she gestured around the cave. “…is protocol? Exactly what are you breaking?”

About Emmy Curtis:
Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She’s lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference…well, she already considers you kin.

Emmy’s social media:
Website | Facebook
Twitter: @EmmyCurtis19

ARC Review…Jumped by Colette Auclair

Jumped releases August 4

Synopsis:

Thoroughly enjoying herself at her best friend Amanda’s wedding, Beth finds herself in an unexpected state of shock when she realizes she’s been seated next to her ex-husband, Finn, at the reception. Determined to not let this fluster her, Beth strikes up a conversation only to learn Finn isn’t the same man she walked away from.

Relieved the reception is over, Beth is looking forward to a relaxing weekend against the beautiful backdrop of sunny Aspen at Amanda and Grady’s estate. Little does she know Finn will be partaking in the weekend activities too. But just as Beth decides to keep as much distance between her and Finn as possible, Finn has a terrible accident and Beth is stuck being his bedside nurse.

Over the course of the weekend, Beth and Finn discover that the wounds of their failed marriage are not all that’s left. There are sparks…and hope. But just as they decide to give their relationship another try, Finn confesses a huge secret that could destroy everything he’s fought to get back—Beth, their relationship, and another chance at love.

Will Beth turn away, or will she take a leap of faith and say “I do” once (again) and for all?

My Review:

Jumped is the second book in author Colette Auclair’s Aspen Valley series and after loving the first book, Thrown, I was so excited to get my hands on Beth and Finn’s story. Well, Colette has done it again! This was one hell of a romance and I loved it.

It’s been years since Beth and Finn last saw each other and even the memory of that last encounter was a painful one. It’s also a memory neither one of them can ignore as they sit across from each other at a mutual friend’s wedding. What were the odds? But it was a wedding, and they were out in public, so any ill feelings had to be kept under wraps and the pain of their failed marriage kept left in the dust. If only it were that easy. The problem is, with such a brief and intense history, it was hard for Finn and Beth to ignore each other and just like that, the flame starts to reignite. Were all the issues they had really so hard that the only answer was a divorce? It’s hard to look on all the bad times and the fighting when five years later it all seemed so fixable. Will Finn and Beth get a second chance at love? Fate may have a bit of a twisted sense of humor but she intervenes and sticks Beth and Finn together for a few weeks and with that they will have no choice but to see if the amazing love they once shared is too irreparable.

With a few years of clarity and time spent apart, both Beth and Finn start to wonder if they truly can have a second shot at love and a happily ever after…together.

I feel like one of the main reasons I loved this story so much is that it is so very relatable. I’m sure many of us have had that one breakup where years later we wonder if the breakup was truly the right choice. Or, like me, you break up and take that second chance after time spent apart and get things right the second time around. It’s a story about love and mistakes and the emotions that come along with all of it. Beth and Finn both made their fair share of those mistakes but realize it now, and even if it hurts to admit those faults, they are finally able to do it. If anything it gives them a chance to heal and it was what they both needed. Finn is a total dream guy….now. He’s funny and charming and has a great career. Some of which came as a result of this divorce. Hindsight being 20/20 and all. Beth has had her own time to grown and find herself and I loved who she has become. She’s strong and driven. Loyal and kind. Together they really are a magical couple. I won’t spoil anything for you but I will say that Colette had me crying big fat happy tears at the ending! It was beautiful!

And of course, I can’t go without mentioning the amazing cast of characters from Amanda to Grady, Wave and my personal favorite, Harris…it was a joy to get to see more of them!

Thank you, Colette, for another fabulous trip to Aspen Creek!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

I write lighthearted, sexy romances that often include horses and a Portuguese water dog or two. My debut novel, Thrown, will be available as an e-book in Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Star line on December 16th (you can order it now). Stay tuned for the next book in the series, Jumped, in June 2014.

My agent is the lovely and talented Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency.

I live in Colorado and—not surprisingly—have a Thoroughbred mare and a Portuguese water dog. Both are smart, sweet and gorgeous. I’m originally from Pittsburgh and am still fiercely loyal to all of its pro sports teams. I studied theatre and advertising at Northwestern University (go Cats!) and have been a copywriter for more than twenty years. If you ever meet me, beware—anything you do or say could end up in a book and I make no apologies.

Personal Interests: Horses are right up there, as well as dogs, food (cooking and eating), wine, chocolate, gardening, Mad Men, hiking, Italy, gazing at the Rocky Mountains, reading, and making my husband laugh hard enough to cause whatever he’s drinking to exit through his nose.

