When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.
Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens all fall for his smile.
In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?
I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.
You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.
Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances.
Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
The Player Hater is the first book in Sara’s next series, Accidentally In Love.
This story focuses on Davis and Juliet, who are both requested to join their best friends on a trip for them all to get to know one another better. However, the trip doesn’t go exactly as Juliet intended. Plus both Juliet and Davis’ best friends end of making it more of romantic getaway for the two of them and it’s left up to Juliet and Davis to find things to do.
I don’t know where to start this one. While I enjoyed this one, something was missing. Juliet was a bit prudish to me, even though Sara does her best to make sure not seem that way. Davis was a bit too easy going for me. I struggled in the beginning to see their connection. But I did enjoy that they got to know one another in a friendly way before moving into the more romantic territory immediately.
I know that with Sara’s stories, she tends to avoid epilogues but, I always just assumed because they were college romances. I was apparently wrong in that assumption and felt as though Davis and Juliet were sort of gipped of their HEA. This books ends setting up the next book, which I am looking forward to.
Overall, I didn’t hate the book, just felt like it was lacking. It was truly right down the middle for me.
He was my worst enemy. He spent every waking moment devising fresh new ways of torturing me. No one has ever been able to make me cry like Matthais Bristow: my twin brother’s best friend, and the person on this planet I hate most.
Then, he left for college and I was free of him. For ten blessed years, I was free of his torture.
Now, he’s back, and he owns half of the family business I spent my entire life preparing to take over.
Is this going to be a new round of his old favorite game, Make Delia McKenna Cry, or are am I to believe he’s actually come back with good intentions?
I have never read a book by Jasinda (not sure why), so I felt truly honored to receive an arc of this one.
I have to be honest – this book started off at 5 stars for me and somewhere near the end (last 10-15% in slowly went to 4 to a 3). I can’t rate it a 3 because overall this book is written very well and I was intrigued by these characters. The plot was entertaining and I needed to see where they would end up. However, I just didn’t care for how quickly things seems to just come together near the end.
Jasinda does a phenomenal job of introducing her characters and allowing her readers to really get an understanding of the dynamics. There is no love-loss between these characters and it’s quite tangible that their hatred is real.
I want to say so much but what made this book all the more enjoyable was not knowing exactly what to expect from these characters. Their mannerisms, characteristics and overall vibe is also what kept me glued to the pages.
The story flows wonderfully and the pacing of everything is very natural (minus last 10ish%). I enjoyed getting to know these characters and their dialogue at times was quite hilarious. Delia does not hold back on anything and both her brother Dell, and his best friend Thai also know how to dish it out.
The Parent Trap was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to Dell’s book in the future.
Meet Jasinda Wilder
NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her six children and menagerie of animals.
From Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson & #1 NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken comes a full length, standalone dark romance novel.
“Play for me, Juliet…”
Those four words whispered in my ear again and again until I craved what I used to fear.
Such a simple demand from my captor—the man who stole me and refused to tell me why he wouldn’t let me go.
I was his.
He made me need him, just as much as he needed me.
I broke all the rules of the golden prison he put me in.
During the day he ruled his dark, seedy world.
His subjects and me.
During the night—he bowed before my feet.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the villains in all the fairy tales you read?
You’ll soon find out.
It all started when he kidnapped me and made me his pet.
And it all ended with me…
Calling him master.
*This story is not for the faint of heart and may be uncomfortable for some readers. But, then again, stepping outside of your comfort zone may be exactly the thing you need…
Falling for the Villain is a dark romance from M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken (RVD). I truly enjoy reading books by both these authors (they have many 4 and 5 star reviews from me). However, this book fell right down the middle for me.
This isn’t the first time Robinson and RVD have written a book together and you can tell. It’s extremely difficult to discern who wrote what as the story does flow very well in that aspect. This book is quite different than their previous book together and also slightly different from what they have written individually. This one takes readers outside of their comfort zone and into master/slave trope along with Stockholm syndrome.
Robinson and RVD are very strong and mature writers. I love their writing styles and love how they are able to blend their unique styles so that it is seamless when we read this story. And this book showcases that. The writing is strong, it is seamless in that you cannot tell you who wrote what and while the story flows in certain ways, it felt choppy in others and this is where I felt disconnected. The narrative of how Juliet (who is Sinacore and they bow to no one) so easily succumbs to Donovan. I wanted more of their encounters early on in their “relationship” to get a better understanding of how their dynamics came to be later on. It is truly hinted at, but I felt because it lacked that connection, it failed to deliver on connecting the reader to their twisted relationship.
The story is told from both their POVs, which does help readers understand to a degree where each character is coming from. But because their early encounters are much more rushed, it misses the mark on how they fully connect. I understand his reasoning for abducting her, the power he yields over her and why he does what he does. However, again, it was just missing the mark for me. I felt disconnected to these characters.
