Saturday 30 January 2016

Review: Naked by Gina Gordon

Violet Walker has been hiding. Withdrawn after a terrible car accident, she is worried about going back to her high-pressure job, where she’s expected to project confidence and sleek refinement. Allowing herself a distraction, she’s been watching her sexy neighbor work on his house. But when the shirtless, grinning hunk catches her in the act, Violet is struck by the unmistakable jolt of physical chemistry, a sensation that’s both thrilling and terrifying.

Noah Young is used to moving from one construction job to another, never laying a firm foundation. The same goes for the women in his life—until Violet changes all that. His beautiful voyeur embraces his rough edges and shows him a hint of real love. But even Noah can tell that she’s holding back, hiding her body and her heart from what they both truly want. If only he could get a little help convincing Violet to see herself as he sees her: perfect in every way.


Kindle Edition, 334 pages
Published January 26th 2016 by Loveswep
Series: Body & Soul #1
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from the Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

There were some aspects of this story that I really liked but there were also some that I really disliked. I was back and forth throughout the entire read and had a difficult time figuring out how I felt about it.

I liked the fact that Violet was trying to overcome a traumatic event and the scars that it left both physically and emotionally. However, I was not a fan of the way it was executed in the book. There were way to many contradictions and not enough growth for the majority of the story. On minute she was saying that she hated how her employees couldn't see past her beauty and that she was more than a pretty face and the next she was insecure because she no longer thought of herself as beautiful. Yes, she had stuff to deal with but instead of coming across as someone learning and moving on she came across really whiny and immature at times. For someone who was the CEO of a major company this was not a good thing.

I also liked the whole neighbours/no string attached/no personal information angle and thought it would make for some exciting, sexy reading. Again, it fell a little short for me. I couldn't quite feel the chemistry between Violet and Noah as much as I wanted to. The steamy scenes felt a little mechanical or robotic to me and not so sexy. I'm sorry but the subway bathroom scene...GROSS...absolutely nothing hot or sexy about that. It was actually quite repulsive. Sex in a dirty, public subway bathroom no thank you! From there the sex seemed more about action instead of feeling or emotion.

I did however really like Luke and Harper and found myself wanting to know their story. Hopefully their story will come in a future instalment. Harper was by far my favourite character in this book and she was only a secondary character.

I didn't hate Violet and Noah's story but I didn't love it either. I think with a bit of tweaking it could have been so much more than it was.  In the end it was average but I do feel like there is potential with this series to get better.


 


About the Author

When her dream of becoming a mafia princess didn't pan out, Gina Gordon went after her second dream...becoming a writer. And she hasn't looked back.

Gina, a self-proclaimed happily ever after junkie and cupcake connoisseuse, loves spinning contemporary tales of knee bending first kisses, unconditional love and super-hot sex. She broke out onto the romance scene with her #1 Amazon Bestselling erotic short story Her Five Favorite Words that's been called a "deliciously naughty tale" by Joyfully Reviewed.

When not chained to her computer, you can find Gina sipping Starbucks, making cupcakes or feeding her addiction to celebrity gossip. She lives in Milton, Ontario with her husband and lovable dog.

Connect with Gina

 

Friday 29 January 2016

Book Blast: Destroyed by the Bad Boy by Madison Collins



DESTROYED BY THE BAD BOY
Madison Collins
Releasing on January 29, 2016
Self-Published


This book contains two complete erotic romance novellas with no cliffhangers.

Stranded ...

On the way to our parents wedding in the mountains, the mother of all snow storms attacks, leaving me stranded in a remote cabin with my new stepbrother.

My hot as hell, I-need-to-change-my-panties because-they’re-soaked, cocky asshole of a stepbrother, Bentley McAllister.

The kicker of it all?

The only items he's packed are liquor and condoms, and he’s looking at me like he wants to put both to good use.

My name is Sierra, and my libido can only take so much.

Send help!


Caged ...

Two brothers...
One girl...

Rising stars in the cage fighting circuit, Cage and Tripp Garrett are as close as two brothers can be. Fiercely competitive and smoldering with intensity, neither has ever lost a fight. Until they face their toughest opponent yet: Lily.

They both want her. But neither can have her. Lily is as off-limits as they come. They make a pact that the tough-as-nails daughter of their trainer will never come between them.

