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Book Promotion & Review

Jun 6

The Farthest Edge by Kristen Ashley….Release Day Review

by Jilly

 

Synopsis:

Step into the Honey Club, where every sensual boundary will be tested in search of the ultimate pleasure…

Branch doesn’t exist. Living off the grid, he’s looking for a way to forget his past and the guilt that plagues him. But no woman has ever been able to bring him to the edge he craves.

After a traumatic experience of her own, Evangeline stepped away from the decadent world of the Honey Club. But when she gets Branch’s offer—to play without boundaries or commitments—it’s too tempting for her to refuse.

As their passion ignites, Evangeline and Branch push each other to their farthest limit, fulfilling their darkest desires while falling harder and deeper than they ever imagined.

My Review:

The Farthest Edge is the second book in author Kristen Ashley’s The Honey Series and while I really enjoyed the first book, I gotta say I LOVED this book. From start to finish, Evangeline and Branch pulled me in and they held me close for the entire sexy and beautiful ride.  I just adored these two.

What do you get when you take a Domme trying to overcome one helluva obstacle after going through a helluva traumatic event at the one place being safe is held in the highest regard and put her together with a broken man of a Sub convinced he can never reach the sublime connection the right Domme can bring? And what do you get when those two are written by Kristen Ashley? I’ll tell you….you get pure magic.

Branch is literally a dead man walking.  He’s a ghost, a man dead to everyone he’s ever known, living in the shadows.  He’s done and seen things that a lesser man would never be able to handle.  But he owns his life and he knows who he is and what he needs.  He’s not shy about it and I love that about him.  He also has some of the biggest walls built up around him that I’ve ever seen, and rightfully so. He’s in search of something, someone, to give him what he needs.

Enter Evangeline.

Evangeline, the beautiful and strong Domme looking to overcome an event that haunts her to this day.  She’s taken a brief hiatus from the lifestyle she loves so much and is toying with the idea of going back when the opportunity to claim Branch presents himself.  It’s exactly what she needed.   He’s exactly what she needed.

Together Branch and Evangeline are spectacular. They complete one another in the most perfect of ways, both giving when the other is in need and both taking when it’s given. It’s a beautiful dance of learning each other in the most important of ways with trust, knowledge, kindness, and love.  Not only was the heat off the charts, but the emotion between these two is just beautiful.  Branch learning to navigate feelings he doesn’t want to have and Evangeline learning how to love a man like Branch….*dreamy sigh*.  Man, I just can’t get enough of them!

Kristen Ashley has once again outdone herself.  I know these characters will be staying with me for a long time.  Thank you, Ms. Ashley, for another phenomenal read.

 

Five Loves

 

 

Book Links:

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

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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Erotic Five Loves June 2017

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Jun 1

My Best Friend’s Ex by Meghan Quinn…Release Day Blitz & Review

by Courtney



MY BEST FRIEND’S EX by Meghan Quinn is live! ONE-CLICK now!

 

MY BEST FRIEND’S EX
New Adult STANDALONE Romantic Comedy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qpQxZ4
UK: http://amzn.to/2r2ubLG
CA: http://amzn.to/2rMfc9O

AU: http://amzn.to/2saZWAP

When I found an eviction notice taped on my apartment door, I had two options: find a comfortable cardboard box to call home, or move in with Tucker Jameson.
Seeing that cardboard makes me feel itchy, I chose the latter. Which shouldn’t be that big of a deal since Tucker is one of my good friends. And because he’s still pining after his ex-girlfriend and I’m trying to finish my nursing degree, there is nothing to worry about in the romance department, making my last semester an easy one to conquer.
Boy, was I wrong.
Rules are set, dinners are made, conversations are had, and a shirtless, swoony roommate walks around in nothing but a pair of black briefs, ruining me for every other man.
Before I know it, I turn into a panting, lust-filled woman begging for Tucker to kiss me, touch me, and show me exactly what is hiding under those briefs.
But with great orgasms, comes great consequences.
Tucker might be my friend and roommate but he’s also my best friend’s ex-boyfriend, making him completely off-limits. At least that’s what my brain is telling me, my heart is speaking an entirely different language.

 

 

 

 

 

I was so looking forward to Tucker’s book and Meghan did not disappoint me at all. I enjoyed this book so much more than Co-Wrecker.

Tucker is still reeling from losing Sadie and their baby. He’s threw himself into his work and every day is like Groundhog Day for him – work, go home, sleep, wake up, go to work. Sounds really exciting.

Emma is Sadie’s best friend and was a close friend to Tucker when he was with Sadie. After they split ways, Emma never really saw or spoke to Tucker since then. She is trying to finish her last year of nursing school and is in he last semester when she and her roommate are evicted from their place. She has one week to find another place or be homeless.

Yea, you see where this is going. For one odd night, Tucker happens to go out and drown out his sorrows at a bar, he runs into Emma. She later on becomes his roommate, a roommate with rules and boundaries – mostly all established from Tucker. And that’s where the real fun begins!!!

I loved watching these two infuse themselves into each other lives without realizing it. They were friends before so it’s a natural thing for them to fall into a natural routine and get alone easily, even some flirting. But there’s a huge elephant between them and that also happens to be one of the rules – no talking about Sadie.

I have to point out that I love how Meghan played out this scenario. There was no rush, no stripping of clothes, jumping each other bones and Tucker forgetting all about his problems. He knows that if he wants more with Emma, he needs to get himself in the right frame of mind. And I love that he think he does, and in certain ways he does, he just doesn’t realize that he’s sort of covering up the problem too and not fully dealing with it head on. And Emma – I love that she doesn’t just let him get away with teasing her and thinking it’s cool – she lets it be known what she wants.

I have to say that this book is the complete opposite when it comes to maturity of the characters from Co-Wrecker. Co-Wrecker was definitely more juvenile while this book held a lot more maturity from everyone. Granted, Tucker’s one friend Racer was the jokester of the group, he wasn’t childish in his actions – just a typical male goofball.

Loved this book – Tucker and Emma’s story was so much more than I anticipated and I really enjoyed reading the mix up between humor and the serious side in this book. A great blend of everything to make a great story!

Oh and, I am praying that Racer gets a book in the future. HINT! HINT! LOL

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.
Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.
Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!
Find me on Goodreads:

Contemporary Romance Five Loves humor June 2017 New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Comedy

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May 25

Nudes by Sarah Robinson…Review Tour

by Courtney

 

NUDES: A Hollywood romance standalone from bestselling author Sarah Robinson!

ONLY $0.99!

**limited time**

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2qbiIqc

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2qJdh4Q

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2r62Vxl

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

Nook: http://bit.ly/2oV0Enx

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oUT0cz

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2nuMBkd

Blurb

Ben Lawson is making a comeback…

After a few tabloid headlines, they think they know me. They don’t know a damn thing.  As CEO of a movie production company, I’ll show them who I really am when we hit it big at the box office. My ex thought her smear tactics would ruin me, but I’m unbreakable. Rising from the debris, I swore I’d never let a woman distract me like that again. But then, my leading actress walked on the set and changed everything.

Seductive, sexy, and unapologetic, Aria Rose could break me. I wanted to help her, protect her…love her. Instead, I destroyed her.

Aria Rose is baring it all….

I knew better.  I knew not to trust another Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation like his. He was my boss and became my ruin. I should have stayed far away from him. Ben Lawson promised me the world.  He even promised me his heart.

