Book Review: The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson

Title: The Name of the Game (Something New #3)
Author: Jennifer Dawson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 352 pages
Rating: 4 stars

Some people follow the rules. . .

A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there’s nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She’s all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she’s famous for–and twice as irritating. But before long, James decides that getting a taste of her is one indulgence he can’t pass up. . .

Some people play to win. . .

Independent, smart, and sexy, Gracie’s year-long dry spell has her itching for a man. Responsible, health-obsessed James? Not in a million years! She needs a guy who knows how to let loose! But when James sets out to show her just how satisfying a disciplined man can be when pleasure is at stake, she learns just how sweet–and spicy–he really is.

Have James and Gracie found the recipe for love?

–Excellent take on an old tale: The opposites attract trope is a tried and true formula and the professor and the bombshell is something I’ve read plenty of times. Gracie is a small town baker who is in Chicago for her best friend’s engagement festivities and she’s thrown together with James Donovan, the nerdy stuffed shirt Donovan brother. They fight like cats and dogs whenever they’re in the same room together and they are convinced that they know what the other feels about them. It could easily move into familiar territory with James being a stuffed shirt and Gracie being a ditzy blond, but I loved that neither of them fits precisely in their predetermined roles. The fun starts when they stop fighting it and start dealing with their attraction, and getting to know the reasons why each has decided to let the world believe what they want about them.

When I’m reading a familiar tale (and let’s face it, 99% of romance isn’t about reinventing the wheel), what separates the best from the rest is the execution. I think Ms. Dawson has done extremely well with crafting some sympathetic and interesting characters, solid banter and ultimately making the obstacles that James and Gracie’s relationship face play out in a believable manner.

–Part of series yet stands alone: This is the third book in the series, which I didn’t know going in, but I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me. I was curious about the romances for Cecelia/Shane and Maddie/Mitch, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this story whatsoever. There’s enough backstory supplied that I didn’t feel lost or missing out on any goodies.

–Smoking hot chemistry: I thought James and Gracie had phenomenal chemistry and the anticipation built steadily with each and every scene, until I just wanted to scream at them to ‘just do it already!’ – I love when book makes me do that. Their first date was great and I read it more than once. The first love scene was compelling and squirm-inducing. Best yet, it was chemistry that translated outside of the bedroom.

They have excellent scenes where you see James AND Gracie them get past their preconceived notions of the other. Their arguing was filled with unresolved sexual tension and I certainly connect with it.  I have a very rational husband who can drive me NUTS when he calmly ignores my rants, so the final payback when James finally sees it made me laugh out loud. They also had a wonderful playful side (hence the book’s title) and the games they played in and out of the bedroom were sexy and fun.

–My quibbles: I wasn’t really expecting the better living through sexual domination moment, which was ok, but I think needed a bit to flesh it out. Also, I have to admit that James calling Gracie “baby girl” seemed a bit off, considering his personality. I loved that he wasn’t just a stuffed shirt, but personal nicknames should seem to fit the rest of his dialogue and it sort of didn’t.  

A pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed this well executed take on an old trope. I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms. Dawson and more about the Donovans.

– Ivy

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

Click on the images below to purchase the previous books in the series:

Blog Tour (Book Review, Excerpt & Giveaway): Suit by Jettie Woodruff

Title: Suit (Twin Duo #1)
Author: Jettie Woodruff @jettie_woodruff
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 271 pages
Rating: 5 stars

Identical twins, Gabriella and Isabella, separated at the age of eleven.  Reunited after thirteen years. One horrible accident tears them apart again. One wakes up married to a man with a dark side, and two little girls. One is missing.

Once upon a time I was Gabby Delgardo.
And then I wasn’t…
I was Gabriella Pierce.
Stepford wife.
Soccer mom.
Paxton’s trophy.
PTA parent.
Housekeeper.
Chef…
And the slut…

We were the model couple. Picture perfect in the eyes of the beholder. A beauty created by our observers. A flawless marriage with a lifetime agreement. One made to suit both our needs.
I signed my name on the dotted line. My marriage certificate.
Lies. Regrets. Secrets from the past.
I was Gabriella Pierce.
And then I wasn’t…

A complex story where everything isn’t what it seems.  Is it all a game or a terrible twist of fate?

As a blogger, we get a lot of email requests to review new releases.  As a reader, I’m always searching for that special book, something that will draw me from the first page and make me want to scream from the rooftops on how good it is, once you are done.  The synopsis for this book caught my attention, so I requested it as it looked like some mink fuckery would be in store.  I’m always in the book for a good mind fuck, and this book delivered!

The idea of twin sisters seemed very unique to me.  Especially how the author wove a story around identity.  Adding to the theme are all of the covers.  Did you notice how fucking brilliant they are? One is called Suit, one is called Slut.  Did you look closely and see how the words are almost look identical?  Maybe I’m reading to much into this (pun intended), but if this was intentional, I want to give the author a virtual high five.  Seriously, so clever!

If you read the synopsis, you are probably scratching your head like I was on what sort of story this might be about.  10% in and I’m already creating wild theories in my head as to what is going on.  Which of course, I can’t share with you.

The pace of this story kept me engaged and constantly speculating.  Following Gabriella’s accident, I had my theory as to what happened.  And I was convinced I was right until the very end.  Now I don’t know what to think.  I wasn’t sure which way is up.  My brain hurt.  This is one of those times when I am frustrated with ARCs because I have no one to talk to and speculate on what is going on.

