Monthly Archives: October 2017

Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

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Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

 

Twice as WickedAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Miss Alice Bursnell is determined to wreak revenge on Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon, for the seduction, ruin, and death of her beloved twin sister. But how to expose a seducer without falling prey herself? As she gets closer to Nathaniel, she finds she is in serious danger of following in her sister’s much-too-tempted footsteps. The man is nothing like the heartless rake she expected…and his kisses are truly divine. Could she be wrong about him? 

When a mysterious and gorgeous woman confronts Nathaniel at a fancy ball, he suspects she has murder on her mind—his own. But the more he tries to determine who the deceptively innocent beauty is—and what she’s up to—the deeper he falls under her alluring spell. Nathaniel fears he’s in imminent danger of losing his life…or worse, his heart.

 

 

Review:

Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright is a steamy romance that is mixed in with some mystery.  

Alice needs someone to blame for the death of her sister, So Alice goes on a hunt for revenge and her search leads her to Nathaniel, as far as Alice can tell, it’s totally Nathaniel’s fault that her twin sister died.  So she decides to face him and make him pay for what he did. 

Nathaniel is not your typical hero or rogue turning over a new leaf, he is shy and awkward, not at all like Alice thinks he should be. He seems kind, shy and very self conscious, and does not always appear comfortable in his position as Viscount. 

Nathaniel has been finding himself in life threatening situations whenever Alice seems to always be around, causing him to grow suspicious of her. But he’s totally enamoured with the mystery lady. 

As the story develops, we see that things are not what they seem. As few twists and turns kept me turning the pages in an otherwise predictable story. Even when Alice learns the truth about Nathaniel’s twin brother. She still wants revenge. 

Nathaniel wants to stop her, which as you can imagine creates conflict between the two, and the added fact of their attraction and fondness for the other.  Confuses him no end. 

As Nathaniel falls in love with Alice, he is frustrated she cannot get past her revenge. And he still needs to resolve issues with his brother. 

Alice realizes she is falling in love with Nathaniel, but she needs to make a choice between avenging her sister or the man she loves.  Twice as Wicked was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to what’s next in this series.

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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In Pieces (Something More #2) by Danielle Pearl-Review, Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway Tour

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In Pieces (Something More #2) by Danielle Pearl-Review, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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IN PIECES
Something More #2
by Danielle Pearl
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

In Pieces

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google Play /  BAM/  Indiebound /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 10,2 017

Three years ago she was left in pieces . . . Most college freshmen love the newfound freedom of living on campus, but none of them craves it like Beth Caplan. One ill-fated night when she was fifteen left her locked in a posh prison of private tutors. It’s for the best, everyone said, and maybe it was. But after years of hard work and healing, the one person who never thought of her as broken could be the one to break her all over again. And Beth can’t seem to stay away now any more than she could all those years ago. As soon as David March learned his best friend’s little sister was enrolling at his school, he promised to look after her, and promised himself he’d keep a safe distance. But the sweet little girl he’d grown up with has transformed into a gorgeous young woman, and she’s attracting attention from people she shouldn’t-like the ex who nearly destroyed her and a strange new student with a disturbing habit of showing up wherever Beth goes. But for David, the most troubling discovery is realizing that he doesn’t just want Beth to be safe. He wants her to be his.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: There are many types of love. There is regular mutual love, unrequited love, young love, and the ever popular forbidden love. The “fun” of loving someone you shouldn’t love because of whatever circumstance the romance will complicate. The forbidden/taboo love was definitely the case for David and Beth. Beth is the little sister of David’s long time best pal, Sammy; therefore making Beth off limits to David. Despite Beth being off limits, the attraction David has for her is very much there. In Pieces is a fun story about two people who are very attracted to each other tip toe around each other while fighting the constant attraction to each other.

I really enjoyed Beth and David as a couple. While the instant fireworks or love at first sight romances are great reads, the romances that grow slowly over time can be quite endearing to read. Another thing I really enjoyed was reading the flashbacks from their pasts whether it was Beth having a bad day in Jewish school and David cheering her up to their families going on vacation together and David sneaking Beth into a club she wanted to go to. They have history and good memories together before they got together. Throughout the book, the attraction and sexual tension was very tangible. With Sammy between them, both of them leashed their feelings for each other too long that it took a drunken night for both of them to admit their feelings and acting on those feelings. Despite the drunkenness, their first love scene was explosive considering all the pent up sexual tension. Physical love aside, they did complement each other nicely. While both of them had their demons to deal with, reading about them helping each other through it was some deep stuff.

