Book Review: If the Shoe Fits (Almost Royal #1) by Rachel Lacey

If the Shoe Fits

 (Almost Royal #1)

by Rachel Lacey

Goodreads

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NOT ALL FAIRYTALES END AT MIDNIGHT

Elle Davenport is no princess—she just dresses up as one for her job at a local theme park. But when she gets the call that she’s won a contest to live and work at a real-life castle in Virginia, she finally feels like she’s found her calling. If she’s successful, her venture could become permanent, and that sounds like Elle’s idea of the perfect modern-day fairytale. There’s only one problem: the castle’s grumpy—and sexy—new owner wants her gone as soon as possible.

Theo Langdon never imagined he’d inherit the title of Earl of Highcastle so young. With his grandfather’s recent death, he needs to sell Rosemont Castle so he can return to London. If only he wasn’t butting heads with the vivacious new property manager at every corner. Although he’s got a life waiting for him in London, Rosemont Castle suddenly feels a lot like home, thanks to Elle. As the clock winds down on her time at the castle, he’ll have to reconcile his obligations in London with the American woman who’s stolen his heart.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quote:

 

I’m used to thinking about life in black and white, but you’ve made me see all the beautiful colors in between…

 

My Review:

 

What a clever premise!   I adored this delightful book and all the thoughtful and well-crafted storylines as well as the ingenious fine touches that gave it sparkle. As an animal lover, I particularly appreciated the creative workings of the Fairy Tails program, which provided visiting guests the opportunity to interact and bond with adoptable shelter pets while staying at their inn.

Rachel Lacey has mad skills. The writing was pleasantly entertaining, engaging, lushly detailed, and laced with levity, delicious steam, and insightful observations into and from the characters inner musings. The story flowed smoothly and her characters were unique, witty, and enticing; I was enamored with each and look forward to delving more deeply into each one during future installments.

About the Author

Rachel Lacey is a contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She’s been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in warm and sunny North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of rescue pets.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

Book Review: Speak of the Devil by Britney King

Title: Speak of the Devil
Author: Britney King
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Release Date: October 4, 2018
Speak of the Devil is a captivating, darkly satiric psychological thriller which offers readers another savage look into a utopian cultish society where beauty and perfection are valued at all costs and it’s best to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. 
 
In the upscale suburb where Vanessa Bolton lives, she’s your average suburban housewife.
 
She does her grocery shopping on Tuesday, Thursday mornings are reserved for Pilates, Sundays for church. At home, she’s an impeccable housekeeper and a mother with a mediocre track record.
 
But in discreet hotel rooms throughout the city, she can be whatever you want her to be—provided you can afford the hourly fee.
 
In the rapidly expanding cult to which she belongs, Vanessa has been assigned the role of a “Siren”—a recruiter trained to use seduction to elicit compliance from her marks.
 
Vanessa’s latest assignment—an unsuspecting chemist merely looking for something without strings—proves to be her toughest yet. Unwilling to neatly slide into the roles society has prescribed for them, the two collide in a sensual and savage affair that threatens not only their own lives but also those they seek to protect most.
 
Featuring “tantalizing suspense, pulse-pounding danger, sex, and double-dealing,” Speak of the Devil is a timely and riveting psychological thriller that is impossible to put down.

 
 

 

 
“….this is a series that stands apart from all other psychological thrillers out there as Britney King uses unique concepts and slays character roles.” – Elle’s Book Blog
 
“By far my favorite of the New Hope series. I couldn’t put it down!!” – Goodreads review
 
“The writing in fantastic. The plot was engaging and original…” – Between the Bookends
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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

The thing about seduction is you can’t be someone’s fantasy and be real at the same time.

 

How long does it take for a dead body to start smelling? What’s the best way to dispose of a corpse? How deep does a grave need to be? What’s the best way to get blood stains out of cement? God, so many questions. Questions I can’t very well Google. I need answers, and somehow I don’t think Siri would be much help either. Quora, maybe? There are a lot of options. I can at least be grateful for that. I can’t imagine what they used to go through in the olden days.

 

My Review:

 

What an odious and loathsome cast of characters, there were no heroes in this story; while some were more monstrous than others they were all contemptible and doggedly manipulative. The New Hope church/cult practices were deplorable, the church leaders were unsavory and despicable, and their lifestyle and underpinnings of sex trafficking and blackmail, and the use of torture, brainwashing and drugging of their members were disturbingly abhorrent. Yet, despite all that, the remarkably talented Brittany King’s unique writing style and insightful and captivating storytelling kept me riveted to this provocative and twisted tale, and while I frequently flinched and cringed while reading, I could not put my Kindle down. I’m a bit worried what that says about me.

