ARC Review: Silver by K.A. Linde

Silver is the fifth book in the All That Glitters series by K.A. Linde, but it can easily be read as a standalone story. With the characters interconnected, you do get a lot of their backstory and to see the growth for each of them if these are read in order, but it isn't necessary to enjoy Silver. Silver is Stacia's story, and I couldn't wait to read it. I love K.A. Linde's writing, and Silver was everything that I expected it to be and more.

Stacia's only goal for life was to be an NFL quarterback's wife. Over the past three years of college, Stacia with the help of her friends worked her way into setting herself up to get the perfect life. But just as all her dreams are set to come true, Stacia has a shocking revelation that changes everything and sends her back to the last place she expected. Once back in Vegas, Stacia quickly realizes that nothing is as she expected it to be. When she comes face to face with Pace Larson, her on-again-off-again boyfriend, she finds out that he has just been made starting quarterback for their college team. But while Pace is determined to take a chance after finding out that Stacia is once again single, Stacia isn't sure that she can trust Pace not to break her heart again after losing her trust.

I will admit that I struggled a bit with these characters. I liked them, but it was their choices and actions that I had some problems with. I had a hard time understanding why they did certain things, and I am positive that had these two had better communication that so much could have been different. The one thing that I will say though is that I absolutely loved the chemistry between Stacia and Pace, and it was clear that they genuinely had feelings for one another. They went about things wrong, but I still never stopped hoping that they could find a way back to one another. 

Overall, I did really enjoy this story and if you are familiar with K.A. Linde's writing then you know what you are in for with any book by her. There was drama and angst, yet it was balanced with humor, emotion and plenty of steam to keep the reader invested from start to finish. I really enjoyed seeing the progress that these characters made, and I loved the growth that they each showed. They had come so far over the course of this series, and it was great to see both Pace and Stacia really come into their own and make the changes that they needed to. Silver was another great story from K.A. Linde, and I already can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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Guest Post with Author Linda Broday and Giveaway

Meet Linda Broday author of To Love a Texas Ranger.

At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She now resides in the panhandle of Texas on the Llano Estacado.

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ARC Review: Loving Amber by Roya Carmen

Loving Amber is the first book that I have ever read from Roya Carmen, so I went into this one not really knowing what to expect. I loved the sound of the book though, so I knew I had to take a chance on this one. While there were things that I liked here, I also struggled with some things as well. Loving Amber is the first book in the Riverstone Estate Series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Amber grew up wanting to be nothing more than a part of her brothers' group of friends. But while she loved hanging out with most of the guys, Aiden constantly bullied her. While Aiden was a bully, she grew closer to Paul, going on to one day marry him and have their son Trevor. But when a tragedy steals not only Paul, but also her twin brother, Amber continues to go on for her son alone. Two years after losing them, Amber is finally ready to move forward with her life but just as she is about to start dating her safe friend Dave, Aiden returns to her life and changes everything once again. But can she risk her heart with Aiden or is it best to play it safe?

I will admit that I struggled a bit with the characters here. I didn't feel that connected to Amber and while I liked Aiden, I didn't fully understand his character. It was hard for me to reconcile their past versions with the present, and I didn't always understand their actions or choices. Aiden had bullied Amber as a kid, but it was easy to see that he had feelings for her. What I didn't quite get was why he hadn't said anything as they got a bit older. I understand later after she had married Paul, but before that it didn't make sense why he never said anything and continued to treat her the way he did. I also had a hard time really seeing their connection come through. I think that it was hard to believe some of their connection because the characters just seemed like completely different versions of themselves, so I just couldn't quite believe that things had changed so much when I really didn't see it ever happen. They had chemistry and I wanted them to be together, but I wish we had seen more of a connection actually form between them than we did here. There were just too many things that they each did that kind of hurt that for me. 

