Feature and Giveaway: Rival by Penelope Douglas

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Until You

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me…

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ARC Review: Chasing the Sun by Nikki Mathis Thompson

Chasing the Sun is a novella in Nikki Mathis Thompson's Rebound series. This novella is Ian's story and can easily be read as a standalone. I had never read any of the other books in this series and had no problem getting into this story. I really enjoyed Ian's story, and I definitely want to go back and read the others after this one though.

After having his heart broken when the girl he loved chose someone else, Ian Radcliffe heads out of town to throw himself into his work. A few months away is just what he needs. Ian heads to a local bar where he meets a sassy bartender named Trey. They instantly hit it off and begin to form a strong friendship. They are also both attracted to one another and after Ian loses his dog Ruby, Trey offers him a night to forget it all. Despite their night together, they both struggle with taking their relationship beyond friendship and decide not to pursue anything. When Ian meets local singer Rory, he finds himself attracted to her as well and they begin to see one another. But things quickly get complicated when Ian struggles to put his feelings for Trey aside, and he can't help but feel jealous at the thought of her with anyone else. Can Ian figure out which girl he belongs with or will neither of them be the girl for him? And what happens when his project is done and he is set to return home and must leave both girls behind?

I really liked Ian. He was really sweet and had a great sense of humor. He was sexy and confident despite being left by the woman he thought was the one for him. I loved how caring he was, and it was so adorable how much he loved his dog Ruby and made her his priority. I thought that Ian had great chemistry with Trey and they were a match on all levels. These two just seemed made for each other, and I loved their banter. Trey was so great. She was one of those cool chicks that you would love to hang out with in real life. Smart and sassy, she was comfortable in her own skin and it showed. I loved her from the start, and was rooting for her the whole way through. I didn't really care for Rory. There was nothing bad about her, but there was nothing to really like either. She just seemed to be a place holder and time killer for Ian, and I didn't feel a connection between them at all. She was just sort of blah to me and I couldn't wait to get through her parts and back to Trey.

Overall, I think that this was a really good quick romance. I loved seeing Ian heal from his heartbreak and finally begin to move on. He deserved someone that would love him above all others, and I think that he ended up where he should have. Chasing the Sun was really entertaining, and I found myself swooning from the sweetness as well as laughing out loud. If you are looking for a great way to spend a few hours, I would definitely recommend this story. I look forward to reading more from Nikki Mathis Thompson in the future and can't wait to read the rest of this series.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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ARC Review: What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson

Rachel Gibson is a go-to author that I actually haven’t read in awhile. With all the books out there I find it hard to get to the authors I use to love. So I was glad to have a chance to get back to her. She writes small towns and humorous romance with the best of them and What I Love About You did not disappoint on either front.

First there is Blake. He’s an ex-SEAL and now a private military contractor who is battling his demons, alcohol and PTSD (though he swears he doesn’t have PTSD). He moves to Truly, Idaho to get away from it all and see if he can put his life back together after rehab. What he doesn’t want is the lovely lady next door or her cute 5-year-old daughter. But you can’t always get what you want, but as the song says, “Sometimes you get what you need.” And that’s exactly what Blake gets.

Natalie is an independent single mother. Her ex-husband is in jail, and she has made something of her life since that horrible day years ago when she found out about her husband’s betrayal. Now she has a great business, a hysterical best friend Lilah and an adorable 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte. She doesn’t need or want a man in her life, especially the mysterious and grouchy next-door neighbor Blake. But then he becomes friends with her daughter, they end up sharing a dog, and how could she not notice how good-looking he is? So of course they do get involved.

I mean it wouldn’t be a romance if the two main characters didn’t get involved, right? Well that is my one problem with this book. Yes it’s fun, yes it’s fluffy and yes Charlotte “weally” steals the show. But the romance was kind of lacking. There is chemistry and it’s definitely steamy. But there just didn’t seem to be much romance. As far as character growth and development, this book is stellar. The humor is cute and placed perfectly. I felt the novel was well paced, but somehow I wanted a little more.

