Saturday, August 31, 2019

Review Round Up ~ August 31


We have two ARC reviews for you this week - Enjoy! 

ARCS


The Truth About CowboysThe Truth About Cowboys by Lisa Renee Jones

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

Review Copy Provided by publisher via Net Galley

A stormy night, a isolated country road, a single woman on her way to a new life - the last thing she expects is to meet the cowboy who will change everything!

The Truth About Cowboys is an entertaining read. Jessica and Jason are a couple that on the surface don’t belong together and spend a good portion of the story needling each other as they form an unexpected friendship that has potential for more. Add in baggage from past relationships, a match making granny, and a fun secondary cast and this is winning recipe. The characters are engaging, their actions/reactions authentic, and I found myself rooting for them.

Ms Jones is a new author for me and after reading this book, I will definitely be reading more. My one “complaint” if you can call it that - is the fact that the fictional town in the story borrows it’s name from a real place that I am familiar with. I struggled a little with getting into the story because i kept looking for the real town in the setting. Once I was able to let that go, it was easier to focus on the content of the story.

Amazon


 Claiming Her Curves: A billionaire romance, Blake & Pippa's story (Irresistible Curves Book 2)Claiming Her Curves: A billionaire romance, Blake & Pippa's story by Christa Wick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Average Read

Review Copy Provided by Author

This was a quick, entertaining read.
Blake and Pippa are both interesting characters, but we only get to see the very surface of who they are due to the length of the book.

Blake’s manipulation of the situation to get what he wanted romantically from Pippa came across as sweet, but it walked a fine line toward being creepy.

This is also an example of where dual POV isn’t used to its best advantage. Most of the story is from Pippa’s point of view, with just one or two segments from Blake’s POV. The switch serves a purpose, just seems odd.

Overall, this is a book with an interesting premise and good message, but I needed more in terms of execution.

View all my reviews

Friday, August 30, 2019

How To Love A Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne ~ Blog Tour and Review



Buy-book link:

Synopsis:
These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

Author Bio:


Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, USA Today bestseller Kerrigan Byrne uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in every book. She lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains with her handsome husband and three lovely teenage girls, but dreams of settling on the Pacific Coast. Her Victorian Rebels novels include The Highwayman and The Highlander.

Elizabeth's Review


4.5 Stars - One of the Best


Review Copy Provided by Publisher via Net Galley


I think I may have just found my favorite historical of the year (so far at least).
Ms Byrne took a very timely modern issue and gives the reader a glimpse of what a woman facing the same issue 150 years ago would have gone through.

We meet three young ladies at 17 when secrets and tragedies take a strong bond and make it unbreakable. We meet them again 10 years later when issues threaten to resurface. How to Love a Duke focuses on Alexandra and the unusual deal she makes with Piers to address issues they both face.

Piers comes to the arrangement with his own wagon load of baggage. It was fascinating to watch these two spend time together and watch them try to figure each other out given the context of the things they were both struggling with. There were so many potential misunderstandings because of the context with which each person was framing the information received.

Ms Byrne uses elements of intrigue to craft a story that lets us watch this unique couple learn lessons in communication and honesty while figuring out how to be friends and ultimately grow a greater relationship. This is a well written exploration of how shining the light on some issues allows us to stop living in the shadows along with the importance of a strong support system.

Yes - I am being purposely vague in this review, there are parts of the story that I don't want to give away. I do want to stress that this is an impactful story that I think anyone who even slightly enjoys historical romance should read. Alexandra is a strong heroine who I would love to be friends with. Piers is a wounded bear of a hero that is impossible not to like once you get to know him a little bit. Add in their friends and the intrigue of the story and you have the makings of something I struggled to put down. I am very much looking forward to books for Alexandra's two friends.

View all my reviews


How to Love a Duke in Ten Days Blog Tour Q&A

Q: What inspired you to write How to Love a Duke in Ten Days?
A:  I’ve always been one of those women who have enjoyed fierce female friendships. I think that soulmates, even for heterosexual women, can be just as necessary with other women as with men, and a real hero must not just love and respect you, but also your tribe. I wanted to write a series where historical heroines could truly have it all, education, dreams, businesses, wealth, genius, revenge, hot sex, AND true love. Where the sacrifices were made on their behalf instead by them, and where their heroes learn to lift them up in all ways, heal their pains, calm their fears, become their best friends, and protect them with what I hope is a great balance between alpha hotness and progressive sensitivity.