 

Britney King lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a pear tree.
When she’s not wrangling the things mentioned above, she writes psychological, domestic and romantic thrillers set in suburbia.
 
Currently, she’s writing three series and several standalone novels.
 
The Bedrock Series features an unlikely heroine who should have known better. Turns out, she didn’t. Thus she finds herself tangled in a messy, dangerous, forbidden love story and face-to-face with a madman hell-bent on revenge. The series has been compared to Fatal Attraction, Single White Female, and Basic Instinct.
 
The Water Series follows the shady love story of an unconventional married couple—he’s an assassin—she kills for fun. It has been compared to a crazier book version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Also, Dexter.
 
Around The Bend is a heart-pounding standalone, which traces the journey of a well-to-do suburban housewife, and her life as it unravels, thanks to the secrets she keeps. If she were the only one with things she wanted to keep hidden, then maybe it wouldn’t have turned out so bad. But she wasn’t.
The With You Series at its core is a deep love story about unlikely friends who travel the world; trying to find themselves, together and apart. Packed with drama and adventure along with a heavy dose of suspense, it has been compared to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Love, Rosie.
The Social Affair is an intense standalone about a timeless couple who find themselves with a secret admirer they hadn’t bargained for. For fans of the anti-heroine and stories told in unorthodox ways, the novel explores what can happen when privacy is traded for convenience. It is reminiscent of films such as One Hour Photo and Play Misty For Me. 
 
Without a doubt, connecting with readers is the best part of this gig. You can find Britney online here: 
Web• http://BritneyKing.com
Instagram • https://instagram.com/britneyking_ 
Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/BritneyKingAuthor
Twitter• http://twitter.com/BritneyKing_
Goodreads • http://bit.ly/BritneyKingGoodreads
 
To get more– grab two books for free, by subscribing to her mailing list at britneyking.com or just copy and paste bit.ly/britneykingweb into your browser. 
Happy reading.

 

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Book Review: All My Life by Prescott Lane

All My Life

by Prescott Lane

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E9rnF9

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“Hot single dad devoted to his daughter? Second chances? All the tension you could ask for? Look no further! Devoured this gem and you will too!”- Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times bestselling author

 

All My Life, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Prescott Lane is now LIVE!

 

The beginning of any love story starts with the meet.

 

I’ve known Garrett Hollis since before I can remember, and I’ve loved him just as long.  I loved him while he loved someone else. I loved him when he had a baby with her. I loved him when she left him.

 

The greatest of love stories is that between a dad and his daughter.  I should know. I’ve had a front-row seat. First steps, first words, all the big moments.  

 

Garrett was just a teenager when Mia was born.  I’ve watched him braid his daughter’s hair, hold her hand crossing the street, seen her asleep on his chest.  I’m the best friend, the one they can count on for everything from dance lessons to motherly advice, anything they need.  I’m their go-to girl.

 

The best part of any love story is the happily ever after.

 

But what if the happily ever after doesn’t include you?

 

All my life, that’s how long I’ve loved him.

 

Of course, he’s clueless.

 

A stand-alone, contemporary romance.

 

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Boys are always an emergency… Emergencies are unexpected and dangerous. I’d say that’s the definition of most boys.

 

Who decided the heart is the body part to represent love, anyway? Why is that? Because it beats faster when you’re with someone special? Well, my dick thumps, so maybe the penis should be on all the Valentine’s Day cards. We could serve chocolates in a penis shaped container! … Is it because you can’t live without your heart? I guess a man can live without his penis, but why would he want to?

 

I decide to hide out and bake. Carbs never disappoint, so I’m making a few hundred. Biscuits don’t judge me. Pastries don’t gossip, and never has a scone made me cry, so I figure I’m safe.

 

I get the feeling she wants to say more, but she doesn’t. A woman who has something to say but won’t is like a snake ready to strike. You know it’s coming, but there’s not a damn thing you can do to prepare.

 

My Review:

 

I loved this book from start to finish. This is the fourth book of the divinely talented Prescott Lane that I have read, and while each has been stellar, it is my completely unqualified opinion that All My Life is her best work yet. Brimming with clever and observant humor, poignant insights, heart-squeezing storytelling, and sizzling love scenes; this flawlessly written and well-crafted story was perfectly balanced and hit all the feels. I was captivated by the tale, totally enamored with the endearing and enticing characters, and well entertained by Ms. Lane’s clever style. It was Nirvana!

