ARC Review: Where Promises Die by R.C. Stephens

I am pretty new to R.C. Stephens as Where Promises Die is only the second book of hers that I have read. But that being said, I am now a huge fan of hers! Each one of her books that I have read has been impossible to put down, and I really love that she brings such depth and emotion to her stories. Where Promises Die is a beautiful story that I highly recommend. 

When a tragedy occurs leaving Grace orphaned, she goes to stay with the Duncans. Adjusting to life with the Duncans is difficult not only because of the circumstances of why she is there, but also moving from New York to a small town in Iowa. But she quickly forms a connection with Eisav, one of the twin Duncan brothers. Though both Duncan brothers are interested in her, Eisav and Grace grow closer and soon their friendship grows into more. But when a decision changes everything between Eisav and Grace, can they find a way back to each other when there are so many secrets and lies standing between them?

I really loved these two together. Grace and Eisav were so great for one another, and I loved that their connection was so strong right from the start. Both of them had so much that they were each dealing with, and yet in each other they found someone who understood them and supported them. They truly cared and loved for one another, and it was the kind of bond that is so rare and hard to find. Their relationship was so deep and genuine, and I couldn't get enough of them. 

This book was filled with so much emotion, and their journey was anything but easy. My heart broke for them and everything that happened, and I never expected for things to go the way they did here. I love that R.C. Stephens is able to write such unique and different stories that keep the reader constantly guessing and intrigued from the very first word. Where Promises Die was captivating and beautiful, and I definitely recommend picking this one up. If you are new to R.C. Stephens, she is absolutely an author worth taking a chance on. I honestly can't wait to see what she writes next.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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Feature: Where Promises Die by R.C. Stephens

Haunted by a childhood trauma that leaves her orphaned, eleven-year-old Grace finds herself on the doorstep of the Duncans, her new adoptive family, broken and unable to speak. Catapulted from a bustling New York City life, she must find a way to call the rural town of Sade, Iowa her new home. Twins Eisav and Jacob Duncan immediately take a liking to Grace, wanting to erase the dark shadows etched on her perfect features.

As the twins vie for her affection, it becomes clear which one makes her smile.

Grace never has a choice for falling in love.

What starts as a way to coax his adopted sister to speak and smile, blossoms into the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.

In this small town it shouldn’t be a crime to fall in love . . .

Isaac Duncan warns his son to stay away from the forbidden fruit. Eisav never listens.

Now an intricate web of lies and secrets stand in the way of Eisav winning back the only woman he has ever loved.

In a place where yesterday’s promises were broken, Eisav must learn what it truly means to love and cherish . . .

But is he too late?

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ARC Review: Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey! This blurb really drew me in and made me want to read Lucas and Daisy's story. I love a good enemies to lovers story and romantic comedies are my favorite. This one was really enjoyable and I think readers are going to love it! 

Lucas Thatcher and Daisy Bell have been competing against one another since they were born. Having gone to college on opposite coasts there was a brief reprieve, but now that they are both back home in their small town and vying for the same job things are right back as they always were. But both Lucas and Daisy are different people than they were as children, and now there is so much more that dislike and competition between them. With passion and attraction like they have never felt before, Lucas and Daisy are about to see just how close the line between love and hate really runs. 

I loved the back and forth between these two! The witty banter was so good, and I really couldn't get enough of them. I loved Lucas and I thought that there was so much passion between these two. Lucas was sexy and impossible not to love. I will say that I struggled with Daisy a bit throughout this story, and while I liked her she was what kept this book from being 5 stars for me. While I liked her, I found her a bit too childish and immature at times, taking things a bit too far for my liking. But the heat and chemistry between these two made up for that and I still really enjoyed the story. 

Overall, this book was funny and sexy and I really enjoyed it. Even the moments that I had some issues with Daisy, I was still having a great time reading this book. I have enjoyed everything that I have read from Grey, and Anything You Can Do just might be my favorite. If you are looking for a funny and charming romance that will have you laughing and swooning the whole way through, Anything You Can Do is a must read.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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Feature: The Billionaire's Bet by Victoria Davies

Hailey Mitchel wants one thing. Her boss. The only problem is he’s never looked at her as more than a loyal employee. At least, not until his charming business rival, Caleb, drops into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. He’s willing to bet he can make her fall in love with him in a month, and if he’s wrong, he’ll help her find the keys to her boss’s heart.