Do you ever feel like that, the book is great but something is just missing? That is how I felt with What I Love About You. I loved Natalie, Charlotte and even grumpy Blake. I love the ending and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but I just needed more romance. But don’t let my review scare you, it really is a interesting and entertaining book and I look forward to reading the other Truly, Idaho books though this one is definitely a stand-alone.


**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: A SEAL's Fantasy by Tawny Weber

It has been awhile since I read a category romance book, but something in the description pulled me in and I had to read this one. I loved Tawny Weber and use to read every book of hers that came out. Then the world was inundated with ebooks and there were so many to choose from that a lot of my old favorite authors (especially category authors) fell by the wayside. Well I’m glad this one was available on Netgalley because it reminded me of one of my old favorites and she did not disappoint. Of course when a book involves a Navy SEAL could it really disappoint?

Dominic Castillo has been sidelined from his team’s latest op by an injury that never should have happened so he’s home, attending family gatherings (a bachelor party) and just hanging around. He’s feeling sorry for himself and trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life though he can’t imagine life without the SEALs. But he knows something is missing. Then he gets the call that something has gone wrong on the latest op and he needs to secure the op leader’s sister so she can’t be kidnapped and used to foul up the op worse than it already is.

Lara Banks is “Sir’s” sister and while Sir is not one of Dominic’s favorite people, he will do anything for the team. So he checks her out then goes to convince her to come with him to a safe place. But Lara is not a trusting soul and she has a life in Reno, a job, school and a goal to get out of the situation she’s in which is dancing in the chorus line. It takes some convincing but eventually Lara comes around to Dominic’s way of thinking. And then the sparks fly. On the run from bad guys and both insanely attracted to each other, this book takes off from there and I won’t spoil it for you because it is one fun ride.

I liked Dominic from the very start. While I knew he was quite the ladies man, I also knew he really wasn’t the type of man who left broken hearts and bitter women in his wake. He knows how to treat women. And in my eyes that made him a good man. I also loved his devotion to his team. Even though he doesn’t really like his team leader, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Sir and his team safe. Even if it means dealing with a spitfire like Lara who he is very attracted to. I enjoyed getting to know Lara as well. Several unfortunate things have derailed her life and usually have to do with men so she has all but written them off. She’s in control of her life and her destiny as much as she can be until Dominic steps into her life. From the start she can’t deny her attraction for him even though he is rather controlling and that is not at all what she is looking for in a man, nor is she really looking for any man.

While there is a little bit of a suspense plot, mainly in whether Dominic can keep Lara safe until the mission is back on track, A SEAL’s Fantasy is all about the romance. From the first spark of attraction to the magic of sex and falling in love, romance is the focus. While neither character is looking for love, they do find it, but will they ever acknowledge their feelings or will they just go their separate ways? That’s the fun of the book, while you know it will have a HEA, it’s the getting there that makes it and I could not put this one down. I had to know they would get there and how. And I was fascinated by the characters themselves, the SEALs and Dominic’s family. It all combined to make a wonderful story.

Looking for a sexy SEAL and a strong woman who knows what she wants? Want the strong temperaments to have to show a little vulnerability? Then this is just the book for you. From start to finish you will be cheering for Dominic and Lara and when it’s over you’ll be wanting to read about the other SEALs in this sexy series by Tawny Weber (while this one is a stand alone, there are other books that involve members of Dominic’s SEAL team). I’ve always loved Tawny Weber and A SEAL’s Fantasy proves that she is an amazing author. Time to play catch up on all those wonderful books I missed!

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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Feature and Giveaway: What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson returns to Truly, Idaho, and to the fate of sexy SEAL Blake Junger

GIMMEE A B-R-E-A-K!

Ex-high school cheerleader Natalie Cooper could once shake her pom-poms with the best of them. But she's paid for all that popularity—her husband's run off with what's left of their money and a twenty-year-old bimbo named Tiffany. Leaving Natalie to manage a photo store and having to see some pictures she, well, really shouldn't.

GIMMEE A S-H-O-T!

