Five Loves

Rough Rhythm by Tessa Bailey…ARC Review

Rough Rhythm releases tomorrow!

Synopsis:

God help the woman I take home tonight.
Band manager James Brandon never expected to find the elusive satisfaction he’d been chasing, let alone stumble upon it in some sleezy Hollywood meat market. Yet the girl’s quiet pride spoke to him from across the bar, louder than a shout. Troubled, hungry and homeless, she’d placed her trust in him. But after losing the grip on his dark desires that one fateful night, James has spent the last four years atoning for letting her down.
This time I’ll finally crack him.
Rock band drummer Lita Regina has had enough of James’s guilt. She wants the explosive man she met that night in Hollywood. The man who held nothing back and took no prisoners—save Lita. And she’ll stop at nothing to revive him. Even if it means throwing herself into peril at every turn, just to get a reaction from her stoic manager. But when Lita takes her quest one step too far, James disappears from her life, thinking his absence will keep her safe.
Now it’s up to Lita to bring James back…and ignite an inferno of passion in the process.

Reader Advisory: ROUGH RHYTHM contains fantasies of nonconsensual sex, acted upon by consenting characters. Readers with sensitivity to portrayals of nonconsensual sex should be advised.

My review:

Rough Rhythm is the 5th novella in the 1,001 Dark Nights 2016 lineup and is also part of Tessa Bailey’s Made in Jersey series, a series I already adore. I am a huge fan of Ms. Bailey’s and am always excited when she has a new release. After reading this story, I’m once again reminded just how much I love her writing…it was incredible.

Drummer Lita Regina and her band’s manager James Brandon have had quite the interesting and precarious relationship. They have been in each other’s lives after meeting years earlier in a unique and somewhat desperate situation. Ever since that night, things have been a push and pull between them and, at times, reaches a fevered pitch…mainly because neither one of them can forget what happened that first night. Of course, it was for very different reasons. James was trying to ignore what happened and keep Lita at arm’s length while Lita doesn’t want to forget it but, in fact, repeat it. Their emotions run high and are beyond intense. They will only be able to keep up this dance for so long before their feelings consume them both and history repeats itself…only this time it’ll be for keeps.

I don’t even know where to start in telling you all what I loved most about this novella. With each book Ms. Bailey writes she pushes herself farther as an author and I appreciate it beyond measure. James and Lita’s story was highly intense and beyond sexy, hot, and passionate. I loved the push and pull between them and how emotional things have become. Where this story picks up is pretty much at the breaking point in their relationship. James has dark desires he doesn’t want to admit to and he broke my heart when it came to his denying himself the comfort he once found in Lita. On the other hand we have Lita, who is equally confused when it comes to her yearning for what James once gave her. Her determination in getting James back into her life and into a romantic relationship had me wanting to stand up and cheer while I was reading. I love when a heroine goes after what she wants even if it scares her and there’s uncertainty lurking beneath the surface. She knew deep down the risk was worth it and not taking the chance with James would be a choice she would forever regret. Together they are so damn hot and I couldn’t stop reading once I began. This was certainly a roller coaster ride of emotion and had one of the best endings! Loved it all from start to finish.

Whether you’re already a fan of Tessa Bailey and her alpha males and spectacular heroines or this is your first taste, I know this will be a book you won’t soon forget. Thank you, Ms. Bailey, for another fan-freaking-smoking-tastic read!

Book links:

Amazon | 1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving 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 of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Visit Tessa Bailey’s website

Roommate by Penelope Ward…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Swoon-worthy Justin Banks is FINALLY HERE in

RoomHate by Penelope Ward!

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1PysqdM

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PgsvE7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1POvSnW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1PLGnSL

Blurb

From New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

Sharing a summer house with a hot-as-hell roommate should be a dream come true, right?

Not when it’s Justin…the only person I’d ever loved…who now hates me.

When my grandmother died and left me half of the house on Aquidneck Island, there was a catch: the other half would go to the boy she helped raise.

The same boy who turned into the teenager whose heart I broke years ago.

The same teenager who’s now a man with a hard body and a hardass personality to match.

I hadn’t seen him in years, and now we’re living together because neither one of us is willing to give up the house.

The worst part? He didn’t come alone.

I’d soon realize there’s a thin line between love and hate. I could see through that smug smile. Beneath it all…the boy is still there. So is our connection.

The problem is…now that I can’t have Justin, I’ve never wanted him more.

Author’s note – RoomHate is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

My review:

Roomhate is the newest work from author Penelope Ward and oh my goodness, how I loved loved loved this book. I loved this book so much that I had no intention of reading it in one sitting but I did. I loved this book so much that, after stalking poor Penelope on Twitter, I went onto her website and bought a signed copy. Have I mentioned I loved this book?

Ok, so you can totally get the main idea of the story from reading the synopsis so I will skip right to telling you what I loved about this book: I loved the mess.

Now, don’t think I mean that in a bad way. In fact, it’s a great complement from me. When it comes to love and life and friends and relationships, sometimes it gets messy. But when you realize the mess is something that is worth cleaning up, just in time to get ready for the next mess, which inevitably happens in any important relationship, that’s where a story really catches me and makes it great.

That mess is what makes a story real and believable and relatable. Roomhate is a beautiful mess that I couldn’t get enough of. Justin and Amelia’s relationship is beyond complicated and intense but damn if it isn’t one of the most incredible things ever. I loved their complicated mess and the feelings they share but won’t admit to. I love the road they travel on and where it leads them. I love the ups and downs they experience. And of course, I love where they end up. It’s all so well done and just freaking amazing. I mean when you look back in your life at a love or a friendship or a combination of the two, and it was something you had to fight for, you know what I mean when I say it gets messy. But you also know that mess can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Thank you, Penelope, for giving me one of my favorite bookish messes. Thank you for giving us Justin and Amelia’s story.

Five Loves

RoomHate Excerpt

Copyright © 2016 by Penelope Ward

His eyes darted to the side, and he noticed me standing there. We just stared at each other. It was ironic, but the only times I could ever feel the remnants of our old connection were in fleeting moments of silent eye contact. Sometimes moments of silence spoke the loudest.

