Geri’s Review: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

GRUMPY FAKE BOYFRIEND
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jackie Lau
Release Date: May 22nd 2018

I’m a pretty simple guy. When I’m not writing a science fiction novel, I’m watching a good movie or reading a book.

Alone. I like my reclusive life.

That is, until my only friend asks for a favor—pretend to be his baby sister’s boyfriend on a couples’ getaway. Her ex is going to be there and she needs me as a buffer.

I should have said no, but Naomi is bubbly, energetic, and beautiful.

She also means everything to her brother.

But now, our fake romance is starting to feel all too real, and I find myself stuck between the promise I made to my friend and risking my heart to the one woman who might actually get me…

 

AMAZON

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend is exactly what I expected—a sweet, low-angst romance with cute banter, and fun, relatable characters.

Will Stafford is the aforementioned grumpy, fake boyfriend who was asked by a dear friend of his to pretend to be his sister’s fake boyfriend for the weekend. Will is many things but he is not a social person at all.

A weekend—a long weekend—with several people I don’t know in a freaking beach house while pretending to be someone’s boyfriend is pretty much the worst thing I could imagine.

But he owes Jeremy big time. So despite his reservations, he agreed to spend time with strangers and pretend to be someone’s boyfriend.

Enter Naomi Kwan. The bubbly, fun, beautiful sister in need of a fake boyfriend. She’s social, and she’s not afraid to put herself out there. A total opposite of Will. But the moment they met, the chemistry between them was undeniable.

We need to figure out our story. How did we meet? How long have we been dating?”

“A month,” I say. “We met through your brother.”

“You’re a writer. I thought you had better imagination than that.”

This was a fun book to read. Mainly because Will’s and Naomi’s inner monologue were a riot. They’re both hilarious. Their banter was cute and despite some personal issues I have with the writing style—first person present tense is not my favorite AT ALL—I was engaged and smiling all the way through. The characters were just so dang fun to read.

Jackie Lau was able to highlight the differences in their personality without feeling like it’s too much of a difference for them to be realistically together. That’s also an issue for me with the opposite attracts trope. Sometimes the two main characters are too much of an opposite that the HEA doesn’t feel believable. That wasn’t a problem here. The author was able to craft Naomi and Will’s personalities and still was able to convince me that they can work together as a couple.

Overall, this was a sweet and fun read. I finished this book with a smile on my face. So if you’re looking for some light, low-angst read, I would recommend this book.

Review: Riven by Roan Parrish

RIVEN
Genre: Contemporary MM Romance
Author: Roan Parrish
Release Date: May 29, 2018

Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.

AMAZON

He was lust and heat and power and I fucking loved it.

Have you ever read a book for the cover alone? What? Now don’t look at me like that. Have you seen this cover? There’s just something about it that’s utterly magnetic. It lures you in. And then you read the blurb, and INSTANT HOOK!

This was my second book by Roan Parrish and I’m definitely a fan. Riven is an emotional, character driven story that was as gripping as it was raw. Now normally, I don’t really enjoy a romance where the main characters hook up in less than 20% of the book. But that’s what happened when Theo first stumbles onto Caleb. The unwilling rockstar that’s trying to escape his reality meets a brooding recovering addict and sparks fly immediately. After no more than some conversation over their love of music and a romantic walk, they fall into bed together. But yet somehow it totally worked in this story.

The chemistry between Theo and Caleb may have been instant, but it also progresses over the course of their courtship. Caleb struggles daily with his sobriety. He was such an endearingly imperfect character. This is a man that’s as far from perfect as it gets, and he knows it. After several failed stints in rehab, he hopes his third will be the charm. Cutting himself off fully from his previous life is the only way he sees of serving sobriety this time around. And Theo and his fame threatens everything he’s worked so hard for.

Theo was absolutely adorable. There was something so vulnerable about him that you can’t help but fall for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his emotions all over his face. He’s one of the most genuine characters I’ve read in a long while. His fame is still a shock to him and something he struggles with. He loves music, but hates the notoriety that has come with it and the weird vibe that he seems to have with his bandmates. Caleb is his escape from his own gloom reality.

Theo had burrowed deeper than I’d realized, dug barbs into me. And when he’d ripped away—when I’d pushed him away—it had felt like they all tore loose at once.

This was a bit slower paced than I normally like, but it still worked for me. I loved the characters, and I absolutely loved the story. It may not have been my normal cuppa, but it was one I enjoyed from beginning to finish. Caleb and Theo were adorable together and oh so sexy. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged, character driven story, this is a definite must read.

