Category Archives: Book Review

5 stars, Best of 2018, Book Review

Professor Hot Pants by Ember-Raine Winters Review.

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newarcbannerblurbprofessorhotpantsRyan

My mom always told me that I was better than random hookups but she was a drug addict, what did she know. Sex fulfilled a need in me. I’m not your average college student, but like many students I have one professor I fantasize about. Professor Marks is a great big no-no in the hookup department, so why can’t I stay away?

Philip

I’m a professor of psychology at the University. Being in my position, it was necessary to keep him at a distance. But, he’s slowly becoming an obsession of mine, the sexual tension between us is stifling. Now, we are expected to work together when all I want to do is bend his ass over the table. How will I be able to keep my hands to myself?

Can an unexpected ally bring these two people together and teach them the meaning of family?

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authoremberraineEmber-Raine Winters lives in sunny California with her two beautiful kids and a wolf. Also known as Apache her pure white Siberian Husky. She loves writing romance and reading just about anything she can get her hands on. And, football! She loves watching football and going to games. It’s one of her favorite ways to unwind. She dislikes the super-hot temperatures in her city and exercise. She hates to exercise but somehow her sister still gets her to do it every day. She also thinks it’s completely awkward talking about herself in third person. Ember loves connecting with readers so don’t be afraid to stalk her and drop her a line on social media.

— Goodreads — Facebook — Amazon — Website —

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I’m going to say this a lot in the next couple reviews I do, but I’ve been on a kick and it started with Professor Hot Pants. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a straight white 25 year old girl, who fell in love with 18 and gets to marry her best friend (hopefully soon but wedding planning sucks), but when I read romances I tend to read about couples (well, the female anyway- I’ve definitely read about those age gaps and loved it) who are in their twenties, and are straight and monogamous. I don’t know why, either. I had my obsession with manga (thank you, Ashley) which led to the yaoi genre (heeeey manga nerd over here- yaoi is M/M relationships) and an obsession with many mangas. One specifically I now want to re-read because one of the guys was such an alpha but they were both cute (Ash, I need names). Professor Hot Pants really made me remember my love for the genre.

Not only was this book taboo, hello teacher/student relationship, but it was about a gay couple. Both of whom had their issues, but god does Ryan have his issues. Now, to me, I really don’t care. I gravitate towards novels I feel like I’ll connect with on some level, and it’s easier for me to connect (or so I tell myself, and then a novel comes along that reminds me that’s not true) with straight cis characters (thanks tumblr!), but since I’m not gay, and I have worked hard over the years to not judge people, and I grew up in an accepting household and in a world with MySpace and Tumblr, it makes it easy for me to forget the challenges being “not normal” can face. So they were gay and breaking the rules, that’s enough for a novel, right?

WRONG. It was so much more than that. It touched on the topics of child molestation, of loving someone you know you shouldn’t, of drug addiction, of loving yourself so you can accept love, and opening yourself up to the possibilities. Ryan and Phillip had to make extremely difficult choices, ones no one should ever have to face, but they had to because of bigotry that we, as straight people, don’t have to deal with. Are these struggles things I’ve dealt with? No. Are they struggles others have had to deal with? Abo-freaking-loutely. But because they were gay, it made it that much harder for them.

AND LORD HAVE MERCY, do their trials and tribulations make you fall more and more in love with them. Phillip and Ryan are so absolutely amazing, I adored every ounce of them. One of the things I remembered I loved about M/M romances, manga or otherwise, was that you’re reminded that just because they’re gay, doesn’t mean their special just because of their orientation. They had messed up situations, definitely, but their strength was what made them special. The love they found in themselves and with each other made them special. Their sexual orientation didn’t define them, it was just a part of who they were. Just like mine is. Just like yours is. It doesn’t make you who you are, but it does help shape you and shape your decisions for life.

Have you figured out I’m obsessed yet? Ember made me remember why I love gay romance so much, and made me go on a kick of devouring more of them. Her characters were well rounded and continued to grow the more I read, the more I devoured. I read her book so fast, I found myself flipping the last page saying “I NEED MORE”. So Ember- I NEED MORE. Extended epilogues? Another book? Anything? Please? On that note- I’m shutting up but I will say GO GET THIS BOOK. Please! Not a fan of M/M? From the bottom of my heart, and the depths of my soul: Give this a chance. You won’t regret it.

professor35star
**All images are from freeimages.com and pexels.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
5 stars, Best of 2018, Book Review

Give Me A Reason by Jennifer Miller Review

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blurb55d02-givemeareason_ecover252812529I always knew this day would come – that it would be my turn.
Images of my mother fighting the same disease are forever branded on my heart and soul. Regret and pain her unintentional parting gifts.
That will not be me.
I won’t allow it.
Instead, I will live my life to the fullest for the time I have left.
I accept my fate.
That’s my choice; my right.

Oliver Gentry, my childhood best friend, has other ideas. He wants to give me a reason to stay.