I left him alone again, making my way back down the hall and into the restaurant to tend to the customers I’d been ignoring.

Things really started to get busy. Without Jade working tonight, we were short-staffed, and I was having a hard time keeping up with the orders. Sandy’s had indoor and outdoor seating. Normally, I would only be working one section, but tonight I was going back and forth between the two.

It was nice out, so I knew they would have Justin performing outside. I kept glancing over to the small stage to see if he was there. It was past eight, and he hadn’t made an appearance yet.

Sometime close to eight-thirty, I was in the middle of serving a large party of ten when I first heard it: the chilling sound of a soulful voice that was not familiar in the least. He gave no introduction. No warning. He just started to sing out the first few words, followed by the strum of his guitar. The song that Justin had chosen to start with was a cover of Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers.

The entire room soon quieted down, and all eyes were on the stunning blond male specimen with the spotlight shining down on him. Despite the fact that I was carrying a large round tray of dirty dishes, I couldn’t move. The vibration of his thick, smoky singing voice had completely paralyzed me, penetrating my body and soul.

Aside from the lone teardrop that fell the night he lost it on me during steak dinner, I hadn’t shed any more tears—until now. It was all too much. Hearing how different his voice sounded, how he’d trained it over the years, was a wake-up call as to how much I had missed. All of the hours of practice that must have gone into honing that beautiful voice, and I wasn’t there for any of it. The guilt, the emotions, the reality of a decade gone…everything started to pummel me at once. Not to mention the song—about a girl leaving. It probably had nothing to do with me, but in my mind, it sure as hell felt like it did.

About the Author:

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Other books from Penelope Ward

Sins of Sevin

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1YrHjDx

iBooks: http://apple.co/1K8mzGg

B&N: http://bit.ly/1hTKAKE

kobo: http://bit.ly/1OaGY3D

Cocky Bastard

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1DW9XpB

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1WwPzkC

iBooks: http://apple.co/1J7vbN0

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY

Stepbrother Dearest

Amazon http://amzn.to/1mFNMeg

B&N: http://bit.ly/1taMFjG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/YER0mT

kobo: http://bit.ly/1fJaaBs

Gemini

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vgk1SE

B&N: http://bit.ly/1KfmLHD

iBooks: http://apple.co/1QTaONj

kobo: http://bit.ly/1BGJ2wu

Jake Undone (Jake #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dJrHBC

B&N: http://bit.ly/1obAwJ6

iBooks: http://apple.co/1fJayQ8

kobo: http://bit.ly/1SPKl0M

My Skylar

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1obOG2F

B&N: http://bit.ly/SLO1qi

iBooks: http://bit.ly/SLNOTR

kobo: http://bit.ly/1kNrtAB

Jake Understood (Jake #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GFdves

B&N: http://bit.ly/1FwJC0z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1DQQwgC

kobo: http://bit.ly/1LQ7Fvk

GIVEAWAY

$100 Gift Card (Winner’s choice of Retailer)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjc5OA==/?

Dance of Desire by Christopher Rice…ARC Review

Dance of Desire releases tomorrow, 2/23!

Synopsis:

When Amber Watson walks in on her husband in the throes of extramarital passion with one of his employees, her comfortable, passion-free life is shattered in an instant. Worse, the fate of the successful country music bar that bears her family’s name suddenly hangs in the balance. Her soon to be ex-husband is one of the bar’s official owners; his mistress, one of its employees. Will her divorce destroy her late father’s legacy?

Not if Amber’s adopted brother Caleb has anything to do with it. The wandering cowboy has picked the perfect time for a homecoming. Better yet, he’s determined to use his brains and his fists to put Amber’s ex in his place and keep the family business intact. But Caleb’s long absence has done nothing to dim the forbidden desire between him and the woman the State of Texas considers to be his sister.

Years ago, when they were just teenagers, Caleb and Amber shared a passionate first kiss beside a moonlit lake. But that same night, tragedy claimed the life of Caleb’s parents and the handsome young man went from being a family friend to Amber’s adopted brother. Has enough time passed for the two of them to throw off the roles Amber’s father picked for them all those years ago? Will their desire for each other save the family business or put it in greater danger?

DANCE OF DESIRE is the first contemporary romance from award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice, told with the author’s trademark humor and heart. It also introduces readers to a quirky and beautiful town in the Texas Hill Country called Chapel Springs.

My Review:

Dance of Desire is the newest work from author Christopher Rice and is also novella number four in the 2016 1,001 Dark Nights line-up. Each time I finish a story by this author, I swear it’s my favorite…until I read the next one and, yes, it’s happened again. I loved this story something fierce!

Years ago, Caleb and Amber were on the road to experiencing all the joys young first love has to offer. But it wasn’t meant to be. Tragedy stuck young Caleb’s life and it changed the road both Caleb’s and Amber’s families were travelling on. Years passed and they both went in different directions. Making a life, careers, falling in love with other people, getting married, divorced…but neither ever able to douse the flame they each held for one another and the young love they once shared. Now, in a twist of fate, Caleb and Amber find themselves reunited in a precarious and sad situation. But together, nonetheless. This is exactly the second chance they had wanted for too many years to count. Would they be able to make the most of it and take the chance stolen from them?

From start to finish there was just so much to love about this novella. Christopher Rice writes some of the most memorable characters and hottest moments ever. Caleb and Amber fit into both of those categories. I loved this story of doomed young love and second chances. My heart broke for Amber and Caleb and I wanted nothing more than for them to get another shot at love. Their past is very involved and packed with so much emotion. It’s impossible not to shed more than a few tears when reading what they went through as young adults. Of course it was the past, which led them to where they are now…good, bad, and sometimes ugly. They have both been through a whole lot while Caleb had been away from town and now it’s those situations that have taught them both what they want and deserve out of life. It also leads to some ridiculously sexy and smoking hot scenes. Good lord, I thought I was burst into flames reading this couple! Totally delicious!

I know I have mentioned in the past that Mr. Rice has written some of the most touching lines I have ever read and also delivered more than a few between Amber and Caleb. There’s one particular scene where they kiss in the rain that will stay with me for quite some time. So amazingly good!