But he destroyed everything–my heart, my career, us.

WOW!! This book was so much more than I expected. This book is so much more than the cover. The underlying message Sarah sends is one we all need to be reminded of daily. We are more than what you see. Words hurt – stand up for one another instead of shaming each other.

I can’t express how much I truly loved this book. Not just the message behind the story, but the story itself. Sarah wrote two very strong characters who fell for each other immediately. And let me tell you, insta-love stories are a hard sell for me. If the story is not written the correct way, I won’t even finish the book. But that definitely is not the case with Nudes.

I won’t go into the details of this because it’s a story you want to experience first hand. Aria is an upcoming actress with her first leading roll. She won’t allow anything to happen that will make it seem like she didn’t earn the lead roll all on her own accord. She’s focused on her craft and doesn’t want anyone or anything getting in her way. She’s got a great family behind her and even some awesome friends in this business helping her move up in the world.

Ben is trying to make a comeback after his ugly divorce. He refuses to date another actress or any other woman distract him in this business. But when he meets Aria, nothing can stop him from going after her. No matter what he tells himself or what she says – the chemistry can’t be denied. And after a “free agents” weekend, it only seems as though they have added more fuel to the flames burning between them. But it’s not easy to keep things a secret in Hollywood – everyone is out for themselves and they don’t care who takes the fall, as long as they come out on top.

I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. I devoured this book within hours. Sarah tells a very compelling and real story that you can so easily believe would happen in Hollywood (even if hasn’t already). I loved these characters strength and how they were so resilient, when many would run and hide, lick their wounds. And the message behind it all – so powerful and I love how Sarah delivered it.

If you don’t have this book on your TBR list, you definitely need to. This is a book you don’t want to be left out on.

Excerpt

“Aria?” A deep voice cut through the crisp nighttime air.

She turned to see Ben approaching her, the shadows from the upper deck of the yacht moving across his face as he came closer. “Oh. Hi, Mr. Lawson.”

“Please, like I said, call me Ben,” he reiterated, leaning against the railing next to her.

“Right. Ben. Sorry, the last exec wasn’t quite so…”

His lips curved into a smile. “So, what?”

She wasn’t sure what to say, because her honest answer was sexy. That didn’t seem like the best thing to a man who now funded and controlled her film. “Approachable?”

Ben laughed—a deep chuckle that she felt vibrate through her bones. “I hope that’s a good thing.”

“It definitely is,” she assured him, placing a hand on his arm. The moment she touched him, she pulled back, immediately embarrassed.

He. Is. My. Boss. Get it together, Aria.

He didn’t chide her, or look uncomfortable, which she took as a good sign.

Aria returned to her original position beside him, and they stared out at the darkened water lapping the sides of all the boats docked around.

“Want to hear something funny?” Aria finally broke the silence, but kept her voice low. So low, he had to lean in to hear her.

“Tell me.”

“My parents met in this very marina. She was a caterer and he was a deckhand—still teenagers. Barely old enough to know who they were, let alone what they wanted out of life. Still, they knew what love was when they stumbled upon it, and they knew enough to never let go.” Aria’s heart beat a little faster, warming at the memories.

“Wow. Are they still together?”

Aria nodded. “Barely spent a day apart since. My mother is actually my manager, and she works insanely hard for me, but my father always comes first. He’s the love of her life.”

“Love like that is special. Rare.”

“Is it?” Aria tilted her head to the side. “I’m not sure it’s as rare as it is a choice, a commitment, and the strength to follow through each and every day. There were times they could have given up—maybe lived an easier life with someone else—but they made a decision that this was the love they wanted, this was the life they wanted, and in that choice comes a confidence, a happiness, that most people deny themselves.”

Ben was quiet for a minute. Finally, he inhaled loudly, then blew it out in one long breath. “That’s really beautiful, Aria. Hits a bit close to home, I have to admit.”

“I’m sorry.” Aria frowned, turning to face him and just leaving one elbow on the railing. “I didn’t mean—”

He shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I just finished going through a divorce about six months ago, though we’d separated the year before that. I think you’re right—love is a choice. Making love work is a choice. And yet…if it’s not with the right person, then it’s the wrong choice.”

“Soul mates.” Aria raised one brow. “You believe in that?”

Ben stared at her for a moment…a long moment. The kind of moment that made her shift her weight from one leg to the other, her skin heating under his gaze. “Yes. I believe in soul mates.”

She tilted her chin up ever so slightly, going for lightheartedness. “Well, we all have our flaws. You couldn’t be entirely perfect.”

Ben laughed again. “Believing in soul mates is a flaw?”

“Buying what you’re selling is definitely a flaw. You’re a movie producer, so you sell fantasy to the world.”

“I think we can have the fantasy.” His eyes danced, but his smile was gone. “Don’t you want the fantasy?”

Aria turned back to the ocean, looking out at the waves. This was too much, too real, too soon with a man she barely knew. A man who was pretty much her boss. “Who wouldn’t want the fantasy?” she said dismissively. “Some would say I’m already living it.”

“That’s certainly true. Everyone on this yacht, everyone in this city…Hollywood. It’s all a fantasy of some sort.” Something in his tone sounded so…sad? A small ache pulled at her heart, and she felt like they’d opened the door to something different. Something different than studio exec and actress. Something more than strangers who just met today.

Her humanity connected to his, and they were just two people standing on a boat wishing it could float them away from their picture-perfect lives.

“Do you know why I love Scarlet’s Letters?” she said softly, her voice barely above the whistle of the wind around them.

He stepped closer, his elbow pressed against hers on the railing now. “Why?”

“It’s something I can be proud of. A story I’m proud to tell. The strength of a woman in wartime, a French woman saving innocent people during the Holocaust…a woman picking her truth over a man, over love. Have you read the script?”

Ben nodded. “I have. Two years ago, when it was making the rounds. It’s powerful, and from what I’ve seen, you do an amazing job in it.”

“Thank you. When I first saw this script—or rather, read the book it’s based on—I knew I had to play this part. No matter what I had to give up. This was mine.”

She’d never connected to anything more than she had this script. It was empowering, and taught courage in the toughest of circumstances. It was a tiny snapshot of a much larger scale event, showing the decisions and atrocities suffered at such a human, personal level. It was a woman denying her own privilege and luxury to help fellow humans who didn’t have that reach.

“The way you talk about it…I’m jealous,” Ben admitted.

That got Aria’s attention, and she turned to face him. “Jealous? Of what?”

He pushed off the railing, looking up at the stars before settling on her gaze. “Passion. Excitement. Purpose. You know what you want. You know who you are and what your goals are.”

“And you don’t?” He had to be nearly thirty, if not over. Striking and fresh faced, but his features still said experience. Aria was only in her twenties, but at times she felt decades older.

Ben shook his head. “I thought I did. I built a life. Got married. Worked my way up in Maguire Industries. Everything was mapped out. Everything was…easy.”

The ache from earlier was back, the sadness in his voice. Aria placed her hand on his forearm, a comforting gesture. Partly for him, but mostly for her. She needed a physical connection when they were connecting on so much more.

“What happened?” she pried, squeezing his arm ever so slightly.