He wants to be the reason I fight.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Barnes & Nobles —

authorjennifermillerA bestselling and award winning author, Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but now calls Arizona home. Jennifer’s love of reading began when she was a small child, and only continued to grow as she entered adulthood. Ever since winning a writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl with a pet unicorn, she’s dreamed of writing a book of her own. Quickly learning that dreams don’t just fall into your lap, she knew she had to chase them herself and not be afraid to dream a little bigger. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother, and is very lucky to have a family that loves and supports her in all things. She also has an unhealthy addiction to handbags and chocolate covered strawberries, neither of which she cares to change. For more information about Jennifer and her books please visit her website.

— Goodreads — Facebook — Amazon — Instagram — Reader’s Group — Website — Twitter —

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I tend to say this a lot with books that I love, the ones that break my heart, but I try to be honest when I write a review. That means being 100% honest with how hard it is to write a review, or how much I laughed or cried, or whatever I was feeling (or not) with a book. It means that reading a  rom-com, a dark romance, a novella, a full-length, or a heart wrencher can potentially make me pause and sit at the computer, staring at the screen, waiting for words to come to me. Give Me A Reason did that to me. Even as I am typing now, I’m trying to figure out what to say and how to convey what I want, without giving away the plot.

As much as I’d like to spoil it and gush, I will refrain. (Sometimes I have impulse control! — I actually had to go and look at the other reviews written to make sure I didn’t spoil anything!)

Give Me A Reason will break you into tiny pieces, and just when you think you’ve been stitched back together, it will break you again. This masterpiece touches on themes of death and life, change and staying the same, ignorance is bliss and researching the hell out of something. It deals with topics that are hard to read, let alone write, and I don’t know how Jennifer did that. She literally blew my mind, and if I was allowed to eat ice cream again, I’d be shoveling pint-fulls into my mouth with a shovel.

My heart continues to break for Remy, and for Oliver. The love they shared was ignored for years, as they tried to not mess life up, not rock the boat, and keep each other in their lives in any capacity. But when Remy’s life is threatened, Oliver decides not to waste another minute of their lives. Instead, they try to embrace life for as long as they can. But Remy has a big choice to make and that choice can take her away from Oliver sooner than possible.

Aaaaaand now I’m crying again.

That choice between life and death is one many struggle with in their lives, in different capacities. Remy’s struggle with how to fight something, how to accept something, is something I’ve openly struggled with. Although Remy and I had different paths, and different decisions to make, but there was a conscious effort made, thought put into our decisions. Maybe that’s why this book hit me so hard. The way Jennifer crafted this story truly made you feel what Remy was feeling, every step of the way, every hurtle she faced the reader faced with her. For me, experiencing Remy’s pain felt ten-fold, since it brought me back to the struggle I had.

This was my first Jennifer Miller book, and if she breaks me like this again it’ll probably be my last. I wish I saved a Rom-Com to read, because I absolutely need something to bring me back up. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. I’d give it ALL the stars. 10 out of 5, 100 out of 5, I don’t care. She deserves them all.

givemeareason25star
**All images are from freeimages.com and pexels.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
5 stars, Book Review

Stoking Her Fire by Mila Crawford Review!

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newarcbannerblurbstokingherfireI’d always loved her, even if she never knew.

Growing up as Avery’s friend was the hardest part, especially when all I wanted to do was claim her as mine. But I was that awkward, geeky kid with the black-rimmed glasses, a social outcast.

Time and distance had separated us, but I never forgot about her. My love for Avery never lessened. It only grew.

Now back in town, working as a firefighter, I doubt she’ll recognize me. I’m big, strong, and confident, so different from who I was all those years ago. Seeing her again after so long has me realizing too much time has passed. I know what has to be done.

I need to let Avery know she’s mine and that nothing and no one will stop me from claiming her.

Warning: This is a friends-to-lovers, double virgin safe romance that also has that spark of filth thrown in. Yes, you read that right … double virgins. No need to wear protection for this one because these two know exactly what they want, and that’s each other.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authormilacrawford

Mila Crawford loves romance, especially dirty short stories that are safe and have a happy ending. So she decided to start writing her own.

What can you expect form her books? No cheating, no OW/OM drama, always celibate or virgin characters, and of course a HEA … An all around SAFE book!

 

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

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Have you been reading a lot of dark romance lately? Lots of blood and gore? Maybe read some super angsty books? Needing something lighter to get you through? A super safe, super sweet, super steamy novella to get you through to the next book that destroys you? Is it not your day, week, month or even your year? Try downloading Stoking Her Fire (Free on Kindle Unlimited!). It is super sweet, with some double virgin action, that will keep you smiling from start to finish.

Stoking Her Fire is my favorite kind of second chance romance. The one where both know they fell in love a long time ago, and instead of trying to find someone to replace their love, they hold out until they can see them again. So sweet you’re going to need a trip to the dentist after, but so incredibly worth it. This short little novella maybe wasn’t super realistic, but it was just the kind of novella I love to read.

There was minimal drama, but there was a sassy grandma in it.

Jackson and Avery met in high school, when Jackson was the socially awkward nerd and Avery was the social butterfly. Avery was overcompensating for a rough childhood by being everyone’s best friend, but her connection to Jackson ran deeper than that, even as a child. Jackson knew he loved Avery since he was the nerdy teen, but moved away before he had the guts to confront her with his feelings.