If you want to talk books, writing, horses, food, wine or just about anything else, email me at colettea@gmail.com.

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ARC Review…Batter Up by Robyn Neeley

Batter Up releases August 1

Synopsis:

She mixes more than flour and sugar into her cake batter, and he’s about to find out if a little bit of magic is to his taste…

Bakeshop owner Emma Stevens has a secret — a delicious, slightly unorthodox secret. Each Monday, she mixes up a premonition to share with the bachelors of Buttermilk Falls, and sets one lucky man on the path to true love.

When reporter Jason Levine finds himself mixed up in a Las Vegas bachelorette party, he hears the strangest rumour: the marriage is happening thanks to magic cake batter. Seriously sceptical, and sick of frauds, Jason journeys to the backwater town of Buttermilk Falls to expose the baker and release the townspeople from her evil clutches.

But when Jason meets Emma, tempers flare and sparks fly. Will Jason cling to his logic at the expense of a future, or will he let himself fall under Emma’s spell?

My review:

Batter Up is the first work from author Robyn Neeley that I have read and I was smitten from the very beginning. The whole concept of a magical bakeshop owner helping people find love was too sweet to pass up and Robyn delivered a heaping spoonful of fun with this romance.

Emma Stevens has an impeccable track record under her matchmaking belt and with no divorces and plenty of marriages, she was blissfully happy with her magical spoon and her life. Of course, a little bit of love for herself would make things that much sweeter, but since her boyfriend dumped her for a life in NYC a couple of years back, love wasn’t happening for her right now. Unexpectedly she had more pressing issues when an out of town reporter starts sniffing around her shop for a hint of a story. She would never allow it, even if the reporter had dimples that gave her butterflies.

Never in his wildest dreams did successful reporter Jason Levine think he’d be asking to cover a story like this. Magical batter predicting love and happily-ever-afters? No way. Needless to say he was just a bit skeptical…but it could make for a good story and that’s what lead him to Small Town, USA and into this bakeshop. After meeting the beautiful and feisty owner, he knows he’s got his hands full and if he was going to get this story, it was going to take a whole lot of work…and maybe just a bit of sweetness and charm.

This story was so charming and, well, simply magical! The whole idea of this magical baker in this adorable small town and a reporter after her secrets was enough to get me hooked. Jason is 100% a non-believer and Emma wants nothing more than for him to leave her town and her bakeshop. The only problem is that they are both attracted to one another even if they refuse to admit it. That leads to a whole lot of delicious push and pull between them, which I adored. Also, there was a bit of a situation thrown into the mix that leads to Jason and Emma spending more time together then they ever wanted, which is just the help they need to push things along. I don’t want to ruin anything by saying what it was but I will say that not only did it help bring Jason and Emma together but it also helped Emma get a bit of revenge on the high school mean girl in the process and it was awesome!

Batter Up had it all. Fun, love, mystery, magic, funny sidekicks, sweet townspeople, the evil mean girl nemesis and the ex we all love to hate. It was a quick and fun read and would be perfect for a trip to the beach…with a cocktail and a cupcake!

Thank you, Robyn, for a fantastic read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Find her on Facebook and Twitter while her website is under construction!

Facebook | Twitter

Fantasized by You by Steph Nuss…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Steph Nuss and Bandit Publishing are excited to share with you the RELEASE of “Fantasized by You” by Steph Nuss.

Make sure to add to your Goodreads, pick up your copy and enter the GIVEAWAY below for SIGNED PAPERBACKS and Winner’s Choice of Amazon, iTunes and B&N GIFT CARDS!

Don’t forget to join us at the Release Day and Blog Tour Event starting on July 14th – join by clicking the below link.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Fantasized by You

Love in the City – Book #2

(is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone – Book #2 is based on a different couple, but you will see characters from Book #1)

Celebrity fashion designer, Harper Jennings is only months away from turning thirty, and her dream of living a happily ever after has yet to come true.

She’s given up on her fantasy.

Personal trainer and gym owner, Maverick Jones isn’t thrilled about having a designer mentoring in his new clinic, but after meeting the brunette beauty face-to-face, he dreams of having his way with her.

He’s ready to turn his fantasy into reality.

But when their fantasies collide, love in the city becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.

My review:

Fantasized By You is the second book in author Steph Nuss’ Love in the City Series and follows the story of fashion designer Harper Jennings and gym owner Maverick Jones, both of whom we met in the first book. I loved Steph’s series debut, Wanted By You, and was so excited to continue with this book. It didn’t disappoint… I loved it!

