Saturday, April 29, 2017

Sex In The Sticks ~ Sawyer Bennett ~ Coming Soon & Review

   

Wake up and feel the wood! In the first of a series of irresistible standalone romances from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett, a city girl rediscovers love and lust in the Alaskan wilderness.

Valentine French may be the sassiest dating columnist in New York City, but the abundance of metrosexuals in her adopted metropolis is seriously cramping her style. Where are the beefy all-American boys? Hoping to find some inspiration, Val heads to Alaska, where the men outnumber the women fifteen to one and wrestle grizzly bears for sport. Or so she can only imagine. Suddenly the most eligible bachelorette in a town full of horny lumberjacks, Val is writing her best columns ever. But if she doesn’t get her nose out of her laptop, she just might miss out on Mr. Right.

Logan Burke is the sheriff of the little podunk town that Val finds so charmingly backward. He’s not that different from the guys she’s using for her little experiment; it’s just that one date would never be enough for Logan. As he listens to Val complain about love over beers in the local tavern, he realizes that she can’t see the forest for the trees. Because if she would ever give up her Prada bags and fourteen-dollar martinis, Logan would give her the only luxury that matters: his heart.

   

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    AuthorPhoto


Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM 
 

Elizabeth's Review


My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review copy provided by publisher via Net Galley


So much fun!
Thankfully I picked this book up on a weekend, because once I really got into it, I couldn't put it down!
Valentine's adventures are funny and even when you can see the writing on the wall for things blowing up in her face, you can't help but root for her. Logan is sweet and sexy and oh so good for our lady from New York!
I loved these two together and the towns people of East Merritt made a fantastic secondary cast.
Ms Bennett lived up to the high standards I expect from her work and added in a dash of humor with a heroine who could laugh at herself and the cop who taught her to love.

View all my reviews

Friday, April 28, 2017

Reads from the TBR Pile.....

Snow-Kissed Love 3 Book Box Set (Snow Kissed Love, #1-3)Snow-Kissed Love 3 Book Box Set by Violet Vaughn


3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

A Box set of three connected stand alone books in sequential order. All 3 books are good and the stories are each a little different. Our casts of characters are pulled from the early to mid 20 somethings that have all relocated to Breckenridge, CO to be ski instructors.
Book 1 is the story of Casey and Jason and their second chance at true love. This had some truly funny moments as Casey tried to move on with a different relationship. It was sweet to see both characters figure out what is really important and to learn that having open conversations can help people grow as a couple.
Book 2 is Lori and Kaleb. Their's is more of a traditional meet cute with a dash of intrigue thrown and bruised ego thrown in.
Gretchen and Derrick's story in Book 3 is probably the one I liked least. It wasn't a bad book, I just had a harder time connecting with the characters and getting invested in their story.
Overall, this is a fun box set to read and it's definitely worth the time.

Amazon - Currently Free!!!!

 Not Yet (Not Yet, #1)Not Yet by Laura Ward

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a friend

This is such a sweet story with a dash of sexy and a tiny smidge of the forbidden.
Emma is a young college grad who has returned home to help her family - putting her dreams on hold - when she meets the slightly younger Landon at the pool where they are both working for the summer.
They were having a typical summer romance and falling in love when life throws them a giant curve ball. I don't want to spoil anything - so no details about what the curveball is, but I will say that how both Emma and Landon handled it made me like and respect them both even more.
There is just enough angst that I appreciated the happy ending and I liked how the author gave us glimpses of Landon and Emma down the road, so that the story felt truly complete. The secondary cast is a lot of fun and they play key roles in the evolution of our characters.
Ms. Ward is a new author for me, but I am definitely curious to see if she has other work available.

Amazon - Kindle Unlimited


 Dirty Dom (Valetti Crime Family #1)Dirty Dom by Willow Winters

My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read

This was interesting, but not a whole lot of meat to the story or a ton of character development. The story was fairly easy to follow, but I felt like there could have been so much more done with it.
If you are looking for a quick read with lots of sexy time, then this would be a good read.