While the book was mainly about the romance, there are great elements within the book. Yes the beginning was slow to start but there is good pay off in the end. Loose ends are tied and there is closure. There is also a twist in the end that surprises you that someone was not a bad guy after all. While David feels like a mystery throughout the beginning to middle of the book, it’s refreshing to get to know David that even though he comes off as the laid back, party frat boy; he has so much more going on for him than meets the eye. The character development in Beth is outstanding. She is able to dig into herself to have a backbone, courage and will to prove to everyone she is not broken and weak to face huge issues.

I heavily enjoyed the book and I look forward to read more on the series to get to know the other characters as I enjoyed them just as much as well.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Xtina.

InPieces-Quote-Graphic-02

Interview blue

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Danielle: My name is Danielle Pearl, and I was actually named after Danielle Steel (quite the coincidence, huh?). I grew up in New York, and have been writing ever since I could hold a pencil. I write new adult fiction and I’m known for writing angsty, sexy stories with deep messages. It’s been said that I thrive on the heartache of my characters and the tears of my readers… muahahaha!!

*Psst… You can learn more about me and my books at daniellepearl.com 🙂

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Danielle: Honestly, every book I’ve ever read has influenced my writing/career in one way or another, but I have to give credit here to my all-time fav, Colleen Hoover. Hopeless is one of the books that helped inspire to me write the Something More series, and there’s no question she helped forge the platform for indie romance authors everywhere. #Cohortforlife

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Danielle: Writing always has tons of ups and downs. In today’s market, authors have to put as much if not more effort into marketing ourselves and our books as we do writing them. I love engaging with readers, but I loathe hawking myself to readers like something of a pimp, so it can be a bit of a struggle. Fortunately I’ve gotten to know some incredible readers that make this whole journey more than worth it. If you want to join my private reader group on Facebook, you can do it here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PearlGirlsReaderGroup/

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of IN PIECES and the SOMETHING MORE series? How many books do you have planned for the series.

Danielle: In Pieces follows Beth Caplan, the younger sister of Sam Caplan (the hero from Normal ReCap, and Okay). She’s had a tough adolescence, having had to overcome issues no teenage girl should have to, but as In Pieces opens, she’s more than ready to begin her adult life at college. The only problem is she’s on campus with Sam’s oldest friend, David March, and he’s acting more like a bodyguard than a friend. Beth has crushed on David for as long as she could remember, and as old demons rear their ugly heads and an unexpected danger arises, Beth and David end up too close for comfort. And it. Is. Explosive. I guess you’ll have to read it to find out.

The next book in the Something More series, In Flames, will follow a character we meet in In Pieces, and it will be another intense read, for sure!

TRC:  What was your hardest scene –ever-to write?

Danielle: The hardest scene I’ve ever written was when I killed off one of my favorite, beloved characters. I don’t want to give anything away, but this character wasn’t initially intended to die…until the story called for it. I’m still in mourning.