Caleb Langston wants one thing. Revenge. Hailey is his ticket to finally evening the score with his old adversary. There’s just one problem. The more time he spends with her, the less he cares about his grand plans for payback. But love is always a gamble, and soon he’ll have to choose between his past and his future. And pray Hailey never discovers the secret he’s been hiding from her.

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Feature: Home Run by Heidi McLaughlin

Meet Heidi McLaughlin author of Home Run.

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

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ARC Review: Why Not? by Carey Heywood

I have read books by Carey Heywood before and really enjoyed them, but Why Not? was the first book I have read in her Love Riddles series. Each book is a standalone story, but they are interconnected. I enjoyed this story a lot, and I look forward to going back and reading the previous two books after reading Why Not?.

Reilly has had a crush on Trip since high school, so when she finally gets a chance with him she takes it. But their relationship is meant to be a fling with no strings. Soon though feelings start to develop and while Reilly wants more, she is scared that Trip can't handle it. Can they turn their fling into something lasting? 

I really liked both Reilly and Trip. Reilly was easy to like, strong and I loved that she was sassy and didn't take any crap from Trip. Trip was sweet and sexy and I loved him right away. Their chemistry was off the charts hot, and I loved them together. These two definitely had a ton between them both physically and emotionally, and I really couldn't wait to see how it would all play out.

My main complaint here though was that there were a lot of things that happened that we didn't really get to see. I would have loved to have experienced or seen them, rather than just been told about them after the fact. That kept me from loving this one the way I might have otherwise. Still a good story, but I just wish we had been given some of those as well. I really am looking forward to reading the previous books though, and I think readers will enjoy this sweet, sexy and emotional story.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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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**

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Feature: Epic Love by Trudy Stiles

HEATH STRICKLAND, the son of a prominent district attorney, lived his life surrounded by violence and crime. He was an unwilling witness to the corrupt lives his father swore to prosecute and keep behind bars. His escape was his music, which eventually led him to replace the iconic singer of the world famous band, Epic Fail.

NOELLE DURAND lived in luxury, growing up on a sprawling estate, with everything she could ever want or need. Her life, to everyone else, seemed perfect. Perfect house. Perfect things. Perfect family. But nothing at all was perfect. She lived in hell. A hell that nobody on the outside could see.

As a neighbor and childhood friend, Heath would have done anything for Noelle. He would have given up the world to protect her and keep her safe. Their friendship grew into something that neither of them expected. But then she suddenly disappeared, vanishing from his life as if she never existed. He never stopped hoping that one day she would resurface, alive and well. But as time went by, and her family gave up hope, he surrendered his heart to his lost love.

Twelve years later, one phone call changes everything.

EPIC LOVE is the third book in the EPIC FAIL series and can be read as a STANDALONE novel.

This series is a spinoff from the FOREVER FAMILY series.

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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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ARC Review: The Summer Games: Out of Bounds by R.S. Grey

I am a huge fan of all things sports, but especially the Olympics! So when I saw that R.S. Grey had a series about the games, I couldn't wait to combine my love of sports and love of reading. I really enjoyed this book, and it was everything I was hoping for and more. A great story with plenty of heat and tension to keep me flipping the pages, I didn't want to put this one down. This was a great way to get ready for the Olympics and I think readers are going to really enjoy this story as much as I did! 

Brie Watson can't stand Erik Winter, but unfortunately for her he is her new gymnastics coach. Brie wants to win at the Olympics more than anything, so while she doesn't like it she is determined to get there with his help. Though things get off to a rocky start, Brie and Erik can't deny the attraction between them. Soon they find themselves unable to fight the tension between them, blurring the line between coach and gymnast and more. 

I loved the tension and chemistry between Brie and Erik. If you are looking for an enemies to lovers story, this one is definitely for you. Erik was a jerk at times, especially in the beginning. While at first he came off as cruel and cold, he warmed up over the course of this story and I was really glad to see that he had moments where he could be thoughtful and not the jerk he first came off as. He was possessive and alpha, and super sexy. Brie came off as immature at times, and I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow up during some moments. But I did like her, and even when there were things that she would do that annoyed me, there were also things that I really found funny as well. 

Overall, this was a great story and R.S. Grey's writing was fantastic. I didn't want to put this book down! It was sexy and well written, and I think that readers will enjoy the enemies to lovers story as much as I did. This was such a great book to get me in the mood for the Olympics, and if you enjoy sports and romance this is definitely one you will want to pick up! Even with the few criticisms I had, this was a great book and I look forward to reading more from R.S. Grey in the future.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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ARC Review: Into the Nothing by BT Urruela

Into the Nothing is the first solo novel from BT Urruela, and I couldn't wait to read it! I loved his collaboration, A Lover's Lament, with KL Grayson and I was really curious to see how his voice would be on his own. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Into the Nothing, and I look forward to reading more from BT in the future and seeing how his talent continues to grow as he writes even more.

Xander Evans has spent the last several years traveling working towards his end goal of winding up in Washington. His childhood was painful, spending most of his time in foster care after a tragedy cost him both of his parents. When he stops in Truman Valley, Missouri, everything changes. There he meets Paige and her family, and after standing up for Paige her father offers him a job at their winery. Xander quickly finds a home with the Watsons, but fights his attraction to Paige so as not to disrespect her father. But soon they can't stop the feelings between them and things appear to finally be going well for them. But then one night changes everything, and Xander finds himself in prison for life. 

I liked both Paige and Xander. I felt like they were great for one another and I loved how Paige and her family welcomed Xander right away. They didn't judge him or look down on him and they were really genuine and kind people. I felt the chemistry and attraction between Paige and Xander from the start, and I loved getting to see them open up to one another as they got to know one another better. I believed in their connection right away, and they just fit really well together. The one thing I will say though is that I wished for a bit more depth to their characters. While we did get some of Xander's past and there was a connection forming, at times things felt surface deep. They got a bit lost in everything going on, and I would have loved to have seen more of their emotional connection explored.

I really did like the story though, and the characters were great. I liked the secondary characters as much as the main characters and felt like they added a lot to the story. I was surprised by the big twist and will admit that I did not have it figured out. I though I knew exactly what was happening and it turns out I was wrong, which I absolutely loved! The only other criticism I had here was that the ending felt a bit rushed to me. It all seemed to wrap up a bit quickly, and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their future and how things all played out after all that had happened. That said though, this was a solid effort for BT Urruela on his first solo novel and I think that he has a really great writing career ahead of him. I look forward to reading more from him in the future and can't wait to see what he does next. If you are looking for something a bit different, this is definitely one worth checking out!

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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ARC Review: Our Time by Gina Sheldon

Our Time is my first book from Gina Sheldon though it is the second book in her The Rub Down series. Each book is a standalone story with interconnected characters and can be read out of order. What really drew me to this book was the blurb and the fact that this is my favorite trope! I just can't help myself when it comes to girls falling in love with their brother's best friend! While there was a lot to like here, this one didn't fully deliver on what I had been hoping for. 

Elle has been in love with her brother's best friend Danny for years. But with the baggage from her past, she has always believed that she didn't deserve him. Danny has been in love with Elle for years also, but he knew that after everything she has been through that he needed to wait for her to be ready for him. Tired of waiting, Danny can no longer stay away from her and decides it is time to claim her. But when Elle's past shows back up, Danny must do whatever it takes to keep her from hiding away from the world again. 

I liked Elle and Danny a lot. I was drawn right into their story and couldn't put the book down. These two were great for one another, and it was obvious that the connection between them was special. They were perfect for each other on every level, and the chemistry between them was as strong as their emotional bond. I loved Danny's unwavering support for Elle, and how he had been there for her through everything. I did feel as though things got a bit cheesy at times though. Things were overly sweet at times and once they had admitted their feelings to one another (which was pretty early on in the story) they were always telling each other that they loved one another. It was a bit overkill, and got to be very repetitive.

The other thing that kept me from loving this story was that it was just a bit too smooth sailing here. Like I said it was very sweet and while that is great, there wasn't a lot of drama or conflict. It kept the story from ever really going anywhere and not a lot actually happened. I kept waiting for something big to come up and see how these two would handle things, but it just never went there though there was the potential for so much more. So while I liked this story, I didn't love it and wished for something more. It got to the point with all the sweetness and I love you's that I found myself wanting to skim a lot in the last half of the book. I think that contemporary fans who enjoy very sweet stories might enjoy this book, but if you are looking for a deeper story this might not be the one you are looking for.

**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**

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