Ben looked down at her hand, his eyes lingering. He didn’t move or pull away, and when he lifted his head to face her again, there was a need in his eyes that made her insides heat. “The woman I trusted with all my secrets? She sold them to the highest bidder the moment I wasn’t able to be a stepping stone for her career.”

Aria didn’t reply, sensing there was more.

“She used every connection she had to get me blacklisted. Took everything. Now Maguire Industries acquired Shepherd Films, expecting me to fail. Pushing me out.”

“Not many would call being the CEO of a film studio a demotion,” Aria pointed out.

“When you’re used to being the landscaper, it’s hard to become the rose.”

Aria laughed, letting go of his arm. “First, soul mates. Now, roses. You’re a poetic man, Ben Lawson. A true romantic.”

Suddenly, his fingers intertwined with hers, pulling her to him. Pressing her body to his, chest to chest, heartbeat to heartbeat. His eyes never left hers, and she watched him wrestle with something…doubt, uncertainty. As if he didn’t know why he’d just hugged her to him, but then need. Pure need darkened his eyes as something deeper pushed the rest away.

Her breath was lost as she concentrated on standing, her knees already threatening to buckle. She’d taken every second of the journey with him, and now she wanted more. Something about the way he smelled ignited every nerve ending in her body. The way he held her, one arm wrapped around her back, was so secure, so comfortable, so protective, so intimately. No one had ever held her like that in her entire life.

She didn’t want him to let go.

He was fire. She wanted to leap into his flames.

“And what are you, Aria Rose?” Ben’s fingers tipped her chin upward, her eyes finding his. “Who are you?”

The words rumbled in his chest, vibrating against him as he spoke. There was a genuineness to it that terrified her, unnerved her, and completely overwhelmed her. Their souls were laid bare and he was asking for more.

A perfect stranger. A moment of truth. An absolute mistake.

She couldn’t do it. Her walls shot up and she let go of him, fear coursing through her. “I’m an actress, Mr. Lawson. Just an actress.”

And just so much more.

About the Author

 

Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in clinical and forensic psychology. She is married to a wonderful man who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters.

Stalk Her:  Website | Facebook | Author Group | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr

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Contemporary Romance Excerpt Five Loves Giveaway May 2017 New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance

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May 24

The Stand by A.L. Jackson…..Arc Review

by Courtney

 STAND is now live!

A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

Don’t miss out on the unforgettable romance readers are raving about!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/StandAmzn
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/StandiBooks
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/StandKobo
Nook: http://smarturl.it/StandNook
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/StandGooglePlay
Signed Paperbacks: http://www.aljacksonauthor.com/stand

“6 Devastatingly Beautiful and Brilliant Bleeding Stars but Worth the Whole Constellation.

I felt every burn…every blaze…every beautiful and brilliant word…I FELT IT ALL. ”

~Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog

From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson comes the next seductive, unforgettable Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel…
Zachary Kennedy has never been known as a fighter, but he’ll never regret fighting for her…
I’m Zee Kennedy.
Quiet. Reserved. Predictable.
When my brother died, everyone thought I was just the good guy who stepped up to take his place in the band.
No one knew what I was hiding. The one thing I’ve been fighting for.
For seven years, I’ve never lost focus.
Not until one chance encounter with Alexis Kensington.
Now she’s become my greatest temptation.
I knew better than to touch her, but now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t get enough.
Her kiss becomes my air. Her body my salvation.
She needed a savior and somehow she became mine.
Taking her was a betrayal. But keeping her means risking everything.
One look at Alexis Kensington, and I know she’s worth the fight.
Will my past continue to keep me down or will I finally find the strength to pull myself up and Stand
 
This is Amy at her finest and best yet!! This book wrecked me completely. Emotions everywhere and kept me on edge the whole time. WOW!! The best book to end one hell of an amazing series.

I have been waiting to read Zee’s book for quite some time and Amy gave us more than what I had anticipated. Zee stepped up to take his brother’s place as Sunder’s drummer when he passed away seven years ago. The men of Sunder took him in like he always belonged but Zee always kept himself tucked away in the shadows, keeping the bang together. Zee has carried the pain of losing his brother with him for all these years and he’s also kept one of the biggest secrets from everyone, til one girl threatens it all.

Alexis – I love her. She is one the most delicate yet strong heroines I have read in awhile. She too is like Zee, selfless in her giving and always looking out for others in her life. Zee become Alexis’ protector and she becomes Zee’s angel, his light. As much as he knows he can’t have her, he can’t stay away from her.

” ‘Fall with me,’ I whispsered.

He leaned down, lips just brushing mine, and Zachary Kennedy murmured his truth.

‘I already jumped.’ “

Amy wrote one of the most heart-breaking and beautiful stories with these two. Everything they go through, it crushed me. My heart hurt for them both. I was a bawling mess the last 40% of this book. The buildup and the crescendo of this story just pulverized me and had me reeling me with some many emotions. Zee and Alexis’ love story is one that will stay with me for quite some time.

“No fear. Just life.”

This quote is one that I will never forget (and more than likely will be tattooed on some part of my body at some point). It rings throughout this book and trust me when I say, it will become a quote that will stick with you.

So if you have not realized, this series is amazing. And if you have not read any of these books yet, you need to NOW!! And you can read this one as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them in order. You won’t feel confused reading out of order, but you will feel the story so much deeper when reading them in order.

Amy’s writing is like no other. I feel her words. I become so entranced by the story, I never want it to end. These characters – they have become family to me. They feel real to me. These men and their wives and kids have a special place in my heart.

This series is what got me hooked on rockstar romances. I actually cried when the book was over – it was like saying goodbye to my family. I started this series in the middle and I immediately got swept up in it’s chaos and beauty. This series is one of my top faves and is my top rockstar romance. I am sad to see the journey of Sunder come to an end but it was worth every damn word I read. And will gladly re-read again and again.

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installment STAND, coming Spring 2017.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 24587 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.
Connect with A.L.
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Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
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Contemporary Romance Five Loves Giveaway May 2017 New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Rockstar Romance Romance

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May 16

Plus One by Aleatha Romig…Release Day Blitz & Review

by Courtney

ARPlusOneBookCover6x9_MEDIUM

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

He’s sexy and confident, the kind of man every woman notices. You know, the one with the to-die-for body and panty-melting smirk. And then there’s the way his designer suits drape over his broad shoulders and big…well, we’ve all heard the rumors, the ones that say he’s up for any challenge.

But I can’t see him that way. He’s my boss—technically one of the owners of the company where I work—and definitely not in my league. Men like him don’t notice women like me, and they don’t date them.

And I don’t date men like him.

Until that one time that I catch him in a compromising position when I’m also in need of a last-minute date for a wedding…and then it’s not real. It’s blackmail.

For one weekend, he’s my plus-one.

Beautiful and unobtainable.

From the moment she walked into my office with those stunning blue eyes and crazy sensual curves, she’s been on my mind. Three years and never once has she acted interested in me. Usually I flash a million-dollar smile and women fall to their knees, some literally.

Not her.

Then on the occasion that I agree to let another woman do that—fall to her knees—guess who happens to catch us?

It may not be the most conventional way to get on her radar, but I didn’t get this far in business without knowing when to seize an opportunity. If this sexy little firecracker with perfectly kissable lips thinks she can blackmail me into attending her cousin’s wedding, I’m going to jump at the chance to be her plus-one.

