Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from last week.

Sheryl P.
eBook copy of Stupid Love by Cindy Miles

Marcy W.
Sustained by Emma Chase

Meredith Miller
Print Book from Christina Lauren

Lisa Brown
$10 Amazon Gift Card from Julia Talbot

Marcy W.
Signed copies of books 1-3 in the Madewood series by Gina Gordon

Kate Sparks
Signed copies of books 2-4 in the Rules for the Reckless series by Meredith Duran

All winners have been notified via email and are posted on the Rafflecopter form from that giveaway post. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

ARC Review: Sweet Obsession by J. Daniels

Sweet Obsession is the third book in the Sweet Addiction series by J. Daniels, and it also crosses over with the Alabama Summer Series. It can be read as a standalone though with no problems. While I have read and enjoyed the Alabama Summer Series, I am new to the Sweet Addiction Series. I really enjoyed this book though, and I cannot wait to read more! J. Daniels is quickly becoming a favorite of mine with her sexy stories, and this one was so good! 

Brooke Wicks loves to have a good time. She isn't looking for anything serious, so when she meets the sexy Aussie Mason King she can't wait to have a little sexy fun. But Mason King has done the casual thing in the past and is looking for more. Upon meeting the fun and feisty Brooke, he is determined to get more from her than just a one time hookup and makes it known that he isn't down for just a single night together. Though Brooke makes it clear that she is ready and willing, Mason is willing to do whatever it takes to get to know Brooke and sets out to win her over. But can Mason convince her to give a relationship a chance?

I really loved these two as individuals and I loved them even more together. Brooke was fun and confident, and I really loved how comfortable she was in her own skin. But she also had some insecurities that most never saw. Her friends and Mason were super supportive of her, but there were times that it really came out how much things affected her. Mason was sexy and sweet, and I loved how great he was with Brooke. He really wanted to get to know her in more than just a physical way, and he had a way of convincing her to give things a chance. I thought that both of them made some mistakes here, but the connection growing between these two was so great to see. The chemistry between them was insane, and every single moment they were together was filled with the best kind of tension. Mason was wanting more than just sex, but when it came to these two being together he was absolutely hot! I loved his dirty talk and how natural things were between him and Brooke. 

Overall, this was a really good story. I enjoyed the funny times as well as the sweet and sexy ones. This one had it all, and I really loved Brooke and Mason. I did think that both Brooke and Mason handled a few things poorly here though, and I was a bit frustrated with them at times. Mason was trying so hard, and yet Brooke was always running scared from anything serious with him even though it was already happening. I didn't really understand her issues with commitment, when it seemed like she had never really had anything happen to her to make it that way. There was no huge and painful breakup from her past, and she had never been in love. So I just didn't really understand where all the fear was coming from. I still really enjoyed the story though, and I can't wait to read more from J. Daniels in the future.

**ARC Provided by Give Me Books Promotions**

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Feature: Bereft by Jennifer Foor

We'd been married seven years, and for the most part, I thought we were happy. Little did I know my other half wasn't. He'd been screwing around on me for the past six months. Now, on the verge of divorce, I've found myself in a conundrum.

He's half my age, with a body that won't quit. I keep telling myself it's payback, but who am I kidding? Instead of getting even, I've now made things irreparable. I have a choice to make, and it's going to be a lot harder than I imagined.

Give in to Temptation

Fulfill your deepest Desires

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ARC Review: Bereft by Jennifer Foor

Bereft is the second book in the Seven Year Itch series by Jennifer Foor, but each book is a complete standalone. This series is definitely a guilty pleasure type of read for me, because the content is one that would typically be a no go for me, yet with Jennifer Foor penning these stories I can't get enough! As angsty and heartbreaking as they are, I just can't put them down and I absolutely devour them. That being said though, readers should beware that these books do deal with infidelity and cheating before reading. 

Grayson and Rachel were best friends who had been married for 7 years. For the most part they lived a happy life, but they weren't exactly in the honeymoon stage anymore. Both had jobs that kept them from home more often than not, and soon things were becoming a bit strained. But when Rachel's job begins to fall apart, she went to lean on her husband and instead found him with someone else. After learning that the affair had been going on for six months and on the verge of a divorce, Rachel finds herself drawn to a man she never expected. Not only is he the last person she should like, but he is half her age. But when things turn from just sex to more, she begins to wonder what the next step for her life is. Grayson knows that he messed things up though, and he will do anything he can to win back Rachel. But is it too late to fix that which they have both irreparably damaged?