What I can tell you is that Gabriella’s marriage to Paxton is all sorts of messed up.  I’m not certain how the two of them came to be, you are given the sense that Paxton isn’t in love with her, and has never been.  Yet he can’t seem to keep his hands off of her.  You thought Christian Grey was a control freak?  HA!  Paxton now seems to define that term.  To give you an example, he checks Gabriella’s mileage before she leaves the hours, because she’s only allowed to travel so far.  SAY WHAT?  And that’s just the tip of the iceburg.  He is a complex jackass to Gabriella for a good part of the book.  But, he’s not a complete dick.  He’s actually a great father and smart businessman.

“You have everything to suit your needs, and I have you.  My slut, to suit mine.”

What was most interesting about this couple was how they interacted privately.  Paxton lobbies threats for Gabriella backtalking, not following the rules, etc.  He initially punishes her by controlling her orgasms, teasing her to a point, but not taking her over the edge.  What was even more interesting was how Gabriella’s reactions threw him off.  She got off on his domination.  And this completely confused Paxton.

“This isn’t funny, Gabriella.  I can’t even humiliate you with an ass beating anymore.  Your pussy likes that, too.  I don’t know what to do.  This isn’t you.”

You got the sense that prior to the accident, she was dry during every physical encounter.  Now she gets turned on by the punishments.  This changes the dynamics of their relationship in a big way.  In a good way.  And had me thinking my early theory was correct, even though I have no idea on the particulars of what happened.

Throughout the book, Gabriella has flashback to her childhood with her Mom and twin sister Izabella.  We learn the rough life she lived and how she and her sister eventually separate.  But a lot of pieces are missing from the puzzle.  It’s not until the very end that the author gives us that huge corner piece, leaving me rewarded and at the same time, extremely confused.  It’s that cliffhanger you knew was coming.

This is that book that makes me want to scream from the rooftops!  This is something book clubs should read (kinky ones, of course), because this story is one you want to talk out.  I’m dying for others to read this and give me their thoughts.  My theory is nearly confirmed but the author added huge twist, and there are so many other part of the story left unturned.  I’ll be checking my kindle daily waiting for book 2, that is for sure.

– Grace

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

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KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/suit-3

The next time I woke the window revealed darkness. I felt irritated, but wasn’t sure why. Maybe because the neurologist never came like he said he would. Maybe because I hurt. I hurt everywhere. Even my eyes.

Maybe the agitation came from seeing him. Why? Why was he there?

Why couldn’t he just go away? I gave him a dirty look and hit my call button.

Paxton nobly walked to my side. “I can help you. What do you need?”

I shoved his hand away from mine. With all my might, I tried to move.

Just rolling to my side caused excruciating pain. Pain like I had never felt in my life. At least not that I remembered.

My voice raised, yet it was faint. “I want out of this bed, I want to know what’s wrong with me, and I want you to go away. That’s what I need!”

Faded words was all that I could muster. It even pained me to raise my voice. My muscles didn’t work, and the ones that did, hurt too much to move.

“Seriously? Tears? Give me a fucking break,” Paxton said, arrogant tone and all.

I wanted to tell him off, tell him to go fuck himself. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but they never formed in my mouth. The pain wouldn’t let them.

“What can we do for you, Gabriella?” Another new nurse asked. She moved around me, checking vitals and the drip in my I.V. while she spoke.

“I have to pee, and I need something for pain.”

“You have a catheter, but I can give you something for the pain. Tell me where the pain level is, one to ten.”

“Ten, more than ten. Oh, God. Give me something. Please,” I begged. My neck and shoulders hurt every time I moved my head, but I couldn’t help it. I was in unbearable pain, and nothing else was on my mind. I just wanted it to stop.

“Where’s the pain, Gabriella?”

“I don’t know. All over. My head, my neck, my back, my leg. It hurts everywhere. And it still feels like I have to pee.”

“Let me get you some Dilaudid. I’ll be right back.”

I squirmed as much as possible while I waited for relief, holding a flat hand over my face. Trying to squeeze the pain from my temples didn’t work at all. It still hurt.

“Shhh, I’ve got you. Just relax.” Soft words were whispered into my ear and Paxton’s warm body blanketed my chest. His hands moved around me and he held me close to him. The scent of “Stop fighting it, Gabriella. You’re only making it worse. You’re okay. I’ve got you,” he said in a quiet tone while leaving soft kisses around my neck. It’s stupid, but it did feel like it helped, like maybe some of the pain was lifted.

Tears slid down both of my eyes and he kissed them away, shushing me with soft words. Confusing emotions flooded my body while I wept in the arms of a man I didn’t know. I didn’t know what to say, what to feel, what to do, nothing. I knew nothing.

My name is Jettie Woodruff. I am from Ohio. I don’t know what genre I write in. People tell me I have my own genre. I write whatever I feel, because that’s what makes me happy. I don’t want to be in that box where I can only write one genre. I tend to like my bad boy’s, taboo; the touchy subjects that make you want to throw your kindle. Usually at said hot alpha male. Sometimes the female lead as well. My motto is life is short. Very short. If it doesn’t make you happy anymore then why do it? Move on. Some of my favorite things, besides writing are, friends, family, and the beach. Music, although my interest has changed after forty, I like the new stuff. Happy Reading.

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Book Review: Last Hope by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Title: Last Hope (Hitman #4)
Author: Jessica Clare & Jen Frederick @_JessicaClare @JenSFred
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 336 pages
Rating: 4 stars

In the explosive new Hitman novel from the bestselling authors of Last Kiss and Last Hit a jungle mercenary and a female target find love on the run…

Mendoza: I grew up in the slums and lost everything I loved to poverty, illness, and death. I had only one skill to leverage myself out of my circumstances—violence. Being hired out as a mercenary hitman brought me money and built an empire. But all that I’ve fought for is in jeopardy. My next job: Steal secret information that could bring down world governments. Find my target. Destroy it. But then, I meet her.