You love her darker side. Now it’s time to meet Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha, as she trades her renowned twists and turns for laughs and love with this sexy new stand-alone romance, PLUS ONE.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N

I’m in an alternate universe and it’s every fantasy I never knew I had.
What CEO of a billion-dollar company dreams of enjoying a farm in the middle of nowhere? Who imagines waking in a small bedroom, complete with a canopy bed and sunshine streaming through pink curtains, as birds sing? What owner of a 7,000-square-foot penthouse with a to-die-for view of the Empire State Building enjoys the hominess of a hundred-year-old, 3,000-square-foot farmhouse with a wraparound porch, creaky floors, and a view of cornfields?
Sitting with a cup of steaming black coffee, I listen as Kimbra and her brother Kevin bicker back and forth while helping their mother in the large eat-in kitchen. The warm spring air is filled with the sizzle of frying as the aroma of coffee, eggs, and bacon reminds me of some of the best diners in New York.
Although Kimbra’s dad, Oscar, is talking, I can’t concentrate on anything but Kimbra—Kimberly Ann. That’s what everyone here calls her.
“Because of you, I’m out ten bucks.” Kevin says, not doing a good job of whispering.
“Me?” Kimbra asks. “What did I do?”
Kevin tilts his head my way. “You brought a real guy here. I put money on him being made up.”
Kimbra reaches out and punches his shoulder.
He lifts his hands in surrender. “No. Listen. I was sure it was a good bet. When Mom said your boyfriend’s name wasn’t Timothy, but Duncan, and you didn’t want him in the wedding, Susan and I figured he wasn’t real. I bet Jimmy ten bucks this fake Duncan guy would be a no-show. Susan and I were sure that before last night, you’d have some reason why at the last minute he couldn’t attend. You know, like you’d make up some accident or something.”
Her brother is about as good at speaking softly as he is at being nice to his sister.
“Shut up!” Kimbra whispers back. “Obviously he’s real.”
Kevin’s head falls back in laughter. “He’s real, all right. Last night I thought your old bed was going to collapse.”
Kimbra’s eyes flash to me. And though I look down at my coffee and pray her dad isn’t listening, the gleam in her expression makes my cock twitch with the memories of the night before.

So we all know (well a lot of us know) that Aleatha is known for her darker and more suspenseful books. So she gave the lighter and fluffier said a go and WOW – smacked this one right out of the park. I really wonder if there is anything that Aleatha can’t write exceptionally well.

Plus One had me smiling and laughing through this whole book. I loved every single bit of this book and these characters. From Duncan and Kimbra, to each of their best friends, Mike and Shana to both their families. I love them all!!!

Kimbra is an HR representative at a pharmaceutical logistics company that Duncan is part owner of. They are both aware of who each other is but have never really spoken outside the office over business dealings. So when the whole blackmailing situation arises, they are both in for a surprise. Not only does he have to be her plus one at a family wedding, they need to prove that they have been together for quite some time – GAME ON!!

Aleatha let this whole story play out beautifully. I love Kimbra’s family – Grandma Helen won me over quickly. She is a hoot and I think we all need a Grandma Helen in our lives. The rest of her family adds their own flare to the story and Duncan warms up to them all easily. Shana, Kimbra’s best friend and roommate – I love her. She has made me view cannoli in a whole new light. HA!

Regardless if you have read any of Aleatha;s writing before or not, this book proves why she is one hell of a talented writer. She writes memorable characters and fantastic plot lines that will keep you glued to the pages til the very end. Another smashing hit for Aleatha!

Dramatic portrait of a girl theme: portrait of a beautiful lonely girl with flying hair in the wind isolated on dark background

aleatharomig1

Aleatha 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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Apr 26

Ride Rough by Laura Kaye….Review Tour Stop

by Jilly

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye brings you the second title in her Raven Riders Series, RIDE ROUGH. A sexy romantic suspense, you might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series about a different kind of a motorcycle club with a protective mission stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! The Raven Riders Series takes you on a new adventure and kicks it into overdrive! Order your copy of RIDE ROUGH today!

 

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About Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2, 4/25/17)

Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

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My Review:

Ride Rough is the newest installment in Laura Kaye’s Raven Riders Series and the range of emotion I felt while reading Maverick and Alexa’s story was off the charts.  I loved every second of it!

Maverick, like any of the Raven Riders crew, is loyal, tough, has a soft side, and won’t stand by when someone is being treated poorly….especially the love of his life.  It didn’t make a difference that she was engaged to someone else now, he wasn’t going to let her continue to be treated like dirt by the man who supposedly loved her…and boy oh boy did I love him for it! His tough exterior with his soft interior had me swooning like a loon. He knew from the very beginning he had his work cut out for him when it came to Alexa and her current situation and did he ever.  Lucky for Alexa, Mav was always up for a challenge! I loved Alexa just as much.  Sure she was in a bit of a mess but deep down she knew the life she was living wasn’t a good one.  She knew deep down she wasn’t safe in her relationship and even though she tried to deny it, I admire her for coming to terms with it. Together they can navigate any storm headed their way and I loved them together!

I also loved getting to see more of the Raven Riders/Hard Ink family.  These books have some of the most memorable characters I’ve read and being able to catch up with some of the old crew, as well as getting to know the new crew is such a freaking treat.

Thank you, Ms. Kaye, for another amazing story!  I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Five Loves

RIDE ROUGH by Laura Kaye – EXCERPT – Just this once

“I want you. Feels like I’ve been wanting you my whole life.” Alexa peered up at him, her eyes so vibrant they were nearly green.

Maverick pulled back, her words hitting him in all kinds of places, some comfortable, some even healing, but some less so. “You can’t toy with me, Alexa. Not when I’ve wanted you for so long. Not when I never wanted to let you go in the first place. This . . . this can just be fucking. But don’t you dare say anything you don’t mean.”

She stroked his hair. “Truth?”

He gave a tight nod and prepared for the worst, even as he hoped for a shot.

“Truth is, I don’t know what this means. Yet. I am so messed up right now. I’m not even going to hide that. But . . .” She tilted her head, and her expression was filled with something Mav didn’t want to name, but it sure as hell looked like affection. “But I know I want this. I want you, Maverick. Right now. And wanting you feels like one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in forever. Everything else be damned.” Her voice was shaky and breathy and her words were so full of dangerous, dangerous hope that Maverick didn’t dare move.

His muscles nearly shook with the force of his restraint, because his body was literally screaming at him. Screaming at him to just let go. “Fuck, Alexa.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you. But I want you. I want you inside me right now more than I want my next breath.”

Even though his mind was rolling out a list of all the reasons why this was a no good what the fuck are you thinking very bad idea, Maverick’s body grabbed the reins. On a groan, he went in for a kiss, rougher than he intended, but the moan she unleashed when his mouth crashed down on hers told him she didn’t mind. They fumbled with clothes. Her boxers. His jeans. Until they were both naked and pressed tight, all hot skin on skin, and his cock ground against her soft folds until she was mewling and writhing and silently pleading with the rough, desperate grip of her hands on his shoulders, his back, his ass.

A big part of Maverick wanted to pick Alexa up and carry her to his bed—where his heart said she belonged—but this wasn’t about that. At least not yet, and he wasn’t giving either of them any more time to think than he already had.

He needed her too damn bad. Just this once. In case that’s all it was.

 

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And don’t miss all the books in the Raven Riders Series!

