Showing posts with label ARC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARC. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Review: PARENTAL GUIDANCE by Avery Flynn!

PG - BT banner.jpg
 My Review: Oh Avery Flynn, you really can do no wrong! I've been a fan of her for years, and when I heard about her new rom-com, of course I had to dive on it. I *love* her stuff - her writing is fun, sweet, flirty... and sure, there's some definite steam there too. Just enough to get me feeling nice and warm.

Parental Guidance is Avery Flynn at her best.. which, admittedly, is all the time. I thought Butterface and Muffin Top were my new all-time top favorites by her, but I think Parental Guidance just dropped them both down a peg... barely. This is just so cute, I couldn't stop reading it. Honestly, I'm not sure this is a review so much as a love-fest, or maybe more of a gush-fest. But I loved it that much!

Cover Lovin': Cute and sweet!

Recommendation: Read it ASAP!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! Loved this!

"A fantastically fun, HOT love story." - Kendall Ryan, New York Times bestselling author

Parental Guidance, an all-new, sexy and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Avery Flynn, is available now!

ParentalGuidance_1600
All I want is to play hockey on the Ice Knights, instead, I’m in a viral video for all the wrong reasons and my mom—yes, my mom—has taken over my dating apps. Then, when I think it can’t get any worse, the fates deliver Zara Ambrose, a five-feet-nothing redhead with more freckles than inches and who’d rather be anywhere other than on a date with me.
Now a bet with her friends and my PR nightmare have us both stuck in this go-on-five-dates-with-the-same-person hell situation. But if we band together, we can get the whole thing over with and go on with our lives. It’s perfect! No feelings. No future. No fuc— *ahem* fun. No naked fun.
What could go wrong? Nothing—as long as I remember the rules. Don’t notice the way she looks in a dress. Don’t react when she does that little shivery sigh thing whenever we touch. Don’t think about the fact that she’s never had a toe-curling orgasm that wasn’t self-delivered and just how badly I want to change that.
Five dates—that’s it—and then we go our separate ways. At least, that was the plan.
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PG - Teaser 2 AN

Excerpt:

“So why are you on Bramble?” She took another small bite from her roll before answering. “My best friend is blackmailing me, and my dad wants a SAG card.” That was definitely not the answer he’d been expecting. “And I thought my reasoning was twisted.” “I’m sure it all makes sense in Gemma’s head,” Zara said. “She thinks I work too much and need to loosen up. She’ll let me be her plus-one to go meet a collector if I do the Bramble five dates thing. And my dad? Well, let’s just say he’s never met an unlikely plan he didn’t think he could pull off.” All the possibilities this created sped around inside his head until one broke free like a perfect fast break late in the third period when the game was on the line. All he had to do was put the biscuit in the net. “So neither of us really wants to be here,” he said. “We’re each other’s solution to getting back to our regular lives as soon as possible.” It was fucking perfect. Petrov’s job with the team would be safe for another season—well, as safe as he could be, considering he didn’t have a no-trade deal in his contract. Zara, though, didn’t seem to be seeing the genius of it, going by the suspicious look she gave him as she took another bite of her roll. Instead of giving him a straight-up no, though, she started eating. The words—okay, begging pleas—were bubbling up inside him but for once, he kept it in lockdown. He wasn’t about to rush this play, no matter how it had every nerve in his body jinglejangling. Finally, she used her napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth, straightened her spine, and looked him dead in the eye. “We’d have to have ground rules.” “Sure. Whatever you want.” Ice Knights season tickets? He’d make that happen. A photo op with her dad’s favorite player? Done. Whatever it took, he’d do it. “This isn’t a real or fake relationship, it’s a temporary alliance,” she said without an ounce of humor in her tone. “I’m not pretending to be your girlfriend or the random chick you’re banging this week.” “Agreed.” All of that sounded like it would cause more problems than it would solve anyway. “I’ve got a condition. Dressing up is not required. I’m not putting on a suit.” The best thing about the off-season was not having to strangle himself with a tie multiple times a week just for a bus ride to the rink or a plane trip to another city. Coach Peppers was old-fashioned about doing things the original way. “Fine.” Zara held up three fingers. “The third stipulation is that I’m not putting on a good attitude. If it’s been a crappy day, I don’t have to pretend to be a manic pixie dream girl.” He snorted. “No one who’s met you would believe that. You’re a little salty.” That was putting it mildly based on her attitude when she showed up for their date. “I have my reasons.” She added another finger, so she was holding up four. “Oh, and no making love. Sex?” She paused and looked him over quickly. “Maybe. Emotional, heartfelt, staring-each-other-in-the-eyes making love? Not gonna happen. No offense, but you’re not my type.” What the hell? Not her type? He was a professional athlete making millions. He’d been led to believe he was everyone’s type. “Not a problem, since I don’t think we could see eye to eye while having sex unless you magically grew a foot,” he said. “You’re not into being creative?” Zara rolled her eyes. “I guess that’s expected for someone who has probably had women throwing themselves at him for years. You haven’t ever had to work for it.” Caleb had no idea what to say to that. He’d been punched square in the face by the most feared goons in hockey and it hadn’t knocked him as senseless as this little five-foot-nothing of a snarky woman had done with a few choice words. “I have one more rule,” she said, reaching for another roll. “Five dates and we’re done. Period. Do we have a deal?”
About Avery
USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staff knew her by name. Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs. AveryFlynn
Connect with Avery