Then she comes toe-to-manly chest with Blake Junger. Exiled to a remote cabin in Truly, Idaho, Blake wants nothing to do with anyone. Instead, he's determined to struggle with his demons and win—all on his own. But the last thing he needs is Natalie distracting him with her luscious curves and breaking down the barriers of his heart.

GIMMEE YOUR H-E-A-R-T!

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ARC Review: Batter Up by Robin Neeley

Batter Up is an absolutely adorable book. It’s like a mash-up between Never Been Kissed and Practical Magic. I loved the story and the characters the writing style. It made me laugh and made me cry. I want a keep this book forever! I want to shout it out to the roof tops how much I loved this book. Okay so here I go shouting it off the roof top…

Emma Stevens is from a long line of witches, but of course he hates using that word. She does, however, her best to on carrying on the family tradition of Batter Up Night every Monday night. The tradition her Grandmother started selecting one eligible bachelor and finding his true love with the help of the “magic cupcakes”. Everyone assumes it’s the sprinkles she puts in the batter that makes the name magically appear in the batter but that is Emma’s family secret. Her latest bachelor, who is no longer a bachelor because he ran off to Vegas and married his true love; blabbed his big drunkin’ mouth to none other than the reporter Jason Levine. Jason Levine knows a story when he hears one and follows the newlyweds back to Buttermilk Falls, so sure Emma Stevens was pulling the wool over their eyes. Playing at nothing a con job, Jason is caught unaware of the beautiful bakery shop owner. Jason almost blows it when Emma immediately finds out who he is and who he writes for, the fact that he is the sexiest man she has ever seen will not deter her from scaring him way, even when a spoonful of hot sauce tainted cupcake batter doesn’t scare him she is determined to keep him at bay. Jason has other plans. While Emma thinks that Jason is sleeping with her arch nemesis, Jason is doing his best to learn Emma’s secrets and not seduce her into bed. Things go completely out of control when Emma ends up biding five thousand dollars in a bidding war against her nemesis on Jason. Jason convinces Emma go on a date with him only to have it ruined by the appearance of her ex who left her unwary about finding love again. Jason best friend Brandon, also a reporter, shows up and Emma finds out it’s him who is sleeping with her nemesis and now he wants her to work her magic on him so he can hurry up and propose. As always things don’t work out and Emma’s spunky cousin’s name shows up instead. When Emma so in love with Jason and trusting him enough not to print her secrets works her magic on him and sharing her secret so sure her name will appear it doesn’t either. Jason leaves and Emma’s heart is broken. When Jason returns and explains it all is it enough especially when she finds out he has indeed written an article and coming out soon.

A mess of other things happen making this seem like it would be a really good romantic comedy movie.

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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ARC Review: Perfect for You by Ashelyn Drake

Perfect for You is the first book I have ever read by Ashelyn Drake, but I thought this book sounded really good. I occasionally like to torture myself with love triangles, and this one seemed to be right up my alley. Perfect for You is a young adult book, and the characters are in high school. I do think that this book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages though as long as you keep the age group in mind. I did find the characters to be childish and immature, but that is the age group and I honestly didn't think that it was anything out of the ordinary for how most teens act.

Meg Flannigan is a senior in High School, and enjoys spending her time with her best friend Gray, her boyfriend Ash, and playing tennis. She was humiliated as a sophomore when her then boyfriend Derrick dumped her for a freshman. Ever since, she has had a hard time trusting others. Even though things are good with Ash, she finds herself being drawn to her crush Noah who has started to notice her finally after two years of her crushing on him. When Noah makes it his mission to win Meg, problems begin to occur between her and Ash. To make matters worse, Liz a freshman cheerleader has set her sights on Ash and refuses to give up. As Meg finds herself torn between her boyfriend Ash and the charming and sweet Noah, she has to make a choice or risk losing both of them and ending up alone.