Successful fashion designer Harper Jennings has had her shares of ups and downs in life. Sure, the fashion industry was hard and the paparazzi were sometimes a bitch to deal with but her biggest down was a terrible eating disorder, which she thankfully had been able to overcome. That disorder made her realize what she really wanted in life. It wasn’t the fame or the fortune anymore. Now it was the desire for a family of her own. The only problem was time was ticking away and she didn’t even have a blip on the husband radar…and you kind of needed a husband to start the family she wanted so desperately. But pushing all of that aside, she also wanted to help others dealing with eating disorders and that lead her to the new clinic her friend Elly was helping with. That also lead her to cross paths with the clinic’s owner, Maverick. The first impression he made wasn’t a great one though. Luckily for Harper the man knows when to own up to putting his foot in his mouth and more than makes up for it. And after they start to spend some time together, Harper starts to hear the blip on the husband radar. Could he be the one she’s been waiting for?

Maverick Jones was stuck immediately with Harper. Sure, before he met her he wasn’t thrilled with having a fashion designer working with his clinic because it was that exact industry that took the life of a close friend years earlier but he was willing to give it a shot. He was suddenly happy he did and after spending time together he realizes she is one of the strongest and most honest people he has ever met. That fueled the desire already burning for her and before he knows it, Maverick finds himself head over heels for Harper. His parent’s marriage was awful and he vowed he would never have that. He wanted something pure and true and he can’t help but think he’s found that with Harper. Could she be feeling the same way?

What starts out as an instant attraction soon turns into something more meaningful and special than Harper and Maverick could have ever dreamed of. The saying “good things come to those who wait” seems to be exactly the case for this couple. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few stumbles along the way…will they have what it takes to pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and continue on their path to happy ever after?

This was one of those feel good stories that pulled me in from the very beginning. There wasn’t any guessing or wondering where the other one stood when it came to Maverick and Harper. They were open and honest with each other from the very beginning and it made for a wonderful story. What they have been through in their lives has lead them to know exactly what they want out of life and love and neither will settle for anything less. Man, I really appreciated that!

Maverick is a stand up guy with a deep respect for his mother and a loyalty to those he cares about that had me swooning. Not to mention he is smart, handsome, and built like a Greek god. That always helps. Harper has been through her own hell and has risen to overcome which made her an incredible heroine to read. She realizes life is too short and doesn’t take things for granted. I loved that about her. She’s learned to appreciate all the good and appreciates Maverick and the love they’ve found. Of course, it isn’t exactly all flowers and happiness for these two. Harper’s best friend, Max, has an obsessed fan that is hell bent on making Harper’s life miserable. She had been quiet for a bit but resurfaces just as things are at the peak of Harper’s happiness. I can’t give you any spoilers but get some tissues handy and get ready from some intense moments toward the end! Steph really knocked me on my arse! But no need to worry, Steph also gave one hell of a fabulous ending.

I truly enjoyed all aspects of this story and cannot wait to read more of this series. Thank you, Steph, for another amazing read!

Four Loves

Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her,

but she was the one girl who didn’t beg for his attention.

He wanted her.

Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you,

but then she met Carter Jennings.

She wanted him.

Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.

Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.

They want each other.

But love in the city is never quite that easy.

Steph Nuss was born and raised in rural Kansas, where she currently resides with her black Labrador son named Gunner. She grew up with a passion for reading and writing. When she’s not immersed into the land of fiction, she enjoys listening to music that came before her time, watching movies and reruns of her favorite shows, and hanging out with her family and friends. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology that she’ll never use…unless she’s profiling her characters of course.

Website: http://stephnuss.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/StephNussAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephNuss13

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7392900.Steph_Nuss

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/StephNuss13/

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No Apologies by Sybil Bartel…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

Never apologize

Hard-edged rocker Graham Allen has it all. He’s flush with cash from playing bass in a band by night and restoring classic cars by day. And there are plenty of women willing to share his bed for a night, complication-free. Perfect, because if there’s anything he learned from his past, it was to never get attached—to anything. So when bartender Carly Sullivan flashes her innocent smile, Graham isn’t prepared for what happens next.

Never fall in love

Two rules, that’s all Graham has—never apologize and never fall in love. He knows Carly is everything he should avoid. Cheerful and sweet, she has “relationship” written all over her. But Graham can’t stay away from her probing questions and concerned blue eyes.

When Graham discovers Carly is hiding a crushing secret, he’s prepared to risk it all. Until in one single moment, everything changes and Graham’s past threatens to collide with his future. His life is crumbling down around him, and soon no apology in the world can save him.

He should’ve known to walk away.