Six years later and Jackson is seriously buffed up and a firefighter. He’s also back in town to claim the one woman who has ever held his heart. He and Avery meet by chance, but move very quickly. Distance definitely made the heart grow fonder in this novella, and neither want to waste anymore time.

I’ve read a couple of Mila’s books now, most were before I started reviewing and I was a punk who read books and never reviewed. So I knew when I got this book that I was going to love it. Mila always gives you short and sweet, but also naughty. Her books are so worth the one-click, or the free download if you’re on KU (BONUS: She’s not a bookstuffer so yay!)

strokingherfire35star

5 stars, Book Review

Blackburn by Brynne Asher Review

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blurb

blackburnShe’s my employee.

I’m her boss’s boss. Hell, I own the company.

Pursuing Lillian Burkette was a line I shouldn’t cross.

Until a work trip from hell changed everything.

I didn’t just step over the line. I annihilated the damn thing.

When it comes to her, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do. I’d even kill for her.

When they say the corporate world is a jungle … they have no idea.

Warning – Not appropriate for readers under the age of 18.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

author

brynneBrynne Asher lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and her perfect dog. When she isn’t creating pretend people and relationships in her head, she is running her kids around and doing laundry. She enjoys cooking, decorating, shopping at outlet malls as well as online and is always seeking the best deal. A perfect day in “Brynne World” ends in front of an outdoor fire with family, friends, s’mores, and a delicious cocktail.

— Facebook — Readers Group — Goodreads — Amazon —

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What would you do if you ended up stuck in a forest in Nicaragua, with your boss’s boss, who’s usually a complete jerk to you, but who’s also freaking gorgeous? Would you let the circumstances that forced you closer together to make you cross that line? Would you let him kiss you? Would you end up teasing him relentlessly?

If your boss’s boss is Gabriel Blackburn the answer to that is a resounding YES. Brynne Asher brings to life crazy, out of this world circumstances, and mixes them with the humor she continues to deliver in her novels (the Carpinos and Killers series which are both AMAZING, and I’m still waiting for more!) while also giving you a closer look into what makes a jerk, well, a jerk.

And let’s talk about her heroine, Lillian, for a second, hmm? The woman who wipes her nose on her boss’s boss’s shirt, after trekking through the forest with blisters on her feet. She’s the woman who teases her boss relentlessly, but also gets stunned by his kisses. She’s intelligent, crazy so, and not afraid to stand up for herself. She’s thrust into a situation no one would be prepared for, yet takes it as well as anyone could.

From the very first page of this novel, I promise you will be hooked. There is not one page that is boring or will make you want to put it down. This book will have you laughing, crying, and turning the A/C on, all in a few pages. I swear this book was not long enough for me, though Brynne’s novels always leave me wanting more. I promise you will have wanted to trade places with Lillian, despite everything these two go through, because Gabe is that hot– I mean amazing.

While this novel is short and sweet, it is also steamy. These two burn up the sheets, make you reach for that glass, or bottle, of wine, and fan yourself. Sweet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not naughty. One does not negate the other. Gabe Blackburn loves dirty talk, and lord have mighty is he good at it. Trust me, you’re going to want your lover, boyfriends, girlfriends, whatever, take notes from him. He’s really good at it.

Get your fingers ready to one-click this baby when it comes out. You’re gonna need it. Also, if you’ve read the Killers series, there’s a little glimpse of an old friend in there, who also curses Gabe with something every man dreads. What is that? You’ll just have to read to find out!! (Also- for more teasers go follow Brynne on Facebook!)

blackburn15star
**All images are from freeimages.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
5 stars, Book Review

Carver by KL Donn Review

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newarcbannerblurb4e513-kl2bdonn2bcarver2b1

I saw her.
She’s mine.
NOTHING
Will stop me.
**Warning**
The Adair Empire is a dark and graphic romance that will push your buttons, and maybe your boundaries. Each book contains a new couple but ends with a plot cliff-hanger.
— Goodreads — Amazon — Kobo — Bookbub — Barnes & Nobles —

author3bbb8-kl2bdonn2bauthor2bgraphic

Krystal is a proud Canadian girl, hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta. She has a strong dislike for the winter, and a love spring. Married to her husband Steve, for 13 years, they have 4 beautiful red headed spawns ranging in ages 5-12. She has a strong love of coffee, sarcasm, and wine. (Not necessarily in that order either.)
Krystal loves to write about instalove between couples looking for love. She has a passion for contemporary romance and springs into menage as often as she can. Currently, she is working on 2 new series, the Adair Empire a darker, dirtier, and grittier series than what her readers are used to, but boy has she had a ton of fun writing them. The What Happens When series will begin with Anonymous Bride series will begin with Anonymous Bride and continue with untraditional love stories. Bringing you all the good feels, a ton of love, and maybe – if you’re lucky 😉 a surprise baby or two!
With the exception of Anonymous Bride, and Until Arsen you’ll be able to find all her books on all platforms!

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Ah KL Donn, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. (Warning: This review contains no spoilers but it does contain squealing fangirling).