If you haven’t read a Christopher Rice romance, you need to pick this book up. If you’re already a Christopher Rice romance fan, buckle up for another stellar read!

Five Loves

Book Links:

1,001 Dark Nights | Amazon

About the author:

After publishing four New York Timesbestselling thrillers by the age of 30 and being declared one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive, award-winning writer Christopher Rice became the first author to make his erotic romance debut part of the 1,001 DARK NIGHTS series. THE FLAME: A Desire Exchange Novella kicked off a steamy new series set in New Orleans, featuring magical candles and a sexy new breed of supernatural beings, The Radiants, who are devoted to helping heroes and heroines realize their heart’s desire. THE FLAME earned accolades from some of the biggest names in erotic romance and was quickly followed up by THE SURRENDER GATE: A Desire Exchange Novel, available from Evil Eye Concepts as a Blue Box Special. Aside from authoring eight works of dark suspense, Christopher is also the co-host and executive producer of THE DINNER PARTY SHOW WITH CHRISTOPHER RICE & ERIC SHAW QUINN, all the episodes of which can be downloaded at TheDinnerPartyShow.comand from iTunes. Look for their new You Tube channel in Spring 2016.

Visit Christopher Rice’s website

Trouble Maker & The MacKenzie Family Series…ARC Review

Trouble Maker and The MacKenzie Family Series releases tomorrow, 2/16

Trouble Maker Synopsis:

Marnie Whitlock has never known what it’s like to be normal. She and her family moved from place to place, hiding from reporters and psychologists, all because of her gift. A curse was more like it. Seeing a victim, feeling his pain as the last of his life ebbed away, and being helpless to save him. It was torture. And then one day it disappeared and she was free. Until those who hunted her for her gift tried to kill her. And then the gift came back with a vengeance.

Beckett Hamilton leads a simple life. His ranch is profitable and a legacy he’ll be proud to pass onto his children one day, work fills his time from sunup to sundown, and his romances are short and sweet. He wouldn’t have it any other way. And then he runs into quiet and reserved Marnie Whitlock just after she moves to town. She intrigues him like no woman ever has. And she’s hiding something. His hope is that she begins to trust him before it’s too late.

My Review:

Trouble Maker is part of author Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie family and is also part of the amazing MacKenzie Family Collection project. I was so excited to not only have a new MacKenzie novel but also to have Marnie and Beckett’s story. Man, Liliana has done it again. Gut wrenching, sexy, and so damn emotional, this book was beyond incredible.

The history between Beckett Hamilton and Marnie Whitlock is long and complicated. Back in their younger years they had a mutual and unknown attraction to one another and for one brief and beautiful moment, had acted on it. And then, disaster had struck. Marnie had a complicated life, to put it mildly. She had a gift where she was able to see flashes of the future. Moments to come, if you will. It was a blessing and a curse. Not only because sometimes she just didn’t want to know what possible hard times could potentially befall her friends and family, but because her abusive monster of a father hated her for it. A simple minded man and a drunk, he thought the only way to deal with her gift was to beat the snot out of her. And he did it often. So one can imagine this would hamper her love life and her social life. It was this mess that had Marnie running away from her old life after her parents were killed in an accident. She never forgot Beckett, though. She never stopped thinking of the “what could have been”. But neither had Beckett. Now, years later, she was back in her hometown and looking to make a new life. Would fate give her and Beckett another chance at love?

Liliana Hart is one of my favorite authors for so many reasons and to me, this story really showcases her talent. She is able to make the reader feel so many emotions throughout a story and Trouble Maker gave me so many feels and had me ranging through so many different emotions and I just loved it all. Marnie’s story broke my heart. My chest physically ached the entire beginning of this book for all that she was going through. If I could have reached through the pages to rescue her, I would have. She was the underdog I was cheering for like I never had before. I loved her and she deserved her chance at happiness and love. Enter Beckett. Swoon-worthy, loyal, sexy, Beckett. He is one of the most amazing book men I’ve ever read and he had me melting too many times to count. His patience with Marnie when she came back to town was just beautiful. I loved these two together and their history and current rekindling of what they once had was magical to read. It was also burn up the pages sexy as sin. Truly, Marnie and Beckett are amazing together!

Of course, we get to see more of the MacKenzie family here and there and I always love that!

Whether you’re already a Liliana fan, or this is the first of her books you pick up, I know you will love it from start to finish. Thank you, Liliana, for another stellar book!

I also have to say that the rest of the MacKenzie Family series was equally amazing! Avery Flynn, Robin Covington, Cristin Harber, Kimberly Kincaid, and Christopher Rice wrote some seriously sexy and action packed stories! I am a fan of all of these authors and always look forward to more from them so you can imagine how exciting this was! This is a different and exciting project that I enjoyed immensely and think it was inventive and unique. I sure hope we get another dose of these authors together in the future!

Five Loves

Book links:

The MacKenzie Family Collection

The MacKenzie Family Collection:

Robin Covington’s Rush (A Mackenzie Family Novella)

Atticus Rush doesn’t really like people. Years in Special Ops and law enforcement showed him the worst of humanity, making his mountain hideaway the ideal place to live. But when his colleagues at MacKenzie Security need him to save the kidnapped young daughter of a U.S. Senator, he’ll do it, even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart his ex-wife.

Lady Olivia Rutledge-Cairn likes to steal things. Raised with a silver spoon and the glass slipper she spent years cultivating a cadre of acquaintances in the highest places. She parlayed her natural gift for theft into a career of locating and illegally retrieving hard-to-find items of value for the ridiculously wealthy. Rush was the one man who tempted her to change her ways until he caught her and threatened to turn her in.

MacKenzie Security has vowed to save the girl. Olivia can find anything or anyone. Rush can get anyone out. As the clock winds down on the girl’s life, can they fight the past, a ruthless madman and their explosive passion to get the job done?

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** All Romance eBooks ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Avery Flynn’s Bullet Proof (A Mackenzie Family Novella)

“Being one of the good guys is not my thing.”