Friday, November 16, 2018

Review: NEVER LET ME FALL by Abbie Roads!!



My Review: I'm going to start this off by saying I did not read the previous two books in this series, and I survived just fine. I think there's some stuff that would have had more of an impact if I did know the back story to it, but overall, I connected with the story and the characters enough that I didn't need that background.

I may not have read this book, but I have read other things by this author, and she is a rock star when it comes to the deep, dark, painful stuff. She knows how to hurt you, scare you, and then thank you when it's all said and done. I can see why this would be considered a psychological thriller more than a paranormal story - I definitely feel like my brain got a workout. And I might even go so far to say it's more like speculative fiction than paranormal - so if regular paranormal isn't your genre of choice, you might still want to give this one a chance. It's so, so worth a read!

Cover Lovin': I love that icy color with that hint of brightness in the middle.

Recommendation: Can be read as a stand-alone.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!!! Now I have to find the previous books and read them ASAP!

Today we have the blog tour for NEVER LET ME FALL by Abbie Roads. NEVER LET ME FALL is a psychological thriller in the Fatal Dreams Series and available for purchase on all retail outlets!

Title: NEVER LET ME FALL Series: Fatal Dreams Author: Abbie Roads Genre: Psychological Thriller Release: November 6th

About NEVER LET ME FALL

Seeing is believing... Thomas Brown can't see color, but he can see people's true souls. His abilities allow him to work with criminal investigators and deliver justice to families of the wronged. And he's starting to accept that his life will forever be in black and white... Then he encounters Helena Grayse, and everything changes. She brings vibrant color to his world, and he brings acceptance and belief to hers. But Helena's past is quickly catching up with her, and Thomas is in the crosshairs. As an enemy hidden in plain sight threatens their every move, they'll have to rely on their love to beat the darkness.

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$10 Amazon Gift Card, Painting by Abbie, and a Necklace

About Abbie Roads

Abbie Roads loves Snickers Parfaits and acrylic pour painting. It’s her new obsession. The pour painting. Not the parfaits. Though the parfaits would qualify as an obsession too. She spends her days a mental health counselor always looking on the brightside, but at night she likes to write dark and dangerous things—with kissing and sexy times. She loves reading inspirational quotes and stories about serial killers. She is married to her favorite fellow and they have two cranky old rescue dogs that are not spoiled. Not at all. Okay. Maybe a little. Alright, the dogs are terribly spoiled, but they do give lots of cuddles and kisses in return.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Review: SHADES OF WICKED by Jeaniene Frost!

Release Date: October 30th, 2018

Type: Paranormal Romance, Series, Book 1, New series, Bad boy, Spin-off series, Good-Bad Guy

My review: I have been a giant fan of Jeaniene Frost since the second Night Huntress book was released, which is when I discovered them. And honestly, I've been waiting for Ian's story since the beginning. But I remember reading a review Jeaniene Frost did, and she said something along the lines of Ian having not grown up enough yet. And honestly, it made sense. But the further the Night Huntress series, and its spin-offs, went, the more you could see Ian developing into who he needed to be to get his own story. And I thought I was ready, but I was so not prepared.

I could not put this down. It is for sure a one-sitting read. In fact, I wasn't even aware how long I had been sitting in one position, eagerly turning pages, until I finished, stood up, and heard all my joints crackle. But I had to know what was going to happen. I loved reading about Ian and Veritas snarking at each other, starting to fall in love, trying to get out of the different scrapes they find themselves in.. It was all wonderful.

This is Jeaniene Frost at her best. She brought everything we loved about her complex and entertaining plots, all the characters we know and love, and mixed in a grumpy older Law Guardian and a snarky-yet-noble scoff-law. I cannot wait for the next book!!

About the Book: In this thrilling new Night Rebel series set in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, sexy and ruthless vampire Ian finally meets his match!

The Rule Breaker

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.

The Law Maker

Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences…
 

Cover Lovin': I wish Ian's hair would look redder, but otherwise, I love it!

Recommendation: Can be read without the rest of the Night Huntress world, but some knowledge of it would definitely help.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! I knew when Ian finally got his own story that it would be EPIC, and I was so not disappointed! But how am I supposed to wait until the next book?!?!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Review: HOT WINTER NIGHTS by Jill Shalvis!

Release Date: 9-24-2018

Type: Contemporary, Romance, Series, Book 6, Christmas/Seasonal/Holiday

About the Book: Who needs mistletoe? 

Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once...

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.


My Review: Jill Shalvis is one of those authors that I always enjoy, but every time I pick up a new book by her, I'm reminded just how much I love her, and how perfectly sweet her stories are. Her heroes are hot, her heroines are women I respect and would gladly be friends with, and the drama is genuine. From the first scene - the awkward wake up with no idea how he got into bed with her - to the ending, I was hooked.

 This is technically a best friends-younger-sister romance, though Molly is Lucas' partner's sister, not necessarily his best friend. Both Lucas and Molly are damaged and closed off in their own ways, but you can see both of them start to open up when they're around each other. And the teasing.. I loved whenever they teased each other. It was so cute, fun, and usually - very hot. This was an awesome story, and I loved every second of it!

Cover Lovin': So cute and sweet!

Recommendation: Even though it's book six, it can be read as stand alone. 

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! Jill Shalvis remains one of my go-to's for a solid, feel-good romance. 

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Review: MEMENTO MORI by Lexi Blake!

   

My Review: Lexi Blake does it every time, I swear. It's like she can't not write a book that has me glued the whole way through. And I don't know what she does better, the suspense or the steamy stuff. Luckily, I don't have to choose because she always manages to pack both into all of her books, and Memento Mori is no exception. 

I won't say this is my all time favorite Blake book.. but it's pretty high up there. I thought the characterization was spot on, and I absolutely loved River and Jax together. There's just something so right about their relationship. I may want a Jax of my own, but I guess if I can't have him myself, I can wish him happiness with River. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series - as always, Blake has me hooked!

Cover Lovin': Sexy, yet dangerous.

Recommendation: Some knowledge of Lexi Blake's other series is helpful, but not required.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!!! 

   Six men with no memories of the past One leader with no hope for the future A man without a past Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman’s will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows—his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth. A woman with a bright future River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She’s finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield. A love that could heal a broken soul Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he’s never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn’t even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?    

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            “This place is beautiful,” he said when she hesitated. She nodded but didn’t move from her seat. “I love it here. I went to college in Denver, but I always missed this place. When I was younger, my dad had a house in Creede. He started the business there, but when he could, he moved us out of town. My dad was a loner, I suppose. Creede has a population of four hundred and Dad thought that was way too many people.” “I know the feeling. I lived in London for a while. That was definitely too many people.” He kept his tone even. It was odd. Now that he was here, that hunger he always felt was tempered by her fear. He’d thought he would take anything offered to him, but he couldn’t having met her. If the blonde had offered herself up, he would have turned her down. Over the two hours they’d sat in the booth, eating fried food and drinking beer, he’d figured something out. Some people were more special than others. River was special. He should be more cynical. He could hear Damon Knight telling him to be cautious, but he couldn’t make himself do it. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn’t have a long well of history to draw from and to teach him that this was likely a mistake. It didn’t feel like a mistake. “Wow. I’ve never been farther than Kansas City.” She still wasn’t moving and her voice had taken on a tremulous tone. His heart constricted, and it was surprisingly easy to not listen to his dick. His dick was pleading with him to get aggressive. His dick was trying to convince him that if he could get inside her, she would accept him. Yeah, he wasn’t going to listen to his dick. “If you’ve changed your mind, I can call my brother to pick me up. I have a phone and so does he. His number is programmed in. I don’t want to scare you. I had a good time talking to you tonight. It was one of the nicest nights I’ve had in a long time.” Ever. It was the best night ever. It was the first night he felt normal, though he wasn’t exactly sure what that word meant. Comfortable was a better one. That tight feeling in his chest had eased as he’d sat in the booth with River and Tucker and Heather. Although he’d hated lying to her. She finally turned, looking at him. Her eyes shone in the moonlight. “You mean that, don’t you?” He wanted to touch her. He’d had to force his hands not to move toward her all night long. The most he’d allowed himself was to have their hips and shoulders touch as they’d sat next to each other. He’d decided it had been a good thing he’d sat next to her because he was fairly certain he had a case of Big Tag’s crazy eyes, and she would have seen them had he sat across from her. “I do mean it. Please don’t get me wrong. I want you. I would like nothing more in the world than to take you into that cabin, lay you out, and make a feast of you. I want to kiss you and when I say that I don’t merely mean your lips. I want to put my mouth all over your body. But more than I want that, I want you to like me.” It was important somehow. He wouldn’t see her after tonight, but he couldn’t stand the idea that she was afraid of him. Everyone was afraid of him. Everyone he knew was waiting for his powder keg to blow, but he’d sworn to himself earlier in the evening that it wouldn’t blow around her. He would protect her even if it was only for one night.        
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Monday, August 6, 2018

Review: IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME by Kylie Scott!