I really loved Ash. He was sweet and kind, and a lot more patient than I would have been. I do think he screwed up. He was blind when it came to Liz at first, and even after Meg filled him in he continued to allow her to think she had a shot because he liked the attention. But he didn't cross the line with her, and he really did love Meg. Meg drove me nuts at times, but I did like her. I felt her conflict between Noah and Ash, even if I didn't agree with her actions at all. She loved Ash and was happy to be with him, but she also had liked Noah for so long and he was such a good guy. I think that she let things with Noah go on for far too long though, and he was right in the fact that she didn't push him away or try very hard to stop things between them even when she knew it was wrong. But I thought that Ash and Meg were so great together, and I was rooting for those two from the start. I didn't like Noah though. He might come off as this great guy who really liked Meg, but at the same time he never made a move until after she was with someone else. Then he claimed to not be trying to break her up with Ash, but his actions spoke a completely different story. I really thought that despite his feelings for Meg, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing and I didn't care for how he acted at all. He wasn't a good guy deep down, and he really killed parts of this book for me.

Overall, I think that this was a good story. It was a quick and easy read, if a bit frustrating. The characters definitely acted their ages, and at times I really wanted to tell them all to grow up. They made horrible choices, thought of themselves above others, and reveled in attention they shouldn't have because it felt good. But honestly that is what being a teenager is all about. They were no different than any other teen I have ever known, and I think that they were written pretty realistically. My biggest complaint of this story was Noah though. I just didn't like him and thought that he was a complete fake. He was out to get whatever he wanted and didn't care who got hurt along the way. The worst part is that he didn't even really seem to actually care about Meg that deeply, and he seemed to just want her at the time and I think part of that was just the chase and wanting what he couldn't have. I think that I would have been able to relate to him much more if he wouldn't have been so selfish, and if I felt his feelings for Meg were genuine. I think that this story was one that a lot of people will enjoy, and it was a good book to slip in when you are looking for something to kill a few hours without being too heavy. I would read more from Ashelyn Drake in the future, and I did enjoy her writing style.

**ARC Provided by YA Bound Book Tours**

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Guest Post with Author Collette West and Giveaway

Meet Collette West, author of Game Changer.

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball's biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette's impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she's not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com

She is the author of NIGHT GAMES and GAME CHANGER.

Find Collette at:

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Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

I have been trying to write this review since I finished Ugly Love. Honestly it took me so long to really figure out how I felt about it. While I love Colleen Hoover's writing, this story left me with so many mixed emotions. I did like the story, and I thought that the characters were real. But I also felt like this book wasn't really what I was expecting and it honestly didn't feel like a romance at all to me. I think if I had gone into this one knowing that it wasn't a romance that it would have completely changed my thoughts and feelings while going through this book. That being said, I would definitely go back and read this again knowing that it is different and I think that I would get a completely different experience.

Tate Collins goes to stay with her pilot brother and upon arrival meets his friend Miles Archer. They get off on the wrong foot, and Tate has no idea what to make of Miles. While they don't start off as friends or even liking each other, they both feel an attraction to the other that they can't deny. Miles doesn't do love or relationships, and the last person he should get involved with is his friend's sister. Yet he can't help but want to be around her and act on the chemistry between them. When Tate and Miles finally open up to each other about what is going on between them, they decide to just have sex with each other and nothing more. They decide their arrangement is perfect since Miles doesn't do love and Tate isn't looking for love with everything going on in her life. But the more they start to see each other, the more they start to realize that what is between them is more than just sex. Miles has a past that he has never been able to move past though, and he refuses to let Tate in or explain what happened. Tate knows that the more she grows attached to Miles the more her heart will break, and yet she finds herself unable to stop what is happening between them. As they continue to have sex and deny the connection developing between them, they both begin to wonder how they can possibly make it out without one or both of their lives being shattered.

I liked Miles, and I felt so badly for him. He had been through more than anyone should ever have to be put through, and he was surviving but not really living. He felt guilt and pain, and he couldn't forgive himself. I hated that he not only felt those things, but that those from his past had made things worse for him as far as moving on went. I was really glad that he made progress though, and that he had Tate to help him move forward even if he didn't let her in easily. I wish that he would have been able to open up to her more and that he would have really let her see everything that made him who he was without fighting it so much. I wanted to see them really lean on each other, and I think that they finally started to get there towards the end of the book. Tate was hard for me to personally relate to. I had never been in a situation like hers, so it was easy for me to judge her actions. I thought that she let Miles get away with far too much, and she stuck around no matter how much he walked all over her. It was clear that she couldn't keep her feelings out of their arrangement and you could see from the start that the writing was on the wall for her having her heart broken. But while I didn't understand her basically being a doormat for Miles, I did see her feelings for Miles and I understand that love has a way of making you do things that aren't the smartest or best choices. I really did feel like Miles and Tate had amazing chemistry though and it was so strong right from the start. I really felt the heat and steam between them, but I also thought that it would have been nice to see more of an emotional connection developing between them rather than just physical.

Beyond the issues I had as far as the characters and their connection though, I had some problems with the story itself. I thought that while it was nice to get both POVs, I would have like to have seen more of Miles in the present. It focused on his past, and I would have liked to have seen his thoughts and feelings while he was experiencing things in the present. I also felt like much of this story felt like a love triangle because of that. For the majority of this story, we see Miles and his love for Rachel. He never really made that move from the past to the present until after Rachel gave him permission. It just bothered me that he would have to go to her in order for him to really explore what was between him and Tate, and I felt like he really didn't choose to be with her because it was his decision. I wanted to read about Miles and Tate falling in love and not Miles beating himself up about his past and his love for Rachel. This story focused more on Miles and his growth and healing and the Rachel stuff than it did on Miles and Tate, which is why I felt this wasn't really a romance. I did like Cap, and I thought that he really brought some fun to this story. He was sweet and adorable and I loved his interactions with Tate. I also really enjoyed that despite their arrangement, they were never really able to just keep things stricly physical. Their feelings started to bleed through, and you could see that they were falling for one another even though they didn't want or expect to. I liked seeing them shop together and do things besides have sex, and I thought that they were fun and playful with one another. I would definitely recommend this book if you go into it knowing not to expect it to be a romance. I really think that the majority of this book would have felt so much different to me if that was the case from the start. I really love Colleen's writing style, and I am always sucked in from the start. I can never put her books down and that was still the case with Ugly Love. I just think that this story was more about growth and healing and the fact that horrible things happen and it is possible to move forward after them.

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ARC Review: Resist Me by A.O. Peart

Resist Me is the first book that I have ever read by A.O. Peart, and it is also the first in her Change Me series. I was looking for a good and sexy romantic suspense, and I did enjoy parts of this story. This one was just okay for me though, and honestly while I liked it I doubt that I would re-read it in the future. I did have plenty to like that kept me reading the story though, and it was a quick and easy read.

Lisbeth Anderson (Now known as Gloria Glasson) was the sole witness to her friend's brutal gang rape and murder. She has been in hiding with the witness protection program until the warehouse that she was stationed in is targeted. When Ethan McCoy shows up to the warehouse fire, he quickly realizes that this is anything but a routine fire and is soon tasked with helping to find the FBI witness trapped in a safe room. There is an instant connection between Ethan and Lisbeth, and he finds himself wanting to do anything to protect her. With the help of his friends, they form a plan to get Lisbeth out and away from the FBI as they now believe that there is a mole within. As Ethan and Lisbeth hide out and try to avoid anyone finding them, they can't deny the attraction between them. They try to fight it, but the more time they spend together the harder it becomes. When their location is found out though, Ethan will do anything to make sure that he protects Lisbeth.

I liked Lisbeth and Ethan both. Ethan was former military and a hot firefighter, so he was pretty much every woman's dream guy. But he wasn't a fan of commitment and had a steady group of booty calls on speed dial. I liked that he was able to be so immediately protective of Lisbeth though, and I thought that it made him a really great guy that he was trying to fight what he felt for her. He didn't want to take advantage of the situation even when she was willing and that said a lot about him. Lisbeth had been through so much, and yet she was still able to appreciate the simple things in life. She was light and full of joy and love for nature and all that was around her. She was vulnerable due to her past as well as what she had seen, but she didn't let it define her or stop her from trying to continue living her life. I thought that Lisbeth and Ethan had a ton of chemistry and the sexual tension between them was so thick. I enjoyed seeing these two circle around each other while waiting for the inevitable explosion of passion between them.

I did feel that this book had some issues though, and the biggest for me was the lack of action. For a suspense, nothing really happened. Besides the beginning and the ending, I really felt like the middle of this book was almost boring and drawn out. I found my interest waning and was ready for more to happen. I think part of the problem is that there wasn't a lot going on between Lisbeth and Ethan either, and so it just felt like we were at a standstill. I also felt like while enjoyable, this story was predictable and didn't really bring anything new or different. The ending was also abrupt and felt rushed and left me wanting more. I think that this book did have some good parts, and I thought that Peart did a great job of writing the tension between the two main characters. I really liked Ethan and Lisbeth, and I loved when things finally got steamy between them. I also really liked Ethan's cousin and best friend Jack and definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of him. I thought that he kept the story light and was able to offer some comic relief when needed. If you are a fan of romantic suspense stories, you might give this one a shot.

**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**

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ARC Review: Unwritten by M.C. Decker

Unwritten is the debut novel from M.C. Decker, and I really enjoyed this story. I thought that it was well written and interesting, and I didn't want to put this one down at all. I will warn you though that this is not a standalone novel as I had thought and is actually the first in a series. Yes that means it ends with a huge cliffhanger that I was completely unprepared for and it just about killed me. It looks as though the next book in the series Unscripted will be out sometime in 2015. Despite the ending that I wasn't ready for, I thought that M.C. Decker did a great job on her debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from her.

Brooke Anderson had a great life, and was on track to making all of her dreams come true. Then she literally ran into Rich Davis, and everything changed for her. Despite their initial and less than great meeting, Rich and Brooke got to know one another and continued to get closer. Despite their feelings for one another, things between them always stayed just friends due to one reason or another. Now several years later, they haven't spoken once until Brooke shows up to a job interview at The Washington Post where she has always dreamed of working. The feelings and attraction between them resurface and both are wanting to have each other in a way they never have before. While Rich will stop at nothing to finally make Brooke his, Brooke is apprehensive about starting anything due to the fact that she will now be working for him. But can she really deny everything that is between them and what her heart wants regardless of what her head tells her?

I liked both Rich and Brooke a lot. I thought that they both made some really dumb mistakes, but I also saw their reasons for them. Rich comes off as an arrogant jerk at first, and I really was worried that I was going to hate him. But he won me over just as he won Brooke over, and I really began to like him. He was really smart and dedicated and I loved his confidence. He expected greatness out of others, but he was also living up to that himself. Brooke was smart as well, and I really loved that they could connect through their love of writing and editing. These two connected on every single level, and I like that Brooke could hold her own with Rich. She was a strong and independent woman, and I really thought that she was a great heroine. I felt so badly at times for Brooke and Rich both. They had some issues with timing and outside influences, and it really seemed as though their stars would never align. But I knew these two were perfect for one another and needed to end up together, so I just had to have faith that they would find their way to each other at the end of their solo journeys.

Overall, I really did enjoy this story and I loved pretty much everything about it. Besides the cliffhanger ending though, there were a few small things that kept this book from being a five star read for me. I felt like at times both Rich and Brooke acted childishly, especially Brooke. Her actions felt like those of a teenager rather than an adult, and I wanted to tell her to get a grip and act her age. Luckily this wasn't the majority of the story or anything, and it was only occasionally. I also felt as though Rich would do things at times that completely contradicted what he would say to Brooke. While he was telling her he would wait for her and that their story wasn't over, he would date others and lose touch with her. He also seemed to not really try to convince her of what could be between them, and at times it felt like he gave up on her and them far too easily. Of course he would eventually try to make things right and move forward, but it was frustrating at times that he would seem almost uninterested in her. I think that M.C. Decker had a really solid debut in Unwritten though, and I will definitely be stalking online to see when the next book comes out. I think if you know there is more coming and aren't expecting an HEA at the end of this book that it would completely change how you feel at the end of this story. I was disappointed with where it ended because I loved these characters at that point and really wanted to see them happy. The fact that it was such a huge cliffhanger left my emotions running wild and I honestly need to know what happens next. These two will be on my mind until I get the next installment in their story, and I just hope that I don't have to wait too long or I might go crazy. I would definitely recommend this story, and I think that M.C. Decker has a promising writing career ahead of her. I know I will be looking forward to seeing what she writes in the future.