Bianca Sutherland isn’t at an exclusive Eyes-Wide-Shut style orgy for the orgasms. She’s there because the only clue to her friend’s disappearance is a photo of a painting hanging somewhere in Bisu Manor. Determined to find her missing friend when no one else will, she expects trouble when she cons her way into the party—but not in the form of a so-hot-he-turns-your-panties-to-ash former boxer.

Taz Hazard’s only concern is looking out for himself and he has no intention of changing his ways until he finds sexy-as-sin Bianca at the most notorious mansion in Ft. Worth. Now, he’s tangled up in a missing person case tied into a powerful new drug about to flood the streets, if they can’t find a way to stop it before its too late. Taking on a drug cartel isn’t safe, but when passion ignites between them Taz and Bianca discover their hearts aren’t bulletproof either.

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** All Romance eBooks ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Cristin Harber’s Delta: Rescue (A Mackenzie Family Novella)

When Luke Brenner takes an off-the-books job on the MacKenzie-Delta joint task force, he has one goal: shut down sex traffickers on his personal hunt for retribution. This operation brings him closer than he’s ever been to avenge his first love, who was taken, sold, and likely dead.

Madeleine Mercier is the daughter of an infamous cartel conglomerate. Their family bleeds money, they sell pleasure, they sell people. She knows no other life, sees no escape, except for one. Maddy is the only person who can take down Papa, when every branch of law enforcement in every country, is on her father’s payroll.

It’s evil. To want to ruin, to murder, her family. But that’s what she is. Ruined for a life outside of destroying her father. She can’t feel arousal. Has never been kissed. Never felt anything other than disgust for the world that she perpetuates. Until she clashes with a possible mercenary who gives her hope.

The hunter versus the virgin. The predator and his prey. When forced together, can enemies resist the urge to run away or destroy one another?

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** All Romance eBooks ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Kimberly Kincaid’s Deep Trouble (A Mackenzie Family Novella)

Bartender Kylie Walker went into the basement of The Corner Tavern for a box of cocktail napkins, but what she got was an eyeful of murder. Now she’s on the run from a killer with connections, and one wrong step could be her last. Desperate to stay safe, Kylie calls the only person she trusts—her ex-Army Ranger brother. The only problem? He’s two thousand miles away, and trouble is right outside her door.

Security specialist Devon Randolph might be rough and gruff, but he’ll never turn down a friend in need, especially when that friend is the fellow Ranger who once saved his life. Devon may have secrets, but he’s nearby, and he’s got the skills to keep his buddy’s sister safe…even if one look at brash, beautiful, Kylie makes him want to break all the rules.

Forced on the run, Kylie and Devon dodge bullets and bad guys, but they cannot fight the attraction burning between them. Yet the closer they grow, the higher the stakes become. Will they be able to outrun a brutal killer? Or will Devon’s secrets tear them apart first?

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** All Romance eBooks ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Christopher Rice’s Desire & Ice (A Mackenzie Family Novella)

Danny Patterson isn’t a teenager anymore. He’s the newest and youngest sheriff’s deputy in Surrender, Montana. A chance encounter with his former schoolteacher on the eve of the biggest snowstorm to hit Surrender in years shows him that some schoolboy crushes never fade. Sometimes they mature into grown-up desire.

It’s been years since Eliza Brightwell set foot in Surrender. So why is she back now? And why does she seem like she’s running from something? To solve this mystery, Danny disobeys a direct order from Sheriff Cooper MacKenzie and sets out into a fierce blizzard, where his courage and his desire might be the only things capable of saving Eliza from a dark force out of her own past.

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** All Romance eBooks ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

About the author:

Liliana Hart is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author in both the mystery and romance genres. After starting her first novel her freshman year of college, she immediately became addicted to writing and knew she’d found what she was meant to do with her life. She has no idea why she majored in music.

Liliana is an avid reader and a believer in all things romance. Her books are filled with witty dialogue, steamy sex, and the all-important happily-ever-afters her romantic soul craves. Since self-publishing in June of 2011, she’s sold more than 1.2 million ebooks all over the world.

Visit Liliana Hart’s website

The MacKenzie Family Collection authors:

Robin Covington:

A USA Today bestseller, Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her books. Her stories burn up the sheets. . .one page at a time. When she’s not writing she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Chris Evans. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy! Robin’s books have won the Golden Leaf Award and finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved furbabies.

Visit Robin Covington’s website.

Avery Flynn:

Award-winning romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs. Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the Internet, she’ll be your best friend for life.

Visit Avery Flynn’s website.

Cristin Harber:

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes steamy romantic suspense, military romance, and new adult. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and military romance bestseller.

Visit Cristin Harber’s website.

Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2015 RWA RITA® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Visit Kimberly Kincaid’s website.

Christopher Rice:

After publishing four New York Times bestselling thrillers by the age of 30 and being declared one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive, award-winning writer Christopher Rice became the first author to make his erotic romance debut part of the 1,001 DARK NIGHTS series. THE FLAME: A Desire Exchange Novella kicked off a steamy new series set in New Orleans, featuring magical candles and a sexy new breed of supernatural beings, The Radiants, who are devoted to helping heroes and heroines realize their heart’s desire. THE FLAME earned accolades from some of the biggest names in erotic romance and was quickly followed up by THE SURRENDER GATE: A Desire Exchange Novel, available from Evil Eye Concepts as a Blue Box Special. Aside from authoring eight works of dark suspense, Christopher is also the co-host and executive producer of THE DINNER PARTY SHOW WITH CHRISTOPHER RICE & ERIC SHAW QUINN, all the episodes of which can be downloaded at TheDinnerPartyShow.com and from iTunes. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Dinner Party Show’s You Tube channel to receive their newest content in 2016.

Visit Christopher Rice’s website.

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren…Review

Synopsis:

When three college besties meet three hot guys in Vegas, anything can—and does—happen. Book Four in the New York Times Wild Seasons series that began with Sweet Filthy Boy (the Romantic Times book of the year that Sylvia Day called “a sexy, sweet treasure of a story”), Dirty Rowdy Thing, and Dark Wild Night.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

My Review:

Wicked Sexy Liar is the fourth book in the Wild Seasons series by the dynamic duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, two writers I am a HUGE fan of. Luke and London’s story was another testament to how amazing I find their characters and their writing. I loved everything about this book from start to finish and was, as always, so sad to have finished it.