 

Excerpt:

As far as dates go, this one has been good.  I like her. She’s attractive, funny, smart, seems to have her head on straight.  All the boxes are checked. This should be the point where I kiss her, ask her out again.  I should be devising ways to get in this woman’s panties, but instead, I’m thinking more about yanking down the tutu of one very sexy Biscuit Girl.  I should be thinking about how to get this woman to fall for me, but it’s me that’s fallen. I should have one thing on my mind, and I do — Devlyn.

 

There’s just one big ass problem.  She’s my friend. I can’t go there.  There are so many reasons why I can’t go there.  The town would have a field day. We’d have no privacy.  Everyone would have an opinion. If we broke up, where would I get a decent cup of coffee?  How would Mia react to this? Then there’s Scott, who’s actually the least of my concerns. Devlyn seemed pretty sure it was over, and if it’s not, I plan on convincing her.

 

I don’t want to lose Devlyn.

 

Staying friends guarantees her in my life.  Dating her doesn’t.

 

Love doesn’t come with a guarantee.

 

Love is a risk.  I used to be a risk taker, but teenage fatherhood buried that part of me.  Stability became the name of the game. It had to. I look towards her diner, wondering if she’s back.

About Prescott Lane:


Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She’s got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List.  She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren’t enough happily ever afters in real life.

 


Connect with Prescott Lane:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottLane1
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Stay up to date with Prescott Lane by joining her mailing list:

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Website: http://www.authorprescottlane.com

Book Review: Flow (Men of Inked: Southside 2) by Chelle Bliss

Flow

(Men of Inked: Southside 2)

by Chelle Bliss

Release date: 2nd October

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Add to your TBR

Flow is the second book in the new, steamy Southside series by USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss.

Be ready for a hot, wild ride with the Gallo’s on the Southside

 

FLOW

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**buy the 📚, get the  📱 for FREE!

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The moment I looked into his eyes, I knew I was in trouble.
The second I heard his name, I knew I should stay away.
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Our fathers were mortal enemies—Chicago crime bosses from rival families.
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But that didn’t stop Leo Conti from pursuing me.
Being together was dangerous, reckless, and totally hot.
He wanted me. I wanted him.
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Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I disagree. My father learned; he just ignored the hell out of the lessons…

 

No other woman, besides my mother, scares the crap out of him quite like his sister. She’s a tiny thing, but man, the mouth on her gives me life goals.

 

“You’re going to need to cut down on your stress as soon as possible. Also, add some fiber to your diet. You’re constipated, which made the cramping worse than normal.” Daphne shoots me a death glare. “Bella… I always knew you were full of shit, but now the doctor’s confirmed it.”

 

“Your father wants to elope to Vegas and be married by an Elvis impersonator.” She rolls her eyes… “An ex-mobster in a gangster town is not a smart combo, dear.”

 

My Review:

 

Family drama plays heavy in this volume featuring the snarky drama queen of Daphne, who finds herself inexplicably drawn to the son of her father’s chief rival. Humor, angst, and sensual sizzle were well balanced throughout this smirk-worthy and engaging read. I adore Ms. Bliss’s bawdy humor and alluring characters. I am already feeling greedy for the next installment.

 

 

Maneuver (Men of Inked: Southside 1)

Available Now

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**buy the 📚, get the 📱 for FREE!

Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.
Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

 

Book Review, Giveaway: Reid (Vested Interest Series) by Melanie Moreland

Title: Reid
Series: Vested Interest Series
Author: Melanie Moreland
Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy Romance
Release Date: September 17, 2018
Cover Design: Melissa Ringuette @ Monark Design Services
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“Be prepared to laugh hard and swoon even harder. Reid is all the things I adore about romance–funny, sexy and chock-full of sweet, true love.” B. Cranford, author of About Time 

 

“If beta heroes who love hard and aren’t afraid to share their feelings is your brand of book boyfriend catnip, you’re going to want to pick this one up.” Rebecca Norinne, author of Not Quite Perfect 

“What makes this book special is watching Reid not just fall in love, but learn to love and be loved. Such a treat, and a deliciously satisfying close to a wonderful series!” Christi Barth, author of Bad Boys Gone Good series

 

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You’ve met the men of BAM. Now get to know the rebel.
 
Who is Reid Matthews?
 
A child, abandoned and unloved.
 
A teen, adrift and disregarded, using his superior tech skills for the wrong intentions.
 
A young adult, his future overshadowed by his prison record, his life an endless loop of loneliness.
 
Until he is given a second chance and a new life emerges.
 
A career he once thought he could only dream of, surrounded by people who show him that family and home aren’t simply words.
 
And a girl who shows him the greatest, most complex code he could ever write. 
 
Love.
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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I think you were attempting to dance, but at first, I wasn’t sure if you were having a seizure or drunk.

 

I’ll say your mattress dancing is a lot smoother than your floor dancing.

 

I have to tell you that listening to your marketing geek is seriously turning me on, BB. It makes me want to interface with your software.

 

“Go upstairs, Richard. Give me five minutes with my girl. You’ve had her all week.” “We need to talk if all you need is five minutes, Reid.”

 

My Review:

 

I loved this book from start to finish as I have every book in this series. I treasured the sweet and quirky Reid; he stole my heart although his back-story had left a serious bruise on my well-used coronary muscle. Written from my favorite dual POV, the storylines were poignant, well-crafted, continuously engaging, and loaded with endearing characters, clever levity, and witty banter. My attention never flagged, there were no slow and less interesting spots, and my only complaint would be the want for more. Melanie Moreland remains near the top of my list of favorite authors with consistently turning out highly entertaining, thoughtful, and insightful stories with eloquence and perfection.

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We spent the entire day together. I worked on the system, with Becca acting as my assistant. More than once, she rose up on her toes for a kiss. More than once, I had her pressed to the wall, devouring her mouth. It was the best install I had ever done.

“You are such a good kisser,” she murmured against my mouth. “How can a virgin be so good at kissing?”
Pleased she was enjoying my caresses, I grinned. “I have kissed girls and women, but, as I said, I haven’t gone beyond that.” I cupped her face, dragging my lips across her cheek to her sensitive earlobe. “I was waiting for the right person.”
“And I’m that person?”
“Yes,” I stated with conviction, dropping another kiss to her mouth. “You are.” I ran my fingers over my lips, then grabbed my drill.
“Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“You press your fingers on your mouth every time we kiss.”
“Oh, ah…” I stalled, looking over her shoulder. I felt heat prickle my neck.
“Tell me,” she insisted. “I want to know.”
“I like how it feels when you kiss me. I guess I’m sort of sealing you into me. Keeping your taste locked into my mouth.”
She stared at me, blinking and silent.
“Is that weird? It’s weird. I’m sorry.”
I wasn’t prepared when she launched herself at me. The drill flew one way; we hit the wall behind me, a mass of entangled arms and legs, her mouth on mine, hard and passionate. I slid down the wall to the floor, taking her with me. She was ferocious in her intensity, her kisses deep and possessive.
“You say the most erotic words,” she groaned. “Sealing my taste into you?”
“So, not weird?” I moaned as she kissed her way down my neck.
“No, not weird.” She hovered over me, her dark hair falling like a waterfall around us. “You turn me on like no man has ever done, Reid. Ever.” She kissed me again.
I was good with that.
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New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. 
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. 
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free-falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She’s learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
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Book Review: Strength by Amy Daws

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Title: Strength

Author: Amy Daws

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 17, 2018

Cover Designer: Amy Daws

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He thought getting a second chance at life was difficult, but resisting the spark he feels with her will test all of his strength.

Vi Harris comes with baggage most men can’t handle. A famous ex-footballer for a father and four professional footballing brothers. Brothers she helped raise after their mother died.

Dating isn’t easy when the infamous Harris Brothers not only play defense on the pitch but block most love interests from getting too close to their sister.

Hayden Clarke isn’t the guy you take home to meet your parents. He’s brooding, troubled, and just survived the darkest days of his life. Which is why a distraction like Vi could cost him everything.

When Vi’s bright, cheeky smile and oversized dog crash into him without warning, he can’t help but get wrapped up in her. Despite his better judgement, he enlists Vi to help him with a special assignment that’s anything but romantic.

Through it all, she doesn’t see his flaws. She doesn’t see him as broken. She sees him as the man he’s been fighting his whole life to be.

But what happens when her strength becomes his weakness?

*This is the re-titled, re-covered, re-edited, and all new bonus content version of the original book, That One Moment.*

 

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Strength CR HTML

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

‘It was my birthday yesterday and I still have to have my cake. There’s a bakery around the corner that closes in five minutes, and if you don’t shut up and leave, I’m not going to get my birthday cake and I bloody well love cake.’ I think I stamp my foot, but I’m too busy thinking about cake to notice.

 

I clench my jaw and wish the same wish that I wish I knew how to stop wishing.

 

I’m not crafty… at all.   Pinterest looks like prison to me.

 

I feel something in my body when I’m around you that I have never felt in all my life, Vi. I want to dive in with your and figure it out.   I want us to be something.

 

Your forever is mine, Vi. Your forever belongs to me… whether you’re ready to accept it or not.

