Category: After Hours

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Book Review: Tied Down by Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler

 

Tied Down

by Chelle Bliss & Eden Butler

 


Tied Down is the second full-length book in the Nailed Down series – and can be read as a standalone.
 

#TiedDown 
 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Add to your TBR
 

Buy the Paperback and receive the ebook free

https://amzn.to/2LdgkdA

Synopsis


Cara Carelli is a silver-tongued mafia princess, master manipulator, and the only woman I’ve ever loved. But she’s also smokin’ hot and my ex-wife.
 

When Cara led me straight into a trap and pleaded for my help, I couldn’t say no. She thought she had the upper hand, but this time, I was in control and planned to make her beg.
 

They say all’s fair in love and war and turnabout’s fair play, but what starts out as a wickedly seductive ploy turns into a twisted game of the heart.
 

Tied Down is the second full-length book in the Nailed Down series by USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler.

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Cara was the best actress I knew. She lied like a gambler with nothing in his hand and a million-dollar pot in front of him.

 

He took a step, and the woman walked backward, looking at Dale on the bed, then around to the rest of us as though we might help. “It’s time for you to find some other dick to jump on. Your gravy train ended a long time ago.”

 

As women, it’s a struggle, most times, to find the perfect man. Let’s be honest, they don’t exist. And so, we’re left with marble men and putty men. Depending on what you want, you have to decide which ones you’re willing to tolerate.

 My Review:

 

I am loving the combined effort of the dynamic duo of Eden Butler and Chelle Bliss pooling their massive talents. The writing was tip-top and seamless, the only rankle I had was in the far from admirable character of Cara, I deemed her antics to be several levels beyond despicable and unpardonable, but lucky for her, Kiel was more forgiving. The storylines were engaging and entertaining with occasional hot licks of incendiary sensuality – oh, my. I have read both books in this series and am more than eager for the next installment and hope it comes soon before I forget all the shiny little tidbits I have gleaned from this book.

 

★❤️★TIED  DOWN ★❤️★

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎Available Now▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Amazon: amzn.to/2IggKOf

iBooks: chellebliss.com/td-ibooks

Nook: chellebliss.com/td-nook

Kobo: chellebliss.com/td-kobo

🌎INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon UK: amzn.to/2GVZe2c

iBooks UK: apple.co/2GkzpMl

Kobo UK: bit.ly/2GCBbHQ

Amazon AU: amzn.to/2E6nvPQ

iBooks AU: apple.co/2pU2dzQ

Kobo AU: bit.ly/2Gk1YFy

Amazon CA: amzn.to/2GHAsW0

iBooks CA: apple.co/2GHIduT

Kobo CA: bit.ly/2pRH8Gx

You don’t have to read all the books in this series, but they are great fun so don’t miss out..

Buy the Nailed Down Paperback and receive the ebook free

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kc8KDP


★★NAILED DOWN-READ NOW★★

Amazon: amzn.to/2sBII3O
iBooks: apple.co/2ByK8PE
B&N: bit.ly/2HlieXO
Kobo: bit.ly/2o1Wc45
Google: bit.ly/2FSnlRZ

🌎INTERNATIONAL READERS
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2C3hbMK
iBooks UK: apple.co/2GEbkN7
Kobo UK: bit.ly/2HK4rZZ

Amazon AU: amzn.to/2Cr1Px2
iBooks AU: apple.co/2pjWFiY
Kobo AU: bit.ly/2DCbl16

Amazon CA: amzn.to/2HmY4fZ
iBooks CA: apple.co/2G6mKvm
Kobo CA: bit.ly/2DCaGg8

Goodreads TBR→ chellebliss.com/nd-tbr
 


Meet the Authors
 

Chelle Bliss

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.
WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – NEWSLETTER – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM


Eden Butler

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of Fantasy, Mystery and Contemporary Romance novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.
When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.
She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.    Please send help.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – NEWSLETTER – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM

Subscribe to Eden’s newsletter http://eepurl.com/VXQXD for giveaways, sneak peeks and various goodies that might just give you a chuckle.