Amazon - Kindle Unlimited

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The Negotiator ~ Avery Flynn ~ New Release and Review

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The Negotiator, an all-new sexy, romantic comedy standalone from Avery Flynn is now LIVE!!!

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The Negotiator by Avery Flynn

Release Date: April 24th, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Wanted: Personal Buffer
Often snarly, workaholic executive seeks “buffer” from annoying outside distractions AKA people. Free spirits with personal boundary issues, excessive quirks, or general squeamishness need not apply. Salary negotiable. Confidentiality required.
Workaholic billionaire Sawyer Carlyle may have joked he needed a buffer from their marriage-obsessed mom, but he didn’t need a waiting room filled with candidates to further distract him. (Thanks, bro.) But when a sexy job applicant shooes his mom and the socialite in tow out of his office, Sawyer sees the genius of the plan. And the woman. In fact, Miss Clover Lee might just get the fastest promotion in history, from buffer to fake fiancĂ©...
This free-spirit might look like hot sunshine and lickable rainbows, but she negotiates like a pitbull. Before Sawyer knows what hit him, he’s agreed to give up Friday nights for reality tv, his Saturdays for flea markets (why buy junk still baffles him), his Tuesdays and Thursdays for date nights (aka panty-losing opportunities if he plays his cards right). And now she wants lavender bath salts and tulips delivered every Monday?
Yup, she’s just screwing with him. Good thing she’s got this non-negotiable six-weeks-and-she’s-gone rule or Sawyer may have just met this match…
TN-AN

Read Today!

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/MaJXKs
TheNegotiator-Teaser3

About the Author:

Avery Flynn is an award winning, USA Today bestselling romance author. She has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She 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.

Connect with the Author:

Twitter: @averyflynn
Stay up to date with Avery by signing up for her newsletter here:

Elizabeth's Review


3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley


This was a cute take on the "fake relationship" trope.
Sawyer works way too much and is more than a little clueless when it comes to women. He desperately wants to avoid the set ups his mother keeps creating for him and his brother "helps" by posting an add for a "personal buffer" and screens the candidates - all men and 1 Clover Lee.
I enjoyed these two together! Clover helped bring Sawyer out of his workaholic world and show him there could be more to life at the same time he showed her a version of relationships/domestic life that didn't have to be the "prison" she thought marriage would be.
There were lots of funny and sweet moments along with some very steamy scenes. The supporting cast in the form of Sawyer's mother and brother were subtle, but key players in the story. One of the things I appreciated was that the conflict between Sawyer and Clover was organic to their relationship and a classic case of them wanting the same thing, but not being able to communicate it.
Sawyer is a slightly different take on the alpha/billionaire hero. He's quirky and has a personality slightly at odds with the alpha persona and that made me like him that much more. This is definitely a fun book to escape with.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Too Complicated ~ Bethany Lopez ~ New release


 *NEW RELEASE* - TOO COMPLICATED by Bethany Lopez
Purchase now for $2.99:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/TooComplicatedAM Z
iBooks: http://bit.ly/TooComplicatedIBOOKS
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TooComplicatedKOBO
Nook: http://bit.ly/TooComplicatedNOOK
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/TooComplicatedSW

 Blurb:
 Reardon Lewis is a small-town lawyer in Cherry Springs, the place where he and his cousins grew up. With the body of a Viking and the heart of a geek, Reardon is loyal to his family and indispensable to his community. The only thing missing in his life is love, and it just so happens that the one woman he has always wanted but could never have has just moved to Cherry Springs. Chloe Zahn is a successful businesswoman, a city girl, and a single mom. The last thing she ever planned to do was move to a small town, but that’s the choice she’s made to bring her son closer to his dad. The only problem? The Lewis family and the obvious disdain they have for her. The more time Reardon and Chloe spend together, the harder it is to fight their growing feelings for each other. Things between them have always been Too Complicated, but Reardon knows this may be his last chance to win over the woman he's always dreamed of, complications be damned. Too Complicated is the second in an all-new small-town romance series by Bethany Lopez. Follow the Lewis cousins as they learn about love and loss in Cherry Springs, the kind of place where there are festivals for every occasion and everyone knows your business.