I also have to admit that a big problem here for me was something that came out later in the story, and while I kind of expected it to happen (it is a common plot twist in this kind of story unfortunately), I was upset that the author went there. I won't say what it is so as not to spoil the story, but it just felt cliché and unnecessary. It didn't really make sense to go there with the story for me, and felt like the author had done it strictly for the drama of it and to encourage the reader to feel a certain way about the characters. While there were still a lot of things I liked about the story, I wish that it hadn't gone where it did and that hurt how much I enjoyed the story. There was so much potential here, but overall this one was just okay for me when it felt like it could have been great. If it sounds like something you might like, I still encourage you to give it a shot. Just because it wasn't perfect for me won't mean that it won't be for you.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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Feature and Giveaway: Wilder by Rebecca Yarros

He’s Paxton Wilder.Twenty-two-year-old, tattooed, smoking-hot leader of the Renegades.

Five time X Games medalist.

The world is his playground—especially this year—and for the next nine months I’m stuck as his tutor on the Study at Sea program.

He’s too busy staging worldwide stunts for his documentary to get to class.

But if I can’t get him to take academics seriously, I’ll lose my scholarship…if I don’t lose my heart first.

Six unlikely friends on a nine-month cruise with the Study at Sea program will learn that chemistry is more than a subject and the best lessons aren’t taught in the classroom…but in the heart.

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Feature and Giveaway: Christmas Comes to Main Street by Olivia Miles

The fifth and final novel in Olivia Miles contemporary romance Briar Creek series!

The mistletoe is out, and the gloves are off . . .

'Tis the worst season to be single, but Kara Hastings won't let a little Christmas funk spoil the festive season. Sure, running her own bakery is a little harder than she expected, but she can handle it. And she'll prove it to a certain infuriatingly handsome, bossy Big City guy. She may be sugar and spice, but she can kick his butt twice.

Nate Griffin is in Briar Creek only for the holidays, and he refuses to fall for the whole "small town, candy cane-scented Christmas Wonderland" thing. He's more interested in the fresh-faced cookie chef who always knows exactly how to get under his skin. So when Nate challenges Kara in the town's big holiday contest, it's not just the competition that starts to heat up. If he's not careful, Kara won't just melt his icy resolve against a small-town Christmas . . . she'll melt his heart too.

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ARC Review: Landing the Air Marshal by Jennifer Blackwood

I really enjoyed Landing the Air Marshal by Jennifer Blackwood. From the moment I started this book, I was hooked. Jennifer Blackwood has a way with words and I couldn't put this one down. If you are looking for a great contemporary story that will keep you entertained from start to finish, look no further.

Heading to NY to scout a location for her company's newest project, flying is a necessary evil for Abby. But when sexy stranger Gabe sits down next to her, Abby knows that even though he is a nice distraction to look at, he is a distraction that she can't afford. Gabe can't help but feel drawn to Abby, but he also prides himself on remaining professional, even if he is off duty when he meets Abby. But what starts out as one night together quickly turns into more when the weather prevents them from going their separate ways. But can these two possibly find more together when they live on opposite sides of the country and have so little in common?

I really liked Gage and Abby. They had great chemistry from the start, and you could feel the sparks flying right from the minute they met. I loved them together and thought that they were really good for one another. I will let you know ahead of time that there is definitely a case of insta-love here, and I know that can be tricky for some readers. But I felt like it worked here for these two, and there was enough emotion and sweetness mixed in with the sexy times that it felt natural to me.  

Overall, this was a light and easy fun read. I enjoyed the story a lot, and it was fast paced, keeping me flipping pages until I had finished the entire book in one sitting. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a romance that has a bit of everything. Jennifer Blackwood is a great writer, and Landing the Air Marshal was everything I have come to expect from her. Highly enjoyable story, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Jenna Harte and Giveaway

Meet Jenna Harte author of Meant to Be.

Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic writing about characters who are passionate about and committed to each other, and frequently getting into trouble. She is the author of the Valentine Mysteries, the first of which, “Deadly Valentine,” reached the quarter-finals in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. She is also the author of the contemporary romance series, Southern Heat, with includes Drawn to Her, and upcoming September 2016 release of Meant to Be. She has a bundle of stories filled with romance, mystery and even time travel rattling around in her head and is eager for the day when a device is invented allowing her to download what’s in her brain onto her computer. When she’s not telling stories, she works by day as a freelance writer, author, blogger and online entrepreneur. She lives in central Virginia with her husband, two college-bound children and a two fat cats.

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Guest Post with Author Carolyn Brown and Giveaway

Meet Carolyn Brown author of Merry Cowboy Christmas.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author and RITA Finalist, Carolyn Brown, has published more than seventy books. These days she is concentrating on her two loves: women’s fiction and contemporary cowboy romance. She and her husband, a retired English teacher, make their home in southern Oklahoma.

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ARC Review: Transfer by Aly Martinez

Transfer is the second book in the Retrieval Duet by Aly Martinez. Though Transfer centers around Clare instead of Roman and Elisabeth, this story is one that should be read only after Retrieval has been read. There is so much to this story that these are best read in order for full enjoyment as this book picks up right after the cliffhanger from the first book. That being said, Retrieval is one of my favorite books so far this year, so it is definitely one that I believe is worth the read and you won't be disappointed. 

Clare had thought that the handsome and charismatic stranger she met while working as a waitress was a dream come true, until they got married and everything changed. Her life soon turned into a nightmare, and her only priority became to protect her daughter. But with things unraveling with her life, Clare must soon decide who she can trust and what she is willing to sacrifice to make sure that her daughter remains safe. 

I was excited to get to know Clare and a few of the other characters that were introduced in Retrieval here, and I did like them. I have to admit that I didn't feel as connected to them though, or as invested in their story. While I did see the chemistry between them, and it was clear that their feelings were real, I just didn't feel the same way about them that I did with Roman and Elisabeth. As much as I loved getting several POVs here, including Roman and Elisabeth's, it just felt as though this wasn't really focused on Clare like the first book had focused on Roman and Elisabeth and I think that hurt the way I was able to connect with Clare and her guy here. 

Overall, this was still a really great duet and these books are at the top of what I have read this year. I couldn't put this one down just like the first, because I had to know how everything would play out for Roman, Elisabeth, Clare and the others. I still really loved the characters though, especially Clare's guy, I just wish I had been able to connect with them as much as I had with Roman and Elisabeth. This is one of the best series that I have read from Aly Martinez though, and that is saying something since I have really enjoyed everything I have read from her. If you are a fan of hers, these should definitely be at the top of your TBR list, and if you are new to her this duet is a great place to start. I can't wait to see what Aly Martinez writes next!

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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Guest Post with Author Liz Talley and Giveway

Meet Liz Talley author of Perfectly Charming.

Liz Talley is the author of sassy contemporary romances, including the RITA-nominated The Sweetest September. A finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award in the Regency romance subgenre, she made her debut in contemporary romance in June 2010 with Vegas Two-Step. She went on to publish fifteen more titles. Her stories are set in the South, where the tea is sweet, the summers are hot, and the men are hotter. She lives in northern Louisiana with her childhood sweetheart, two handsome children, three dogs, and a mean kitty. Readers can visit her at www.liztalleybooks.com to learn more about her upcoming novels.

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Guest Post with Author Sweden Reese and Giveaway

Meet Sweden Reese author of The Dominant Heroes Collection.

SWEDEN REESE writes sexy books for smart readers from her home in Washington, DC. Before becoming a novelist, she was a public relations executive, an experience that inspires the stories she writes. She lives in the US capital with her mad genius/reformed bad boy/foreign born husband and their thinker/dreamer/adventurer/sweet toddler girl. Reese’s debut novels, The Southern Gentleman Books 1 & 2, kick off the Dominant Heroes Collection, a sexy, glam new romantic suspense series.

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ARC Review: Do you Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

This is not my first book by Tessa Dare so I jumped head first the minute this book became available to me. I do have to warn people that this book is not for the weak hearted. It was so funny I had to stop reading just so I could belt out a laugh. It came to the point where I had to read it in private so I wouldn’t just start laughing in the middle the public. Just like her previous books, Dare presents a fantastic heroine that is unique and unlike any other I have read before.

Charlotte Highwood is on a mission. She is determined to thwart her mother’s match making ambitions. To cut her off before she gets started to meets her mother’s intended son-in-law and warns him that her mother will undoubtedly try to arrange them to be seen together or spend time together. Piers Brandon, Lord Granville has never met anyone like Charlotte. She is fiercely independent, smart and determined to impede her mother’s meddling. When Charlotte warns him that he might end up engaged to Charlotte, Piers thinks that it might be an answer to his prayers. He could use a decoy wife while he is on special assignment as a spy for the English Crown. Charlotte and Piers are “thrown” together but not for the reasons that they both expect. When in the study a couple goes in for a dalliance, Piers and Charlotte are immediately accused. Piers, the honorable man that he is, accepts his duty and explains to Charlotte that they must marry. Charlotte is not having it. She refuses to be wed to man that does not love her. She will only marry for love and since she is not in love she will not accept anything less. Charlotte decides that she needs to uncover who the secret lovers really are so that she and Piers will be free.

There were so many funny parts to this book that I lost count. Piers and Charlotte were really fun to read about and Dare really kept the pacing of the book good. Charlotte was such a fun heroine. She was always up to something and Piers found her to be fun and exciting. I loved Charlotte and I also loved that Piers was the one that was ready to marry. Usually in all the books the men hold out to the very end. Slowly, Charlotte uncovers the truth behind Piers and she accuses him of not being the boring titled man that everyone suspects. To that, Piers responds that he is the boring titled man that everyone suspects. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Dare! She is a fantastic author. The only little bit stopping me from a five stars was that I would have liked a little more chemistry between Piers and Charlotte. Do you want to start a Scandal? Does not disappoint.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Jagger by Heather C. Leigh

Jagger is the second book in the Broken Doll series by Heather C. Leigh. If you have not read Junkie yet, you will need to start there as Jagger continues the story from where the cliffhanger at the end of Junkie left off. Also, beware of spoilers below if you have not read Junkie. 

Jagger has worked his way up to the top of the Austin drug world, and is now the Boss that they all fear crossing. But when he met Miri, things began to change and he started picturing a world where they weren't constantly in danger. When Jagger's enemies found out about Miri though, she was taken and now he will do whatever it takes to not only get her back but punish every single one of them that might have hurt her.

I really loved Jagger and Miri in Junkie, and that didn't change here. Their connection and chemistry was real and genuine, and you could tell just how much they had come to care for one another. It did feel as though there was a bit of a disconnect in this book though, because so much of this story was about them separated and what was happening around them. There were some really tough things that they had to go through here, and some readers will have some difficulty getting through this book at times. While I did still feel their connection, I questioned their choices at times, especially Miri's. There were a few times that she really frustrated me, but I still liked these two together. 

My biggest issue here though was that while the story was good, things were predictable. I saw everything coming and had things figured out very early on. While that didn't stop me from enjoying the story overall, it did leave me feeling as though this story was just okay when it had so much promise. I really loved that Jagger wasn't your typical drug king here though, and I do think that these books are worth the read. But I wish that things had been a bit different because this story could have been great rather than just good.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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Interview with Author Jennifer McQuiston and Giveaway

Meet Jennifer McQuiston author of The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel.

Jennifer McQuiston is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Victoria-era historical romance, including What Happens in Scotland and Summer is for Lovers. The third book in her series, Moonlight on My Mind, will be released March 25, 2014. A veterinarian and infectious disease researcher by training, Jennifer has always preferred reading romance to scientific textbooks. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, two daughters (who got a pony out of mom’s book deal!), and a house full of pets.

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