ARC Review: Desire by Design by Paula Altenburg

Desire by Design is the story of Eve and Matt. Eve works in the construction field and is the project manager for the rebuild on the city's new city hall building. While trying to figure out how to keep the project on budget, the mayor of the city sends his architect nephew Matt in to redesign the new city hall. Eve had been the original designer of the new city hall building and wasn't happy with the change in plans from hers to Matt's. Even though Matt is a well known architect and has a design that takes some of Eve's ideas into account, she is determined to not support him or his design. The two of them circle around each other and although there is an attraction between the two of them, Eve wants nothing to do with him after having been through a horrible marriage that ended in divorce. But Matt is determined to not only convince Eve that they can work together professionally, but that they would also make a great team personally as well.

Desire by Design is the first book that I have read by Paula Altenburg, and as much as I wanted to get into this story I just wasn't able to. I couldn't connect with the characters and found myself wanting to quit reading the story at more than one point. The story felt rushed and unbelievable to me. As far as characters go, there seemed to be quite a few inconsistencies for me. Eve was constantly described as being a strong woman who was more than capable of taking care of herself. She would often tell people that as well. Yet she was constantly displaying insecurity and would panic for sometimes no reason. I just couldn't really get behind Eve's character. I found myself annoyed with her most of the story. Matt was sweet and romantic. I liked that he was patient with Eve and wanted to protect her. But I felt that his character would get kind of lost at points and everything that I had liked about his character would suddenly switch and he would be the almost insecure one.

Another problem I had was that this relationship seemed rushed, but yet actually progressed extremely slowly. It seemed as though one minute there was nothing but some attraction and a bit of flirting and then all of a sudden deep feelings and emotions are there. I just would have liked to see more of a progression and the development of these feelings. I did think that there were some funny parts, and those were the highlights for me. Sometimes there was just so much going on though that it was hard to figure out what was really happening. Overall this story sadly wasn't one that I would revisit or recommend, as for the most part it was fairly forgettable and unrealistic.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

Feature and Giveaway: Days of Rakes and Roses by Anna Campbell

Lady Lydia Rothermere has spent the past decade trying to make up for a single, youthful moment of passion. Now the image of propriety, Lydia knows her future rests on never straying outside society's rigid rules; but hiding away the desire that runs through her is harder than she could have ever dreamed. Now as Lydia prepares for a marriage that will suit her family, but not her heart, Lydia must decide what's more important: propriety or passion?

Simon Metcalf is a rake and adventurer. But for all his experience, nothing can compare to the kiss he stole from the captivating Lydia Rothermere ten years ago. Simon can scarcely believe he's about to lose the one woman he's never forgotten. The attraction between them is irresistible, yet Lydia refuses to forsake her engagement. With his heart on the line, will Simon prove that love is a risk worth taking?

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

ARC Review: Silent Warrior by Lindsey Piper

Silent Warrior was a quick paced, action packed prequel to Piper’s Caged Warrior, the first book in her new Dragon Kings’ series which released on June 26th.

The story began with a pulse quickening cage fight between the two main characters. Hark fighting to win money to pay off loan sharks has a lot of incentive to take the victory over his opponent. And though an arrogant, ever-babbling, alpha male he is also an incredible fighter. Honing his skills from a rough life on the streets. Through his non-stop blather he has perfected a shield to protect himself from the rough realities of his existence which had served him well until he happened upon this female opponent.

Silence, a mute by choice, was trained for this. Lived for battle. An intimidating fighter who’s skills earned her great respect in the cage, as well as standing in the Cartel who ‘owned’ her. Her lack of speech served to unnerve her opponents giving her more opportunity to discern their weaknesses. Also kept unwarranted attention from coming her way. Unlike the chatty warrior who she acknowledged as a sound rival she was not fighting for money, but rather to earn more trust and freedom to locate the item that would clear her name from a transgression perpetrated by her parents.

Hark and Silence are both from the Clan Sath, and while you learn very little of what that actually pertains to in this novella I’m certain it is one of several unanswered questions that will be fully fleshed out in the full length novels of the Dragon King series. However, it is apparent that the Dragon Kings’ are known for being fierce warriors. And with both characters being fueled by a passion for what they do and are, their quick and steamy romance is something that leaves you wanting to follow these two far past the last page of this story.