**ARC Provided by Truly Schmexy Promotions**

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Interview with Author Victoria Roberts and Giveaway

Meet Victoria Roberts, author of My Highland Spy.

Award-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as "one of the most promising debut authors across the genres" and was also a 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice award winner for X Marks the Scot.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America® and several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine Celtic Guide.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty one years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun.

Find Victoria at:

| Site | Facebook |

Feature and Giveaway: Unwritten by M.C. Decker

I thought it was too late. I thought our story had already been written.

College sophomore Brooke Anderson thought she had it all − a loving family, her sexy high school sweetheart, a supportive, quick-witted best friend and dreams of being the next hotshot reporter for the Washington Post.

Fate had something else in mind when Brooke collided with the devastatingly handsome upperclassman, Rich Davis. Rich was cocky, conceited and arrogant. He was everything that Brooke didn’t want, but Rich never gave her the option. He had already made the choice to be, at the very least, her friend. Would Brooke accept this egotistical man’s friendship? Would she choose to want more? Would it be too late if she did?

Fast forward nearly ten years. Brooke’s life hadn’t played out quite as she had envisioned it. She was suffering from the heartbreaking loss of her mother, her high school sweetheart was long gone, and her dreams of the Washington Post had turned into a career at a small town paper. Brooke decided it was time to follow her dreams. If she couldn’t be happy in love, at least she could be happy in life.

Brooke’s dreams brought her to the lobby of the Washington Post where fate intervened once again as she collided with none other than the devastatingly handsome Rich Davis. As her potential employer, Rich now seemed off-limits. Brooke wanted her successful career more than a chance at love. But, was it really her choice to make, or was it beyond her control?

Maybe my story is, in fact, Unwritten …

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ARC Review: You Loved Me At My Darkest by Evie Harper

Wow I had no idea what to expect with this book, but I absolutely loved it. I can't believe that You Loved Me At My Darkest is Evie Harper's debut novel. This story blew me away, and was just the book that I had been waiting for to pull me out of the slump I have been in lately. This book was dark and had things that might be triggers for some people, so proceed with caution and make sure that you see if this book is for you before reading. But I definitely recommend this book, and I really think it is worth the read.

After losing their parents at a young age, Lily and Sasha only have each other to rely on. They finally find time to leave their farm in Australia and do some traveling to see the world. Their first stop is New York, and as they spend time in the city Lily gets the feeling that she is being watched. When Lily and Sasha are kidnapped, they are taken to an unknown location where Sasha becomes a slave to be auctioned off the highest bidder while Lily earns a place among the Collection. Everything about escape seems impossible, but Lily is determined to figure out a way for her and her sister to return home. As Lily adjusts to her new life and begins to form a plan, she never expects to fall for her guard Jake. Lily's feelings confuse her, but she finds herself putting her trust in him and seeing a side to him that he doesn't allow anyone else to see. But can Lily make it out of this place alive and what happens for her and Jake if she does?

I really loved Jake! I fell for this sexy and mysterious man pretty much from the very beginning, and I thought that he was so interesting. You could really see the struggle that he was dealing with between his job and his growing feelings for Lily. It was clear that there was more to him than met the eye, and I loved every little bit that was revealed along the way. He was the hope and light that Lily needed along the way, and I thought that he was always looking out for her. He did whatever he could to protect her. Lily was strong, and she was a survivor. She was also really loyal and would do anything for those she loved. She was protective of her sister, and you could tell that her sister was always her priority. But I loved seeing her form this bond with Jake and really start to see him for the real person that he was beneath the facade that he had to keep in place. You could tell that Jake was such a dedicated soldier to Marco at first, but Lily changed that from the moment that Jake set eyes on her. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, and they were so hot together.