HARD AS STEEL now available
RIDE HARD now available
RIDE ROUGH coming April 25th, 2017
RIDE WILD coming October 31st, 2017

 

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Laura Kaye’s RIDE ROUGH – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule

April 17th

Book Lovin’ Mamas – Review

Ebook Indulgence – Review & Excerpt

GraveTells – Review & Excerpt

Red Hot + Blue Reads – Review & Excerpt

The Book Hammock – Review & Excerpt

The Ordinary Housewife Book Blog – Excerpt

April 18th

a geordielass honest blog on reviews – Review

Bridget’s Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt

Cara’s Book Boudoir – Review & Excerpt

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Knotty Girl Reviews – Review & Excerpt

NallaReads – Review & Excerpt

Shahla’s bookcorner – Review

April 19th

Disheveled Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

From the TBR Pile – Review & Excerpt

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt

Julalicious Book Paradise – Review & Excerpt

Lit. 4 Ladies – Review & Excerpt

Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review

April 20th

Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – Excerpt

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

Books According to Abby – Review & Excerpt

Kdrbck – Review & Excerpt

Liezel’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

My Book Snack – Excerpt

The Book Disciple – Review & Excerpt

April 21st

Books, Coffee & Passion – Excerpt

East Coast Book Chicks – Review

My Girlfriends Couch – Review & Excerpt

Naughty Moms’ Story Time – Review

Sip Read Love – Review

Two Girls with Books – Review

April 22nd

Another Book Hangover – Excerpt

Dawn’s Reading Nook – Excerpt

Literary misfit – Excerpt

The Book Boyfriend Addict – Review & Excerpt

What I’m Reading – Review & Excerpt

April 23rd

Cocktails and Books – Review & Excerpt

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Excerpt

Friends Till The End Book Blog – Excerpt

Love Notes Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

April 24th

Book Sniffers Anonymous – Review

Books,Dreams,Life – Excerpt

For The Love of Fictional Worlds – Review & Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – Review

Pretty Sassy Cool – Review & Excerpt

April 25th

BooksandMe – Excerpt

FMR BookGrind – Review & Excerpt

Four Chicks Flipping Pages – Review

Ripe For Reader – Review & Excerpt

The Book Reading Gals – Review & Excerpt

With Love for Books – Review

April 26th

A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia – Review & Excerpt

Bookaliciousbabes Blog – Review & Excerpt

Queenzany – Review & Excerpt

Read-Love-Blog – Review

Reviews by Tammy and Kim – Review & Excerpt

Spoons, Hooks, and Books – Review & Excerpt

April 27th

A small girl, her man and her books – Review & Excerpt

Bobo’s Book Bank – Review & Excerpt

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm – Review & Excerpt

Renee Entress’s Blog – Review & Excerpt

Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

The Book Junkie – Review & Excerpt

April 28th

Book Angel Booktopia – Review

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Love Drug Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Nose Stuck in a Book – Review & Excerpt

Pardon My Blurb – Review & Excerpt

Reese’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Sassy Moms Say Read Romance – Review & Excerpt

 

 

laurakaye-34 crop 2About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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April 2017 Blog Tour Five Loves

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Apr 25

Too Hard to Forget by Tessa Bailey…Jillian’s Review In Short

by Jilly

 

Synopsis:

This time, she’s calling the shots.

Peggy Clarkson is returning to her alma mater with one goal in mind: confront Elliott Brooks, the man who ruined her for all others, and remind him of what he’s been missing. Even after three years, seeing him again is like a punch in the gut, but Peggy’s determined to stick to her plan. Maybe then, once she has the upper hand, she’ll finally be able to move on.

In the years since Peggy left Cincinnati, Elliott has kept his focus on football. No distractions and no complications. But when Peggy walks back onto his practice field and into his life, he knows she could unravel everything in his carefully controlled world. Because the girl who was hard to forget is now a woman impossible to resist.

 

My Review in Short:

So a new little ditty I’m trying out…a review in short! I know we all are limited on time so rather than me blathering on and on, I figured a few sentences would be perfect! Here goes…

What’s not to love about a second chance romance, especially when written by Tessa Bailey?  Elliott and Peggy have an intense past that ended way too soon, leaving more than a few things and plenty of feelings left hanging in the balance.  Neither one of them are able to forget the other, and with flashbacks to some of their most heated moments, it’s no wonder why! Their road back to each other was a total doozy and the emotions ran high while I was reading.  I simply loved these two and wanted them to get back together with a panicked desperation! Not to worry…it all ends out exactly as I had hoped *swoon*

Tessa shines once again when her dirty talking alpha male hero not only has to make up for his flawed past moments with Peggy, but also has to win her back and a place in her future.  There were two incredible moments int his book that I can’t wait for you all to read….the nail polish and the speech at the end.  Grab your tissues, ladies and gents, Elliott will have you crying happy tears!

Thank you, Tessa, for another sexy and kick ass read!  I will never ever get enough of your dirty talking men and the gals (and guys) who love them! (oh yeah, and thanks for being my first review in short! xo)

 

Five Loves

 

 

About the author:

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans, and laptop, and drove cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend, and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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April 2017 Contemporary Romance Five Loves

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Apr 25

Deadly Silence by Rececca Zanetti….Release Day Blitz & Review

by Courtney

DEADLY SILENCE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: DEADLY SILENCE

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Series: Blood Brothers, #1

On Sale: April 25, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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**NOW AVAILABLE IN MASS MARKET**

The first book in a breathtaking new romantic suspense series that will appeal to fans of New York Times bestsellers Maya Banks, Lisa Gardner, and Lisa Jackson.

Under siege. That’s how Ryker Jones feels. The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency he opened up with his blood brothers has lost a client in a brutal way. The past he can’t outrun is resurfacing, threatening to drag him down in the undertow. And the beautiful woman he’s been trying to keep at arm’s length is in danger…and he’ll destroy anything and anyone to keep her safe.

Paralegal Zara Remington is in over her head. She’s making risky moves at work by day and indulging in an affair with a darkly dangerous PI by night. There’s a lot Ryker isn’t telling her and the more she uncovers, the less she wants to know. But when all hell breaks loose, Ryker may be the only one to save her. If his past doesn’t catch up to them first…

Full of twists and turns you won’t see coming, DEADLY SILENCE is New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti at her suspenseful best.

**THE PRINT EDITION CONTAINS EXTRA BONUS SCENES NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE!**

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This is my first book by Rebecca and wow – she blew me away!!! I hadn’t realized when I read this book that it was a spinoff from another of Rebecca’s books. Honestly, you don’t need to read the others books to understand what’s going on in this book, but I am curious to a few certain things that I am sure are answered in the other books.

Deadly Silence is a romantic suspense, which is one of my favorite genres to read. This book is about Ryker and Zara and his brothers play strong secondary characters in it.

Life, not genetics, had made them family… 

Ryker is Private Investigator and ends up working Zara’s law firm; she’s a paralegal. But their relationship started off before that with some casual dating. Ryker told her from the beginning that it was just casual and she’s smart enough that she knows that’s where their relationship needs to stay. She also knows that she probably shouldn’t be involved with him at all. And then HE wants to try for more…..

“Casual sex doesn’t work for me any longer.”
“There ain’t nothin’ casual about our sex, and you know it.”