Elizabeth's Review


3 Stars - Average Read


Review Copy Provided by Author


Warning before you start reading this book - while it is technically a stand alone, you really need the back story contained in Too Tempting (book 1) for some of the issues here to make sense.
I enjoyed getting to know Chloe a little bit better here and liked Reardon, I also really liked them together. I just wish we had gotten to spend more time with them.
My biggest complaint about Too Tempting is also a issue here, the story rocks along doing well and then suddenly sprints for the finish line, wrapping things up so quickly that a lot of details get left behind and not shared.
Had the pacing of the book been my only issue, this probably would have been a 3 1/4 to 3.5 star read, but I had one other big issue, Gabe and Zoey (the main characters in book 1) were too large of a presence in Chloe and Reardon's story. While I expected them to be strong secondary characters, given the length of the book, we spent almost as much time with Gabe and Zoey as we did with Rear and Chloe.
I wish this book had been a little bit longer and more focused on the main characters. I am still curious about the other Lewis cousins and want to read more of the series, I am just a little disappointed in this series compared to other work I have read from Ms. Lopez.

View all my reviews


PURCHASE BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES
 TOO TEMPTING
Amazon: http://bit.ly/TooTemptingAMZ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/TooTemptingIBOOKS
Nook: http://bit.ly/TooTemptingNOOK
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TooTemptingKOBO
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/TooTemptingSM

 ------------- AUTHOR INFORMATION:
 BIO: Sign up for my Newsletter for more information about my writing: http://eepurl.com/Rcmrn Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She's a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.

 AUTHOR LINKS:
 Website: http://bethanylopez.blogspot.c om/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages /Bethany-Lopez/214630865247702
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Bethany Lopez2
 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beth anylopez2/
 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005 6NCP1S
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/auth or/show/5021061.Bethany_Lopez

Monday, April 24, 2017

LIFT 2017

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The Lift 4 Autism Auction is a bookworm’s dream! Featuring hard-to-get, much-sought items from romance favorites like Nicola Yoon, Kristen Ashley, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Corinne Michaels, T.M. Frazier, Marie Force and more than 200 others in celebration of Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month. Authors Ginger Scott and Kennedy Ryan founded LIFT 4 Autism a few years ago as a charitable initiative rallying the romance community around autism. All proceeds go to this year’s charitable partner Kulture City, who is doing amazing things for the autism community. Learn more at kulturecity.org. Specifically, LIFT 2017 will benefit Kulture City’s lifeBOKS program, which provides families with free kits to curtail wandering, a common and potentially life threatening challenge. Proceeds will also benefit Kulture City’s tablet program, which provides iPads to improve communication for non and limited verbal children on the spectrum to families who cannot afford them. Learn more about the mission of Kulture City and the dangers of wandering in today’s USA Today HEA feature here. Watch the lifeBOKS video: https://www.facebook.com/AutismOnTheMighty/videos/1591316364511099/
HOW WILL WE RAISE FUNDS?
  1. Online Auction, featuring many of your favorite romance authors!
Browse all the amazing items up for bid here: charityauction.bid/lift4autism (Must register to bid) Auction Frequently Asked Questions: http://lift4autism.com/auctionfaq Find the full Author list here: http://lift4autism.com/contact. The auction is LIVE until Friday, April 28, 8:00pm.  
  1. Make a financial donation through the LIFT Campaign.
DONATE here: bit.ly/LIFT4AutismGIVE  
  1. Buy LIFT Wear (T-shirts, totes, mugs, etc…)
https://teespring.com/Lift2017 LFIT 2017 t-shirt

4. Buy the YA Fantasy Anthology Ever In the After for 99¢ insta 6
 Amazon: http://buff.ly/2kM0D2j
 Nook: http://buff.ly/2kM83SX
 iBooks: http://buff.ly/2kLTS0j
 Kobo: http://buff.ly/2kM2J2f
  *All proceeds go to Kulture City!  