 

I’ve loved you for so many moments, and I don’t want to waste any more time not telling you.

 

My Review:

 

I love/hate Amy Daws.   She is brilliant! Amy Daws writes enthralling, relevant, and steamy love stories with endearing and lively, yet deeply flawed characters.   However, she makes me cry…. and I do NOT like to cry. I am no glutton for punishment, so it may seem ill-advised that I continue to allow her to wreck me… gut me… turn me inside out and upside down. I continue to chase her work like a rabid fangirl simply because I adore her addicting, oh so alluring, sparkling, and highly emotive storytelling. She has mad skills as it is a rare occurrence for this cold-hearted cougar to stop reading and blubber into her wine goblet – and I will even confess it was not just once… but three times!   Sigh. The only criticism I can offer up for her latest work is there were very limited Frank sightings.   Please, Ms. Daws, we need more Frank and Beans!

 

4

Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England; especially about those footy-playing Harris Brothers of hers. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance.

5

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Book Review: Cabin 12 (Rock Point #2) by Freya Barker

Cabin 12

(Rock Point #2)

by Freya Barker

Goodreads

Amazon / B&N

 

Even at thirty-seven, with a challenging but rewarding career as a paramedic, Bella Gomez is treated as the baby of the family. It’s made her allergic to anyone meddling, so she chooses to keep mostly to herself. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop her family from inserting themselves in her life. Nor does it deter the one man she knows she shouldn’t get close to from showing up on her doorstep.

Jasper Greene, an FBI agent with the La Plata County field office, doesn’t even know the meaning of family. His team is his family, which is why—when his boss asks him to keep an eye on his baby sister—Jasper readily complies. Even when the sister in question is a spectacularly developed princess with plenty of attitude.

With a shooter on the loose and corruption running rampant, Bella is a magnet for trouble, and Jasper finds himself with his hands full—in more ways than one.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

The ceremony was lovely, and I swear I saw my brother surreptitiously brush away a tear. Something I will file away for future use, should I need some extra leverage.

 

The soft-spoken young man with his pock-marked face is like my dealer, the brown bag he hands me the fix I need to soothe my soul. My favorite kind of drug— French fries.

 

I’m as worn out as a cucumber in a convent.

 

I grind my teeth, my partner has a finely honed sixth sense for PMS, which he claims is imperative for survival in his family. He has a sister, a wife, and two teenage daughters… he explained, being a man, he couldn’t be held accountable for pissing me off, if he didn’t have fair warning. He actually keeps a calendar on his phone.

 

Going to see the in-laws; pray for my soul, theirs are beyond saving.

 

… after being verbally and very publicly eviscerated by my normally sweet wife in the throes of labor— not once, but twice— I think I’ll take a pass… I’d still rather have a vasectomy with a spoon than go through one more childbirth with Beth.

 

My Review:

 

I have become an avid Freya Barker reader and greedily await the arrival of each new book as she has a uniquely appealing and amusingly observant writing style that never fails to please or entertain. Her clever characters are admirable and hard-working everyday heroes who are also the type of flawed and complex creatures I would enjoy spending time with.   Add in an intriguing serial murder mystery, corruption, a large and loud meddling family for levity, and sensual chemistry that sets of the smoke alarm for a bonus – and I am a happy camper.

 

 

 

Freya Barker inspires with her stories about ‘real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy. She has two completed series: Cedar Tree Series and Portland, ME, novels. She currently has two new series; Northern Lights Collection and Snap Shot Series, co-written with K.T. Dove. She continues to spin story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Freya is the recipient of the RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for best first book, “Slim To None,” and is a finalist for the 2016 Kindle Book Awards for “From Dust”.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/FreyaAmazon

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Book Review: But First, Coffee by Sarah Darlington 


But First, Coffee

by Sarah Darlington 

Goodreads  /   Amazon

 

She’s the boss.
I’m only a barista in her company.
I really don’t give a f**k about her one way or the other.And then there’s Doug Maddox, a man with a lot of power over me. He’s blackmailing me. Making me spy on her. I’m supposed to find her weaknesses and destroy her. But the closer I get, the more the lines between us start to blur.She’s sweet. She’s kind. She’s sexy as hell.
Why am I the only man who see’s this?

So now I’m stuck—between keeping my sister safe against Doug, because that’s what’s really at stake here, and these feelings I can’t deny for a woman who shouldn’t mean anything to me.

I know what I have to do. I’ll destroy her.
It doesn’t matter if I have to destroy my own heart in the process.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Joe Coffee. His name sounded like a cartoon character from the 1990s.