Luke and London travel in the same friend circle. London is new to the crew while Luke, on the other hand, has quite a bit of history with them…and by that I mean he had pretty much spent his entire youth in love with one of the gals in their group. Not a big deal, per se, since time has gone by and he has somewhat moved on. The normal progression of life and growing up and all that jazz. All was going well until things get a bit hot and heavy between Luke and London. What started out as a deal for a one night sort of thing starts to get serious which wouldn’t be so terrible if London had known Luke’s love life history and who it was with. Suddenly Luke goes from being a potential friends-with-benefits-turned-more into way off-limits. The problem was, both Luke and London had started to develop some pretty intense feelings for each other and it wasn’t going to be an easy task to stay away from each other. Now Luke just had to convince London to give him, and what they’ve found, a chance…

Now comes the challenge I run into when I review any Christina Lauren book…not just repeating “buy this book” a hundred times! There is just so much to love about Luke and London. I think the thing I loved most about both of them is how vulnerable they are under their exteriors. Luke is used to keeping things pretty light after his heart was broken. He uses woman for pleasure and has been ok with it up until now. Enter London. She’s also had her heart-broken but instead of going the route Luke did, she’s been avoiding men at the risk of another round of hurt. I couldn’t fault either of them for the way they dealt with that kind of heartache. I wanted them to get a happy ever after so terribly! I loved them together and I loved Luke’s fight for London. He was so kind and gentle with her. He saw right to the heart of her and he had me swooning more times than I can count! He is, hands down, one of my favorite book guys for how damn sweet he is. It only added to his sexiness.

Christina and Lauren have such a gift in how they write their characters. Truly. From Luke’s stories of his childhood with his sister, London’s guarded emotions, the nicknames Luke calls London, the quirky dinner with Luke and his family, Luke and London’s babysitting evening to his aversion to eating two pop tarts at a time…few people can give so much depth to the people in the pages as they do. I am always in awe when I dive into one of their books.

Thank you Christina and Lauren for once again writing an amazing story…and for once again giving me a book hangover. (Oh, and I’m totally skipping right over the fact that this in the last book in the series. It’s ok though because I will always look forward to what’s next from these authors.)

Oh! And I have to note that I’ve been listening to Ra Ra Riot’s song “Water” on freaking repeat because it reminds me so much of Luke and London and their story and I can’t get enough!!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

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 eleven New York Times bestselling novels. They are published in over 28 languages, have received starred reviews from Kirkus, been selected as one of NPR’s Top 100 Swoon-Worthy Romances, and won both the Seal of Excellence award and Book of the Year from RT Magazine.

Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. These days you’ll probably find her on tumblr. She is married and absolutely not old enough to be the mom of a 15 year old (right??), thinks she’s the luckiest person in the world to write books with her best friend, and is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter. She also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.

You can follow their shenanigans at:

@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!

For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @christinalauren.

Searching For Mine by Jennifer Probst…ARC Review

Searching For Mine releases tomorrow, 2/9/16

Synopsis:

The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match…

Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it’s the three B’s. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he’s used to getting what he wants—and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who’s slowly making his life hell…and enjoying every moment…

Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily college who’s climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy—namely Connor Dunkle, who’s failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?

My Review:

Searching For Mine is part of author Jennifer Probst’s Searching For series as well as novella number three in the 2016 1,001 Dark Nights lineup. I am a huge fan of the Searching For series and was dying for Connor’s story and it was so…damn…GOOD! I actually put my ear buds in and ignored all things around me because I was that into this story (sorry, family!).

Connor Dunkle and Ella Blake are two people who have many goals in life…none of which are finding love or a relationship. Ah, but fate, that fickle gal, has a plan for these two.

Connor just wants to get finished with college and get into the management field with his company and the only thing standing in his way is this pain in the arse english lit course and the professor teaching it. She’s challenging him at every turn and isn’t making anything easy for him. He really wanted to hate her for all of that but after he realizes she lives in his complex and after they start spending some unplanned time together his feelings go in a completely different direction.

The last thing Ella wants to do is give the sexy student in her class the kind of treatment he’s undoubtedly used to: getting his way when it comes to women. It didn’t matter to her that he was handsome and sexy and very much her age, he would have to work just as hard as every other student in her class. Plus being a single mom the last thing she needed was to spend time she didn’t have daydreaming about him. Easier said than done when she finds out he lives practically next door and soon becomes a fixture in her, and her son’s, life.

From start to finish, everything about this novella was pure magic. I adored these characters. Ella is a strong heroine with a smart head on her shoulders. She’s resilient and tough without being too hard. I loved her roles as professor, mother, and woman. She truly balances them all so well and she was a joy to read. Connor had me swooning over his gruff, sexy exterior and hidden vulnerable side. The layers that make him up are all equally complex and relatable. I found my heart breaking for him more than once while reading this story and I wanted him to find happiness so badly. Both he and Ella deserved so much in life and love and the rough journey that’s led them to where they are when this story picks up was hard but necessary in helping them realize what they’ve found is truly something special.

Oh, and the ending? Once again Ms. Probst knocked my socks off with a movie-worthy finish! Crying big fat happy tears, I loved it!

This was a novella I shamelessly texted my friend Liz over as I read and one I highly recommend. Whether you’re already a fan of this series or this is your gateway novella, I know you’ll love Ella and Connor as much as I did! Thank you. Ms. Probst, for another magical and beautiful love story!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | 1,001 Dark Nights

About the author:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012, and spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews.

She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team.

Remembrance by Meg Cabot…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

Fifteen years after the release of the first Mediator novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot returns with a deliciously sexy new entry to a fan-favorite series. Suze Simon—all grown up and engaged to her once-ghostly soulmate—faces a vengeful spirit and an old enemy bent on ending Suze’s wedded bliss before it begins.

You can take the boy out of the darkness.

But you can’t take the darkness out of the boy.

All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva).

But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight.

From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child, to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night.

Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?

What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?

If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little ass.