Q: Is there one thing you would like readers to take away from this story?
A: That’s tough because I packed a lot in there! I would say the one thing from this book, specifically, is that happiness is attainable against the odds, even when overcoming the worst that people can do to one another. Even though I’m a grown up and a cynic, I still like to write books that remind me that true love conquers all, because that love can come from so many people.


Q: Can you describe your typical day writing this book?
A: This book was especially difficult for me to write, so I spent a great deal of time in my bathrobe. I would get up, my fantastic husband would make me coffee, I’d call my critique partner and we’d do a bit of brainstorming, and I’d write and rewrite for hours, stress, cry, throw things, walk the dog, eat, snack, eat some more, facebook way too much, and then finish under word count, binge a tv show or a book until I stared at the ceiling into the wee hours. Oh, and there was drinking in there at regular intervals.
Glamorous, I know!


Q: Describe the hero and heroine of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days in three words each.
A: The Duke of Redmayne:          Wary. Wounded. Wicked.
      Lady Alexandra Lane:                        Brave. Brilliant. Beautiful.    


Q: What is the one thing that the heroine, Alexandra, can’t live without?
A: She cannot live without her two dearest friends in the entire world, Miss Cecelia Teague, and Lady Francesca Cavendish. They literally buried a body for her, and would defend her to the death.


Q: What was your hardest scene to write in How to Love a Duke in Ten Days? Your favorite?
A: As with many (most) of my novels, the prologues are the hardest to write, and read, I suspect. Usually I take the characters to the very edge of their breaking point, often times pushing them over so they have what seems like insurmountable conflicts to overcome both internally and externally. So, for this book, Alexandra’s assault was the most difficult thing to get through, and boy did I enjoy being able to help Piers put her back together, because he was just the perfect hero for her. Tender, empathetic, a good sense of humor, and a large dose of protective alphaness.


Q: Why do you write historical romance? 
A:  I’ve always romanticized the past. I can’t help it. I love the pace and the aesthetic, the gowns and the suits and the manners and the manors. I love to do historical research and it’s so fun to see how much we are influenced by the past and how, even though so much has changed through the centuries, people really haven’t. Also, it’s fun to play with language, mystery, and sex in a time when a scandal was still possible. *wink.


Q: Is there another particular author that inspires you or that you enjoy reading? 
A: There is a LIST! I would say in historical romance, though, it’s always always Lisa Kleypas. She has a grasp on the characterization of historical folks that I can never hope to attain. I’m just in awe of her every word.


Q: Where do you go or what resources do you use to make sure your novels are historically correct? 
A: I love to find books about a time period at B&N or my local bookshops. I go to Harper’s Bazaar for fashion, and a slew of Victorian references for the time period. I do read blogs and sometimes consult with historians and experts.


Q: Did you learn anything surprising while researching for this novel?
A: Many things! I learned how truly difficult it was to attain an education as a woman as little as a hundred years ago. It’s really incredible how far we’ve come in a century.


Q: What do you do when faced with writer’s block, if you ever are? 
A: Oh man. I often am. I usually try to shake it loose with a brainstorming conversation with a few friends I have who always seem to be able to unstick me. I rely heavily on the creativity of others as well as my own.


Q: How did you feel the first time you realized one of your books was a big success? 
A: I didn’t believe it. It seems surreal every time I truly realize that a story I wrote entertained another human. Let alone more than one. I’m like… they paid to read it? WHAT?


Q: What’s next for the Devil You Know series?
A: I’m especially excited for the next book ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED because it’s about Alexandra’s best friend the curvy vicar’s daughter, Cecelia Teague. She inherits London’s most infamous and successful brothel, and one imposing, surly Scottish enemy along with it. She and Lord Ramsay, the Lord Chief Justice with an axe to grind against her establishment, can’t be in a room together without the sparks flying. I can’t think about this book without smiling.


Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I hope you enjoy this trio of roguish redheads as much as I enjoyed writing them!


Thursday, August 29, 2019

BROCK by Roxanne St. Claire ~ New Release and Review

Brock by Roxanne St. Claire is available now!