 

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Book Review: Only With You (Man Enough #4) by Nicole McLaughlin 

Only With You

 (Man Enough #4)

by Nicole McLaughlin 

The men in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series are tough Alphas devoted to serving their country and the women who love them.

National Guardsman Aiden King has been attracted to Hannah Walters for a while, but he never made a move because of her close relationship with his best friend. But when circumstances change, Aiden is surprised when his friend gives his blessing. Problem is, there’s a reason he’s still alone after all these years, and as much as he wants her, that secret keeps him from acting on his desires.

Hannah has finally decided to wait for the kind of love you read about in books and see in movies. After her failed engagement, Aiden’s unassuming support has become a touchstone for Hannah. It soon becomes apparent that he may be exactly the kind of man she’s been looking for. But the closer they become, the more he keeps her at arm’s length.

When Aiden suggests a road trip to take Hannah’s mind off her troubles, the two of them go on a journey neither one expected. She just hopes that the final destination is them together for good.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Talk about good guys. Jase’s fellow National Guardsman and close friend was like a unicorn of men: kind, quiet, gentlemanly… he was handsome— in that bearded wilderness-man kind of way. He was also big and buff and could probably pick her up with his pinkie finger. As big as he was, did that mean . . . And just like that her mind went to a naughty place.

 

I hate the thought that maybe I’m not capable of the necessary feelings to be someone’s forever person. I mean, is that something you learn? Because if so I was obviously busy focusing on kissing when I should have been paying attention.

 

At the end of the day, I’m just an absolute hypocrite because I want to do what I want, when I want it, without anyone’s input. But I also want someone to do what I want with me, because who wants to do anything fun alone? And kissing. I miss kissing, Dad. Although we both know I’m using the word kissing, but I really… Sorry. Didn’t mean for that to get weird.

 

“This place has the worst name,” she said before they got out of the truck at Smokin’ D’s. “Sounds like a bra set on fire.”

 

 My Review:

 

Although the premise and back-story were truly heartbreaking, Ms. McLaughlin provided engaging storylines with humorous observations and intriguing and enticing tidbits that kept the emotional tone well-balanced and easy to read. The traumatic issues suffered by the characters are sadly relevant in our world and resulting problems were realistically put forward in a humanizing and admirable manner. I applaud and covet Ms. McLaughlin’s agile word skills. I adored these endearing and quirky characters; they squeezed my heart while also providing me with a near constant smirk. More, please.

About the Author 

Amazon  Website

Nicole loves to read, bake, make lists, and binge watch an entire television show season in one day. She lives with her husband and three boys in a small town outside of Kansas City.

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Book Review: Misadventures with a Rock Star by Helen Hardt

Misadventures with a Rock Star

by Helen Hardt

Add to your TBR

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tusRUi
Nook: http://bit.ly/2F5B6bo
iBooks: https://apple.co/2q5vXdk
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GwPNZ7
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2tuF1fR


#MisadventureswithaRockStar


Synopsis:


Heather Myles isn’t exactly thrilled to accompany her groupie roommate to an Emerald Phoenix concert. The aspiring screenwriter would rather be home with a good book. After Susie pleads with her, though, Heather relents. What the heck? Maybe a change of scenery is just what she needs to combat her desolation over getting turned down by yet another small production company.

After the performance, Jett Draconis, lead singer and guitarist for the band, isn’t up for the party scene. He’s grown tired of being mauled by horny devotees…until an auburn-haired goddess catches his eye. Though she initially rebuffs his advances, he’s determined not to take no for an answer. Sparks erupt between him and Heather, but Jett knows better than to fall in love. A secret from his past could destroy him—and everyone close to him—if he does.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Susie was my roommate and a good friend, but she was a notorious rock and roll groupie. The woman had a pube collection, for God’s sake. She’d sworn me to secrecy on that one. She hadn’t needed to bother. Who the heck would I tell? Pubic hair didn’t regularly come up in conversation. Also, keeping locks of rock stars’ gorilla salad in zippered bags made me kind of sick. I’d turned her down when she offered to show it to me.