To give any more details would possibly spoil the experience of reading this title so I will summarize in stating that I found this story a pleasant read. The action scenes were clearly detailed and well executed. The romance between the hero and heroine, though rushed, worked well in the pacing of the story’s plot and was not shy on emotions formulating their deep connection. My favorite part of Hark and Silence’s relationship was the clever and snarky dialogue between them. Several parts had me laughing out loud as well as a semi-permanent grin plastered on my face.

If you are interested in Piper’s Dragon King series, and you like a lot of action coupled with your paranormal romance I can easily suggest you pick up this title.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Feature and Giveaway: Bayou Heat Series by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright

Bayou Heat Series

New Year. New World. New Species.

LEGEND OF THE PANTERA

Hidden in the depths of the Louisiana bayous, the Pantera, have become little more than a legend to most humans. It’s rumored that in the ancient past twin sisters, born of magic, had created a sacred land and claimed it as their own. From that land was born creatures who were neither human or animal, but a mixture of the two. Faster and stronger than humans, they have hyper acute senses, and when surrounded by the magic of the Wildlands they’re capable of shifting into pumas. It was also whispered that they possess other gifts. Telepathy, witchcraft, immortality, and the ability to produce a musk that could enthrall mere mortals. Mothers warned young girls never to roam alone near the swamps, convinced that they would be snatched by the Pantera, while young men were trained to avoid hunting anywhere near the protected Wildlands. Not that the warnings were always successful. What girl didn’t dream of being seduced by a gorgeous, mysterious stranger? And what young man didn’t want to try his skill against the most lethal predators?

As the years passed, however, the sightings of the Pantera became so rare that the rumors faded to myths. Most believed the entire species had become extinct. Sadly they weren’t entirely mistaken...

Interview with Author Megan Mulry and Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to author Megan Mulry. Megan has stopped by to chat about her newest book, If the Shoe Fits.

I write sexy, stylish, romantic fiction. I graduated from Northwestern University and then worked in publishing, including positions at the New Yorker and Boston magazine. After moving to London, I worked in finance and attended London Business School. I've traveled extensively in Asia, India, Europe, and Africa and now live with my husband and children in Florida. You can find me procrastinating on Twitter.

Places to find Megan:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: Reunited in Danger by Joya Fields

REUNITED IN DANGER was my first Joya Fields novel—but it definitely will not be my last! It seamlessly combines a tautly paced plot rife with suspense, action, and danger with the right amount of reunion romance angst between two great characters shaped by their childhoods to create a well-crafted, gritty page-turner you will not want to put down.

It’s rare for me to like both the hero and heroine equally and not want to strangle one or the other repeatedly throughout the course of the novel, but Ms. Fields has written two incredibly strong and realistic characters with their share of issues that manage to do just that whilst burning up the pages. Heroine Keely Allen is a social worker that bounced around several foster homes after the death of her heroin-addicted biological mother before being adopted by a pastor and his wife. She’s the antithesis of the whiny, TSTL heroine that sometimes crops up in romance and drives me absolutely mad: her compassion and fortitude drive her to enter potentially dangerous situations to rescue children from unfit parents and to investigate a vicious attack on her adoptive father, Ben. Her teenage romance with hero Logan North and his abrupt & unexplained disappearance from her life ten years ago, combined with her childhood before being adopted, has left her with abandonment issues and unwilling to entrust her heart to anyone. Especially not to Logan, who walks back into her life to unofficially assist with the investigation into Ben’s attack—even though she is still desperately in love with him. She has secrets and issues that make her an intriguing and realistic heroine, and I was truly invested in (and rooting for) her journey to the HEA.