Brock Blackthorne is the keeper of the family brand and he takes that role seriously. His job is to protect the Blackthorne image, to keep the company’s reputation as clean as possible, and ensure that skeletons stay well-hidden at the family compound in King Harbor, Maine. So when an ambitious and inquisitive biographer is tasked to pen an “authorized” profile of the Blackthornes, Brock is forced to personally guide the beautiful writer far away from any family landmines. But the more time he spends sharing the history and heart of his unusual clan, the more he realizes how much he wants this captivating woman in his arms…and in his life. The daughter of renowned investigative reporters, Jenna Gillespie has a lot to prove when she takes on the task of writing the first in-depth biography of one of America’s wealthiest families. Raised to question every source and burned by the last one she trusted, Jenna seethes with resentment toward the maddeningly sexy Brock Blackthorne. Not only does he detour her every time she attempts to discover the real story about the family’s multi-million dollar whisky making recipe, he also has her feeling things that threaten the walls she’s built to protect a few secrets of her own. As Jenna gets closer to what she believes is a shocking truth, she has to trust the one person whose job it is to see her fail. And if Brock allows her into the inner-workings of the business and family, he has to believe she won’t betray him. There is much more than pride at stake when these two give up the control they cherish…there is a chance for a lifetime of love.



  Meet the Blackthorne men, each one as hot, fast, and smooth as the whisky that built the family fortune, and yachts and race cars that bear their name. From proud Scottish stock, Blackthornes never lose. But, one by one, the seven sexy men in this family are about to risk everything when they fall for strong and beautiful women who test their mettle in life…and love.Don’t miss these sexy, heartwarming, emotion-filled books by seven bestselling authors: Barbara Freethy, Julia London, Lynn Raye Harris, Cristin Harber, Roxanne St. Claire, Christie Ridgway and Samantha Chase.Check out every book in the series!
 Click here → http://bit.ly/7Bridesfor7Blackthornes
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- - - - - - - - - - - - -
About the Author:
  Published since 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly fifty romance and suspense novels. She has written several popular series, including The Dogfather, Barefoot Bay, the Guardian Angelinos, and the Bullet Catchers. In addition to being an ten-time nominee and one-time winner of the prestigious RITA™ Award for the best in romance writing, Roxanne's novels have won the National Reader's Choice Award for best romantic suspense four times, as well as the Maggie, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the HOLT Medallion, Booksellers Best, Book Buyers Best, the Award of Excellence, and many others. She lives in Florida with her husband, and still attempts to run the lives of her teenage daughter and 20-something son. She loves dogs, books, chocolate, and wine, but not always in that order.
Connect with Roxanne St. Claire! Website -- http://www.roxannestclaire.com/
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/roxannestclaire/
Newsletter -- http://bit.ly/2ZlzEiC 
Instagram -- http://bit.ly/33TTh0z
Bookbub -- http://bit.ly/2HimIQA

Elizabeth's Review


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


Review Copy Provided by Author


I think I have found my favorite Blackthorne book! The funny thing is - he’s not a brother/cousin I expected to like all that much.

Brock is a character that has been fairly present in the first four books. Partly as the “image keeper” and later as the brother wrangler. He definitely had a certain image and it was wonderful to see the softer side of him here.

This book has an element of mystery that we haven’t seen before and I think for me, it made a difference. Brock’s story isn’t any longer than the previous books, but the story line has a sense of resolution and completeness that I last saw in Devlin’s book.

Jenna and Brock were fun characters to get to know. I loved their meet cute and watching them work together. The multiple author/series idea has been entertaining and I am truly impressed at the level of coordination that had to have been required for all of the details to flow so seamlessly together. I am very curious to see what’s in store of the last two brothers standing.

View all my reviews

Handle With Care by Helena Hunting ~ Blog Tour and Review

HWC - BT banner

“Lincoln and Wren had me flipping through the pages frantically, begging for more. Their chemistry was explosive, their love story both hilarious and tender.”- L.J. Shen, USA Today bestselling author

Handle With Care, an all-new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!

12_13_Handle With Care (1) 6.00.05 PM

HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.
Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.