I’ve made no bones about my total love and adoration for this series, and each book gets better and better. It started with King, where you weren’t quite sure what you were getting yourself into, then we got something darker in Luther (I’m going to reiterate everytime I do a review for this series: Luther’s mine kthxbye), we got bloody in Castiel, wicked in Atticus, and then we got psychotic in Carver. By the time King was over, I was hooked, and now I’m addicted. I’m not sure what Grasping for Air will bring, but I am SO READY/HERE FOR IT.

So let’s go over all the reasons I love Carver, my little sociopath, and Meadow’s story.

One– His absolute obsession with Meadow knows no bounds, yet he tries to respect her wants and wishes- even when he doesn’t agree with them.
Two– He has absolutely no idea what it means to be with a woman, and what would scare a woman or not, and yet he tries to do everything possible to make Meadow want him (and if that doesn’t just break your heart you are heartless.)
Three– Meadow is not born into the life, is not strong like the other women in the series are, yet she accepts Carver and all of his psychotic tendencies, though it takes her a minute.
Four– These two are special to each other, for special reasons, and it’s literally the greatest thing ever.
Five– THE DRAMA. What the heck was all of that???
Six– I question KL Donn and her mental state, but I thank her for it because everything about this bloody masterpiece was so amazing.
Seven– I don’t know how to stay true to a psychopath is possible, but KL matched up a psycho and basically a cute little bunny, and made you want to wrap them in a blanket and keep them safe forever so no one can ever hurt them again.

What do I hate about this? HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS. I know there’s a warning about a cliffhanger, but when you read it you’re going to be like WTF. KL is evil, evil genius? Maybe. Anyways, I can’t wait for Grasping for Air, though I’m probably gonna cry because that means my Adair boys are done and I’m not sure I’m mentally capable of accepting this.  I’ll probably just ignore the fact that it’s over and reread it a bunch of times. That’s not crazy, right?

Anyways, this bloody, twisted empire quickly became one of my all time favorites. Luther will always be my love, but I absolutely adore Carver. I love how perfectly Carver and Meadow balance each other out. I love that Meadow has some growing to do without Carver, but it really sucks ass. I love that Meadow is the only one that could ever put Carver in his place, yet she probably never would. And I love how Carver doesn’t understand most things, but his connection to Meadow is so deep, he knows what she needs.

I’m shutting up now, I swear.

Go get this series!!

carver15star

**All images are from freeimages.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
4 stars, Book Review

Sleight of Hand by BJ Bentley Review!

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newarcbannerblurbsleightofhandBERTIE

I grew up on the streets, a product of someone else’s bad choices.
I clawed, fought, and stole in order to survive.
You’d think growing up that way would make me tough. Make me hard.
Truth was, I wanted to do good.
But doing good brought me something very, very bad.

ALEKSANDER

You could say I had it all. Money. Respect. Women.
The fear of those beneath me.
I had everything I wanted.
But I had an obsession that became a need.
I knew what I needed, and what I needed was her.

Aleksander Magnus is one-third of the Syndicate. A criminal CEO who thrives on control. So, when he meets Bertie, his sparrow, will he give in to the desire to cage his little bird, or will he open his heart and allow them both to fly free?

— Goodreads — Amazon — Barnes & Nobles —

author29136192_175603263078789_8700093008424468480_nFrom her Amazon: I’m a psychic medium, romance author, and cat mom. I shamelessly based my character, Sabrina Rhodes, on myself (write what you know, and all that.) Weaknesses include alpha males and badass babes.
The Intuitive series is a collection of rom-com novellas, and I’m also working on a full-length dark romance novel.
I’m very active on social media, so feel free to stalk me! (Please stalk me, this is a cry for attention.)
Follow me!

—  Facebook — Twitter —  Instagram —  Website — Amazon—  BookBub  —reviewsleightofhand1

Alright, ok, I can totally write this review and not fan girl too much. Right? Right. Ok. Here goes nothin’.

ALEKSANDER is the devil and I freaking love it. He may not be your typical mafioso, but he is definitely uber powerful in his business. We met him in Finders Keepers, and if you read it, you know there were some super trigger warnings. Now, there aren’t really triggers in this book (maybe? everyone’s are different), but it really depends on your definition of safe. Aleks isn’t one to believe in that love at first sight, junk. And he’s not going to let a little girl that he wants more than anything, come in between him and his empire.

*snort*

Roberta, BERTIE, is a strong independent who don’t need no man, and she doesn’t want one. And she’s so good at her job, she sends Aleks on a merry little chase. (Yes, the Aleks that’s all “I’m a big CEO, I don’t want love” Aleks.) She is sassy and fierce, and she’s smart as hell. She’s good at running, hiding, stealing, and eating pie (trust me, that’s important). She is a hell of a survivor, and learned early on she could only count on herself. But something in her says to go to Aleksander, and she firmly shuts that down in her head.

These two burn up the sheets as much as they burn the world. I love BJ Bentley’s heroines because they’re not weak damsels in distress. Bertie makes sure to mark her territory (Aleks) as much as Aleks does the same. Neither are afraid of pleasure, and Aleks teaches Bertie new ways to explore her own pleasure, and the pain/pleasure combo. There are some Dom/sub vibes in here. Aleks isn’t making Bertie kneel whenever he enters the room or anything, but there is a definite box their relationship is in.

At first, because Bertie is Bertie, she resists the kind of pleasure Aleks can give her by owning every inch of her, but it just added to the dynamics of their relationship. They are both possessive of the other, which translates into some really sexy times in the sheets… and out of them.

And good lord the drama! Bertie, just like Charlotte once did, gets herself into some nasty situations. Lucky for her, she’s not part of the family, and nobody messes with the family (get it?!). Aleks fell down the same rabbit hole that Jensen did, and fell in love with a woman not afraid to get dirty. I actually think it’s a necessity for me to have an epilogue or novella somewhere to show how these women are changing the Syndicate because I guarantee they help the guys… not that the guys want their girls doing any work.

Ok, I’m getting a little talkative, and at this point I don’t know what to say other than READ THE BOOK YOU WILL LOVE IT.  You may hate Aleks sometimes, and wonder what the heck Bertie is doing, but BJ Bentley keeps true to who her characters are. This work, this series so far, is authentic and bloody and I love it. I cannot wait to see what the series brings because I need it!

sleightofhand24star

Book Review, Release Blitz!

Unexpected Love Story by Natasha Madison is Live Now!

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Title: Unexpected Love Story
Series: Love Series
Author: Natasha Madison
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 5, 2018

When one man’s death exposes a complex web of lies, three couples discover the true meaning of love, loss and redemption.

Crystal
I was the strong one, they said, until two words brought me to my knees. 
It was a secret I didn’t share with anyone. A secret that made me promise I’d never fall in love. 
I no longer wanted that white picket fence of every woman’s dreams. 
Until the unthinkable happened. 

Gabe
I thought I had it all with the best medical practice in the state and the woman of my dreams. 
I wore a smile on my face every single day. 
I couldn’t wait to watch her walk down the aisle and start our forever, except she never did. 
My runaway bride made me realize love isn’t worth it. 

What happens when your dreams unexpectedly come true?

This is the story of unexpected love.

Pinterest

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Crystal

“I’m going to the restroom.” I giggle to Dawn, who nods her head at me. Making my way through the crowd of people around the bar, I bend my head to watch my feet. Walking into the dim hallway, I smash into a man who has just come out of the bathroom. His arm automatically flies to wrap around my waist and bring me against him. His smell intoxicates me further, and I giggle as I try not to fall. I put my head back, looking up at him, and my smile gets even bigger. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” I look up into his blue eyes, and he smiles down at me.

“It’s my fault.” His voice comes out deep. “I should have looked right and left when I walked out of the bathroom.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “I get it. Like crossing the street.”

He loosens his hold on me, and I step back, finally taking him in. His hair is cut short on the side, the top longer. His t-shirt looks like he is bulging out of it, especially his biceps. Ink decorates both arms to his wrists. His jaw looks chiseled, his nose perfect. I don’t know if it’s the booze talking or not, but this man is fucking perfect. “Are you here for the convention?” I ask him, and he nods.

“Are you?” He puts his hands in his back pockets.

“No, I’m a nurse over at the hospital,” I tell him as someone walks by me and nudges me with their shoulder, sending me flying into him again. “Sorry.”

“You’ve fallen into my lap twice now, and I still don’t know your name.” He smiles at me, holding my arms in his hands.

“I’m Jane,” I tell him, hoping he gets the joke. “Jane Doe.” This time, he is the one throwing his head back and laughing.

“Well, Jane Doe, I’m John.” He holds out his hand, and I take it in my hand, shaking it. “John Doe.”

“I think we’re related somehow.” I smile at him, and this time, his eyes go serious.

“I really fucking hope not.” He takes a deep breath.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” I say, dropping his hand. “Excuse me.” I look down and then back over my shoulder once I walk away to see him staring at me. “Enjoying the view?”

“More than you fucking know.” He smiles, and I push open the bathroom door, whispering, “Holy shit,” the whole time.

Gabe

I watch Jane Doe walk into the bathroom, thinking this night just got a whole lot better.

When we first arrived an hour ago, even with a large crowd I spotted her. My gaze found her right away, and then she moved her hips, and I just couldn’t look away. It was as if fate handed her to me when she smashed into me.

I look toward the bar and then back at the bathroom door as I list the pros and cons of staying and leaving in my head. Everything tells me this is a bad idea, but I go with my gut, which brings me back to the women’s bathroom door. I lean against the wall, facing the door, one foot on the wall, and both hands in my pockets. I haven’t done this in forever. I was never a one-night stand kind of guy, but something tells me not to walk away.

The door swings open, and there she stands. If I thought she was good looking through the crowds of people in the dim light, then nothing compares to her standing in the fully lit bathroom. Her blond hair falls down her back and her blue eyes shine with mischief. Her neck bare and white gives me the sudden urge to bite her. “You waiting for me?” she asks, walking to me.

“I wanted to know if maybe you wanted to grab a drink.” Her citrus smell hits me in the stomach. Fresh and clean. “I was thinking,” I say, tracing my finger down her cheek, “we could maybe go over our family tree.”

Her hands go straight to my waist as she leans into me. “Let’s go have that drink.” She winks at me, walking away from me as I follow her to the bar. “What are you having?” She turns to ask me.

“Scotch on the rocks,” I yell to the bartender, who then looks at her. “I’ll have the same,” she says.

“So.” She leans in, the noise of the bar drowning out her voice. The bartender returns with the two scotches and places them in front of us.

“Put it on my tab,” I tell him, and he nods his head. I pick up the glass, holding it in front of me. “To long-lost family.”

She picks up her glass. “To living in the moment.” I clink her glass in a toast, then she drinks a sip and looks at me. “Are you married?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Single. You?” I ask her. Even though I want to do this, I don’t want to cross that line.

“Always single.” She smiles, taking another sip, this time longer. “So, John”—she looks at me, stepping into my space—“there is just one more question that needs answering.”

I down the scotch, not even hissing when it burns my throat to my chest and then straight down to my stomach. I place the glass on the bar. “Do you want to go someplace where it’s quiet?” I ask her. She nods and smiles at me. It’s a smile that I’m not sure I ever want to see go away. It’s a smile that lights up her whole face. I don’t know if it’s the booze or not, but I’m not ready for it to be over just yet.

“I just have to tell my friends I’m leaving.” She points behind her and goes to tell them something while I close up the tab. A couple of women look over her shoulder, waving their hands at me, and one high-fives her. She shakes her head, laughing, while she walks back to me. “So where to?” she asks me. I grab her hand and walk outside to the building next door. “Well, that wasn’t too far.”

I guide her to the elevator and press the button standing next to her. I’m nervous; I haven’t had sex with someone new since Bethany and that feels like forever ago. I start thinking about different moves when the elevator dings, and the doors open. She steps in before me. “What floor?” she asks.

“Twenty-seven,” I say, and she presses the button. She leans on the wall while I lean on the other across from her. “I don’t usually do this.”

The little minx smiles at me. “A one-night stand or sex?”

I smile at her. “Very funny. A one-night stand.”

She stands straight and walks over to me. Her hands go straight to my chest, causing my heart to beat faster. “Well, then”—she inches closer, her hands moving to my neck, and my hands going to her waist, pulling her close to me, “let me start then.”

She goes on her tippy toes, and something in me takes over. I turn her so she is the one against the wall now. My hand runs over her bare neck, coming up to cup her chin. “I’m the one driving this car,” I tell her right before I hear her breath hitch and my mouth crashes into hers. I taste the scotch on her when her hand touches my cheek, and I angle my head to get more of her. To get all of her. The elevator dings, letting us know we are on our floor. Our lips separate from each other as our chests rise and fall rapidly. I hold out my hand, and she places hers in mine. As soon as our fingers intertwine, I pull her out of the elevator before the doors shut us in. She laughs as she follows me, and I make the mistake of looking over at her, seeing her with her hair going everywhere, the smile on her face, and the twinkle in her eyes. I make sure to remember it all.


Broken Love Story July 10th (PreOrder)


When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

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4 stars, Book Review

Just Say Yes by Samantha Lind Review

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newarcbannerblurbjustsayyesWhat will it take for her to Just Say Yes?

Scott Taylor has the perfect life. He gets to fulfill his dream playing professional hockey, has a loving family, and a tight group of friends. But the one thing missing in his life is a partner to come home to. He knows exactly who he wants to fill that position– the only woman he has ever loved. The one who got away, who constantly consumes his every thought. What it would take to get her to Just Say Yes to a second chance?

Becca Phillips is an independent woman who has made her career as an ER nurse a priority in her life. She has a loving family and a best friend by her side, but she can’t seem to get over her first love, Scott. Insecurities led her to break up with him years ago when he started climbing the ranks in professional hockey and, for eight years, Becca has avoided Scott when he returns home each summer. Can she overcome her fears and allow love back into her life? All she has to do is Just Say Yes to the one and only man she has ever loved.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Barnes & Nobles — Kobo —

authorsamanthalindSamantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey, and listening to country music. She can be contacted via email, found on Facebook at  or at her website.

 

 

reviewjustsayyes2

I’ve only read one other book by Samantha Lind, Until You, and it was so sugary sweet I got a cavity… the good kind. If there was a good kind of cavity. Anyway, so I only read the one book and I wasn’t sure what to expect for Just Say Yes. Basically: it was just as sweet, if not sweeter. And I loved it!

Just Say Yes is a second chance, sports romance so strap on your ice skates and get ready for a book that will have you wanting more. Scott and Becca were high school sweet hearts that let Scott’s rise to athlete stardom come between them. While Scott was destined for the NHL, and made it into the minor leagues and beyond, Becca was young and didn’t know how to handle it. So they broke up and let ten years pass before trying to their relationship over again.

All the drama in this, which honestly isn’t much to begin with, has to do with outside forces. Once these two decide to give their relationship a shot, they do everything the can to make it work, and they are so cute! Their drama has to do with the distance these too have, since Scott lives mostly in Indianapolis and Becca lives in Alaska. So Becca and Scott have their trials and tribulations, but the years apart have shown them what and who they want, so they do everything they can to keep it.