Rebecca writes some really strong characters. Ryker is all alpha and very protective and dominant. He’s very demanding and has his own dark past shadowing him at all times. Zara fights for what she knows it right and has no problem standing up to Ryker herself. But she also knows when to back off too.

The safest place for her was with him, yet it was also the most dangerous to her heart.

This book has the perfect blend of hot and steamy mixed with action and suspense – both have you on the edge of your seat while reading. I couldn’t put it down once I started. If you enjoy strong alpha characters and heroines who are strong in their own right, then this is the book for you.

Bring on Book #2 – Lethal Lies!!

EXCERPT

 

Heat from his body washed over her, but she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “We don’t have a relationship.”

He smiled then, and the curve of his lips held more determination than amusement. “I’m not letting you run, and I’m certainly not letting you hide, baby. Although neither of us has been in this for the long haul, I’m staying in Wyoming for the moment. The first thing that’s going to happen is I’m going to figure out who dared put a hand on you and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

For the first time, she saw a side of him that gave her true pause. In the long haul, he’d be unbearably possessive. Why did that give her an intriguing sense of safety? “Knock it off,” she snapped in his face. “Get out of my business.”

That quickly, she found her back against the door and her front pinned by hard male. His hands planted on either side of her neck, his thumbs at her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “Something you need to understand and pretty damn quick is that your business is my business right now.” His thumb swept up and over the offensive bruise on her face.

“Step back.” Her voice trembled.

He ignored the very calm order. “No. You don’t want to tell me who did this? Fine. I’ll find out on my own, and I’ll have the name by the time I pick you up for supper. What you don’t want to do is deal with him or his case until I have that name. Kicking him in the balls might’ve just pissed him off more, and now you’ve let a bully stew on it for a while, which might be dangerous for you. Got it?”

“You have no right to interfere,” she whispered.

“Baby, I’ve been fuckin’ you for months. That gives me every right.” Anger glowed dark in his eyes.

“We’re done. Get out.”

His eyes softened. “You shouldn’t make statements you can’t back up.”

She shoved against his ripped abs.

He didn’t move a millimeter.

And then he did.

His head dipped, and his mouth found her neck and wandered up to her ear. His teeth scraped, and then his tongue licked the slight wound.

Of its own volition, her body did a full tremble.

He leaned back. “That.”

Her mind fuzzed.

His mouth slammed down on hers. She knew his kiss—often dreamed about it. Not soft and sweet . . . not even lustful. It was dangerous. From day one, she’d tasted danger on his tongue, and it burned her hotter than she’d ever been.

Never had she dated a bad boy, but after living her desired routine-driven life for years, she’d craved adventure, and he filled that need. He drew out a wildness she hadn’t realized she possessed.

He held her flush against the door, kissing her hard, sending a craving along her nerves that almost hurt. His tongue went to work, his left hand keeping her jaw open for him. His right hand found her hip and dragged her against the obvious bulge in his jeans. By the time he released her, she’d stopped thinking completely.

“What time are you finished today?” he asked, his breath heating her face.

“Fi-five,” she stuttered.

He leaned back and gently put her to the side. “Stay in the office until I come for you at five, Zara.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “Cross me on this, baby, and I ain’t gonna be gentle.” He had already shut the door behind himself before she could take a whole breath.

She blinked several times, her fingers going to her still-tingling mouth. What had just happened?

THE BLOOD BROTHERS SERIES

DEADLY SILENCE, #1

LETHAL LIES, #2

TWISTED TRUTHS, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

READ AN EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM LETHAL LIES, ON SALE MAY 16TH!

“All the more reason to get you out of town,” Heath said quietly.

She shook her head. “No. I’m staying.” Her words were brave, but her chest hurt. No way could she deal with a serial killer all on her own. She could train every day for the rest of her life and not end up as practiced or as deadly as Heath already was, and she knew it. “I understand you have other cases and people after you. So leave, and I’ll handle this myself.”

“Those are big words, baby,” he said softly.

Her lip quivered, and she bit down on it. “I know. I promised her, Heath. It’s all I have left to give to her.”

He paused, understanding crossing his expression. “Ah, sweetheart. Your sister wouldn’t want that for you.” His voice turned velvety and soft. Soothing.

Anya nodded. “I know. But she was my sister. We shared blood and part of a childhood. She took me trick-or-treating when I was five, and it’s one of my best memories. Then when I needed help as an adult, she didn’t hesitate. She came to me right away, like family. She was the first person I really cared about in far too long, and it hurts like hell that I got her killed.”

He breathed out, the emotion in his eyes deepening.

She swallowed. “I have to do this for her. Either you understand that or you don’t.”

“Why don’t you just let us handle it?”

She pressed her point. “I could, but you need me. I’m the bait.” Inwardly, she winced at the description. That wouldn’t help her to convince him. “Also, here’s the deal. This could be a long op. At some point, you have to leave and deal with whatever is haunting you from your past. When you do, I’ll just challenge him again, and next time you won’t be around to assist.”

“That’s extortion,” Heath said, amusement curving his lip.

She grinned. “Apparently I’m getting quite good at it.”

Heath shook his head. “You’re putting me in an untenable position, baby.”

“No, I’m not.” She shrugged out of his hold. Finally. “I’m not yours to protect, Heath. We’re not together, and we’re not responsible for each other.” The words sliced through her even as she said them. “You’ve been more than clear on that score.”

“There’s something here, Anya. Maybe something real and lasting, if I get everything done I need to do.”

She blinked. “What’s that?”

“The less you know the better. Believe me.”

“What a bunch of bullshit. Go back to your ‘This is fake’ proclamation,” she all but yelled. “Your position is one of work . . . and this is just work.”

His chin lifted. “You think this is just work?” The tone—low and filled with tension—zinged through her body.

Her legs trembled with the urge to take a step back. “Yes.”

“Want me to prove otherwise?” His eyes darkened to the color of the sky right before midnight hit.

As a threat, as a warning, it was damn good. But she’d gone too far to give in now. “You can’t.” Yeah, she’d just waved a red flag in front of a bull.

He didn’t move a muscle. His focus on her was so absolute, she wanted to squirm. “You’re into challenging dangerous men these days, aren’t you?”

She kept her stance. “You’re not all that dangerous, Heath.”

His smile stole her breath. Then he moved. Faster than she could track, he had her by the armpits and up in the air as he carried her toward the bedroom with such speed that her legs automatically wound around to clasp his rib cage. By the time she sucked in air to protest, her butt was on the bed, and he was flattening himself over her.

She struggled, her body on fire, fighting the urge to laugh out loud.

His mouth crushed hers, and she stilled.

Heat.

Fire.

True danger.

He held nothing back, kissing her hard, pressing her head into the comforter. His tongue worked hers, his powerful body plastered against hers, and his hands dug into her hair to hold her in place. Desire spun so quickly into need she couldn’t breathe, even when he wasn’t controlling her mouth.

She shifted against him, closing her eyes to kiss him back. This was what she’d wanted. All of this.

He nipped her lip, soothing the slight pain with another kiss. Then he traced along her jawline, kissing and nipping, finally reaching her earlobe, where he bit.

She arched against him, letting out a soft sigh.

“Anya.” His fingers tangled in her hair, and erotic pain tingled down her scalp. One of his strong arms slid around her waist and then down. His palm spread across her butt, and he ground her against his hard cock.