Release Date: August 7th, 2018

About the Book: Returning home for her father’s wedding was never going to be easy for Adele. If being sent away at eighteen hadn’t been bad enough, the mess she left behind when she made a pass at her dad’s business partner sure was.

Fifteen years older than her, Pete had been her crush for as long as she could remember. But she’d misread the situation—confusing friendliness for undying love. Awkward. Add her father to the misunderstanding, and Pete had been left with a broken nose and a business on the edge of ruin. The man had to be just as glad as everyone else when she left town.

Seven years on, things are different. Adele is no longer a kid, but a fully grown adult more than capable of getting through the wedding and being polite. But all it takes is seeing him again to bring back all those old feelings.

Sometimes first loves are the truest.


My Review: Sometimes I want something a little different - still romance, but has a different feel, or an author I love trying something new - and that's why I think I liked this so much. There's the usual Kylie Scott humor, which I greatly appreciate..  but I could see her moving outside of her normal tropes. And for me, this worked. I can see how some people aren't the biggest fans - because there is a definite age difference, and they met when she was 16. But I think Kylie Scott did it right.

As I said, I really liked this. I didn't want to stop reading. All I could think about while I was at work was getting back to this book, and finding out what would happened. I liked Adele's attitude, especially when she decided she wasn't taking any of Pete's crap anymore. And Pete certainly had his fine moments as well... but he also frustrated me. I can see why he'd need a younger woman, considering how immature he could be, emotionally.

This doesn't beat out Trust and Lead when it comes to my top favorites... but it's great all the same.

Cover Lovin': Oh my... yes, well done!

Recommendation: Not for everyone due to the age gap, but definitely worth a read if you like to change things up now and again.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!!! An emotional, yet fun, read. Honestly, seeing Adele grow into herself and realize what she was and wasn't willing to deal with makes this worth reading. But I think the romance was great as well.

Buy Links: 


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~





Sunday, August 5, 2018

Review: BEDFELLOWS by Lola Leighton!

 
My Review: I'm sold! We're living in 2018, so nontraditional relationships should be readily accepted. I mean, heck.. if I could have Will and Sullivan, I would jump at the chance. I've read some menage books in the past, but it was mostly about the... ahem, erotic aspect. But Bedfellows, while it definitely has the hot stuff, is so much... sweeter, I guess is the best term. There are a lot of emotions involved, this is so much deeper than any others I've read.

Considering this author's pseudonym, I knew I'd love the book. And I knew it would be hot. But I loved seeing this different side of a favorite author. She's stretching her wings, and she did a fantastic job. I'd love to see her do even more like this in the future. I hope this isn't a one-off for the Lola Leighton name! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go off and dream about my very own relationship with Will and Sullivan...

Cover Lovin': Just a hint of hotness!

Recommendation: You need to like your books with a little extra spice.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!! Loved this! I hope this author chooses to write more like this in the future. It was hot and original, a truly winning combination!

      I wasn't looking to fall for one man. Let alone two... Sullivan and Will are as close as two friends can be. Growing up in the system forced them to rely on each other, and they've become accustomed to sharing everything—including women. Now they're ready for more. To find love. To start a family. To see the dreams they've shared since childhood come true. Apparently I tick off every box on their list—brains, beauty, and sass. I never hesitate to put both men in their places—which they find sexy as hell. One problem, I'm a traditional girl, with traditional values—one man, one woman, till death do us part—kind of values. They're willing to work to prove how very right the three of us could be, but what happens next is anyone's guess...   ADD TO GOODREADS    
Tonight has been great, Sullivan. It's just, when I think about adding Will into the equation, I get …”
“Scared?”
She shook her head. “Butterflies.”
“Butterflies are good, right?”
“I think so.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. I leaned in closer, captivated by her. Everything about her drew me in—from the swell of her full lips, to her uncertainty about this, and especially her willingness to try.
“He's not here now. Put the butterflies away.”
“Okay.” She smiled.
I leaned in closer. “I've wanted to kiss you all night.”
She wet her lower lip with the tip of her tongue and it was all the answer I needed. She wanted this, too. Wanted me.
My heart pumped faster with that secret knowledge.
Tilting her chin so that her lips met mine, I took her mouth. Gently at first, and then with a growing sense of hunger as her warm, wet tongue came out to meet mine.
She tasted incredible. Slightly sweet from the wine, and feminine and simply perfect.
        Lola Leighton is the pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling romance author who wanted to write steamier stories that her mother is most definitely not allowed to read. FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | NEWSLETTER

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Release Day: BEDFELLOWS by Lola Leighton!