Ava: Karma hates me. When my best friend Rose is kidnapped, I have no choice but to take a job as a mule for a pair of criminals intent on selling top-secret information to the highest bidder. I should have known that bad luck tends to cling, because the plane I’m on goes down. That I survived a crash-landing was a miracle. And so was being rescued by Rafe Mendoza—hot, sexy, dangerous. The thing is, he wants the information that I need to free Rose. I can’t let him have it, but I need his help. And I need to fight this crazy attraction for this mercenary with hungry eyes. Rose is depending on me, and I won’t let her down, no matter how appealing Rafe is.

Another Hitman book? Yes please: When I finished the last book, I’d wondered where the series would go next, since it felt like it was closing a chapter on the original overarching storyline. When I saw that the Tears of God, a group introduced in Last Breath, reappears to pick up where the original group left off, I was as giddy as a schoolgirl with a new boy band CD.

When the story begins, Rafael Mendoza and his crew are following Ava, who’s been roped into being a mule for a nasty criminal to show buyers some documents for a potential auction, though we’re not sure what it is. The story has the usual action and danger you’d expect in a Hitman book, but with a fantastic amount of sex that wasn’t present in the last book.

Rafe is fantastic…ly huge: Now let’s face it, most romance novels love to emphasize the size of the hero’s package, but here, Rafe’s has a monster of epic proportions (Ava calls it Godzilla), something I haven’t read about before. Like possibly life threatening and vagina-damaging.

There’s enough discussion of Rafe’s penis to make any size queen clench in joy. But it’s anything but joyful for Rafe. As a matter of fact, he’s been tortured his whole life, told by his horrible mother that he’s the devil’s spawn and that his cock is the reason for all the evils of the world, from global warming to Donald Trump.

When women literally fear his penis, well I could understand that it’s given him a complex and his sexual experience is limited, to say the least. When the first hints arrived as exactly how inexperienced he was, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I mean, a 35 year old almost-virgin mercenary is pretty incredible. However, it somehow worked. It gave him a vulnerable and incredibly sympathetic edge that had me panting to snuggle him…and defile him.

Ava’s a mother hen heroine: You know the type – the one who has to save her friend, who takes care of everything, even to her own detriment. That’s Ava to a T. She sacrifices herself to be a mule when her best friend Rose’s boyfriend reveals himself to be the nasty scumbag he is and threatens to kill Rose if she doesn’t. She’s flying by the seat of her pants through most of the book, and it would be easy to make a complete damsel in distress but she pulls her weight when the occasion calls for it and she knows when to hold on, no matter how noble Rafe’s trying to be.

Maybe too much sex?: Before you slap me, I didn’t mind it and actually loved Rafe and Ava’s relationship. However, the focus on Rafe and his sexual experience and monster cock was a bit of a distraction and for the most part, the action is definitely secondary to the romance and sex. Even a bit implausible in life or death situations where the last thing I’d be thinking of is sex.

When I think back to the actual suspense, it didn’t feel like it really came into play until very late in the game, and even then it kind of ends with a whimper not a bang. Well, except for Ava and Rafe, who were banging like a screen door in a hurricane. Since the romance is what brings me to the party, it (mostly) worked for me, but if you’re looking for an intricate plotline, it wasn’t the strongest in that respect.

I really enjoyed Rafe and Ava’s romance, even if the suspense part of plot itself was a mite thin. That said, the setup for future books with the Tears of God group has me intrigued. I’m eager to see what happens next.

– Ivy

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

Click on the image below to purchase the previous books in this series:

Book Review: Absolution Road by Rachel Blaufeld

Title: Absolution Road (Crossroads #2)
Author: Rachel Blaufeld @rachelblaufeld
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 262 pages
Rating: 4.5 stars

For Jake Wrigley, the future is bleak. Some people are survivors, but he’s getting by on his bad-boy looks and charming smile. He owns a gym, gets into bar fights, and wrestles his demons with rough workouts—both in and out of the bedroom.

For Alyson Road, the future is bright. Life can only improve from where she grew up. She graduated at the top of her law class, cares for her ailing mom, and in her job, she defends those who can’t afford anyone else. Her work is thankless but honest.

Jake’s twin brother has been covering his ass for as long as they’ve been alive, but that all changes when Jake finds himself in front of the fiery public defender, his future in her hands. For the first time ever, he doesn’t want to involve his brother, finally realizing he needs to stand alone, be his own man.

Even if Jake’s never absolved of his past wrongdoings or his heart is never scrubbed of the blackness that resides there, he can do one good deed—protect the beautiful lawyer who touched his soul—until helping her nearly becomes his own undoing.

Absolution – 1: act of absolving; a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties; 2. state of being absolved.  I got this definition from dictionary.com, why you may ask? Well in order to get into the mind of Jake Wrigley, you need to know that this is what he needed but wouldn’t necessarily let himself have it until he meets the red-headed Public Defender with legs for days, Alyson Road to possibly him getting said absolution.  This is the second book in the Crossroads series, but you can read as a standalone.  I still suggest you read Redemption Lane.

 

If you already read Redemption Lane, Jake is Lane’s twin, but he’s the twin that always messes up and Lane is always bailing him out of one situation after another.  Jake is trying hard to be better and being more responsible.  Besides being strikingly handsome, extremely buff, he owns several gyms wants to open many more.  Yet you will sense his guilt.  He continues to blame himself for tragically losing his parents. 