 My Review:

 

There were parts in this book that were so hot my kindle seized. There were other parts that had me groaning with annoyance and wanting to throw my beloved kindle at a wall. The book wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t my preferred blend of stewed aromatic beverage. But for those of you who enjoy the rock-star fantasy or incendiary erotic rock-star sexcapades with a side order of a waffling semi-relationship – then this would be the book for you. There were lots and lots of carnal and licentious acts, some rather unpleasant and uncomfortable BDSM, and mentions of various types of lascivious activities with multiples, which I personally categorize as sharing without caring. I enjoyed the other Misadventures but I’m saddened to say that this one wins the spot of my least favorite to date. Sigh.

 

Misadventures with a Rock Star live event 4th June

 Interested in Going?

Meet The Author

#1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

 

Buy Links for all Helen’s Books: http://www.helenhardt.com/book/
Join the official street team for Helen
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Book Review: Inescapable by C.J. Fallowfield 

Inescapable

by C.J. Fallowfield 

 

Haunted by the ghosts of her past, Alex Bishop flees to London, but soon finds that she can’t outrun her demons.

Reclusive billionaire Tate Castle enters her life as it begins to spiral out of control, and the primal attraction that flares between them knocks her world off its axis. His proposition seems to be the answer to all of her problems, but her acceptance will change their lives irreparably.

Suspense, drama, and passion follow them from the capital to his idyllic Caribbean hideout, as they struggle to reconcile their mutual desire with the deep emotional scars they bear.

Alex is quickly dragged back into her worst nightmare, where she has to fight for what she desires, and her very survival.

They learn the hard way that you can run, but you can never hide. Destiny is inescapable, it will always find you.

Inescapable is a standalone erotic romance novel with suspense.

Warning – As a domestic violence survival story, this novel may contain triggers.

 

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

‘I eat danger for breakfast,’ he scoffed, then wilted under my “now’s not the time for your jokes” look. ‘Actually, I eat Coco Pops for breakfast. No, that’s a lie too. I don’t eat them, I leave them sitting in a big bowl of milk, until they unleash all of their chocolatey goodness into it. Then I strain the annoying cereal bits out and drink the delicious nectar.’

 I’d even push Patrick Dempsey under a bus for him, and you know how bad I have it for him.

 I’m not falling, I’ve already fallen, so hard I feel broken when you’re not in my field of vision.

 

My Review:

 

I always take great pleasure in witnessing the transformation of victim to survivor. I was somewhat apprehensive that this would be a dark read, and while it had some cringe-worthy and gasp-inducing moments of torment where I was actually holding my breath, it was not overly gruesome or lurid. The storyline was engaging, intriguing, emotive, and well-crafted. I adore C.J. Fallowfield and want all her words.   As with all her work, I cherished her well-drawn characters and rooted for their progress. I also found a new phrase to add to my Brit Vocabulary list, of “ten to the dozen” which is an informal UK expression meaning very quickly.

 

EMPRESS DJ

About the Author

 
Enough heat to make the pages sizzle, romance to make you swoon, strong characters with depth and emotions to 

pluck at your heartstrings, and humor to make you laugh out loud. Roll all of that into one novel, or in C.J.’s case a lot of novels, and you have the measure of her books. Unless of course, you count the odd twist she likes to throw in to keep readers on their toes. C.J. comes from the United Kingdom and is half-French. She lives in the wonderful countryside of Wales, surrounded by rolling hills, trees and fields full of sheep and cows. She is yet to find her Prince Charming, but lives with her extremely pampered fur baby, Pumpkin, kitten of mass destruction.

C.J Fallowfield. is an Amazon #1 UK and international bestselling author of contemporary humorous erotic romance novels. She released her debut novel in January 2014.

Her alter-ego, Charlotte Fallowfield is an Amazon UK and international bestselling author of sweet, and sex free, romantic comedy novels.