And then there’s Logan North, former messed up kid from an abusive household going nowhere fast and current Baltimore homicide detective after a stint in the Marines. Logan is my favourite kind of hero: he’s got that protective, alpha-male persona that is undeniably sexy but without tipping over into overbearing and autocratic. And he has the right amount of emotional baggage to make his relationship with Keely require work and make me want to give him a hug without veering into excessive melodrama. Raised by an abusive father who beat him and his mother, Logan is convinced he has that same uncontrollable anger inside him and believes he doesn’t deserve to have—and can’t risk having—the family Keely ultimately wants. I often find the “you deserve better so I’ll leave for your own good” hero/heroine dynamic a bit too histrionic, but Ms. Fields handles it with a light enough hand that makes it believable and poignant rather than overdone and exasperating. Keely and Logan are truly a great couple, and watching them navigate all their hangups and issues to an incredibly sweet HEA is heartwarming and satisfying. And, boy, do the two of them sizzle: from the moment they are reunited, the sexual chemistry is palpable and the inevitable love scenes do not disappoint.

The plot is fairly typical of dark romantic suspense, but the hard-hitting investigation into drug dealing and human trafficking is well written and suitably paced. I found myself continuously turning pages to see how things would turn out and whether my suspicions were correct. Ms. Fields’s writing also brings the community Ben and Keely live in to life and introduces a couple of truly memorable secondary characters. I’m intrigued to learn fellow social worker Nevaeh’s story, and I want to be kickass like Margaret when I grow up!

Overall, REUNITED IN DANGER mixes suspense, action, and romance to create a thoroughly enjoyable, intense story that makes a great read for fans of dark(ish) romantic suspense. I’m glad to have discovered this new-to-me author, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Interview with Author Adele Dubois and Giveaway

Please welcome author Adele Dubois to RFTC. Adele is here to answer some questions.

Adele Dubois is happiest when driving her convertible with the top down. She is a multi-published, award-winning author of erotic romance novels, novellas and short stories. Before turning to fiction, Adele wrote for newspapers and magazines in the USA, Caribbean and UK.

Adele is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and past president of her local RWA chapter. When not at the beach or by the bay, Adele and her husband and family enjoy their eastern Pennsylvania home where she is working on her next novel.

Places to find Adele:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Guest Post with Author Rosanne Bittner and Giveaway

Please welcome author Rosanne Bittner  to RFTC. Rosanne is celebrating the release of her newest book, Paradise Valley and has stopped by to chat.

I've been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800's and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine's love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America's western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site at www.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books!

Places to find Rosanne:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light is the fifth installment in Jones’ Charley Davidson series. While reading I asked myself over and over how it’s taken me so long to find this series? This book grabbed my attention from the start and is still refusing to let go. So of course I will now be heading straight over to my book dealer of choice to locate and purchase the previous installments.

Charley Davidson was born a Grim Reaper. Though life expectancy for one of her kind tends to run low she’s lived to see her mid-twenties and still kicking. Being a major feat in itself she still manages to be a walking trouble magnet to the Nth degree as well as a sense of humor that leaves those she meets with only two choices, love her or hate her. Personally I was immediately on team love as she had my cheeks aching from grinning like an idiot from one well placed ridiculous comment to the next. She keeps the power on by working as a PI and consultant to the local authorities. Cook, her quirky and also hilarious assistant, keeps her on schedule and generally coaxed into a positive mood with an endless supply of caffeine.

On top of Reaper duties, criminal investigations, and staking out cheating spouses she’s also got a man on her mind that won’t seem to stop leaving post-it notes on her door. Easy for him as he’s taken up residence in the apartment next door. Troublesome for her him not only being the son of Satan himself, but also a current person of interest in an arson case her Uncle brought her in on. Reyes is one sexy sonofa- well, let’s just say he’s hot in more ways than one. And to Charley’s delight seems just as fixed on her as she is on him. The chemistry between these two was scorching and left me extremely interested in going back to read the previous books to see how this relationship began and grew to the point I got to experience in this story.

From what I gathered there were several recurring supporting characters from the previous books. All of whom added a great amount of depth into Charley’s character as well as flesh out the varying plotlines sprinkled through the story.