I read a lot of dark romances, so Scott and Becca would have been the best pick me up after reading something that ripped my heart out over and over again. Becca was supportive and independent, and Scott had just enough alpha in him to make him possessive and supportive at the same time. In fact, one of my favorite parts about this novel, is that they were both so supportive of the other. They wanted the other to succeed, but they also wanted to be together, they just didn’t want to hinder the other’s career. As much as Scott wanted to drag Becca with him everywhere, he knew he couldn’t. He also didn’t want to, because her happiness meant more to him than anything else. They had to find the balance between happiness, living your dream, and being with the one you love.

This is the first in the Indianapolis Eagles series, and stay tuned! Book 3 comes out soon!!

justsayyes34star

4 stars, Book Review

Staying in Vegas by Sam Mariano Review

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newarcbannerblurbstayinginvegasYou don’t want to miss what happens in Vegas…

When I met Rafe Morelli, he didn’t look like the biggest mistake I’d ever make; he seemed closer to the crime family version of Prince Charming. Charismatic, beautiful, and attentive—with an intoxicating air of power—Rafe was the stuff of my darkest fantasies.

What we had should have been a simple fling, no-strings-attached. My hot weekend with the sexy, dominant Vegas boss—a harmless memory to replay once I returned to my quiet, predictable life.

One tiny hitch in that plan: a panty-melting memory isn’t all he left behind. Now the stakes have changed, and I’m faced with a potentially life-altering decision. Do I stay away and enjoy my status as the only woman in known history who has played in the Morelli flames without getting burned, or do I risk everything and step back into the fire?

BOOK 1 OF 3 IN THE VEGAS MORELLI TRILOGY.

This trilogy can be read even if you haven’t read the original Morelli family series, but as it takes place AFTER that series, there will be Morelli family series spoilers. Two of the main characters from this trilogy were introduced in the original Morelli series. If you want to read the original series and experience it without spoilers, you may want to start there (with Accidental Witness).
Like the original Morelli family series, this trilogy is a continuing story following the same characters, NOT three separate-couple standalones.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authorsammarianoFollow Sam Mariano on Facebook or check out her Blog! (She also recently opened an Instagram, sammarianobooks, if you’d like to follow there.) If you need to email her, she can be reached at sammarianoauthor@gmail.com (but she is sometimes tardy about checking email. Mateo is very demanding).

Sign up for Sam’s mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects–she won’t spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)

Because of You, Irreparable Damage, The Morelli Family Series, and Staying in Vegas are now available on Amazon! (And don’t forget to follow Sam’s Amazon Author page to get the newest releases.)

Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on the sequels to Irreparable Damage and Because of You.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!reviewstayinginvegas2

Staying in Vegas was my first dip into the Morelli family and Sam Mariano. Although I am probably going to go back and read the Morelli family series from the beginning (especially Mateo because he seems scary and ruthless and my kinda guy!), I had no trouble keeping up with Rafe and Laurel’s story. Well, Rafe, Laurel, and Sin’s story. The first book in the probably dramatic trilogy constituted more of Laurel and Sin’s relationship than Rafe and Laurel’s.

After reading this book, and then trolling the reviews on Goodreads, there’s one thing we can all agree on about this book: keep an open mind. There’s some definite Dom/sub vibes happening, though because I’ve never read one of Sam’s books I couldn’t tell you how far those are going to go. The ultimate, descriptive love triangle is happening, between Laurel Sin and Rafe that makes me want to hate Laurel.

I hate love triangles, and this one went beyond “I like two guys.” Rafe messes up, REALLY badly, and Sin swoops in like a kidnapping savior. Rafe then realizes he messed up when he thinks Sin is sleeping with Laurel. It’s a triangle that makes me anxious in every way possible. And I wanted to hate Laurel so much for seeming wishy-washy. I wanted to hate Rafe for not swooping in sooner. I wanted to hate them both and throw the book!

But I. Just. Couldn’t.

I understood why Laurel was feeling the way she was, and I understood why Rafe was a major jackass. I understood so much, that all I could do was hope and pray for Rafe and Laurel to get together sooner rather than later. There is a part of me (the part that’s consumed by anxiety over THAT CLIFFHANGER and also the dynamic between Rafe, Sin and Laurel), that wants to skip the rest of the series and just go read the other Morelli books, forever forgetting about this triangle. You know what though? I probably won’t, because as much as Sam caused me pain with this story, I LOVED IT.

stayinginvegas34star

**images used are from http://www.freeimages.com and all fonts are licensed, bought from http://www.creativemarket.com. For more info on the fonts used please contact me at caitscreatures@gmail.com**

4 stars, Book Review

The Right Stud by Ilsa Madden-Mills and Tia Louise Review

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newarcbannerblurbtherightstudWall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills and USA Today bestselling author Tia Louise are back with an all-new romantic comedy filled with Southern sass and steamy scenes that will have you laughing out loud and fanning yourself. Pour the sweet tea and get ready…

“The best way to get over your sh**ty ex-fiancé is to get under a shiny new stud…” 

As soon as Mr. Tall, Blond, and Handsome walks into that bar, I know he’s the hook-up I need to get over stupid Cheater Kyle.

A few stolen kisses in a dark hallway, and I’m pretty sure we’re headed for a home run—until he disappears without a trace.

Whatever. Men are all snakes in the grass, and I don’t need a new one anyway.