        I wasn't looking to fall for one man. Let alone two... Sullivan and Will are as close as two friends can be. Growing up in the system forced them to rely on each other, and they've become accustomed to sharing everything—including women. Now they're ready for more. To find love. To start a family. To see the dreams they've shared since childhood come true. Apparently I tick off every box on their list—brains, beauty, and sass. I never hesitate to put both men in their places—which they find sexy as hell. One problem, I'm a traditional girl, with traditional values—one man, one woman, till death do us part—kind of values. They're willing to work to prove how very right the three of us could be, but what happens next is anyone's guess...   ADD TO GOODREADS    
Tonight has been great, Sullivan. It's just, when I think about adding Will into the equation, I get …”
“Scared?”
She shook her head. “Butterflies.”
“Butterflies are good, right?”
“I think so.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. I leaned in closer, captivated by her. Everything about her drew me in—from the swell of her full lips, to her uncertainty about this, and especially her willingness to try.
“He's not here now. Put the butterflies away.”
“Okay.” She smiled.
I leaned in closer. “I've wanted to kiss you all night.”
She wet her lower lip with the tip of her tongue and it was all the answer I needed. She wanted this, too. Wanted me.
My heart pumped faster with that secret knowledge.
Tilting her chin so that her lips met mine, I took her mouth. Gently at first, and then with a growing sense of hunger as her warm, wet tongue came out to meet mine.
She tasted incredible. Slightly sweet from the wine, and feminine and simply perfect.
        Lola Leighton is the pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling romance author who wanted to write steamier stories that her mother is most definitely not allowed to read. FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | NEWSLETTER

Monday, April 23, 2018

Review: UNDER A STORM-SWEPT SKY by Beth Anne Miller!

My Review: This book just.. called to me, when I read the synopsis. And thank goodness I opted to read this one, because I hate the idea that I might have missed out on reading this. My life would have been so much less had I not had the chance to read this book. I'm not sure I have words strong enough to fully explain how much I.. adored this. Loved it. I'd marry it, if I could. I saw another reviewer describe this as "riveting" and I have to say... That's putting it mildly. 

I was into this from the beginning. Seriously, page one and I was hooked. And when it ended? I was heartbroken, because that meant it was over. I never wanted to say goodbye to this story, and to these characters. Not only is the story beautiful, but the scenery is as well - you can practically.. feel like you're in Scotland. And now, all I can think about is going back to Scotland. And maybe trying to find my own happily ever after while I'm there...

Cover Lovin': Two thumbs up. 

Recommendation: Works on its own. 

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! There aren't enough words to describe the awesomeness. Read this now! 

Today we have the blog tour for UNDER A STORM-SWEPT SKY by Beth Anne Miller! We are so excited to share this new title with you! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Title: UNDER A STORM SWEPT SKY

Author: Beth Anne Miller

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Under a Storm-Swept Sky:

An eighty-mile trek across the rugged, stunning beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye isn't something I imagined myself doing. Ever. This isn't a trail for beginners. And I'm not a hiker. But I have to finish it, even if it kills me. I have no choice. With the ever-changing weather and relentless terrain, I’m in over my head. Rory Sutherland, my guide on this adventure, is not happy. We clash with every mile, but we recognize a shared pain. Not only is the journey a struggle, but the tension between us is taut with unsaid words. And hope. He’s broken. I’m damaged. Together, we’re about to make the perfect storm.

Get Your Copy Today:

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Catch up on the series with, A Star to Seer Her By, on sale NOW!

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About Beth Anne Miller:

Beth Anne Miller has a fascination for all things Scottish (including, but not limited to, men in kilts), which has influenced all her writing to date. Her first novel is a time travel called INTO THE SCOTTISH MIST; her second, A STAR TO STEER HER BY, has a Scottish hero; and her newest book, UNDER A STORM-SWEPT SKY, is set on the Isle of Skye, and was inspired by her own long-distance treks in Scotland. A native New Yorker, Beth Anne lives on Long Island and works in the publishing industry. She’s looking forward to her next trip to Scotland.