Pleasure swamped her, and mini explosions flew through her sex. The idea passed, somewhat fleetingly, that he wasn’t playing. Not at all.

Yet she couldn’t stop herself. Her knees widened, and she rubbed against him. “This feels real,” she whispered.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels.  She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family.  She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.

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Apr 25

Feels Like The First Time by Marina Adair….Release Day Event & Review

by Jilly

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME

Author: Marina Adair

Series: Destiny Bay, #2

On Sale: April 25, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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Synopsis:

In the tradition of New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Gibson, Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis, comes the second book in a funny and charming new small-town contemporary romance series by Marina Adair.

What’s wrong with a little white lie?

There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn’t do: pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. Sure, he’s a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she’s had a crush on him, how great he’s always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can’t give in to temptation. Can she?

It’s been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiancé, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali’s date and two of the hottest kisses he’s ever had, Hawk can’t deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real?

 

My Review:

Feels Like The First Time is the newest work from author Marina Adair and the second book in her Destiny Bay Series.  If you haven’t read Marina Adair I am here to tell you to get her on your TBR list STAT!  I know I can count on her for a wonderful story filled with heart, heat, and amazing characters.  This was another fab example of that.

I’m a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story and when that story happens to be laced with a bit of family drama, I’m all in.  Ali and Hawk have a history that is, well, a tad complicated.  He’s her ex brother-in-law and she’s loved him from afar since she can remember.  But he had chosen her sister and she dealt with that…until she didn’t have to any longer.  Now they were neighbors and had a push and pull type of relationship where the attraction they shared simmered just below the surface.  Cue the pivotal moment where she unexpectedly decides to play the fake boyfriend card and WHAM…the fun begins! The sexual tension between these two is off the charts delicious.  Hawk has his swagger game perfected and when he turns on the charm, I was melting as I read. I mean no way could Ali have resisted. But on top of being sexy and charming he’s got a heart bigger then the moon and his loyalty to the ones he loves is so darn endearing.  I just adore this man!  Ali is equally lovable with that same sense of loyalty and huge heart.  I loved watching their relationship go from something pretend to something so very real.  Not only were they smoldering, the emotion between them is off the charts and I loved the tender moments along with the heated ones.

If you’re looking for a heart-felt, sexy sweet read with amazing characters set in a town you’d love to live in, this is a book for you. Thank you, Ms. Adair, for yet another amazing read!

Five Loves

 

 

Excerpt:

Ali nodded because she needed him more than she needed her next breath.

The intensity of her feelings terrified her. They always had. Even at seventeen she knew what she felt went beyond the run-of-the-mill teenage crush. She’d been in love. Sure, it was a young, simple love, but it was love all the same.

Only he’d loved someone else.

So when he married her sister, she did her best to let him go. But no matter how painful it had been for her, and at times the ache was so acute it had been paralyzing, she was never able to set him completely free. Choosing the pain over the loss.

Now he was back, looking at her how she always looked at him, as if he’d never let go, and Ali gave in to the fantasy. Played out the what-ifs she carried with her for over a decade. He’d been hers for so long, she let herself believe that she was his, too.

He was asking for right here, right now—this she knew. Tomorrow, reality would creep in, and everything would go back to the way it was. But tonight, sitting on this beach, overlooking a world bigger than the two of them, Ali wanted to feel what it was like to be loved by the man who owned her heart.

“I want,” she said.

“What do you want, Aliana?” he whispered, the sound of her name on his lips doing crazy things to her. Crazy girly things that made her feel delicate and desirable.

“I want you.” She trailed her hands down his pecs to that flat stomach and lower, loving how his muscles rippled and curled under her touch. “I want you to pamper me so hard I won’t remember how to walk come morning.”

Hawk’s eyes darkened, and his mouth was on hers. Hard and demanding, and just how she’d imagined. There was no warm-up, no testing the waters. He was kissing her as if he knew what he wanted.

And he wanted Aliana.

Their mouths were fused together, her hands gripping his shoulders for purchase, but his fingers were gentle, languidly exploring her face, her neck, the curve of her shoulder, slowly moving down her arm and bringing the wide neckline of her shirt with him.

He never stopped kissing her, but she felt his lashes flutter open, realized that she’d never closed her own. Then his deep brown eyes locked on hers, watching her as they kissed, and it was erotic and unexpected. As she watched him back, she felt his lips curl into a smile. Could feel the dimples on both cheeks come alive under her touch.

“You like to watch,” Hawk growled, and she felt her cheeks flush.

Ali never considered herself a watcher. But Hawk was such a beautiful and commanding man, she’d never been able to look away. Not even now, when her body was begging for release. He was that good—a simple kiss and she was so turned on, she could feel her body shaking.

That smile turned cocky.

“It’s not like I stand there peering through your bedroom window at night,” she said, leaving out that night he was at the bar. His bedroom window during the morning, when he was walking around after a shower. She was more than guilty.

“I’ve peered through yours.”

And to prove he wasn’t the least bit ashamed, he lowered his head and placed an openmouthed kiss on her shoulder, those eyes of his never leaving hers. Not even when he moved lower toward her collarbone, his mouth working her with a softness that took her by surprise and a reverence that made her feel as if she was precious.

Ali wasn’t sure what to do. Hard, challenging, complicated—that was what she was used to. But this was light, simple—too easy to be real. It confused her as much as it terrified her.

 

 

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THE DESTINY BAY SERIES

 

LAST KISS OF SUMMER, #1

FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME, #2

 

Series Page on Goodreads

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marina Adair is a #1 National bestselling author of romance novels and holds a Master of Fine arts in creative writing. Along with the Destiny Bay series, she is also the author of the Sugar, Georgia series, the St. Helena Vineyard series, and her new Heroes of St. Helena series. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats in Northern California.

 

As a writer, Marina is devoted to giving her readers contemporary romance where the towns are small, the personalities large, and the romance explosive.

 

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Apr 24

Too Hard to Forget by Tessa Bailey…Release Blitz

by Courtney

TOO HARD TO FORGET

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: TOO HARD TO FORGET
Author: Tessa Bailey
Series: Romancing The Clarksons, #3
On Sale: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Forever
Mass Market: $7.99 USD
eBook: $5.99 USD
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The third book in New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey’s Romancing the Clarksons series about four siblings on a cross-country road trip, perfect for fans of Gena Showalter and Julie James!

This time, she’s calling the shots.

Peggy Clarkson is returning to her alma mater with one goal in mind: confront Elliott Brooks, the man who ruined her for all others, and remind him of what he’s been missing. Even after three years, seeing him again is like a punch in the gut, but Peggy’s determined to stick to her plan. Maybe then, once she has the upper hand, she’ll finally be able to move on.

In the years since Peggy left Cincinnati, Elliott has kept his focus on football. No distractions and no complications. But when Peggy walks back onto his practice field and into his life, he knows she could unravel everything in his carefully controlled world. Because the girl who was hard to forget is now a woman impossible to resist.

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Too Hard to Forget is the third book in this series and is Peggy’s story. I have to confess that I wasn’t real excited to read Peggy’s book in this series. Peggy had been my least favorite character up to this point. However, my feelings have done a complete 180. This is my favorite book so far in this series.