My review:

No Apologies is the first book from author Sybil Bartel and one hell of a debut. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. The angst, emotion, and attraction were all done so well.

Graham Allen is a man of many talents. He’s a gifted musician, skilled mechanic, and one hell of a ladies man. He’s got the good looks, killer body, and a good amount of wealth. You could say he has it all…but he doesn’t. His childhood was plagued by abuse at the hands of his mother and by the time his father had decided to leave her and rescue Graham from the life on the streets he resorted to in order to escape the abuse, the damage was done. Now, he was a man with a huge chip on his shoulder and a deep seated anger that he feared he would never be able to get rid of. Enter Carly. The beautiful and sweet bartender that he knows damn well he should stay away from but just can’t seem to do it. She’s everything he isn’t. He finds himself looking for her smile every day and spends more and more time with her. And even though he knows he shouldn’t, he finds himself having all sorts of complicated feelings for her. But he knows she’s too good for him and she should never be with someone like him. But when Graham finds out she may be just as damaged as he is, things start to take a different turn. Could Graham ever deserve someone like Carly? God, he wanted nothing more…

After finishing, well more like devouring, this book I went on-line and looked at a few reviews. I found that a lot of people weren’t big fans of Graham and while I can see where they are coming from, I have to emphatically disagree. I loved him. He comes off as a total womanizing prick, and yeah there were times I wanted to slap him silly, but in the end I totally got why he was the way he was. He had a horrid excuse for a mother and in my mind he took all those feelings and years of hate out on the women he slept with. Yes, there were a lot of them. Yes, he treated them like crap. But I just couldn’t fault him for it because when we saw him with Carly and how much he wished he was the kind of man she deserved, it broke my heart. And lets be honest here…those girls weren’t exactly wholesome angels.

He was so broken and had no clue how to deal with it. He tried to push Carly away but on the flip side hated every minute they were apart. He was like the battered puppy that needed to be coaxed back into being happy and healthy. Carly was just what he needed in order to do just that…become happy and healthy. To see him slowly transform was a thing of beauty. Carly is one tough cookie. She’s been through her own tragedy and takes none of Graham’s crap, which I loved. She sticks to her guns and refuses to believe Graham is as damaged as he believes he is. She is unlike anything he’s ever known and even if it takes him a while to see it, eventually he does.

There’s a huge surprise toward the end that I never saw coming and it was another piece in helping Graham heal and become the man he was always capable of becoming….and it was so freaking perfect. I can’t give it away but I will give you a hint and say no, Carly doesn’t get pregnant. (you know that’s what you were thinking lol!)

All in all, if you love the tortured hero with a chance at redemption and a happily ever after, this is a book for you. Thank you, Sybil, for giving us Graham and Carly…. and Gunnar, too! I loved all of it!

Five Loves

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Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Sybil Bartel Bio:

I grew up in Northern California with my head in a book and my feet in the sand. I dreamt of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew me into the world of storytelling. I love the New Adult genre, but really, any story about a love so desperately wrong and impossibly beautiful makes me swoon.

I now live in Southern Florida and while I don’t get to read as much as I like, I still bury my toes in the sand. If I’m not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in my backyard, you can find me spending time with my handsomely tattooed husband, my brilliantly practical son and a mischievous miniature boxer…

But Seriously?

Here are ten things you really want to know about me.

I grew up a faculty brat. I can swear like a sailor. I love men in uniform. I hate being told what to do. I can do your taxes (but don’t ask). The Bird Market in Hong Kong freaks me out. My favorite word is desperate…or dirty, or both—I can’t decide. I have a thing for muscle cars. But never reply on me for driving directions, ever. And I have a new book boyfriend every week—don’t tell my husband

Links:

Wesbite | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | No Apologies Goodreads

ARC Review…Enemies on Tap by Avery Flynn

Synopsis:

Brewing up trouble one pint at a time.

Enemies …After years away, Miranda Sweet returns to Salvation, Virginia to save her family’s brewery, but her fate is in the hands of her lover-turned-enemy, Logan. What’s a girl to do when the only person who can help her is the man who betrayed her?

Lovers …Logan Martin can’t believe his luck when the woman who smashed his heart to smithereens walks into his bank asking for his help. What she doesn’t know is that he needs the land her brewery is on–and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

An Irresistible Combination …Their wager becomes a battle between their attraction and their determination to win. But it’s in each other’s arms that they realize there might be more at stake now than their bet. With the town against the Sweet Salvation Brewery’s success, Logan has to choose between what’s expected of him and what he really wants…

My review:

Enemies on Tap is the first book in author Avery Flynn’s newest series, Sweet Salvation Brewery, and kicks the series off with a fantastic start!