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Monday, August 14, 2017

Review: BEARD IN MIND by Penny Reid!

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My Review: This is my first Winston brothers book, and oh man, why the heck did I wait??? Let me start by saying I had absolutely no clue what I was getting into. I guess, due to the cutesy covers and amusing titles, I assumed these would be super lighthearted and just generally adorable. And sure, there were definitely some moments of both of those, but this book is so much  more, so much DEEPER than I ever expected. Beau is dealing with some seriously tough emotional upheavals,  and Shelly has her own mental illness to work through. And huge kudos to the author for clearly putting in so much effort and research into Shelly 's disorder.

I am not ashamed to say this book make me a little emotionally unstable. To be honest, there was a time or two I was almost moved to tears. This book is so... real. I could feel Beau's anguish over his twin leaving, over Shelly's reaction to everything he did. And Shelly herself.. I'm not sure I have the right words to express everything I felt for her, and with her.

This is not my first book by this author, and it definitely won't be my last. But it might be my favorite. I already had the rest of this series on my to read list.. clearly they need to be bumped to the very top.

Cover Lovin': This may be my first Winston brothers book, but I've always loved the covers.

Recommendation: While the brothers pay a big role in each others' lives, this can be read as a stand alone.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! This book more than deserves a perfect score. It was emotionally moving, and I absolutely could not put it down. It deserves to be added to your to buy list immediately!!


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Beard in Mind, an all new standalone in the bestselling, romantic comedy Winston Brothers Series by Penny Reid, is available NOW!

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All is fair in love and auto maintenance.
Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.
Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.
Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.
She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words.
Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.
The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

Excerpt:

She’d taken the sofa, in her own house, and given me the bed. That didn’t make a lick of sense. I crouched next to her, threading my fingers into the silky hair at her temples. “Honey.” “Mmm.” I bent to whisper, “Shelly.” “Hmm?” “I’m going to carry you to your bed. I’ll take the sofa.” “Mmm.” I grinned at her soft noises, at the untroubled expression on her face, and how her brow—even in sleep—still looked regal and stern. Sliding my arms under her legs and shoulder, I picked her up. And, unfortunately, that woke her up. She jerked in my arms. “What are you doing?” “I’m taking you to the bed.” “Don’t do that.” “I don’t mind, I’ll take the sofa.” Our mouths were just inches apart, and hers was distracting. She squirmed. “Put me down.” Sighing unhappily, I did. I set her on her feet next to the couch. The blanket pooled at her feet and I stepped back to give her some space. It was dark, but I could see her just fine, and that meant I had to force my eyes to remain above her neck. The woman was wearing two pathetic scraps of fabric as pajamas. A thin little tank top and shorts. That’s it. I set my jaw and turned to the side, waiting for her to walk past. “Where are you?” I glanced at her and realized she couldn’t see at all. She didn’t have a hand out, but the way her eyes were moving about the room gave away her blindness. “I’m here.” I didn’t touch her, because if I did, I wouldn’t want to stop. Shelly turned her head in my direction and took a deep breath. Still she didn’t reach for me. I didn’t know the specifics of what to expect after her Friday session, but I recalled Dr. West saying something about Shelly doing self-guided ERP exercises over this week. “Can you see?” She licked her lips, her voice sandpapery. “Because I can’t see at all. It’s so dark.” “I can see.” Unbidden, my eyes dropped to her body, to the swell of her breasts, the panel of bare stomach, the curve of her hips. Pinpricks of heat raised over my skin and I curled my hands into fists. She shuffled forward and I caught her before she bumped into me, setting my hands gently at her waist. “Let me take you to your room.” My voice was rough, for obvious reasons. Saying nothing, she brought her hand to my forearm, her body gently colliding with mine. And then her hand on my arm slid up my bicep to my shoulder. “Shelly.” I was running out of breath. “I like this.” “What?” “Touching you.” Oh fuck. I held still and endured her hands moving over my body, down the front of my shirt, stopping at the hem, then pushing it up. “Take this off.” I did. I pulled the T-shirt over my head and let it drop to the floor. We stood there, facing each other in the dark, not touching. Despite the session on Friday and the progress that had been made, I realized she wasn’t quite there yet. Dr. West was right, Friday was just a step, the first step. Shelly wasn’t able to initiate contact. Not yet. Her hands balled into fists and she swayed forward, her breath struggling little puffs. If anything was going to happen tonight, I had to initiate it. I had to be the one to touch first. God, how I wanted her. How I wanted her above me, beneath me, surrounding me. But how could I? “I know why I hesitate,” her voice was breathless, “but why do you hesitate?” “Lots of reasons.” “Give me one.” “I don’t want to you use you.” “I wish you would.” That pulled a laugh from me, just a small relief from the mounting tension. My eyes moved over her body, an undeniable impulse to devour the sight of her, her legs, stomach, chest, then up her neck to her lips. “You asked me on Saturday if sex was a big deal for me, or if it was you. The answer is both.” She held very still, and I got the sense she was holding her breath, straining to listen. “You are a big deal to me. I don’t want a fling. I don’t want a flirtation. I want promises.” “What can I promise you?” That you’ll love me. That I’ll be your priority. She shifted her weight from foot to foot. A spike of anxiety that she might leave me like this had me acting without forethought. I lifted my hands to her waist again and immediately, her fingertips skimmed over skin of my lower stomach in response, making my muscles tense in hot anticipation. She grew more assertive as she caressed my sides, abdomen, ribs, chest, shoulders, and then back down. Shelly stepped closer, a hint of thrilling contact between her breasts and my torso, and all the words and worries melted from my mind, died on my tongue, suffocated by the feel of her body, and the possibility of this moment. Her finger hooked in the waistband of my jeans. “Take these off.” Her hand turned, her fingers and palm cupping me over my zipper. Instinctively, I pressed myself into her touch even as I grabbed her wrist. “Beau, I promise—” She didn’t get to speak, because I kissed her, hard and wild, unbuttoning and unzipping my fly with one hand and bringing her palm inside my boxers with the other.

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Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja. PennyReid

Connect with Penny:

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Disclaimer:  I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Review: PERILOUS TRUST by Barbara Freethy!

  

My Review: I'm a little torn about this. The overall story was very well done, and had me hooked. I had to know what was going on with the FBI, a possible mole, how Damon fit in, etc. So that, I liked... a lot. What I had a problem with was how easily distracted Damon and Sophie would get by each other. Sophie's father just died and she's on the run.. but oh, Damon had pretty eyes so let's think on that for now. It just seemed out of place.

The best way I could explain it is that it seems the author was really pushing the romance, instead of making it happen organically within the story. But as the plot progressed, it smoothed out and I was so engrossed in what was happening that I didn't care about anything else. All that mattered was Sophie and Damon.

Cover Lovin': Ooooh, suspense-y.

Recommendation: Book one, no prior knowledge necessary.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE (3.5/5)! Would have been a four, but it felt like the author was pushing the romance too hard too fast.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

   
In PERILOUS TRUST, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy brings you the first book in a new romantic suspense series! OFF THE GRID: An FBI Series offers five breath-stealing books filled with action-packed plot, heart-stopping romance, and page-turning suspense.
It was one dark night that brought Damon Wolfe and Sophie Parker together. They were two tortured souls, looking for escape, and they weren't supposed to see each other ever again… Four years later, Sophie's FBI father, who is also Damon's mentor, is killed in a suspicious car crash after leaving Sophie a cryptic message to trust no one from the agency. When Damon shows up looking for her, she isn't sure if he's friend or enemy, but she knows he could easily rip apart what is left of her heart. The last thing Damon wants is to get involved with Sophie again. It was hard enough to walk away the first time. But she's in trouble, her father's reputation is under attack, and the lives of his fellow agents are at stake if there's a traitor in their midst. When someone starts shooting at them, they have no choice but to go on the run and off the grid. Everyone in their world becomes a suspect. They want to uncover the truth, but will it turn out to be the last thing they expect? Proving her father's innocence might just cost them their hearts…and their lives…      