I resolve to forget about his perfect lips (and chest of steel) and instead focus on turning my Granny’s old beach house into a profitable B&B.

What I don’t expect is for him to show up the next day in my kitchen!

You see, my sexy mystery man is none other than Jax Roland, the drop-dead gorgeous home improvement star of The Right Stud, and he’s got an offer I can’t refuse.

With a suitcase in one hand and a hammer in the other, he wants to move in and renovate my old house while he films his new show.

But my roommate has secrets, and they threaten to rip our blossoming friendship—and possible love—apart.

When push comes to shove, is Jax really The Right Stud or is he just another nail in the coffin of love?

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authortialouiseTia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of 20 sexy romance and romantic suspense novels.

After being a teacher, a book editor, a journalist, and finally a magazine editor, she started writing love stories and never stopped.

Louise lives in the Midwest with her trophy husband, two teenage geniuses, and one grumpy cat.

NEW RELEASE: HIT GIRL, coming March 19! #BadAss #GrlPower #superhero

Recent Releases:
UNDER THE LIGHTS (#1)
UNDER THE STARS (#2)
“Sundown” (a Bright Lights novella)

Stand-Alone Romances:
WHEN WE TOUCH, a USA Today bestseller
THE LAST GUY*
*Co-authored with Ilsa Madden-Mills

The Dirty Players Series:
The Prince & The Player, 2016
A Player for A Princess, 2016
Dirty Dealers, 2017
Dirty Thief, 2017

The One to Hold Series:
One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013
One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014
One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014
One to Leave (Stuart & Mariska), 2014
One to Save (Derek & Melissa), 2015
One to Chase (Amy & Marcus), 2015
One to Take (Stuart & Mariska), 2016

Paranormal Romances:
One Immortal, 2015
One Insatiable, 2015

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

ilsamaddenWall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap. She’s best known for her angsty, yet funny, New Adult college romances.

A former high school English teacher and elementary librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice; Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She loves unicorns, frothy coffee beverages, Vampire Dairies, and any book featuring sword-wielding females.

Email her at ilsamaddenmills at gmail dot com.

Recent Releases:

I Dare You (2018): #2 Book on Amazon; Amazon’s Most Read Chart 4 weeks straight; Washington Post #5 Bestseller.
The Right Stud: (arriving June 2018)
Dirty English: #1 on Amazon; Wall Street Journal Bestseller #8
Filthy English: #4 on Amazon
Fake Fiancée: #2 on Amazon; Wall Street Journal Bestseller #7
The Last Guy: Amazon Top 25
Spider: Amazon Top 20
Also check out her Briarwood Academy Series, a now complete series featuring stand-alone couples:
Very Bad Things: #6 Amazon
Very Wicked Things: Top 100 Amazon
Very Twisted Things: Top 100 Amazon

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

reviewtherightstud2

Reading The Right Stud was honestly so enjoyable, when I reached the end, I was shocked. The variety of characters and the craziness they brought to the book, kept me engaged and laughing the entire time. Jax Roland is a fairy tale prince mixed with bad boy yumminess, that is impossible to deny. Ashton Hall is a badass woman looking to save her family home, and though she needs some help, she’s not a damsel in distress. When Jax and Ash come together, it is an explosion in the sheets, and magic in front of and behind the camera.

Ashton had my heart pretty much from the beginning. Six months after she caught her ex cheating, she’s trying to rebound and get back in the game. She doesn’t want love, though. She’s too busy trying to restore the house her grandmother left her and her brother, while her brother is trying to get her to sell it. The house is more than just a family home, though. Her grandmother painted mermaids for her to find everywhere. (And we all know how much I love mermaids, so I am Grammy’s number one fan!)

Jax is the love ’em and leave ’em type. He’s too busy working two jobs: his real job as a real estate agent, and his second job, his love, remodeling homes. He’s made a name for himself in the online world, and he’s working on becoming the next Fixer Upper, with his show The Right Stud. There’s no room in his life for a permanent woman, and he doesn’t want a woman in his life. He doesn’t do love, and he definitely doesn’t do marriage and babies.

These two meet and feel an instant connection. They aren’t “insta love” but they both find things they love about each other pretty immediately. They share a love of restoration, and a love of the Conch Shell, the B&B/family home Ash is trying to save. There’s really no OW/OM drama, which was A-OK WITH ME. But the drama they did have, which was extremely minimal, made these two stronger. And as much as these two say they don’t want love, they fall into it fairly quickly.

Things I loved about this book: mermaids!!, safe (even when there’s drama, these two don’t go out and try to hurt each other using other people), Jax’s fine body, Ash’s resilience. the strength these two have individually, and as a couple, and that epilogue. It was so sweet, so cute, that I turned into the ultimate sterotypical white girl with my “I CAN’T EVEN”.

Things I didn’t love: it wasn’t long enough???? (kidding!) I just wished I saw more of Jax and Ash working through things. They had their problems right at the end, and then the epilogue came. It would have been nice to see a little more make up time happening.

therightstud34star

 

**images used are from http://www.freeimages.com and all fonts are licensed, bought from http://www.creativemarket.com. For more info on the fonts used please contact me at caitscreatures@gmail.com**