Miranda Sweet really never wanted to come back to her hometown of Salvation. Her family had a decades long reputation for being a tad on the crazy side and after having to endure that reputation herself for her time in Salvation, you could say she wasn’t thrilled about being back in town. But the family’s brewery was left to her and her two sisters and despite not wanting to be back, she knew she had to be here. Now her plans included bringing life back into the dying brewery. Unfortunately that meant she had to ask her former boyfriend for help. Making matters worse is not only was Logan a former lover, he was also a member of the family that the Sweet’s had an undying conflict with. Oh, and the fact that she was still attracted to the deliciously sexy Logan isn’t helping matters. Will Miranda have what it takes to look down on the Sweet family reputation, ignore her feelings for Logan, and make the brewery a success once again?

Logan Martin had heard rumors that Miranda Sweet was back in town and he thought eventually he would run into her…but he never expected she would walk into his family’s bank and ask him for help. Talk about being in a pickle. He knows his father would never allow their bank, and family name, to help the Sweet’s but he also knows he would like nothing more than to get back into her good graces and rekindle the relationship they had years before. She was pretty back then but now she was stunning. There had to be a way to make things work. Would Logan go against his family and prove to Miranda that he didn’t give a damn about family rivalry and offer to help make Sweet Salvation Brewery what it once was?

Small town living and small town reputations threaten Logan and Miranda from the word go. Could they be the ones to finally cut those ties once and for all and turn the Sweet/Martin contention into a thing of the past?

Enemies on Tap is one of the best enemies to lovers stories I’ve read. Avery did a fantastic job in building the backstory behind Logan and Miranda’s current situation. The family history, the failed relationship, the rekindled attraction…all of it was done so well! Miranda is a real spitfire and her determination is admirable. She isn’t going to back down even when there are threats against her and the intended resurrection of the brewery. She just turns her nose up and battles forward. I loved that about her. Logan has the reputation for being the sexy golden boy with the good family name to back it up. But he also knows just because things have been run the same way in his town doesn’t mean it’s the right way. The sexual tension between them is delicious and burns hotter as the story progresses.

But besides a great heroine/hero combination, Avery has built one hell of a foundation for the series. The town and townspeople have such a real feel to them and I loved how that layer was assembled. Oh, and the ending? Freaking movie worthy! I could picture it in my mind’s eye as I was reading and was left with a big ol’ happy grin plastered on my face.

I cannot wait to read more in this series! Thank you, Avery, for one hell of a book and one hell of a great series opening!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

About the author:

Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her onTwitter and Pinterest, like her on her Facebook page or friend her on her Facebook profile. She’s also on Goodreadsand BookLikes.

Join her street team, The Flynnbots, and receive special sneak peeks, prizes and early access to her latest releases!

Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the Internet, she’ll be your best friend for life.

Review….The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan

Synopsis:

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn . . . sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn’t . . . most of the time), she’d never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she’s going to find someone to spend her life with, she’ll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site. But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he’s sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn’s affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He’s too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he’s her patient. But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

My review:

The Best Medicine is the second book in author Tracy Brogan’s Bell Harbor Series and the first of Tracy’s work I have read. Well, after reading about Evie and Tyler, I am hooked!

Young and successful plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades hasn’t given much thought to marriage and family. After all, she had lived through the messy divorce of her parents and even messier were the years they were still married. So to say she focused primarily on her career wasn’t exactly an untruth. She had been ok with that until right about now. When her most recent birthday brings her into mid-thirties territory. Maybe she should start thinking about a husband and some kids. So reluctantly she makes a list of husband criteria and lets her friends set her up on a dating site and arrange some meet and greets. There’s just a few problems. One, the guys she’s taken chances on were total duds and two, she can’t stop thinking about the very handsome, very mysterious and very young patient she treated in the ER the week before. Tyler Connelly crashed a jet ski and in essence crashed into her life. Now not only can’t she get him out of her head but he seems to be popping up everywhere she is. Now she’d never get him out of her head. But he was entirely too young and had a good/bad rep around town depending on who you asked. But the guy was persistent and asked her out every time he sees her in the hopes she would give in. There’s only so many times a gal can resist Tyler’s charm…

Tyler Connelly is a mystery a lot of people would like to figure out. He hasn’t got the best reputation in his hometown and his family is a tad batshit crazy but he didn’t care what anyone thought of him or his family. Nope, he knew what kind of man he was and he didn’t need to prove it to anyone except himself. He protected his family and tried to stand up for what’s right even in sometimes that landed him in hot water with the law. When he meets Dr. Rhodes after his latest debacle, he knows he has to get to know her better. There’s something about her that calls to him in a way he’s never felt before. Now he just has to convince her that their age difference doesn’t mean nearly as much as she thinks it does. Good thing for Evelyn that he was a persistent guy and always gets his way in the end.