 

Alyson Road is a public defender, a do-gooder, she has had a tough upbringing.  She doesn’t have many friends too busy for any friends.  Her first time meeting Jake was Christmas Eve in jail, and after her mini interrogation (which I loved), she thought she would never see him again.  Was it fate that would bring these two together?  Months later, these two characters are driven towards each other.  As much as Aly wanted to stay away from Jake, she saw something sweet yet haunting about him.

 

Ms. Blaufeld can write some good angst.  There were times I had to put my Ipad down, I was anxious, crying or really annoyed about something, but the story keep me reading.  I was rooting for Jake and Aly and I remember when I got to a certain scene, I was really upset that I had to message the author and told her we weren’t friends anymore lol (I was joking of course).  As much as I loved Lane in Redemption, my heartstrings pulled towards Jake in Absolution Road.  The sexy times was pretty hot, I thought for a minute Jake was going to break out some BDSM toys lol.  Overall, a heartwarming story that will leave you smiling at the end.  You all must add Absolution Road to your TBR list.

– Michelle

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

Click on the image below to purchase book 2:

Book Review: Give Me Yesterday by K. Webster and Elle Christensen

Title: Give Me Yesterday
Authors: K. Webster & Elle Christensen @KristiWebster @AuthorElleC
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 228
Rating: 4 Stars

High powered divorce lawyer, Victoria Larkin, is known as the ice queen. Tough. Emotionless. What they don’t know, is that ten years ago, she lost everything. Including her hope for the future.

Chase Monroe struggles with his own demons. Devastated by guilt and on a mission to correct his past, he uses his skills as a college psychology professor to help others move beyond their grief.

When Victoria is forced to attend grief counselling, she meets Chase, and there is an instant attraction. Chase is determined to help her confront her past and find happiness. Victoria is afraid to relive her pain.

Just as they begin to step forward, tragedy strikes and throws them backwards, and they find themselves, once again, shackled to the past.

Can Chase and Victoria find the path to a happy future together? Or will they forever be wishing for yesterday?

“Your pain is my pain.”

What happens when life comes crashing down right in front of your eyes? When your whole world is taken from you in a the blink of an eye? Lord knows how you even begin to breathe, wake up every day and have to relieve those moments. You can’t help but blame yourself because it helps the pain. Become a heartless person and push those who remain loving us and are there for us, because it helps the pain. Love does not live in such hearts any longer. What these 2 souls didn’t know is that fate, chance, luck, karma, life, whatever you want to call it, had other plans for them. A new chance to make it better. Not to forget. Some things in life shouldn’t be forgotten.

Victoria…you can’t blame her for her actions. I wouldn’t know how to deal with her pain. It’s transformed her into a walking soul. Not a living one because that’s the last thing she wanted to do. It hurts to be happy and feel alive so she wants no part of it. Instead she dives into the wonderful world of being a lawyer. And a cold hearted one for that matter.

Chase…oh this Man. He hurts, you hurt. I wanted to be the one to sitting him on my lap and hugging him. I would wipe away his tears and help him paint that wall as many times as it took to get that color right. Read the story and you’ll get it. He has a beautiful soul that could help Victoria but he needs some healing of his own. Asides all that, Chase is an alpha with a side of a dirty talker. The good keeping kind.

It’s not only how these two characters need each other that made the story good, but why they need one another. The authors did a great job connecting you with the character’s feelings as well as their surroundings. It’s not that story where girl hurts, guy comes to the rescue, heals her, they have babies and they live happily ever after. No it’s not. They have to both fight for what they want, but most of all, for what they really need. I enjoyed it very much and I can’t wait to see what this mash-up of authors have in store for us. Happy Readings

 – YaYa

*An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.

Book Tour (Excerpt & Giveaway): The Lies Between Us by M.N. Forgy

The Lies Between Us (Book Four) in the

Devil’s Dust MC Series by M.N Forgy

is finally here!!

Cherry & Lip’s standalone romance is

NOW AVAILABLE

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

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Apple: http://apple.co/1MB3LpJ

Cherry’s life growing up was nothing short of a nightmare. Having an abusive father forced her to fend for herself from an early age. Bruised and emotionally broken, she finally escaped, running straight into the comfort that Lip’s arms brought. In the beginning, everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. He made her forget the messed-up ways of her life. But secrets can’t stay neglected. They have a habit of revealing themselves regardless of the consequences. Terrified, Cherry can’t speak a word or she’ll lose it all.

Lip is no stranger to the criminal life. Growing up among convicts, he wanted nothing more than to show his worth. He’ll do anything for the club without question, including serving six years in prison. But nobody could have predicted life’s plan. Rugged, tattooed, and wanting nothing more than to have Cherry, Lip is no longer the man whom Cherry remembers. After his release, he came out a beast with more secrets and lies than his cage could hold.

After he leaves, I open his wallet, reading his name, address, weight. All of it.

“Phillip DeLuca.” I taste his name running off my lips as I trace my finger over his picture. He’s so handsome. He’s the kind of guy most people would be afraid of, but not me. I want to get to know him. Lost in a daydream, my car door is yanked open.

“Where the fuck is it, bitch?”

“What?” I shriek as I’m pulled out of the car and slammed forward onto the hot hood. “I don’t have anything!” I scream, trying to pull free. He shoves me back down on the hood. His hand tangled in my hair.

“Don’t think about moving,” he spits, his tone harsh. I roll my eyes and continue leaning over the hood. My heart slams against my chest in pure panic, and my hands shake. He pulls away and leans in to the car. Within seconds, he finds his wallet. Shit.

He peers at me with a fierce energy in his eyes. The intensity has me pulling off the hood, scared out of my mind.

“You have some balls,” he mutters, shoving his wallet back in his pocket. His tone is soft and tender suddenly. I turn my head and eye him angrily.