This book is not going to be everyone’s “cup of tea” but if you enjoy stepping outside your normal reads, like having boundaries pushed and/or just reading something different, then I highly urge you to give this one a try. I enjoyed the overall plot, the characters and the general flow of this book. I had no qualms any scenes or the dark undertones of this book. However, I struggled to connect to this book in various ways and that is why this one is right down middle for me.
Meet M. Robinson
M. Robinson is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author crowned as the “Queen of Angst” by readers around the world.
Dive into her visionary world that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you wanting more.
She writes everything from contemporary to suspense romance and is best known for her novel, El Diablo.
When M isn’t in the cave writing her next epic love story, you will find her shopping and living on a boat in Florida with her real life pirate, her lobster, her husband Bossman. Sipping on Starbucks and hanging out with their two dogs, a German shepherd mix and a gordito Wheaten Terrier reading a good book. Or spending time with her family, who she is extremely close with.
Above all, M loves her readers more than anything and loves to connect with them! She is on all social media platforms but you will find her in her happy place the most. Her VIP Reader Group on Facebook or her second favorite happy place, Instagram.
Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal.
With over four million copies sold, she’s been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries.
She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience.
She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable son, naked cat, and two dogs.
Hearing the disbelief from my best friend’s mouth makes the events of my failed date sting that much more.
I would like to make it known, I have a lot more swagger than what it seems. I don’t normally ask a girl out, have her fail to recognize it’s a date, and then give me a high five–as if I’m her wingman–and take off with someone else.
No. Normally I’m the one taking the girl home but with Stella, it’s been one failed attempt after another and frankly, I’m done trying.
But thanks to my best friend getting married in Hawaii right before the school year starts, I’m stuck on a tropical island, watching Stella parade around in what she claims is a bathing suit.
Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it, just the tip of the iceberg. Because what I think is going to be a relaxing vacation, avoiding the one girl I can’t seem to make it work with, has turned into a spectacle of being recruited as Stella’s doting fake fiancé so she can save face with an old “friend” from high school.
Now I’m navigating through purgatory while trying not to get turned on by the way she holds my hand or kisses my jaw. It’s all fake, that’s what I keep telling myself, even though it feels entirely too real.
Excerpt:
“Do you want to sit next to Stella on the airplane?” Arlo asks.
“What? Fuck, no,” I say while turning up the game so I can hear the announcers over my tedious, wedding-planning best friend.
Arlo snatches the remote from my hand and turns off the TV. The room is silent for a moment before uproarious objections fill the air.
“Gentry is up next,” Gunner, my other best friend and former teammate, complains from next to me. “He’s three for three so far.”
“We need to talk,” Arlo says in that stern, alpha-like voice that won over his fiancée. Little does he know it doesn’t work on me.
I reach for the remote but he swats my hand with a resounding thud, causing me to yank my hand back. “What the actual fuck, man?”
When I decided to have the guys over to my loft, I assumed we’d tear up some wings, drain some brews, and watch the Bobbies game. Never in my wildest fucking dreams would I have pictured Arlo Turner, the grumpy curmudgeon of the Forest Heights English department, to roll in like a beaming bride, holding a wedding planning folder to his chest, and consume the night with questions about what he should wear and if coconut cake is too “Hawaiian-y” for his Maui destination wedding.
But here we are.
“Cut the crap, Romeo.”
“Cut what crap?” I reach over to the coffee table and pick up my almost empty glass of beer.
“I’m not about to have the Bickersons attend my wedding, so what the hell is going on with Stella?”
“Nothing is going on,” I answer, then take a small sip of my beer, making the liquid last so I don’t have to get up for a refill.
Gunner leans in and asks, “If we get to the bottom of the problem, can we turn the TV back on?”
“Yes,” Arlo answers.
“Then it was the baseball game he took her to.”
“Dude,” I say in protest while sitting up on the couch. “What the fuck happened to don’t say anything?”
Gunner unapologetically shrugs. “I really want to watch the Bobbies kill the Rebels in interleague play.”
“What baseball game?” Arlo asks. “Do you mean the game you took her and Cora to?”
“Yup.” Gunner pops a chip in his mouth from the bowl on the coffee table. “Except Cora wasn’t supposed to go. It was supposed to be a daaate,” Gunner drags out.
“You asked Stella out?” Arlo asks, shocked.
“Way to sell me out for a game, you dick.”
Not showing an ounce of remorse, Gunner stands from the couch and takes my glass from me.
“I’ll top you off. You’ll need it.”
Seething, I pass my hand over my head and say, “Yeah, I asked her out. She invited Cora. End of story.”
“That’s not the end of the story,” Gunner says from the kitchen, the open concept of my loft allowing his voice to carry to us easily.
When you think a friend is trustworthy and then they go and shock your fucking nuts right off by divulging everything you told them in secret . . . without even a blink of an eye. Gunner is dead to me.
You’re probably wondering why I didn’t say anything to Arlo about what happened, given he’s one of my best friends, right? It’s simple. Gunner got me drunk and I relished in the comfort of far too many cold beers and a listening ear. If it wasn’t for that, I’d have kept my mouth shut, because the entire incident was fucking humiliating.