Until one of them begins to fall in love. Then all is fair in love and war.

Caged is a sexy, fast-paced love story with a punch.

Warning: Contains adult language and sexual content.

 Stranded with my Stepbrother
“Listen, princess.” I lift her chin toward mine, meeting this gorgeous big blue eyes.  “I’m not sure if you noticed, but we’re stranded together in the middle of fucking nowhere, with only each other to count on.  You can fight me all you want, but there’s one thing you need to understand.  I’m going to protect you.  I’m going to take care of you.  And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m six-foot-four, and probably have a hundred pounds on you.  My body is going to produce a lot more heat than yours.  Now calm the fuck down, and let me get you warm.  Got it, sweetheart?”  Her fighting stops immediately.
 

She nods, coyly, blinking those baby blues at me, all of her anger disappearing.  “Got it.” Her voice is small, and I suddenly feel like a dick.
 

“Good. Glad we’re on the same page.” I tug her body closer so we’re pressed tightly together, and I hold her to my chest, wrapping her in my arms. A contented little sigh escapes her lips. The top of her head doesn’t even reach my chin. She packs a lot of sass for such a small thing.  I inhale, and breathe in the scent of her shampoo. The smell of vanilla and lavender fill my nose.  Damn, who knew that combination could be so perfect?  It’s intoxicating and I can feel my body slowly start to react to the smell and the images my mind starts to produce.  The way her slight curves mold to my body serves to warm me up pretty damn quick.
After several moments, we’re both warmer. “There.  Is that better?” I ask, releasing my hold on her before I sport an awkward boner. A few deep breaths are in order; otherwise things are going to get real weird, real fast.

BUY NOW
AMAZON



Madison Collins is the author of romantic short stories such as Caged, Stranded with My Stepbrother and the upcoming Monster Prick. She enjoys the occasional stiff cocktail, and watching romantic comedies. Most days you can find her curled up with a good book. She currently resides in New Jersey.


Thursday 28 January 2016

Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway: I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne


In Honor of Superbowl Winning Quarterback Jackson Burke, 
Enter to Win a  Ladies "TEAM" T-Shirt from 
Lady Fanatics Sports Apparel Winners Choice 
(up to $40.00 Value)


I WISH YOU WERE MINE
Oxford #2
Lauren Layne
Releasing on February 2, 2016
Loveswept



Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.

A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.

Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.


Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Let me start off by saying that I haven't read a Lauren Layne book that I haven't loved and after reading I Wish You Were Mine I can still stand behind my words. Her writing is sassy and her characters are even sassier (is that a word?) and they draw me in every time.

I Wish You Were Mine is the second book in the Oxford series but it can be read as a stand alone. You don't need to read Irresistibly Yours in order to follow along but you'll want to because it's worth it.

The story begins eight years earlier and gives the readers a really good look at the type of relationship that a young Mollie and Jackson have. It shows the depth of caring and the strength of their bond. Not only that but it grabs the reader hook, line and sinker so that you are dying to know how it will all play out. 

"Tonight at her sister’s wedding, Mollie Carrington had gone and fallen head over heels in love. With the groom."

Fast forward eight years and Jackson is no longer married to Mollie's sister and his football career is over. He leaves Texas for New York City and the offices of Oxford as the new health and fitness columist. He is bitter and resentful at his situation and finds himself alienating his coworkers and the city he lives in. There's nothing great and wonderful about the place except perhaps Mollie, his ex wife's younger sister. When he finally reaches out to her he is shocked to find out that she is not the awkward young girl anymore but a beautiful and sexy twenty eight year old woman. Even more so, he is shocked by the way is body reacts to her. Circumstances have him offering her a guest room in his penthouse and the story just gets hot and complicated from there.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about the whole sister storyline but as it turns out, I was ok with it. Perhaps it was because I adored Mollie from the beginning but I think it was mostly because Madison was a poor excuse for a human being. The complications that came from the sister situation made for some page turning reading.

It took me a little while to warm up to Jackson. Don't get me wrong...his physical attributes were on the mark and he was (at least in my head) sexy as hell. It was his personality and the way he was with his coworkers at Oxford that had me concerned. He was cold and unfriendly and didn't seem interested in making friends. WHAT!!!! WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH THE MEN AND WOMAN OF OXFORD??? I WANT TO WORK THERE. I WANT TO BE THEIR FRIEND. I wasn't sure if I could like a character that couldn't see how quirky and awesome this group of people were. His personality and behaviour around Mollie was always swoon worthy but the rest needed work. I really enjoyed how his character evolved and by the time I was done reading I loved him.