“Fuck you.” I cross my arms and lean my hip against the car. My choice of words more confident than I’m feeling.

He steps up to me and grabs my hips hard with both hands. My skin burns, and my mouth parts with desire. His brown eyes find mine, and his hands yank my body closer to his. I feel like all the air is sucked from my lungs as I search his dark eyes. Placing my hands on his solid chest to steady myself, my palms buzz with excitement.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He looks me up and down and leans in close. “You’d like it if I pushed you over the hood of this car and fucked you ‘til your legs gave out.” His words feather against my lips, he’s so close. I hold my breath, willing my body to pull away, but I don’t move. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he grabs my hand and pulls it upward. I furrow my brows and watch as he pulls a pen from his back pocket, pulling the cap off with his teeth. He writes his number and the word ‘Lip’ on my hand.

“Call me. Don’t make me come find you, Cherry.”

“Cherry?” I ask out loud.

“Your swimsuit,” he yells over his shoulder before starting his bike. I look down at my white shirt noticing my cherry bikini peeking out from the bust line. A smile creeps across my face. I know I shouldn’t like him, but I kind of do. Driving past me, he winks and I swear I sigh like a damn fool.

Haven’t read this series yet?

The Devil’s Dust Series

What Doesn’t Destroy Us (Book One) The Devil’s Dust

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The Scars that Define Us (Book Two) The Devil’s Dust

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The Broken Piece of Us (Book 2.5) The Devil’s Dust

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The Fear That Divides Us (Book Three) The Devil’s Dust

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Love That Defies Us (Novella)

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M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Swag pack, including a signed paperback of What Doesn’t Destroy Us, & $50 Amazon gift card.

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Author Spotlight (Interview): Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

☆ ☆ ☆ Author Spotlight: @SarinaBowen and @ElleKennedy ☆ ☆ ☆

The Shorties (and the NOT so short one Rachel, lol) are extremely excited to have Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy here with us today. If you are on Facebook, you may know they are two of the many coaches of The Locker Room. Grace, Ivy and myself have read most of their sports romance books, especially their collaborative book “Him” which came out on July 28, 2015. “Shorties Approved”. If you haven’t one-clicked “Him” yet, we all suggest you do so, HOT!

What inspired your collaboration?

Sarina: I’m going to let Elle answer this one. It was really her idea!

Elle: I’ve wanted to write a m/m for a while, but it never seemed to be a good fit for any of my current series. So one day Sarina and I were joking around and somehow the idea of writing a m/m together came up. I didn’t think we were being serious, but the next thing I know, she’s emailing me with ideas. I took about two seconds to think about it, and then was like, “I’m in!”

How did your love of hockey begin?

Sarina: I grew up in Michigan, where hockey was everywhere. In fact, all the high schools had teams, yet I’d never seen a soccer game or a lacrosse stick. Loving hockey was just inevitable

Elle: I’m Canadian.

LOL, Elle.

Besides hockey, what other sports do you enjoy watching?

Sarina: Snow sports are really big in Vermont, and watching ski races and snowboard events is really fun. In fact, my son gave me the first line of one of my Gravity books when he was eight years old. He told me that the scariest moment in ski racing isn’t while you’re skiing–it’s when the person in line just before you is racing. Because all that adrenaline has nowhere to go.

Elle: NFL football! I’m a football nut (confession: I love it more than hockey…)

We all loved how you both managed to give Jamie such a cool family and showing some of the difficulties when coming out in professional sports. Any personal inspiration from your family?

Sarina: I come from a tiny family, but I always wanted one like Jamie’s.

Elle: I don’t have a big family, and I’ve always been jealous of those who do. I can’t remember who came up with the idea of Jamie having a million brothers and sisters (I think it might have been Sarina), but I loved the idea from the start, and developing the Canning clan was one of my favorite things about writing this book.

What’s their favorite hockey teams?

Sarina: I follow college hockey, and Yale is my team. One of the fun things about hockey is that small schools can compete at a high level. It’s not a money sport like football.

Elle: Boston Bruins.

What has been most challenging about writing?

Sarina: Finishing things. Just like anything in life.

Elle: Deadlines. Having to force myself to write when I don’t feel inspired is really difficult sometimes, especially when a deadline is looming over my head.

Do you listen to music while writing and if so, what type of music do you listen to?

Sarina: I need silence. Even instrumental music distracts me.

Elle: I write in silence!

Would you consider writing another book together?

Sarina: Heck yeah!

Elle: Abso-frickin-lutely.

I (Michelle) know the answer to this question, but for your readers, when writing “Him” did either of you write Jaime and Ryan’s POV or did you both pick off where the other left off?

Sarina: We both wrote both perspectives, trading after approximately 2000 words. Elle has co-written before, so she knew what to do.

Elle: We wrote both POVS. I think the first scene I wrote was the opening chapter in Wes’s POV, and Sarina did the next chapter with Jamie. Then we switched off so we’d both get a sense of the other character’s thoughts. After that, we would write whoever and stop whenever, and the other one would pick up the torch.

Rapid Fire Questions

Favorite author?

Sarina: I won’t pick. You can’t make me. 🙂

Elle: I can’t pick just one.

Favorite romance book?

Sarina: See above

Elle: Wanderlust by Danielle Steel.

Current read?

Sarina: Jen Frederick’s SACKED.

Elle: Captive by Brighton Walsh

Biggest vice?

Sarina: Caffeine

Elle: Smoking

Favorite musician?

Sarina: Eh, Hozier?

Elle: Too many to name!

Coke or Pepsi?

Sarina: tonic with gin in it.

Elle: Coke

Favorite Actor to play Batman?

Sarina: Um…?

Elle: Keaton, hands down.

Favorite Star Wars character?

Sarina: Chewbacca

Elle: I’m not a Star Wars fan! I guess I’d pick Han Solo because that’s one of the only character names I know.

Thanks ladies!

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermont’s Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.

Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Website

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Website

If you haven’t read them already, check out Sarina and Elle’s books:

Book Title: Him
Genre: Sports Romance, M/M
Length: 276 pages

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend…and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.

 

Book Title: The Year We Fell Down (The Ivy Years #1)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 268 pages

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.

What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

Book Title: The Year We Hid Away (The Ivy Years #2)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 274 pages

She’s hiding something big. He’s hiding someone small.

Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror.

It’s a safe bet that Scarlet is the only first year at Harkness College who had to sneak past TV news trucks parked on her front lawn just to leave town. But college will be Scarlet’s fresh start. Clutching a shiny new student ID — with a newly minted name on it — she leaves it all behind. Even if it means lying to the boy she’s falling for.

Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. Protecting his sister means a precarious living arrangement and constant deception. The only bright spot in his week is the few stolen hours he spends with Scarlet.

The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But when grim developments threaten them both, going it alone just won’t work anymore. And if they can’t learn to trust one another now, the families who let them down will take everything they’ve struggled to keep.

Book Title: Blonde Date (The Ivy Years #2.5)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length:  96 pages

A blind date. A nervous sorority girl. A mean-spirited fraternity prank. What could possibly go wrong?

As a sorority pledge, there are commandments that Katie Vickery must live by. One: thou shalt not show up for the party without a date. Two: the guy shall be an athlete, preferably an upperclassman.

Unfortunately, Katie just broke up with her jerkface football player boyfriend. Even worse, her last encounter with him resulted in utter humiliation. She’d rather hide under the bed than attend a party where he’ll be.

Yet staying home would mean letting him win.

Enjoying herself tonight was out of the question. She could only hope to get through the evening without her blind date noticing that he was spending the evening with a crazy person.

Andrew Baschnagel is living proof that nice guys don’t finish first. He’s had his eye on Katie since the moment her long legs waltzed into his art history class. So when her roommate sets Andy up to be Katie’s date, he’d be crazy to say no. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a lot of practice with either girls or parties. Yet.

BLONDE DATE is a 23,000 word novella covering a four hour span of Katie & Andy’s night. ALSO INCLUDED: a sneak preview of the third novel in the Ivy Years series, THE UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR.

Book Title: The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years #3)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 300 pages

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE. NO CLIFFHANGERS. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

Book Title: The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years #4)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 334 pages

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe’s help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can’t be extinguished.

Book Title: Coming in from the Cold (Gravity #1)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 208 pages

He can’t have her. And he can’t tell anyone why.

Ski racer Dane “Danger” Hollister does not do relationships, though he keeps his reason a secret. The real-life curse he’s inherited from his mother will eventually cost him everything: his place on the Olympic ski team, his endorsement income, and his ability to fly downhill at top speed.

Reluctant country girl Willow Reade meets Dane by accident. Literally. Her skidding truck forces him off the road during a blizzard. Stranded together in his Jeep as night falls, the two loneliest people in Vermont find themselves sharing more than they’d planned. And not just conversation.

Yet neither can guess how their unlikely tryst will threaten Dane’s frightening secret and Willow’s tentative peace with her own choices. Only mutual trust and understanding can end their pain and give them a hard won shot at love.

Book Title: Falling from the Sky (Gravity #2)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 266 pages

She’s the woman he doesn’t remember. He’s the man she can’t forget.

Bad boy Hank “Hazardous” Lazarus used to have everything: a gorgeous girlfriend, a career as a freestyle snowboarder and a spot on the US Olympic team. Nine months ago, after a bad crash in the half pipe, he woke up in the hospital, unable to move his legs. Now he’s landed there again, but gravity is not the culprit. With his family pressuring him to try a groundbreaking treatment, Hank self-medicates with too much tequila instead.

Doctor Callie Anders has the courage to restart a patient’s heart with a thousand volts of electricity, yet she’s afraid to risk her own. So she doesn’t confess to her newest patient they they met just before the accident, an encounter that he doesn’t remember. Even as their friendship develops, she won’t admit that she regrets turning down his dinner invitation, or that her heart stutters every time those inked shoulders roll through the door of the therapy department.

With another Vermont winter coming again, Hank needs a hand out from under the avalanche of his disappointments. If only Callie were brave enough to take the job.

This book is a standalone novel, no cliffhangers, no prior experience necessary.

Book Title: Shooting for the Stars (Gravity #3)
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 258  pages

For one night she had everything.

Pro snowboarder Stella Lazarus has always loved her brother’s best friend. But the one time she tried to show him, she was shot down faster than you can say “competitor disqualified.”

Until one blissful night in Tahoe, when Stella finally gets her man.

Or does she? In the morning, Stella and Bear wake up to horrible news. The sort that sends them racing back to Vermont, and straight into the arms of guilt and family obligations.

For all of Bryan “Bear” Barry’s life, three natural laws held true: his best friend Hank was destined for greatness, Hank’s sister Stella was off-limits, and Bear would always manage to negotiate the rocky paths that life threw his way. In the space of two days, that’s all shattered.

Bear can’t believe he slipped up so badly with Stella. Even if his best friend wasn’t lying broken in a hospital bed, it would still be unforgivable. Determined to do better, he devotes himself to his friend’s recovery, denying himself the very person he loves. And the very thing he needs.