Sign up for her newsletters to be kept up to date on her frequent promotions and giveaways, as well as to get exclusive first looks at covers, teasers, excerpts and her latest releases:

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Book Review: The Sinister Silhouette by Alex Grayson

The Sinister Silhouette

by Alex Grayson 

Goodreads

Amazon / B&N

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“Luca….”

She whispers my name at night, filling my dreams with her haunting beauty. Her tormented amber eyes beg me for something I don’t understand, and her agonizing pain becomes my own.

For years, she’s come to me, calling my name.

For years, I’ve never known who she was.

Until now….

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

If any man other than Theo threatened me like that, I’d drop him faster than a whore drops her panties when she sees a hundred-dollar bill.

 I’m terrified, hopeful, and anxious all at the same time, and there’s no hope of the trio of feelings going away anytime soon.

 She beams a smile at me and it fills my heart with so much love I can feel the seams stretching to accommodate it all.

 My Review:

 

This was a long and slowly developing yet intriguing story, and in the end, it was more than worth every word. Oh my, what a dark and tangled web of deceit had been woven! I had my suspicions early and some proved correct, but I didn’t foresee all the warped tricks and abhorrent twists and turns. Written in my favorite dual POV, I was quickly hooked into the premise and was kept on edge by this clever and devious author’s well-crafted and emotive tale. My cold heart was squeezed by the abhorrent regrets, uncertainty, nightmares, and dangers that Luca and Jules were experiencing, but thankfully, my coronary muscle was sufficiently reinflated with the more than satisfying HEA conclusion. This was only my second time to read the wily words of the cunning Alex Grayson, but I fear I have become enamored and hopelessly addicted.

About the Author

Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart-pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and a dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

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Book Review: Midlife Crisis by L.B. Dunbar

Midlife Crisis

Another romance for the over 40

L.B. Dunbar

Romantic Comedy

 

A sexy silver fox might be the perfect solution to a midlife crisis.

Goodreads

Amazon US /  CA /  UK /  AU

B&N

 

Synopsis

 

Midge Everette.

I’m forty-one today.

It’s my birthday,

And I’m crying over burnt toast.

That’s not some euphemism.

Literally, I’m sobbing over stupid bread,

so I call a crisis center.

I just need someone to talk to about life.

Only I recognize the smoky voice of the man on the line.

In the name of all things, don’t let it be…

 

Hank Paige.

As a former rock star,

I once had it all.

Fame. Fortune. Females.

Except for the one thing I wanted most.

Now, I fix cars and restore other people’s dreams.

I just want to be somebody’s someone.

And there’s a certain woman with captivating eyes,

I want to fulfill my dreams.

For the love of all things, please let it be her…

In the midst of questioning everything,

could love be the resolution to a midlife crisis?

 

 

If you loved Tommy Carrigan in After Care meet his best friend and former drummer, Hank, as he discovers romance in his forties.

Book 2 of the silver fox, former rock stars can be read as a standalone.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

“You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen, lady.” His voice rings serious, surprised, as if he hadn’t noticed before and means every word.

 Brut drew the line at the old leather couch. He claims it has sentimental value, and the only thing I can imagine is him losing his virginity on it. Otherwise, the wasted DNA on those cushions could be a science experiment in why people should not reproduce.

 I know I said I want to make all your dreams come true, but I don’t know how. I have nothing to offer you. I’m being selfish because I want you to make all mine come true instead.

 Each time there’s an issue, you actually come to me, and it’s refreshing. You don’t run away, you run forward, and I want to catch you.

My Review:

 

In my vastly unprofessional opinion, L.B. Dunbar is found treasure. I typically read at a much faster pace but I found myself dawdling and humming as I read, wanting to savor every word of this well-crafted, delightfully engaging, deliciously steamy, and dangerously heart enlarging tale.   It pleased me. It was sweet, it was sexy, and it was cleverly amusing.   I was quickly immersed in the story and remained well invested in the thoughtfully observant and original storylines from beginning to end. Each and every character was endearingly and uniquely quirky, well drawn,  realistically flawed, and insightfully vulnerable; even the surly teenager. The agile and witty wordsmith known as L.B. Dunbar was a recent discovery for me during her last top-shelf offering of After Care, and I could kick myself for blindly overlooking her considerable listing for so long. Reading her skillful arrangements of words has been pure pleasure and seriously habit-forming.