The pages steamed up quite a bit in this book. In fact, I think this might be one of Lauren Layne's steamier books. The sexual chemistry between Mollie and Jackson was through the roof. It was sexy but tasteful at the same time. Layne managed to capture the emotion and beauty of their time together while fogging up my e-reader all at the same time.

Needless to say, I am loving this series and I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to revisit the characters of both Oxford and the Stiletto series and get to know Jackson and Mollie. I can't wait for the next one!



 

  



“You seriously didn’t have to hire movers,” Mollie said for the hundredth time as she watched two burly dudes easily maneuver yet another stack of boxes to Jackson’s guest room.

Jackson pointed at a barstool. “Sit. Relax. Want a beer?”

“No, I still need to unpack,” she muttered, reluctantly plopping onto the stool.

“Have a beer, Molls. Unpacking your nightstand contents isn’t like operating heavy machinery,” he said, going to the fridge and pulling out two beers.

“Clearly you don’t know what’s in my nightstand.”

Jackson lifted his eyebrows. “Exactly how big is your vibrator?”

“I meant I have like a zillion books.”

“Which are not breakable,” he said, handing her a beer. “And is that a no on the vibrator?”

She gave him a look as she took the bottle from his hand. “I just want to state for the record that I have moved several times, on my own, without the help of movers, and I could have done it again.”

“Moving yourself is for college kids. You’re an adult. Hire movers.”

“No, moving yourself is for people without extra income,” she said. “Snob.”

“So what was the plan?” he asked, tipping the bottle to his lips. “You were just going to maneuver all those big-ass boxes around with those skinny sticks you call arms?”

“Don’t be silly. I was going to hire some big beefy dudes from campus to help me. Perk of working at a university.”

Jackson was about to set his bottle on the counter but his hand froze, just for a second, and Mollie felt a sting of regret as she realized she’d inadvertently hit a nerve. Not so long ago, Jackson Burke had been absolutely the type of muscled guy friend who’d’ve been really helpful to have around on moving day. Her eyes flitted to his shoulder. Now he was the guy who wouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting for a long time. Maybe ever.

She looked away, her brain scrambling to come up with a quick subject change.

Only maybe that wasn’t what he needed—for people to dance around his injury like it was the elephant in the room. Physically, he was on the road to recovery. He needed to get there mentally as well.

“You said the other night that it didn’t hurt,” she said. “Was that a big macho man moment?”

He stared at the counter. “I’ve told you. It’s fine.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please. Be a little more vague and manly.”

“Well, what do you want me to say, Molls?” he ground out. “That the pain wakes me up at night? That any motion more vigorous than brushing my teeth hurts like hell?”

“Are you going to physical therapy?” she asked, purposely ignoring the wounded-bear routine. That might scare off other people, but she was made of stronger stuff. Knew him better.

He looked away.

“Oh, Jackson.”

He shrugged. “What does it even matter? All the PT in the world isn’t going to help me play football again.”
“Well, gosh,” she said dramatically, “you may as well be dead.”

Jackson was in the process of taking a sip of beer and choked. “Jesus. You are such a smart-ass.”

“I’m just saying, you have a lot going for you,” she said, gentling her tone. “You don’t need a football in your hand or to help a girl move to be an amazing guy.”

“Yeah?” he said as he leaned on his forearms across the counter. “Want to tell me more about how I’m an amazing guy?”

If I did, I might never stop.


BUY NOW

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels.
Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. A year after moving from Seattle to NYC to pursue a writing career, she had a fabulous agent and multiple New York publishing deals. 
Lauren currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and plus-sized Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll likely find her running (rarely), reading (sometimes), or at happy hour (often).

Don't Miss IRRESISTIBLY YOURS
Oxford Book One


Wednesday 27 January 2016

Review: He Will Be My Ruin By K.A. Tucker


Twenty-eight-year-old Maggie Sparkes arrives in New York City to pack up what's left of her best friend's belongings after a suicide that has left everyone stunned. The police have deemed the evidence conclusive: Celine got into bed, downed a bottle of Xanax and a handle of vodka, and never woke up. But when Maggie discovers secrets in the childhood lock box hidden in Celine's apartment, she begins asking questions. Questions about the man Celine fell in love with. The man she never told anyone about, not even Maggie. The man who Celine herself claimed would be her ruin.
On the hunt for answers that will force the police to reopen the case, Maggie uncovers more than she bargained for about Celine's private life--and inadvertently puts herself on the radar of a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his crimes undiscovered.

Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by Atria Books

Terri's Thoughts

I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads.  The expected publication date is February 2nd 2016.

I don't know where to start with this story.  I had a love/hate relationship with it.

I will start with Maggie.  I liked the fact that she wanted to make the world a better place by helping out those less fortunate around the world.  I did not like that she didn't really appreciate the fact that she could do this because she had so much money.  Instead she pretended that the money was evil however it is what enabled her to do what she loved.  Pick one, you can't have it both ways.  I loved that she knew her friend well enough to know that the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious and that she would stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The issue I had was how utterly stupid and naïve Maggie was. She knows she is investigating a potential murder yet she tells people what she is doing.  Does she not realize everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise?  She is telling people she doesn't even know but could be linked to the investigation and at every turn she appears to be making the situation worse.  Getting involved with some of these characters?  You would think she had no social skills at all.

It also bothered me that there were no real surprises in the story as well.  The hints were laid out blatantly so that you knew when the story was going to take a turn, usually by Maggie doing something stupid.

You would think I hated the story which is not the case.  I liked it and was entertained.  I just felt that with some tweaking it could have been an even better story instead of being slightly underwhelming.  If you do not think too hard and just let the plot take you where it is going, it is an enjoyable read.


About the Author


Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons.

She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
   


Tuesday 26 January 2016

Release Blast & Giveaway: The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle


Enter to Win a Print Bundle of 
Rhymes with Love Series Books 1-4


THE KNAVE OF HEARTS
Rhymes With Love #5
Elizabeth Boyle
Releasing on January 26, 2016
Avon



In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes with Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman’s hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication…

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular Season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack’s dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother’s scandalous past have become the ton’s latest on dits. Lavinia’s future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland admits he’s partly to blame for Lavinia’s disastrous debut. But it’s not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he’s placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set Society astir?

Tuck’s motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.





London, 1811
 
Lavinia walked down the aisle of the London church, her gaze searching every pew.
 
 “Looking for this?” Up near the altar stood the charwoman, who’d come in right behind the wedding party. 

In her hands she held an elaborate bouquet of roses and peonies.
 
A bridal bouquet, to be exact.
 
“Oh, dear, yes. I don’t see how that could get left behind,” Lavinia exclaimed as she hurried forward to claim the lost treasure.
 
“Well, there were quite a few tears being shed, my own included,” the lady said, “so it isn’t hard to see why these beauties might be forgotten.” The old woman smiled. “’Sides, ’tis my experience that it’s a love match when so many have to reach for their hankies.”
 
“A love match? Oh, yes, decidedly,” Lavinia agreed as the lady handed over the mislaid bouquet.
 
“Still, such a fancy collection of posies. Would be a terrible shame for them to be left behind,” the old woman said, not even seeming to mind the petals falling where she’d been sweeping. She looked down at them and smiled. “I do like the roses, even when they leave a mess. Pretty bits of confetti, I like to say. I takes them home and dries ’em.”
 
Lavinia couldn’t help herself, she inhaled, and the sweet scent of roses surrounded her.
And just as quickly she found herself tearing up again. She dashed at her eyes with her sleeve, having already ruined two handkerchiefs.
 
 “Oh, there now,” the old charwoman told her kindly. “Weddings do that to a soul. Leave one all tied up in knots. Why, when me sister got herself married, I cried for a week.”
 
“You did?” Lavinia began. “I suppose I am still in shock. When we came to London, my sister made it quite clear she had no intention of ever being wed … and now …”

Lavinia looked over at the altar.
 
“Glad tears, though,” the charwoman said. “Always glad tears at a wedding. Your sister seemed ever so happy when she married His Lordship. And everyone saying him a big brute, but he looked over the moon with her at his side, now didn’t he?”
 
Lavinia shifted the bouquet from one hand to another and looked away. “Yes, they are quite meant for each other.” And once again, a sheen of tears rose in her eyes.
 