The chance Evelyn takes on Tyler seems like just another date but soon turns into so much more when Evelyn and Tyler realize they have an undeniable chemistry. Will Evelyn’s pursuit of a husband scare Tyler away? Will Tyler’s reputation and complicated family ties have Evelyn running for the hills? The better question is: will love conquer all?

Oh man, this story had me from the very first few paragraphs. No, it’s not because we meet the young, mysterious and handsome bad boy early on. What grabbed me from the beginning was Evelyn. Her inner monologue was sassy snark at it’s best and had me wishing I could be a fly on the wall in her life’s semi-mis-adventures. From her friends throwing her a birthday party she smiled thorough while secretly loathing inside, to her awful first few dates, she was truly one of the most fun characters I’ve read. She had me laughing out loud and groaning alongside her during more than a few embarrassing moments. And then there’s Tyler. Swoon worthy Tyler. He was a mystery for most of the book and layer by layer who he was is revealed and, my oh my, I adore that man. He turns out to be the exact opposite of the guy we thought he was. Introduced as a bit of a bad boy, he is anything but. He’s honorable and loyal with a stand up, modern knight in shining armor appeal that made me fall in love with him. He lands a top spot on my book boyfriend list for sure! And of course, he had me crying my eyes out during the last few pages. But if you know me, you know I adore that in a book!

The Best Medicine is s sweet and spicy read with just the right balance of snark, sassiness, romance, and heat. Thank you, Tracy, for giving us some fabulous medicine! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Past or present, Tracy Brogan loves romance.

She writes funny contemporary stories about ordinary people finding extraordinary love, and stirring historical romance full of political intrigue, damsels causing distress, and the occasional man in a kilt.

Tracy is a best-selling author, a 2013 RWA® RITA Best First Book Finalist for CRAZY LITTLE THING, a two-time Golden Quill winner in both contemporary and historical romance, and the winner of a Booksellers Best award for HIGHLAND SURRENDER.

Tracy lives in Michigan with her husband, her children and their overly-indulged dogs. Please stop by her website at tracybrogan.com, or visit her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTracyBrogan

Fake It by Jennifer Chance….Blog Tour Stop & Review

As her sizzling new series continues, Jennifer Chance sparks some serious combustion between a sexy biker and a corporate go-getter who’s ready to let her hair down.

Synopsis:

New grad Anna Richardson works hard—so hard that she’s given up having a romantic life. Anna has even convinced her friends that she’s dating an amazing guy—who they’ve simply never met. But now Anna has a wedding to attend and needs to produce the hottie she’s been lying about for the past six months. Enter Jake Flynn, her infuriating, motorcycle-riding, jaw-droppingly gorgeous neighbor, who’s more than willing to fake it for a weekend. In fact, Jake won’t be satisfied until things get real.

Though Jake is only playing the role of adoring boyfriend, he’s starting to feel the heat, and judging by Anna’s sweet blush, so is she. Letting chemistry this intense go to waste would be a real shame. Soon, though, the thin line between fantasy and reality fades. Jake may not be what every buttoned-up fast-tracker wants, but he’s sure as hell what Anna needs. And if she takes a ride with him, their adventure never has to end.

My review:

Fake it is the newest book from author Jennifer Chance and after loving the first in the series, Rock It, I was so excited to get my hands on this book and it was everything I was hoping for and more! There were so many amazing things with this book and I loved every minute.

Anna Richardson has had one mission in life for quite some time now. To be successful and never have to worry about money. To be financially stable. Of course, that came with a price and means she hasn’t had much time for dating. If she’s being honest, and after her last failed relationship, she can’t say she misses it that much. And certainly not as much as her friends miss her having a relationship…which leads her to the pickle she’s in now. You see, she kind of made up a fictional guy to get her friends off her back for a bit. Only problem now is that they want to meet him…at the wedding she’s in and the wedding he’s supposed to be coming to as her guest. Enter Jake, her sexy, motorcycle riding, tattooed, and complete opposite of everything Anna is, neighbor. Never in a million years would she have thought to ask him, the guy she’s been drooling over for over a year, and she never would have expected that he would offer after overhearing her story while she was chatting with her friends at the local bar. But he did and crazily enough, she accepted. Now he’s gotta take a crash course on all the things she made up about the fake boyfriend so she could get her friends to leave her love life alone once and for all. Only problem now is that what starts out as fake feelings between them starts to grow into very real ones.

Could something that started out as a charade turn into something real?

I fell in love with Fake It from just reading the synopsis alone. What could be better than the shy professional falling for the bad boy biker and vice versa? But even better than that was the fact that both Anna and Jake may look a certain part but there were so many more facets to their personalities which was such a treat to read. It really proved the whole “can’t judge a book by it’s cover” so to speak. Jake, for as rough and touch as he looks, has such a big heart and a beautiful and kind soul. Anna had a pretty rough spot during her childhood and it really had an impact on making her who she is today. How she approaches working hard and how much value she puts on that and having financial security. Of course the saying “money isn’t everything” kept popping into my head while reading and Jake was exactly what Anna needed when she needed it most. He really opened her eyes to the joys life has to offer. Joys that money can’t buy. Oh, and the chemistry between them? HOLY HELL! Beyond smoking hot!

If you love an unlikely hero, smoking hot chemistry, and crying big happy tears at kick ass endings, Fake It is for you! Thank you, Jennifer, for another fantastic read!

Four Loves

Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble

Also in the Rule Breakers series: ROCK IT by Jennifer Chance!http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fake-it-jennifer-chance/1117987843?ean=9780553392289

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About the author:

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the New Adult series Rule Breakers. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio. Visit her website and find her on Twitter.

Connect with Jennifer Chance

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Want to get to know Jennifer better? Check out this exclusive interview!

The Wedding Dare Series…Blog Tour Stop & Reviews

1 Wedding…4 Hot Stories

Falling for the Groomsman by Jen McLaughlin writing as Diane Alberts

Find out more!

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, her plans change. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but Christine wants revenge. Soon, she’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before the wedding is over, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…

My review:

Tyler is a mistake Christine wouldn’t like to repeat…at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. Too bad her heart has a different idea. Being her bff’s older brother, Tyler had really always been off-limits but thanks to one night in Mexico years ago, he now holds the title as the man who took her V-card. And she’s been trying to ignore him since that night….just like he had ignored her the “morning after”. But old flames die hard and being in such close proximity proves to fan the flame that burns between them and suddenly the reasons why he left he all those years ago don’t matter and with Tyler trying desperately to win back her affections the hold she has on her resolve is slowly giving way.

I really enjoyed the angry chemistry between Christine and Tyler and was pulling for them to make amends from the very beginning. That being said, Christine made that man grovel and he totally deserved every minute of it! But you know what they say about the post arguing sex, right? Hottest sex ever! Diane gave the perfect amount of push and pull into this couple’s relationship and it was a great follow up to Laura Kaye’s story as well as a great intro to the rest of the continuity! Thank you, Diane, for another hot and sexy story!

Four Loves

Find Jen Online

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey

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He’ll own her from the very first touch.

Julie Piper and Reed Lawson are polar opposites. She’s a people-pleasing former sorority girl. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. Until he sees Julie. When they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding and she’s dared to seduce another man, Reed takes matters into his own hands. One night should be all he needs to get the blond temptress out of his system, but he’s about to find out one taste is never enough…

My review:

Julie Piper cannot believe the audacity of the handsome stranger and the way he approached her while she was trying to get some fresh air in the midst of wedding planning/executing/problem solving hell. Never before has she been propositioned in such a way…with dirty talk and the promise of no frills sex. And to find out he’s part of that very wedding party with her and her friends is the icing on the buttercream iced, three tiered cake. The bigger problem is that if she’s being honest with herself, she kind of liked his dirty talk and his gruff and alpha male manner. It was so unlike her and her southern ways and yet it was such a welcomed breath of sexy and fresh air. The more time they end up spending together, thanks to the wedding, the more she realizes she may be falling for this tatted up, über masculine SWAT commander. Could opposites like this really ever attract?

Oh, man. You may know I’m a huge Tessa fan and in true Tessa fashion, she knocked my socks off with this story. No one does alpha male like she does and Reed is just one example of how well she writes these manly-man type heroes. Julie had no idea what hit her when she catches Reed’s eye and as it turns out he is just what she needs. He’s opposite her in every way. She loves pink and girly and cuddling after sex, he likes dark and manly and the word “cuddle” isn’t even in his vocab. I happen to adore characters like that and ate Reed up with a spoon. That man is alpha sex on a stick. But the softer side (well, as soft as Reed can be) he shows to Julie is simply amazing. He does the best he can to show her he wants her in his life. He shows her that he’s listened to her when she’s talked and the way he does that had me crying my eyes out. What a man! No spoilers from me, so you’ll just have to go grab a copy and enjoy Reed and Julie for yourself….and enjoy you will! Thank you, Tessa, for giving us Julie and Reed!

Five Loves

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Seducing the Bridesmaid by Katee Robert

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She has a plan. He’s about to change it.

Regan Wakefield is unafraid to go after what she wants, so she’s thrilled when her friend’s wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways.Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is simply a distraction, but Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him.

My review:

Spicy spitfire Regan Wakefield is ready to get serious about life and the next step. She’s already got the great career and fabulous friends now she needs the one missing piece. A successful and confident man. Real husband material. And if that guy has a name, it’s Logan McCade. If only Brock McNeil would just get the memo. He’s been pestering her since arriving at this destination wedding and trying to convince her that he’s the one for her, not Logan. Fine, she’d give him one night. On her terms. That’s how she did things and with a bit of luck maybe the sweet southern Brock would get her out of his system so she can get back to business in landing husband material. If only her plan didn’t backfire right in her face. After a taste they share that one night Brock makes it even more clear that there’s no way he’s gonna give her up to Logan. Game on…

From back in Jen McLaughlin’s story, when we first met Regan, I had loved her. She’s feisty while feminine and sticks it to you before you even realize she’s done it. She is a girl that knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to get it…all the while wearing kick ass stilettos! She says exactly what’s on her mind and too bad if you can’t keep up. Poor Brock had no idea what he had set his sights on. Luckily he matches her tenacity and won’t give up without a fight. Even when she may push him a bit too far, deep down he knows he’s the right one for her. He just needs a little time to convince her. The push and pull between these two was also a delicious build up to a phenomenal ending. Thank you, Katee, for one hall of a read!

Four Loves

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Best Man with Benefits by Samanthe Beck

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How far can one favor go…

Logan McCade’s best man duties have just been expanded. Coaxing the groom’s little sister out of her shell should be easy for a high-octane extrovert like himself—or so he thinks until he’s blindsided by the delectably awkward Sophie Brooks. She’s sweet, sexy, and brings much-needed calm to his hectic, workaholic life. Soon, he’s tempting her to explore all her forbidden fantasies…and wondering exactly how far a favor to his best friend can go.

My review:

Sophie Brooks is working on a bit of self-improvement. She’s got a list and she is hell bent on completing all of it. Lose some weight, get out of her shell and learn to enjoy life without being so damn shy. Compounding the second doubts she’s having that she could actually do all if that is Logan. Her older brother’s best friend and teenage crush looks better than ever and is just as amazing as she remembers. Career driven, kind, respectful, and sexy as hell. Yeah, maybe she could skip coming out of her shell until after the wedding and when she didn’t have to see him every damn day. Easier said than done when he seems to be glued to her side. Seeing as though he runs a hugely successful company, Sophie hopes that he will be so wrapped up in work stuff that he won’t want to spend so much time with her. No such luck and Sophie soon finds herself in the world of “what if”. Could there ever be anything between her and Logan?

So, I’m also a huge fan of Samanthe’s writing and was thrilled she was a part of this series and once again, she delivers a story I couldn’t put down! Sophie Brooks is shy and sweet and has many issues most of us gals have had. That whole body image issue most of us have struggled with once or twice in life. She was easy to relate to and I appreciated that in a character. Of course, having an amazing hero like Logan to help make her realize just how special she is doesn’t hurt matters. He’s a true gentleman and wants nothing more for Sophie to see herself as he sees her….a beautiful and sexy woman. Oh, and the ways he goes about doing it? Freaking delicious! The heat he brings to the table is intense and delectable. I may never look at a hotel vanity the same way again *fans self*. The yumminess factor was off the charts with these two! Thank you, Samanthe, for giving us yet another fabulous story!

Five Loves

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Overall I truly enjoyed the continuity as a whole and loved the idea that we could see what was going on with each couple behind closed doors and getting to experience each couple from a different author’s voice was so incredible!

Don’t miss where it all began…

Dare to Resist by Laura Kaye

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Trapped and tempted, this battle of wills rages all night long…

Colton Brooks is in hell. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with Kady Dresco, the object of his darkest fantasies, will require every ounce of his restraint. She’s his best friend’s brilliant little sister, not to mention his competition for a lucrative military security services contract. Craving her submission is not allowed. But as her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve, Colton’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

Read my review of DARE TO RESIST HERE

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