Category Archives: Book Review

4 stars, Book Review

If You Say So by AR Myles Review

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newarcbannerblurbifyousaysoSometimes life is a dream you don’t want to wake up from . . .

The night Alison Lockhart walks in to Undisputed, she only wants to have a drink, celebrate a friend’s birthday, and forget about the newest guy her mother tried to set her up with. It’s why, when the infamous Jay “The Hurricane” Hamilton—one of the highest-ranking boxers at The Underground—labels her a ring rat, she writes him off as just another guy with an over-inflated ego.

Only she can’t stop thinking about him.

Or his steel-blue eyes.

Or the apology on his perfect lips.

Their fall is fast and hard, but when Alison’s ex shows up and Jay starts keeping secrets, will they be able to find their way out of the nightmare?

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authorarmylesThe author of the Breathe Again and Blinded by Love series, both written under the pseudonym, Emma Grayson. If You Say So is her debut novel as A.R. Myles and her first standalone. Currently she is working on a few new novels as well as a new series, which is focused on single moms who are trying to make it in the dating world after being wronged by their loser exs.

Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she resides in a small town with her family, her eleven-year-old son, and six cats—yes, SIX cats! She loves her romance with a twist of suspense or comedy, and when she’s not writing or reading or coming up with new plots, she spends most of her time with her son or binging all the shows on Netflix, and drinking Starbucks coffee with her mom and best friends.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

reviewifyousayso1

I struggled, a lot, to write this review. My conflicting feelings have made me take some time before I wrote it. I wanted to clear my head, really think about how I felt this novel before I wrote it. Also, I wanted to write an honest and true review, without giving away spoilers.

AR Myles had me hooked from the first page. I wanted to read all about Jay and Alison. From their first meeting I loved Jay, even though he was a major jerk face. But after that, he was a major sweet heart, and I loved him for sticking up for Ali, for falling in love with her so completely, that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him too. Ali is strong and independent, despite what her mother wants her to be. She is loved by Jay and by her friends.

This book was literally an emotional roller coaster. The ups were fabulous, and the lows were LOW. Ali’s relationship with Jay was strong, no matter how many lows they had, she never doubted him. He stood up for her against her mother. He bonded with her father. Ali supported Jay through all of his struggles. Their chemistry was off the charts from the very first page.

So while I loved this book, with all it’s ups and downs, I am not a fan of the ending. It’s not my thing, the ending, but it was real and raw. I went back and forth on what to rate this book. On one hand, I wanted to one star it because HOW DARE AR Myles make me fall in love THAT MUCH and then DO THAT to me? But on the other, she created a story I will cry about all night, and every time I think about it. It’s the story I will tell people to read when they need an ugly cry. How could I give it less than 4 stars? I already took 1 star away because I didn’t like the ending. But at the end of the day? This was a beautifully written story, tragic, but amazing. I can’t fault AR for sticking with the truth and with the character. (Well, I can, and I can beg her to give me an alternate, but still…)

ifyousayso24star

5 stars, Best of 2018, Book Review

Unexpected Love Story by Natasha Madison Review

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

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.

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. 

What happens when your dreams unexpectedly come true?
This is the story of unexpected love.

— Goodreads — Amazon — iBooks — Kobo — Barnes & Nobles —

author28d32-natasha2bmadison

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…

 

— Goodreads — Facebook — Reader’s Group — Amazon —

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I finished this book in a couple hours, devouring every sentence, every page Natasha gifted the world with, until it was over and I was crying happy tears. The way she weaved this story, not only as a standalone, but also how she connected Perfect Love Story and Unexpected Love Story. Now, I know I’m a big cry baby; I get really emotionally attached to characters and books and movies, and basically everything. So, I prepared for this book. What did Natasha say? “It’s not that bad.” Actually it was in all caps, but you get the picture.

Well, it was that bad. I have four pieces of evidence that I showed her, and I would show you, but I don’t want to give the book away. There were parts I was bawling for, and parts I was laughing hysterically over. Gabe and Crystal’s relationship was the best game of cat and mouse I’ve ever read, and I never wanted it to end, ever. She had two people who swore they would never love again, find love unexpectedly (PUN INTENDED), and embrace it with everything inside of them. They had their own demons to fight, their own battles to face, but it made them individually stronger, and their bond grow.