Oh, the devil take her! Would she ever stop crying? Louisa had married her beloved Piers … and now …
 
“Those are tears of happiness I see, aren’t they?” the charwoman prodded.
 
Really, the woman was a terrible busybody, but having come from the village of Kempton, a place rife with such spinsters, Lavinia found the old lady’s inquiry oddly comforting.
 
So she leaned closer to the woman and said, “I have to admit, as I watched my sister marry her viscount, the tears you witnessed were hardly charitable ones.”
 
The charwoman prodded her toward a place in the pews. “Tell old Tildie all about it.” She plopped down in the front row and patted the space next to her.
 
Lavinia looked down the aisle toward the open door. Outside, the May sunshine shone brightly. Beckoning. 

“I really should be going—”
 
“Oh, come now, no one is going to leave without you. Besides, do an old woman a favor and tell her the story.” The woman winked with a cheeky glee. “I saw that kiss at the altar. I’d wager my broom there’s a bit of scandal and romance to all of this.” Then she looked at the door as well. “And more to come if I’m not mistaken.”
 
Lavinia smiled, for Tildie had the right of it. Everything about this wedding and the days leading up to it were filled with scandal … and romance.
 

BUY NOW


ELIZABETH BOYLE has always loved romance and now lives it each and every day by writing adventurous and passionate stories that readers from all around the world have described as “page-turners.” Since her first book was published, she’s seen her romances become New York Times and USA Today bestsellers and win the RWA RITA Award and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice awards. She resides in Seattle with her family, her garden and always growing collection of yarn. Readers can visit her on the Web at www.elizabethboyle.com.


Monday 25 January 2016

Review: Bringing Delaney Home (Cates Brothers #1) by Lee Kilraine


In the sleepy town of Climax, North Carolina, all five Cates brothers are known for being tall, dark, and delicious. But each has his own incomparable love story...Quinn Cates has known Delaney Lyons forever. But after years away from home, Delaney's a changed woman. A mysterious accident she refuses to talk about has left her hurting--in body and soul--and acting out in dangerous, and occasionally entertaining, ways.

Quinn's on the local police force, so he's used to dealing with troublemakers. This one's pretty incorrigible--but he suspects her flippant exterior is hiding something softer and deeper inside. Every time he has to rescue Delaney from herself, his heart and his hormones both go into overdrive. But he owes it to Delaney's sister to keep an eye on her. He's got some experience with that after spending so much time at it back in high school...

Delaney just wants to fend off the gossips, fight off the pain of her past, and make her escape once again. But Officer Cates is ordering her not to leave town, and his interrogation techniques can be very persuasive...

Paperback, 222 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by Lyrical Press, Inc

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is February 2nd.

I will begin with the highlights of this story.

1.  Snot the dog.  Although he really only made a brief appearance in the story he really captured my heart.  A dog that gets super excited around humans however cannot control his coordination resulting in numberous collisions with the wall?  priceless.  Also a face only a mother could love, I had one of those once and I thought she was the most beautiful creature.

2.  Marcus.  I loved how he was the only one who did not put up with Delaney's crap.  When everyone else was coddling her he was challenging her.  Sometimes the honesty of teenagers is priceless.

3.  Quinn's mother.  Her presence and family devotion was heartwarming.

Now for the not so great aspects of the book.

I could not really get Delaney to grow on me.  I realize that she was in a dark place after a traumatic event however I just wanted to slap her.  Maybe if the story showed what she used to be like I would have been more in tune with her.  Since it did not all I saw was a mouthy person who was feeling sorry for herself more than she needed to.  She was harboring some emotional baggage not related to her accident that I felt should have been resolved years earlier.

At the end of the day I really wanted to like this story however it fell short for me.  Perhaps if more of the characters I mentioned as highlights were present in greater quantity I would have enjoyed it better.



About the Author


Lee Kilraine is a 2014 Golden Heart® Finalist for her debut contemporary romance, BRINGING DELANEY HOME, the first book in her Cates Brothers Series. If you enjoy Quinn’s story, she hopes you’ll be on the lookout for his brothers, Sijan and Tynan. She loves reading and writing stories with a HEA and if they make her laugh...well, that's perfect.