This was an extremely entertaining read. A complete package containing a steamy-as-hell romance, mystery surrounding an apartment full of ghosts, danger, action, and enough quirky quips to leave the most stoic of readers with aching sides. If you have read Jones’ previous works then I am more than willing to bet this will be another must-read for you. For those new to Jones’ writing...if you are a fan of super quick witted strong female leads, and an alpha male that can make you melt this is a definite title to get your hands on.

**ARC provided by the Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Guest Post with Author Darynda Jones and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC author Darynda Jones. With the recent release of Fifth Grave Past the Light, Darynda has stopped by to chat. Please give her a warm welcome.

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Places to find Darynda:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Feature and Giveaway: Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann

Charlie is a passionate, sensually-inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from the abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security; the money brings financial freedom and the madam is the mother figure she longs for.

But the thrill of the mansion and its arousing dominance quickly fades when she meets renowned-yet-mysterious Cameron Hardy, whose intense baby blue eyes send a nervous flutter through her core. Cameron is sexy, and not in a subtle way. He stimulates Charlie’s art, her intellect and her desires. Just as he begins to break through her emotional boundaries, she discovers a devastating connection between her past and her scandalous work at the mansion, shattering everything she thought to be true.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kobo |

Feature and Giveaway: More Than You Know by Alexandria Rhodes

After surviving a devastating car accident that took her father's life, Bryn Woods feels like she has nothing left in her hometown of Savannah, GA. Along with losing her father, her boyfriend, Tyler, unexpectedly leaves town the same time of the accident. Feeling alone, broken and confused, Bryn leaves Savannah for college in New York City to escape her heartbreak.

Four years later, Bryn returns to Savannah to live in her childhood home. Slowly, she begins to let the people of her past back into her life. She lets the protective walls she's built to protect herself crash down around her. As she begins to find love again with Tyler, secrets start to unravel themselves about his past. Tyler has secrets of his own. Secrets connected to the death of Bryn's father. Secrets Tyler didn't even know he kept.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Series Spotlight: Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism Series Gets a Makeover!

Who doesn't love a fabulous makeover? -Especially when it involves romance, adventure, hot guys and cute animals! Check out the brand new cover images for Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism series…

Book one, ANIMAL MAGNETISM, which originally went on sale in February 2011, is back and better than ever with a brand new look. The reissue of book two, ANIMAL ATTRACTION, which originally went on sale October 2011, is not far behind with a new cover as well. Breathing new life into Jill's charming contemporary romance series, these new covers demand another look at the fun stories they hold…

And don't miss Jill's newest Animal Magnetism release-book four, RUMOR HAS IT, coming out this November!

ARC Review: One Night With a Billionaire by Vicki Lewis Thompson

One Night With A Billionaire is the first book I have read by Vicki Lewis Thompson. I really enjoyed reading this novella. It was short and sweet and everything I hope for when reading a contemporary romance. Melanie has dreamed of going to Paris and when her friends both bail on the trip, she decides to go anyways. Right after arriving she is mugged and loses her backpack containing her money, credit card and phone. A handsome stranger named Drew, attempts to get it back but is unable to catch the muggers. Seeing that she is obviously a tourist, he immediately offers to help her. By some crazy coincidence, Drew is also from Texas like Melanie and they immediately hit it off. Drew sees the hotel that she is supposed to stay in and offers to let her stay at his home. Even though Melanie is suspicious at first, she quickly sees that Drew means no harm and decides to stay with him and let him show her Paris. What starts out as a friendly companionship around the city, quickly becomes an attraction that neither one can or wants to fight.

Drew is from an extremely well to do family from Dallas and has had every priviledge growing up. Now that he is an adult he has expanded upon the wealth he was born to. He knows instantly that Melanie is different from the women in his social circle, and that is part of what first appealed to him. I loved that he liked Melanie because she was her own person and refused to rely on others to help her when she could clearly take care of herself. It was nice to see that even though she wasn't rich and didn't have fancy clothes that he could see who she was beneath the surface. Melanie was strong and independent refusing to let a mugging ruin her trip. She was a really likeable character and I loved that she showed her wonder and awe of visiting Paris for the first time. It was so sweet how Drew would encourage her to experience everything like that because he got just as much enjoyment out of seeing it through her eyes as she did. Drew and Melanie were so sweet together and the growth of their relationship was very romantic.