Review: Rogue Royalty by Meghan March

ROGUE ROYALTY
Series: Savage Trilogy #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Meghan March
Release Day: May 22, 2018

New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March concludes the story of her next devastating and damaged anti-hero in the final book in the Savage Trilogy, Rogue Royalty.

Unthinkable. Unbelievable. Inconceivable.

I don’t recognize what my life has become.

I can’t tell where the lies end and the truth begins anymore.

He came into my world and urged me out of my safe little corner.

All my dreams are coming true except the one thing I want most—my own happy ending.

But I’ll fight for it.

For now.

For always.

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I don’t deserve her at all. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her more than I want my next breath.

I finished this book in one sitting, as it my norm with all things Meghan March. However, I also finished this book three days ago. I’ve then spent that long picking my jaw off of the ground long enough to write this review. Truth be told, I still can’t even. No seriously. I honestly can’t even form a sentence. My head is still busy exploding. Because not only is Meghan March the queen of cliff hangers, apparently the woman is also the queen of plot twists. Or she’s the devil. Because swear to god, those twists are evil. They screw with my brain and I can’t stop thinking about them for days afterwards.

How do I even begin to write this review and keep it spoiler free? I haven’t a clue here, guys. I feel like the slightest detail could ruin it for someone that hasn’t read it, and so I’m going to vague review the hell out of this review and hope you don’t hate me for it. Because, paying it forward and all that jazz.

With him, I feel all the extremes. There’s nothing average about what we have.

If you haven’t read the first two books, don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans here and ruin it for you. But if I can recommend one thing, is you go into this trilogy absolutely blind. Don’t read the blurbs. Don’t read the reviews. JUST READ THE BOOKS.

But I digress. After two books of sizzling build up, it all comes to a head in Rogue Royalty. Secrets are unveiled, and boy were there some doozies here. For everyone. The truth is finally revealed, and when the cracks of everything that Temperance thought she knew begin to tumble further at her feet, her entire world blows apart.

I have to be honest, for the first 50% I found myself thinking this was going to be a 3 star read for me. I’m an ADD reader after all, and trilogies tend to lose me right around book 3; I tend to get complacent and bored. I should have known better that it was simply the calm before the storm. Because HOLY SHIT was there a storm. I was left questioning my own name at the end of it. Damn. Just damn.

Rogue Royalty was one epic twist after the next. It was sexy thrilling. It was a mind blowing conclusion to one suspenseful and erotically charged trilogy. It was nothing I had expected and I’m still reeling.


GRAB THE REST OF THE TRILOGY

SAVAGE PRINCE 

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IRON PRINCESS

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ROGUE ROYALTY

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A New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had.

Sign up for Meghan’s newsletter and receive exclusive content that she saves for her subscribers: http://meghanmarch.com/subscribe

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New Release & Review: Beneath The Scars by Cherise Sinclair

BENEATH THE SCARS
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #13
Genre: BDSM Romance, Contemporary
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Release Date: May 22, 2018

Josie doesn’t need any help raising her son.

Pregnant at sixteen, Josie learned the hard way about men and their empty promises. She picked herself up and is raising her eleven-year-old son. By herself. And that’s the way she intends it to stay. Unfortunately, her impressionable boy becomes fascinated by the scruffy, intimidating biker who lives next door.

The scars on Holt’s face are only the most visible of his wounds.

Out of the hospital after being attacked in his own damn house, Holt is coming to terms with the fact that his scars frighten people. Like his now-ex-girlfriend who ran after one look at him. Like his redheaded neighbor who hauled her boy away as if Holt was a serial killer. Fine. He’ll give the pretty bartender all the space she wants.

The Shadowlands will bring them together…

When Josie starts bartending in the exclusive, private club, she discovers her neighbor is a member. And a Master–a skilled powerful Dom who can make her fantasies come true. Slowly, the firefighter breaks down the walls around her heart, teaching her how to trust. How to love…

But when her son’s choices lead to disaster, can their relationship survive?

AMAZON

The three C’s—he had them in abundance: competent, confident, and caring. She’d never been so…attracted…to anyone before.

All of the feels and hot as sin BDSM romance combine for another incredible addition to the Masters of the Shadowlands series. I will never tire of these books or Cherise Sinclair’s words. She has this ability to create a BDSM romance that evokes as much emotion as it does chemistry, and characters that are impossible to forget. Beneath the Scars was no exception.

His intent gaze said the Dom would figure out why she was running. And the idea of him getting deeper was simply terrifying.

Holt. *Dreamy sigh*
This man. I swear. How can a man be equally soft, sweet and protective while being intense, dominant and sexy? I don’t know, but Holt was all of those things and more. This is a man that wants a woman of his own. He doesn’t run from relationships. Unfortunately he just doesn’t have the best luck with the women he’s dated lately. His most recent girlfriend left him in the hospital after seeing the gruesome scars he was left with after his near fatal attack by a crazy stalker in the events that began in Mischief and the Masters. Now he’s back home, recuperating and itching to get back to his job as a firefighter and EMT. Are you swooning yet? Because GAH! But I digress.

Josie has trust issues when it comes to men. She learned her lesson after the deceit of a man she thought cared for her left her a single mother at a young age. Now all she cares about is taking care of her son and making ends meet. But when a new job offer that she can’t turn away lands her as a new bartender at the Shadowlands club, the neighbor that she grossly misjudged at first meeting begins to turn her world on its axis.

Because he fully intended to sweep her off her feet and into his arms. And keep her there.

Josie took a bit for me to warm up to, if I’m being perfectly honest. She’s quick to jump to the worst possible conclusions when it comes to Holt due to her history, and at times I wanted to shake her. But at the same time, I also understood her and sympathized with her. Cherise always does such an amazing job with her character development, that I have yet to meet one that I didn’t love.

But ultimately, what made this book for me was Holt. The man was everything. EVERYTHING. He had all the patience in the world when it came to Josie and he wasn’t afraid to wait her out. He was sweet, understanding, and an ultimate Dom. He was sweet and patient when it came to introducing the finicky Josie to the lifestyle. I adored him.

I also loved the way that he took care of Josie’s son and their interactions. I loved that Cherise gave the reader a peek inside the young boy’s head. It wasn’t just about Josie and Holt, but about Josie and her son and Holt. And I loved that we got to see all of that develop.

Beneath the Scars was an emotional, deeply satisfying, and sexy romance. It was everything I’ve come to crave from the talented Cherise Sinclair and I already find myself craving more in this series.

Review: Stripped by Tara Wyatt

STRIPPED
Series: Blue HEAT #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tara Wyatt
Release Date: May 15, 2018

Detective Sawyer Matthews isn’t just having a bad day—he’s having the worst day. His hunt for the criminal who killed his team member has stalled and now… he’s got to play nice with his new, totally unwanted partner. It’s not that she isn’t qualified, or that he doesn’t like her—it’s because he knows what she looks like naked. So very, very naked.

Brooke Simmons finally landed her dream job working for H.E.A.T, an elite undercover detective squad, and she’s not giving up simply because she had a one-night-stand with her sullen—but undeniably sexy—new partner. They’ll just have to keep it professional. Easier said than done, considering their first case requires Sawyer to infiltrate a drug cartel operating out of a male strip show. Watching him do his best Magic Mike impression every night isn’t just hot—it’s torture.

Sawyer doesn’t need any distractions, yet his attraction to Brooke is explosive and he can’t resist going for round two. Or three. Or four. But as their investigation progresses and danger mounts, they’ll have to put their jobs, hearts, and lives on the line to fight… for each other, for survival, and for justice.

AMAZON

When a hot one night stand turns out to be your new partner for an elite crimefighting unit you’ve been waiting to get a spot on for your entire career? Awwwwwwwkward.

When a very bad date sends Brooke to lick her wounds at a local bar, she doesn’t expect to pass her night with a man that makes her stop thinking about everything. But she certainly doesn’t expect for this man to turn out to be her brand new partner at HEAT, and less than thrilled to see her again. After losing his best friend and partner on duty, Sawyer Matthews’s entire world becomes revenge and catching the criminal responsible for it. Being forced to work with another partner is bad enough, but when it’s a woman he’s fighting an undeniable attraction to? It’s even worse.

Now I’ll be honest, the whole undercover male stripper totally sold me. But this book was so much more than that. As a matter of fact, it was barely a blip on the radar of the entire story. So if you’re planning on reading it hoping it’ll be a whole lot of male stripper action a la Magic Mike, think again. I’m also admittedly not a fan of the MCs having sex so early in the book because often times I find I lose interest in their connection. Luckily that never happened here. There was enough of a slow burn following their initial hookup that kept me fully invested. Even though I wanted to kick Sawyer in the balls a whole lot of times. The man gives brooding and hardheaded a new meaning.

I enjoyed the secondary characters and the suspense part of the story. If I’m being truthful, that kept me more engaged than the romance for the majority of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed Brooke and Sawyer together. But I also couldn’t help but feeling like something was missing for me that I couldn’t quite get my finger on.

Blue HEAT was definitely an exciting start to what looks to be a promising new series, and I for one am hooked. I’ll be on the lookout for book two, and also eagerly anticipating the book for a certain character that had the best hook for ever at the end of this book. I won’t spoiler it for you, but I will say I’m pretty much salivating for his story.

#DGRFave & Review: Filthy Gods by R. Scarlett

 

 

 

FILTHY GODS
Series:
American Gods #0.5
Genre:
Contemporary Romance
Author:
R. Scarlett
Release Date: May 15, 2018

Prelude in the American Gods series.

Young. Wealthy. Elite. Attractive. The gentlemen’s secret society at Yale was filled with them.

And Nathaniel Radcliffe, the bane of my existence, was one of them.

As the right hand of the American Gods, he was conceited and arrogant. A dangerously handsome man in a tailored custom suit and shiny black oxford loafers.

The classroom was our battlefield. We made a sport out of arguing and debating, ready to do anything in order to win over the other.

Deadly opponents, deadlier minds.

I’d sworn I’d never give him the upper hand, until…

The secret I’ve been hiding for the last three years?

He just discovered it… and now he has all the power.

*35k Novella

AMAZON

He was a mere man, I knew that, but he and his friends were treated like gods. It didn’t help they looked like it, too. Intimidating, perfect and deadly. 

What if Paper Princess and The In Crowd had a book baby? A sexy, thrilling, and addicting book baby that will captivate you from the very first page and have you hooked on a new series of bad boys? Well, my friends, that would be this book and it would be this series. Because holy mother of book crack was this good!

There was something holy and unholy about the boys. Sacred and sinful all at once. Bastards of Grace. Fame, wealth and power poured out of them. They were the things of legends and myths.

A group of men so rich and powerful they can only be known as American Gods? Sign me up! This is a prequel to what’s set to be an amazing new series from R. Scarlett. And while it was a novella, it was wholly satisfying. Surprisingly so. I’m not usually a reader that gravitates towards novellas, because they always leave me wanting more. And don’t get me wrong, this book left me craving, but craving the rest of the series. The novella itself was a complete story, perfectly paced, and entirely satisfying.

Juliette is barely making ends meet. As the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, she’s desperately hiding her humble past while trying to make a name for herself at Yale among the wealthy and the entitled. And at the top of the food chain are the American Gods. Nathaniel Radcliffe may not be one of those bad boys, but he’s in with them. He’s wealthy, connected, powerful, and her biggest rival in school. Used to his calculated and educated debates with her in class, it’s unnerving to be on the receiving end of it outside of school. Especially when she finds out that the country club that she works at is also one that his family owes. And his silence is going to cost her. They agree to a summer fling to work their unwanted lust out of their system, but nothing is ever quite so simple.

I felt like delicate glass in his powerful hands. I fought him—thrust for thrust, kiss for kiss, nip for nip, and he met me each time, working each other to a pleasure so intense, I feared it would end us both.

The novella introduces the reader to a secret society of men. Men that are powerful, broken but deadly. I was salivating at the mere mention of the American Gods and practically shaking to get my hands on their books. Because the set up? DELICIOUS.

As for this book? It was fantastic! I loved the instant and undeniable chemistry between Nathaniel and Juliette. I loved how Juliette’s strength and perseverance shined through even when she submitted to his powerful presence. The book helped set the scene but it also gave us a deliciously filthy story. If you’re like me and love your angst with plenty of power dynamics and drama, this is an absolute must read!

Review & Excerpt: Worth The Risk by K. Bromberg

WORTH THE RISK
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: May 15, 2018

From New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new, sexy standalone about taking chances and finding love when it’s least expected. Or wanted.

This whole contest was supposed to be easy. I know, I know. Famous last words.

It’s a long story, but I messed up at work. Big time. To earn back the trust of my boss, I promised to save one of our magazines. Yep. That Hot Dad contest you’ve seen advertised all over the place was my idea. And if I’m successful, if I’m able to increase our online readership, then I get a shot at my dream job.

But the one thing I never expected to happen, happened: Contestant number ten, Grayson Malone. Hello, Mr. Difficult. And did I mention sexy as hell?

Unfortunately he knows me. The old me, anyway. And while we might be older now, I remind him of before. Of the woman who broke his heart, who hardened him, and who left him alone to raise the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen.

But I don’t want a relationship. And I definitely don’t fall for single dads with baggage. Even ones with chiseled abs and killer smiles.

But he got to me. They got to me. Him and his son and their messy, crazy life. But I got to him too. I see the stolen glances. I feel the walls he built start to crumble. I recognize that there’s an unexpected beauty to the chaos in his life.

And now that the contest is about to end, we’re left to decide whether the last six months were just fun or if what we have is worth risking it all?

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But by the time I reach her, my blood boils with irrationality spurred on by too much alcohol.“Can I have a moment?” I ask as I walk up to her and grab her elbow, pushing her down the darkened hallway.

“What is your problem?” She hisses as she fights me every step of the way.

We get looks. I get looks. I don’t care because all I keep seeing is Vince’s hands on her arm. His eyes on her tits. His bullshit game I can spot a mile away.

I find the closest door down the hallway leading to the bathrooms, and it opens. I push her through it, barely noticing that it’s an office of sorts before the door is shut, her back is up against it, and my mouth is covering hers.

Take.

Goddammit. That’s my only thought as I fit my lips to hers and take out my anger on her mouth with tongue and teeth and every fucking lick and nip in between.

“What—”

“I’m so pissed at you.”

It’s all I say. It’s the only chance I give her to come up for air before my lips are back on hers. Before my tongue wars with hers. Before my body admits it would beg, borrow, and steal in order to taste every other part of her.

Groan.

I swallow the tiny sound she makes in our kiss as my hands hold her neck still and my lips wage an all-out assault. She hesitates—just a split second—before she reacts. Before her body bows into me, and her mouth argues back.

Fist.

Her hand in my shirt. Her other hand at the back of my neck as our bodies meet—pressed knee to chest. Her perfume in my nose. Her hair tickling my cheeks. The feel of her tits against my chest.

Give.

I can’t get enough.

I’m mad at her.

I want her.

I don’t want to want her.

Christ, do I want her.

“Gray.” A murmured protest.

I tear my lips from hers, shove off the door I have her pressed against, and stride to the other side of the room.

“You are . . . you just . . .” It’s as if I can barely breathe. Christ, I’m mad at you.”

She stands there, lips parted, chest heaving, and golden brown curls messed from my hands, but her eyes look hurt. A hurt I don’t want to see but can’t deny.

“Why?”

“You did this,” I accuse as I try to manage the anger that’s waging a war against my desire.

“Did what?” Her eyes narrow. Her hand goes to press against her chest.

“Made me want you.”

for CGFC

Grayson: I’ve been thinking about you all day.

I look down at the text and smile before turning my attention back to Rissa and our plans for how we’re going to end this round of voting and move on to the top five.

“So, I think we close it out and then maybe take the next week and announce one of the finalists each day. Give little tidbits about each of them, make readers like them more, just have fun with it.”

My phone beeps again with another text, and I bite back the new grin trying to form on my lips. Rissa only huffs, eyeing my phone with annoyance. “Sorry, let me turn my ringer off.”

And then I have to feign nonchalance when I look down at my phone and find another text.

Grayson: My dick is rock hard, and it’s you I’m imagining. It’s in my hand when I’d rather it be in your mouth with my fingers in your pussy, working you into a frenzy.

“Is everything okay?” Rissa asks, making me realize I must have made a noise when I read the text. “You look startled.”

I glance back at the text again and shake my head while every part of my body comes to life. “Yeah, it’s, uh, fine.”

“Your ringer.” Her brows are lifted as she glances to my phone and then back to me.

My finger?” I squeak, thinking she saw the phone screen.

“Ringer. Sound on your phone.”

“Oh, yes . . . sorry.” Flustered, I fumble with my cell, and before I can even switch it off, another text alert pings.

Grayson: I want to bend you over and watch as my cock slides in and out of you.

“So back to next week . . .”

“Yes,” I swallow over the desire lodged in every place it should be and try not to glance at my phone as it vibrates again.

“Are you good with that plan?” Rissa asks as I shift in my seat to abate the sudden ache burning brighter than bright.

“Yes. Sure. I think that sounds like a great plan.”

Grayson: I want my cock buried so deep that you feel every damn inch of me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, why?” My voice breaks like a prepubescent teenager.

Grayson: I want you to come so hard you have to bite the pillow.

“You look a little flushed. Are you coming down with something?”

Grayson: You always have a choice. Isn’t that what you said to me once? Make a choice, Sidney. Isn’t it time to head to lunch?

“I mean, yeah, maybe.” I pull at my collar some. “Maybe that’s why I feel so flushed all of a sudden.”

Grayson: Meet me on the backside of The Cottages. Room Six. Fifteen minutes.

“Either that,” she says as she stands and heads to the door, only turning back to give me a wink, “or you’re guilty as hell. Maybe you should go take care of that itch texting you . . . or take some Tylenol. Whichever one it is, I think you should take the afternoon off.”

Grayson: Choose me.

“Oh.” It’s the only thing I can think to say because my brain is otherwise occupied imagining Grayson following through on his promises.

“And, Sid?”

“Yeah?”

“I sure hope he’s every bit worth breaking the rules.” She winks. “It’s about damn time. Your secret is safe with me.”

You take risks every damn day in your job—you’ve made a name for yourself doing it—and yet, you won’t take a goddamn risk on me, will you?”

They say you save the best for last, and that’s precisely what K. Bromberg has done with the third Malone brother. Ever since I read Cuffed I’ve been itching to get my hands on his story. The broken hearted, closed off single father that’s there for everyone but has ultimately given up on love hit all of my check boxes. I knew his book would tug at every heart string, and I was not wrong.

It’s a bad sign when you want to fuck the person you have determined you hate. When you’re sitting outside her house second-guessing your reaction.

Grayson has been burned. Once upon a time he took a chance on love, only for the woman to turn out to be a selfish and entitled rich girl who left him and their son behind and never looked back. Now it’s just him and his boy, and he like that just fine. His brothers may have all found love, but his only love has been his son, and he intends to keep it that way. But things get a little complicated when his name ends up in the Hot Dad contest that brings a blast form his past to his door.

Sidney comes from a rich family but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know hard work. Her father ensures of it when he makes her work her way to the job of her dreams by saving a magazine that she really wants no part of. Used to the frills and thrills of the city, Sidney suddenly finds herself in small town America, working for a family magazine, and trying to convince a man that could save the magazine to participate in a contest he wants no part of.

I really liked Sidney. This is a woman that can own the mistakes of her past. She knows that she was the snooty in-crowd girl that didn’t pay much attention to the blue-collar boy Grayson of their high school past. But she’s not that girl anymore, no matter how much Grayson wants to continue to paint her with that tainted paintbrush. Grayson is convinced she’s just like his ex; rich, entitled, and out only for herself. So the chemistry brewing between them from the start? Extremely inconvenient.

I loved the slow burn and sexual tension. I’m all about the enemies to lovers trope and this book brought it in spades. The constant push and pull, the antagonistic arguments, the heated looks. All of it was utterly delicious to read. And when they finally give in to the sparks between them? Explosive!

I want you to make noise, Princess.” The tug of his teeth on my ear as his fingers tuck back in and curve against my G-spot. “I want you to scream.” A soft tug of my hair. “And I want to know you know who’s making you scream.”

As much as I wanted to hate Grayson for his treatment of Sidney at times, I simply couldn’t. This was a man with deep emotional scars, and it’s hard to let go of a past that colored so much of your future. Sidney, for her part, at times let him believe the worst of her, until of course, she didn’t. That had to have been my favorite part; watching her finally show him who she is. Watching her change and fall hard. Luke was just as adorable as he was in the other books, I loved that little boy to pieces. It was no wonder it took him no time at all to steal Sidney’s heart.

Worth The Risk is a heartwarming story of love in unexpected places. It was emotional and swoony. I loved watching both Gray and Sidney fall for each other and their fight for each other. It’s easily enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other two Malone brothers in Cuffed and Combust. But of course, single daddy rescue pilot Gray was definitely my favorite.

Who knew you were so dominant?” I tease. “You know what they say . . .” he says as he takes a few steps back from me. “No, what?”
“It’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about.”


Text Kbromberg to 77948 to stay up to date on all things, Driven movies and new releases!

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, Kristy has sold over one million copies of her books across sixteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by Passionflix with the first movie slated to release in the summer of 2018.

She is currently working on her Everyday Heroes trilogy. This series consists of three complete standalone novels—Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit (late spring 2018)—and is about three brothers who are emergency responders, the jobs that call to them, and the women who challenge them.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

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Review: HOT SEAL Redemption by Lynn Raye Harris

HOT SEAL Redemption
Series: HOT SEAL Team #5
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Release Date: May 15, 2018

Bailey Jones doesn’t know jack about babies, but she knows how much it sucks to have a deadbeat father. So when her sister drops off her newborn baby and then disappears, Bailey is ready and willing to confront anyone, including a six-foot-two, sexier-than-sin Navy SEAL sniper, and make him do his duty.

Alexei “Camel” Kamarov is not the sort of man to carelessly father a kid, but as the oldest of six, he does know a thing or two about babies. The firebrand on his doorstep might have mistakenly tagged him as the baby daddy, but Bailey is cute, and Alexei is more than willing to give her a hands-on class in Baby 101.

When a ruthless criminal comes looking for the missing sister–putting Bailey and the baby in danger–the situation escalates. Bringing them under his roof and enlisting his HOT teammates to help find Bailey’s sister are easy. But as Alexei and Bailey draw closer, passions erupt and feelings tangle.

That’s nothing compared to the danger lurking in the shadows–and the test that awaits them both. Bailey will need to give everything she’s got to redeem Alexei’s faith in love. And he’ll have to move heaven and earth to save her–before someone takes her away from him for good…

AMAZON

But what he didn’t understand was why he cared what she thought. Why it bothered him. Why he couldn’t get her out of his head no matter how he tried.


It’s official; Lynn Raye Harris is the queen of sexy romantic suspense. It just doesn’t get any better than the men of HOT, unless of course, it’s the SEALs. With the teaser of Alexei’s story in the previous book, I was already salivating for his story by the time I got my grabby little hands on this one. And it did NOT disappoint.

You really are a good guy, Alexei.”
He hesitated a moment. “No, I’m really not.” A chill slid down her spine at the coolness in his voice. “But I am right now.”

A knock on his door from a woman claiming that he’s the father of her sister’s newborn daughter is probably the last thing Alexei “Camel” Kamarov expects when he gets home from his recent mission. He’s convinced the kid can’t possibly be his, but there’s something about the woman’s tenacity and his inner gentleman that has him humoring her. She looks completely out of her element with the newborn, and being the oldest of six kids, he knows a thing or two. I swear, my ovaries melted a little every time I read just how amazing Alex was with the baby. *dreamy sigh*

Bailey was one of my favorite heroines in the series. This is a girl that grew up rough but didn’t let that beat her down. With deadbeat parents and a young sister, she was forced to do what she has to in order to survive and make ends meet, and she’s not apologetic about it. Yes, she’s a stripper. And yes, Alexei’s macho posturing over her interim job to get her through college rankles, but she’s not about to let anyone belittle her for her choices. Man but I loved her backbone and tenacity. She had so much fire and passion to her, it’s no wonder it didn’t take long for Alexei to give in to the passion that brews between them from the very first meeting.

There’s plenty of suspense with the mystery of just where her sister ran into and who exactly is after her. Of course there’s plenty of action and cameos from the rest of the HOT team as they step in to protect Bailey from the threat against her.

HOT SEAL Redemption was an action packed ride from beginning to finish, with a sizzling slow burn romance and characters that I couldn’t help but love. It was another fantastic addition to an addicting series, and as always I’m only left craving more.


THE SERIES

HOT SEAL | HOT SEAL Lover | HOT SEAL Rescue | HOT SEAL Bride | HOT SEAL Redemption

Geri’s Review: Making Up by Lucy Parker

MAKING UP
Series: London Celebrities #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lucy Parker
Release Date: May 28, 2018

Author of Act Like It and Pretty Face Lucy Parker returns readers to the West End, where it’s fireworks onstage and off in a sexy enemies-to-lovers showdown.

Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.

Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.

To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.

When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.

It seems hopeless.

Utterly impossible.

And yet…

AMAZON

 

Lucy Parker became an instant favorite after I fell in love with the first book of her London Celebrity series. She has never fails to deliver on the swoons and the great characters. The third book, Making Up, is no exception.

We’ve met Trix in Pretty Face. She’s a circus artist and Lily’s best friend who was in an abusive relationship with Dan. That abuse took a toll on Trix and the aftermath was even more heartbreaking. She lost confidence in herself and her talents, and just when it seems like her career and life are in the doldrums, an opportunity to take the lead role in the long running show she’s in dropped on lap right along with her old nemesis, Leo Magasiva.

We’ve also met Leo Magasiva briefly in Pretty Face. He’s a make up artist whose Holywood rise was derailed by an allergic reaction mishap. Now back in London, Leo joined Trix’s company as the head make up artist.

Can I just say how refreshing it is to read about a hero who is not a billionaire/Rockstar/biker/soldier but a makeup artist? I loved it. Plus, Leo Magasiva was just divine. Swoon-worthy, creative guy with a heart of gold. He’s the perfect man for Trix, and lord knows she needs someone trustworthy after Dan the snake oil man almost ruined her life.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, Trix.” It was the only thing he could say. It was also a total bloody lie. It was them. It was going to be completely fucking complicated.”

The chemistry between Trix and Leo just leaps off the page and their banter was amazing. Lucy Parker definitely knows how to write banter. The relationship between Trix and Leo was complicated from the start. They had history and they had personal issues to deal with on top of everything. I of course, adored it because I love me some complicated.

It was delightful going back to the London setting of this book. I wish more contemporary romances are set there just to break the monotony of American set romances. I loved that the London described in this book is filled with diverse characters and it felt lived in. London’s West End is in and on itself a main character in the book. And oh, this book was also damn funny. It’s not slapstick humor but the sarcastic, offbeat, and deadpan kind, which I personally prefer.

There’s a new character introduced in this book which I feel readers will either love or hate. I wasn’t sure about it myself but I think I love to read more about this character. Fingers crossed Lucy will have something plan because it’s going to get interesting to say the least.

We do not squee over anything to do with this man, ovaries. Rein in the hormones immediately.”

I enjoyed this book immensely. Although I’ll be the first one to say that it’s far from perfect. I had a bit of an issue with the pacing especially the middle. It was definitely slow during that part but it did pick up and finished strong. And that epilogue!! Loved it.

There is also a scene that might raise some discussion around consent. And after thinking about it and rereading that part again, I personally wasn’t bothered by it. I felt that something was already established between them. So I wasn’t bothered by it. I’m mentioning this, trying to be as vague as possible as to not spoil the book but I also feel that it’s a good point to discuss among readers.

Anyway, I still adored this book. Those little snags weren’t big enough to affect my overall enjoyment at all.

Review: Disturbing His Peace by Tessa Bailey

DISTURBING HIS PEACE
Series: The Academy #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: April 24, 2018

She’s got probable cause to make her move . . .

Danika Silva can’t stand Lt. Greer Burns. Her roommate’s older brother may be sexy as hell, but he’s also a cold, unfeeling robot. She just wants to graduate and forget about her scowling superior. But when a dangerous mistake lands Danika on probation—under Greer’s watch—she’s forced to interact with the big, hulking jerk. Call him daily to check in? Done. Ride shotgun in his cruiser every night? Done. Try not to climb into his giant, muscular lap and kiss him? Umm…

Greer doesn’t let anything—or anyone—distract him from the job. Except lately, all he can think about is Danika. He’s wanted the beautiful, cocky recruit since the moment he saw her. But she’s reckless and unpredictable, and Greer is painfully aware of what can happen when an officer doesn’t follow the rules. Probation seemed like a good idea, but now Danika’s scent is in his car and he’s replayed her voicemails twenty times. Christ, he’s a goner.

Danika’s melting Greer’s stone-cold exterior one ride-along at a time. Being together could have serious consequences… but breaking a few rules never hurt anybody, right?

AMAZON

Greer is like a pair of distressed leather boots in a shop window. I can admire them and hate them a little for drawing my eye, but I’m definitely not supposed to try them on.

I’ve been itching for Greer and Danika’s story since the first book in the series. Something about their antagonistic relationship with a deep undercurrent of suppressed lust just got my engine roaring. I couldn’t wait to get my grabby little hands on this book and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

What if we get caught?”
“Then you’ll hide your pretty face in my neck while I show them my badge. And when they leave, you’ll keep fucking moving. You want to break the rules, baby? Let’s break them…Once I’m inside you, that’s where I’m staying. God himself couldn’t drag me off. Are we clear?”

Ummm…hot cop fantasy, anyone? Because dang!

Greer is Charlie’s broody older brother that we first meet in Disorderly Conduct. He’s also the lieutenant in charge of the police academy class that Danika is currently trying to finish. To say that their “relationship” gets off to a rocky start is an understatement. Greer’s rough and grumpy disposition certainly doesn’t win him any fans. The man is downright brutal on his cadets, and his past has made him prickly and closed off to everyone else. But Danika has a way of getting under his skin like no one else. And soon their unwilling attraction begins to brew to a degree of scorching that neither one of them can escape.

Danika is used to being the one with the answers. She’s the one coming to everyone’s rescue. But she doesn’t have an answer for the chemistry between her and the untouchable Greer. Their relationship is not quite forbidden, but it’s not one they want exposed either. Danika wants to be a great cop on her own merit. Greer wants nothing to do with relationships and entanglement. Yet somehow the undeniable chemistry between them begins to bring them both some consequences they never saw coming; like feelings.

I loved watching Greer fall harder and harder for Danika. Danika is such a sweet yet strong heroine. This is a woman that can kick some serious ass, but then also has this incredibly endearing hidden soft side. I loved watching Greer bring that out in her. And did I mention the dirty talk? Because holy ovaries, the dirty talk! It was delicious!

Disturbing His Peace was another sexy and entertaining installment in The Academy series, and the perfect book to end it with. It was fun, action packed, and hot enough to set fire to ovaries within a 100 block radius!

I’m fucking yours, you know that?” He drops hot, panting kisses beneath my ear. “I just want to be yours, Danika.”


THE SERIES

DISORDERLY CONDUCT | INDECENT EXPOSURE | DISTURBING HIS PEACE

Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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