Connect with LIFT!
*Subscribe to the LIFT mailing list at lift4autism.com.
*Join the LIFT Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/1705524696326889/
*Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/lift4autism/
*Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/LIFT4Autism
   

Lost Rider ~Harper Sloan ~ New Release & Review


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In Lost Rider, the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle? Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over? Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago? Written in the vein of Diana Palmer and Lindsay McKenna, this Texas-set series is filled with sizzle, heart, and plenty of cowboys!    

Amazon US | Amazon US paperback | Audible | Amazon UK | Amazon AU |

Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | iBooks | BAM | Google

        I should tell Quinn and Clay that he’s here. But one look at him and it’s like the last ten years have never passed and I’m back at the bonfire, the awkward high schooler uncomfortable in her own skin. Marching away from him in the woods. It was the last time I saw him. How is it possible that he can affect me this much after all this time? He hasn’t noticed me, not with his head bowed, so I quickly turn around and focus on Pastor John as he finishes up his prayer. Him being here means nothing. I should be happy that I remember the pain from that night so well, it will make keeping my walls up around him so much easier. “On behalf of the Davis family, I want to thank everyone for coming today. At this time, the family has asked for some time alone as they say their good-byes. They wanted me to remind everyone that the PieHole will be opening up for a few hours tonight starting at five for anyone that wishes to join them.” I keep my arm around Quinn, not looking back to where I saw Maverick. I can hear the church slowly emptying and I feel a frown pull at my lips. I had hoped that when everyone started to leave that he would have come up front to be with his family, but so far, the pew we’re in is still empty save for the three of us. We sit and wait for everyone to leave, something that Clay had asked Pastor John to make arrangements for in place of the customary recessional, knowing that no one in this town would really mean a word of it anyway. Plus, I know Quinn is having a hard time. Regardless of the fact that she wasn’t the closest with her father, she was really counting on this—Maverick home. She’s still shaking in my arms, but when I look over at Clay I realize his silence isn’t because of the heaviness of Buford’s death, but instead anger over his brother’s absence that has started to build to a boil. I fear that he’s seconds away from tipping over the edge. I stand when Clay and Quinn do, but hang back at the edge of the row we had been sitting in as they meet Pastor John and gather their father’s ashes. I can’t wait to get out of these heels. If it would have been acceptable to wear my boots, I would have, but Quinn would have killed me. As it is, I feel like I can’t take a deep breath with how tight my dress is against my chest. I never wear tight shirts. I haven’t since my boobs became beasts of their own right. I’m too busy fiddling with the straps of my dress, trying desperately to get some of the pressure against my chest to ease up so I could take a deep breath, when I heard Quinn gasp. “Mav!” Next thing I know she’s running past where I’m standing, her black hair streaming in the air behind her as she speeds forward right into her brother’s arms. Clay moves to stand next to me and I look up to meet his green eyes, the questions he isn’t vocalizing dancing in their emerald depths. He’s not stupid and I’m doing a crappy job at hiding the memories haunting me right now. He gives me a small smile, shifting his hold on the urn to wrap his free arm around me and pulls me into a strong hold. “You’re shakin’,” he says against my temple and I just nod. “I’m good, Clay. Go see your brother.” “I’m fine right where I am, sugar.” I keep my eyes to the ground, focusing on his worn boots instead of looking up, hating myself for making this moment about me when I should be focused on them. Like it or not, I can’t fight the feelings that being near him bring me. I’m that stupid, naive sixteen-year-old all over again. “Let’s get out of here,” he says after a few silent seconds. I look up and give him a smile, hoping that it looks a hell of a lot braver than I feel. Inside I feel like I might puke. “You think I could have a second with my family?” My head shoots up at the coldness I hadn’t anticipated in Maverick’s voice. He’s not focused on me, though, instead looking at his brother with a hard expression and one brow raised upward. “Mav!” Quinn gasps and he moves his attention from his brother to her. “Sorry, Quinn, but I’m thinkin’ that Clay’s lady friend would understand that this should be a moment for our family and give us time alone.” “I’ll just—” “Don’t you dare finish that sentence, sugar,” Clay all but spits through clenched teeth and drops his arm to take a step forward. “You’ve got something to say, Mav, then say it.” “Nothing to say, Clayton, I just think it would be nice for your girlfriend to give us some space.” “My girlfriend,” he parrots sarcastically, his deep voice vibrating in anger. “Mav.” Quinn attempts to butt in, but stops when Maverick leaves her side and turns to stalk out of the church. I should find it comical that he obviously didn’t recognize me, or hell, maybe he did and he’s just picking up where he left off ten years ago in the middle of the dark woods. I take a deep breath. “It’s okay. He’s right. Y’all need some time as a family. I’ll head over to the PieHole and start settin’ up for tonight.” Quinn brushes a tear from her cheek and just shakes her head. I look at Clay to see him staring in the direction that his brother just left. “You’re family,” he finally says, not looking in my direction. “Clay, really, it’s okay. It’s been a long time since y’all were back together and I don’t need to be there for that reunion. It sucks that it takes all of this to finally bring him home, but he’s here and y’all need to make up for a lot of time lost.” “Shut up, Leighton.” “Don’t, Clay.” “Don’t what? You’ve got every right to be here. You’re just as much a part of our family as he is. Hell, maybe even more so than he is at this point. So just shut up, come with us, and ignore him.” I shake my head, the fight instantly leaving my sails, knowing I would be arguing until the end of time if I pressed this issue. “I can’t believe he doesn’t even recognize you,” Quinn whispers.         harper1
Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand. Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads |


Elizabeth's Review


3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley


I struggled a little bit with how to rate this book. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but there were also things that I found incredibly frustrating. I ended up giving more weight to the enjoyment because things I found frustrating may be more personal preference and I would hate for that to keep someone away from this book.
Maverick and Leighton have history and an undeniable connection. I appreciated the glimpses into who they were as teenagers as knowing that history made their instant connection as adults make so much sense. It was wonderful to see the work Maverick was willing to put into making amends and showing he intended to stick around for the long haul.
Once Leighton and Maverick took the time to fully discuss their history and resolve things, it was heartwarming to see the emotional evolution of both characters. They were both extremely easy to like, both on their own and together.
The secondary cast of characters created several truly funny and laugh out loud moments, especially when it came to potentially embarrassing Leighton.
The frustrations I had with the book are two fold. The first is strictly a personal pet peeve regarding the setting - at one point the author referenced the town being near Austin and another she indicated they were near Dallas. While both cities are near the Interstate mentioned, they are no where near each other. There is also the implication that a small town, with at least one very large ranch would be within a quick hour drive from Dallas. Maybe I am being too literal, but the author seemed to be playing to stereotypes of Texas versus the reality of the modern day DFW metroplex. The second piece of my frustration comes from the dialog. Maverick and Leighton rehash things a lot - and while I admire their desire to make sure they start on the right foot - the shear number of conversations about the same issues gets repetitive. There is also a stiffness to the conversations that I found a little disconcerting.
Overall, Lost Rider is a good story and is definitely worth reading. Seeing two soul mates in Maverick and Leighton find their way back to each other gives a great case of the warm and fuzzies. I am very curious to see what happens with Quinn and Clayton. This is a great family and I want to know more about them.