Book Title: The Deal
Genre: Sports Romance
Length:  358 pages

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice… even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

…and it’s going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

Book Title: The Mistake
Genre: Sports Romance, New Adult
Length: 297 pages

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Book Title: Game On Box Set – Body Check
Genre: Sports Romance
Length: 675 pages

Dedication, skill and muscle – there’s nothing sexier than an athlete! Enjoy this hockey-themed romance bundle from Harlequin Blaze, featuring irresistible hockey players who are hot enough to melt the ice! The GAME ON Box Set from Harlequin includes Time Out by New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis, Face Off by USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Warren, Her Man Advantage by Joanne Rock and Body Check by Elle Kennedy.

Book Title: One Night of Sin (After Hours #1)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 162 pages

A sexy category romance novella from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

Sometimes it’s good to be bad…

When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.

Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.

As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skylar’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

Book Title: One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 230 pages

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

The wrong man never felt so right…

Ex-fighter Reed Miller has been secretly lusting over his best friend’s girl for months, but he refuses to jeopardize a friendship over a woman—especially one who doesn’t like him all that much. Now that Darcy’s on the market again, it’s even more imperative to stick to his strict hands-off policy. But the sizzling attraction between them is too powerful to ignore, and once he’s had a taste of her…all bets are off.

Darcy Grant is tired of walking the straight and narrow path. She’s on the hunt for passion, and there’s no denying Reed is just the man to give it to her. Although she has no interest in dating a bad boy, and certainly not her ex’s best friend, it’s impossible not to melt beneath Reed’s skillful touch. Now it’s just a matter of setting a few ground rules—and hoping her rule-breaking, sweet-talking bad boy agrees to follow them. But if she lets Reed into her bed, does she stand a chance of keeping him out of her heart?

Book Title: One Night of Trouble (After Hours #3)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 237 pages

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

No More Mr. Nice Guy…

The moment AJ Walsh sees the sexy, tattooed pixie walk up to his bar, it’s lust at first sight. He’s always been labeled the “nice” guy―opening doors, buying flowers, and never, ever having one-night stands. But with this wicked little angel with red lips and unfathomably dark eyes? Oh, yeah. Tonight, “nice” has nothing to do with it…

Brett Conlon is trying to convince her family that she’s put away her reckless wild girl side for good. Nothing―and no one―could be better for her reputation than golden boy AJ Walsh. So they make a deal: if he plays The Good Boyfriend for her family, he can be a very, very bad boy with her. Now their one naughty night is about to turn into a whole lot of trouble.

And there’s A LOT more book from Elle.  We suggest you check them out here => http://www.ellekennedy.com/books/

Cover Reveal (Giveaway): Wrong by Jana Aston

Book Title: Wrong

Author: Jana Aston
Publication date: October 7th 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma’s boy? Check, check and check.

Now I can’t stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It’s just a harmless crush, right? It’s not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It’s not like I’m going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he’s the doctor.  Shoot. Me.

But what if, for once, the man I’ve had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong?

Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26224667-wrong?from_search=true&search_version=service

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Jana-Aston-756990897751677/timeline/

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Blog Tour (Book Review & Giveaway): Sweet Obsession by J. Daniels

RELEASE BLITZ
Title: Sweet Obsession
Series: Sweet Addiction #3
Author: J. Daniels
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic Romance
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Rating: 5 stars

Author’s Note: Sweet Obsession can be read as a standalone novel.

Everyone knows Brooke Wicks loves to have a good time. She’s not interested in getting serious, settling down, or limiting herself to one man. So when she meets the sexy, irresistible Mason King, she sees another opportunity to let loose and go wild. But the gorgeous Aussie isn’t interested in just a quick fling with Brooke, and if she wants to get into his bed, she’s going to have to do it on his terms.

Loving fast and hard has always been Mason’s philosophy. He doesn’t want a meaningless connection, he wants it all, and he wants it with Brooke. When she makes her one desire known—to hit it and quit it—Mason wages a plan to ensure Brooke keeps coming back for more. Or so he hopes.

Getting her attention was the easy part. Keeping it might be damn near impossible.

Sweet Obsession is where the Sweet Addiction series meets theAlabama Summer series.

GOODREADS LINK:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25709854-sweet-obsession

PURCHASE LINKS

US:  http://amzn.to/1NIsSpF

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J. Daniel does it yet again with her third installment of the Sweet Addiction Series.  I could not wait for a Brooke Wickes’ story.  You most certainly can read this book as a standalone, but why would you?  You need to read the other two books in the series.  Dylan and Joey, of course, make an appearance in Brooke’s book because hello, Brooke works at Dylan’s bakery.  For those of us who have read the other two, you all know who much of a party girl and take no prisons when it comes to have men in her bed.  What I love about Brooke is her confidence, her sassy come backs, but most of all her sexuality.  She be damned if she lived by the double standards men hold over women regarding sex.  Brooke does not do relationships, that’s not her thing, she rather bang a guy, has no problem doing the walk of shame the next day and moving on to the next one, that is until she meets Mason King.

Ah the hot Australian Adonis who happens to be the new hot yoga owner right across the street from the bakery when Brooke takes notice and struts her fine ass over to the hot new guy.  Upon first impression, Mason cannot believe the hot little number with no filter putting the moves on him in broad daylight.  Mason is thoroughly amused by Brooke (as well is his growing erection, ahem).  Oh but our sweet Aussie is not into the one night stand kind of guy, nope.  He wants more than a fast shag.  He somehow push Brooke’s boundaries.  Brooke also like pulling all the stops when it comes to doing naughty things.  Listen all I’m going to say is that a photo booth at an arcade will never look the same to me as well as Face Time lol.

