ARC Review: Unafraid by Melody Grace

Unafraid is the second book in the Beachwood Bay series by Melody Grace. These books can be read as stand-alones and you do not need to have read the first in order to understand this one. Unafraid is the story of Hunter and Brittany who is Emerson's sister from Unbroken. For me, Unafraid was a quick read that had both things I liked and things I didn't. I just felt that this story was a little bit too predictable and although the characters were very likable, they would would often times have me shaking my head or rolling my eyes. This story seemed so promising, and unfortunately I just felt like something was allowing me from really loving this one.

Brittany Ray has grown up with everyone leaving her. She also has a reputation around Beachwood Bay of being easy. She convinces herself that she isn't worthy of love or happiness. She spends one night with the gorgeous and rich Hunter Covington, and leaves him early the next morning. She knows that they have no possible future together and yet she wants just one night together. Three years later, Hunter returns to Beachwood Bay determined to restore his grandfather's old horse ranch and convince Brit to give them a chance. Brit can't figure out why Hunter is pursuing her, but she knows that she doesn't belong with him and needs to push him away. However Hunter refuses to allow her to get away with running again. Hunter and Brittany begin to spend time together and the more that they see each other the more feelings that grow. But with him being from a family like his and Brit being who she is, there are many obstacles that stand in their way. Will Brit and Hunter be able to overcome everything that stands between them, or are they just too different to possibly make a relationship work?

I liked Hunter. I thought that he was a great guy who had a lot of pressure to be someone he wasn't, and you could tell that he really struggled with that. Although he knew what he wanted and went after it, there were times that he would allow others to control what he did or push him in a different direction. It just seemed very inconsistent at times when he would say one thing and then he would turn around and do something else. But he was very sweet and would do such special things for Brit that absolutely made me swoon! I felt really bad for Brit. She has had so many bad things happen to her, and they just seem to keep coming! Talk about hitting someone when they are down, my heart absolutely ached for her. She was vulnerable and yet strong despite being looked upon badly by her entire town. I loved that she stood up for herself and wasn't afraid to be who she was. There were times that I got a little annoyed with her though, and I just wanted to see her give up some of her insecurities. I felt the connection between Brit and Hunter and I really wanted them to get their HEA. These two had great chemistry and the attraction was there from the start. I felt like there was a little too much drama and angst at times though, and it just seemed as though they had a breakthrough only to experience a major setback. One step forward, two steps back...it was just a little much in my opinion. Despite all the drama, Brit and Hunter were really hot together and the steam was always there between them. I loved their steamy scenes, but I really loved their sweet scenes the most.

Overall, this was a quick and mostly enjoyable read. I think my biggest problem with this one was that there was just so much drama and angst that seemed to be really unnecessary to me. I just kept thinking enough already these two have to catch a break. I also really couldn't stand Hunter's mother, and how Hunter would just keep quiet especially when it came to things about Brit. Without spoiling too much, there was something that happened at the end and her reaction just seemed completely out of character and it just didn't make sense to me. It was very inconsistent with who she was the entire story before that. Despite the bad, I did like that there was an ending with absolutely no cliffhanger! It was nice to see Brit and Hunter overcome their obstacles and really grow together. They are definitely stronger together and really balance the other. It was nice to see them support each other and lean on each other. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more about where they ended up, but I hope that we might be given some of that in the next story. I think that most New Adult fans will find this story to be enjoyable and should give this series a try. I am curious to see where Melody Grace takes the rest of these characters in the future and i'm also curious to go back and read the start of this series. I have to say I am really curious about Brit's friend and boss Garrett. I really hope that we get his story, you could just tell that there is so much more going on than meets the eye.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Vanessa Kelly and Giveaway

Meet author Vanessa Kelly.

Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance." Her sensual, Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Vanessa's next series, The Renegade Royals, is due to hit the shelves on Nov. 26 with Lost in a Royal Kiss. Book one in the series, Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, will release in January, 2014.