Just like with the first book in this series, I have to admit that there were times that I really didn't like these characters. Grayson and Rachel each made me very angry at times, and I thought that they both acted with little thought. They were selfish at times, and both of them wanted to place blame on each other. They didn't really seem to be able to talk much without going around in circles, and honestly that was what they needed most. Grayson might have been the first one to cross the line, but they both did wrong here. Though I wanted them to work things out, I felt as though they both needed to own up to things a bit more. The one thing that I absolutely loved here was Chad. He was such a great guy, open and honest, and by far the most mature adult of the bunch. He definitely deserved more than what he got, and I did feel badly for him. Though I wanted Grayson and Rachel to wind up together, it was hard to see things between Chad and Rachel end. They were great together, and I felt like their connection was real. It wasn't what she had with Grayson, but it was genuine and couldn't have been easy for them to walk away from. 

Jennifer Foor's books are such roller coaster rides for me, and my emotions are always all over the place with them. They are sexy and at times sweet, yet angsty and heartbreaking. The one thing that it is safe to say is that with anything she writes, you always need to expect that the journey will not be an easy one. But I really like the raw and realistic way that Jennifer Foor shows relationships. Things aren't always a fairytale, and relationships require a ton of work. We are only human and we make mistakes, and I feel like she shows that better than most. Relationships are messy, but love is worth it and Jennifer Foor always shows what true love and forgiveness really means. Though these books aren't for everyone, I would definitely recommend giving them a shot. I am looking forward to more from Jennifer Foor in the future, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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ARC Review: Sins of Sevin by Penelope Ward

Sins of Sevin is not my first book by Penelope Ward, but I will say that this one was unlike anything I have read from her before. It is a standalone forbidden romance, told in alternating POVs from Sevin and Evangeline. The one thing that I think readers should know ahead of time is that this book will not be for everyone because of some of the content here. While this one does deal with some very tough and touchy subjects though, I think that it is worth the read. It is heartbreaking and beautiful, and what I would call intensely emotional. I had intended to read a few hours before bed when I started and ended up reading the entire thing all at once because I absolutely couldn't put it down. Regardless of your views on the subjects here, I think that this is one of those books that stays with you and I know that Evangeline and Sevin will always be unforgettable to me. 

After Sevin's father dies, his ultra-religious stepmother helped to set him up with a job and a life with another religious family. Sevin was chosen to take over the family's business, but in order to do so he would have to become a part of that family himself. So over the course of a few months, Sevin began to court Elle, the daughter that was chosen as perfect for him. After the courtship began, Sevin moved to the family's guesthouse in order to prepare for the wedding and his new life. But the one thing he never expected was to find such a strong connection to someone he wanted to spend his life with. The only problem was that the one was actually Elle's sister Evangeline, and she felt the same way about Sevin. 

I really felt for both Sevin and Evangeline. Their connection was clear from their very first meeting, and I truly believed that these two were meant for one another. Their situation was messy and unexpected, and at times impossible. But it just made sense that while things were not easy or straightforward, they were supposed to find each other. I enjoyed seeing them bond over shared interests and a desire for a fulfilling life. They wanted more than just what they had been raised to want, and yet it wasn't like they were asking for much. These two just understood each other in a way that no one else did, and I loved that they supported one another in their wants and dreams. Their connection was intense and beautiful, and their chemistry off the charts. These two had it all, and yet they had so much standing in their way. 

This book was very emotional and full of heartache and angst. But it was also filled with love and hope even through the pain. My heart was breaking for these two and all that stood in their way, and at first glance it would be easy to pass judgement on them for the choices that they each made. I didn't agree with a lot of things that they did, and it made me extremely mad and hurt on each other's behalf at times. Yet I also understood what motivated them, and that they were truly doing what they felt the had to. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always pretty, but these two were human and in a situation that most of us could never even fathom. The one thing that was clear though was the fact that the love and connection between them never died, despite all that was thrown their way. This book had me feeling all the emotions, and I definitely shed tears for them both. I was so invested right from the start that I couldn't help but feel it all. I have really loved Penelope's books in the past, and I love her characters. But Sevin and Evangeline were unlike anyone else, and their story was one that I just felt strongly connected to. If you haven't read Penelope Ward's books, I highly recommend that you give them a chance. They are beautifully written and deeply emotional. Sins of Sevin is a great place to start and I think it is a must read. I cannot wait to read more from Penelope in the future, and I know that Sevin will always be one of my favorites.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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ARC Review: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

I could not have been more excited to read The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken. I am a huge fan of hers, and after not reading paranormal for a few years I recently dove back into the genre with great results. So when presented with one of my favorite authors and a completely new paranormal series, I just knew that I was in for something really good. To say that this was merely good though would be an understatement! The Dark Ones was captivating, sexy and addictive! I couldn't put it down or get enough of these characters! 

Genesis never expected to have her number chosen, though she had spent her life preparing for the possibility. But when she finds herself being picked, she knows that it is her task to serve the immortals. She never expects to find herself marked by not only the Dark One (half human/half angel) Cassius and the immortal vampire Ethan. Though Genesis doesn't know who to trust, she finds herself feeling safe with Ethan and the pull between them is strong. Cassius will stop at nothing to have her though, and it becomes clear to Genesis that there are many agendas at play here. But can Genesis avoid danger as she tries to figure out the new world she has suddenly been thrust into, when nothing is as she expected it to be?

I absolutely loved the characters here! Not only do we get to know Ethan and Genesis here, but we also get to know several others. I loved that we have vampires, werewolves, angels and humans here. They each had such strong and unique personalities, yet they all fit together perfectly. I loved seeing them interact, and I found myself falling for all of them over the course of this book. There are definite dark elements here, as is typical with a RVD story, yet there was also something lovable and redeemable about them each as well. Rachel Van Dyken has a way of making you see beneath the surface on every character she writes, and there is always something there that is unexpected. I really enjoyed ever bit of information as it was revealed here, and I honestly cannot wait for more. 

The one thing I will say is that my biggest complaint about paranormal books is without a doubt the world building. At times it is so easy to get lost in all the details and it really just loses me most of the time. The Dark Ones started out very confusing and chaotic for me, and I will admit I was worried. But I kept with it because I was so drawn to these characters, and at about 30% in things started to pick up. We started getting more information and things started to fall in place, and it was at that point that I knew I was going to love this book. With each new piece to this puzzle revealed, I started to understand that we were experiencing much of this story as Genesis was. She had no idea what was truly going on, and it wasn't all revealed to her right away. I allowed myself to just experience this one and get lost in the story and the feelings this one brought out. There is so much going on here, and so much more to come that I really can't say much of what takes place here. This is one of those stories that you just have to go into blindly and experience for yourself. I will say that I thought Rachel Van Dyken did a fantastic job setting up this series though, and I am so intrigued with where things are going after the ending of this one. In true RVD fashion, this book was filled with love, loss, sacrifice, romance and plenty of laughter and witty banter. I am so glad that I read this book, and would highly recommend this one. Rachel Van Dyken is a favorite of mine and she continues to show me why with every single book of hers that I read.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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Interview with Author Julie Particka and Giveaway

Meet Julie Particka author of Blackmailed by the Hero.

Julie Particka was told to get serious about her future in Junior High. Several years after getting a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, she realized being serious was over-rated and went back to her first love–writing. Now rather than spending her days in the drudgery of the lab or teaching science to high school students, she disappears into worlds of her own creation where monsters sometimes roam, but true love still conquers all.

She can most often be located in the Detroit area with her favorite minions (the ones who know her as Mom) where she is currently hatching a plot for world domination. It involves cookies for everyone, so she’s pretty sure there’s no way it can fail…except the minions keep eating the cookies.

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Feature and Giveaway: A Little Thing Called Love by Cathy Maxwell

Grandmother, grandmother, who shall it be

Who shall it be who will marry me?

Duke, Earl, a powerful marquess?

When my heart is given to Fyclan Morris…

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s new novella, beautiful Jennifer Tarleton has no lack of noble suitors, but the only man who captures her attention is the one her father will never let her marry: Fyclan Morris. He’s a brash adventurer, witty, courageous…and Irish! Even worse, her father blames her for their reversal of fortune…

And it’s a fortune—or rather his grandmother the fortune teller—who foretold that Fyclan would meet “the one”, a love prophesied in the stars. He vows nothing will stand in the way of making Jennifer his bride, but is the price too high? Or is a thing called love worth every challenge?

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Check out the Marrying the Duke series:

Most gently bred young ladies of her age would be just finishing the morning toilettes after a night of balls and routs. Not this one. Crossing the street ahead of Fyclan, she walked with purpose. She glanced at her scrap of paper repeatedly as if searching for an address. Her maid had to scamper to keep up with her. Her aggrieved footman held out his arm to protect her from the heavy traffic and unwarranted advances.

Fyclan crossed the street as well, wanting to keep her in his sights.