 

 

 

About the Author

L.B. Dunbar has been accused of having an over-active imagination. To her benefit, this imagination has created over twenty novels, including a small-town world (Sensations Collection), rock star mayhem (Legendary Rock Star series), MMA chaos (Paradise Stories), rom-com for the over forty (The Sex Education of M.E. and After Care), and a suspenseful island for redemption (The Island Duet). Her alter ego, elda lore, creates magical romance through mythological retellings (Modern Descendants). Her life revolves around a deep love of reading about fairy tales, medieval knights, regency debauchery, and strong alpha males. She loves a deep belly laugh, a strong hug, and an occasional margarita. Her other loves include being mother to four grown children and wife to the one and only.

Connect with L.B. Dunbar

www.lbdunbar.com

Stalk Me: https://www.facebook.com/lbdunbarauthor

Stalk Me More: Instagram @lbdunbarwrites

Read Me: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8195738.L_B_Dunbar

Follow Me: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-b-dunbar

Tweet Me: https://twitter.com/lbdunbarwrites

Pin Me: http://www.pinterest.com/lbdunbar/

Get News Here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j7j2s0

AND more things here…

Hang with us: Loving L.B. (reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/LovingLB/

 

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Book Review, Giveaway: Road Trip by Andie M. Long and Laura Barnard

Road Trip

by Andie M. Long & Laura Barnard 

Amazon US / UK

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Romantic comedy authors Andie M Long and Laura Barnard have teamed together to bring you the hilarious Road Trip! 

Out NOW!  #oneclick #romcom #chicklit #lovehate

After the end of a car crash relationship can Katy find true love?

Catching her sister in bed with her fiancé, school teacher Katy Cornish enlists playboy colleague Felix Montague to help her save face. What she doesn’t bargain on is them both losing their jobs in the process.

With finances running out, Katy must endure the rude and arrogant Felix while they embark on a road trip around the country in hopes of securing a new job. But there’s just one problem… they’re up for the same posts. This road trip is going to be unlike any other, with them doing whatever they can to sabotage the other.

Can they see past themselves and their egos to each other? Or will their desperation to continue their careers drive them apart?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I might be twenty-six, but in my parents’ eyes me and Vic are still about twelve. I am, but only in clothes.

 I don’t need to prepare anything. People naturally love me. It’s you I’d be worried about. People assume you’ve got something stuck up your arse. You might want to look into that.

 It wasn’t my fault, it was Victoria’s… She hit it with a stick while I was at a swimming pool party. It flew around and stung my bum. Then it died, so I felt really sad while Vic laughed that it had been so scared of my bottom it had died of fright.

You like me? … Like, as in you also like cheese? Or a different kind of like?

My Review:

 

I frequently smirked and occasionally giggled-snorted during this amusing and saucy misadventure of two broke and suddenly unemployed teachers, who were not always comfortable or friendly with each other while sharing a ride during their desperate attempts to find new employment. Both had lost their teaching positions due to a backfired prank, with continued shenanigans, antics, irresponsible behavior, poor planning, bad luck, accidents, mishaps, and incidents of sabotage to come during their careening trek across the country in search of new futures while their limited funds dwindled to mere coins. Written from my favorite dual POV, the story was entertaining and engaging with colorful humor and bits of steam. However, the snarky characters were not always likable or admirable in their motivations as they are often competing for the same limited job openings. Forced to remain in constant contact and close quarters for days on end, they began to see each other differently and an unexpected attraction bloomed in a fretful and vexing manner until they scorched the sheets. I scored a new addition to my Brit Vocabulary list with “on the lash” which is drinking to intoxication.