View all my reviews

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Stand ~ AL Jackson ~ Cover Reveal


 STAND

A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

Coming May 22nd

Cover: RBA Designs
Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Models: Tyler Halligan & Madelyn DeSantis
From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson comes the next seductive, unforgettable Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel…
Zachary Kennedy has never been known as a fighter, but he’ll never regret fighting for her…
I’m Zee Kennedy.
Quiet. Reserved. Predictable.
When my brother died, everyone thought I was just the good guy who stepped up to take his place in the band.
No one knew what I was hiding. The one thing I’ve been fighting for.
For six years, I’ve never lost focus.
Not until one chance encounter with Alexis Kensington.
Now she’s become my greatest temptation.
I knew better than to touch her, but now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t get enough.
Her kiss becomes my air. Her body my salvation.
She needed a savior and somehow she became mine.
Taking her was a betrayal. But keeping her means risking everything.
One look at Alexis Kensington, and I know she’s worth the fight.
Will my past continue to keep me down or will I finally find the strength to pull myself up and Stand…

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

The Hot Shot ~ Kristen Callihan ~ New Release and Review

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TheHotShot Amazon-2

First we were friends. Then we were roommates. Now I want more…

What can I say about Chess Copper? The woman is capable of bringing me to my knees. I know this about five minutes after getting naked for her.

No one is more surprised than me. The prickly photographer my team hired to shoot our annual charity calendar isn’t my usual type. She’s defense to my offense, a challenge at every turn. But when I’m with her, all the regrets and darkness goes away. She makes life fun.

I want to know Chess, be close to her. Which is a bad idea.

Chess is looking for a relationship. I’ve never given a woman more than one night. But when fate leaves Chess without a home, I step up and offer her mine. We’re roommates now. Friends without benefits. But it’s getting harder to keep our hands off each other. And the longer we live together the more I realize she’s becoming my everything.

Trick is… Now that I’ve made her believe I’m a bad bet, how do I convince her to give this player a true shot at forever?

   

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CHESS

  Grumbling, I toss on some black lounge pants and my oversized Tulane t-shirt and head to the drugstore. My head throbs by the time I get there, and my insides are writhing. I rest my hand against my lower stomach and grab a basket before calling James to complain. “I swear,” I tell him as I grab a bottle of painkillers. “It’s like this entire day has been cursed.” He snickers. “Curse. Get it? Curse?” I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me. “Laugh it up. Meanwhile, it feels as if someone is playing Battleship in my uterus.” “Poor Chessie bear. At least we know why you were in such a foul mood.” A flush washes over my cheeks. “Yeah.” Lie. Lie. Lie. A tub of salted caramel gelato makes its way into the basket. “Tell me you’re getting some gelato,” James says. I smile. “Just grabbed it.” “Salted caramel?” “You know it.” I find the feminine products aisle and search for my brand. “I’m going to go home, take a long bath with my gelato, and forget this fucking day.” Forget Finn. “And then I’m going to go on Amazon and buying a freaking year’s supply of tampons so I don’t have to make these kinds of emergency runs anymore.” A low, deep chuckle rumbles from behind me, and all the tiny hairs lift on my arms. “But you’ll still need your gelato,” a familiar—fuck me, seriously?—voice points out. My insides swoop even as my cheeks burn. “Who is that?” James asks in my ear. I slowly turn on one heel. “The plague,” I say, glaring up at Finn Mannus’s smiling face. “From asshat to plague.” Finn scrunches up his brow. “I’m not sure if that’s a step down or a tie.” “Who is that?” James nearly yells now. I don’t take my eyes off Finn. “I’ll call you back.” James’s squawks of protest cut off as I hit the end button. “Are you stalking me, Mannus?” Finn a rests his hands low on his lean hips. “Having a healthy amount of conceit myself, I have to admire yours, but no, buttercup. My buddy Woodson lives a few blocks away. It’s poker night. I’m stocking up on beer.” It’s only then I notice a twelve pack tucked under his other arm. “And tampons?” I ask, with a pointed look around the aisle we’re standing in. “Not tonight,” he says easily. “Though we used to keep a pack of them back in college. Light flows were perfect for stopping up bloody noses.” A snort escapes me. “Now there’s a visual.” Somehow, I’ve taken a step closer to him. He’s freshly showered, the golden brown strands of his hair still damp at his temples. And I wonder if he’s just come from the gym or practice. “So back in college you went and bought these tampons?” “Nah,” he says with a cheeky smile. “I’d ask one of the girls hanging around to get me some.” “Of course you did.” My nose wrinkles with annoyance. “Give me a little credit, Chess. I’d buy them now if I had to.” “Hmm…” I eye him, trying not to return his smile. If only because it’s more fun when he teases. “So why are you in this aisle now, if not for potential nosebleed needs?” “That’s easy.” He steps closer, a warm wall of muscle and clean scent. “I heard your voice.” For a second I just blink. “You recognized my voice?” His gaze darts over my face as if he’s trying to get a read on why I’m gaping at him. “Not to be…ah…rude, but you’re loud when you talk on the phone.” “Yeah, but… You recognized it.” We’d only just met. It occurs to me that I’d recognized his both times he’d snuck up on me. Then again, his voice is distinctive, flowing like hot honey when he’s relaxed or hammering down like iron to rock when he’s taking command of a situation. A soft flush of pink tints the tips of his ears. If I wasn’t staring at him, I might have missed it. He shifts his weight. “Was I not supposed to?” “No. Yes.” I shake my head and laugh. “I don’t know.” He grins then. “You’re cute when you’re flustered.” “I’m not flustered.” I am.         THS1   KCauthor
Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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Elizabeth's Review