excerpt

Beth startles when she notices me, and she stops walking, so I make up the distance still between us. She looks adorable as all hell in those tight jeans and loose racerback tank top. Her bra shows at her sides and I’m equally turned on and annoyed by it. She never did have any kind of self-awareness. At least not when it comes to how goddamned attractive she is. And it bugs me that every guy that’s passed her today has caught a glimpse of that black lace.
I shove my hand through my hair. “Beth,” I sigh.
I wait for her to go off on me again, but she doesn’t. She just kind of looks up at me, her resentment a palpable thing. I can’t stand to see her look at me like that. But what makes my lungs burn is knowing that I deserve her resentment. She has no idea how much. Fuck, I hope to God she never will. Especially not now that she’s come so far—that she’s doing so well. Well enough to tell me off in public, at my own party, anyway.
But not tonight, it seems, and when she still doesn’t say anything at all, I make my attempt. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I thought I was protecting you.”
“I don’t need protection,” she counters.
I nod. “I know. I just thought…Falco being around would give you an excuse to hide away in your dorm, and I wanted you to experience…”
“Experience what, David?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Fucking life, I guess.”
Beth looks down at her shoes. I hate that she won’t even look at me. “Okay, whatever,” she murmurs.
“Whatever?” I repeat incredulously. Here I am, apologizing—something I’m not exactly fucking known for—and all she has to say is whatever?
“Yeah. Whatever. I get it. It just sucks, you know?”
I take a much-needed deep breath. “I know, Bea.”
At last her eyes meet mine, hostility finally gone. I take the opportunity to retrieve my new peace offering from my back pocket. Well, not new. My worn and weathered copy of Hamlet, riddled with years’ worth of my own highlights and notes, its pages filled with more of my own words than those of the author himself. I hope it will help in her Shakespeare class. If nothing else, it will give her an invasive insight into who I am and how I think, just like all the other books I’ve given her over the years, and I wonder if she realizes just how personal it is.
She takes it, her thin brows pinched together in confused awe. “This is your copy,” she breathes.
Suddenly I feel too vulnerable, uncomfortably exposed. “Thought it could help in your class,” I half-lie. Because it’s more than that, and I suspect she knows it.
Her pretty pink lips twist into a small smile, her cheeks going even rounder than usual, and it hits me right in the chest. Not for the first time I tell myself the affection I feel for her is strictly familial. More lies.
“Thanks.”
I smile. “You eat dinner yet?”
She shrugs. “I was gonna heat a cup of noodles and study.”
Cup of fucking noodles? “Fuck that. Come to the Stu-U. Let’s get some real food.”
Beth rolls her eyes. “Fine. But just some quick food, okay? I really need to study.”
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Bea,” I smirk at her, and she sets free a short giggle. There it is.
I take her girly-ass backpack and slip it over my shoulder, giving her no choice but to follow me. But as soon as I turn around, my eyes catch on that same guy, just as he’s averting his gaze. Only this time he wasn’t looking at me. He was looking at Beth; I’m sure of it. Rage rushes through my veins, and I grit my teeth. I don’t know who the fuck this guy is, but there’s something off about him, and there’s absolutely nothing good about Beth drawing his attention.
My jaw clenches. I slip my arm protectively around her shoulders, despite just having been scolded for being overprotective. “Beth, in two seconds, I want you to subtly glance to your left, between buildings B and C, okay?”
Her brows pinch together again. She looks so damned cute when she does that. She doesn’t wait the two seconds, and her “subtle glance” is more of a full-on stare. “Glance,” I whisper-growl. I wait until she’s facing forward again, and then start leading her from the quad. “Did you see that guy?” I ask her.
She nods hesitantly.
“Do you know him?”
“Yeah. I mean, no. He’s in my Abnormal Psych class. And I saw him last night.”
“Saw him doing what?”
“The same thing. Standing around smoking cigarettes like a fucking creep.”
“I think he was looking at you,” I admit.
“And that.”
So this isn’t the first time that guy’s been staring at Beth. Unease swirls in my gut. “Stay away from him,” I warn her.
“Do you know him?” she asks uncertainly.
“No. But I don’t like the way he was looking at you.”
Of course, I’ve never liked the way any guys have looked at her.

 

 

 

About the Author

Danielle Pearl CREDIT Lidia AnichDanielle Pearl is the bestselling author of the Something More series. She lives in New Jersey with her three delicious children and ever-supportive husband, who—luckily—doesn’t mind sharing her with an array of fictional men. She did a brief stint at Boston University and worked in marketing before publishing her debut novel, Normal. She writes mature Young Adult and New Adult contemporary romance. Danielle enjoys coffee, wine, and cupcakes, and not in moderation

 

Website: http://bit.ly/2dx0B8a
Facebook: Facebook.com/daniellepearlauthor
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2cGnVnu
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GRdpearlauthor

Add In Pieces to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GRdpearl
Follow Danielle Pearl on BookBub: http://bit.ly/2uKBPZV
Follow Danielle Pearl on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2utykM4

 

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The Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster – Review Tour & Giveway

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The Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster – Review  Tour & Giveaway

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THE THRILL OF LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor
by Melissa Foster
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 4, 2017

The Thrill of Love Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / iBooks / GPlay

Description:
The Bradens are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction.

Fall in love with Ty Braden, a world-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer. He’s about to take on his toughest assignment yet–winning the heart of the one that got away.

Do you believe in fate?

World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his—and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all

•••••••••••••••

Review:

The Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster is the 6th book in her The Bradens of Peaceful Harbor, MD.  Melissa Foster always gives us sweet sexy romances, and The Thrill of Love is no different; however there is a twist that takes over the storyline a bit past the half way point that is totally different. 

Ty Braden, a known womanizer and famous mountain climber met his match, in our heroine, Aiyla Bell, a fellow climber and photographer.  They spent 4 days together, when they were both in Saint-Luc and Ty still thinks constantly about the girl who got away.  Months later, in another tournament, to his pleasant surprise, Aiyla is also in the same event in the Colorado Mountains.  This time Ty is determined to not let Aiyla out of his site.  Of course, Aiyla has also not forgotten the gorgeous sexy Ty, but she felt he was not the type to settle down into anything serious.  In a very short time, she will learn that she is wrong and Ty is determined to win her over.  The first half of the book was a fun filled sexy romp between Ty and Aiyla, as well as spending time with his friends, and especially the wonderful Braden family.   Aiyla finds herself totally fitting in with the Bradens and it was a fun time with them all.

Aiyla is bent on winning her events, even if her leg is hurting from overuse.  After a bit, I began to suspect that this will become something more, and at this point the story changes to become more serious, with some heart wrenching moments.  Rather than tell too much more, what follows is an amazing story that brings everyone in Ty’s family, Aiyla’s sister and their friends to help support them. I absolutely loved the Braden family; how they all rallied behind Ty and Aiyla, and totally fell in love with Ty.  He was a fun sexy hero to start, but as time went on, he was awesome and supportive to Aiyla in her need. Aiyla was also a fantastic heroine, and an amazingly strong independent woman, who was strong enough to fight her fears and make mind boggling decisions.

Melissa Foster once again gives us a sensational couple, whom we rooted hard for; but added an element to this romance that gave us some dark moments.  The Thrill of Love was a wonderful story, great couple and terrific secondary characters.   I suggest you find time to read this book, which reads very well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Thrill of Love Teaser

 

About The author

Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Game On (Hometown Players #6) by Victoria Denault-a review

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Game On (Hometown Players #6) by Victoria Denault-a review

Game On

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

About the book: Release Date October 10, 2017

When it comes to scoring in the pro hockey league, Alex Larue is crushing it-with the hot puck bunnies. He’s the life of the party, the guy with all the jokes . . . and the one whose Party Guy mask keeps the real him well hidden. The last thing he needs is anyone finding out about his troubled past, or the nightmares that haunt him still.

Brie Bennett is less than impressed by Alex from the moment she meets him. And even though he insists on volunteering at the charity she runs, she doesn’t trust him. He’s hiding something…but so is she. She’s not just the rich, privileged New York princess he thinks she is. The animosity between them is undeniably addictive and as their worlds keep colliding it becomes supercharged with something else – attraction. But if they stop playing games and let each other in, they both might lose.

••••

Review:
Game On begins with Alex Larue on a new team, in a new city. His new team picked an old friend and fellow Frenchman, Luc, to be his “buddy” to show him around and also to show him the ropes as far as his new team goes. After Alex is shot down in hilarious fashion at Starbucks, they head to the arena for practice. Once practice is over, he finds out that his coach isn’t really game (pardon the pun) on having him on his team. He knows he’ll have to work harder than ever…… The one constant that keeps him sane is his work with children who’ve not had an ideal childhood. After all, why would he not try and stop kids from going through things that still, all these years later, give him nightmares.

Brie Bennett is bound and determined to keep the charity she founded afloat without asking her parents for help. She knows they’re in a bit of a jam financially, but vows to make ends meet one way or another. Enter Alex Larue, mega hockey star, and the guy that she shot down at Starbucks, wanting to volunteer for none other than her charity. What are the odds? She finally backs down and lets him volunteer when her best friend hammers it home that he can bring in a lot of money for them. Even though she doesn’t trust his motives, she does trust in the fact that big names draw big money.

Once Alex and Brie agree to be a team, and Brie lowers her guard, they come together to get a kid off of the streets. Not only does that help the kid, it helps Alex and Brie see that maybe they need to give their growing mutual attraction a chance. When obstacles hinder their progress, both professionally and personally, they both face them head on…….kind of.

Game On is a great story. Brie shatters that “pampered princess” persona so many of her ilk are known for. She’s ferocious when it comes to those she considers hers in the home that she runs for the homeless. She’s a great daughter to her parents and she’s a great friend. She is also very protective of her past. Alex is not your typical mega sports star. Yes, his reputation precedes him, but it is also a mask that hides a horrendous childhood that he is bound and determined to keep hidden. When he rises to the occasion and faces his past and puts it out there for all to see? Amazing. But, let me tell you….when you see how his and Brie’s lives were intertwined? Get a tissue. Game On is ultimately a story about facing your past in order to leave it there…in the past. It is also a story that shows that more times than not, karma can actually be your friend. I’ve not read any of Denault’s books in this series before this one, but I will rectify that as soon as I can. I didn’t see a problem with this being read as a standalone. I look forward to the next installment. Well done, Victoria Denault! Very well done.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

About The Author

Follow: website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Victoria DenaultVictoria’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and is  represented by Kimberly Brower.  Her debut novel, One More Shot, was released June 2, 2015. Making a Play and The Final More released later the same year and two years later, the now six book series, concludes with Game On, releasing October 10, 2017.

Victoria’s first trade paperback series, The San Francisco Thunder, debuted May 2017 starting with Score and the follow-up Slammed will release December 5, 2017.

If Nicholas Sparks and Christina Lauren had a love child, it would be Victoria Denault. Her characters are mostly from simple beginnings with big hearts, bigger passions, bold personalities and authentic obstacles on their winding path to true love. Their journeys are never easy, but they’re always worth it.

Victoria’s love of writing and books began at 12 when she picked up her first Sweet Valley High and grew from there as she devoured everything from Christopher Pike to SE Hinton to Mary Higgins Clark and more. Her favorite childhood gift remains the 1930s typewriter her parents found at a garage sale.

Victoria has a BA in English, a graduate diploma in Journalism and has taken both creative and screenwriting courses at UCLA Extension. She’s worked as a professional cheerleader, reporter, editor, stand-up comic, actor and in marketing and advertising before becoming a full-time author. She was born in Quebec, Canada where hockey is a religion and has been a fan of the sport since childhood. She’s written editorial and humor pieces on the National Hockey League for CanucksHockeyBlog.com, and has had her articles picked up by Yahoo Sports and the Vancouver Canucks.

Victoria has lived in many major cities across North America, spent her childhood summers in Maine and adult summers in Spain. She’s now happily settled in Los Angeles with her husband and their two chubby Chihuahuas, Gus and Belle.

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It’s Gotta Be You by LuAnn McLane – a Review

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It’s Gotta Be You by LuAnn McLane – a Review

 

It's Gotta Be You

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Meet the Heart Brothers: formerly the members of the cult-phenomenon boy band Heartbeat, now they’re all grown up and back together for one last reunion tour. Trends may come and go, but a group of sexy brothers with a penchant for song and dance never goes out of style…

After the success of the Heartbeat reunion, Oliver Heart wants a shot at a solo singing career. But you don’t get famous without publicity so he decides to agree to fake a romance with former pop sensation Belinda Beal, who is desperate to revive her career or face financial ruin. Oliver and Belinda are already experts at playing this silly game with the paparazzi back in their glory days and definitely hate the public displays of fake affection. But it isn’t long before pretend romance begins to lead to more in this rollicking romance featuring LuAnn McLane’s “lovely, sweetly sexy, terrifically enjoyable”

 

 

Review:

It’s Gotta Be You by LuAnn McLane is the 2nd book in her Heartthrob series.  I loved the first book, All I Ever Wanted, in this series.   I am happy to say that It’s Gotta Be You was equally as good.  This series revolves around the brothers of a former boy band ‘Heartbeat”, who in the last book made a comeback with a special reunion show, which had a successful release of a new song.  The proceeds went to the Lupus foundation that they had created for their deceased mom.  The brothers have not really decided if they want to restart the band, despite the successful reunion.

In It’s Gotta Be You, Oliver Heart, our hero, is considering a solo career, and he has his brothers blessing.  However, Oliver’s agents are pushing him to get some needed publicity by doing a fake romance with Belinda Beal, our heroine.  Belinda and Oliver had a fake romance as teenagers, when both careers were at the top.  Belinda had quit, but now she needs money to help her family, and wants to restart her career, so she is gung ho to do this.

Belinda shows up unexpected (an eye opener) at Oliver’s house, and even though he isn’t sure he wants to do this, it doesn’t take long for his old hidden feelings to rise and he changes his mind.   Belinda all grown up is beautiful and sexy, and though she hides her nerves, she entices Oliver. 

In a short time, we learn that the fake romance from years before hid both of their true feelings, with each not admitting that they had fallen for each other.   With attractions at a high, they both agree to move on with the fake romance (which is not really fake), and make sure people (media) see them together.   Their romance becomes scorching hot, with so much chemistry we figure it’s a no brainer that they will find a way to make this real.  Oliver already knows he is in love with Belinda, but when her family gives her a surprise, she decides she needs to go home to help her family, even though she loves him too.  Will Oliver leave all he has behind and follow Belinda?   Will Belinda be able to get over her love of Oliver?  You will have to read this book to find out.

It’s Gotta Be You was a sweet sexy romance, with a great couple, wonderful secondary characters, music theme, and pure fun throughout the story. LuAnn McLane once again gives us another sweet romance, and I for one cannot wait to see who will be the hero in the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Meeting His Match by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Meeting His Match by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Meeting His MatchAmazon / B&N

Description:
Malcolm “Mac” Sterling has one goal: take over the family matchmaking business. His final obstacle? Host his family’s new dating show and prove he can help each contestant find true love. One catch. Mac’s meddling mother has approved a co-host, a so-called expert who seems impervious to his charms. Now he could lose everything, because if his co-host proves she’s the better matchmaker, he can say goodbye to his legacy.

Natalie “Gem” Hale never intended for her alter ego as an online dating expert to get her the opportunity of a lifetime—or for that opportunity to come with a co-host who’s as infuriating as he is tempting. But she didn’t get this far by backing down from a challenge. All she has to do is keep her secret identity a secret.

Except as sparks fly and the competition heats up, Mac realizes his co-host is hiding something. He’s just got to figure out what.

 

 

Review:

Meeting his Match by Shannyn Schroeder is a sweet fun romance that is a stand alone novel.

We meet our hero, Mac Sterling, as he is complaining to his mother, Gail and his best friend Paul.  Mac is not happy that he has to compete in a new television dating show.  Seems his mother has arranged for an internet sensation to be the co-host, with winner take all.  Mac needs to prove to his mother that he can help each contestant find a true love match.  Mac’s family owns a successful matchmaking business, which Mac feels he is ready to take over the business, since his mother is hinting at retirement.  But now he has to compete, and win against someone who has no matchmaking experience.

Natalie Hale, our heroine, uses her alter-ego name of Gem, when she posts video’s of her dating experiences, and gives advice.  Natalie is an out of work, librarian, and needs the money to hold her over until she gets another job.  Natalie is the conservative studious librarian, and Gem, is the one who has all the fun, and is totally liberated. It is Gem, who applies and gets the job as the co-host. 

When they first meet, Mac and Natalie do not really get along, and act the part of competitors, especially when disagreeing on how their chosen candidates should act.  The producers are thrilled to get scenes of them arguing, and want more of the same.  Slowly, both begin to feel an attraction to each other, which they desperately try to avoid.   Mac is also hell bent on finding out who Gem really is, as he knows it is only the internet persona. 

What follows is a fun romance, as we get to see the ladies that each of them will train, and help them with matchmaking skills.  This will bring them together, and in time, they will both tell each other about their lives; Mac fighting to win control of the company and Natalie expressing her true side, the quiet and smart young lady, whom Mac is really falling in love with.  Both Mac and Natalie were great and had wonderful chemistry together.  I loved watching how they worked with the three girls.  A lot of fun.

Meeting His Match was a fun, quick, sweet story, a wonderful sexy couple, with a matchmaking tv show background.  I really enjoyed this book, which is no surprise, as I have come to expect that from Shannyn Schroeder.  If you enjoy light hearted, sexy romances, I suggest you read Meeting His Match.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Dirty Little Promise (Forbidden Desires #2) by Kendall Ryan-Review & Book Tour

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DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE (Forbidden Desires #2) by Kendall Ryan-Review and Book Tour

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DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE
(Forbidden Desires #2)
by Kendall Ryan
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romance
Release Date: October 9, 2017

Dirty Little Promise

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2017

The secret I’d discovered about sexy billionaire Gavin Kingsley was so big, so haunting wasn’t something I could overcome. I had a decision to make—hear him out and see where things went, or turn to his brother Cooper, who I was fairly certain was in love with me. But something dark inside of Gavin called to something dark inside of me. And I wasn’t willing to just walk away—not yet anyway.

This is the conclusion to Emma Bell’s epic love affair with the alpha and enigmatic Kingsley brothers. Secrets will be exposed, sides will be chosen, and nothing will ever be the same.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE is the second installment in Kendall Ryan’s contemporary, adult FORBIDDEN DESIRES erotic, romance series. This is the continuing story of successful businessmen Gavin Kingsley, his brother Cooper, and thirty year old librarian Emma Bell’s story line. DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book one DIRTY LITTLE SECRET.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gavin and Emma) DIRTY LITTLE PROMISE is the continuing story of billionaire businessman Gavin Kingsley, and librarian Emma Bell. At the end of book one DIRTY LITTLE SECRET Cooper Kingsley inadvertently revealed his brother’s secret-a secret about his past that our heroine struggled to understand and accept. Both Cooper and his brother Gavin are attracted to Emma; and Emma is attracted to the brothers in return but Emma’s gravitation towards Gavin is stronger; their chemistry hotter; their need for one another almost a co-dependent relationship. But someone has targeted our story line heroine; threats that have become personal and physical. The brothers’ relationship begins to deteriorate as Emma and Gavin’s bond continues to strengthen over time. Gavin’s past is revealed; a stalker threatens our heroine’s life; and Cooper’s acceptance of Emma’s love for Gavin is fraught with heartbreaking sorrow and remorse.

Throughout the story the threats against Emma intensify; the danger is aggressive and ugly but the identity of the perpetrator is unknown although I easily deduced the guilt party from the outset. I struggled with the quick resolution to the discovery and reveal of said ‘guilty party’, as well as the lack of details surrounding the consequences, and the characters’ acceptance of the who, how and why.

We are re-introduced to Gavin’s brothers-Cooper and Quinn- two brothers who, along with Gavin, own and operate a successful business that caters to the rich and famous; Gavin’s PA Alyssa; hiring office manager Sonja, as well as Emma’s parents Mr. &Mrs. Bell, and Bethany, Emma’s co-worker and friend.

Once again, I struggled with the perceived lack of the palpable sexual energy between Emma and Gavin. Their attraction to one another seemed perfunctory, forced and almost apathetic. Gavin’s brother Cooper showed more emotion; his attraction to Emma was raw and heartbreaking. I am looking forward to Cooper’s story line, and his happily ever after in book three TORRID LITTLE AFFAIR (December 2017)

There are moments of drama and suspense; betrayal and revenge; forgiveness and love. Choices will be made that will affect the future. The premise is engaging; the characters are flawed; the romance is passionate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Dirty LIttle Promise Teaser

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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Can’t Walk Away (Nashville Dreams #1) by Sandy James-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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CAN’T WALK AWAY (Nashville Dreams #) by Sandy James-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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CAN’T WALK AWAY
Nashville Dreams #1
by Sandy James
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 10, 2017

Can't Walk Away

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 10, 2017

In Nashville the stars shine a little brighter, songs sound a little sweeter, and love lasts a lifetime.

Young, rich, and better looking than a man has a right to be, successful songwriter Brad “Hitman” Maxwell was once Nashville’s biggest celebrity. Then a heartbreaking loss and a shocking betrayal caused his light to go out. Now, instead of pouring his soul into song, he pours beers at Words & Music. His bar is the perfect escape–a place to forget his past–until the night she takes the stage…

Savannah Wolf used to dream of becoming Nashville’s hottest star. Now, as a young single mom, she dreams of a steady income and being home to tuck her daughter into bed. So when Brad Maxwell offers her the gig of a lifetime–playing as the headliner at Words & Music–Savannah discovers the best of both worlds. And she refuses to ruin this opportunity by falling for her sexy boss. Except that Brad suddenly starts writing music again… music inspired by her

••••••••••

REVIEW: CAN’T WALK AWAY is the first installment in Sandy James’ contemporary, adult NASHVILLE DREAMS romance series focusing on three friends who own and operate Words and Music-a bar in Nashville, Tennessee: Brad Maxwell, Ethan Walker and Russell Green. This is songwriter Brad ‘Hitman’ Maxwell, and waitress/singer Savannah Wolf’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brad and Savannah) CAN’T WALK AWAY focuses on the building relationship between Brad Maxwell and Savannah Wolf. Savannah is a twenty-six year old single mother; a singer whose earlier musical career was jettisoned by her former manager, boyfriend, the father of her five year old daughter Caroline, and the man who has destroyed our heroine’s trust with other men Michael Hart. Brad Maxwell, is a struggling song writer, a once popular and chart topping writer who lost his muse when the woman he once loved and lost betrayed his trust and the bonds of their marriage. Hearing Savannah Wolf sing was like a beacon to Brad Maxwell- the call of a long, lost urge to pick up a pen and begin writing anew. What ensues is the quick building love between Brad and Savannah, and the potential fall out when issues of trust make for too many hurdles between our story line couple.

Brad Maxwell’s attraction to Savannah is one of insta-lust/love. He is determined to make Savannah a star but our heroine wants only to earn enough money to buy a house and pay the bills. As Savannah’s star begins to rise, her mounting fame and the paparazzi begin to build walls between our leading couple.

The relationship between Savannah and Brad begins as a business arrangement. Brad makes Savannah the headliner at Words and Music but our heroine struggles with the notoriety as her popularity begins to soar. Brad and Savannah both have issues of trust, and in this, the little secrets and bumps in the road are blown out of proportion throughout the story; they both continue to compare one another to their previous relationship disasters. I struggled with their exaggerated reactions to the ‘small things’, as well as a perceived lack of chemistry between our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Brad’s friends and business partners- musician Ethan Walker, and Russell Green; Savannah’s over-protective parents Paul and Mary Wolf, and Savannah’s daughter Caroline, as well as Words and Music stage manager Randy. The requisite evil comes in the guise of Savannah’s ex-manager and boyfriend Michael Hart. I am looking forward to Ethan and Russell’s story line.

CAN’T WALK AWAY is a story of second chances, of sorts, for two people who loved and lost, and suffered the humiliation of betrayal in return. The premise is engaging and enjoyable; the romance is seductive; the characters struggled with issues of trust. CAN’T WALK AWAY is a charming and pleasant story line.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

By the fifth take, Brad was losing his patience.
Had he been wrong in thinking Savannah was something special, something new? He sure as hell didn’t think so.
Then why couldn’t he get her to sing with the passion she’d shown back at Words & Music?
Maybe it was the song. “That Smile” was his first attempt at writing in a long time. Perhaps it wasn’t up to snuff?
No. When Brad had heard Savannah sing it earlier, he’d known he’d written a strong song with a good melody and a catchy beat.
Something was clearly blocking her talent.
“I’m sorry, Brad.” She dropped the headphones from her ears to let them rest around her neck. Then, head bowed, she started shuffling through the sheet music.
He’d never seen her look defeated before, and he didn’t like it. This wasn’t the Savannah who’d been his muse. This wasn’t the woman who brought back his music.
This was…a disaster.
But why?
He watched her closely, trying to find some telltale clue as to what was going on today that had robbed Savannah of the passion and talent he’d counted on. Her hair was braided, the braid an eclectic mixture of blond and blue. A blush tinted her cheeks, and he could hear her nervousness through the quaver in her voice, especially in the last notes of her fifth recording.
Something was definitely wrong, and he was going to have to find a way to fix it. But he couldn’t do that from another room. Even though he could see her, something told him she needed something more personal. Unsure of whether being closer to her would make a difference, he figured it was worth a shot.
Brad started a new recording so he could capture the song if he was able to help her, pushed himself away from the console, and headed to the recording booth with his remote control in his pocket. He pulled the door open and stepped inside.
Savannah glanced up from the music, offering him a wan smile that made his frustration evaporate. She knew something was wrong, too. Maybe if they put their heads together, they could get back the magic.
After pulling a stool beside hers, he sat. Then he gently took off her headphones, plucked the pages from her hands, and placed them back on the music stand. She let her eyes meet his, and he could see her concern.
“We’re going do things a little differently this time,” Brad said, keeping his voice low.
“We are?”
He nodded and scooted closer. Then he wrapped his hand around one of hers. “You’re not going to think about recording.”
“I’m not?”
“Nope. This time you’re just going to sing to me. That’s all.”
Her whole body relaxed, and Brad had to fight the desire to smile.
“Sing to me, Savannah. Just to me. Okay?”
She nodded, and before she could get a chance to think about what he was doing, he pulled a remote from his pocket and began the music playback so that it echoed through the room.
The notes of the intro flowed around them, and he kept her grounded by not allowing her to glance away. When she opened her mouth to sing, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and offered her an encouraging smile.
And sing she did. Each delightful note came from deep inside her, and he found himself caught in some kind of spell, the same type she’d woven around him back at Words & Music. He hung on each rise and fall of that delicious voice until the last note echoed through the booth.
The song might have ended, but not the magic. Brad found himself leaning closer, his eyes fixed on her soft, pink mouth. Desire ripped through him as she mimicked his action, drawing ever so slowly closer until he could feel the sweet heat of her breath against his face.
With a groan of surrender, he captured her mouth with his own, giving her no warning as his tongue swept deep inside.
Savannah nearly knocked over her stool when she rose to thread her arms around his neck. She was such a little bit of a thing that he could stay seated and draw her between his outstretched legs without interrupting the kiss. As she moved closer, Brad wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her hard against him.
The kiss turned ravenous, and he realized that he was done fighting this attraction.


 

Sandy James lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis and is a high school psychology
teacher. She owns a small stable of harness racehorses and enjoys spending time at
Hoosier Park racetrack. She has been an Amazon #1 Bestseller multiple times and has
won numerous awards including two HOLT Medallions.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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