Places to find Vanessa:

| Site | Blog | Rock*It Reads | Facebook | Twitter |

Review: Double Full by Kindle Alexander

Double Full is the first book I have read by Kindle Alexander, so I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. If this book is anything to go by though, I will be reading anything and everything by Kindle Alexander that I can get my greedy little hands on! This book was fantastic. It had everything that you could possibly hope for in a romance, and I absolutely loved every word of it. This story made me experience so many different emotions, and I felt so connected to these characters. I absolutely didn't want it to end, and I was extremely sad to not get more of Jace and Colton. I can only hope that we get more of them in the next book in the Nice Guy Series by Alexander.

Colton appears to have it all. He is the quarterback of his college team and is looking to be a first round draft pick in the upcoming draft for the NFL. The one thing he is missing though is the perfect relationship. He has admired Jace from afar for several years, but as a football star on his way up he knows there is absolutely no way he can come out. He would never be accepted by the NFL even if it wasn't impossible because of his father and agent. But one night in the locker room Colt finds that he can not stay away from Jace. The two hook-up and it is beyond anything either one of them has ever experienced. They take a secret spring break trip together and share a passion filled week together. But after they return and are found out, Colt is forced to leave Jace behind in order to protect him. Ten long years later, they are both extremely successful. Colt is still a quarterback in the NFL, and Jace has a world class gym where he trains all-star cheerleaders. Neither one of them has ever been able to forget the other though and they both still long for the relationship they wanted together. Colt decides that it is time to take control of his life and leaves the fiance he loathes before their wedding can take place. He is determined to win Jace back and sets out to find him. When Jace and Colt reconnect there are a lot of hurt feelings between them, but there is still the connection they once shared. Jace and Colt realize that they both still love each other and are committed to making a relationship work this time. But there are still many obstacles that stand in their way. Can they possibly have the relationship they dreamed of?

I loved both Colt and Jace. They were both hot and sexy and extremely built with them being athletes. Colt was confident when it came to some things like his athletic skills, and yet he was scared to come out and be who he really was. I loved how even though he made a mistake and let Jace believe that he didn't want him, he was doing it to protect Jace. The reasons might not have been right, but Colt thought he was doing what he had to for Jace. I also love how he made himself vulnerable when it came to winning back Jace. He opened up to him and really put himself out there because he was so determined to prove himself. Jace was confident and sweet. I really liked how he was proud and unafraid, and was never anything but himself. These two were so sweet together and you could tell how deep their feelings were. Their love and connection was undeniable and I really enjoyed watching as they began to develop their relationship. Jace and Colt really balanced each other out and they were perfect for each other. Beyond that though these two had so much chemistry and attraction between them, I was sure that my Kindle might explode at any point. Their scenes were sexy and steamy, and they were so well written. I couldn't get enough of Colt and Jace together!

Overall, this book is fabulous! This is definitely my favorite M/M romance that I have ever read hands down. The characters are deep and interesting, the sex is hot, and the story makes you experience so many different emotions. I was happy one minute and my heart was breaking the next, but I knew that Colt and Jace were meant to be and that they had to get their HEA. There was no other option, and I just had to hope that the author would get us there. In the end I was extremely happy about how things went for Colt and Jace, but I wasn't ready to be done with them. I felt so invested in these characters, and felt really connected to them so I was sad the book was over even though I loved it all. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series and I hope that we get more of not only Jace and Colt but also more of Mitch. I am really curious about him and I can't wait to get to know him better! Double Full is a story that I know will be one of my all-time favorites and I will definitely re-read it many times in the future. I highly recommend that you pick this one up! Jace and Colt will keep you turning the pages and you will absolutely fall in love with them just like I did.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Christie Kelley and Giveaway

Meet author Christie Kelley.

Award winning author, Christie Kelley was born and raised in upstate New York. After seventeen years working for financial institutions in software development, she started writing her first book. She currently writes regency historicals for Kensington. Christie now lives in Maryland with her two sons.

Places to find Christie:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Interview with Author J.H. Cardwell and Giveaway

Meet author J.H. Cardwell.

Julie has spent years in the medical field. The first few as a Cardiac Specialty Nurse, and over the last decade as a Pharmaceutical and Medical Sales Representative. She has gathered mounds of experience both personally and professionally to pour into her new passion…writing. After years of power points in the corporate world, she is trying her hand at romance fiction with her first novel, Attainment, and the soon to be released sequel Atonement. Julie resides in a small town in NC with her husband and four children. She continues working full time in sales, exploring her writing late at night and in the wee hours of the morning when her children are tucked safely in bed.

Places to find J.H. Cardwell:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review: Carter Reed by Tijan

I knew just looking at the cover that I had to read this book. I know books shouldn't be judged by their covers, but sometimes I just can't help myself. After reading the blurb though, I was sure that this one was going to be different. I loved how unique and edgy this story was. It was definitely unlike anything else I have read before, and that was extremely refreshing. Recently I have read so many books with similar storylines that I was looking for something else and this was exactly what I was looking for. This book will not be for everyone. There are some pretty serious things that happen, and you should definitely think about if this book is one you would be interested in. I really liked this book, but there were a few things that kept me from giving this one five stars.

Emma walks in on her roommate and best friend Mallory being raped. Emma kills the rapist, who also happens to not only be Mallory's boyfriend, but also a member of a local mob. Knowing that she needs help getting out of the awful situation she finds herself in, Emma goes to the only person that can possibly help her. Her brother told her before he died that if she ever needed anything, Carter Reed would help her. Carter was her brother's best friend and practically lived at their house. But Emma hasn't seen him in ten years, and Carter is not the same person he was back then. As Carter and Emma reconnect and try to get through everything, their feelings grow stronger than ever. Carter makes it his mission to not only escape his mob connections, but also keep Emma safe as he has been doing forever. But can they possibly have a future together, or are there too many obstacles standing in their way?

I loved Carter! He is sexy and dangerous, and I loved how protective he was of Emma. He is a total Alpha, and you just can't help but love him. There is so much to him beneath the surface and I loved how he had no problems admitting to how strongly he felt for Emma. Sometimes I liked Emma and sometimes I didn't like Emma. I thought that overall her character was weak and wishy-washy. She had moments of strength, but they tended to fade very quickly and she was replaced by this completely different character. I really loved her and Carter together though. They were hot and steamy and yet sweet together. They had a ton of chemistry and you could really feel their connection to each other. Their scenes were written so well and were filled with sexual tension. I was hoping for a bit more of the steamy stuff though, and I really felt that the story could have used a bit more sex between them.

I thought that there were some pacing problems with this one. There was a ton of action and things going on, and yet there were times that the story just seemed to move extremely slowly. I would find myself wanting to skim portions and get to the good stuff. I also felt like the ending was extremely abrupt. Yes we do get an end, and there is an HEA. But regardless, it felt unfinished to me. As far as I know, this story is a standalone. I was just wanting an epilogue or something to sort of give this story more closure. I can only hope that Tijan decides to give us and the characters some more to really feel like Carter and Emma get the ending they deserve. Overall though I really did enjoy this story. I was glad that I picked this one up and I am definitely curious to see more from Tijan. This is the first book by Tijan that I have read, but I will be looking for more in the future. I think that there are some people that will not be able to enjoy this story. But I also think that this one is definitely worth giving a shot. It is interesting and unique and will keep you interested in turning the pages and seeing what happens next. Plus, this book is worth reading just for Carter alone!

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Feature and Giveaway: Twice the Temptation by Beverley Kendall

Temptation is as old as Adam and Eve. Unfortunately, succumbing to it is as natural as breathing to the gentlemen in the haut ton. For prospective brides bent on fidelity, three of the ton's most ravishing beauties will help determine the faithful from the philanderers. What they hadn’t counted on was emotional entanglements…

Catherine Rutherford has been smitten with the sinfully handsome American, Lucas Beaumont, since their introduction the year before. And he appears just as enamored of her, for following his return to London he launches a seductive campaign to ensnare her heart and capture her hand in marriage. Never has Catherine been so confident in the outcome of a courtship…that is until she discovers her would-be groom proposed marriage to her sister first.

Although she and her twin share the same face, Catherine refuses to share a man’s affections much less be any woman’s substitute. With the aid of her twin and two friends, she challenges the man she loves to the ultimate test of fidelity. Posing as her heartbroken sister—who is really anything but—Catherine seeks his solace from an “unhappy marriage” and begins a tempestuous game of seduction where the true proof of his love lies in his ability to resist her charms.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes |

Guest Post with Author Lynda Bailey and Giveaway

Meet author Lynda Bailey.

I’ve always loved stories. Especially love stories. Growing up in the Midwest, I’d make up stories to my favorite TV shows – usually westerns.

As I got older, the stories didn’t relent. In fact, they only got stronger, the characters more insistent, until I had no choice but to put it all on paper. It’s become an obsession for me. One that I love.

When not sitting at my computer, I spend my time working as a substitute teacher and fitness instructor. Guess you could say I’m an equal opportunity “persuader” of the young and, ahem, not so young.

Places to fine Lynda:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Guest Post with Author Adele Downs and Giveaway

Meet author Adele Downs.

Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Places to find Adele:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Pleasuring the Lady by Jess Michaels

Pleasuring the Lady, the second book in the Pleasure Wars series from Jess Michaels, is an erotic Regency story. We met the heroine, Portia, in the first Pleasure Wars book (Taken by the Duke) and the hero, Miles, appeared in another Jess Michaels book, An Introduction to Pleasure. Jess Michaels is no stranger to historical erotica and she knows how to titillate the reader in order to propel the story forward.

Lady Portia’s life is pretty much a mess. Her father and now her brother have ruined the family finances. Her mother suffers from some form of dementia. Portia accepts her life as a wallflower, her one joy being in her friendship with Ava (the heroine of Taken by the Duke). When Ava bemoans the suffering and disappearance of her brother Liam (his story is presented in Taken by the Duke) Portia decides to look for him in the last place he was seen, the decadent Donville Masquerade. There she does not find Liam, but runs into an old friend of her brother, Miles, the Marquis of Weatherfield. He doesn’t recognize, but is strangely attracted to her. On a subsequent trip to the masquerade they are discovered in a compromising situation and are forced to marry. From there they struggle to establish a solid relationship while experimenting with various sexual situations.

I always enjoy Jess Michaels’ books and this one is no exception. Pleasuring the Lady was a good continuation of the story begun in Taken by the Duke and I recommend reading them in order. We learned very little new information about Liam so readers will certainly look forward to his story in Beauty and the Earl, coming in April. Portia was a very sympathetic character and I felt for her struggles with her mother and brother. Miles was intriguing and complex. He believed that he was bound by his history and could not love, yet he was kind and caring. For me, Jess Michaels books fall on the lighter side of erotic romance. While she includes some things that would definitely put the book into the erotic category, it is not nearly as far-gone or crude as many other examples of historical erotica. It is important for readers to know, however, that this is a very hot romance, sexual activity is central to the story, and it goes beyond “vanilla” sex. As much as I liked Pleasuring the Lady I did not enjoy it as much as the previous book. I felt like there was a little less emotional depth. I thought Michaels’ portrayal of her brother was unexplainably harsh and one-dimensional. The erotic parts were interesting, but it seemed like the author was trying to include some explicit stuff that was not always needed in the story. It was, however, a quick and compelling read and I cannot wait for the final book in this series.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

Guest Post with Author Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Meet author Jess Michaels.

Jess Michaels writes erotic historical romance set in the Regency period. She lives in Tucson, AZ where she hangs out with her awesome husband and does geeky things in the desert.

Places to find Jess: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

Let me start off by saying that I don't normally read a lot of YA books, in fact there are very few that I have read since I left high school. But when I was asked if I would like to read Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton, I knew from the blurb that I had to read this one! I really enjoyed this story and I am so glad that I took a chance on it. This sweet story really drew me in and kept me so interested that I devoured it in one sitting. I honestly wasn't sure how it would go with this one for me, as I love me some sexy scenes! That being said, I was surprised how much I enjoyed Libby and Peter's love story and it was nice to read a story that wasn't all sex all the time. I really felt their connection and depth of their feelings, and sometimes that can get lost when a book is filled with sexy times.

Libby has been living a nightmare of a life. Her mother and sister were killed in a car accident and her father left her with her aunt after he slipped into depression. Her aunt is mean and always drinking, and she has very strict rules about what Libby can and can't do. All the kids at school know that Libby's aunt is the town crazy and have always given Libby a hard time thinking she is exactly the same. One day while outside in her favorite spot, Libby meets Peter. Peter is in a famous rock band with his brothers, and they tour the country with their parents. Peter is constantly surrounded and never has privacy. He longs to be able to get away and have a normal life. When he meets Libby he realizes that she has no idea who he is or who his band is. They instantly connect and begin a friendship. As they get to know each other better, their feelings grow and they want nothing more than to be together. But with Peter constantly on the road and his busy career and Libby's nasty aunt they have little to no time to be together. They experience many obstacles in their way as they try to work out a relationship, and things seem to keep coming up that keep them apart. Both Libby and Peter feel strongly about each other and are willing to do whatever it takes to be together, but will their love for each other be enough to overcome everything that stands in their way?

I loved Peter. He was sweet and down to earth despite being extremely talented and having such a high profile career at such a young age. He was thoughtful and generous and very genuine. I really loved the times when he and Libby were together. They were fun and sweet and everything you look for in a young first love. Libby was great. Despite being young and suffering all the loss that she had, she was a survivor. She never gave up and she had a quiet strength to her that most people would not have had after going through everything she had. Not only was she strong, but she was also smart. Her and Peter were such a great couple and really seemed to be meant to be together. It was enjoyable to read their story and see them go from meeting and being friends to watching them as they fell in love. They had so much that stood in their way, and at times this story absolutely broke my heart watching as they had to go through some of the things they did. There were times that I really wanted to hit a few members of Peter's family. I couldn't believe that they did and said some of the things they did, and after all that I couldn't quite understand how Peter could ever forgive them. But I knew that Peter and Libby were meant to be together and had hope that they would be able to overcome anything to be with each other.

Overall, this story was a wonderful change from what I am used to reading. It was light, quick and refreshing like a glass of lemonade on a hot day. It gave me that sweet romance and love that just makes your heart happy. The only criticism I have, and I admit its a small one, is that I wanted more to their story. I felt that the ending came too quickly and I wanted to see more of what happened to them in the future. I just felt the way things were left was a little abrupt and I had hoped to get a little more of Libby and Peter. After reading Rock and a Hard Place, I can now say that I am a fan of Angie Stanton and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future. If her stories are all as well written as this one, I know that I will read anything of hers that I can get my hands on in the future. I cannot wait to read Snapshot, which is the second Jamieson Brothers novel and features Peter's brother Adam. I am really excited to read Adam's story, and I also hope maybe to get a little more of Peter and Libby too. Despite this book being young adult, I think that this love story has so much to offer any fan of romance. This book will make you fall in love with Peter and Libby and keep you turning the pages until you have read every last word.

**ARC provided by Author**

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

Upcoming Event: A Historical Christmas Eve

Get ready for another fun and exciting Christmas event here at RFTC. Starting December 1st, we are kicking off the 3rd annual Historical Christmas Eve event. Stop by and check out Christmas Eve inspired scenes from your favorite authors. Each day we will be featuring a different historical romance author and giveaway plus there will be 2 fabulous grand prizes up for grabs!

The event will run from December 1st - 24th.

With appearances by:

• Sophie Barnes
• Valerie Bowman
• Christna Brooke
• Anna Campbell
• Manda Collins
• Lecia Cornwall
• Lily Dalton
• Tracey Devlyn
• Vicky Dreiling
• Elizabeth Essex
• Shana Galen
• Juliana Gray
• Lorraine Heath
• Susanna Ives
• Christie Kelley
• Jade Lee
• Caroline Linden
• Julie Anne Long
• Erin Knightley
• Miranda Neville
• Theresa Romain
• Maggie Robinson
• Jillian Stone
• Sherry Thomas

Don’t miss out on the fun! There will be a lot of Christmas joy to share, fabulous giveaways and unique scenes you won’t read anywhere else. Mark your calendars and see you there!

Guest Post with Author Cynthia Eden and Giveaway

Meet author Cynthia Eden.

Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia is also a two-time finalist for the RITA® award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category). Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over thirty novels and novellas.

Cynthia is a “hybrid” author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

Places to find Cynthia: 

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Feature and Giveaway: In Love With A Wicked Man by Liz Carlyle

New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle has created a breathtaking new romance about a man without scruples and the lady who brings him to his knees.

What does it matter if Kate, Lady d'Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects?

She has a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest's wicked kisses.

Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London's most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one thing: he wants all Kate is offering—and more.

But when Edward's memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation.