4.25 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review Copy Provided by Author


The only problem with The Hot Shot is that Finn and Chess are almost too good....
While neither character is perfect, they are open about their limitations, both with themselves and with each other - as Chess says, making them "perfectly imperfect."
Everything about this story and their relationship just seemed to flow. There was some mild angst at times, but nothing over the top.
Well written and fun, The Hot Shot has a likeable cast that makes you want to get to know them. Yes, it's part of a series but, works easily on its own. The timeline actually parallels another book in the series - it was neat to see glimpses of that story without spoilers.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Walk of Shame ~ Lauren Layne


The City's HOTTEST Cold War is here!


WALK OF SHAME
a Love Unexpectedly novel
Lauren Layne
Releasing April 18th, 2017
Loveswept


Sparks fly between a misunderstood New York socialite and a cynical divorce lawyer in this lively standalone rom-com from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines and Love Story.

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.

Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.





Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books. 



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Elizabeth's Review


4 Stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley


Oh this book was just pure fun!

Georgie and Andrew couldn't be more different from each other if they tried and their animosity/chemistry jumps off the page from the first time we see them together.
Ms. Layne does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of these complex personalities so that we get to see more about what makes them tick while also keeping up with the fast pace of the story. Both Georgie and Andrew evolved during the course of the book and I appreciated that they had the individual growth while they also developed a relationship.
If you are looking for a fun, sweet, "enemies to lovers" type book then this would be a great one to pick up.

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Monday, April 17, 2017

More Reading from the TBR

Tasted and TemptedTasted and Tempted by Chelle Bliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars - Worth a Reader's time

Like any anthology, there were books in here that I really enjoyed and some that just didn't do it for me.
Entries from Catherine Gayle, Carrie Ann Ryan, Chelle Bliss, Eden Butler, and Tia Louis made it worth it for me.



 Fated (The Stratton Pack Book 1)Fated by Stella Blue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very short book - really a novella - but, the author did an excellent job of telling a complete story.
Due to the length, character and plot development were fairly thin, so facts just had to be laid out in the open. I think this would have been more enjoyable for me had the work been longer on the suspenses/intrigue elements played up more.

Amazon

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

It's My Party..... and a Good Cause

Hi Guys~

May and June are going to be busy months for us, so I wanted to share a few things.

Wild & Windy in the City Author Event - May 13. I will be attending with Ryleigh Andrews as her assistant - if you are attending make sure to come say hi! If you are coming to the signing - make sure to check out the available pre orders:

Wild & Windy PreOrders

It's our birthday! E-Reading After Midnight will be turning 2 at the end of the month. My birthday is in there too, but we won't talk about that number! I am starting to organize a party of some sort - if you are an author, bloggers, PA, etc and want to come celebrate with us, there is a form for that!