For me this book was like a dessert at the end of a meal. It was quick, light and fluffy and the perfectly sweet end to a day. I read this in one sitting as it was a short novella. Even though the story was a quick one, I really felt the connection between Drew and Melanie and found their story to be completely believable. I would give this book a try if you love short and sweet romances. I know I will be looking for more books to read from Vicki Lewis Thompson in the future, and I can't wait to check out the rest of the Perfect Man series featuring Melanie's two best friends!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Interview with author Nancy Northcott and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome author Nancy Northcott to RFTC. With the recent release Guardian, Nancy has stopped by to answer a few question. Please give her a warm welcome.

Nancy Northcott’s childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman. Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy and YA romance. A sucker for fast action and wrenching emotion, Nancy combines the romance and high stakes she loves in The Protectors, her new contemporary mage series from Grand Central Forever Yours.

Her debut novel, Renegade, received a starred review from Library Journal. The reviewer called it “genre writing at its best.” Nancy is a three-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and has won the Maggie, the Molly, the Emerald City Opener, and Put Your Heart in a Book.

Married since 1987, Nancy and her husband have one son, a bossy dog, and a house full of books.

Places to find Nancy:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Guest Post with Author Robyn Thomas and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome author Robyn Thomas to RFTC. Robyn is celebrating the release of her book, Famously Engaged and has stopped by to chat. Please give her a warm welcome.

Robyn is a cheesecake connoisseur, caffeine addict, and mother of two boys. Happily married, she lives in Melbourne, Australia. Writing romance helps her balance the effects of living in an all-male household. Robyn loves romantic comedies, art glass, cooking and browsing in quirky gift shops.

Places to find Robyn:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: Ethan by Grace Burrowes

There is just something about Grace Burrowes' books that speaks to me. I began reading the Lonely Lords series as soon as they came out. I enjoyed Darius and Nicholas very much, but the third installment, Ethan, really tugged at my heartstrings. Some readers might find this book a little slow. If so, they are missing the beauty of Burrowes' writing. To sum up her message - it's the little things in life that make the difference. She shows her characters going about the challenges of their everyday life, dealing with struggles both large and minute. The moments are genuine, poignant, and endearing.

I love a good tortured hero story. Is even better when both the hero and the heroine are tortured by issues from their past? For me, the answer is yes. Ethan Grey is the oldest son of the Earl of Bellefonte and is illegitimate. Separated from the brother he loved (Nicholas) by the misguided intentions of their father, Ethan makes some poor decisions while finding his own way in the world. The imminent death of the earl causes him to reconnect with Nicholas and shine light onto some shadowy issues. Widowed with two young sons Ethan hires Alice Portman as a governess to the boys. She is sensible and practical, a perfect balance for Ethan. Alice has secrets of her that complicate their budding relationship.

What makes this book so much better than all of other employer-governess stories? A couple of things. First, there is Burrowes' excellent writing. Her style utilizes a level of sophistication that requires the reader to think. A clear message in her books is the value and strength of family. The characters may have some personal dysfunction, but the family unit is the glue that binds them through their troubles. In Ethan I was impressed by the maturity of the hero and heroine. Their desire for each other was intense, but they clung to their good sense in deciding the direction of their attraction. I loved how Ethan and Nicholas gradually rebuild a badly damaged relationship. Throughout the story Ethan slowly becomes the man he was meant to be. Yes, I sobbed my way through a lot of it. That tells you how much I internalized the emotions of the characters. I loved this book and can't wait to read about all the other Lonely Lords.

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Guest Post with Author Roni Loren and Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to one of my favorite people, author Roni Loren. If you haven't read any of Roni's books you are seriously missing out. Her Loving on the Edge series is not to be missed and you better believe I can't wait to read her Not Until You serials.

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat and RITA finalist.

Places to find Roni:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr |

Interview with Author S.A. Rolls and Giveaway

Please welcome author S.A. Rolls to RFTC. S.A. has stopped by to answer some questions and share some details about her book, A Brand New Ending.