Overall, this story was fantastic. It was everything I had hoped for and more. It was unique and different and I was so excited to read something completely unlike anything I had read before. I was sucked in right from the start, and absolutely devoured this story. I will admit that I did see part of the twist coming, but I definitely didn't have everything figured out. I loved that it kept me guessing and that it was unpredictable. This book was so good, and an absolute must read. I really think that if you go into this one knowing that it is dark and isn't for the faint of heart expecting sweet romance and flowers, that you will really enjoy this story and find it as captivating and enthralling as I did. I absolutely cannot wait to get more from Evie Harper in the future and I look forward to the next two books in this series.

**ARC Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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ARC Review: Jealousy by S.L. Scott

Jealousy is the second part of S.L. Scott's From the Inside Out serial, and picks up right where Scorned left off. These installments need to be read in order, and trust me you do not want to miss a single thing! I couldn't wait to get more of Jules, Dylan and Austin, and Jealousy definitely didn't disappoint. This installment was packed full of juicy goodness, and I loved seeing more of the past as well as the present. If you were on the fence about which team you were on before Jealousy, I really believe that by the end of this one you will be firmly on one side or the other. While I have had my team picked from the beginning, this book really just solidified my love for both Dylan and Austin. While I still stand by my man, I absolutely love them both and want them both to end up happy. (Just one with Jules and the other with someone else.)

As Jules and Austin's relationship begins to get off the ground, Jules still struggles with the reappearance of Dylan in her life. Juliette is finally starting to move forward, but she is also starting to get answers to questions that she has had for the past three years. Jules knows that Austin is a great guy and things are easy between them. If she has a complaint about their relationship it is the fact that he travels so much for his job. But while she is enjoying her time with Austin, she can't help but still feel a pull towards Dylan. Dylan hurt her in the past, but he is back and more determined than ever to win her love again. He will pull out all the stops to convince her that their love is worth a second chance. But will Jules be able to risk her heart again in order to see if the connection between her and Dylan is worth another chance, or will she decide to play it safe and move forward with a happy and healthy relationship with Austin even though she still thinks about Dylan?

I love both of these guys so much. They are both great in completely different ways, and I love how they are not like each other at all. Dylan realizes that he made a horrible mistake, and for the first time really seems to feel the pain that Jules has been living with for three years. He knows how badly he screwed up, and he really seems to be genuine in winning her love back for the right reasons. I think that he is being completely truthful in the fact that he would give up everything for her, and that it all means nothing without her by his side. I think he still has some proving to do, but you can really tell just how deeply his feelings run and how much he cares for her. I loved seeing that he remembers just as much as her about their past and history, and I loved that he made thoughtful gestures rather than grand and expensive ones. It showed that he truly gets her and is in it for her. Austin is impossible not to love. He is smart and dedicated, and has been completely upfront and honest from the beginning. He was patient and kind, waiting for her to be ready to try something between them. They are really cute together, and I love that they can be playful and fun as a couple. They seem to have this natural ease to their relationship, and I think that they work well together. While I think that Jules has chemistry and a connection with both guys, I truly believe that one is more right for her than the other. They are both the right guys and could make her happy, but I think that one belongs with Jules and the other doesn't.

I will admit that the ending of this installment about killed me. It stopped and I literally wanted to scream. I need more. It isn't a want but rather a need, and I am loving these characters so much that I don't want to have to wait. I am not very patient, and these installments are so good that I absolutely devour them and am forced to wait to get more of these characters. I feel like an addict waiting for my next hit, and it can't come soon enough. I really enjoyed seeing more of the past for Jules and Dylan but also seeing how they all are coping with the present. I am really loving the fact that we get different POVs, and I really think it adds to the story. In Jealousy I feel like we are starting to see the whole picture of what happened in the past, and while it is hard to get through it does shed light on the current situation. I will tell you that this does end with a cliffhanger, but rest assured that this is just part 2 of this 4 part story and the rest is coming. I definitely recommend this serial, and anything by S.L. Scott. She is one of my favorite authors, and I know that each time she will deliver a wonderful story that will leave me satisfied with the outcome. I can't wait for more from her, starting with the next installment in the From the Inside Out serial.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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