Brooke is so conflicted regarding her feelings for Mason.  She doesn’t want to put a label on what she’s feeling.  Oh but my girl does have a jealous streak, holy hell.  But when she finally gives in, it was pure magic seeing her fall in love.  “I want to absorb him, every flavor of Mason. His sweetness and his ferocity. The gentle planes and sharp, savage angles of his passion.” 

Of course, love comes at price, right?  Well you must read this wonderful book because besides the help from Dylan but mostly Joey (I will get back him), things were about to get really real for these two.

I adore the writing style of this author.  She never disappoints.  I fly through the pages reading her words.  I love how she makes strong heroines in all her books, especially Brooke.  I have read most of Ms. Daniels’ books (I still need two more Bama Boy books to go), but I am making my way to reading them all.  I have been curious if she would EVER write a Joey book, and I think there was a hidden message not only in the book, but at the end during her acknowledgment.  I am curious about his relationship with Billy and how it all started.  I NEED A JOEY BOOK JESSICA!  Ok that was a little harsh, but maybe she will get the hint and probably start writing our Joey book.  I hope there will be more addition to this Sweet Addiction Series.  You will not be disappointed with this little baby right here.

– Michelle

*An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SWEET ADDICTION SERIES

#1 Sweet Addiction
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#2 Sweet Possession
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ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE ALABAMA SUMMER SERIES

#1 Where I Belong
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#2 All I Want
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#3 When I Fall
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#4 Where We Belong
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J. Daniels is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, and the Alabama Summer series. She loves curling up with a good book, drinking a ridiculous amount of coffee, and writing stories her children will never read. J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website:  http://authorjdaniels.com/

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JDanielsbooks

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184331.J_Daniels

Street Team:  http://bit.ly/JDanielsStreetTeam

There is a giveaway for a signed paperback of Sweet Obsession

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New Release (Book Review & Giveaway): Some Sort of Happy by Melanie Harlow

Title: Some Sort of Happy
Author: Melanie Harlow @MelanieHarlow2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 404 pages
Rating: 4.5 stars

Skylar Nixon is a twenty-seven year old failed actress with no Plan B. After a humiliating stint on a reality TV show crushes what’s left of her childhood dream, she finds herself back in her hometown with no money saved, no college degree, and no confidence she’s anything but a joke—a small town starlet who couldn’t hack it in the big city.

When she runs into former classmate Sebastian Pryce, she can’t believe the hot body and chiseled jaw belong to the shy, troubled loner she knew ten years before. He’s not exactly friendly at first, and she’s heard the rumors about his tragic past, but something in his sad eyes intrigues her. She only wants to get to know him better.

Until the night she wants more—and takes it. (Hard and deep. Twice.)

Are they just two lonely people seeking solace? Or can a disgraced beauty queen and flawed, frustrated man find some sort of happy ever after?

**SOME SORT OF HAPPY is a full-length, dual POV novel, complete with a happy ending.**

There is something about this author’s work that I just love.  I’m not sure I can pinpoint what it is, but every time I start one of her books, a smile forms on my face.  Maybe it’s how her heroines, while beautiful on the outside, are still flawed in a relateable way.  Maybe it’s how she adds humor to her stories.

“You need eight screws to get the job done?”  That brow cocked even higher. “That happens to be my favorite number.”

Skylar’s life is a complete mess after she took on the role of villain for the reality TV show, Save a Horse.  With editing and apparently some good acting on her part, she has destroyed her image and lost the support from her community where she had been crowned the Cherry Queen. Slowly she tries to put her life back together.

“I feel like I’ve been impersonating some version of myself for so long, I don’t even know who I am anymore!”

Skylar meets Sebastian during one of her embarrassing moments, and follows it up by lashing out at him.  He’s all kinds of awkward, first with his own personal issues, second with the crush he’s always had on Skylar, making him a jittery mess.  So to say their first couple interactions went badly, would be an understatement.

Sebastian isn’t your ordinary book boyfriend.  He’s flawed in a clinical way.  I never really thought about how someone with OCD could damage a relationship.  I myself have a fear of fire and will repeatedly check my iron at least 3 times before leaving the house and have been known to turn my car around 15 minutes into a trip, just to check again.  With Sebastian, you take that behavior to the thousandth degree.  His odd habits drove away one woman from his life, and make an appearance often with Skylar.  There are several times I wanted to punch him in the gut for his harsh words that seem to make an appearance at all the wrong times.

Because I knew better than anyone that this feeling never lasts, not for people like me.  It’s an illusion that makes you feel good for a time, but it makes the fall that much worse when you realize it was only a tease.  

Like Skylar mentioned, he goes from hot one moment, to cold the next, which immediately made me think of this song:

On top of his OCD, he has some odd aggressive desires to cause pain.  I loved how Skylar tackled this problem, not something I’d recommend for most people, but obviously she didn’t feel he was a true threat to her.

Ever since Frenched, I have become a fan of this author’s work.  So it was a great surprise to see that Mia and Lucas not only get a shout-out, but play a significant role in helping Skylar get back on her feet.  Although Skylar made some bad decisions with her reality show, that seemed to create a domino effect of destruction, I never doubted her abilities.  I knew at some point she would get back on her feet.  With her business sense and attention to detail, it was obvious that she was smart.  She just needed to focus her energies in a different place.

Through Skylar’s rocky return and her ongoing struggles with Sebastian, she leans on her two sisters for support.  Natalie and Jillian offer her a shoulder to cry on, as well as advice.  I’m really hoping each sister gets their own book.  I can see both women have a good story to tell. Whether the author decides to take up this idea, we’ll have to wait and see since Skylar and Sebastian’s story isn’t over.  Have no fear, this book DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger.  However, with the next installment of their story being called Some Sort of Crazy, I don’t think they are in a perfect place, yet.

– Grace

*An ARC was received from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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