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Saturday, September 24, 2016

Weekly Winners

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

Theresa
Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton & Nina Bocci

Christy
Outlaw Hearts by Rosanne Bittner


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: Mixing Temptation by Sara Jane Stone


Mixing Temptation is the third book in the Second Shot series by Sara Jane Stone. Each book is a standalone story that has interconnected characters. I was interested to get Caroline and Josh's story and I have to say that this has been my favorite book in the series so far. It definitely wasn't an easy journey for these characters, yet I really felt that these two were perfect for one another and deserved their HEA. 

After being in hiding, Caroline Andrews wants nothing more than to take back her life and return to normal. But after everything she has been through, she finds it hard to trust. Josh Summers knows what he wants and he also knows that he has to be patient. But he is willing to wait for Caroline as long as she eventually sees that they belong together. But just as Josh is finally making progress with convincing Caroline to try dating him for real, the past comes back and threatens to destroy everything.

I really liked these two. They were so great together, and Josh could not have been more amazing with Caroline. He was patient with her and never gave up. I loved how caring and supportive he was, with her pushing him away and his loved ones telling him to move on, he insisted that she was the woman for him and I loved that he stuck with it. Caroline had been through so much, and the fact that she was able to come back from it spoke so much about her character and strength. With Josh's help, she was able to move forward after something that no one should ever have to go through. Josh always believed in her though, and that made all the difference. These two had great chemistry and I loved seeing their friendship grow into more. Their connection was so natural and genuine, and I believed that these two were meant for one another all along. 

Overall, this was a great story. I really loved the bond between Caroline and Josh. These two were both a bit broken after what they had been through, but together they were able to heal and grow. Though it was a slow build for them, it felt like everything happened exactly as it should for them and I was so glad to see how everything played out. I have enjoyed this series, and if you are fan of contemporary romance and second chance love stories, this is definitely a series worth checking out.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |





Feature and Giveaway: A Player for a Princess by Tia Louise



From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the game continues…

Zelda Wilder is on the run, this time from the ruthless assassins who’ve decided she knows too much to live.

“Playboy Prince” MacCallum Lockwood Tate isn’t about to let the beautiful player who stole his heart get away—if only he could decide whether he wants to save her or strangle her for her dangerous choices.

After tracking her down to a casino in St. Croix, Cal follows Zee back to Tortola where he intends to keep her safe. One problem: Zelda’s criminal liaisons are two steps ahead of her.

Lives are threatened, and all of the players’ skills are tested in this plot to capture a killer and save a princess.

Cinderella meets Ocean's Eleven in this CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE DUET featuring secrets, lies, royal high jinks, scams and double-crosses; breathless, swooning lust, cocky princes, dominant alpha future-kings, and crafty courtiers, who are not always what they seem.

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |

Friday, September 23, 2016

ARC Review: Strung Up by Lorelei James


Strung Up is a standalone M/M novella in the Blacktop Cowboys series by Lorelei James. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this story, though fans of the series will recognize some familiar faces. Strung Up centers around Creston Grant and Breck Christianson. Creston hasn't been himself since losing his partner, and Breck has suffered a lot as well. So when the two meet up again and the attraction is stronger than ever, they find themselves wondering if they could possibly have a second chance to find love. 

Cres and Breck had so much chemistry between them, and I felt the attraction right from the start. Being a novella, I worried about whether their connection would feel real within the short amount of time, but I didn't feel that way at all. Their relationship felt genuine, and it felt like more than just lust. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that these two had already known one another, but they were both at different points in the life and things were finally coming together for them. Each one had been through a lot, and that shaped who they were. I enjoyed seeing them get to know the men they had become and of course there was a ton of steam, being a story written by Lorelei James. James is a master at giving readers sexy books that have a great story to go along with the steam, and Strung Up was no exception. 

I will admit that I did feel like while the chemistry and connection were there, there were a few things that I would have liked to have been a bit different. I struggled a bit with knowing that Cres had lost what was called the love of his life, and there was something that I didn't totally agree with at the end of the story when it came to that and his relationship with Breck. I also felt like communication was an issue at times, even though that is often a problem in romance stories. But overall this was a great addition to the series and I enjoyed it quite a bit. No one does sexy cowboys better than Lorelei James, and I always know I am in for a good time when I pick up one of her books.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | 


Feature and Giveaway: The 48-Hour Hookup by Sarah Ballance



Who knew a sweaty photo would be good for business?

