Feature and Giveaway: What the Duke Doesn't Know by Jane Ashford

A proper English wife, or the freedom of the sea?

Lord James Gresham is the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, a captain in the Royal Navy, and at a loss for what to do next. He’s made his fortune; perhaps now he should find a proper wife and set up his nursery. But the sea calls to him, while his search for a wife leaves him uninspired. And then, a dark beauty with a heart for revenge is swept into his life.

He can’t have both, but he won’t give up either

Half-English, half-Polynesian Kawena Benson is out to avenge her father and reclaim a cache of stolen jewels. There’s nothing for James to do but protest his innocence and help Kawena search for the jewels, even though it turns his world upside down.

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ARC Review: Viewing Room by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover

Viewing Room is the second book in the Society X Series from Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover. Each book in this series is a standalone story, though I recommend reading in order if possible for full enjoyment. I am really enjoying this series, and I can't wait for more from these two! 

After her recent divorce, attorney Kennedy Vaughn is looking for an escape. She heads to Society X, an exclusive sex club where she meets Hunter Miles. Hunter is working his way through school as a stripper for Society X. But when things between Hunter and Kennedy heat up, they find themselves wanting to break all the rules. But an investigation threatens both of them and things get worse as it takes a dangerous and personal turn. 

I will admit that I am usually not the biggest fan of older women and younger me storylines. I was worried that might be a problem for me here, and there were times that Kennedy got a bit on my nerves with her age issues. But surprisingly, these characters won me over right away and I was behind their relationship from the start. There was so much more to each of these characters, and I loved getting to know Hunter. He was sweet and caring, and not what you would expect. The chemistry between these two was smoking hot and the connection between them special.

Overall, I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for more. Not only are the main characters in each book interesting, but the secondary characters are as well. The world building here is fantastic, giving us plenty of options for where Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover can expand as the series continues. This series is sexy and hot, but there is depth to each story to keep the reader flipping the pages. If you are looking for a great story with a little suspense and a ton of steam, Viewing Room is definitely one that you are going to want to check out!

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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Feature and Giveaway: Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold...

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast....

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Feature and Giveaway: Loving You Easy by Roni Loren

Cora has an amazing sex life. She’s beautiful, daring, and the most popular submissive in Hayven. Too bad none of it’s real...

IT specialist Cora Benning has figured out the key to her formerly disastrous love life—make it virtual. In the online world of Hayven, she’s free of her geek girl image and can indulge her most private fantasies with a sexy, mysterious master without anyone in her life discovering her secrets. Until her information is hacked and she finds herself working to fix the breach under two very powerful men—one who seems all too familiar...

Best friends and business partners Ren Muroya and Hayes Fox were once revered dominants. Then Hayes was wrongfully sent to prison and everything changed. Ren wants to get back to who they were. Hayes can’t risk it. But when they discover the new IT specialist is their online fascination, and that she’s never felt a dominant’s touch, the temptation to turn virtual into reality becomes all too great…

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ARC Review: Guardian’s Mate by Jennifer Ashley

I fell in love with the big polar bear in the previous books, man, Zander is big and gruff and all heart. Rae is a hero who never asked for it. She would have rather not been selected as the Guardian for her pack but it’s the hand the Goddess gave her so she’s sucking it up. I love this series, I remember the first time I read the first book I was hooked I think out of the series I’ve missed just one book. Jennifer Ashley is fantastic at what she does. Her characters are all written and likeable. The storyline it’s like a domino effect one thing leads to another that leads to another that leads to one big cluster fuck and so on. This was such a fun and entertaining book, to sound cliché, it will make you laugh it make you cry and it all leads to one very nice HEA.

Rae was adopted, she was found abandoned as a wolf cub and the feline Alpha of the pack raised her as his own. The Guardian was one of the ones who found her he was also one of her best friends. One day he was attacked by humans, murdered and had the sacred Guardian sword stolen. It was retrieved by Austin Shiftertown’s guardian and returned but for six months the Montana Shiftertown has held the ceremony to pick another Guardian but to no avail the Goddess has not spoken. Since the Guardian’s death Rae has been the only one who can actually touch the sword. To everyone’s surprise she was selected, the only female Guardian ever. The pack is having a hard time believing it, shunning Rae. Rae’s father fears that they might actually hurt her so he asks for help.

Zander is just looking for some alone time to decompress after his last mission. Zander is Goddess blessed he has amazing healing abilities but he takes it into him and that takes a lot out of him. Zander doesn’t want the responsibility of training a Guardian but one look at Rae and knows she’s something special. The adventures begin when Rae is called on to perform her Guardian duties on an older wolf whose time has come; she does so, further proving she really is the Guardian. Afterward one thing leads to another they end up in a bar fight then on the run from the police, then the coast guard, and a bounty hunter. The Bounty Hunter who has a grudge against all shifters actually catches them but then they have to work together to get out of a natural phenomenon known as The Graveyard. That really is just the start it all leads up to a big reveal about a sinister plot. All the while Rae and Zander fall in love.

Overall, great non-stop adventure. The supporting cast is just as fun as the main characters and the foreshadowing of what’s to come will definitely hook you to the books to come.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Challenged by You by Steph Nuss

Challenged By You is the fifth book in the Love in the City series by Steph Nuss. I have really enjoyed each book in the series, and I couldn't wait to finally get Paige's story. This book was such an emotional read, and I could not put it down! I have to say that the last book in the series is my favorite, but Challenged By You might just be my new favorite. 

Paige and Drake had the perfect relationship, until everything changed in an instant. When Drake headed to college, he left Paige behind at their high school for another year never knowing that he was leaving behind more than just the girl he loved. Years have passed without them speaking, but when they are suddenly forced back together they both realize that the past has a way of holding onto you. Drake is determined to get Paige back, but Paige is holding a secret that could change everything when revealed. 

I loved these characters, and I felt emotionally invested in them right away. Paige is known in the past books for being a bit uptight and straight-laced. But in her past she was quite different, and I really enjoyed getting to know that side of her. So much had happened, and it wasn't hard to see how she had turned into the woman that she was. The one thing that had never changed though were the feelings between Drake and Paige. Drake had thought he was doing the right thing by letting Paige go, but years later he knew it was a mistake and the biggest regret of his life. Luckily for them both, the chemistry and connection was just as strong as it had always been and they were able to move forward after everything had happened. 

 Overall, I really enjoyed this book, just as I have with every other book in the series. Steph Nuss is a fantastic writer and I really love her stories. This series is filled with sweet and sexy times, love, friendship and tons of emotion. It is one of my favorite series, and I think fans of both the contemporary and new adult genres will love them. If you haven't read these yet, you are definitely missing out and I highly recommend giving them a go.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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Feature and Giveaway: Breaking Him by Sherilee Gray

Folks in town call him a monster—say he’s dangerous. But I know him simply as Elijah Hays, the quiet, gentle giant who works with the horses on my ranch. I can feel him watching me, that steady intense gaze making me crave things I don’t quite understand, burn in a way that frightens me. He’s always kept his distance…until that night.I remember him coming to my rescue, me following him into the barn, giving him his first taste of a woman, and his inexperienced yet barely reined touch turning me to ash.

Now all I can think about is exposing the dark desire I see deep inside him—having him turn those dark desires on me. That low, gritty voice rasping orders in my ear. Those huge, rough hands holding me down when a storm blows in.

I want his surrender. His control. I want to break him…and have him break me…

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ARC Review: Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen

I am a huge fan of Sarina Bowen's, and at this point I don't even question whether or not I will read whatever she releases. But I have to say that with the last few books of hers, I honestly believe that each story is just as good if not better than the last. That is absolutely the case with Rookie Move. This book was fantastic! I could not put it down, and it was just such a great story. 

Leo Trevi and Georgia Worthington thought that they would spend their lives together forever, until a horrible event changed everything for them. Georgia made it clear that she needed space, and Leo was left with no other option than to walk away. But Leo and Georgia never forgot about one another, or were able to fully move on. Now Georgia has the chance of a lifetime when it comes to furthering her career and she just needs everything to go perfect starting with her first solo press conference. But Georgia finds out shortly before that not only are the Brooklyn Bruisers getting a new coach (her father) but that they are also getting a new player (her ex)! Leo isn't about to let Georgia go for a second time, but can he convince her that they belong together? 

I absolutely loved these characters. I felt so invested in them right away, and I couldn't get enough of them together. They had so much history and I really felt so emotional about all they had been through. My heart broke for the awful things they had endured, but I could tell just how much they meant to one another. Despite everything, their connection and chemistry were stronger than ever here. It was clear that nothing had changed their feelings for one another and their love and bond was unbreakable. I was so glad that Leo didn't let Georgia push him away again. He gave her space when she needed it, but he was determined and it was great seeing him never give up. 

Overall, I honestly cannot say enough great things about this book. It was just such a great story that seemed perfectly written for me as a reader. The characters were everything that we read romance novels for, the story was solid and captivating filled with depth and emotion. The secondary characters here were just as interesting as Leo and Georgia and left the reader anxious for more. Sarina Bowen really hit it out of the park with this book and I honestly cannot wait for more in this series. I highly recommend this story and if you are looking for a great all around story, look no further than Sarina Bowen.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Nicole Jacquelyn and Giveaway

Meet Nicole Jacquelyn author of Change of Heart.

When Nicole Jacquelyn was eight and people asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told them she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve, her answer changed to author. Her dreams stayed constant. First, she became a mom, and then during her senior year of college--with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool--she sat down and wrote a story.

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Feature and Giveaway: The Rebel's Return by Victoria James

Natalia Puccini has spent her entire life playing by her overbearing but well-intentioned Italian family’s rules…except the one time she took a chance on a bad boy and fell hard. She’s worked to get her life back on track so when Aiden McCann comes sauntering back into town with his heart-stopping smile, Natalia vows not to fall for him again. There’s no way she’ll let him mess with her perfectly planned life…and there’s no way she’ll let him near her heart again…Now reformed and a self-made success, Aiden is tormented by regrets and secrets. He left Red River years ago filled with anger and resentment and a promise to never come back. But when his ill father needs help, Aiden knows it’s time to face the mess he left behind, and face the one woman he never got over. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or intriguing she is, though, because he’ll never be able to give her what she needs. As soon as his father is healthy, Aiden is leaving Red River…for good.

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ARC Review: The One Real Thing by Samantha Young

I have to admit that I was really excited to start this book. I have enjoyed everything I have read from Samantha Young, and it has been awhile since I have read anything from her. The One Real Thing kicks off her new Hart's Boardwalk series, so I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for us. But I have to say that while I liked this one I didn't love it. I did enjoy this world she is setting up though, and I am interested to read more in the series down the line. 

Jessica Huntington is a doctor that works at a correctional facility. She doesn't get emotionally attached as she prefers to avoid it after being betrayed in the past. But when she comes across some letters in the prison library, she sets out to visit Hartwell and deliver the letters to the intended recipient. There she meets local bar owner, Cooper Lawson. Cooper has also been betrayed in the past and has been focused on his family and his pub. But both Cooper and Jessica find themselves drawn to one another. While Cooper is determined to explore their connection, Jessica is determined to remain as detached as possible. But can Cooper show her that what they could have together is real and worth taking a chance on?

Part of my problem here was the characters. While I really liked Cooper, I struggled with Jessica. She was annoying to me much of the time and I never felt like I could connect with her. I was rooting for these two to get together, but I struggled with their connection if I am honest. I think a lot of that had to do with Jessica, as Cooper was great. I just never felt invested in her or their relationship like I should have.

The other big issue I had here besides the characters was some of the story itself. It felt like something was missing and much of the time I was a bit bored. There wasn't a lot to captivate me and make me want to read this story. There didn't seem to be a lot of depth, despite the potential for it with their pasts, and I just was disappointed that we didn't get to dig any deeper with these two. Communication was an issue here, and I felt that played a huge part in the lack of depth here. It just got frustrating as the story continued and I think that these two needed to talk more about things in order for me to have felt any connection forming between these two. Without that, the bond they were supposed to be forming fell pretty flat. As I said though, I did like the setup of the town and some of the characters that were introduced here and I would be interested in getting to know them better. I just struggled with this one, and wanted more.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The One Real Thing by Samantha Young

Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…

While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life. Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.

Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations. But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her. Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for...

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Feature and Giveaway: Called Up by Jen Doyle

There are two things Max “Deke” Deacon can always count on: his old high school teammates and Fitz Hawkins. But no matter how much Deke might secretly fantasize otherwise, a relationship with one of his best friends is off limits. Until one unexpectedly smoldering encounter has Deke and Fitz looking at each other in a whole new way.

Angelica “Fitz” Hawkins knows for a fact that it is not better to have loved and lost. After losing her parents, she’d rather lock up her heart and throw away the key than endure that kind of pain again. If that means giving up any hope of a lasting relationship, then so be it.

With Deke, Fitz finally feels like she's back in the land of the living. But she won’t risk another broken heart—even if it means saying good-bye to Deke for good. It’s up to Deke to convince her that the safest place she could ever be is right here with him.

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ARC Review: Fighting to Be Free by Kirsty Moseley

Fighting to Be Free is the first book I have read from Kirsty Moseley, but it won't be my last. This book was really good, and there was a lot to like. I will admit that I have some mixed feelings about the story, but I did enjoy it a lot and am definitely interested in reading the next book and seeing what happens for these characters. 

After being released from Juvie, Jamie Cole is determined to turn over a new leaf and get on the right path. He wants nothing more than to cut ties with crime boss Brett, but Brett isn't about to let Jamie go. But when Jamie meets Ellie Pearce, everything changes for both of them. Ellie wasn't looking for a relationship after ending a bad one recently, but she finds herself unable to fight the connection growing between her and Jamie. When things suddenly go wrong for Jamie, his world is once again altered, forcing him to strike a deal with Brett. But can he possibly have a future with Ellie, especially after she finds out that he has been keeping secrets from her?

I have to admit that part of my mixed feelings here were because of Ellie. As much as I wanted to love her, and she did have her moments, for the most part she came off as immature and it got to be very frustrating. She was sweet, but I just wanted her to grow up a bit at times. This story is really Jamie's though if I am honest, and I really liked his character. I really enjoyed seeing his ups and downs and how he struggled to turn his life around. I found him really interesting, and I definitely thought that he was the highlight of this book. The chemistry and connection between these two was strong, I just wish that I had been able to relate more to Ellie and that she didn't irritate me as much as she did at times while reading. 

Overall, I did enjoy this story even with my frustrations. I would rate this one somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, leaning towards 4. This book definitely had the feel of the guy from the wrong side of the tracks falling in love with the good girl, and I really love where Kirsty Moseley took us with these two. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series, as this one ends with things being left open ended for these characters. While there isn't a huge cliffhanger, there is room for more for these two and I know I will be interested in reading it. This might have been my first Kirsty Moseley book, but it won't be my last.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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