Too Hard to Forget is a story full of angst, regret, heartache, hope and second chances. And I loved how Tessa wrote Peggy and Elliot’s story. There is a lot of angst – ALOT! But it’s so damn good and works perfectly for this story. I went back and forth from cheering them on to rooting for Peggy for standing up for herself.

Let me back up and explain why I didn’t care for Peggy before reading this book. Peggy from all outside appearances is the perfect cheerleader who gets what she wants and walked away from great people because she was selfish. Yea – I could not have been more wrong about her. And this is what I love about this book. Tessa was able to make me go from loathing a character to absolutely loving and wanting to protect her. Peggy is something else – as her mother put – she is a Rubix Cube.

Back to the book. As much as I wanted these two to get their HEA, I was so happy to see Peggy find her confidence and realize she deserved so much more from a man. She is worth more than he was willing to give. But it was when she realized this, that he also realized he was losing the best thing in life, for a second time. And I won’t give you any more than that because the reasons behind everything is what makes this story so good.

Tessa wrote a beautiful story. I told Jillian (co-blogger) that the best part of this book was the journey. I won’t go into details but Peggy and Elliott’s path is one filled with a lot of curves, potholes and unsuspecting left and right turns. And it just makes the whole story that much more entertaining.

What I am trying to say is go read this damn book. It is in a series. Do you need to read the others to understand Peggy’s story, no. Should you read them in order – if you want the full effect, yes. Because there are snippets of each siblings story embedded in the previous books that it gives you glimpses of what is to come. But it is not necessary.

Ok – now go read!!!

EXCERPT

 

“I don’t know, Peggy.” He whirled on her, closing in until she was forced back onto the desk. “I had an All-American on my squad this morning and now I don’t. That’s all I know.” He pointed a finger toward the window. “I solve problems down on the field. Saving people isn’t my job.”
Saving people. God, there was such a wealth of regret and pain in those two words. But he couldn’t hear it and she couldn’t address it. Letting him know she saw right through his façade to the hurt beneath might force Elliott to close himself off. “You didn’t always limit yourself. Why are you doing it now?”
“Accepting things that can’t be changed isn’t a limitation. It’s realistic.”
“But how will you know if something can’t be changed unless you try?”
“When it comes to certain things, Peggy, trying leads to losing.” He was in her face now, the mint from his toothpaste familiar and inviting where it slid over her lips. “And I don’t lose.”
No one ever stood up this man but her, and she wouldn’t be cowed now. “No? You’re out a receiver.” She hitched herself up on his desk. “I’d call that a loss.”
The tips of his shoes met Peggy’s, his hands gripping the furniture on either side of her hips. “Who do you think you are, little girl? Coming into my office and telling me what I’ve done wrong?” His eyes were brilliant in their vexation, the attraction he was trying so hard to fight. “Where do you get the goddamn bravery?”
“The bravery is what you liked best about me,” she breathed, heat sizzling in a downward V toward her thighs. “Isn’t it?”
“No. That bravery is what almost led to my downfall.” His hands found her bottom, jerking her to the edge of the desk. “I resented it. Still do.”
“Liar,” Peggy whispered, easing her thighs wider. “You’re dying for an excuse to head for another downfall.” When her legs were as open as she could spread them, she leaned up to Elliott’s ear and let her breath shake loose. “One thrust.”
Elliott’s right hand came up out of nowhere, molding over Peggy’s mouth as his hips crowded into the notch of her legs. With a quick maneuver to recline her halfway back, Elliott’s erection found the apex of her thighs, delivering an aggressive pump against her underwear that sent a scream climbing up Peggy’s throat, only to be trapped by his hand. Knees jerking up out of reflex over the rush of sensation, an orgasm almost—almost— broke past the surface, sending her waters rippling out on all sides. Her legs wanted to hug Elliott’s waist, her voice wanted to beg for one more, one more, one more, but he shook his head, denying her, even though his gaze was hot, a low groan issuing from his harshly masculine mouth.
He leaned in and nipped the lobe of her ear. “Next time, ask for two.”

DREAM CAST

For the record, this is SO HARD. For the Romancing the Clarksons series especially, I have a specific image in my mind for each character and none of them match an actor/actress perfectly. So I am going to take Elsa’s advice and Let it Go (let go of the images in my head, that is). Enough rambling! Here is my dream cast (the main characters, anyway) for TOO HARD TO FORGET!

Coach Elliott Brooks: Jon Hamm. Now, I’m not talking about suave Don Draper. If Jon is going to pull off my hard-ass football coach, he’s going to need some scruff and a bad attitude. There was an episode of Mad Men where Jon went juuuuust the right amount of dominant and that’s what makes him my Elliott.

Peggy Clarkson: Ashley Greene. This one is a little easier. I think Ashley Greene is incredibly beautiful and she could also pull off Peggy’s devil-may-care flirtatious presence, while still guarding secrets with her eyes.

Kyler Tate: Christian McCaffrey. Okay, so he’s not an actor. He plays for the Broncos. But he has the perfect sexy charmer smile and a ton of charisma. I would pay for his acting classes myself!

Alice Brooks: Kiernan Shipka. Might as well stick with a Mad Men theme, right? She already played Don Draper’s daughter (Sally Draper) and can exude angst like nobody’s business, so she’s a great choice for Alice!

THE ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS SERIES

TOO HOT TO HANDLE, #1
TOO WILD TO TAME, #2
TOO HARD TO FORGET, #3
TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK, #4

Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans, and laptop, and drove cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend, and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Apr 21

The Player by K. Bromberg….Blog Tour & Review

by Courtney

 

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00074]Baseball has never been sexier in an all-new novel by New York Times Bestselling Author, K. Bromberg.

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything.

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather, his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to maintain the club’s best interest, in regards to whether he’s ready to play.

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat, or is one of them bound to get burned?

 

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OMG!!! I was so not expecting this book to end in a cliffhanger til I got about 90% through and shit was not wrapping up, if anything, the hype was just getting even more gritty. Damnit, I need book two PRONTO!! And thankfully, we do not have to wait long for it. Yes, I know it says The Player, #1, but I was assuming that each book was going to be a different player, not a duet. But I am not complaining in the least.

Kristy has given a hot and sweet sports romance with the perfect blend of angst in it. I love that story surrounds Easton and Scout and their attraction to one another, but there is a deeper story there for both of them. You can tell Kristy definitely knows the sport well and that plays into the story and keeps things exciting.

Easton is the golden player. He’s the son of famed baseball player and is looking to be just as a great. An injury has him on the DL list currently and his goal is to finally get back on the starting roster quickly. But he also struggles with the demands from his father and the new owner’s unknown endgame.

Scout is Easton’s trainer and understands what it’s like to live up to a legendary father. Her father was the trainer Easton thought he was getting and when he’s stuck with her, things don’t start off that great. Scout is used to working in a male-dominated field and knows how to handle herself when it comes to their jarring and comments towards her. But her assumptions bite her in the ass this time.

Kristy makes her characters real and relatable. You can see their struggles and feel what they feel. The banter between Easton and Scout was very natural and flowed beautifully. I love how they knew when to push and when to pull back with each other. And like I said earlier, just when I was hoping everything was coming together, it seems as though things are going to get stirred up even more.

I still recommend reading this now and waiting the short time for the follow up to release. It’s a great sports romance you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HeadShot ColorNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE

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April 2017 Blog Tour Book Tour Contemporary Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Romance Sports

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