HWC - AN
Download your copy today!
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2RRkyh8
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2C9AeCB
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FgCXxX
HWC - Teaser 3 AN
Excerpt:
“You have a suit fitting tomorrow morning.” “Tomorrow morning? I have lots of suits; I’ll make one of those work.” “Are they like the ones you wore to the funeral?” I ask. “Yeah, why?” “Well, they may have fit you five years ago, but they certainly don’t fit you now. I’ll text you the details and add them to your personal calendar.” “You can’t do that without my cell number.” His smugness would be grating if I wasn’t two steps ahead of him. I flash a fake smile. “I already have all of your personal details, Lincoln. Right down to your shoe size. And you can’t be late like you were this morning, so it might be a good idea to avoid the scotch tonight so you’re less bear and more human. You’ll need to use these things called manners. I can email you a refresher on what those are, should you need it.” “Sarcasm is a weapon of the weak.” My ears are on fire as he heads for the door. Jerk. I was being witty, not sarcastic. “Thanks so much for offering to help clean up the mess you made.” I turn to address the crinkled papers scattered on the floor. It’s common courtesy to offer assistance if you’re the one who made the damn mess. Even Armstrong, who is the most epic of douches, has some manners. Usually he’ll try to look up a skirt or down a shirt while he’s being polite, but it’s better than this. I turn to retrieve the papers when two things happen, a power surge ramps up the box fans—it happens at least twice a day, and at the same time Lincoln pulls the door open again. The simultaneous actions create a vortex of air inside my office, and my skirt flutters into the air. Like I’m Marilyn Monroe and I’ve stepped onto one of those subway grates. The fabric rises quickly, and a breeze hits me right between the legs, which is the exact moment I remember that I’m not wearing panties. Because they were covered in the coffee Armstrong spilled in my lap. I drop the papers and battle the fabric back down. It’s fruitless, though, the wind tunnel whirls through the room like Dorothy’s freaking tornado, and the back of my dress goes up. I meet Lincoln’s gaze from across the small room. All it takes is a second of eye contact before those ridiculously blue eyes pull me in, and weird, inappropriate things start happening to my body. It’s irritating as hell. I don’t even like this guy, but my body seems as if it hasn’t gotten the same memo as the rest of me. Even more aggravating is the realization that based on his expression, he totally caught an eyeful of cooch. Lincoln stands frozen at the door, eyes wide and fixed on my crotch, mouth hanging open. “Close the damn door!” My voice is siren high. And loud. “Right. Yes. I’m going. Now.” He steps out of my office, pulling the door closed behind him. My dress settles around my knees. “Dammit.” I drop into my chair, which is probably what I should’ve done as soon as the wind tunnel started, but clearly I’d been too panicked to think straight. On the upside, I went to see my waxer last week, so he’s seen my girl bits when they’re looking their finest. On the downside, my project for the next six months has seen my naked girl bits.
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Connect with Helena: Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting 
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/340v5tQ 
Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

Elizabeth's Review


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


Review Copy provided by Publisher via Net Galley


Ms Hunting is an author that I have heard about for a long time and probably even have some of her books on my TBR, but until Handle with Care, I had not read her work. If her other books are as witty and well written, then I will be thrilled to dive into them.

Handle with Care is definitely a character driven story. When and Lincoln are both so much fun. They are great characters on their own, but even better together. Ms Hunting even makes the despicable Armstrong an amusing character that you can’t help but love to hate.

Faced with a truly unique situation, I appreciated the way both Wren and Lincoln navigated rough waters and potential dilemmas. The emotional growth both experienced together and separately showed what a great team they could potentially be.

This was a book that once I started, I didn’t want to stop. Part of the secondary cast includes Lincoln’s cousins. From the Armstrong related drama mentioned, I have to wonder if they have books. If they do - I need to go find them. Ms Hunting is definitely an author I will be reading more of.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Steals and Deals ~ August 28 - 31


Steals:

Beneath This Mask by Meghan March




Deals:


Eight (Love by Numbers Book 6) by E S Carter $.99

Where Lightning Strikes (Bleeding Stars Book 3) by A L Jackson $.99

I Dare You by Ilsa Madden -Mills $.99

Flirting with Forever by Kendall Ryan $.99

Just One of the Guys (Hqn) by Kristan Higgins $1.99

Father in Training (Hometown Heartbreakers Book 3) by Susan Mallery $1.99

Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips $1.99

DARE: A Rock Star Hero by S L Scott $2.99 (Price going up soon!)