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        "Why did you run away from your apartment, your friends, your father's coworkers? Why did you just disappear, Sophie?" Damon asked. "Because someone killed my dad." "It's possible it was an accident." "You don't believe that any more than I do." "Maybe not, but I think something specific spooked you." "You mean like the two men I saw going into my apartment building?" "You saw the men who broke into your apartment?" he asked in surprise. "I don't know if they were the ones, but they could have been." "What did they look like?" "Law enforcement, maybe—I don't know." Damon stared back at her, and she could see him running through her words in his head. "Why would you be afraid of law enforcement when your father is FBI?" "Gut instinct," she lied, knowing she wouldn't have been afraid at all if her father hadn't told her to be. "And it looks like I was right to run. If I'd gone to my apartment, who knows what would have happened?" His lips drew into a hard line. "Look, Sophie, I want to help you." "Why? Why on earth would you want to help me?" His gaze darkened, and the air sizzled between them as they found themselves back in a place probably neither of them wanted to revisit, but they were there all the same. "We're not friends," she said quickly, needing to break the tension. "We're not anything. We haven't seen each other in four years. Why do you care where I am, what I'm doing? Is it because of loyalty to my dad? That has to be it, right? Nothing else could have made you drive all the way up here." "I should have called you after that night," he said. "I'm not looking for an apology." "Aren't you?" "No. Maybe. No," she said, hating to sound so uncertain. "None of that is important now. I have bigger problems." "Then let's talk about now," he said, relief in his eyes as he changed the subject. "I respected your father. He was a mentor to me. I owe him for that, and I know that he would want me to help you. He trusted me, and I hope you can trust me, too." "I don't know if my father trusted you," she said, shaking her head. Surprise and anger flared in his eyes. "Why would you say that?" "Because he told me not to trust anyone from the bureau, and since you're an agent, that includes you. Please, just go. Just leave me alone," she pleaded, desperate to get him out of the cabin before she did something even more stupid—like start to trust him. "I'll disappear. I'll go somewhere no one else knows about. You don't have to worry about me. You've done your duty. You came after me. You did that for my dad. Now do something for me—leave me alone. You've managed it for four years. You can keep going." His mouth tightened. "I'm not leaving you alone. You won't be safe. You can't get help from a friend, because you'll put them in danger, and even if you are very careful, you'll make a mistake. You don't know how to stay off the radar, but I do. You're going to have to trust someone at some point. You're going to have to put your anger aside and let it be me." Before she could answer, she was suddenly hit with a shower of glass from the nearby window. What the hell had just happened? Another pane blew out, and something whizzed by her ear. Damon grabbed her arm and pulled down as a third window exploded. Someone was shooting at her!         Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 60 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara opened Fog City Publishing in 2011 and has since sold over 7 million books! Twenty-three of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists, including one title, SUMMER SECRETS, which hit #1 on the NYT. In 2014 Barbara was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of all time! She was also the first Indie writer to sell over a million books on Barnes and Noble. Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, romance and suspense, Barbara is a six-time finalist and two-time winner in the Romance Writers of America acclaimed RITA contest for her novels DANIEL'S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME. For more information, visit her website at www.barbarafreethy.com FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | YOUTUBE | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Friday, June 30, 2017

Review: THE CATCH by K. Bromberg!

 My Review: Okay, first off, let me just say... I HAD TO WAIT THIS LONG TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE CLIFFHANGER. That was very difficult. I started suggesting The Player to my romance-reading friends just so I had someone to commiserate with while we desperately waited for the second book. Okay, I was also making them read it because it was just that awesome, but still... cliffhangers, man.

** This review will contain spoilers for book one, so don't read this if you haven't read The Player. **

So now that I got that off my chest, I can talk about the actual book. Just like book one, The Catch was a one-sitting read for me. I could not put this down. I had to know how Easton and Scout were going to deal with the fall-out from the very end of The Player. My only issue with this book was that I didn't really understand the logistics of what was happening with the trade deal. I know part of that was because it was very up in the air what would happen to Easton for a while, but there was mention of being sent to a secondary/practice team with a pay cut or being traded, and I wasn't sure how Scout knew what she said would mean a trade and not the other option. But things smoothed out after the initial drama, and things became more clear.

The Catch does not skimp on the drama. While The Player felt more like a slow build, The Catch is one punch after another. We have the trade, Scout's father, Easton's literacy work, Easton's father and the MAJOR drama that is happening there.. Really, Scout and Easton can't catch a break.. and neither can the reader. But that just made this book that much more engrossing.

Cover Lovin': Oh my.. *Fans self* It goes oh-so-well with the first book.

Recommendation: This is a direct sequel, so you will need to read The Player first.

Final Rating: FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (4.5/5)! Loved this! An excellent end to this duet. K. Bromberg has once again proven herself to be the queen.


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

  After an unexpected twist of fate, All-Star catcher Easton Wylder is left questioning the loyalty of everyone around him. Even the woman who shares his bed, Scout Dalton. But if Easton thought being uprooted to the last place he expected was the only challenge life had to throw at him, he was dead wrong. With an ailing shoulder and his career in limbo, his decision to make an unexpected change leads him to question everything – Scout’s love, family loyalties, and whether he can conquer the one obstacle he’s never been able to overcome. The secret he’s never shared with anyone. He may be a man pushed to his limits, but he’s hell-bent on proving his worth no matter the cost.  

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    Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00074]Baseball has never been sexier in an all-new novel by New York Times Bestselling Author, K. Bromberg. Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything. So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather, his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him. Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on. And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to maintain the club’s best interest, in regards to whether he’s ready to play. But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat, or is one of them bound to get burned?

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        HeadShot ColorNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love. A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow. Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written. She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Dr

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.