One thing that Natasha did that I absolutely adored was that she took the thing I hate the most in romance, and made it something beautiful. I hate, hate, hate when a girl or a guy pushes away love because “they refuse to find love” or whatever. They come up with some ridiculous reasons why they don’t want love, and they end up just making me mad or I want to strangle them. Occasionally, I find a character that I just want to strangle, but know their reasoning so I get why they don’t want love and think they can just turn that part of their brain off. Natasha Madison made me fall in love with Crystal, despite her thinking she could get away with a fling with Gabe.

She has her reasons, reasons I won’t give away, because I’m not a spoiler in case you haven’t read Perfect yet, or any other reason. Just know: her reasons are totally valid. She is fun, not annoying. She’s strong, independent, determined to be happy for others. She gave up her dreams, but isn’t living in the dark and hating life. She’s trying to make the best of her life, and all the while, I wanted to hug her close and tell her it’d all be alright.

And Gabe, GABE, who I love, is so freaking sweet, sometimes he’s a grumpapotamus, and he’s sworn off love too. He’s got totally valid reasons for it, but meeting Crystal, getting to know her, changes that. And he weasels his way into her life, into her bed, and into her heart. He’s not afraid to tell Crystal exactly how he feels, and he’s not afraid to make sure she’s not going anywhere. His alpha-machoness made me want to jump into his arms and tell him to forget about Crystal, but also realize that they’re perfect together. I tend to claim a lot of book boyfriends that are twisted and dark, but I am CLAIMING GABE for everyone to see.

Before I write more gushing about the amazing story, it’s best you just go read Perfect Love Story and then read Unexpected when it comes out. See how these two tales come together, giving you a bigger picture of what was going on as a whole, while also giving you an amazing love story. Me? I’m going to be waiting for Broken Love Story to come out, and stalk up on ice cream until I can get my hands on it.

TL;DR: Gabe is mine, and you need this book.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

5star

5 stars, Book Review

Talk Nerdy to Me by C.M. Owens Review

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blurbtalk nerdy to meDespite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I’d never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like…he’s a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother’s friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn’t get mentioned much unless he’s on stage.

Until…he decided I was going to be his first real-life muse, moved himself into my spare room, and started splashing the walls with pictures of my face next to his lyrics…

His weirdness differs from mine, but he’d be a perfect candidate for my hymen situation. Then I could finally move on to the next personal challenge on my list. The only problem is that he’s yet another man afraid of a virgin.

I genuinely never expected it to be so difficult to lose one’s virginity. I think the world has filled me with false expectations of debauchery coming so easily.

The human element always messes up the plans in my head.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Bookbub — Kobo — iBooks — Barnes & Noble —

author30738425_2169183699778288_5360575298049933312_nC.M. Owens always loves a good laugh, and lives and breathes the emotions of the characters she becomes attached to. Though she came from a family of musicians, she has zero abilities with instruments; she sounds like a strangled cat when she sings; and her dancing is downright embarrassing. Just ask anyone who knows her. Her creativity rests solely in the written word. Her family is grateful that she gave up her quest to become a famous singer.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook — Readers Group — Website —

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Ok, so I probably shouldn’t write this review when I’m hopped up on caffeine, after taking a short nap, only to wake up at 12 and stare at my kindle until this book arrived, and then power read it through until I finished at 6 AM. The smart thing to do, would be to go to bed, take a nap, relax, do ANYTHING but write this review. Because my hands are shaking and I’m not sure if it’s from the caffeine or the lack of sleep, or the mixture of the two. Am I going to do that though? NO. I am going to write this review while my hands shake, and I’m still wiping the tears from my eyes after laughing SO hard it’s not even funny. Why am I going to do this to myself, and to you, the reader that has to deal with my craziness? Because the KWEEN has left us with a book that makes me want to write this review SO MUCH I literally cannot wait until later to do it. I don’t even think I could sleep right now if I tried!

If you’ve read the Sterling Shore series, then Britt has become someone you’ve fallen in love with since Dane rescued her from a life of living on the streets. If you haven’t read the series, but are debating on reading Talk Nerdy, because you heard amazing things about CM, then I seriously suggest you go and read the series first! It’s worth it! (heh, worth it) The first in the series, Hooked on The Game, is free! Britt has charmed us with her blurting of random factoids, and her obsession with losing her virginity.

The elusive Base Masters has been lusted over for a couple books now. There have been debates on how old he was, why he didn’t come around the Sterling parties, and he’s been drooled over by the women of Sterling Shore. We, as readers, followers, stalkers and peasants of CM Owens, have been teased with the few pages of Britt and Base’s story for awhile now. We were given just the tip, and now that it’s finally here, in all of it’s nerd glory, we have to remember to take it slow!!! If we read too fast, it’ll be over too soon. Don’t be a Cait and read it in six hours. Savor it. Enjoy it.

Or just totally consume it and then be mad at yourself for not listening to my advice. Take it from someone who knows. (That’d be me).

Britt and Base’s story unfolds with some heavy stalker moves, hilarious Bananas encounters, RANDY (nuff said), but also maturing. Base and Britt are still young, and had to learn (much like Raya and Kade did) to grow up. Both of these babies (yes, they’re babies to me in my old age of 25) have a lot of growing up to do, and they are so, so stubborn. They’re relationship starts out relatively easy, with some threats from our favorite Sterling men and encouragements from their better halves, but it also comes with naivety. The kind that can only come when you haven’t had your heart truly broken before.

Britt and Base are so inherently different from each other, that they have to learn, not only how to communicate with one another, but they also have to learn to take interest in one another. Base loves the things that other people find weird in Britt, and loves the random things that pop into her head. He loves when she talks nerdy to him, even when he doesn’t always understand it. And Britt loves when Base sings, even when she doesn’t always understand the metaphors. When these two come together though, it is explosive in the nerdiest way possible (sometimes).

In case you couldn’t tell, this book and this series is amazing. If you’re looking for laughs, read this book. If your looking for heartache, read this book. CM Owens, as always, DELIVERS. So now I sit here, like an addict, anxiously awaiting my next fix.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA5star

Book Review

Dress Blues Anthology Review

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blurb

IMG_2445
The idea of Dress Blues comes from wanting to contribute and support our military, Seven authors came together to honor the service and sacrifices of our military in this military romance anthology for charity.

— Goodreads — Amazon — Kobo — Barnes & Nobles — iBooks —

author

Ember-Raine Winters: www.facebook.com/authoremberrainewinters/

Faith Ryan: https://www.facebook.com/authorfaithryan

Tiffany Carby: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanycarbyauthor

Shannon Nemechek: https://www.facebook.com/srnemechek

Maggie Adams: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006716025147

Lynzie Allen: https://www.facebook.com/lynziegrey

review

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It seems fitting to post my review of this Anthology on Memorial Day. Writing reviews for anthologies is always hard, because you’ve got several short stories in one book; some you love, some not so much. You have to put a lot of work into writing a review, and not giving anything away, and now the books are shorter, making it even harder!

This anthology was harder to write the review for. It was filled with short stories of soldiers, some dealing with injuries in battle, others dealing with the loss of limbs and the lives of their brothers. There’s also a huge trigger in here, because one of the stories features the female point of view in the army. And some of the consequences being female in the military can be.

I love all of the stories told in this anthology, even the one that gave me a tease of a future book instead of giving me all of it. I loved the uniqueness of every story, every character, every experience. Basically, the love stories in this, the stories of healing that are included in this anthology, are worth the price and with the read. Plus, the proceeds are going to help the veterans, by being donated to charity.

So read the stories by these seven amazing authors about couples and people that are struggling after trauma to make it through to the next day. Read about some amazing romances (Manny is so swoon worthy!) and see how some guys (TinMan!) are a little stalkerish. See how these authors will have you begging for more!

dressblues34star

5 stars, Book Review

I’m swiping right! Review of Tracie Douglas’ Donut Swipe Right

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newarcbannerblurbDouglas - Donut Swipe Right eCoverElizabeth Bennett has only ever wanted someone to love, but after several disastrous dates she’s beginning to think the single life will be her lot in life. Until her sister swipes right on a dating app for her, and she finds herself caught up chatting with a devastatingly handsome man. Days later, she makes him a proposition.

One night.
No names.
Just sex.

Will Darcy is at the top of his career, having risen in the financial community as a powerhouse. But he’s lonely and looking for more than the vapid women he meets at the functions he attends. Intrigued by the woman he is calling his Lizzy, he agrees to her terms and a magical night ensues between the two.

But, when the morning comes, and he wakes to find her gone, will one night be enough? Or will they both realize you Donut Swipe Right unless your ready for love?

— Goodreads — Amazon — Donut Collaboration —

authortraciedouglasSurviving on caffeine most days, Tracie Douglas lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, two dogs and one really fat cat. She spends her days chasing children and fur babies, all while maintaining the illusion of sanity.

Her nights are spent toiling away at the keyboard, creating a world filled with hot men and strong women. She loves to read and write all types of book but tends to lean on the darker side of the spectrum. She’s pretty handy with a crochet hook too.

Tracie loves to hear from her readers!
Facebook — Reader’s Group — Amazon — Goodreads — Email

reviewdonutswiperight

Have you ever wondered how Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy would have fallen in love in a world with dating apps and social media? Tracie Douglas DELIVERS in this novella, making us want to eat donuts while wanting to lick the frosting off of Darcy’s (I refuse to call him Will) body all at the same time. She gives us sweet and sexy, insecure and confident, all at the same time. And I loved every single minute of it.

Also, I SEE YOU TRACIE with your reference to Cole Securities. YES. (I may or may not watch to much Ru Paul’s drag race.)

There are many romance authors out there, writing everything from historical fiction, to paranormal. The genre is huge, with new authors self publishing all the time. It takes work, time, money, and talent. There are good and bad books out there. There are authors out there that have huge followings, and some with a smaller following. Some have published a lot of books, and publish them quickly, while have only published a few, and take their time.

I fell in love with Tracie when I read Lost in the Shadows, then I fell in love with her again in Lost in Silence and Lost Without You, both of which I one clicked after reading Shadows (and I still owe Tracie a review of Lost Without You but I have been slacka-lacking!) These three novels are dark romance, which is one of my favorite genres to read, and I ADORED them so hard. When I heard Tracie was writing a novella that was short and sweet (pun intended) in a Donut Collaboration with 12 other authors (bakers dozen!) I jumped at the chance to read it. I was curious to see how it was going to turn out. Dark romance to something lighter? Not necessarily a romantic comedy, but 100% not dark romance.

And I was not dissapointed, y’all! That is how I can tell someone is an amazing writer. It’s not the only way, but it is one of the ways. Tracie switches it up completely, with an absence of blood and gore that my twisted heart loves, and brings us all a delicious gift. Lizzy and Darcy have a bunch of coincidences when they meet, right down to their names. They both think the other is only looking for one thing: a one night stand. What they don’t count on is the immediate connection they have with each other. They fight their instincts when it comes to one another, but ultimately Darcy gets all stalker-ish and finds his woman.

It’s romance so, spoiler, they get together. But these two burn the sheets together. I turned on my A/C when I started reading (also because it got hot AF all of a sudden). Just because this is short and sweet, does not mean that it’s any less sexy. Bottom line? Pre-Order this baby for $0.99, you will adore it as much as you do donuts.

donutswiperight25star

Book Review, Release Blitz!

Between the Raindrops is LIVE + Giveaway

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Title: Between the Raindrops
Author: Sydney Logan

Publisher: Enchanted Publications

Genre: Young Adult/Social Issues

Release Date: May 26, 2018

 

Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Scout
Ramsey’s life is a mess. With a dead father and a junkie mom, she can’t imagine
things can get worse.Then her mother tries to sell her for a bag of meth.

After her mom’s arrest, Scout’s forced to switch schools in the middle of
senior year. Scared and alone, she pours her heart into her journal and dreams
of the day she turns eighteen.

For Wyatt Campbell, senior year is predictable purgatory. Then the new girl
steals his seat in history class, and suddenly, school’s not so bad. They bond
through their love of music, and Wyatt finds himself falling hard for the
journal-loving girl with the sad blue eyes.

Wyatt’s heard the rumors. He knows Scout’s had it rough.

He’s determined to be the one thing in her life that’s easy.

In this captivating teen novel, Sydney Logan weaves a touching story that
tackles the heartbreak of addiction, the power of forgiveness, and the wonders
of first love.

 

Purchase Links

99c for release day ONLY!!AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

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Trailer
Author Bio
Sydney Logan writes heartfelt stories that feature strong
women and the men who love them. In addition to her novels, she has penned
several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is
a Netflix junkie, music lover, and a Vol for Life. Sydney and her husband make
their home in beautiful East Tennessee.Keep in touch with Sydney by signing up for her newsletter!

 

Author Links
Giveaway

 

 

5 stars, Book Review

Review of ATTICUS by KL Donn (Shouty caps are me screaming).

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newarcbannerblurbKL Donn Atticus 1

Time stands still.
Lies were told.
Secrets are revealed.
Who will we be when the walls tumble like mortar?
** 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.
While Atticus can be read as a stand alone, for full reader enjoyment you may want to read them in order.
— Goodreads — Amazon — iBooks — Kobo —

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Krystal is a proud Canadian girl, hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta. She has a strong dislike for the winter, and a love for spring. Married to her husband Steve, for 13 years, they have 4 beautiful read headed spawns ranging in ages 5-12. She has a strong love of coffee, sarcasm, and wine. (Not necessarily in that order either.)
She has been a published author for over 2 years now. With 9 full length novels (1 unpublished) and a dozen novellas with 3 published, 3 waiting to go into edits, 2 being rebranded, and 1 being extended into a novel.
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 (with the first 3 books already written). The Adair’s are a whole lot darker, dirtier, and grittier 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 on Oct 19 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, you’ll be able to find all her books on all platforms!

You can find KL in any of these places! She loves to hear from readers all over the world!!
Contact her in any of these places:
Facebook — Friend — Reader Group — Twitter — Instagram — Email

Or stay up to date with all her latest releases here:
Amazon — Newsletter — Website — Bookbub — D2D release

reviewatticus3

How do you know you’re reading a really great series? What is the thing that makes you go “YES, this is awesome!” and start claiming book boyfriends? What defines your favorite series? One of the ways I can tell that I am in absolute adoration with a series or a book is that the minute I finish reading, I want to go back and re-read it. And every time, every time, I finish the newest book in this series, my first thought is to go back and read it all over again. I will never get the same feeling I had when I first read Luther (because he was my first, which may be why I love him so much- he’s still mine by the way and I will cut you if you try to take him from me!), but I will still go back to reading this series. It’s one I need to own, in physical form, because I love it that much.

It took me awhile to figure out what to write for this review. I didn’t know what to say without giving away the plot, but also didn’t know how to get across to you that this series is AMAZING. (Besides using shouty caps).

KL Donn weaves a magical world that makes partially (or fully) psychotic men who drop bodies faster than you can blink hotter than I would have ever thought possible. I am as obsessed with this series, and Atticus, as I am with the Adair Empire, as the men are with their women. Atticus is no different when it comes to wanting to own his woman, wanting to give her happiness in a world full of darkness. Because the women of the empire are FIERCE, but they are also the light to their guys’ darkness.

I can’t get too much into the book plot, because you need to read the previous books and I don’t want to spoil those if you haven’t already. Also, SHIT GOES DOWN in this book and I want you to be able to get that “first time” feeling too.

Atticus has been watching Catalina for months, since they found out about her existence. When the danger seems to be getting to close to home, he goes to get Catalina. AND THE FIREWORKS GO OFF. If you’ve read Castiel’s story, you know that the theme song was pretty much “Bodies” by Drowning Pool. Atticus is a little different, where there’s not that much bloodshed, but it’s not because Atticus doesn’t like it. Oh, no. Catalina just lives in the middle of freaking nowhere.

That’s about all I’m willing to dish on this until you can read it for yourself. I could literally write a thesis about how much I love these books, and how I literally screamed when I got Atticus on my kindle (my fiance was NOT happy about that! he thought I was dying or something), and how I can’t WAIT to read Carver and “Gasping for Air”. I could go on and on about how much I love KL and the world she created (and I’m saying it was specifically for me because that makes me happy). Because seriously, these books talk to the darkest parts of you, call to them, and make you question your own sanity for a bit. And I’m talking “Should I like this so much?” kind of sanity. It’s the kind that makes you go “MINE” for one of the guys, but then ask “uh, should I want this book boyfriend this much?”

My answer? WHO CARES. GO GET THIS SERIES! — Also, I’m screaming about that sneak peak into Carver.

Side note- I’m always screaming. I may be slightly over dramatic about books. Maybe.

atticus15star

5 stars, Book Review

More to Us by S. Van Horne

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newarcbannerblurbmore to usAt twenty, Cara Johnson enjoyed her part time job. Not because she was good at it. Nope, it was because it forced her out of her shell. Working at an adult toy shop would do that to anyone. She was finally becoming the type of person she always wanted to be; an extrovert. That is—until she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

At twenty-nine, Lucas Fisher decided his time in the FBI was at its end. He wanted what his buddy Curt found . . . a family. He didn’t count on finding exactly that when he visited his financial adviser, Rhys. He was grateful fate was finally working in his favor for once. That is—until she got hurt.

Now they’re in a fight to keep what is important . . . each other. Will they be able to overcome the twist that is thrown at them? Or will they realize that sometimes fate demands more than we are willing to give?

 — Goodreads — Amazon —

author

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S. Van Horne was born and raised in the small town of Belton, Missouri, which is a part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. She is from a very large family and is the oldest of six. Growing up she did not have the easiest life. She learned quickly that family means everything, even if it is the type that you get to pick for yourself. She met the love of her life at the early age of 20 and was married just after nine months of meeting him. Shortly after marriage, her husband rejoined the U.S. Navy and they moved from Kansas City and started their journey together. Currently they have two amazing children, a boy and a girl, and are still enjoying the Navy life.

She spends her days being a Navy wife, homeschool mother, reading books, writing her latest novel, watching her beloved Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals play, watching movies, hanging out with family and friends and having girls days at least once a month.

Website — Facebook — Amazon — Goodreads

reviewmoretous1

S Van Horne managed to sneak this book into the Kindle Worlds program right at the last minute, so you can still get it as part of the Passion, Vows, & Babies series. And MAN what a book it is!! Seriously, Lucas is my favorite kind of guy to read about: ALPHA. He can also speak four languages, which leads to him calling Cara “il mio” which, I mean, how can you resist a man who can speak Italian? Answer: you can’t. And Cara is so sweet and sassy, it really was so much fun to read her perspective on things.

I mean, I was wrecked emotionally from the prologue because apparently S likes to give you some heartbreak in the beginning, but I was smiling for the most of this book. The interactions Lucas and Cara have, and the lengths he would go to protect her are obsessive. The kind of obsessive that really only works for books because if someone was that obsessed with you, you’d probably freak out a lot and get a restraining order. But it’s really hot in books.

Cara and Lucas have an instant connection, which causes Lucas to buy an adult toy store and Cara to lose all ability to control her mouth. And because I stalk-er follow S on Facebook, I noted some real life references in the book which had me laughing so hard I was crying. Literally. There were also tears, because some of the drama that happens leads to devastating effects for Cara and Lucas. But through it all, their love only grows stronger.

One of the things I love about S Van Horne, besides her sense of humor and use of the F-bomb, is that her books are “safe”. No cheating. Bonus for this book: THOSE EPILOGUES. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know epilogues are my favorite thing ever. And these epilogues were HILARIOUS but also so full of love, that me being greedy, made me want more. But it was the perfect way to end Cara and Lucas’ story. Actually, everything about this was perfect.

Also: she put a reference to a siren in there. OBVIOUSLY I had to make a teaser out of it.

moretous35star

4 stars, Book Review

The Beauty and the Beefcake by Pippa Grant Review

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newarcbannerblurbbeautyandthebeefcakeThere are two kinds of women in the world – those I can bang, and those I can’t.
My teammate’s sister?
She’s a can’t.
I moved in with her to protect her from a nasty ex, not to be the next guy in line.
She’s the brains.
I’m the brawn.
She’s the fruit.
I’m the sausage.
She talks too much.
I don’t talk at all, if I don’t have to.
Should be easy to resist her.
But every minute I spend with Felicity is another minute she gets under my skin. She makes me feel like something more than a dumb puckhead with a big Zamboni pony. And it’s getting harder to remember why I need to keep my hands to myself.

Beauty and the Beefcake is a vegan-friendly standalone romantic comedy featuring a hockey player whose vocabulary is the only thing smaller than a hockey puck, a book smart but aimless ventriloquist with too many voices in her head, a dilapidated old house that may or may not be haunted, and no cheating or cliffhangers.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

author31542912_356914224798647_7691225132127223808_o (1)Pippa Grant is a stay-at-home mom and housewife who loves to escape into sexy, funny stories way more than she likes perpetually cleaning toothpaste out of sinks and off toilet handles. When she’s not reading, writing, sleeping, or trying to prepare her adorable demon spawn to be productive members of society, she’s fantasizing about chocolate chip cookies.

 

— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook —

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At first glance, this book is filled with possibly psychotic women who talk to themselves and empty headed hockey players that may or may not have stolen a monkey. But it is so much more than that. Ok, yes it is filled with craziness that sometimes had my head spinning trying to catch up with what was going on. Between Felicity the ventriloquist who doesn’t like the quiet so vents when she’s nervous or to fill the silence, and Ares the grunting hockey player that tries to keep everyone out by letting them think he’s an idiot, I was caught up in the world that Pippa Grant created.