 

I gave up on the possibility of love and romance years ago. My last encounter with a man had been a blind date, set up by my mother, where I drank too much wine and ended up crying on my date’s shoulder by the end of the night. Needless to say, I never heard from that guy again. Until I saw him, awkwardly enough, at my parents’ Christmas Eve party last year. He avoided me like I had a highly contagious flesh-eating virus while I ended the night trying not to get too drunk off the eggnog in my parents’ basement. The eggnog won that battle.

 

I was hanging out with the most gorgeous man on Earth, and I looked like someone had thrown me into the washing machine. Wasn’t that the way things always went? Wear your baggy sweatpants with holes in them onto an airplane, and you’ll be seated next to some hot celebrity. Wear your makeup and your best outfit, and you’ll be seated next to a grandma who needs your help giving herself an insulin shot halfway through the flight.

 

My Review:

 

For some reason, I was expecting a steamy NA romance, what I found was an engaging, well-crafted, and addictive novel of romantic/suspense with clever twists and turns and a smokin’ love story. The intriguing storylines were seductively laced with blackmail, corporate espionage, manipulation, coercion, guilt, long-held grudges, scheming, steamy sensuality, addiction, wry humor, and a blossoming and transformative romance.   The enticing characters of Joe and his immature and irresponsible sister Kitty held questionable motives and veracity, yet they tantalized me. I felt conflicted in wanting to trust the alluring and captivating Joe as his complex issues and personality fascinated me.

Narrated from a dual POV, the writing was smartly plotted, easy to follow, well-paced, and continually plucked at my curiosity. I have read just a few of Ms. Darlington’s irresistible and titillating stories and have enjoyed each one. I definitely need to shuffle my overstuffed TBR to include more of them.

 

About the Author

Twitter @sadarlington

Goodreads

Sarah Darlington grew up traveling the United States (Navy Brat)—although, she’s called Virginia home for most of her adult life. She’s the proud mom of two beautiful children on the autism spectrum, who makes every day an adventure.   She believes in true love, soul mates, unicorns, rainbows, and that Hogwarts really does exist. Before having kids she worked as a flight attendant. And when she’s not writing, she’s busy plotting her next grand adventure (aka vacation).

Book Review: Sparrow by Emma Nichole – Meet Me in Savannah Collection

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Meet Me in Savannah: A Collection
Authors: Various
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 30, 2018
Blurb
The summer heat isn’t the only thing steamy in Savannah.


Seven authors bring you seven scorching stand-alones about love, lust, suspense and second chances set amongst the historic cobblestones and plantation homes of this southern city where the only thing hotter than the weather is the men that call Savannah home.

 

Behind every great hatred there may be a love story,  but behind the face of an angel and his sweet words was nothing but pretty little lies.
My hatred for Noah Hill really did start as love – hard as it is to believe.
A love that was the earth-shattering, forever type that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime… or so I thought.
Take a picture, it’ll last longer.
That’s what he said to me.
That was the biggest lie of them all.
Because the broken heart remained long after the pictures burned.

 

 

AMAZON – COMING SOON

 

Free in Kindle Unlimited
LA Taylor

 

LA Taylor lives Down Under. Makeup Artist, Shoe whore, Taylor Swift enthusiast, beach bum, coffee drinker, nap taker, bad driver, snake charmer and dreamer. Often can be found having dance parties in her lounge, watching Top Gun or at the beach or at Kmart and Target buying things she doesn’t need.

 

 

Once college sweethearts, Poppy and Keir were the all American couple.

 

Until the big time came calling.
Misunderstandings and miscommunications lead to broken hearts and broken trust.
But fate throws them a second chance when their paths cross again.
Now they have to decide if they are ready to take another try at forever, or if the past is better left behind them.
Kier knows this is his final down. His last opportunity to make it right, but Poppy’s going to need a little more convincing.
Throwing out a Hail Mary, he gives it all he’s got.
With a little luck, this time he may just be able to Score.

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Emma Louise

 

A long time lover of all things romance, Emma Louise is a book blogger turned debut writer.  She’s a die hard bibliophile, addicted to tea (Real British tea) and speaks fluent sarcasm.
She lives with her husband, three children and overgrown puppy in South Wales, UK.
Having been an avid reader for as long as she can remember, she’s recently decided to try her hand at writing a love story of her own.

 

 

The roller coaster called life can take you on many different journeys.

 

Some you crave and long for, others you regret and wish you could forget, but some claw their way inside of you and refuse to let go.
Amelia’s journey has included flips, twists, turns and scares, but when she is finally brave enough to take the reins for herself, her path leads back to her past.
Back to Grayson Aldrich.
He’s the man who embodied all three types of journeys. Longing, regret, and a love so deep it would be forever embedded in her heart.