My Review:

Remembrance by Meg Cabot is the seventh book in her Mediator series. This is actually the first in this series that I’ve read and after finishing I have one question: why have I not known about this series sooner!? I loved this book so much!

Ghost whisperer, aka ghost mediator, Susannah Simon finds herself in a bit of a predicament upon starting her first job after graduating. She has a bit of an angry young girl ghost on her hands and is determined to get to the bottom of a few things. First off, why this little girl is such an angry little thing and secondly how she can help her get to the beyond. All of this turns out to be easier said than done when this mission takes her in search of a murderer all while putting her family and close friends lives at risk. Oh, and on top of all of that, an ex admirers shows up wanted another chance which threatens to make her new finance more than angry. How much can a gal have on her plate at once?

Ok, so I freaking loved this book. I loved it so much that I bothered friends with incessant texts telling them they MUST get this series on their TBR lists. There was just so much to love about all of this story. First off, Susannah is one of the funniest and real heroines ever. She had me in stitches with her comments and inner thoughts. She is a total hoot! Secondly, her fiancé is amazing and their relationship reminds me a whole lot of my own marriage. He’s the level-headed one who loving puts up with her quirky behavior…yep, like it is in this house. I also loved Susannah’s friends and family. This is a group made up of interesting and well-developed characters. So much so that I could swear this group is real and we can go join them for coffee. I also loved the paranormal aspect. It is easy to follow and pretty straightforward. Sometimes with paranormal the story tends to get pretty involved and you really have to pay attention to the little details or you may miss things. While I love that, sometimes it’s nice to just read a story and not get bogged down with too much detail. Ok, and I have to mention again how much I just adore Susannah! She totally rocks!

If you’re like me and have been living under a rock, you must check out this series. If you’re lucky enough to have already been reading this series, I have no doubt you will love this newest installment. Thank you, Ms. Cabot, for a fantastic and witty read! I have already picked up the previous books in the series and can’t wait to start for the beginning!

Five Loves

Purchase Links

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

About Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to her award-winning adult contemporary fiction, she is the author of bestselling young adult fiction, including The Princess Diaries and the Mediator series. More than twenty-five million copies of her novels for children and adults have sold worldwide. Meg lives in Key West, Florida, with her husband.

Find out more about Meg at her website, follow her blog, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne…Review

The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels #1) by Kerrigan Byrne

Synopsis:

STEALING BEAUTY
Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, is a ruthless villain. Scarred and hard-hearted, Dorian is one of London’s wealthiest, most influential men who will stop at nothing to wreak vengeance on those who’ve wronged him…and will fight to the death to seize what he wants. The lovely, still innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie is no exception—and soon Dorian whisks the beautiful lass away to his sanctuary in the wild Highlands…

COURTING DESIRE
But Farah is no one’s puppet. She possesses a powerful secret—one that threatens her very life. When being held captive by Dorian proves to be the only way to keep Farah safe from those who would see her dead, Dorian makes Farah a scandalous proposition: marry him for protection in exchange for using her secret to help him exact revenge on his enemies. But what the Blackheart of Ben More never could have imagined is that Farah has terms of her own, igniting a tempestuous desire that consumes them both. Could it be that the woman he captured is the only one who can touch the black heart he’d long thought dead?

My Review:

I saw The Highwayman listed as a best read for 2015 on more than one blogger’s list so I decided to check it out for myself. I’ve been on a bit of a historical romance kick, though I think you’ll hear me say that at the beginning of each year as it’s sort of an extension of my holiday romance binge in December. But I digress…this book was everything you could want and more.

Farah and Dougan are torn apart after finding each other in an orphanage and falling in love as only children can—as best friends. What they have in the orphanage is so strong and special that they bind themselves to each other in perhaps the sweetest “wedding ceremony” I’ve ever read. But of course fate has other plans. Honestly, if that first chapter doesn’t make you want to tell the kids to get their own dinner because you’re busy reading, well, we can’t be friends. (Just kidding!)

The story picks up several years later. Farah is working as a clerk in Scotland Yard. She has kept Dougan’s name all these years and presents herself as a widow. Enter Dorian Blackwell. A tortured, scarred (inside and outside), and ruthless man who needs Farah in order to enact revenge on the men who ruined his life. Farah has secrets, but so does Dorian. They have secrets that threaten them both on every level. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance and read J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, imagine Zsadist as a Scottish Highlander. That’s Dorian. My heart broke for him over and over.

Here’s a NSFW excerpt:

He could already feel the itching and prickling beneath his skin. The heat would follow. A feverish, pulsating torture. His body and mind locked in a stalemate of desire and hostility. His natural instincts to fuck overcome by memories of thrashing shadows and violent lust. Brutality. Helplessness. Weakness. Screaming. Memories of whispering a beloved name against the cold, fetid ground by his desperate, bleeding lips. He would disassociate from the pain. Imagine the feel of a small hand within his own. Moonbeam curls made of silk. Eyes like pools of liquid silver. A dimpled smile that held the light of the far-reaching cosmos.

One duty had kept him from succumbing to the darkness in that dank, rotting prison.

One vow.

Wow. I mean, just wow.

If you like stories that take your heart out of your chest, stomp on it, and then piece it back together, than Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman is for you.

Five Loves

About the author:

Kerrigan has done many things to pay the bills, from law enforcement to belly dance instructor. Now she’s finally able to have the career she’d decided upon at thirteen when she announced to her very skeptical family that she was going to “grow up to be a romance novelist.” Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, Kerrigan uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in almost every story.

Her first novel with St. Martin’s Press, THE HIGHWAYMAN, is available now and will be followed byTHE HUNTER in February of 2016.

She lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains with her handsome husband and three lovely teenage girls, but dreams of settling on the Pacific Coast.

Website

Hallowed Ground by Rebecca Yarros…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Blurb

There are some debts you can’t repay.

Josh Walker is loyal, reckless, and every girl’s dream. But he only has eyes for December Howard, the girl he’s craved since his high school hockey days. Together they have survived grief, the military, distance, and time as they’ve fought for stolen weekends between his post at Ft. Rucker and her college at Vanderbilt. Now that Josh is a medevac pilot and Ember is headed toward graduation, they’re moving on—and in—together.