Prices were accurate at time time of posting. All links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated of you one click. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Handle With Care~ Helena Hunting ~ New Release

HWC - RB banner

“Lincoln and Wren had me flipping through the pages frantically, begging for more. Their chemistry was explosive, their love story both hilarious and tender.”- L.J. Shen, USA Today bestselling author

Handle With Care, an all-new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!

12_13_Handle With Care (1) 6.00.05 PM
HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.
Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman
SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.
HWC - AN
Download your copy today!
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2RRkyh8
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2C9AeCB
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FgCXxX
HWC - Teaser 1 AN
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Connect with Helena: Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting 
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/340v5tQ 
Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

That Forever Girl ~ Meghan Quinn ~ New Release

ThatForeverGirl_FBprofile-availnowbanner
That Forever Girl 
Author: Meghan Quinn 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Release Date: August 27, 2019

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn’s second book in the Getting Lucky series brings heart, humor, and heat back to Port Snow. There are two little words every small-town man dreads: She’s back. Harper Sanders, the girl who was supposed to be my forever, has returned to Port Snow, Maine, for good—and she’s bringing back memories of our shared past. We once had a bright future together, but when tragedy struck, I threw it all away and pushed her out of my life. People in our small town think I’m cursed, but I know better. I did it all to myself. And now she’s creating a life of her own in the place where we first fell in love. I can’t fight my feelings for her—or the strong attraction that keeps pulling us together. But after all this time, can she forgive the past and fall in love with me all over again? Everyone hopes to find that forever girl…I just hope I haven’t lost mine for good
. THAT FOREVER GIRL
  UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: mybook.to/ThatForeverGirl 
  ⭐⭐⭐FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!!! ⭐⭐⭐ 

  EXCERPT:
There is no way in hell she’s here.
My family isn’t that cruel. Right?
From my car, I try to gauge the number of bodies in my parents’ house through the windows. Ugh, I can’t see shit.
She can’t possibly be at family dinner. My family loves Harper, but they wouldn’t invite her, not after I called my mom the other day, telling her to put her matchmaking skills to rest. She just chuckled but reassured me she knew what she was doing. Whatever the hell that means.
I was very adamant about leaving Harper alone. The Knightlys can be too much at times, and I’m sure we’re the last thing she needs right when she’s trying to settle back into town.
Resigning myself to the inevitable, I retrieve my keys from the ignition and make my way to the front door. Hand on the doorknob, I take a deep breath and walk into the house I grew up in. The warm walls and carefully hung family pictures greet me first, followed by my family’s raucous laughter emanating from the back of the house.
I remove my shoes and hang my suit jacket on the coat hanger by the front door before cautiously making my way down the long hallway to the connected kitchen and large dining room. Ren, Griffin’s girlfriend, is the first to spot me. She gives me a small smile and a little wave. The rest of the family is scattered around the kitchen as usual, getting in my parents’ way as they try to finish up the dinner prep.
Griffin sees me next. “Ah, you finally decided to join us.” He checks his watch. “I think that was eight minutes in the car. Who had eight minutes?”
Reid raises his hand and hops off the counter, grabbing a bowl from the center of the table and pocketing the wad of cash inside. “I know him too well.” Reid pats me on the back and slips me a one-dollar bill. “Here, this is for you. Thanks for taking eight minutes to prepare yourself to come in the house. Daddy is going to buy a new pair of jeans.” He pats his pockets.
Ignoring everyone and their stupid bet, I pop the fridge door open and grab a water. Reid joins me, sticking his head in the fridge so I’m forced to look at him. “Aren’t you going to ask?”
“Ask what?” I grit out.
“If she’s here. I know that’s why you were hanging out in your car, debating if you should come in or not.”
My skin prickles, and I brace myself for the answer as I shut the fridge door. “Is she here?” I hiss.
Slowly, Reid smiles and nods. “Yup, she’s in the bathroom.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I angrily squeeze my water bottle, nearly popping the top off. “Why? Why is she here?”
Reid shrugs. “I don’t know, maybe because she wants to be here.”
“Who invited her? Was it Mom?” I don’t wait for an answer. Instead, I walk over to the culprit, who’s hovering over the stove, stirring a huge pot of chili.
“Oh, hey, sweetie. Cornbread is in the oven, honey is in the crock, and I also got tortilla chips because I know how much you like crumbling them in your chili.”
“Mom, why did you invite her? I told you to leave her alone, to leave usalone.”
“What are you talking about?” My mom looks me up and down and then goes back to the chili.
“Harper. I asked you not to invite Harper.”
The bathroom door opens, and Jen pops out, rubbing her hands together. “Did he come in yet?” Her eyes light up as she spots me. “What time was it?”
“Eight minutes. Reid won.”
Disappointed, she snaps her fingers. “Damn, I for sure thought I was going to win.”
Confused, I turn back to my mom. “Harper isn’t here?”
“No, of course not. I wouldn’t invite her so early. She needs time to settle. What made you think she was here?”
I whip around to find Reid leaning against the kitchen wall, arms crossed and with a giant grin on his face. I point at him. “You better run, because I’m going to fucking kill you.”
Like a bolt of lightning, he takes off, and I chase after him, nothing but pure murder on my mind.
ThatForeverGirl_teaser-6-2 ThatForeverGirl_teaser-9-2