Between you and me, I’ve liked Stella Garcia, the Spanish teacher at Forest Heights, for a while now. Far too long actually. I can’t quite pinpoint when it happened, but all I know is over the three years I’ve known her, I’ve been pining after the girl for the majority of the time.
Fucking bold, quick-witted with a sharp tongue, loves sports, shy when it counts. Flat-out gorgeous with her long, wavy brown hair and fascinating green eyes that have a ring of brown around the pupil. She’s had my attention for a while and last year, I decided to finally make a move.
Enough was enough. We shared too many dinners together as friends. She’s pressed her lips to my beer glass without a second thought way too many times. The moment presented itself, I grew a pair, and asked her out to a baseball game knowing she loves watching the sport as much as I do.
But fuck did it backfire.
“What’s the end of the story?” Arlo asks, growing agitated. His patience runs thin, which is surprising, given his profession of educating the youth.
He’s not going to drop it.
Arlo’s relentless when he wants to know something.
Dragging my hand down my face, I say, “It was supposed to be a date.” Gunner sits next to me and hands me my refilled glass, which I gladly take. “She invited Cora. Which was fine. We had a good time, I still sat next to Stella, and we shared jokes even if there was a third wheel. But it was what happened afterwards that—”
“That gutted him,” Gunner finishes for me. When I snap a look at him, he smirks. “That’s what you told me. Just thought I’d help tell the story.”
“I wasn’t gutted.”
Maybe I was a little.
Hell . . . I was humiliated.
Gutted isn’t a strong enough word for what happened.
“What the fuck happened after? Christ. Why are you taking so damn long to get to the point?” Arlo practically growls.
“Go easy on our guy.” Gunner grips my shoulder. “He was embarrassed, man.”
“It’s fine, I’m over it now,” I say in a passive-aggressive tone.
“You’re clearly not if you and Stella can’t even be in the same room together. I don’t want anything ruining this trip for Greer, and your constant arguing with Stella is driving everyone fucking crazy.”
“Great, then I just won’t talk to her. Simple.”
“Just tell him,” Gunner says, nudging me.
Christ.
Staring down at my beer, I quietly say, “She went home with someone else that night.”
The room falls silent.
They don’t have to react for me to know what they must be thinking. They know I’ve liked Stella for a while. They know I’ve been trying to figure out a way to ask her out.
And this . . . hell, this was an epic fail on my end.
It wouldn’t be as bad if I weren’t already carrying a chip on my shoulder about the way I was forced to twist my life around.
Five years ago, everything changed.
Five years ago, I was stripped of the one thing that brought me life.
A ruptured Achilles tendon ended everything for me.
I never got the chance to appreciate my last game.
I never had the opportunity to sit on the field and say goodbye.
Instead, playing professional baseball was stripped from me and I was forced to fall back on my teaching degree I earned while playing in college.
To say I’m bitter, resentful, and fucking angry . . . yeah, that’s an understatement.
I live with regret daily and harbor more animosity than anyone should.
So, when I took Stella to the game, on a date, hoping to tell her how I feel, and she went home with someone else, it fucking stung.
Do you know what stung more, though?
The fact that she looked right past me and instead went for a rookie on the Bobbies.
Why go out with a washed-up baseball player turned phys ed teacher with a slight limp in his walk, when you can go out with an unmarred professional baseball player?
Yeah. There’s resentment for a reason. She chose the star. That’s who she wants.
That’s who I’ll never be.
And that’s why I plan on staying as far away from Stella Garcia on this trip as I can.
And when we get back to Chicago and the school year starts, everything will go on as planned.
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.
Too easy, right?
3.5 Stars
Earn Your Extra Credit features, Romeo and Stella, who readers met in See Me After Class. Don’t worry, you don’t need to read that one to read this one, but it definitely helps in getting a deeper connection to everyone.
I was really looking forward Romeo and Stella’s book – this two have quite the interesting relationship. They have been coworkers for quite awhile and even close friends after working together for so long. They watch baseball games together and compete on the faculty league team.
At some point, things became strained between them and nothing has been the same since. Romeo and Stella, along with their other friends, are all now in Hawaii for their best friends’ wedding. But that’s not the only problem, they both find themselves fake dating because Stella has some point to prove.
I want to say so much more, but I hate when reviewers talk about scenes in reviews or give away plot points, accidentally. But there is a lot that goes on this on this book – growth, acceptance and moving forward.
Yea – not sure what to say about this one, to be honest. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. But, it dragged for me. Stella annoyed the hell out of me, a lot. Her antics, while entertaining, just became annoying after a bit. Romeo – the man has the patience of a saint.
It kills me to say this because I truly love Meghan, the characters she bring us and their stories. But this book was right down the middle for you. While I enjoyed it, it was not my favorite. But I am definitely in the minority on this one. I would still recommend this book to others because while it wasn’t a 5 star for me, I know that other readers will enjoy it.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those girls. Not when I lost my apartment because my roommate let the lease lapse while I was traveling for work. Not when my brothers keep finding love and my mother keeps reminding me I’m still single. Not after a one-night stand during my older brother’s wedding has me waking up pregnant.
I have to keep it a secret—from him, and my family. I sure can’t tell my brother his teammate, Mateo Jose Espinoza, is the man I slept with. Confident, funny, Mateo…
A GUY CAN’T CATCH A BREAK
Just when I thought I’d found the girl of my dreams, she ghosts me. Worse? Her brother refuses to give me her number, and my calls to her office go straight to voicemail. I thought I was a catch; professional athlete, charming, raised with six sisters—I’m a guy who knows his way to a woman’s heart! What reason could she possibly have for avoiding me?
When I finally catch up to True Wallace, I’m going to get the answer.
Hard Luck is the fourth book in the Trophy Boyfriend series and can easily be read as a standalone.
This was just an ok read for me – it was right down the middle of the road. There were things that I like and things that I did not like, which evened out the book for me.
Having a surprise pregnancy will have anyone making poor decisions that aren’t normal for them. But I couldn’t for the life of me understand her reluctance to tell Mateo. Especially when he was trying so hard to get in touch with her.
Their chemistry was hard to believe. I could definitely tell Mateo was attracted and wanted to get to know her better. However, I wasn’t getting that vibe from True.
I enjoyed the family dynamics on both sides, but sometimes they felt too over the top.
And then there’s the ending. I’m used to Sara’s writing so I know her endings are different than most. However, this one truly felt as though we were abruptly cut off.
This book was right down the middle for me. The series itself is really good, this book just wasn’t the best of them, in my opinion.
Meet Sara Ney
Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances.
Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
From New York Times Bestselling Author, Kristen Proby, comes Spells, the next installment in her gripping Bayou Magic series…
As a powerful hedgewitch and psychic, there isn’t much I can’t work to my advantage and finesse with a spell. Love, fortune, and even the perfect cup of coffee are all possible with the snap of my fingers.
But some things are utterly beyond my control.
Like the powerful and broody warlock who’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember–and even the lifetimes I often can’t. Things almost as dangerous as Lucien Bergeron’s hold on me and the breathtaking smiles only I get to see.
Or the evil still stalking the streets of New Orleans that beckons to me to see. To feel. To die.
With everything riding on a razors-edge, and things that have been portended coming to fruition, threatening both me and those I love, I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to resist my fate. Or his charm.
If I work with Lucien, it could mean the end for both of us.
If I don’t, those I love most will pay.
Download today on Amazon, Books & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Audible!
Kristen Proby has published more than forty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.
Love Disregarded, an all-new, second chance standalone romance with all the feels from Rachel Blaufeld is available now!
When I first met Aston Prescott, I thought I’d be able to let go of him.
I was naive.
He belonged to the private club where I worked, and despite the vast difference in our social status, I still fell for him. I thought he fell for me too, and that our love would overcome any obstacles.
But our relationship was discounted by everyone around us. Our families didn’t support us, and our friends avoided us.
So we moved on with our lives, but then everything fell apart.
The man who once abandoned me is now seeking comfort in my arms, and this time, I’m not sure if I can give in.
Because if I do, I may never be able to let him go again.
“Remember when we first met? Christ, we were young.” I ran my hand through my hair, feeling it stick up at the ends. Cass would have sneered and told me I needed a haircut. Bexley, who was standing right in front of me, didn’t say a word. We were facing each other, but she left enough space between us so I couldn’t touch her. My hand shook, wanting to close the divide. “I was a kid then,” she said. “A foolish, smitten girl looking into a window of a world I knew better than to think I’d ever belong to.” “Nah, you did belong. Do belong. The only foolish person was me. What I mean is, you were the first person I’d ever come clean to, been honest with, you know? I’d never really told anyone about my mom before and her antics. The endless lying in bed. The pining-away bullshit. At least, I thought it was bull, but she was the one who knew what was up. I chose to believe my dad, and that’s on me.” “You can’t beat yourself up over that. Not your dad, but your mom. Each of them tried to pit you against the other.” Bexley finally moved toward me and ran her hand down my arm. Her fingers ghosted over mine, and I grabbed hold of them before she could pull away. My grip might have been tighter than necessary, but the fear of her slipping out of my grasp attacked my heart. “Look, I know he did us dirty, but back then, he held the keys to everything I wanted. Thought I wanted. Money, prestige, power. I’d been raised to think that’s what made life worth living, but I was wrong. And when he took you away from me, it was a loss like I’d never felt, a sacrifice I shouldn’t have had to make. Or you.” A small tear formed in the corner of her eye. I waited for it to fall, but it floated on a precipice—like the current status of my life. “I can’t go over all of it again. It hurt like hell then, and it still hurts now,” she said, sniffing back more tears. “I tried my best to move on, and that’s all I could do.” “I know, but I hate that it happened. That I allowed it to happen at all. And to think I did this to you. My dad took you from me and me from you, and with the way he was, I thought you were better off. It’s no defense. Believe me.” My heart and head pounded in synchronicity from the stress of dredging this all up. The fact I was here . . . with Bexley. It was all too much. “I can’t. I said I can’t. Let’s not talk about it anymore,” she begged. She moved back toward the couch and sat down, dropping her head in her hands. Her separation was an immediate shock to my system. “I want a chance to make it right.” I knelt at her feet, my jeans cutting into the back of my knees, and I welcomed the pain. “Look at me. Please.” This time, her tears fell heavy and hard. “Why now? I can’t believe this. What are you doing here? Now, of all times?” “You can believe it. I’m here.” I brought a thumb to each cheek and wiped the wetness away. “You’re probably going to go to prison. Then what? We’ll have our second chance with me visiting you behind bars? Oh, that’s so romantic, Aston”
About Rachel Rachel Blaufeld is a bestselling author of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, Coming-of-Age Romance, and Sports Romance. A recent poll of her readers described her as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end as lusciously as her treats. As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog,BacknGrooveMom,chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author”and reading recommendations over at “Happy Ever After.” Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. Her obsessions include running, coffee, basketball, icing-filled doughnuts, antiheroes, and mighty fine epilogues. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken
Release Date: January 28, 2020
Fashion Jungle, an all-new standalone contemporary romance byIconic Supermodel, now Global Business Mogul, Kathy Ireland and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken.
Four women… Four very different paths. One incredibly cutthroat world.
Welcome to the Jungle.
As America’s sweetheart, Brittany is perceived as the “good girl.” The sort to bring her Bible to a photoshoot… only to garner the attention of a most unlikely suitor. Until one mistake irrevocably changes both of their lives forever. Fortunately, both now and then, Brittany has wonderful support systems, including her tribe.
The leader of the tribe and a model who’s fought every battle and obstacle in the industry, Zoe, knows her worth. Until a sex tape scandal rocks her world. She sees no choice but to put her trust in the one man she shouldn’t, to make it all go away and help her succeed. Unfortunately, not only is he mired in New York’s underbelly, he wants repayment… with interest. Namely, her hand in marriage.
Despite her seemingly perfect life, Everlee has problems of her own. Not only has her world-renowned photographer husband been cheating, but it’s actually much worse than that. The things surrounding what he’s done are so dark and dangerous, Everlee’s life may actually be in jeopardy.
And then there’s Danica, cold, dead in the ground Danica. Some secrets stay hidden while others are just waiting to be discovered- hers has the power to alter the industry forever.
In the world of the Fashion Jungle, it’s easily eat or be eaten… but, if you make it out alive, you just might have a story to tell – though it will likely be one of secrets, lies, deceit, and loss.
“I think I may come here every night.” “Be my guest,” Dane said, looking away as if he were bored; when in reality, his heart was racing. Frederick would crack. His shirt was open now, his eyes closed. The habit would continue as it always did. Wouldn’t it? He would self-destruct. All men eventually did when it came to Dane. The ones who didn’t, well… they weren’t alive to say otherwise, now, were they? “Have fun.” Dane stood, patted Frederick on the back, and shared a knowing look with the woman currently straddling the man’s lap. “Make it worth his while but remember our rules.” Dane shoved the guilt aside as he walked off. The guilt of what this would do to Everlee. Then again, Everlee didn’t know what he did. She didn’t know the secrets Frederick kept. That he wasn’t who she thought he was. Then again, nobody really did. Only Dane. Because he’d collected everything he could on Frederick for a year and was less than impressed by the sort of man he was. “Interesting club,” Ronan said once Dane reached the bar. He was flanked by two bodyguards. “They aren’t necessary,” Dane said in an unemotional voice, pointing to the security. “No weapons allowed, no fighting, only pleasure.” “And yet, here you are, talking to me.” Ronan leveled him with a glare. “What do you want, Dane?” “Is that how you speak to an old friend?” Ronan let out a snort. “We’ve never been friends. We’ve only tolerated each other because of the girls.” The girls. It was how they all referred to Brittany, Everlee, Zoe and Danica. Pain sliced through Dane’s heart, he couldn’t even say her name in his head without feeling it everywhere, all the way down to the marrow. Shake it off. They were women now. Women with secrets. Insecurities. Girls who’d grown up too fast. Females who were still fighting their way through the jungle of New York, barefoot and bleeding with fake smiles and deadly secrets. “I need you to keep him in jail,” Dane said under his breath. “They say he’s getting out on good behavior.” Ronan muttered a curse. “Let me guess, you want me to go have a golf game with the DA?” “If you think that would help.” Dane tilted his head and narrowed his eyes on the politician, the man he used to trust as much as everyone else before Dane’s world came crumbling down around him by way of his sister’s death. “Then, yes.” “Fine. This makes us even.” Ronan tried to walk off, but Dane grabbed him by the elbow and held him there, whispering in a low voice, “I will never be done with you… tell the former first lady hello. I loved what she was wearing while shopping on Fifth Avenue yesterday, the white made her look so innocent.” Ronan let out a filthy curse and walked off. And Dane? Dane stared out across the club as a feeling of calmness washed over him. Chess pieces had been moved. Now. Now, he would wait.
Fashion Jungle is a little bit women’s fiction with some contemporary romance added in. This book was different than I anticipated but had some elements I truly never expected. Knowing that this story was built on some truths on what happens behind the scenes in the fashion world truly makes you wonder what is factual and what is not.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. I don’t want to give more away than what the blurb says because then I feel as though I am just summarizing what the book is about. So just read the blurb to have an understanding of what you are getting into. I will just let you know what worked and did not work for me.
This book is told from 4 POVs, all in third person. This is where things got fuzzy for me. You never know which character’s POV you are reading from til you get in the chapter and things start to come together. In the beginning of the book, a lot is thrown at you. If I knew which character’s voice I was reading, I think this would have been more appealing to me. But when I had to try and decipher who was talking, it took away from what was truly happening in that scene.
I will say that once you get past all that, Kathy and Rachel do write some very compelling and intriguing characters. The fashion world is truly another world in itself and what goes on behind the scenes is quite interesting. I was definitely entertained by this story, even if things were predictable and it took me a bit longer to get through it than I would liked. But again, it still kept me flipping the pages
I think having both a fashion mogul and an amazing author pen this story was brilliant. Knowing what these 4 characters went through, both what people saw on the outside and what they hid from the world, it keeps the reader glued to the pages. And let’s not forget the two men who grace the pages of this book, Dane and Dr. Oliver. You need to read to see how these two fit into the story. 😉
Overall, I definitely recommend giving Fashion Jungle a go.
About Kathy:
Kathy Ireland, Chair of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), is a fashion and home industry icon, whose unprecedented, American entrepreneurial success, inspired the term, model-preneur. kiWW® is owned solely by Kathy’s family trusts. Kathy’s first novel, Fashion Jungle, is co-authored with #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken. Kathy entered the “jungle” as a teenager, sheltered by loving parents, John and Barbara, of Santa Barbara, California. Covers of Vogue, Teen, and Cosmopolitan, led to a record 13 issues and all-time bestselling cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Kathy is the supermodel turned supermogul, hailed by Harper’s Bazaar as the most successful “model in the world.” kiWW® launched a single pair of socks, during Kathy’s first pregnancy. While selling over one hundred million pairs, retail expanded. kiWW® develops for home, office, fashion, luxury jewels, vacation destinations, weddings, lighting, flooring, furniture, personal care, media and more. After billions of dollars in sales, kiWW®, a private company, was reported on by Forbes. Kathy’s story continues in global media, including three Forbes covers (two USA, one Asia), Inc., Wall Street Journal, Cheddar, Success Magazine, television, and online. Kathy’s speaking events occur in America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Residing in Santa Barbara, California, Kathy Ireland and Greg Olsen are parents to Lily, Chloe, Erik and his wife Bethany, their daughter-in-love. Kathy holds numerous Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters including one from CSUChannel Islands. Kathy’s philanthropy includes: women and children’s health, HIV/AIDS, Education, human freedom, life, wars against religious persecution and violence. Kathy is a Board Member of the NFLPA, WNBPA Board of Advocates, an Ambassador and donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Kathy’s survival in the jungle is because of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, His inerrant Word, and The Gospel, which is the Good News of Christ, crucified for all sins. Kathy believes everyone is loved by Jesus Christ, without any exceptions. Please experience Kathy’s journey of Faith, at kathyireland.com/fashionjungle/faith.
Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times Bestselling, Wall Street Journal, And USA Today bestselling author of over 80 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over three million copies sold, she’s been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 12 countries. The Matchmakers Playbook was also optioned by Passionflix and directed by Tosca Musk. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable son, naked cat, and two dogs.For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com.
“Absolutely SWOON-WORTHY! Sweet and sexy and so romantic! Prepare to be swept away by Andrew and Grace!” – A.L. Jackson, New York Times bestselling author
Unexpectedly Yours, an all-new sizzling hot office romance from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Shea, is available now!
One night of unbridled passion.
It was the only thing Andrew McPherson and Grace Morgan could afford.
Intense.
Sexy.
Unforgettable.
They promised they would never see each other again, but fate had other plans. Andrew’s entire life has been spent working toward one goal—to own the top advertising and public relations company in the world. He’s driven, ruthless when it comes to business, never letting anything stand in his way…until Grace.
Grace has worked hard to build her advertising career. She’s fiercely talented and dedicated to her clients. Grace has no interest in getting involved with a man when she knows her focus should be on her career and paying off her mounting debt.
Andrew knows better than to get involved with a woman who is completely off limits, but he never backs down from what he wants, and he won’t stop until Grace is his…only this might cost him more than he’s willing to give.
Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
There’s a loud knock on the conference room door that startles both Jamie and me. She jumps up and opens the door, just as Eddie pops his head inside. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies,” he starts. “We have the conference room reserved for a client meeting in five minutes.” I glance at my watch and see that it’s almost nine o’clock. Jamie and I have been in here for almost an hour. “Shit,” I mumble, grabbing my empty coffee cup. “I have to get to work.” “Me too,” says Jamie, following me from the conference room back toward our desks. I stop abruptly, causing Jamie to run into my backside when I see Drew standing in my cube, staring out my window over a cloudy, rainy Manhattan. His hands are shoved into his pockets and his dress shirt is rolled up to his forearms. Tan, muscular arms stick out from under that crisp dress shirt. Even casual, he looks like the powerhouse CEO that he is. My heart rate kicks up a notch at the sight of him. As Jamie nudges me forward, I clear my throat as I do my best to look unaffected by his presence. “Mr. McPherson,” I acknowledge him, but don’t look at him. I slide into my desk chair and enter the password to my computer, bringing the screen back to life. “Good morning,” he says from behind me and I still keep my eyes trained on my computer. “And good morning, Jamie,” he says, acknowledging her. I glance up at Jamie and see her smile at him knowingly. Dammit, Jamie. “Morning, Mr. McPherson. Busy weekend getting to know New York City?” she asks him with the kind of innocence only a skilled liar could pull off. I’m going to fucking kill her. I narrow my eyes at her and she winks at me. I spin around in my chair to look at Drew, whose eyes jump back and forth between us, and I can see he’s picked up that I’ve filled her in. I hang my head in shame and shake my head. “It was a wonderful weekend,” he tells her honestly. “Do anything exciting?” she asks, her tone snarky and her questions intruding. “Or anyone?” she says under her breath and I choke. “Are you okay?” Drew asks me. “Fine,” I cough out, tossing a glare at Jamie, who giggles and slides into her desk chair. I pick up a pen off my desk and throw it at her. It hits her back. She bursts into laughter and Drew shakes his head in amusement at us. He leans over my shoulder and whispers into my ear, “I missed you last night.” His warm breath causes me to shiver and catch my breath. “I didn’t like waking up and you not being there,” he continues, knowing the effect he has on me. I shift in my chair and sit up straight, trying to drown out the throbbing that has started between my legs. I spin slowly toward him and stop, his face mere inches from mine. “I slept remarkably well,” I tell him. He smiles. “Liar.” “I’m not lying,” I whisper. “You are.” He brushes a knuckle over my top lip and my skin breaks out in goosebumps. “When you lie, your upper lip twitches.” Jesus Christ, this man has me all figured out. I hold his gaze and my heart stammers in my chest. Looking at him, I can’t help but feel that I’ve missed him too. “I’d like to meet with you later to go over a few things,” he says, standing up. “How does eleven thirty in my office sound?” “Sounds fine,” I muster out. “See you then, Gracie.” Drew saunters out of my cube and down the hallway. I can’t help it as my eyes follow him as he walks through the rows of cubes until he reaches his office. I notice Jamie watching him too before she spins around in her chair and faces me. “Holy fuck,” she hisses. “That man has it bad for you.” I look back at Drew’s office and watch the door close before I look at Jamie again. “I know.” And sadly, I have it just as bad for him.
Let me start off by saying I thoroughly enjoy Rebecca’s writing and her characters. I know that going into her books, I am going to enjoy the story and love these characters.Unexpectedly Yours is a very fast-paced insta-love story. As you all know, I am not a huge of insta-love stories – they are really hard sells for me. Andrew and Grace’s story is one that I am not 100% sold on as insta-love but the chemistry is truly undeniable between them.Andrew is immediately smitten with Grace after their one-night stand together. Grace isn’t one to just jump into bed after meeting someone. So she is totally thrown off balance when he shows up at work the next day and finding out that he will be the new owner of her company.Grace is ready to move and she tells him that she needs space and that their rumble in the sheets won’t be a repeat performance. However, Andrew isn’t letting her get away that easily. He is man that always get what he wants and has never been told no before.Andrew definitely is the more persistent one in this relationship and refuses to let Grace just walk away. He’s definitely going into new territory with the begging and groveling but he know it breaks down the walls that Grace has up.As I said, this book moves at a very fast pace. Andrew is the driving force behind their relationship moving forward. Grave tries to maintain a level head by attempting to slow things down, but he isn’t having it. He’s afraid that he’ll lose her if she gets insider her head and downplays the attraction one another.I do like the fact that Rebecca has the characters questioning the pace of their relationship to help maintain that level of normalcy. But I also enjoy how Andrew doesn’t care and wants to pursue this. There definitely is that back and forth that help keeps things more real.Overall, it is good read and I enjoyed that simplicity of this book. There isn’t any over the top drama and has the overall happy vibe that comes off the pages. Most romance readers will gobble this book up and love all over it. Rebecca never steers her readers wrong and Unexpectedly Yours is another example of that.
About Rebecca Shea Rebecca Shea is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Unbreakable series (Unbreakable, Undone, and Unforgiven), the Bound & Broken series (Broken by Lies and Bound by Lies) and two stand alone novels, Dare Me and Fault Lines. She has also co-written two books with her friend, A.L. Jackson, The Hollywood Chronicles: One Wild Night and One Wild Ride She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her family. From the time Rebecca could read she has had a passion for books. Rebecca spends her days working full-time and her nights writing, bringing stories to life. Born and raised in Minnesota, Rebecca moved to Arizona in 1999 to escape the bitter winters. When not working or writing, she can be found on the sidelines of her sons football games, or watching her daughter at ballet class. Rebecca is fueled by insane amounts of coffee, margaritas, Laffy Taffy (except the banana ones), and happily ever afters.
New York Times bestselling author Meghan March continues the Legend Trilogy.
Gabriel Legend is unlike any other man I’ve ever met.
He came into my life like a hurricane, shattering all my assumptions and preconceived notions.
I wasn’t prepared for him. I wasn’t prepared for any of it.
But life doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain.
I will never be the same Scarlett I was before I met him.
House of Scarlett is the second book in the Legend Trilogy and should be read after The Fall of Legend, book one.
Add to your Goodreads TBR:
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Where to buy:
http://meghanmarch.com/house-of-scarlett
Amazon: mybook.to/MMSCARLETT
Apple Books: http://bit.ly/AppleHouseofScarlett
B&N: http://bit.ly/MMHoSNook
Kobo: http://bit.ly/HouseofScarlettKobo
Google Play: bit.ly/35Ltbxh
This is tough one to write. House of Scarlett was definitely more about the world and character building than anything else. It’s right down the middle for me.
House of Scarlett was more about building the foundation for Scarlett and Legend and building up what is to come in book 3. There aren’t any new developments in the actual plot so don’t expect much in that department.
I did enjoy seeing how Scarlett and Legend are finding their common ground and taking their relationship to the next level. Legend is doing his best to prove to Scarlett that he regrets their first time together and wants to be there to protect her from everything, including himself and his past.
I was definitely disappointed that we did not get any action in this one. But the lack of action was made up with the action between Scarlett and Legend. These two have definitely found their rhythm and find it hard to keep their hands to themselves.
I am exited to see how this all plays out in book 3.
About the author:
Making the jump from corporate lawyer to romance author was a leap of faith that New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March will never regret. With over thirty titles published, she has sold millions of books in nearly a dozen languages to fellow romance-lovers around the world. A nomad at heart, she can currently be found in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, living her happily ever after with her real-life alpha hero.
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Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young.
What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?
Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.
Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.
Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?
They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.
My phone dinged loudly. I fumbled around my bed, finally finding the damn thing under a pillow. Wiping the sleep off my face, I rolled onto my back and read the text that had pulled me out of a pleasant sleep. I smiled. It was just so … Parker. Settling in, I answered her.
RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?
AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants.
My smile turned into an evil grin. The girl was always going to punch back and make it count.
RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?
AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.
RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.
AngryTink: Would you please behave?
RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants.
AngryTink: ARGH!
A chuckle rumbled in my chest as my thumbs tapped out a response I knew would piss her off more.
RhysThis: Was that even English? Honestly, Ms. Brown, I thought you were educated.
She took a moment to answer. I could picture her, phone in hand, grinding her teeth.
AngryTink: You’re deliberately trying to annoy me, aren’t you?
RhysThis: You’re quick. I’ll give you that.
AngryTink: Mr. Morgan, I’m about ten seconds away from finding an alternate fake boyfriend. A goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.
It was cute she thought that was threatening.
RhysThis: Yeah, probably. But the goat doesn’t have a signed contract. I do, Tinker Bell.
AngryTink: ARGH@!!
RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.
Outmatched is a sweet sports romance. I am really struggling with how to express my thoughts on this one. This will probably be the shortest review I have written on a book, other than a novella.
While I enjoyed the story and really liked the characters, it took me way too long to read this book. I found myself having no drive to finish the book but I did want to know what happened within the pages, even though I know the characters get their HEA. I think part of the drive was wondering what would happen to finally get them there, but what kept me from digging in was the lack of really strong characters and plot.
If I have confused you in the slightest, then you understand why I am struggling to write this review. LOL In all honesty, I think it was the small bits of drama thrown in that kept me interested, but the pace of the story kept me from reading faster and diving in at any chance I could.
All in all – I can see many people enjoying this book. I think had it been more fast paced, I would have it been more compelled to read it in a shorter time frame. And please don’t think I wanted an insta-romance (I am the last person to ever want that), but everything just moved slower than I would like. I did enjoy them getting to know one another felt the actual timeline made sense – but the flow just wasn’t for me. The characters felt authentic and the secondary characters kept things entertaining.
Overall, a sweet book with a dash of drama to add some flair to the story line. I love both authors dearly and definitely looking forward to reading future books from each.
About Kristen:
Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.
One night of unbridled passion.