Lee lives in the pine woods of North Carolina. When she isn't typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet, you might find her on her front porch swing plotting her next book while guarding her garden from the local gang of deer. She has a weakness for dogs, bacon cheeseburgers, red wine and Alpha heroes.


Sunday 24 January 2016

Review: Getting Rough by C.L. Parker

The next sizzling novel of C. L. Parker’s Monkey Business Trio—perfect for fans of Bared to You and Beautiful Bastard.

Hotshot San Diego sports agent Shaw Matthews and his sexy professional adversary Cassidy Whalen have gone head-to-head in the boardroom—and the bedroom. Now Shaw has scored a big promotion—but only because Cassidy turned it down and ran off. There are many things he wants when it comes to Cassidy—just not her pity. So Shaw rushes to a small town in Maine to retrieve his dignity—and maybe the woman he’s hungry to claim once more.

Cassidy has pushed herself to the max to realize her career dreams—until a family crisis brings her home. But Shaw isn’t letting Cassidy go that easily. Neither is gorgeous heartthrob Casey Michaels, the childhood sweetheart she left behind—and who now wants to win her back. As the rivalry between the two alpha males intensifies, and Shaw’s seductive moves reach a whole new level of heat, Cassidy has to make a choice. And this time, it’s for the highest stakes of all.

Getting Rough is intended for mature audiences.


Kindle Edition, 368 pages
Expected publication: January 26th 2016 by Bantam 
Series: Monkey Business Trio #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

This book begins right where Playing Dirty left off. Although it is possible to read this instalment as a stand alone I wouldn't recommend it. Playing Dirty really set up the type of relationship that Cassidy and Shaw had which explained so much of why they acted and behaved the way they did in Getting Rough.

I'll start off by saying that I think I liked this book better than the first. The first instalment was hot and sexy and definitely had the erotic angle covered where this instalment dug a little deeper to deal with feelings and emotions. The characters got more real and we saw the softer side of both Cassidy and Shaw. Although Cassidy got on my nerves a few times I found myself liking them both a little better than I did in Playing Dirty. The sexual chemistry was still through the roof but there was more of a contemporary story to go with it. 

The story was told from both Cassidy and Shaw's point of view, which I loved, and made for more than a few laugh out loud moments. It also made for a quick and easy read as it alternated between views and the chapters were short. Towards the end there were also a couple different point of views but I'm not sure that I liked it that much. It seemed strange to all of a sudden hear from some of the other characters. It didn't impact my enjoyment, I just thought it was a little odd.

With a beautifully described setting, some romance and a whole lot of sexy, this book has a little something that a wide range of readers will be sure to enjoy. I look forward to the next instalment and if the little teaser at the end is any indication, it'll be a doozy!


About the Author
C. L. Parker is a romance author who writes stories that sizzle. She’s a small-town girl with big-city dreams and enough tenacity to see them come to fruition. Having been the outgoing sort for all her life—which translates to “she just wouldn’t shut the hell up”—it’s no wonder Parker eventually turned to writing as a way to let her voice, and those of the people living inside her head, be heard. She loves hard, laughs until it hurts, and lives like there’s no tomorrow. In her world, everything truly does happen for a reason.  

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Thursday 21 January 2016

Review: Now and Then by Mira Lyn Kelly

Brynn Ahearn is gorgeous, fun, and not just a sports nut but an NBA camera woman whose work takes her all over the country. In other words, she’s a walking male fantasy—or at least, she would be if she weren’t so busy keeping the guys at bay. The fact is, with Brynn’s con-man father fresh out of jail and back in her life, dating is just too risky. Haunted by memories of her past, she couldn’t ask any man to gamble with his life for love—even one as addictive as Ford Meyers.

Ford can’t believe his luck when he walks into a bar in Chicago’s Wicker Park and gets an eyeful of Brynn, the one that got away. After the gorgeous redhead blew him off in college, Ford got on with his life and made his fortune as a bestselling game designer, but he’s never found a woman who compared to Brynn. No stranger to success, Ford is used to getting what he wants—and after a scorching stolen kiss, what he wants is a second shot with his first love. To get it, he just has to convince her that he’s man enough to take on the past she can’t leave behind.


Kindle Edition, 183 pages
Published January 19th 2016 by Loveswept 
Series: Dare to Love #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Now and Then is the third instalment in the Dare to Love Series but can be read as a stand alone. I previously read Touch and Go, the second instalment and really enjoyed it so I was anxious to dig into this one.

Brynn and Ford met in college and fell for each other instantly. They shared a connection that was way beyond their nineteen years and for a short time even dreamt of a future together. Things changed when Brynn went home for a visit and discovered that her no good scheming father had found a way to her college funds and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. She knew that it would only be a matter of time before he dug his claws into Ford and his family if he found out that she cared about him. To save him from the inevitable troubles that her father would cause she did the unthinkable and lied to him. She told him that there was someone else and that she was changing schools.

Flash forward ten years and this is where the story begins when they accidentally bump into each other at a pub. The emotional and physical connection is just as strong as ever but Brynn's father is still as big a problem as ever.

So what did I think?

I found this book as emotional and engaging as the last one and can honestly say that I love this series. The chemistry between Brynn and Ford was dripping off the pages and I enjoyed every sweet, painful, sexy and complicated part of it. Ford was super sexy in every way possible. Not only did he deliver in the bedroom but he was an all around good and decent guy that (in my imagination) was easy on the eyes!

Now and Then gave me everything that I like in a great second chance romance and left the hopeless romantic in me completely satisfied. I truly hope that there will be more instalments in this series because I am not ready to give it up yet.




 
About the Author
USA TODAY bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four beautiful children and naughty dog provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running to keep up with the family, she loves watching movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Release Blast & Giveaway: A Duchess in Name by Amanda Weaver


Enter to Win a 
$30.00 Amazon eGift Card


A DUCHESS IN NAME
The Grantham Girls #1
Amanda Weaver
Releasing on January 18, 2016.
Carina Press


Victoria Carson never expected love. An American heiress and graduate of Lady Grantham's finishing school, she's been groomed since birth to marry an English title—the grander the better. So when the man chosen for her, the forbidding Earl of Dunnley, seems to hate her on sight, she understands that it can't matter. Love can have no place in this arrangement.

Andrew Hargrave has little use for his title and even less for his cold, disinterested parents. Determined to make his own way, he's devoted to his life in Italy working as an archaeologist. Until the collapse of his family's fortune drags him back to England to a marriage he never wanted and a woman he doesn't care to know.

Wild attraction is an unwanted complication for them both, though it forms the most fragile of bonds. Their marriage of convenience isn't so intolerable after all—but it may not be enough when the deception that bound them is finally revealed.

Excerpt

She cleared her throat and leaned forward to set her untouched sherry on the table, but his hand shot out to close around her wrist. Her breath stalled as he slid his fingers down to cover hers, gently plucking the glass from her hand. He set it down for her, and his own as well, but he didn’t lean back. The scent of his bay rum tickled her nose, and she was close enough to see the faint dark stubble beginning to form on his jaw. Surely, this close to her, he could hear her heart pounding.
 
His hand found her wrist again and he traced his way up to her elbow, curling his fingers around her upper arm. She burned everywhere he touched. She should get up and  leave. His intentions were clear and the longer she sat here, the more awkward it would become. The moment for decision was past as he slid his hand back into her hair, holding her head gently between his palms. She wanted to push him away and flee, but she couldn’t seem to make herself move, not when he was so close, staring into her eyes this way.
 
“Victoria, we’ve had a bad start, you and I.” His thumb caressed her cheekbone and slowly, inexorably, he drew her face closer to his. “I’m not returning to Italy this summer. I’m staying here. And I’d like us to start again. As a real husband and wife.”
 
She was stunned into silence, absorbing his words. Staying. Invading. This was her place and he was forcing his way into it, asking her for the impossible.
 
The implications of it were still reverberating in her heart when he caught her off guard and kissed her. The shock of it all made her slow to respond, and she didn’t push him away when she should have. She held still long enough to notice how different this was from the other kisses they shared. He wasn’t drunk, there was no anger. This wasn’t a kiss to punish, this was a kiss to seduce—
 
And that was when she finally found the wherewithal to move.
 
“No, please don’t.”

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Amanda Weaver has loved romance since she read that very first Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel at fifteen. After a long detour into a career as a costume designer in theatre, she’s found her way back to romance, this time as a writer.

A native Floridian, Amanda transplanted to New York City many years ago and now considers Brooklyn home, along with her husband, daughter, two cats, and nowhere near enough space.