Now unwanted booty calls are coming in as fast as work orders, and Liam Chase needs to get away. Cue a job upstate. His new client is hot as hell, but he left NYC to escape attention, not to hook up with the city’s “Runaway Bride”.

With three disastrous relationships under her belt, it’s clear Claire Stevens’s judgment sucks. And what’s she’s feeling for America’s newest sex god? Obviously another hormone-fueled mistake.

But when she accidentally fells a tree on his truck, leaving them stranded in a winter storm with a chocolate-snatching raccoon, there’s something to be said for body heat.

Too bad neither can trust their explosive chemistry…

Each book in the Chase Brothers series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |

Feature: Strung Up by Lorelei James



From New York Times bestseller Lorelei James…

Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life... Can his former flame, rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson prove he's a changed man who can give Cres a second chance at love?

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle |

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Feature and Giveaway: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan


Nina Redmond is a literary matchmaker. Pairing a reader with that perfect book is her passion… and also her job. Or at least it was. Until yesterday, she was a librarian in the hectic city. But now the job she loved is no more.

Determined to make a new life for herself, Nina moves to a sleepy village many miles away. There she buys a van and transforms it into a bookmobile—a mobile bookshop that she drives from neighborhood to neighborhood, changing one life after another with the power of storytelling.

From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb, to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there’s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that’s beginning to feel like home… a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

ARC Review: Playboy Pilot by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward


I have to say that I could not have been more excited to read Playboy Pilot! First, I absolutely love both Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward! Each of them write fantastic books on their own, and together their books are just as amazing. Second, I have really loved every book I have read in this series and couldn't wait to see what these two had in store for readers with Playboy Pilot. It was every bit as good as I was expecting, and I cannot recommend this series enough! 

Kendall Sparks is at a crossroads in her life, not knowing which way to go. Which is how she finds herself sitting in an airport trying to pick a destination. When a sexy stranger comes up and helps her pick where to go, Kendall never expects to see him again. But soon she realizes that Carter is the pilot of the flight he helped her pick and they set out on an adventure together. 

I really liked both Kendall and Carter. These two were sexy and fun, and I couldn't get enough of them. I absolutely loved their banter, and their first meeting really set the stage for this amazing story. I had to know what would happen next, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know one another. These two were so perfect together, and I had a great time reading about them. 

Overall, I really loved this book from start to finish and I already can't wait for more from these two. Each book in this series is a standalone story, so don't worry if you haven't read either of the previous books. If you haven't read them yet though, you definitely should! Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's books are always a great balance of steamy and emotional, keeping the reader captivated from the very first page. I definitely recommend adding Playboy Pilot to your TBR.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes | 




ARC Review: For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove


I am a huge fan of A.M. Hargrove's! I love her books and I couldn't wait to read For the Love of English when I first heard about it. Not only is the cover beautiful, but the blurb had me as soon as I read it! This book was really cute, and I couldn't get enough of this adorable little girl. 

Beckley Bridges might be the hottest guy that Sheridan has ever seen, but he is also the biggest jerk she has ever come across. His daughter English is her favorite student, but Sheridan just can't see how the man she has to deal with on a professional level is the same warm and kind man that would do anything for his daughter. But when English's mother decides to show back up after abandoning her as a baby, Sheridan knows that she will do anything she can to protect English...even if that means agreeing to the crazy proposal she receives from Beck. 

I loved Sheridan and English. English was absolutely adorable and you couldn't not love her. She had such a big personality and was so sharp for her age. Sheridan was great with her right from the start and you could tell that she genuinely loved that little girl as more than just a teacher loves a student. I have to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to Beck though. He was a jerk to Sheridan and I really began to question if I would ever like him. But as we got to know him more, you get to see another side to him and I really ended up liking him. He still did things that frustrated me, but he was just one of those guys that didn't always know how to show his feelings. Once I saw that he cared about Sheridan more than you could see at times, you could see how he struggled to act around her. The chemistry between them was there right from the start, but the connection between them was what I really enjoyed watching grow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was sweet and sexy, and I loved seeing the three of them together. They were so cute together and I loved watching their little family really come together. This one was just adorable, and I didn't want to put it down. Not only do you get enough steam to keep you flipping the pages, but there was emotion and depth that made this book impossible to stop reading. A.M. Hargrove is one of my favorite authors because her stories have it all, and For the Love of English was no exception. I highly recommend checking this book out, as well as Hargrove's other books. I can't wait to see what she writes next, whatever it is I will definitely be reading it!

**ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes | 





Feature and Giveaway: Beautiful by Christina Lauren, Nothing More by Anna Todd and Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci


A FREE-SPIRITED GIRL IN NEED OF A BREAK.
A MAN WEIGHED DOWN BY RESPONSIBILITY.
A ROAD TRIP VACATION WHERE ALL BETS ARE OFF.
OH, AND A LOT OF WINE.

After walking in on her boyfriend shagging another girl in their place, Pippa Bay Cox ditches London for the States to go on a drunken road trip with Ruby Miller and some of her Beautiful friends.

Scaling the career ladder is the default way to deal with heartbreak—and to just deal—for Jensen Bergstrom. Absolutely buried by his drive and workload, he rarely takes time for himself. But when his sister Hanna convinces him to join the gang on a two-week wine tour, he has a rare moment of cutting loose. Of course, it’s only once he’s committed that he realizes the strange girl he met briefly on the plane is coming along, too. She might be too much for him…or he might realize his life has become too small and needs her to make it bigger, crazier.

With this circle of friends there’s always something going on: from Chloe and Sara’s unexpected personality swaps to Will’s new domestic side to Bennett’s text message barrage and George’s own happily-ever-after. In short, their adventures in love, friendship, and hilarity are nothing short of Beautiful.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

ARC Review: Crushing on Love by Melissa Foster


Crushing on Love is the fourth Bradens at Peaceful Harbor book by Melissa Foster. This series is a part of the larger, Love in Bloom series by Melissa Foster, but each book is a standalone story with interconnected characters. For full enjoyment, I recommend reading in order if possible, but it isn't necessary. Each book is a fantastic story though, so I recommend reading them all for that reason alone. 

Steve Johnson loves living in the Colorado Mountains and looking after the wildlife there. Shannon Braden shakes his life up though, and soon his peaceful life becomes more about fighting his attraction to her than it is about living his life as a ranger and wildlife consultant. So when Shannon takes a job researching on his mountain, Steve knows that he is in trouble. But when s property goes up for sale next to the national park, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Soon Steve and Shannon's game of cat and mouse turns into something neither of them can continue to fight, but what happens when Shannon's assignment is over and she is set to return home? 

I liked both Steve and Shannon. These two were different in a lot of ways, but they fit together so well. I loved that Steve wasn't into casual, and that he was looking for more. There is just something sexy about a guy that isn't afraid of a real relationship and the feelings that go along with that. These two were so great together, and there were so many times that they were almost too adorable for words. This book had a ton of chemistry and steam when it came to Steve and Shannon, but there was also a lot of sweetness and I couldn't get enough of them together.

I enjoyed their relationship and seeing how they interacted with one another. I thought that these two were perfect for one another, and loved seeing them circle around one another before realizing that they belonged together. Crushing on Love was another great addition to this amazing series by Melissa Foster, and I highly recommend this series to all contemporary romance fans. I have said it before and will continue to say it, if you are a fan of contemporary romance and you aren't reading Melissa Foster's books, you are seriously missing out. No one writes contemporary romance like Melissa Foster does, with each book being just as good if not better than the last. I can't wait for more from her, and I truly hope she never quits writing.

**ARC Provided by Tasty Book Tours**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes





Feature and Giveaway: Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee


Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |

Feature: Crushing on Love by Melissa Foster



Steve Johnson is living his life’s passion watching over the Colorado Mountains as a ranger and wildlife consultant. But his peaceful life is upended when overzealous and insanely beautiful Shannon Braden flits back into his life after returning from a brief trip home to Maryland. He thought his attraction to her was under control—after all, she’s only in Colorado temporarily, and he doesn’t do casual affairs.

Shannon’s return to Colorado has as much to do with the game of cat and mouse she and Steve have been playing as it does the data she’s been hired to collect. But despite her efforts to explore the undeniable heat simmering between them, Steve’s intent on keeping his distance.