AUTHOR BIO: USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book. M_Quinn_photo AUTHOR LINKS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeghanquinn/?hl=en
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn
Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

Wild Steamy Hook Up ~ Piper Rayne ~ New Release & Review



He’s the quiet brooding guy who’s owned my heart since I was sixteen but has refused to claim it.
I’m the naïve woman who believes that someday our time will come.
I just didn’t realize that someday would include waking up in Vegas with a raging hangover and a ring on my finger.
If we believed in fate, maybe one of us would’ve trusted that something more powerful than ourselves interceded because our love is one of tangled vines. As twisted and frayed as they’ve become over the years, they’ve never broken.
An annulment seemed like the easy way out. We should’ve known it wouldn’t be fate that intervened, but our Italian Mamas. They can deliver Oscar-worthy performances when heaping on the guilt.
We thought it’d be easyHe’s the quiet brooding guy who’s owned my heart since I was sixteen but has refused to claim it.
I’m the naïve woman who believes that someday our time will come.
I just didn’t realize that someday would include waking up in Vegas with a raging hangover and a ring on my finger.
If we believed in fate, maybe one of us would’ve trusted that something more powerful than ourselves interceded because our love is one of tangled vines. As twisted and frayed as they’ve become over the years, they’ve never broken.
An annulment seemed like the easy way out. We should’ve known it wouldn’t be fate that intervened, but our Italian Mamas. They can deliver Oscar-worthy performances when heaping on the guilt.
We thought it’d be easy to pretend to be a happily married couple in front of our families for three months and then say we gave it our best shot and go our separate ways.
But nothing is easy when it comes to Dominic Mancini and me. Nothing. to pretend to be a happily married couple in front of our families for three months and then say we gave it our best shot and go our separate ways.
But nothing is easy when it comes to Dominic Mancini and me. Nothing.

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Elizabeth's Review


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


Review Copy Provided by Author


The duo behind Piper Rayne has another winner with the eldest Mancini brother, Dom and his long time/ lost love Val.

I genuinely liked both characters and had a lot of fun watching them try to figure their situation out while dealing with the influence of meddling mamas (and brothers/friends/assistants) as well as the baggage from the past.

One of the favorite phrases to describe Dom and Val is “its complicated.” Just how complicated is revealed slowly and made me root for these two all that much more.

Well written with a big dose of humor, this fast past story is entertaining and heart warming. If you have followed the Mancini brothers (and their Chicago cousins) you will see lots of cameos in the supporting cast, which makes this the perfect opportunity to catch up. But, if you are new to the series - don’t worry, each book is a stand alone and there aren’t any major spoilers for how the other stories play out.






Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.




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Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo ~ New Release and Review


Nico has goals...and she's number one on his list. Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo is available now!
Universal -- mybook.to/WildTendy 
   
Nico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth. With a new season starting, he is ready to play the game he can control. They’ll all be watching Nico, the goalie, but they’ll never know the man behind the mask who is just trying to breathe. He hasn’t ever wanted anyone close enough to him to see the truth, until Aviva rams herself into his ass. Literally. Aviva Pearce’s life is a collection of bad days all wrapped up without a bow. If it can go wrong, it will. All she wants is to run her business, take care of her sister, and keep her head above water. But with a father who is out to ruin her like he has himself and debt trying to drown her, it’s hard to stay afloat. Aviva isn’t the type to waste time dwelling on her misfortunes or to give up, though. She’s got too much fight in her. And she definitely doesn’t have time to waste on the wildly sexy, rich, showboating goaltender everyone wants. She’s got goals. What she doesn’t know is that Nico has goals of his own. And she’s number one on his list.
Cover Designer: Lori Jackson Design Cover Photography: FuriousFotog


Elizabeth's Review


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


Review Copy Provided by Author


Oh Nico .....
In this second installment of the Ice Cats series, we get to know Nico Merryweather (goalie and previous secondary character). As we get to know him, we discover he has a secret and it’s one that cast a brand new light of some of his previous behaviors.
His love interest, Aviva, is a breast cancer survivor who lost her mom and is raising her teenage sister.

I enjoyed getting to know these two characters (along with Aviva’s sister Callie) and liked them together as a couple. I appreciated that something about Aviva called to Nico and made him look past his struggles to try to be a better person. I also think that the issues Aviva had been dealing with made her the perfect person to empathize with Nico’s situation and understand that his secret was just one part of who he is, not the defining piece.

Nico and Aviva area surrounded by a great secondary cast that help nudge them when needed. Both characters experience an emotional growth that is slightly different than the norm based on their histories, but it is heartfelt and touching.

I am looking forward to seeing more of both characters as the Ice Cats series continues!
About the Author:
My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?
Connect with Toni!
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonialeo1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToniAleo1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/toni_aleo/
Intagram: https://instagram.com/tonialeo1/
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2yGqqR6


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Monday, August 26, 2019

Catching Him ~ Aurora Rose Reynolds ~ Guest Post and Excerpt

Guest Post: Aurora Rose Reynolds' Guide to Catching Him

In my newest book, Catching Him, Leah Emmerson is over men who can’t commit and she is determined to find a man who is willing to chase her for once. When she meets Tyler Duncan she’s not sure she likes him, however, once she gets his attention he makes it clear that he wants her. Tyler goes out of his way to make Leah his and prove that he’s the kind of guy she should be with. The task isn't easy; Leah has built up walls because of her past relationships, but after getting to know Tyler as a friend she realizes that he’s the perfect catch. 

I’m here to give you some advice on how to catch an alpha male, this method is tried and true. 

Step one. 

Ignore the hot guy. I know this might seem a little crazy when you’re trying to actually catch a hot guy, but I’m telling you now that for whatever reason the more you ignore him the more he will come around.

Step two. 

Avoid danger, however, if you do get into trouble be open and honest with the hot guy. If he's worth your time then he will step up to protect you. 

Step three. 

Don’t be afraid if things go fast. 

Step four. 

This step is the simplest of them all: Believe him when he says he loves you and go on to live happily ever after. 



***

Catching Him Excerpt

“Is that any good?”

I look at him with my mouth full and raise a brow as I chew and swallow. “Did you just ask if Fruity Pebbles is any good? Have you ever had it?”

“I haven’t eaten cereal since I was a kid. The only kind my ma ever bought for us was Cheerios, and not the real kind—the kind that comes in the family-size bag.”

“Here.” I lift a full spoon up toward him, and he looks down at it. “Don’t be a chicken; just try it.”

He leans forward, and his lips wrap around the spoon I’m holding, the sight way more erotic than it should be. He chews and swallows, shaking his head. “It’s . . .”

“Delicious,” I finish for him. “Do you want some more?”

“I’m good.” He laughs. “I am worried that you’re eating that for dinner.”

“Why? It’s fruit and dairy,” I deadpan, and he laughs again.

“Whatever you say, gorgeous. Tomorrow I’ll make you breakfast so your body has the fuel it needs before we get to work.”

I haven’t forgotten I’m spending the day with him tomorrow, pretending to help him paint his kitchen. I’ve been thinking about it all day today. I’ve been thinking about him all day today, actually. I really am starting to like him, even if he has the ability to annoy me like no one else I have ever met in my life.

“Will there be bacon?” I set my bowl on the coffee table, then lean back against the couch, looking at him.

“Is that your roundabout way of saying you want bacon?”

“Yep.”

“Then I guess there will be bacon.”

“Now I can’t wait for breakfast.” I smile at him when he grins. “I do have to leave around four, or maybe a little earlier, so I can shower and change to get to my parents’ place for Sunday dinner.”

“Sunday dinner?”

“Yeah, do you want to come?” Crap, why the heck did I just ask him that? I didn’t mean to. It just came out before I could stop it. “I mean . . .”

“Sure,” he agrees.

“Oh . . . okay. Awesome.” I bite the inside of my cheek. My mom is going to flip her lid—not in a bad way. She’s going to be so happy I’m bringing a man with me that she will probably start knitting baby booties. Not that she knits. She’ll probably just order some off Amazon for free two-day delivery.

“You don’t want me to go?” He tugs that piece of hair he hasn’t stopped playing with, and I turn my head.

“It’s not that. I just . . . well, I’ve never invited someone to Sunday dinner. I mean, I have, but not a guy. My parents and brothers might assume . . .” I look away at his smirk, and my face gets warm. “It’s just . . .” I blow out a breath. “You know how parents and siblings are.”

“We’re friends. I’m new in town, and we’re neighbors.”

“Right,” I agree, even though it’s a little disappointing to think he’s not interested in me and that the comments he’s made haven’t been a lead-up to something more—that something more being him fricking kissing me. But maybe that’s just him . . . maybe he flirts with everyone.

“I don’t have to come if you’re going to be uncomfortable.”

I turn to look at him once more. “You’re right. We’re just friends and neighbors; it won’t be a big deal.”

“Hmm.”

Okay, what does that mean? Never mind. I don’t want to know. I focus on the TV and not so much on him playing with my hair or sitting so close that the weight of him on my couch forces us even closer together.

“You should go to bed. You’ve yawned three times in as many minutes,” he tells me.

“I need to know if Bethenny is going to tell Luann about her husband being with another woman,” I say, keeping my eyes glued to the TV.

“I’m sure you can google it if you really need to know.”

“True.” I yawn again, and my eyes water.

“Come on.” He stands, then pulls me up with him off the couch. “Walk me to the door, then go on to bed.” He walks to the door and stops with his hand on the handle, then looks at Bruce, who hasn’t gotten up. “Bud, come on. Time to go home.”

“Come on, big guy.” I pat my thighs, and he comes instantly, and I laugh as Tyler grumbles under his breath. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell Bruce, hugging him around his furry neck, and then I stand and look at his dad. “When do you want me?”

His eyes change ever so slightly, and I swear he’s going to say something dirty, but he doesn’t. “Nine thirty or ten.”

“Okay,” I agree.

He touches his fingers to my cheek, then opens the door and steps out onto the porch. “Bruce, come,” he calls when Bruce doesn’t follow him. I giggle, and he shakes his head as I push Bruce outside with my hands on his rump. “See you in the morning, babe.”

“Mmm-hmm.” I watch him walk down the stairs and roll my eyes when he orders me into my house and to lock the door. I do what he asks, only because I want to, but I still watch him through the window as he and Bruce walk across the grass between his yard and mine and up to his front door. When he’s inside, I go back to the TV and turn it off, then get in bed, where eventually I fall asleep thinking about the guy next door.

***

About the Book



Title: Catching Him
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Series: How To Catch an Alpha, #1
Publisher: Montlake Romance

Summary

Leah Emerson isn’t looking for a man—she’s looking for the right man. But her mother’s idea of a great catch leaves her cold, and she’s pretty sure her cocky, arrogant, and way too good-looking new neighbor isn’t the one either. If only her wayward cat would stop jumping through his window, she could get on with her life.
Tyler Duncan moved into town for a new job, not to fall in love. But he always goes after the things he wants in life with steadfast determination . . . and he wants Leah Emerson. He wants her smiles, he wants her touch, and he definitely wants her in bed.
Unfortunately, someone else wants Leah—in the worst way. Now Tyler’s on a mission to protect the woman he’s falling in love with while proving he’s worth falling for, and Leah must decide whether Tyler is a catch worth catching . . .

Author Biography

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Fluke My Life, Until, Until Him, Until Her, and Underground Kings. Her writing career started as an attempt to get the outrageous alpha men in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.
To stay up to date on what’s happening, join the Alpha Mailing List: https://bit.ly/2GXYsVS. To order signed books, go to https://AuroraRoseReynolds.com. You can reach Reynolds via email at Auroraroser@gmail.com and follow her on Instagram (@Auroraroser), Facebook (AuthorAuroraRoseReynolds), and Twitter (@Auroraroser).

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