He didn’t quite know how he would approach her or gain an introduction, but reach her he would—

His friend Bishard laid both hands on his arm and swung him around. He kept hold of Fyclan’s jacket as he waved his hand in front of his face. “Are you not listening to me? Damn it all, Morris, I’ve never seen you chase a woman before, and now you charge off like a hound on the trace of a scent.”

Fyclan laughed. “Only yesterday you chastised me for not being more aware of the fair sex. Well, now I am aware. Very aware. And I’m about to lose her, so excuse me—”

Bishard held fast. “She’s not for you.”

Those were fighting words. “And why not?”

His friend glanced around as if those on the pavement around them would be keenly interested in what he was about to say. His voice lowered. “Stowe has spoken for her.”

He referred to the marquess of Stowe, one of the wealthiest men in London. The directors of the Company were keenly interested in him. Not only did they want his money for investment, they also needed his political patronage.

Bishard’s warning did give Fyclan pause. He looked in the direction of his goddess. She was moving steadily away, a bright blue gem weaving in and out amongst a sea of drab, hard working men and women, people whose lives held no room for such a lively color.

And he knew he must not lose her. “Who is Stowe to me?” he said and would have charged off again in pursuit but his friend held on.

“She is also Miss Jennifer Tarleton, Colonel Russell Tarleton’s daughter.”

“The fool who cost us Konkan?” Fyclan referred to the battle the Company had fought against the Maratha rulers over the northern provinces. Fyclan had been the Company officer in charge and had removed the man from his command. Fyclan had lead the counter offensive himself, barely saving the Company from a humiliating defeat.

“The same. And still just as foolish. From what I understand, he is in dun territory. His only hope is to marry his daughter to a trunk full of gold. Trust me, Morris, you don’t want this one.”

“I have money.”

“But not as much as Stowe,” Bishard answered.

New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell, spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats.

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Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:

• 1 eBook copies of A Little Thing Called Love

To Enter:

• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Good Luck!

Special thanks to Cathy Maxwell Tasty Book Tours for sponsoring this tour-wide giveaway.

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ARC Review: A Little Thing Called Love by Cathy Maxwell

This short novella's existence reminded me a little of The Governess Affair by Courntey Milan. It's a short little romantic back story that introduces the reader to a new series. It's not crucial to the plot of the full length novels, but gives readers either a little taste of what is to come, or a little something extra for those who cannot get enough.

Fyclan Morris is an Irishman who has made a fortune with the East India Trading Company. His gypsy grandmother told him when he was young that one day he would meet his destiny in a young woman, and when he saw her he'd immediately know. This is just what happens as he is walking through London, as he catches a glimpse of Jennifer Tarleton. I wouldn't say it was love at first sight, but it was mystical all the same.

Jennifer Tarleton is desperate for a book. Her family has put a lot of pressure on her to marry well to save them from her father's gambling debts. Since money is tight, she sneaks out of her home to a gentleman's library in hopes of borrowing something. Upon arrival though she learns that without paid membership she cannot borrow anything. In swoops Mr. Morris to save the day.

Unfortunately, there is some bad history between Morris and Colonel Tarleton (Jennifer's father), which makes the young couple's blooming relationship difficult. It makes the story quite lovely, them finding ways to continue getting to know one another without alerting Jenny's father. There were a lot of "cheesy" lines, but oddly enough I found them to be adorable instead of annoying. It was a very sweet story that did it's job with me! I now have The Match of the Century on my To Read list!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Texas Thunder by Kimberly Raye, Narrated by Rebecca Estrella

When I saw the reviews for “Texas Thunder” by Kimberly Raye I jumped at the chance to review it and hear it on audio. I thought that this sounded like a great plot and I love small town romances and settings. The story is set in Rebel. Rebel is a very small town that has a diverse industry. There is real estate, family owned diners, cattle raising and moonshine.

Callie Tucker is our heroine. She never left Rebel even though she wanted to. She is works for a real estate office but never got her license as a realtor. She is the oldest sister and very much a martyr. She is also an emotional eater, and half-eaten cupcakes are a testament to her bad days. The author constantly points out that Callie has “gained a few.” Not only that but the towns people are also very quick to point out that Callie is not as thin as she use to be. When she goes to the store even the clerk finds it her duty to point out what she should or should not be eating.

Brett Sawyer was a high school sweetheart. He is making a living as a rodeo star and is back in Rebel only because his Popi has early stages of Alzheimer’s. Since Brett’s father was an alcoholic, it was his grandfather that raised him. Aside from taking care of his Popi he also has to find a way to deal with the family home that is falling apart and he needs to sell to fix their financial situation. Brett almost took Callie’s virginity during high school but last minute he backed out and since then Callie has been scarred.

I have to confess that I didn’t like either Callie or Brett. I tried to be sympathetic but I didn’t feel sorry for Callie. Even though she spent the entire story feeling sorry for herself. She wallowed about everything. Her own background was like Brett in that her parents were killed one night on their way to help Callie. She is very down on herself because of her weight and because Brett rejected her all those years ago. She is also very angry and disappointed in grandfather whom she gave $10,000 to pay off a debt but ended up using it for his own enjoyment. Now as for Brett. I couldn’t find anything I liked about him. Yes, he was very loyal to his sister and his grandfather but everyone in this story seems so mean and vile. Even his cousin is trying to take over his contract with Wrangler… In the mist is an old family feud between the Tuckers and the Sawyers. Brett and Callie’s grandfathers use to have a very successful recipe for moonshine. When they fought and parted ways, each one took their piece of the recipe. Now Brett and Callie are trying to find it so they can get the cash they desperately need.

While they are working together, their old feelings resurface. I wish I can saw that I was happy for them when they finally got together, but I can’t. I didn’t enjoy them as a couple or as individual people. To add to an already thick plot, Brett has to figure out why the ranch is losing money and there might be someone who is trying to sabotage the ranch.

I hung on until the end because I found Callie’s sisters both funny and quirky. Although this was not a hit for me, I will continue to read more books by the author. It was interesting to read about the life of the cowboys and a small town.

I have to say that just like the story was lackluster so was the narrator… Rebecca Estrella seemed very robotic. She did not give too much emotion to the story.

**Audiobook provided by Tantor**

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ARC Review: Sinful Desire by Lauren Blakely

Sinful Desire is the second book in the Sinful Nights Series by Lauren Blakely. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but the characters are interconnected. Sinful Desires is the story of Ryan Sloane, which fans of the series will recognize as Shannon's brother from Sweet Sinful Nights. Don't worry if you are new to the series though, you can start here with no problems. I would recommend reading these in order though if possible, as they are great books and Lauren Blakely is a fantastic writer! 

Ryan Sloan is used to control and getting what he wants. He has a past full of secrets that he keeps hidden, which is why maintaining that control is so important to him. He doesn't do commitment, and most women don't make it past the third date. But when he meets Sophie Winston, things are instantly different. He is drawn to everything about her, and the more time they spend together the more he wants to know her better. Sophie is smart and confident and is a take charge woman. But she has always craved the kind of man that she can give up control to in the bedroom. Ryan is perfect for everything she is looking for, and she finds herself falling hard and fast. But she doesn't know that Ryan has a connection to her brother and when the truth comes out it could ruin their relationship. Can Ryan let Sophie in before he loses the only woman that has ever been able to get under his skin and into his heart? 

I really liked Ryan and Sophie. These two were great for one another, and I really thought that they belonged together. Sophie helped Ryan to deal with his past, and she was so supportive of him. Their connection was very real and natural feeling, even in the short amount of time that they knew and fell for one another. They had crazy strong chemistry, and these two might have been the hottest of all of Blakely's couples! They had so much heat and steam, and they fulfilled every single fantasy and desire that each other had. It was as these two had been made just for one another. They were good people, and a great couple, and I really enjoyed reading about them. 

That being said, I had a hard time connecting with this book and I honestly had trouble getting through this one. The first half for me was a bit slow and hard to get into for me. It wasn't holding my interest for some reason, and I kept wanting to put it down. The parts that I enjoyed the most were the parts that Ryan and Sophie were together, but even then it wasn't the same as past books I have read from Blakely. I felt a bit removed from them as a lot of their flirting and banter came through emails to each other, and for some reason I just wasn't feeling this one the same. I think part of it was that a lot of this book had to deal with Ryan's past and everything that had surrounded him and his family for so long. It was more mystery and suspense than a typical Blakely novel, and that just wasn't what I had been hoping for here. While I was interested in his past, I wanted the focus to be more on Ryan and Sophie and their future. I thnik that I am clearly in the minority here, as most of the reviews I have seen so far are loving this one and giving it 4 and 5 star reviews. I think this really is just a case of this one not being for me, and I would recommend reading this one if it sounds like something you would like. It wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't my favorite of Lauren's either. I will say that when she said this one was her hottest book to date, that I would tend to agree with her. This book packed a serious amount of steam in and those were my absolute favorite parts of this sexy story.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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