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Book Promotion & Review

The Honey Trap by Karli Perrin….Release Day Blitz & Review

Synopsis –
After catching her childhood sweetheart cheating on her, Sophia Hamilton is hell-bent on stopping other women from getting played like she was.
And so the played becomes the player.
Fast forward two years and Sophia is now one of San Francisco’s most successful honey trappers. Getting paid to expose cheating men has become the norm but just when she thinks she has seen it all, she is offered a unique proposition which threatens to turn her entire world upside down.
Mason Hunter is a hotel tycoon, millionaire and cheater. Or is he? 
Sophia has six weeks to find out.
She quickly discovers that Mason isn’t the only one keeping secrets and she becomes caught up in a tangled web of lust, lies and misplaced loyalties.
Lines are crossed. Rules are broken. The real Mason Hunter is about to be exposed.
The hunt is on.
Purchase links – 
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074LQG95B
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074LQG95B
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/745838

It’s been a looooong time since Karli came out with her next book (life got in the way) but she comes back with an amazing book!! Yes, I am one of her beta readers but no, this review isn’t because of my love her. It’s because this book is truly freaking amazing!!

The Honey Trap is a unique and enthralling read. I was immediately taken in from the start of this book and loved every bit of it til the end. And I have to say that Karli’s writing has improved greatly since her last book.

This book truly took me by storm. It was nothing like I expected and the characters were so easy to fall in love with. The Honey Trap is a company that people use to hire women to try an gauge if their husband is cheating on them. Sophia and her best friend, Lori, not only work for the company but are roommates. And these two are so awesome together – they make me laugh – ALOT!!

We meet Mason when Sophia is set out to trap him. But things don’t go down the way everything is planned during that first meeting – at least not how Mason’s wife think they should go down. And Mason’s best friend, Buzz, oh he is a hoot to boot.

I really won’t say much more about this plot. Karli’s has an interesting take on this plot and I love how she plays everything out. Sophia, Lori, Mason and Buzz are characters that I find myself loving so much and wanting them in my life.

Everything about this book, rocks – the story, the twist (never saw coming), the characters and everything in between is just perfect. Everything fits together like a puzzle and that’s what makes this story so good. This story flows beautifully and flawlessly.

Karli – you my dear friend, have rocked this story, hard core!

EXCERPT

 

Prologue
In the beginning, I used to feel guilty when I seduced a married man.
I used to feel dirty when I kissed them.
I used to feel ashamed when their wives divorced them.
But now I feel nothing.
I am not to blame.
I am merely the catalyst.
I am the loaded gun.
I am the honey trap.

Chapter One
I focus on his wedding ring right before I close my eyes. His eager lips meet mine and I can almost taste his excitement. My mind goes into distraction mode as his tongue darts in and out of my mouth.
Tonight is what we call a half trap. This is where our clients are satisfied by photographs of their boyfriends or husbands kissing another woman. We wear a wire at all times so they also receive a recording of their partners planning to go home with us. Most women believe that planning to cheat is just as bad as actually cheating but some women need more. Some women refuse to believe that their man would actually go through with it. In other words, some women are stupid.
A full trap is where we take the men back to our place. Only, it’s not our place. It’s actually an apartment which the Honey Trap Agency (HTA) rents. Waiting inside are their scorned girlfriends or wives and sometimes the occasional lawyer. We also have an agency bodyguard on standby just in case things get heated but usually the men are too busy begging for forgiveness.
Our safety is a priority. If it’s a full trap then we always insist on ordering a cab. Our driver, who is actually another bodyguard, will be parked up around the corner. They take our call then wait for five minutes before picking us up, which is always from a public place. On the rare occasion that a man insists on driving or calling their own cab, we end the trap and only charge our client for a half trap. We make a lot of money but nowhere near enough to put ourselves in any real danger.
I finally pull away when his hands begin to work their way down my back. I open my eyes and watch him for a moment, looking for any signs of indecision or guilt but they don’t come. This guy’s willing to go all the way. He smirks. “Wanna come back to my place, darlin’?”
I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to take me home to talk about the weather but I ask anyway for the recording. “What have you got in mind?”
He leans closer. “Have you ever had a multiple orgasm?”
I stop myself from rolling my eyes. “No,” I reply, feigning innocence. Guys love the whole virginal act.
“Then I’ll be your first.”
Only in his dreams. If his wife doesn’t leave him after tonight then they deserve each other. I grin seductively. “Let me go and freshen up first. I’ll be back in a minute.” I wink at him before walking away, swaying my hips as I go.
As soon as I step inside the restroom, I reach into my purse and take out my mini bottle of mouthwash. I always use too much but I like how it burns the taste of them away. After successfully numbing my entire mouth, I remove my wire and place it inside my purse just as the door opens. One of the agency photographers walks in and checks that we’re alone before stopping in front of me. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “Did you get it?”
“Of course I got it.” She takes out her camera and scrolls through several photographs. The first few are close-ups of his face so he can be clearly identified. The rest are shots of us kissing.
I call my boss as we both exit out of the back. “It’s done.”

Author links – 
facebook.com/authorkarliperrin
goodreads.com/karliperrin
Instagram – @karliperrinauthor
Twitter – @karli_perrin
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Play On by Samantha Young…Release Day Blitz & Review

PLAY ON

Cover Design By Hang Le

Nora O’Brien chased a dream from Indiana to Scotland, so sure it was the right thing to do. Three years later she was left in her adopted country with nothing to her name but guilt and regret.

Until Aidan Lennox entered her life.

Older, worldlier, a music producer and composer, the sexy Scot should never have made sense for Nora. But somehow in each other they found the light they were looking for, the laughter and the passion—the strength to play on despite their past losses.

But when life dealt Aidan another unlucky hand, instead of reaching for her he disappeared. The agonizing loss of him inspired something within Nora. It fired her spirit— the anger and hurt pushing her forward to take control and reach for her dreams.

Finally pursuing a career on stage while she put herself through college, everything is how Nora wants it. She’s avoiding heartbreak and concentrating on her goals.
Sounds easy but it’s not. Because Aidan is back. And for some reason he hates Nora.

He’s determined to be at war with her.

And she has absolutely no idea why.

OUT NOW in digital and paperback edition!

EXCERPT

The searing glance Aidan had given me before he drove off killed the smile as anticipation enveloped me.
Not long later, I got a text with his address and a time. I texted back a simple “I’ll be there” response.
And now here I was.
With my palms sweating.
I pressed the buzzer to his apartment and some seconds later heard his delicious voice, “Hello?”
“It’s me.”
The door buzzed and I smiled as I stepped inside, thinking that sometimes he was a man of few words.
Aidan lived on the second from the top floor and when the elevator binged open, it was facing his apartment door—he was standing in it, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the doorjamb.
My breath caught as I took him in. He was pure masculine, rugged perfection. Every time I saw him, he grew more attractive. His soulful eyes were focused on me as mine took in the fact that he was wearing a different T-shirt from earlier and ragged jeans. His hair was still wet so I knew, like me, he’d just had a shower.
Shivers tickled down my spine at the reason why. I stepped out of the elevator before the doors closed on me and approached him slowly, still drinking him in, disbelieving really that this kind, funny, smart and unbelievably sexy man was gazing at me like he thought I was all those things too. His eyes drifted down my body slowly and then rose, lingering over every detail, until they came back to my face.
“I like this dress,” he said.
I smiled softly. “You’re easily pleased.”
Aidan took my hand and led me inside his apartment, but I didn’t have a chance to look at it because he was speaking again, distracting me. “No, I didn’t used to be.” He closed the door, locking it behind us. “I used to be an arsehole.” His expression was almost one of wonder as he looked down at me. “A picky, womanizing arsehole.”
I tensed, not really enjoying the idea of him and other women. And picky? I remember Sylvie telling me her uncle dated the most beautiful women she’d ever seen.
Christ.
I tugged on my cardigan, wondering what possessed me to wear it.
“Don’t.” It was as if he sensed my sudden insecurity, sliding an arm around my waist and drawing me to him. My hands fluttered down on his hard, warm chest, and I tilted my head back to keep eye contact. “You’re perfect.”
“My hair is too short.” I touched the strands at my nape. “It used to be long.”
“I remember.”
“I cut it because of Jim,” I told him sadly…
Aidan squeezed my waist in reassurance.
“But I loved my hair too,” I said, feeling stupid about the whole thing. “I know it’s only hair … but I’m mad I cut it.”
He studied me so long, I was almost afraid to ask what he was thinking, but I shouldn’t have been. Aidan released my waist with one hand to brush his fingers through the bangs that had grown out past my ears. His fingers curled around my ear, his thumb stroking my cheekbone, and his eyes caught mine with a fierceness that made my belly squeeze. “You could shave it all off, Pixie, and still be so bloody beautiful, I can’t concentrate on anything else when you’re in the room.”
Wow. I exhaled slowly on his name, “Aidan.”
His eyes closed as if he was in pain and he dropped his forehead to mine. His cologne washed over me, the heat of him prickling my skin like I’d stepped out of an air-conditioned room into the hot sun. “I want to hear you say my name like that when I’m inside you,” he murmured against my lips.

Play On is a perfect example of why I love Samantha Young and her storytelling. She has a way with her writing that just draws you into the stories and has you never wanting to leave them.

Play On is told in three parts. And they are torturous, agonizing and heartbreaking parts. This book is story about growth, learning your strengths and becoming the person you are meant to me. Nora’s life isn’t easy and Samantha doesn’t sugar coat anything.

Nora meets Aidan and these two really don’t fit together, at least not on paper. But somehow they find themselves together and it’s surreal, an off the charts chemistry in so many ways.

I want to say so much about this book, but I can’t. This is one book that you have to read yourself to see what I mean. I will warn you that you go through so many emotions, a lot. I cried, I laughed, smile and did it throughout the book – my heart was an emotional mess by the end. But it was damn worth it.

For those of you have read Samantha’s work before, you will absolutely love this story. And for those of you who have never have the opportunity to be graced by her words, definitely read this book. You won’t be the same afterwards.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book!!

 

 

About Samantha Young:

 

Samantha Young is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows. Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland.

Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.
Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.

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Dirty Filthy Rich Love by Laurelin Paige…Release Day Blitz & Review

 

 

Dirty Filthy Rich Love by Laurelin Paige

Release Date: September 11th

 

 

 

 

Dirty Filthy Rich Love is LIVE:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nC5DYg

Amazon International: myBook.to/DFRL

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ojC4ZS

BN: http://bit.ly/2vonRPc

Kobo:http://bit.ly/2vQXTHi

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hEeOCS

 

Start the Duet TODAY:

Dirty Filthy Rich Men (book 1):

Dirty Filthy Rich Boys (free series starter):

 

 

 

Blurb:

I’ve discovered Donovan Kincaid’s secret.

It’s dirty and filthy and rich – as dirty and filthy and rich as he is – and it haunts me as much as he ever did.

Even after knowing what I know now, I still want to talk to him, to touch him. But there’s an ocean between us, and I’m not sure it can be crossed with something as easy as a phone call or a plane ride.

Yet I’m willing to try.

He doesn’t know this yet, but this time I’m the one with the power. And maybe – just maybe – if the air were cleared and all our secrets bared, there could still be a chance for us.

And this dirty, filthy thing between us might end up being love after all.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt:

He took another step toward me, and I started to step back, but there was a counter behind me, so I had to stay put. And maybe I wanted to stay put. He was only a foot and a half away from me now.

“But I haven’t lied to you, Sabrina.” His gaze never left mine. “And I’m not lying when I say I don’t give a fuck about anybody else’s cunt but yours.”

We stood there, not touching, not speaking, each of us standing our ground. But I had no basis to keep my position, and it felt like he’d won so much already.

I couldn’t back down.

“Prove it,” I said.

His expression flared, his eyes growing dark and mean, and I realized what I’d done. Donovan wasn’t one to be provoked.

I’d just invited the devil out to play.

“Unzip your skirt and put your hands on the counter behind you.”

My heart hammered and my belly twisted. My panties were embarrassingly drenched all of a sudden, and I wanted him. But I stood completely still. “I didn’t—”

He cut me off. “No talking and unzip your skirt.”

My mouth slammed shut, but I still didn’t move. If I moved, I’d be asking for this. But if I talked, I’d be telling him to stop.

And I didn’t want this to stop.

I just didn’t want to ask for it because I was stubborn and stupid for wanting him in the first place.

But he would give it to me without the words, without my obedience. Because he knew me. He knew what I needed.

With his eyes never leaving mine, he found the zipper at the side of my waist and pulled it down. After that, the skirt was loose enough that all he had to do was tug it once and it fell easily to my feet. He nudged his knee against my inner leg, and automatically I stepped that foot out of the pool of material on the floor, widening my stance.

He gave a nod of praise, sending a jolt of warmth through my entire body.

Then he bent down in front of me.

Suddenly, breathing was harder than it should have been. My chest moved up and down, air passed through my mouth, but I couldn’t get enough of it to my lungs.

And he hadn’t even touched me yet.

The sight of him alone—Donovan Kincaid, one of the most powerful men in the world, down on his knees in his black Ermenegildo Zegna suit—it was overwhelming and erotic, and by the time he put his hand at the back of my knee, I was already trembling.

 

 

 

 

YES! YES! YES! YES! Laurelin – you have outdone yourself with this duet, woman!! Dirty Filthy Rich Love was so worth the wait (it really was only 4 months). HOT DAMN!!

You must read this duet is order, for obvious reasons, otherwise it’s really not a true duet. This book picks up where the last book ended. Donovan is overseas in Japan. Sabrina learns of his secret. She’s pissed, hurt and wants answers. And we get them in this book.

Donovan may have been withholding secrets for a very long time, but he has his reasons. Donovan is alpha male to the nth degree – he’s got his own flaws and can be a complete asshole, but he has the best intentions at heart. When it comes to Donovan and Sabrina, I think you can love someone too much and he proves that.

Sabrina may have been a mousy little college student when they first met, but she is not that woman anymore. She is strong, independent and damn driven to figure Donovan out. And she’s just as twisted as he is when it comes to relationships. And you know what that means – naughty, hot erotic scenes that you CANNOT read outside the bedroom.

As I said, Laurelin has outdone herself with this one. I could not stop reading once I started. My heart was pounding like crazy from all the events going on and how we were kept right at the edge of our seats trying to figure out when Donovan would come clean. OH this book was so damn exciting and charged with energy! Their love is truly dirty, filthy and raw but real.

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH LAURELIN PAIGE:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelinPaige/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2knJOrx

Twitter: @LaurelinPaige

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HudsonPierce/

 

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Laurelin’s mailing list:

http://bit.ly/LaurelinNews

http://www.laurelinpaige.com

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Autoboyography by Christina Lauren…ARC Review

Autoboyography releases TOMORROW!

Synopsis:

Fangirl meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this funny and poignant coming-of-age novel from New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren about two boys who fall in love in a writing class—one from a progressive family and the other from a conservative religious community.

Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.

But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar—where honor roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester—Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgment and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.

It turns out, Tanner is only partly right: four months is a long time. After all, it takes only one second for him to notice Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy who sold his own Seminar novel the year before and who now mentors the class. And it takes less than a month for Tanner to fall completely in love with him.

 

My Review:

Autoboyography is the newest work from the dynamic writing duo of Christina Lauren and it’s pretty much a given that I will read anything these ladies put out.  This, of course, was no exception.  I was so happy and so lucky to have gotten an early copy of a book that truly is a book everyone should read.  For so many reasons this book is hugely important and is so relevant in today’s world.  Touching on many important things including sexual identity, religion, societal issues, family dynamic, and so many more, this book touched me on a level that will stay with me forever.

Tanner and Sebastian’s relationship starts out as an innocent mentor situation in a senior year advance writing class.  From that start, however, the glimmer of attraction between them was apparent.  We begin with Tanner pining for Sebastian from afar, knowing, for many reason, Sebastian would never be anything more than a crush. Sebastian, you see, even if he was gay, is a Mormon, and in that religion, having a romantic relationship with someone of the same sex was simply not done.  Ever.  Knowing how life is in a Mormon town, Tanner accepts that and continues his secret crush and is just thankful to be in Sebastian’s presence, even if it’s  in this way.   But each time they spend time together, Tanner can’t help but feel the attraction is mutual and is growing stronger every day.  He wasn’t wrong.  What follows, once Sebastian speaks his feelings out loud, is a beautiful and emotional journey of self-discovery, love and loss, and moments that will change both Sebastian and Tanner (and, I suspect readers) irrevocably.

I felt so many emotions while I was reading this story.  In fact, I’m getting all teary-eyed again as I type this. Looking at my young adult life, I have to say I was pretty lucky.  I lived in a small town but the people I surrounded myself with were mostly open-minded. I was raised to accept everyone regardless of sexual orientation and now that I have a 14 year old I have to say I’m so thankful for that upbringing.  I’m raising my son to know the same values and also, no matter who he choses to love, we support him. I know that there are so many young people struggling for acceptance after discovering who they are in their true self.  And man, does it break my heart.  Sebastian and Tanner are fictional but I know they represent so many real people just like them.

Tanner’s family loved him for him but were worried because, for obvious reasons, Sebastian choosing to have a relationship with him would be nearly impossible.  Of course they wanted to protect him from a broken heart.  Unfortunately, the heart wants who it wants. Sebastian’s family, because of their religion, know only one way and that’s for a man to love a woman.  Period.  So you can imagine the emotional journey that unfolds on these pages.  And yes, it was emotional, but it was also beautiful in the most important of ways.

The hopeless hopefulness Sebastian and Tanner have in their quiet moments together both broke my heart and mended it at the same time.  It was incredible.  I don’t want to go through and tell too many specific moments because this is a story you really need to experience for yourself and I don’t want to spoil even one moment for you.

Christina and Lauren, thank you for this book.  Thank you for bringing us Sebastian and Tanner’s story.  They will live in my heart forever.

Five Loves

 

About the authors: 

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced fourteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 31+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)

Find out more on their website

 

 

 

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Tripped Out by Lorelei James…ARC Review

Tripped Out releases TOMORROW!

 

Synopsis:

Where there’s smoke…

Stirling Gradsky abandoned the corporate rat race for a more laidback lifestyle. So it’s ironic she’s partnered with a hard-bodied, know-it-all scientist who treats her like a stoner instead of a stone cold business woman capable of running a large scale marijuana farm. Dr. Hot and Tattooed with the big…brain needs to stop sampling their product; he’s under the half-baked idea that he’s the boss.

Dr. Liam Argent’s doctorate isn’t in chemistry, but from the moment he meets his sexy new coworker, there’s enough heat between them to short out all the grow lights in the greenhouse. First item on his agenda? Clearing up the sassy, blunt blonde’s hazy notion that she’s in charge.

Sparks fly as their attraction blazes. But can they weed out their differences without getting burned?

 

My Review:

Tripped Out is part of author Lorelei James’ Blacktop Cowboys series and is novella number 15 in the 2017 1,001 Dark Nights lineup and let me just say….this story is SO flipping GOOD!

I love when an author decides to write a story involving some sort of interesting or left of main stream subject, especially when it involves a career choice.  In this case, both of our main characters work in a field that was so fascinating to read about: the marijuana farm industry. It was so thought-provoking and amazing and I really did learn a lot about the ins and outs of what goes on.  It was so cool!  Who know how much work went into this mixture of horticulture and chemistry?  Loved learning about it!

Of course, adding to that were two phenomenal characters and an enemies to lovers layer that had me devouring the words on every page.  Stirling is a no-nonsense gal I loved.  She’s worked hard to overcome obstacles from her past and to get to where she is today.  I admired her tenacity and chutzpah. Liam, aka Dr. Hottie, is just as awesome a character and was the perfect match for our girl Stirling.  He’s also had to work damn hard to be where he is today and he is so passionate about what he does. Together, the chemistry and attraction between them is undeniable and when they finally give in to their feelings, it’s delicious.  These two were smoking hot (pun intended lol!).

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ms. James, or this is your first taste, I know you’ll love Tripped Out as much as I did!

Five Loves

About the author:

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “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.”

Visit Lorelei James’ website and follow her on:

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Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel

Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel

Publisher:  Entangled Teen

Publication Date:  September 5, 2017

A simple but forgotten truth: Where harbingers of death appear, the morgues will soon be full.

Angie Dovage can tell there’s more to Reece Fernandez than just the tall, brooding athlete who has her classmates swooning, but she can’t imagine his presence signals a tragedy that will devastate her small town. When something supernatural tries to attack her, Angie is thrown into a battle between good and evil she never saw coming. Right in the center of it is Reece—and he’s not human.

What’s more, she knows something most don’t. That the secrets her town holds could kill them all. But that’s only half as dangerous as falling in love with a harbinger of death.

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33509076-black-bird-of-the-gallows

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Meg Kassel nails it with her debut novel. Black Bird of the gallows was an intriguing YA fantasy/paranormal read.

“Don’t follow me again, Angie. Death is never far behind me. I don’t want it to catch you.”

I love the unique ideas and paranormal elements Meg gives us in this book. She created very interesting world of harbingers and beekeepers. I love how she built everything up and introduced us to this world, I just wish she would have added more of these elements a little earlier on in the book.

The beginning of the book was a tad slow for me, but not too slow to where it made me lose interest – I think it was just missing those extra fantasy elements that would have made the pace a bit more enjoyable. But once everything started to come together, the book definitely got more entertaining and interesting.

“Crack your bones and eat the marrow, snap your spines like broken arrows.”

I really enjoyed Angie and Reece and their interactions. Despite Angie have a rough upbringing with her mother, at times she came across as reserved, you could still sense her strong demeanor just below the surface. You know something is up with Reece that second we meet him, but we just aren’t sure what that it is. I enjoyed the mysteriousness of him and how we slowly learned more and more about him.

Overall, Meg wrote a very enticing YA fantasy read. I loved how she panned things out and gave us a new world to fall into. What I loved most about this book was Meg’s writing style. She really made this whole story way more interesting than I anticipated and it’s her writing that made this book stand out to me. I am looking forward to her companion novels to this book and what she brings us next.

EXCERPT

 

His soft voice clashes with the intensity of his gaze. “You’re adorable when you’re trying to be mad at me. You needn’t work so hard at it, though. We aren’t meant to be adversaries.”
“I, um…” My thoughts disband, leaving nothing for communication purposes. I’m adorable? Adorable has many definitions. I think my dog is adorable, for example. “That…wasn’t what I was going to ask you.”
He inclines his head. “Okay, then. Ask.”
But that “adorable” echoes through me, clinking around like a penny down a well. “What are we meant to be, then?”
His lips curls up at the corners. “That wasn’t your question, either.”

Link to Tour Schedule:

http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/tour-schedule-black-bird-of-the-gallows-by-meg-kassel-presented-by-entangled-teen/

Giveway Information:

Three (3) winners will receive A Black Bird of the Gallows canvas tote bag (11“x14”) which includes a custom made crow pendant and ball chain, bookmark and stickers, $10 Amazon Gift Card (INT):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR INFO:

Meg Kassel is an author of paranormal and speculative books for young adults. A New Jersey native, Meg graduated from Parson’s School of Design and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a writer. She now lives in Maine with her husband and daughter and is busy at work on her next novel. She is the 2016 RWA Golden Heart© winner in YA.

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One Night by Aleatha Romig….Excerpt & Review Tour

 


A sweet, fun, and sexy stand-alone romance from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.

One night to remember

Is that too much to desire?

One night for fun, passion, and a chance to remember what it’s like to be a woman.
I’m not looking for love.
There’s a man in my life who loves me with all his heart. He has beautiful blue eyes, is three feet tall, and calls me mommy.
He’s my whole world and I’m his. Fate stole his daddy way too soon.
What would happen if I allowed fate another chance, just for one night?

One night to help a friend

Why did I agree to this?
Blind dates are disasters. If I weren’t helping the friend of a friend, I wouldn’t go.
I’m not looking for romance, love, or even a one-night stand.
After all, the man my friend knew is gone. I’m no longer the hockey star known for his “pep” on the ice and in the sack. I have a new life, and a new career—a new passion. I’m not looking for more.
When the blind date is a bust, could fate change everything?

One night doesn’t end with a kiss—it begins with one.

Be ready to laugh, cry, and fall head over heels as you meet Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha in this new sweet and sexy stand-alone romance, ONE NIGHT.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks

 

Mandy

When we finally pull apart, before I can speak or even contemplate what happened, Malcolm’s blue eyes shine down on me, taking me in and reading me.

His voice rumbles through the background commotion of the bar. “You taste like sweet wine and smell like perfume and desire.”

Warmth fills my cheeks. “You taste like good beer.”

“Good? You’re a beer connoisseur?”

I shrug. “Mostly, I know cheap beer.”

He lifts my chin, bringing his indigo eyes into focus. The room disappears, making those blue orbs all I can see.

“I’m a connoisseur,” he says as his thumb gently rubs over my bruised lips. “And you, beautiful Mandy, if you were a beer, would never be a cheap one. No, you’re a rich custom craft brew. I see it in your eyes, feel it in your touch, and smell it in the air. Kissing a stranger isn’t something you do, is it?”

I try to move my eyes away, but Malcolm’s grip of my chin is unrelenting. Meeting his gaze, I reply, “No. I won’t even bore you with how long it’s been since I’ve kissed a real man.”

His eyes sparkle. “You kiss fake men?”

“Boys. Well, only one actually.”

“You kiss boys…” And then, as if the reality of his statement hits home, he asks, “You have a son?”

My heart flutters, its speed increasing by the second. “I do, but I don’t want to talk about him. Not because he isn’t important for he is—he’s my world—but because tonight isn’t about him. It’s about me.” I can’t gauge Malcolm’s reaction. I can only guess that he’s assuming that I’m some needy woman trying to get a man to take on the responsibility of a kid who isn’t his.

I reach out and splay my fingers over his chest. His heart is beating to match mine. “I don’t want to talk about him,” I continue, “because he’ll never know about you—I’ll never tell him and never introduce you. Don’t worry. I’m not after a man to rescue me. I’m perfectly content with my life as a mother. I just wanted to remember what it felt like to be a woman…for just one night.”

“I’m not anti-children—”

I shake my head. “Stop. That doesn’t matter.” It’s then that I notice the filled glasses on the table and laugh. “When did the waitress come?”

Malcolm bows his head until our noses touch. He inhales deeply, his eyes closing as his hand falls to my lap. “I’d say just after you.”

More heat floods my cheeks. “I-I didn’t…”

“Then we need to do something about that.” He looks again at the full glasses. “I think the drinks came while my tongue was busy getting to know your sweet mouth.” His hand splays over my thigh.

My breathing hitches. “Malcolm?”

“You said you want one night. One night doesn’t end with a kiss. It begins with one.”

 

 

Aleatha, you have WOW’d me again with your writing. One Night is another book from Aleatha’s lighter side and I am loving it. While I absolutely love and will always read Aleatha’s darker and more suspenseful reads, she’s definitely got a knack for the lighter reads too.

One Night is a sweet, fun and easy story to read. I was smiling the whole time and I read within hours of starting it. I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want to. I love both Malcolm and Mandy (Amanda). These two are sort of starting new phases in their life and end up meeting unexpectedly (the real story behind how they meet is really cute though, but I won’t ruin that tidbit).

It’s nice to watch two people learn about each other and allow their relationship to progress naturally. Now I will tell you things start off hot and schmexy (and that never dies down) but getting to know more than just the physical side of one another was really refreshing and Aleatha told the story beautifully. And yes, Aleatha does not let us know down when it comes to those down and dirty scenes. HOT DAMN!!

I can honestly say that everyone will love this story. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it!!!

 

 

aleatharomig1Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

2017 brings Aleatha’s first “Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha” with PLUS ONE, a fun, sexy romantic comedy.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely….Release Day Event, Excerpt, & Review

 

From #1 NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the swoony and oh-so-romantic title…MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY.

In MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY, the NFL starting quarterback Cooper Armstrong needs his best friend’s sister to pretend to be his girlfriend. Violet is willing, but neither one expects their boyfriend-girlfriend scrimmage to turn into a full-contact sport so quickly. Find out if their fake play will become the real deal or if they can turn back the clock to when they were just friends in this sexy new standalone sports romance!

Now available on all retailers! Get your copy delivered now!

 

✮✮✮ MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

Hands down, my favorite thing in the world is to score. Touchdowns.

Don’t let the fact that I’m the leading pick in the Most Valuable Playboy charity auction fool you. These days, I’m only a player on the field. I’ve kept my pants zipped all season long — and it has been long — because nothing’s more important than leading my team to victory every week. Except maybe escaping from the team owner’s recently-widowed and handsy-as-hell sister who’s dead set on winning more than a date with me.

Enter Violet and a well-placed Hail Mary.

She’s my best friend’s sister with a smile as sweet as cherry pie and a mind that runs quicker than the 40-yard-dash. After Violet saves the day with the highest bid, I don’t even give her a two-minute warning before I kiss her in front of the whole crowd and then announce that she’s my girlfriend. Which would be fine except my agent tells me we have to keep up the act while he’s negotiating my contract.
Violet takes one for the team and pretends to be mine, but our boyfriend-girlfriend scrimmage quickly turns into a full contact sport, and I want it to go into overtime. The problem is — I’ve been riding the bench for years.

How can a guy like me, who finally has a chance to prove his worth on the field, convince the girl she’s most valuable to his heart?

MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY is a brand new standalone sports romance written in the guy’s POV!

 

 

Amazon Amazon UK Audible Audio on Amazon

iBooks Barnes & Noble Kobo Amazon PB Google Play

 

 

 

 

10% of the proceeds from the release day sales along with a portion of pre-orders across all retailers of MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY will be given to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Houston Humane Society to help those in need from the natural disaster.

Excerpt:

Always a bridesmaid.

No Action Armstrong.

Ball Cap Boy.

Mr. Clean.

The Unused Insurance Plan.

Oh wait. Here’s one more, a personal fave.

Best Butt in the NFL.

Those are just some of the nicknames I’ve been given in the last few years. They don’t bug me. Not one bit. They’ve all been true, especially that last one. You should see my ass. You can bounce a quarter off my cheeks.

Here’s the thing—when you spend the first three years of your career warming the bench for the best player in the league, you can’t get a chip on your shoulder. You have to stay sharp and be ready for that moment when you swap out a ball cap for a helmet and get your pants dirty.

My time has finally come this season, and so far, we’re winning.

But tonight isn’t about what happens between the opening kickoff and the end of the fourth quarter.

Tonight is about the one game I’ve always dominated.

For the last few years, I’ve been the highest ticket item in the players’ annual charity auction, and I can’t help enjoying that. Because the guy I’ve backed up has been called a lot of things—a legend, the greatest ever, a titan of the game—but the one I most enjoy is “second-best-looking quarterback on the Renegades.”

Hey, I didn’t give him that name. The media did, deciding the dude who play second-string—me—had a prettier face. Before this season, I’d seen a grand total of 120 minutes of playing time in my first three years, but I’ve taken home the top honors in the charity auction, where some of the loveliest ladies come to bid on the players they want to take out for a night on the town.

Ah, the memories of those dates have warmed my heart, and other parts, on the sidelines when the games were dull. Evenings in limos, testing the strength of the leather backseat, nights in hotels that lasted way past dawn, mutually and blissfully ignoring the no physical contact between the winner and the player rule.

Yeah, I’ve enjoyed the fuck out of being paraded on stage in front of hundreds of women, their slender arms lifted in the air, raising their bids higher on me than all the other guys. It’s been my one chance to shine, even to stand out.

Those days are behind me, though, now that I’m finally leading the team down the field every single Sunday. I still expect to rake in top dollar for the charity I gladly support, but this time, I won’t be living it up and letting loose after hours. I have a reputation to protect, and a season on the line.

The trouble is, the woman who has her eyes on me at the Most Valuable Playboy charity auction wants my full enchilada, and it’s not on the menu anymore.

Guess that means it’s time to call an audible on the line of scrimmage.

My Review:

Most Valuable Player is the newest work from author Lauren Blakely, an author I just adore.  She’s an author I always look forward to reading and this book was just another shining example of the fun, sexy, flirty stories she writes.  I loved it!

I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers story and oh boy, this was such a great version of that trope! Two life long friends are thrown together when our sexy hero needs rescuing in a charity bachelor auction and our kick ass heroine sets off on the rescue.  After the hero is rescued, in the form of a fake relationship,  the fun really begins!  Cooper, our hero, is smart, funny, sexy, and just plain drool worthy.  Violet is equally amazing with great style, a big heart, and is totally a gal I would hang out with.  Together, they are delicious.  I loved watching their relationship go from “fake” to very real and seeing all the feelings evolve.  It was sublime! Truly, the characters and story lines Ms. Blakely writes jump off the pages with layers of realness you can feel.  I adore everything about her writing style!

Add years of attraction, sexual tension, and two amazing characters and this story is a total WIN! Thank you, Ms. Blakely, for a fantastic story!

Five Loves

 

 

 

 


✦The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber! Grab your copy today! http://adbl.co/2gbiHT2


 

 

 

 

“Lauren Blakely is a master at writing sexy, engaging stories that draw you in and make you fall in love with her characters. A definite go-to author for me!”
NYT Bestselling Author Melanie Moreland

 

 

“Lauren Blakely never ceases to amaze me with her sense of humor, her talent to write fabulous heroes and heroines and to pull an A game with a male POV. Most Valuable Playboy is a real treasure.
Becca at Little Read Reading Hood

 

 

 

“The slow burn, the teasing, the kisses, OH THE KISSES!!! MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY exceeded all of my expectations. Lauren Blakely has a knack for making a reader fall for her characters.”
Jess at Jo and Isa Love Books Blog

 

Add it to Goodreads here!

 

 

 

 

✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY GIVEAWAY! ✮✮✮

Lauren’s Most Valuable Playboy Team Spirit Prize Package Giveaway! This bundle is valued at $450 and includes a Coach Handbag ($300 value) and $150 Stub Hub Gift Card to use for tickets to the game, your favorite concert, or theater performance.

http://laurenblakely.com/valuable-playboy-giveaway/

 

 

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In September she’ll release MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY, a standalone sports romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

 

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The Time In Between by Kristen Ashley…Release Day Event

 

“She was the one then and nothing changed in the time in between.”

 

✮✮✮A story of past decisions gone awry, secrets that change directions, and emotional second chances, this gripping love story is what happens when two paths again collide. The final standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Magdalene Series, THE TIME IN BETWEEN is a rich, heartfelt love story available now!✮✮✮

 

Explore THE TIME IN BETWEEN and grab your copy today!

 

About THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene Series #3):

After a painful loss, Cady Moreland is coming to Magdalene to start the next chapter of her life. A chapter that began eighteen years ago but had a heartbreaking ending. The time in between was full of family and friendship, but Cady could never get the man she fell in love with all those years ago out of her heart.

Coert Yeager has learned to live without the girl who entered his life right when she shouldn’t and exited delivering a crippling blow he never would have suspected. The time in between was full of failing to find what he was missing…and life-altering betrayal.

But when that girl shows up in Magdalene and buys the town’s beloved lighthouse, even if Coert wants to avoid her, he can’t. A fire in town sparks a different kind of flame that won’t be ignored.

As Cady and Coert question the actions of the two young adults they once were thrown into earth-shattering circumstances, can they learn from what came in between and find each other again?

Grab your copy of THE TIME IN BETWEEN today!

 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay

 

Add to your Goodreads

 

5% of the proceeds from the first week of sales of THE TIME IN BETWEEN release will be given to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, a no-kill shelter. HALO stands for “helping animals live on” and is a shelter started by a mother/daughter team of committed animal advocates who have done a huge duty for animals in this area, and continue to do so with unwavering love, support and energy.For more information on HALO or to donate to the work they do, go to www.halorescue.org.

 

 

My Review (and confession of sorts):

Ok, so I will start out with my confession: I haven’t read the first two books in this series.  I KNOW!  I’m totally mad at myself and now that I’ve read this book, you can bet your kindle that I’ve bought the first two and will be starting them this week.  That being said, let’s get into the review part of this…

Oh man ohmanohmanohman.  This book was just incredible.  I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this was exactly that with chocolate syrup and a cherry on top.  Cady and Coert have a complicated and painful past.  It was past filled with first love emotions and first heartbreak pain.  A past filled with messy friendships and complicated secrets.  A past that neither Cady nor Coert would be able to forget, no matter how hard they tried.

In trying to forget, Coert moved on to a small town in Maine and tried to rebuild his life.  Now as sheriff of the town, you could say he’s made himself a nice life.   But that would only be if you didn’t look beyond the surface because beyond that surface is a whole lot of hurt and longing.  Longing for that lost love from his past.  Hurt because of the way things had ended.  Little does Coert know that the woman he lost all those years ago will soon be the newest resident of his town…

Cady is looking to move on and make amends.  Move past the pain she’s been living with and make amends with the man she lost all those years ago.  She knows the truth of things now and realizes in order to move forward, you sometimes have to look back.  That mission to heal brings her to the last place she ever thought she’d be…in Coert’s town.  Now, she just needs to get him to stop scowling at her and give her a chance to explain things.  That, would be easier said than done…

Thus story is messy.  It’s complicated.  It’s emotional as all get out.  And it’s freaking beautiful.  Every time I pick up a Kristen Ashley book, I am amazed at how much connection I feel to her characters and their journey.  It’s as if I’m living their story right along side of them.  I felt all of Cady’s emotions and disappointments each time she tried, and failed, to get Coert to soften towards her.  I felt Coert’s frustration when he was trying to reconcile his feelings of both anger and longing towards Cady.  All they felt jumped off the pages.  I wanted desperately for these two to work through their past mistakes and be able to move forward and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I also knew it would be worth it, and oh my, was it ever.  Cady is strong and determined.  She’s kind and loving and a gal I would so love to have as a friend.  Coert is all alpha with a soft side that had me melting.  The connection these two share is intense, beautiful, and unbreakable.  I loved experiencing their reconnection, even if it was one helluva bumpy road.  I won’t spoil anything for you but I will tell you that the ending of their book is totally movie worthy and had me swooning like the heart eye emoji face!

Thank you, Ms. Ashley, for an incredible story.  It’s one I won’t soon forget.  Coert + Cady 4EVA!

Five Loves

 

 

 

 

 

 

And don’t miss the first titles in the Magdalene Series!

THE WILL
SOARING

EXCERPT:

Present day…

I took in the mess of the large, circular room we were in and at first saw nothing but the mess—decaying furniture, a soot-covered stone fireplace, a kitchen that might have been put in in the forties but had not only not been touched the last nine years, it perhaps had not been touched the last nineteen (or more).

Then I saw more.

The extraordinarily carved railing to the sweeping wood staircase that ran the curved side of the house. The red brick walls. The plank wood floors.

“Once upon a time, long ago,” the realtor was suddenly talking wistfully, “someone loved this place. Put that love into building it. Put that love into keeping it. Nine years and more when no one really gave a whit, and still you can see it once had a lot of love.”

Oh yes.

You could see that.

“It’s got a basement, more like a big crawl space,” the agent declared, surprising me with his quick change in tone back to businesslike and informative. “The furnace is down there. You can get down there through a door in the floor. The furnace was put in a while back, and full disclosure, though an inspection will catch it, it probably needs to be replaced.”

Through his words I stared at the fireplace, which scoured would be magnificent, and I noticed it didn’t have a chimney as such, but the smoke probably went out a vent in the wall.

“This floor has a powder room under the stairs,” the realtor kept on. “You can look at it if you want, but if you wanna save yourself that, I’ll just tell you straight, it needs to be gutted.”

I decided to take his word for it and told him that.

He looked relieved when I did before he stated, “Place has a garage, two car. Not in good condition, but think you saw that. Still, it’s close to the house and there’s a covered walkway to that door over there.” He pointed at a door that was across from the door we’d walked in. “Means you might feel a chill but you won’t get wet, unless it’s raining sideways, which happens.”

With a breeze that plastered my jacket to me on a sunny, early spring day, I did not doubt that.

“Garage has a loft space above it, which could be renovated as a studio rental if you’ve a mind to do that sort of thing. As for the property itself, it also has a building where the generators are stowed,” the realtor carried on. “Hook up for a washer and dryer and good space in there. Lots of it for storage. Which is good because there’s not a lot of storage in here for tools and Christmas decorations and whatnot.”

I glanced around seeing he was right. There wasn’t even enough cabinetry to house the things a decent cook would need in her kitchen. Though there was room for them. In fact, if you fought back the gloom, there was quite a bit of room.

“And there’s a place outside, could call it a studio, could call it a mother-in-law house,” he shared. “Whatever, it’s got goodly space, two bedrooms, big kitchen. Could be renovated to be a guest house. Or like I said, a studio if you’re artsy. Or you could rent it out like a B and B. I’ll show you all of that after we have a look at the lighthouse.”

“Thanks,” I replied.

“Now, since I mentioned full disclosure, you have to know it all,” the realtor continued.

Slowly, my eyes went to him.

When they did, he launched in. “Like I said, it’s automated. And like I said, you won’t really have to concern yourself with the functionality of that unless the electricity goes out, but then the generators automatically kick in. There are two. But you’ll need to keep fuel on hand to keep them going in case a blackout lasts awhile. And just to say, this is coastal Maine. We get weather. Blackouts can last awhile.”

When I nodded to share I took that in, he kept going.

“And if you’re, say, away on vacation, you need to make sure someone is playing backup in such a case.”

“Okay,” I replied when he stopped talking, thinking this probably wasn’t a good thing since I knew no one in Maine (or not anyone who wanted to know me) and thus couldn’t call on anyone to do something like that.

I also didn’t hold high hopes I’d make friends and win people. I hadn’t had a lot of success in that in my life.

And last, although Patrick believed it completely, I held no hope that the reason I was out there was going to come to fruition.

That being me having a happy ending.

That being what Patrick thought would be my happy ending.

Which might mean I’d have someone, a certain someone, or actually two (at least), even though I knew I never would.

 

 

 

 


Direct Link:https://video214.com/play/MJZhoh1adHTsjuN64Jl3TQ/s/dark

 

 

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About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

 

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Disorderly Conduct by Tessa Bailey….ARC Review

Disorderly Conduct releases TOMORROW!

Synopsis:

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone…

Police academy cadet Charlie Burns can’t believe his luck when the gorgeous blonde he meets in a bar murmurs those magic words: “Nothing serious, ’kay?” Mind-blowing, no-strings sex with Ever Carmichael—it’s the holy grail of hookups for a guy who’s too busy following in his law enforcement family’s footsteps to think about getting serious. Charlie’s all about casual…that is, until Ever calls it quits and his world tilts on its axis.

Ever knows that when you control the relationship game, you can’t get played. But for the first time, she wants more than short-term satisfaction. Step one: end her fling with commitment-phobic Charlie. Step two: sacrifice herself to the ruthless NYC dating scene. Yet everywhere she turns, there’s Charlie, being his ridiculously charming self. No online match or blind date compares to the criminally hot cop-in-training, but they’re over. Aren’t they?

If love is a four-letter-word, why does the idea of Ever seeing someone else tie Charlie up in knots?  Now he’s desperate to win her back…and a little date sabotage never hurt anyone, right?

My Review:

Guys, I’m telling you, you really don’t need to read any further….in fact, stop reading and just go buy this book and start reading THAT.  Waste no time! Seriously.  Ok, but if you do want to read a review, I can do that…

Oh man.  I mean how does Tessa Bailey do it each time?! How does she come up with fun story lines, adorable heroines, and heroes we swoon over with each book? I don’t know but goodness, how I loved this book.

Charlie and Ever’s story starts out with a chance meeting at a bar, where we learn that Ever is into one thing: not having a serious relationship. Strange for a gal, right?  She has many reasons for that philosophy, and being only in her early 20’s I totally understood them.  And, up until this moment, things have gone well for her. Enter Charlie. The a-freaking-dorable police academy hottie with a wicked tongue and a panty melting smile. I knew she wouldn’t stand a chance.  And after a little while, she did too.

What starts out as a light, sexy good time heads into serious mode when they both start looking deeper at what they feel for one another.  Of course, sharing those feelings is a bit trickier for these two and that’s when things get a bit messy.  Don’t worry though, because one of the things Ms. Bailey does best is get her characters out of those messy situations and the ending to this book is one of the most spectacular de-mess moments I’ve ever read.  EVER! *dreamy sigh*

I seriously loved everything about this story.  With fun, quirky, multi faceted characters and a story line you can’t help but fall in love with from the very first page, his book is a total win. I can’t wait to read more of this series and see more of Charlie and Ever peppered in the books to come.

Thank you, Ms. Bailey, for kicking off a series I know I’ll love, with a book I absolutely adored.  You ROCK!

Five Loves

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Can’t Hardly Breather by Gena Showalter…Review Tour Stop

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes the next standalone romance in the Original Heartbreakers Series—CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE!

Order your copy today!

 

 

CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with an irresistible Original Heartbreakers story about a woman who’s never felt desired and the man who wants her more than air to breathe…

Bullied in high school, Dorothea Mathis’s past is full of memories she’d rather forget. But there’s one she can’t seem to shake—her longstanding crush on former Army Ranger Daniel Porter. Now that the sexy bad boy has started using her inn as his personal playground, she should kick him out…but his every heated glance makes her want to join him instead.

Daniel returned to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma to care for his ailing father and burn off a little steam with no strings attached. Though he craves the curvy Dorothea night and day, he’s as marred by his past as she is by hers. The more he desires her, the more he fears losing her.

But every sizzling encounter leaves him desperate for more, and soon Daniel must make a choice: take a chance on love or walk away forever.

 

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My Review:

Being a huge fan of Gena Showalter’s paranormal worlds, I was so excited to dive into her contemporary side and oh my, it was just as amazing as I had hoped it would be!  Now, this is the 4th book in the series, and I totally failed at reading the first 3 before starting this one but it turns out that it didn’t matter and I was able to enjoy every delicious moment without being lost.  Thank goodness!

There are so many things to love about this story.  Dorothea is a wonderfully real and relatable character from the very first page.  We start out a day in her high school life and are introduced to the unkind words from her fellow classmates and the teenage hero who jumped in to her rescue.  Fast forward to the present and to where both of them are now.  Dorothea running the town’s Inn, going through the motions, not really having much of a life, certainly not much of a love life, and still holding a flame for that boy who came to her rescue all those years ago.  Daniel is also back in town after serving his country in the military and also just kind of going through the motions.  Not having any kind of serious relationships, building his business, and tending to family issues.  But he never forgot about that cute freckled girl he rescued all those years ago. Sure, they see each other often considering he stays at the Inn plenty, but there’s never been more than a ‘hi’ here and there in passing.  That all changes when Dorothea, fed up with the monotony of her day-to-day life takes matters into her own hands and decides to tell Daniel how she’s felt for him all these years…..in nothing but a coat.  And that’s where the fun begins.

I loved these two.  I loved Dorothea and her vulnerability, spunk, determination, and loyalty.  She’s smart, fun, interesting, and  a gal you would love to have as a friend.  She’s also very real and I know a lot of women will be able to relate to her. I equally loved Daniel.  He’s take charge, alpha, sexy, and also a tad vulnerable which rounded out the whole package beautifully.  Their relationship is so fun to watch unfold.  From the very moment Dorothea knocks on Daniel’s door, I knew their journey would be a fun one.  And it SO was!  Dorothea is a hard sell and Daniel has to work to win her over and it was fantastic.  I loved every second of this book!

You can bet I will be backtracking and starting with the first book in this series, because I have no doubt I will adore it as much as I did this book.  Thank you, Ms. Showalter, for a fun, flirty, and emotional read! I loved it!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

 

 

 

 

 

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Gena Showalter’s CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

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About Gena Showalter:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans

 

 

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