Giveaway

Head on over to Laura’s Facebook page to enter their giveaway for a chance to win $10/£10 Amazon Gift Card.

Connect with Andie

Website ☆ Facebook ☆ Twitter ☆ Instagram

☆ Pinterest ☆ Goodreads

 

Connect with Laura

Website ☆ Facebook ☆ Twitter ☆ Instagram

 ☆ Pinterest ☆ Goodreads

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Book Review: Hot Asset by Lauren Layne

Hot Asset 

by Lauren Layne

Goodreads

KINDLE: https://amzn.to/2rVZEyl

PAPERBACK: https://amzn.to/2kb5DMe

AUDIOBOOK: https://amzn.to/2IyoUSy 

MP3 CD: https://amzn.to/2rSMfIc 

 

A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.

“[A] playful romance…Layne populates her world of high-stakes finance with charismatic characters, and the fast-paced story works well with the simmering sexual tension between the leads…It’s easy to root for this couple.” —Publishers Weekly

“Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy, and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

The weekday lunch hour on Wall Street is everything you’d expect—plenty of suits and martinis and pretension. Nobody bothers to look twice at a woman in a boring blouse and four-year-old stilettos bought at Nordstrom Rack.

 Yes, men just love my combination of forthright and awkward.

 “What the heck is day cleavage?” She holds up her thumb and forefinger to her cleavage as though she’s measuring something. “No more than a half inch or so, see?” “What’s night cleavage?” She widens the gap between her fingers. “An inch, at least.” I shake my head in wonderment. “It’s like you’re from a different planet.”

My Review:

 

I always enjoy Lauren Layne’s enticing stories, they beckon me. I adore her amusing and sharp wit but not as much as I love her endearing flawed yet vulnerable characters. In Hot Asset, the two main protagonists initially appeared to be complete opposites in every arena.

Ian was a wealthy playboy and self-made success story as through his relentless efforts and keen intelligence, this survivor of multiple negligent foster homes became a Yale graduate and had worked hard to earn his spot near the top of the food chain in his Wall Street firm. He was also a dirty talking sex machine who appeared to have a hard edge but was layers deep with a marshmallow center, although no one knew of his charitable efforts as he played nearly as hard as he worked and never bedded the same woman twice, “because I don’t have to.”

Lara was a tightly wound, honest, and hardworking government employee who followed the rules, yearned for career advancement and acceptance into the FBI, and had no social life.   As the SEC agent that arrived at Ian’s office to personally investigate him, she was unimpressed with his slick approach. They were at odds yet seemed to enjoy bantering and antagonizing each other yet each also fought a building respect and attraction. Yet there was something just not right with the case and allegations against Ian.

I am excited with Ms. Layne’s new 21 Wall Street series, as this installment has started it off with the propulsion of a space rocket that was locked and loaded with a cast of quirky yet alluring characters. I doubt I could tire of them and am already greedy for the next volume.

 

Author Info

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in eight languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Author Links: 

Website: http://www.laurenlayne.com/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6969772.Lauren_Layne

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lauren-layne

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LLayneAuthor/

Lauren Layne Library: http://laurenlaynelibrary.com/

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Book Review, Giveaway: Lead Me Home by A.L. Jackson

Lead Me Home

A second-chance, friends-to-lovers, stand-alone romance in A.L. Jackson’s Fight for Me series…

Amazon

Paperback

Audible

 

LEAD ME HOME

 A Fight for Me Stand-Alone Novel

by A.L. Jackson

Fourteen years ago, my life changed forever.
My sister disappeared. That day I was selfish. That day I chose myself over her. And that day, I lost everything.
Including Nikki Walters.
She’s the girl I’ve loved my whole life. She’s gorgeous. Caring. Every single thing I’ve ever wanted but denied myself. She was my sister’s best friend, and I destroyed any chance of keeping her.
When her safety is threatened, I have a second chance to do the right thing. But as soon as she moves in, I want her in all the wrong ways.
All it takes is a brush of her hand, and I’m losing all control.
The fire between us is only burning hotter.
But neither of us saw what was coming.
And it just might be Nikki Walters who destroys me in the end.
The highly anticipated sexy, suspenseful stand-alone second-chance romance from NYT Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson.
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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

My attraction to him was so intense I wondered how he didn’t taste it in the air.