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

ARC Review: Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

I will admit that at this point, I am a huge fan of the New Adult genre. I am always up for reading more of these stories, even if most of them usually have very similar story-lines or situations. At first glance, Foreplay sounds as though it is going to be like others out there. But I quickly realized that that was not the case with Sophie Jordan's Foreplay. I loved the characters in this story, I loved that there wasn't a cliffhanger ending, and I really loved that we got to see how even the best laid plans can change without us even knowing its happening!

Pepper had a tough childhood. After her father died, her mother couldn't take care of her as she should and dropped Pepper off to live with her grandmother. Pepper grows up with her best friend Lila and Lila's brother Hunter. They have the perfect family life and Pepper wants nothing more than to marry Hunter and join the family for real. There is just the problem of her not having much experience with boys and Hunter's girlfriend Paige. But when Hunter is suddenly single, Pepper decides it is time to gain the experience and make Hunter see how perfect they could be together. Pepper's suite-mates have heard rumors about a bartender who knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to girls, and they convince Pepper that he would be the perfect teacher for her to learn some foreplay. Reece the bartender ends up being nothing like what Pepper was expecting, and end up spending quite a bit of time together. But their foreplay lessons become more about feelings and each other than helping Pepper prepare for Hunter. Soon, Pepper and Reece are both wanting more from each other even though Pepper is still convinced that she needs to end up with Hunter. But when she finally gets a chance with Hunter, will it be everything she always dreamed of? Or will her new connection and relationship with Reece be what she really needs and wants?

I loved Reece! Hot and sexy while being caring and sweet. I was rooting for his character from the start. He has a tough past as well as Pepper and that made him sometimes try and push her away. But even though he would sometimes try to keep her at arm's length, you could tell the whole time he was struggling with his growing feelings for her and that he really did care about her. Pepper was a little naive and immature, and she thought that she needed a certain type of life for her future. I think that Reece was perfect for her, because he really started to open her eyes to her shortsightedness about what she thought she needed and wanted. Although Hunter was nice and familiar, I never felt as though he was right for Pepper. There was just never a spark there. However with Pepper and Reece, they barely had to be around each other before it seemed as though they would ignite! They were super hot together and had some amazing chemistry! I loved that he was patient with her and that he seemed to not only care about the physical stuff with Pepper. They were very fun to read about and I loved Pepper and Reece together.

Overall, this book is one that I absolutely couldn't put down. Pepper and Reece made me fall for them, and I really felt their connection from the start. They were sweet and sexy together, and I thought that they really balanced each other out. I loved their steamy scenes, but what really got me were the sweet ones. This story was full of wonderful characters that were deep and interesting. Sophie Jordan may have been a new to me author before reading Foreplay, but I am now a fan! I cannot wait to read more from her in the future! I am especially excited to read more in this series, The Ivy Chronicles, and see some of the other characters get their HEAs as well as hopefully see some more of Reece and Pepper. Fans of romance filled with both sweet and sexy should definitely read this story. I think most romance readers will be like me and find it impossible not to fall in love with Reece and Pepper.

**ARC provided by Edelweiss*

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

Feature and Giveaway: Taming a Wild Scot by Rowen Keats

Wrongfully accused of murder and left to die in a hellish Highland dungeon, Ana Bisset has lost all hope of freedom. But the beautiful healer’s luck takes an unexpected turn when a hooded stranger appears as her rescuer. After a harrowing escape, Ana settles alone in a quiet village where no one knows her past or her reputation. The last thing she ever expects is to meet her mysterious savior again...

Niall MacCurran is no hero, but a warrior on a dangerous mission to expose a threat to the realm. After his decision to free Ana, he now realizes that it is he who needs her help—willing or no—to advance his quest. But his growing feelings for the delicate yet resilient beauty soon jeopardize their safety—and not even Ana’s healing gifts may be enough to protect their love, or their lives.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Cynthia D'Alba and Giveaway

Meet author Cynthia D’Alba.

Cynthia D’Alba was born and raised in a small Arkansas town. After being gone for a number of years, she’s thrilled to be making her home back in Arkansas living in a vine-covered cottage on the banks of an eight-thousand acre lake. When she’s not reading or writing or plotting, she’s doorman for her two dogs, cook, housekeeper and chief bottle washer for her husband and slave to a noisy, messy parrot. She loves to chat online with friends and fans.

To send her snail mail, write to: Cynthia D’Alba PO Box 2116 Hot Springs, AR 71914

Places to find Cynthia:

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Review: Undeclared by Jen Frederick

Undeclared is the first book in Jen Frederick's New Adult Contemporary Woodlands Series. I have to admit this one intrigued me from the start just by reading the blurb! I loved the idea of a modern day pen pal relationship that could turn into more. There were a lot of things that I liked about this story and some things I didn't. But for the most part this story was very unique and different from other New Adult stories, and I ended up enjoying Noah and Grace's book.

In what begins as a class project, Grace becomes pen pals with Noah while he is overseas in Afghanistan. They write back and forth for four years until Noah's deployment ends. Through their letters, Grace ends up falling for Noah. When Noah sends her a Dear Jane letter at the end of his deployment, and tells her he sees her as a little sister it breaks Grace's heart. But two years later Noah is back and has decided to attend the same college as Grace in order to win back her heart. Grace has never been able to move on from her feelings for Noah, but letting him in again isn't something she is willing to do easily. Noah sets out to get to know Grace again and prove to her that the relationship they had begun with their letters can work and be better than ever. But with so much uncertainty in Grace's life and future, can he convince her to give him another chance?

I really liked Noah and Grace. I thought that they were both very interesting characters. One of the best parts of this book for me were the letters they sent each other. I loved getting to see both of their POVs and thoughts and I thought that their letters really allowed the reader to get to know these characters in a way that otherwise wouldn't have been easy. Noah was sweet and strong and extremely patient with Grace. I loved that he gave her time and space when she needed it. Grace was sweet and loyal. At times she was a little indecisive and naive. I know that much of that is due to the age of her character, but at times it was pretty frustrating. I really felt like Grace and Noah were great together. Very believable, and they were cute and sweet together. Of the few problems I had with this book, they were not one.

I did however have some problems with the pacing. I felt the entire first half of the book moved extremely slowly and at times I felt like I wanted to skip ahead and get to the good parts. I know that they had a lot to overcome after the last letter and the heartbreak that Grace felt, but their relationship just seemed to progress a little too slow after they reconnected. I think I might have felt differently if they had even just kissed or something, but there was just nothing. I also felt like even though they weren't together for the first half of the book, that there was very little conflict until the end of the story. Without giving anything away, it just seemed to not have much going on and I felt as if the story was lacking because of that. Despite these issues I had though, Noah and Grace were so likable that I did enjoy this story. I just think that they had such a promising story that unfortunately for me fell a little flat when I was hoping for more. That being said, I really enjoyed reading about all the characters and i'm really excited to read their stories in the upcoming books. I think that most fans of New Adult stories will enjoy the uniqueness of this book and find it to be an enjoyable read.

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Guest Post with Author Lecia Cornwall and Giveaway

Meet author Lecia Cornwall.

Lecia Cornwall lives in Calgary Alberta, in the foothills of the beautiful Canadian Rockies, with two grown children, four cats, a chocolate lab and a husband who puts up with all of the above with remarkable patience. Lecia's debut novel was published by Avon in April 2011. And, she is, of course, busy working on yet another book.

Places to find Lecia:

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Feature and Giveaway: Infinite Possibilities by Lisa Renee Jones

Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he’d been her escape, her passion. The only person she’d trusted in six years. And then he’d made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she’d once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won’t stop until she has it, not even for…him.

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Feature and Giveaway: All In with the Duke by Ava March

Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, vows to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man's true intentions. But ten months of celibacy and lonely nights drive him to a decadent brothel, where a beautiful young man arouses his illicit passions as never before.

Tristan Walsh has grown tired of being used for men's pleasure. But his latest client is different: commanding yet generous, Max makes him feel cared for as well as wanted. Yet Tristan knows he'll never have the choice to leave the brothel and submit only to Max.

So when Max invites him to be his guest at his country estate, Tristan eagerly agrees to his terms—days to do as he pleases while Max tends to the dukedom, and nights spent together in wicked play. But when the "business arrangement" begins to deepen into something more, Tristan must face the fact that he has no true place in Max's life—or in Max's guarded heart…

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press |