Birthday Party Sign Up

The Lurie Children's Move for Kids 5K

In May 2014 - we spent 10 days at Lurie Children's hospital with our then 3 year old. Thankfully, they were able to figure out - and treat - the problem quickly, but it was still a long almost 2 weeks in the hospital. We were so grateful for the wonderful care he received - and for how much the volunteers and the Family Life Center were there to support us. Thanks to their help (and the efforts of our families and community) we made it through with our sanity intact.

In May 2015 - we walked in out first Lurie Children's Move for Kids 5K as a way to say thank you and pay it forward to help other families. Then 4 year old Tyler WALKED the whole thing - even though we were the last people to finish. We walked again last year and DID NOT FINISH LAST! Over the last two years, we raised about $1400 for the hospital. We are at it again this year and will be walking on June 10! If you are interested in supporting the cause - you can do that below!

Our Team Page

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

TBR reads....

8 Second Decision (Silver Star Ranch, #1)8 Second Decision by H.J. Bellus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This a book I picked up for free and it is by an author whose work I have been curious about. I found it to be an entertaining read, but definitely a little rough around the edges.
Merek and Challis are an odd pairing that makes sense in an unique way if not in a traditional romantic sense. The Slatter boys, Merek and his brothers, have huge egos that make you want to see beyond their hard edges.
If you are offended by strong language, then this would not be a book for you. If you are looking for light intrigue combined with a sexy know-it-all cowboy then this would be right up your alley.

Amazon

St. Helena Vineyard Series: Destiny Laughs (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Santini Series Book 1)St. Helena Vineyard Series: Destiny Laughs (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Leslie Pike
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nash and Farrah are an awesome couple and Ms. Pike does an excellent job of capturing their story in the novella format. I would have loved to have seen more of the twists and turns of their story in a full length book, but this was a great way to meet them and Nash's extended family.


Amazon

St. Helena Vineyard Series: Intimate Strangers (Kindle Worlds Novella)St. Helena Vineyard Series: Intimate Strangers by Stephanie Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My only complaint about Derek and Mia's story - it's just not long enough!
Given that this is a novella, Ms Rose does an excellent job of giving us characters we can embrace and root for as they figure out the complexities of a work place romance.
I would be first in line for a full length novel featuring these two!


Amazon

St. Helena Vineyard Series: A Taste of Love (Kindle Worlds Novella)St. Helena Vineyard Series: A Taste of Love by Faith Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lust at First sight leads to a revenge scheme against a not nice sister leads to LOVE?
Jude and Leila are a fun couple and I enjoyed their story. Like the other related novellas I have read, I do wish this had been longer.
Ms. Andrews did an excellent job of crafty a fun and developed story in the novella format. The interconnected Kindle World stories are definitely a treat!

Amazon

Wedding Bells in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado, #4)Wedding Bells in Christmas by Debbie Mason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars
A entertaining book full of second chances, intrigue, and meddling relatives.
The 4th book in a series, this stands alone, but there are definitely moments when I missed not having read the first 3 books - especially for the back story of secondary characters.
Chance and Viv are interesting characters on their own, but are even better together. They have a fantastic dynamic - even though there are moments in the story when your heart breaks for the both of them.
Aunt Nell is a great secondary character. The hi-jinx she and her friends get into are great for comic relief.
This was a fairly quick read and is great if you are looking for a "tortured soul redeemed by love" type of second chance romance.

Amazon

Forbidden Alphas: Box SetForbidden Alphas: Box Set by Sylvia Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a set of 4 novellas all featuring the same set up - an early 20's woman who has crushed on a significantly older Alpha man who is also friendly with the male authority figure in her life - and they all follow the same formula, so it's almost like reading the same story 4 times just with a slightly different set of characters.

Character development is light and the sexy times abundant. These are perfect if you are looking for a quick escape type read, but not something to dive into if you are looking for meat to the story.

Amazon

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