Ares Berger had my heart from the first “moo” he said to confuse people. He walked in with a hurt ankle, and all he wanted to do was get back onto the ice. His teammate, Felicity’s brother, asked him to watch his sister. So he puts Felicity firmly in the “can’t touch” category even if he wants to. But all he knows is hockey and how to keep people out of his heart. So as much as his heart and his head are screaming that Felicity is his, he does his best to keep her far away from his monkey. *wink wink*

Felicity has sworn off guys because she has a tendency to choose the worst men. And then her brother, the goalie for the hockey team Ares plays on, sends them thousands of cookies with dicks on them. Yes, this was actually in the book. Do you see why I was cracking up the whole time? In between working to becoming a PT, venting at a comedy club on the weekends occasionally, and dealing with Gammy’s ghost, her mind and her heart are going a little crazy with Ares Berger living with her. And the more she gets to know him, the more she wants to know his monkey.

Felicity and Ares have more in common than they originally believe. And with Felicity feeling the need to fill the silence, she becomes attuned to Ares’ thoughts. With a grunt, she can tell what he wants to say. It becomes dangerous to both of their libidos and their hearts. Felicity starts to understand the silence, but she also sees Ares for more than the grunting oaf who says random things to throw people off. And Ares begins to see Felicity, and understand she has no idea what she’s doing with her life, despite having a high IQ and four degrees.

I loved these two so much. I’m not sure if it was because of the craziness or despite it, but I loved so much of this book. As my first Pippa Grant book, it was certainly a good one! I was smiling and laughing the whole time! Even when Gammy’s ghost freaked me out. The only reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars, was because sometimes the venting confused the hell out of me. But that’s totally me and my head not being able to keep up sometimes, with the voices and names.

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5 stars, Book Review

Snow’s Huntsman by Aria Cole and Mila Crawford Review

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newarcbannerblurbsnowshuntsmanShe was trapped in a gilded cage, trying to break free. And she finally did, but what she didn’t know was she wouldn’t get far.

Snow was mine even if she didn’t know it yet.

She’d run. I’d follow.

And once she was mine I wasn’t letting her go. And once Snow White was back I’d show her where she belonged…with me.

Warning: This might be a modern day twist on a classic fairytale, but the heat is extra hot with this one. If you like a safe read with a HEA and possessive hero staking his claim, this one is for you.

— Goodreads — Amazon —

authormilacrawfordMila 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 —

 

ariacoleAria Cole is the pen name of USA Today bestselling author Adriane Leigh. A fan of traditional tropes and old school Harlequin romances, Aria Cole novellas feature possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet I promise your teeth will ache.

For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!
Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on Facebook and Twitter to see which daring book boyfriend she’s writing next!
Check out *Adriane.Leigh.Writer* on Instagram for musings on the writing life!

⭐ Sign up to get a NEW RELEASE ALERT from me!
— Goodreads — Amazon — Facebook — Newsletter —

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Looking for a sexy, sweet, alpha to get you through to your next dark read? Something that can make you smile and shiver at the same time? Well look no further! Aria Cole and Mila Crawford have teamed up to DELIVER this modern day fairy tale. It was short, naughty, and everything you’d expect when it comes to these two and their novels. The alpha was OTT (over-the-top) while still respectful of his woman. The heroine was sweet with a backbone, not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

I love a good modern day fairy tale. Seeing how an author (or authors) comes up with a way to spin the classic into a modern romance, is always entertaining. But this one was so amazingly well written, with enough naughty scenes to make you need a fan near you when you’re reading, that I devoured it in an hour. It was so much fun to read (with MULTIPLE epilogues, YES) that I kept turning the page, wanting to know what happens next!

But beware, if you don’t like age gaps, you probably won’t like this. Hunter is double Snow’s age, so around 40. To me, it wasn’t a big deal. I love a good age gap. Hunter met Snow when she was eighteen though, not younger, so she’s totally legal when he sees her and knows she’s his. He doesn’t make a move for two years though.

This was an amazing, awesome, sweet novella! I love both these authors, having read both of them before I started reviewing books. I was not dissapointed with this book either! In fact, if I wasn’t so busy and behind on my reviews, I would probably do a few re-reads of their books. They are that good! So go grab your copy today!

P.S. It’s FREE on KINDLE UNLIMITED!

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