 

Human emotions were such tricky little things. They could be fleeting and fast, forgotten before we gave ourselves time to ponder them, or they wiggled their way in, so deep that it was impossible to imagine they hadn’t been part of us all along.

 

Lily was looking at me as if she were chipping pieces of me away and labeling each one as evidence.

 

I think that’s what missing someone means. They’re missing from you, not just from your life, but from your heart. And nothing, no matter how hard you try, really works or fully functions because you’re missing that piece.

 My Review:

Add another heart-squeezing, steamy, and angst-filled romance to your TBR, as it was well worth the anguish; and the mystery that has plagued me all through this well-crafted series was finally, finally, yes finally solved as to what happened to Sydney. I was flailing more than usual for fear this book was going to be a total angst-fest – as the characters were in constant conflict with themselves as well as with each other for over two-thirds of the book. Oh, the agony! That much angst is just – tedious torment for me. Thank goodness Ms. Jackson tossed in some amusing testosterone-fueled banter between the well-bonded and tightly-knit he-men, steamy sensual scenes, a well-woven mystery, and a sexy, filthy talking, and cranky lead character that I could forgive anything for. Written in my favorite dual POV, I got past my pet peeve and sighed with satisfaction on reaching that delightful HEA.

 
Don’t miss our amazing giveaway going on to celebrate the LEAD ME HOME Release!! Grand prize includes signed SHOW ME THE WAY and FOLLOW ME BACK and the entire BLEEDING STARS SERIES Paperbacks!!

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, and BLEEDING STARS novels. Grab A.L. Jackson’s latest novel, LEAD ME HOME, the third stand-alone novel in her brand-new FIGHT FOR ME SERIES.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
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Book Review: Anything For You (The Connor Family, #1) by Layla Hagen 

Anything For You

(The Connor Family, #1)

by Layla Hagen 

Goodreads

Amazon / B&N

 

Hotshot CEO Landon Connor knows his way around the boardroom. Ever since he lost his wife, Landon is all work and no play. But after he seals the biggest deal of his career, he decides to take a trip to his hometown. Nothing spells vacation like a little time with his boisterous family in the LA sun.  But the tempting landscape designer working for his sister spells a whole lot more than fun. Maddie Jennings is everything Landon didn’t think he wanted anymore. He can’t get enough of her sweetness, or her sensual curves.  Despite fanning herself every time Landon comes near her, Maddie tries to ignore their attraction. It’s the smart thing to do. But when Landon romances her with late night walks and bouquets of flowers, she can’t help giving in to his sexy charm.

But can Landon open up his heart for longer than a summer?

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My Rating:

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

I was a sucker for men in suits, but men with rolled-up sleeves and muscled forearms were my kryptonite.

 

Maddie smiled sweetly at him while working on his cocktail. “Rule number one. Never be disrespectful to the person serving your food or beverage. You never know what they might put in. ”When she slid his glass toward him, the guy looked down at it as if afraid to touch it. I held my glass up in her direction, grinning. Her sass was contagious.

 

The dating world is a lot like seeing a fin in the water and thinking it’s a dolphin, only to later discover it’s a shark. It takes trial and error to get to the good ones.

 

My Review:

 

I adore Layla Hagen’s sweet and sexy romance, they are my guilty pleasure and have never failed to put a smirk on my face. Written in my favorite dual POV, the engaging story was low angst with clever hits of humor and provided a lovable cast of endearing new characters as well as and a sweet, steamy, equal, and supportive relationship. Nirvana. I look forward to many more stories featuring the feisty and lovable Connor clan.

 About Layla Hagen

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Layla Hagen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She fell in love with books when she was nine years old, and her love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

She writes steamy and romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

She is represented by fabulous Louise Fury (The Bent Agency)