Ember never wanted the Army life, but loving Josh means accepting whatever the army dictates—even when that means saying goodbye as Josh heads to Afghanistan, a country that nearly killed him once before and that took her father. But filling their last days together with love, passion, and plans for their future doesn’t temper Ember’s fear, and if there’s one thing she’s learned from her father’s death, it’s that there are some obstacles even love can’t conquer.

Flight school is over.

This is war.

My Review:

Hallowed Ground is the fourth book in author Rebecca Yarros’ Flight & Glory Series and if you know anything about me, you know how much I adore this series. Since the very first book there was something insanely special about these characters and the lives they lead. That feeling has continued for me through all four books and now to reach the end with Hallowed Ground I am hit with incredibly mixed emotions. As sad as I am to say goodbye to this group, this was an exceptional send off and I loved every gut wrenching and poignant moment.

If you haven’t read any of the books in this series leading up to Hallowed Ground, you really need to before picking this latest installment up. Otherwise you may be quite lost and you certainly won’t have developed the bond I have with this cast of characters and trust me, you certainly want to. They’re all amazing in their own way and forged such a strong bond as a mini family and I just adore them. (I promise I’m not crying right now….ok I lied.)

So this book focuses mainly on Josh and Ember and is almost full circle to where it all began. Only now, relationships and emotions are a lot stronger. Not just between Josh an Ember but in the friendships that have been formed. This time, the guys are out of flight school and headed into very real danger. War. Now, I’m not going to ruin anything for you by giving away any parts of what Josh, Ember, and all of the group go through but I will say this was one of the most touching and emotionally charged book I’ve ever read. Ever. There were complete chapters I couldn’t see because I was crying so hard. I went through an entire box of tissues by the time I finished this book. I experienced such a wide range of emotion as I read. I was terrified for these brave men and the women they left behind while fighting for peace. I hurt when they said their goodbyes, not knowing if they would ever return. I was in awe of the bravery all of them showed in the face of unimaginable obstacles. I was heartbroken when they experienced a huge loss. (I promise I’m not crying…I just got some dust in my eyes.) But beyond all of that I think what stuck me most is that people do this every day. It’s real life. All of it. These people have different names but rest assured they are all out these somewhere, living similar situations and I was completely humbled while being drawn into the pages of this book. Filled with ups and downs this book ripped my heart out and put it all back together in one sitting. And I loved every second of that experience.

Of course all of this emotion and the bond I feel for these fictional characters is truly the mark of one hell of a story-teller. All of the little nuances each character has. The little quirks. The things that make them unique and enjoyable to read. All of that is a gift Rebecca has and one I am so thankful she has shared with us.

While I am sad to have reached the end of Flight & Glory I am so excited to see what Rebecca has in store for us next. I have no doubt it will be amazing.

Thank you, Rebecca, for bringing Josh, Ember, Paisley, Jagger, Sam, Grayson, and Will, into our lives.

Five Loves

Excerpt:

I pulled her onto my lap, gently squeezing the sweet curves of her hips.

“Behave,” she whispered into my ear, but ran her tongue along the edge.

My fingers flexed, teasing under the edges of the black skirt that had slid higher on her thighs as she sat. I couldn’t help it—her skin was a magnet for my hands. “You like it better when I don’t,” I answered.

She locked those blue eyes on mine, and for that second, I wanted everyone to go the fuck away so I could get my remarkable girlfriend out of her clothes. Not a girlfriend for long. Not if I found the perfect moment for that little velvet box hidden upstairs.

Mrs. Walker. December-fucking-Walker. Sounded perfect to me.

“Earth to Josh and Ember,” Jagger called, waving his hand like he’d been at it a while.

“Yeah, yeah, a toast,” Ember said, wiggling against my now-hard lap. I locked her down with my hands, and she threw me a smug grin, well aware of what she’d done.

Jagger raised his beer. “To friends. Hell, that doesn’t even cut it. You guys, all of you…I wouldn’t be here”—he looked over to Paisley—“or even the man I am, without you. So more than friends…to family.”

We glanced around the fire at the family we’d made, and I felt it—one of those moments you can’t forget, the kind that stay with you when it’s long past, so you try to memorize everything. It was a deep peace, a contentment laced with the silent knowledge that we wouldn’t be together again for far too long. “To family,” we all said in scattered rhythm, and I kissed the underside of Ember’s jaw.

**VIEW THE Hallowed Ground TRAILER HERE: https://vimeo.com/148520997 **

About the Author

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She’s a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores.

When she’s not writing, she’s tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years. They finally can call Colorado home along with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog.

Stalk Rebecca here:

Website: http://www.rebeccaelizabethyarros.com/

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327562767450842/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccayarros/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros

Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Yarros/e/B00HYKBU1W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1449029619&sr=8-2-ent

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjc5MA==/?

Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey…ARC Review

Boiling Point releases this Monday!

Synopsis:

Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

My review:

Boiling Point is the third book in author Tessa Bailey’s Crossing the Line series; a series I have loved since the first book. Being a huge fan, I am always looking forward to my next Tessa fix and I can tell you that Austin and Polly rocked my world. I loved this story something fierce!

Thrown together in the most unlikely of circumstances, computer hacker whiz Polly and con man extraordinaire Austin are two members of a rag-tag group of bad guys working on the side of good. Both Polly and Austin are drawn to one another with a hidden, immense desire and pull neither one wants to let show. Showing that desire is a weakness neither are willing to show. Both have one hell of a past and, although neither one knows it yet, there’s a connecting thread that tethers them each other. It’s also the thread that will threaten the intense connection they end up developing.

From beginning to end, Polly and Austin will have to navigate some emotional and choppy waters and will have to break down some almost impenetrable walls to give the relationship they’ve found a chance. Will they be able to see the truth of their feelings in a world full of so many lies?