My Rating:  

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

 

“A sparrow. They symbolize vigilance and hard work. It can guide you to a happy and full life. It’s a symbol of protection. Even if we never see each other again, I’ll always be there…” he reaches down to touch the necklace, “over your heart.”

 

“A dark secret, huh?” She laughs. “I hate chocolate.” “Excuse me? That’s downright blasphemous… I need to speak with your boss. I can’t have a nurse who doesn’t like chocolate. You’re clearly unhinged and not trustworthy,” I say, feigning seriousness.

 

Amelia, that man looked at you like you were a piece of cake, and he wanted to get all up in your frosting.

 

My Review:

 

Sparrow was a quick and super sexy second chance romance. Written in my favorite dual POV, this crafty writer packed a steamer trunk load of contemporary issues into her compelling novella including postpartum depression, spouse abuse, addiction, active-duty injury, single parenting, divorce, abandonment, and grief. Despite all the tragedy, the storylines were well balanced and engaging with hefty handfuls of sensuality, wit, and an adorable preschooler.   The main characters were destined to be together by gravitational pull, vibrantly alluring, endearing, and swore like champions.

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Free in Kindle Unlimited
Emma Nichole
After years of living vicariously through so many characters and stories created by others, Emma Nichole has taken the plunge herself.
A southern girl born, raised, and still residing in Tennessee, she holds the quirks of this area of the world close to her heart, and showcases it in her writing.
She’s a wife, a mother of two, an avid college football fan (Go Vols), a best friend, a sister, a lover of all music, movies, and above all else… a lover of books.

 

 

She was the one that got away.
Destined for culinary greatness, Bethany left behind the only life she’d ever known. And the man who broke her heart.
He was the one she could never forget.
Three years could change a man. Gideon was proof of that.
Pride and selflessness forced him to make choices that altered his life forever. But his biggest regret would always be letting her go.
What happens when true love is set to simmer?
For Bethany and Gideon, it may be a second chance to set fate right.
Meet them in Savannah and fall in love all over again.
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

C.G. Burnette

 

I’m a self-proclaimed book addict. It’s sad but true. I want ALL THE WORDS! My love of words led me to blogging and blogging led me to this newest and most awesome adventure as an author. What a ride this will be!
I’m a mommy to two really cute little guys who run me happily ragged on most days and a wife to a wonderful man who has had my heart since the day he said hello. I have a vast collection of Godzilla toys, dinosaurs, LEGO pieces and blocks in all shapes and colors. Romance novels have been my thing since my aunt snuck me a Harlequin when I was ten. And let’s not forget the binge watching of all things anime, Vikings and old B movies.
Let the fun begin!

 

 

You know how fairy tales start?
Once upon a time…blah, blah, blah.
Girl meets handsome prince…blah, blah, blah.
They kiss…blah, blah, blah.
Throw in an apple and she almost dies, he swoops in and saves her life. Then they live happily ever after?
My story is just like that, but with a few minor changes.
Goes like this: Girl sees family being murdered; girl runs for her life, then finds out she isn’t exactly who she
thought she was because she’s been lied to. Oh yeah, as it turns out, she’s also in quite a bit of danger, with a lovely bounty over her head.
With one man ordered to “watch me,” and another one who promised to protect me, who exactly am I supposed to trust, when I’m just finding out who I really am?
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Scarlett.

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

Jenna Cole

 

Jenna is a book hoarding, book boyfriend stealing author from Florida. She’s the wife of an Army veteran (Hooah) and the mother of a teen daughter (send wine). She works in the corporate world, where she’s been busted several times for breaking out her kindle to finish a book. When she’s not spending time with her family, you can find her reading, hitting up the beach, and blogging and chatting about books with friends.

 

Protecting her is easy.
Falling for her is dangerous.
Loving her could destroy them both.
Melanie Quinn has given up on finding a man until she meets her sexy new bodyguard with an irresistible smile. She trusts him with her protection but refuses to hand over her heart.
Chase Taylor, ex-marine, has given up on life until he lands a job as a bodyguard for a beautiful, fiery red-head. His emotional wounds run deep, but when danger lurks, he’s always willing to go to war. Protecting his Princess could prove to be deadly.
Fate brought them together. Scars from their past could tear them apart.
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

JM Kelley

 

JM Kelley loves to write sexy hot Romance as much as she loves to read it. She grew up and still resides in Long Island New York with her husband of twenty-nine years and her three sons. She is a lover of baseball and has been a Yankee fan since the day she was born. If you can’t find her reading or writing she’s probably in Disney World since that’s her favorite place in earth.