When a ranch abutting the national park goes up for sale, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. And when all his attempts fail, he’s left with no alternative but to follow Shannon’s guidance into the online world he abhors in order to raise the funds. The more time they spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes, and a game of cat and mouse turns into an unstoppable connection. But when Shannon’s assignment comes to an end, will it mean an end to them, too?

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | Google | iTunes | Kobo |

Monday, September 19, 2016

ARC Review: Rebellious by Gillian Archer


I should have, would have and could have loved this book. This book had everything a reader like me is looking for. It is a MC romance (check) with a big bad alpha biker prez (check) who falls for a sweet librarian (check). I don't know what it says about me but I love the dominating alpha males who fall for the sweet innocent girls. In this case, there was something extra in it for me because Reb (the Hero) has a young son and his interactions with his child help to reveal his softer side. Another thing I love, finding out the big bad wolf has a heart of gold.

Reb meets Emily when she takes care of his son while Reb's ex is off doing whatever. Emily basically saves Tucker (the kid) from being locked out of his apartment and alone by delivering him to Reb at the MC clubhouse. This is Emily's first real introduction to MC's but it turns out she has met Reb in the past. Emily's best friend is in a relationship with Reb's best friend. Emily had seen Reb several times at the hospital after her friend was hurt in some MC business that went wrong (I assume all of this is in a previous book in the series that I have not read).

At first I was super excited about Reb and Emily. I mean, I could already see the 5 stars dancing through my head. There was insta-attraction but Reb tried to respect Emily's boundaries and lack of experience. Emily also easily fit into the relationship with Reb's son. I thought we were headed for really great things. But then Emily happened.

Sometimes an author can just take a thing too damn far. That's how I felt about what happened with Emily's character. Emily was in an abusive relationship in the past. Ok, I get that and I get that there may be some residual effect from that. But Emily was....I'm struggling to find a word so here is a list: IMMATURE, emotionally fragmented, skittish, weepy, unstable, inconsistent, scary as hell, ungrateful, stupid etc. Reb has his club rules and what not and he is uncompromising. If you've read any biker romance, you get that this is how they roll. Emily's reaction was to somtimes stand up and get in Reb's face. Other times, she would LITERALLY hunker in a corner, tremble and weep in fear. She cried over things that most women wouldn't blink at. And then, when she is in a bad situation and Reb helps her, she is angry and damn near gets him arrested.

I rarely have this strong of a reaction to a character but Emily is a complete IDIOT. There are several times when I wanted to just give up on the whole damn book because I hated her. I powered through but in the end, I would have loved this book if it had just been Reb. Of course that would not have worked because it's hard to have a romance with just one character. For that reason, there is no love lost between me and this one. I will say that I would definitely read other books by this author. i would assume that not all of her characters are as annoying as Emily. If that is the case, I think I would really enjoy her books.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes |


ARC Review: Epic Love by Trudy Stiles


Epic Love is the third book in the Epic Fail Series by Trudy Stiles, but it can easily be read as a standalone story. Though this is the third book in the series, I had never read a book by Trudy Stiles before starting this one. While I hadn't read anything by her before, I had heard great things about her books and the blurb for Epic Love was one that immediately drew me in. This was a really great story, and I can't wait to read more from Trudy Stiles in the future. 

Growing up surrounded by crime, Heath Strickland found his escape in music and his childhood friend Noelle Durand. Their friendship grew to be more, and he would have given anything to protect her. But when Noelle suddenly disappeared, Heath never stopped hoping that she would return. After time, her family and friends lost hope and began to move forward with their lives. Twelve years later, Heath is the lead singer of the band Epic Fail and is living his life, but with one phone call everything changes. 

I really loved the relationship between Heath and Noelle. You could really feel the connection between them, and I loved the fact that we got to see their history as well as the present. Getting to see their past really added to the story, and a lot of that was getting to see the growth between them over time. Both Noelle and Heath were likable characters, and they just felt so genuine and real to me. They definitely brought out the feels though, and their story was an emotional one. 

I will say that there were a few things that kept this one from being a five star read for me, with the main one being the fact that there were some things that were a bit far fetched. While I did feel that some things were a bit unrealistic, I was able to still enjoy the story for what it was and I really liked the book overall. I really liked this world that Trudy Stiles has creative, and I am looking forward to going back and reading the previous books in this series. The Epic Fail series is a spin-off of the Forever Family series, and I am really looking forward to reading that series as well. I would recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of the NA genre.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |