ARC Review: Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

I could not wait to get my hands on Cocky Bastard when I found out that two of my favorite authors had teamed up to write it! I absolutely love both Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland, so this was some of the best news ever. I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting, and I thought that their writing styles came together perfectly. Cocky Bastard was a great collaboration, and I really hope that these two will write together again in the future. 

On her way to starting a new life in California, Aubrey meets sexy Aussie Chance at a rest stop in Nebraska. The don't get off on the right foot but when Chance's motorcycle broke down and Aubrey's car had a flat tire, they make a deal to road trip together since they are both headed in the same direction. Though at first glance Aubrey and Chance are nothing alike, the more time they spend together the more they can't fight the undeniable attraction between them. But a few unplanned detours later, and everything between them changes. They both knew things would end when they got to California, but Aubrey never could have expected that things would be over much sooner than she expected. 

I really liked both Aubrey and Chance. I thought that they both made some really horrible decisions here, but the connection and chemistry between them was so strong. These two developed feelings for one another really fast, but honestly it felt natural to me. While some people might complain about that, I really felt like these two just fit together perfectly right from the start. They were very different, with Aubrey being smart and a bit more rigid while Chance was more fun loving and spontaneous. But I thought that was what made these two so interesting, as they both seemed to bring out another side to each other than they hadn't experienced with anyone else. I loved seeing Aubrey loosen up and have fun with Chance, just as I enjoyed seeing Chance think about things in a way he hadn't before because of Aubrey. 

Overall, I really loved this book and the characters. It was funny and sexy, yet it was also heartfelt and emotional. After everything that happened, Chance had a lot of making up to do and Aubrey definitely didn't make it easy. But I loved how he handled things and the fact that he never gave up or moved on to someone else. I do wish that Aubrey wouldn't have stretched things out as long as she did though, as I never really felt like she was in deep with Richard. It was clear that while she had a good life she wasn't nearly as happy as she had been, and she really seemed to know that deep down. She had every reason not to trust Chance, but he kept showing her that things were different and I wanted her to face that sooner. I definitely loved this book though, and I really hope that Keeland and Ward team up again. This was such a fun read, and I would highly recommend it.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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Review: Vexed By a Viscount by Erin Knightley

Vexed By a Viscount had all the charm and sweetness that I have come to expect from Erin Knightley. It was a very short read, but never-the-less it just gave me a happy feeling. You can always depend on Mrs. Knightley for a Happily Ever After, but she will always surprise you with how it comes about!

Prudence Landon has always been the perfect daughter. However, before she marries the local squire, a little rebellion sparks. She makes a list of daring things to do before tying the knot. One such adventure is swimming naked in the sunlight. It's just her luck though, that the neighbor happens to ride by right in the middle of it.

Viscount Ashby is absolutely shocked to see of all people, Miss Landon skinny dipping in his pond. It deeply intrigues him that this prim and proper young lady would be doing such a thing. Once he finds out her plan however, he decides he wants to help her with her list.

The couple spends much time together, having extremely fun adventures together. Their love story is sweet and vexing! As always I love that Erin Knightley's tales are "clean" romances. Its not something very common in the romance industry today, and I continue to find it refreshing!

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ARC Review: Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill

I've read a couple of books in Sandra Hill's Deadly Angels series, but I haven't kept up. That is no reflection on the series. I did enjoy them. However, there are just too many good books to read and not enough time before I die. But no worries! The fact that I have only read books 2 and 3 did not adversely affect my experience reading book 6 - Even Vampires Get the Blues.

In the Deadly Angele series, a group of seven Viking brothers have been condemned to live as evil-battling Viking/Vampire/Angels. Why? Because of the seven deadly sins they committed in their first flesh and blood lives. Harek Sigurdsson was guilty of greed. Back in the old country in the 9th century, Harek was a greedy, hedonistic SOB and he didn't mind using people to increase his wealth and acquire pretty things. In the current day, Harek still likes pretty things, but he is also one of the archangel Michael's soldiers, fighting Satan's evil Lucipires (demon vampires).

In Even Vampires Get the Blues, Harek Sigurdsson meets his match in Navy WEAL Camille Dumaine, when the Vangels (easier to say than Viking/Vampire/Angels) team up with the Navy SEALS, WEALS and other US forces. Their mission is to strike at an increasingly violent Islamic extremist group that has been abducting young girls for nefarious purposes. The group has been infiltrated by Lucipires, making it even more of a target for the Vangels. Harek and Camille both bring their own expertise to the strike force. Techno-guru Harek gathers intelligence information as easily as a child gathers dandelions. Camille, or Camo as she is known in the Navy, is an expert at disguises and blending in. Both will play critical roles in the dangerous mission in Nigeria.

But before they even get to Nigeria, Harek and Camille are 'forced' to spend a weekend in New Orleans where Camille's brother is getting married. 'Forced' is probably not the best word. At their initial meeting neither was truly impressed with the other. Harek thinks Camille is plain. Camille thinks Harek's hair is over-moussed. However, the fact that they try to ignore each other does not mean that there is no attraction. In fact, Harek is smelling roses and Camille is smelling chocolate. Vangel translation - the mating scent. But both Harek and Camille prefer to deny, deny, and deny any chemistry between them.

The New Orleans excursion was the heart of the book. It is where Harek and Camille get to know each other and get past those initial first impressions. In fact, Camille is smart and drop-dead gorgeous and Harek is charming and intelligent. Their courtship is sometimes sweet, sometimes hot and always funny!

After the courtship phase, the mission in Nigeria seemed to be an afterthought. While there was quite a bit of time spent building up to it, I guess the romance of Harek and Camille really grabbed my attention. Asking my attention to shift was kind of like having to put the dishes away after you have washed them. But the perilous operation does put our hero and heroine in dicey situations, so some heroic actions will be called for. And once the mission was complete there was a sense of satisfaction.

At the end of the story, I found a glossary. I wish I had realized it was there while I was reading the book, since my built in e-reader dictionary does not recognize all terms. The copy I read is an ARC, so I can't say how this will be presented in the final cut. Just know that it is there to help with medieval, military and New Orleans terminology.

The word that comes to mind when thinking about this book is funny. I think Ms. Hill managed to infuse humor into absolutely every paragraph. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are a lot of laugh out loud moments in Even Vampires Get the Blues. Any book that makes me laugh so much gets 5 stars. Just so happens there is a pretty good plot to go with the humor!

**ARC provide by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Just a Little Kiss by Renita Pizzitola

In the sizzling new novel of Renita Pizzitola’s Crush series, Felicity knows that “Summer Boys” are only good for one thing. But what if hooking up with the right guy could lead to a fresh start?

Like most of the residents of her dead-end beach town, Felicity Daniels doesn’t know what she wants from her future. Instead of college, she’s waiting tables at the local grille where she’s more likely to run into the guy who was the love of her life—until one decision changed everything. Now as this year’s tourist season kicks in to high gear, Felicity realizes that whatever she wants isn’t going to be found here.

Mason Hayes is the quintessential Summer Boy: hot, impulsive, and born without strings attached. While in town helping with the family fishing charter, he plans to have a little fun—and hopefully get over a certain girl. He’s never had a long-term relationship, but when he meets Felicity, he wonders if he’s found the girl who could change that.

With her heart still in repair, Felicity’s happy to have a distraction like Mason, but her best friend thinks he could also be her ticket out of this town. What’s the harm in using him to escape more than just her boredom? After all, he is just a Summer Boy, and they never stick around. But after one kiss, Felicity wonders if only one summer with Mason will ever really be enough.

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

Upcoming Event: Back to School with RFTC

With the 2015-2016 school year upon us we here at RFTC thought it would be fun to kick off the school year with a bang with the Back to School with RFTC Event. We've invited our favorite New Adult authors to come by with their characters to chat about the upcoming school year. Each day a different author will be stopping by to chat and host a special giveaway. Plus, there will be a grand prize giveaway up for grabs.

With appearances by:
Nazarea Andrews
Jennifer Blackwood
Lisa Burstein
Chelsea M. Cameron
Chanel Cleeton
Jen Frederick
SR Grey
Harper Kincaid
Tiffany King
Stina Lindenblatt
Jen McLaughlin
Reese Monroe
Airicka Phoenix
AJ Pine
Jamie Rae
Lia Riley
Shae Ross
Jessica Ruddick
Rachel Van Dyken
Amanda Weaver

Back to School with RFTC event takes place August 24th - September 12th.