Just when you think Tessa has done it all, she pitches a curveball to the romance genre. In giving Austin a submissive side, she has done just that with Boiling Point. Now, don’t get me wrong. Austin has plenty of machismo and alpha in him. He has been conning for so long and in order to somewhat ease his conscience, at times he needs his partners to inflict pain. Pain he believes he has caused others. Pain he wants to feel himself. It’s his way of attempting to absolve him of his sins. A con man with a heart, if you will. And boy, did I love him for it. He has so many layers to get through until we learn the heart of who he is and who better to peel back those layers than Polly? Polly is a strong, capable heroine and a match for Austin in so many ways. She won’t settle for him going halfway and in her determination to see the real Austin we get to see their relationship blossom into something intense, emotional and hot as hell. These two together burn up the pages like the burning of a sparkler on the Fourth of July. Hot, intense, and burning bright, it is incredible to read. But beyond that, the little admissions from each one of them as their defenses break down had me falling in love with these two and pulling for them to get a happy ending. And don’t even get me started on Austin and his stash of Polly’s tea *dreamy sigh*

Now, I won’t ruin anything for you but get ready for a bumpy ride and be prepared for some white-knuckled, wide-eyed reading. When things start to come together for the plan Polly and Austin are working on it gets intense! But don’t worry too much, Tessa gives another one of her movie worthy endings I was swooning over. So. Damn. Good.

Of course, it was wonderful getting to see the rest of the Crossing the Line crew and I cannot wait for Henrik’s book!

Thank you, Tessa, for another kick ass story!

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

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 of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Author Media Links:

Website: http://www.tessabailey.com

Twitter: @mstessabailey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tessa-Bailey/107783312730783

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6953499.Tessa_Bailey

Newsletter: http://www.tessabailey.com/ – !contact/c1kcz

The Baller by Vi Keeland…Blog Tour Stop, Giveaway, & Review

Meet Brody Easton in THE BALLER!

A standalone Contemporary Romance novel by

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/23atpbd

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ZwJnI4

iBooks: http://apple.co/1QM9TfP

B&N: http://bit.ly/1Yi2xmp

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SEiOhC

Blurb

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room.

It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.

The famed quarterback decided to bare all.

And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets.

No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.

When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.

But I don’t date players.

And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football.

I’d date an athlete.

It’s the other kind of player I don’t date.

You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.

But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.

Turned out, I was that girl.

Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is.

There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after…

And this one is ours.

My Review:

The Baller is the newest work from author Vi Keeland and being a huge fan of all things that she writes, I was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book. And, yes, you can totally add this to my list of faves from this author. I just loved everything about it!

Delilah Maddox has been around football her whole life. First being the daughter of a pro-football player, and now in the world of sports newscasting. So, to say she knew all about the egos the players had would be an understatement. It’s why she avoided them and didn’t fall for their antics. You could say she was immune. That was until she met Brody Easton. Oh no, it wasn’t love at first sight and Delilah sure as hell didn’t give him a shot in the beginning…he definitely had to work for it. But Brody’s at-times-incredulous flirtations would prove to wear even Delilah down and when he turns out to be anything but what she had expected, she knew she found someone special. Ah, but if only it were as easy as boy meets girl and they live happily ever after. Nope, there would be a few really big hurdles for them to overcome and would surely put them to the test. Would they get their happy ending?

Oh, how I just loved this story! One thing I want you to know right off the bat, is that there’s so much more to this story besides a cocky player getting the girl with the impenetrable defenses. Ms. Keeland has a way of adding so many wonderful layers to her characters and Delilah and Easton were no exception. Sure he’s a confident and cocky guy but he has a hidden soft side and a past that had me on Team Easton as soon as we learned about it. He’s loyal and kind. Caring and sexy. Truly the total package. I also loved Delilah and knew she had met her match in Brody. Their banter is phenomenal and I had no doubt when they connected it was going to the something special. And oh boy was it ever. The chemistry and attraction are delectable but beyond that the connection they share through personal loss and emotionally trying times really made this couple something special.

There were more than a few times I was worried that they couldn’t make it when Brody’s past comes, quite literally, knocking on his door. I don’t want to ruin anything for you but let me say, Ms. Keeland did an amazing job at keeping me on the edge of my seat and keeping my emotional investment high! I also have to say there is one of the most heartwarming and touching chapters I’ve ever read in this book. Brody gives a speech that was simply beautiful. Have tissues ready. Seriously.

Once again I have to say, I adored this book. If you’re looking for a well written, emotionally charged, sexy and steamy read, this is a book for you! Thank you, Ms. Keeland, for a fantastic story. I’ll be looking forward to

Five Loves

Excerpt:

A new song had just started, and I was enjoying his company when a voice behind me said, “Can I cut in?”

My head whipped around, even though I had no doubt whom the gravelly voice belonged to.

Michael was gracious. “I hate to share. But I suppose I have been hogging the most beautiful woman at the event.” He let go of my hand and stepped back with a gentlemanly nod. “Thank you for the dance, Delilah.”

Again Brody Easton had caught me off guard. Before I knew it, I was dancing with the arrogant jerk. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled my body tight against his. Way tighter than Michael had held me.

“Good to see you again, Lois Lane.”

The man had balls; I had to give him that. I looked him straight in the eyes. “Nice to see you with clothes on, Easton.”

“Do you prefer me without?”

“I prefer you on the other side of the room.”

He chuckled. It was a hearty laugh. “That’s what happens sometimes when you decide you want to hang out in the men’s locker room.”

I tried to pull back, but he tightened his grip and held me in place. I craned my neck. “Let go of me.”

“No.”

“No?”

“That’s right. No.”

“I can scream at the top of my lungs.”

“I’d like to hear you scream.” His tone made it clear he meant he wanted me underneath him while I was doing the screaming.

“You’re an asshole. You know that?”

“I do. You asked me that yesterday. For a reporter, you should really try changing up your questions more frequently.”

My eyes bulged.

Easton shifted his hand down to the small of my back before twirling us around the dance floor. Figures the prick can dance.

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“You can’t be serious?”

He ignored my comment. “Would you like to have dinner tonight?”

“We just ate.”

“Dessert at my place, then?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you hit your head at the game yesterday?”

“On a diet, huh?”

“Yeah. That’s it. I don’t want to go to your place for dessert because I’m on a diet.”

“Well, that’s just a shame.”

About the Author:

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