 

Cover Design: Kari Nappi, Kovers by Kari

 

Deception and betrayal caused us to swerve off our path of forever.
Camryn James –
One night. One decision forced me to walk away from my future. Tragedy brings me home after twelve years, forcing me to face my past and the truths I refused to hear. Surviving Trystan once almost broke me completely. A second time would be impossible.
Trystan Harrison –
One mistake. One disaster of epic proportion left the only woman I have ever loved, broken and devastated. After twelve years, Camryn is back home and will be forced to realize that everything is not always as it seems. Second chances are not always promised and I refuse to waste mine.
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

Kristi Lynn

 

Kristi Lynn is a certified book whore who has been getting lost in the words of others for years. After going through a tough time a few years back, she decided to put pen to paper as a means to heal. Stories started coming out of nowhere and the decision was made to self-publish. Kristi lives in Connecticut with her rescue pup Jazmine. Coffee is her elixir of choice, followed closely by good sangria, or captain and coke. Music is playing 24/7 around her and she is often singing along (watch those ears, she never claimed to be a good singer). Fall and football season are her preferred time of year (Go Pats! And Julian Edelman is her husband. She has the shirt to prove it.) She lives in flip flops year round (except when mother nature showers her in that blasted white stuff New England is known for in the winter). She swears like a sailor, and has and addiction to finding the perfect quotes for any occasion. She loves to connect with new people, so don’t be shy.

Book Review: Last Heartbreak (A Nolan Brothers Novel Book 5) by Amy Olle 

Last Heartbreak

(A Nolan Brothers Novel Book 5)

by Amy Olle 

Falling in love was easy, instant, and dangerously all-consuming. Breaking up won’t be so simple.

Shea and Isobel were teenagers when they had a baby together, months before they’d even gone on their first date. Now, after nearly eighteen years of marriage, the heartaches have piled one on top of the other, dousing the fire of their passion and drowning the memories of a life built together. Though he is her first and only love, two years spent living separate lives has convinced Isobel it’s time for them to let go.

Except quitting isn’t in Shea’s blood. Every day of his life has been a fight—to save his brothers, to put food on their table, to hold on to the tattered shreds of his dignity—and now he’s in for the toughest fight of them all: the battle to win back his wife. But with Isobel already one foot out the door, is it too late for their second chance at happily ever after?

LAST HEARTBREAK is a full-length, stand-alone steamy contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author Amy Olle. Fans of emotional, sexy romances will fall in love with this fifth installment in the series about the five Irish-born, fiercely loyal, beautifully flawed Nolan brothers. Books in the series may be read in any order.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

“Eighteen years. The porcelain year.” Porcelain. Like a toilet. Seemed fitting.

 

“Is this my T-shirt?” He rumpled the cotton in his grip. “I’ve been looking everywhere for this.” “Hmm? Oh, you must’ve left it here by mistake. I sleep in it sometimes.” A smug smile curved his impossibly pouty mouth. “And I also wear it when I clean the toilets.”

 

“You know what’s crazy?” Sophie nudged Isobel with a soft elbow. “Your only real flaw is your perfectionism.” Isobel narrowed her eyes. “I don’t want to be friends with you anymore.”

 

My Review:

 

The Last Heartbreak was an angsty and insightful read featuring a failed marriage where both participants had starved the relationship to a skeletal level. Yet the bones hadn’t quite been picked bare.   I held my breath for this deeply flawed couple, they were struggling with each other as well as their own complex issues and family dramas. While I was rooting for them I wasn’t sure they could or should find their way back to each other.

I recall feasting on the first two divinely written books of this series two years ago yet seemed to have lost track when the third and fourth books arrived. I am drawn to this family of complicated brothers as well the author’s skilled and agile style of storytelling. As with my previous experience with her work, Ms. Olle’s engaging narratives were emotive, observant, and heart squeezing with lashings of wit and sensuality – oh my, at one point I was actually gasping for breath and in desperate need of libation.

About the Author

Goodreads

Amy Olle writes sexy contemporary romances filled with hope, heart, and humor. She is delighted to put her Psychology degrees to good use writing romance.

Her debut novel, BEAUTIFUL RUIN, is the first book in a series about the five Irish-born Nolan brothers sent as children to live with family on a remote island in northern Michigan.


BEAUTIFUL RUIN received a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review!

Amy lives in Michigan with her long-suffering husband, brilliant son, and (female) turtle named George.

If you would like to receive notifications of Amy’s new releases, join her mailing list at: http://www.amyolle.com/newsletter/