S.A. Rolls is a native of the Bay Area, where she attended culinary school and obtained a degree in baking and pastry. When she is not baking, she spends her time reading and writing. Stephanie reads anything – from biographies of her favorite president to the most popular YA series. Inspired by her surroundings, she has written her first novel, based in San Francisco, her favorite city. She currently lives with her boyfriend and their five-year-old pug.

Places to find S.A:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Interview with Author Amelia Grey and Giveaway

Please welcome author Amelia Grey to RFTC. Amelia is celebrating the release of The Rogue Steals A Bride and has stopped by to answer a few questions.

Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.

Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.

Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.

Places to find Amelia:

| Site | Facebook |

ARC Review: This Love by Nazarea Andrews

I knew just by looking at the cover of this book that I was going to enjoy this story. This Love definitely did not let me down! Having never read a book by Nazarea Andrews before, I had no idea what to expect. I found her writing to be wonderful! The characters were great and the story had an amazing flow to it even with the switch between Atticus's point of view and Avery's. I loved that we got insight into both characters through their thoughts and feelings, and I reallyl think that that was part of why I loved this book so much! It was so easy to really connect to the characters.

Avery was looking for a research job before her senior year of college in order to make some money to be able to attend her sister's wedding in Jamaica. Atticus was looking for someone to help him with his research and the mess his life had become. Even though the attraction between the two of them was instant, they both knew they could never do anything about it for many reasons, not the least of which was him being a professor and her being a student. Atticus comes to rely on Avery for more than just research, and the two begin spending more time together both in and outside of work. As they get to know each other better, they know that it will be impossible not to give into the attraction between them and they decide that as long as they both know that there is an expiration date on the relationship that they should just go for it. But as they both start to heal each other from past relationships, it is only a matter of time before real feelings begin to develop and they find themselves not wanting to have an end date at all.

I loved Atticus, he absolutely stole my heart! Hello new book boyfriend! He was sexy and sweet and just all around charming. He was so thoughtful at all times when it came to Avery, going out of his way to do nice things for her! I also really loved that even though he was a little damaged after a bad marriage, that he was still willing to put himself out there and risk his heart because of the way he felt about Avery and the connection that they shared. I loved that he fought for her and never gave up on her despite the many obstacles that were in their way. I really liked Avery also. She also had some relationship issues after being left at the alter by her fiance when she was very young. But she was strong and unwilling to compromise herself for anyone else. Even though she would sometimes panic and try to run, Atticus would always find her and show her that he wasn't going anywhere.

Atticus and Avery were perfect for each other. I really felt their connection and all the emotions behind their growing relationship. Their love was so believable I never once found myself questioning the direction the author was taking them in. I really enjoyed seeing them grow as individuals and as a couple and getting to witness every step of their developing relationship. Besides the emotional aspect, the two of them had chemistry that was off the charts! They were absolutely scorching hot together! Andrews did a wonderful job giving each character depth, and I thought that they were all genuine, relatable and interesting. My only problem with this story was the way it ended. For me it was a little abrupt. I would have liked to see a little more of where they ended up and the events that transpired after they decided to spend their future together. But overall this book was a fabulous read that I just couldn't put down. If you enjoy a fun and flirty romance with a couple that can really steam up the pages, this book is a must read! I can't wait to read more from Nazarea Andrews in the future!

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Feature and Giveaway: The Artists Trilogy by Karina Halle

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Susana Ellis and Giveaway

Please give a warm welcome to Susana Ellis, who is has stopped by to chat about her book, Treasuring Theresa.

A former teacher, Susana is finally living her dream of being a full-time writer. She loves all genres of romance, but historical—Regency in particular—is her favorite. There’s just something about dashing heroes and spunky heroines waltzing in ballrooms and driving through Hyde Park that appeals to her imagination.

In real life, Susana is a lifelong resident of northwest Ohio, although she has lived in Ecuador and studied in Spain, France and Mexico. More recently, she was able to travel around England and visit many of the places she’s read about for years, and it was awesome! She is a member of the Maumee Valley and Beau Monde chapters of Romance Writers of America.

Places to find Susana:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |